bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carey,James
Authors: Packer Jeremy
Published: October 2016

James Carey was a communication scholar who became best known for his ritual model of communication. He lived from 1934 to 2006 and spent most of his academic career at the University of Illinois and at Columbia University. His work has widely influenced scholars in the areas of cultural studies, communication history and technology, journalism, and communication theory. His intellectual forerunners include Harold Innis, John Dewey, Lewis Mumford, Raymond Williams, and Richard Rorty.
Comparative Research
Authors: Hasebrink Uwe
Published: October 2016

Doing comparisons is one of the core cognitive operations of all sciences: Investigating an object means to compare it with other objects and to assess differences and similarities between them. In contrast to this general understanding, within the field of communication the notion of
comparative research
refers to more particular comparisons across two or more geographical or social systems such as nations. This entry covers the conceptual backgrounds, methodological approaches, and practical applications of comparative communication research. The field is shaped not only by changes in the phenomena of media and communication themselves, but also by changing policies and by changes in the scientific communities studying media and communication.
Audiences
Authors: Butsch Richard
Published: October 2016

Audiencing is something we do quite frequently—reading, watching, listening, even cheering or shouting at the performers. Audience is not an identity or type of person; it is a situated role that we don in certain situations and shed when we exit such situations. Much of what has recently come to be called “using”—as in using smartphone, Internet, video games—can still be understood as, in part, audiencing, since these activities often involve people alternating as performers and audiences. This entry presents audiences and audiencing as historically and culturally specific and changing concepts. It examines synonyms and modifiers, substitutes or equivalents for the English termaudience(s), including those in other languages and cultures, and words that modify and frequently valorize these terms with powerful insinuations and consequences.
Pompey versus Caesar, 49–45
BC
Authors: Matthews Stephen
Published: October 2016

Toward the end of Caesar's successful campaigns in Gaul, tensions arose over how his further ambitions could be accommodated within the constitutional framework of the Roman republic. Caesar's opponents in the Senate exploited the rivalry between Caesar and Pompey, whose dominance at Rome was now threatened. In the ensuing conflict Pompey retired to the Balkans to join his troops in the east, but Caesar's battle‐hardened veterans triumphed. Even after Pompey's murder in Egypt, Caesar's republican enemies continued resistance in Asia Minor, the Balkans, Spain, and Africa until their eventual defeat left Caesar master of the Roman world.
Polymeric Flaky Nanostructures from Cellulose Stearoyl Esters for Functional Surfaces
Authors: Wang Yonggui , Tian Jia , Deng Xu , Chen Longquan , Rosenfeldt Sabine , Förster Stephan , Vana Philipp , Zhang Kai
Published: October 2016

Herein, the preparation of polymeric flaky nanostructures (PFNS) from cellulose stearoyl esters as a novel platform for functional materials is reported. A temperature‐induced crystallization process using solutions of cellulose stearoyl esters with a degree of substitution of 3 (CSE3) by decreasing the temperature from 55 °C to room temperature at a cooling rate of ≈1 °C min–1 is used. The molecular weights of CSE3, concentrations of polymer solutions, and cooling rates predominantly affect the formation of PFNS via this process. The PFNS are obtained as flakes within microsized flower‐like particles or as organized patterns on diverse substrates (silicon wafers and glass fiber papers). The surface functional groups and surface roughness strongly affect the homogeneity and the amount of PFNS, allowing us to tune the structure of PFNS by varying these parameters. In particular, homogeneous flaky patterns of high amounts are formed on the surfaces containing aliphatic chains. By introducing sufficient amounts of flaky nanostructures on flat wafer surfaces or glass fibers within the glass fiber papers, superhydrophobic surfaces against diverse aqueous liquids and highly viscous glycerol are obtained. Thus, the formation of PFNS exhibits a robust and facile method for the fabrication of functional surfaces on diverse substrates.
Shell and tube heat exchanger design using mixed‐integer linear programming
Authors: Gonçalves Caroline de O. , Costa André L. H. , Bagajewicz Miguel J.
Published: October 2016

The design of heat exchangers, especially shell and tube heat exchangers was originally proposed as a trial and error procedure where guesses of the heat transfer coefficient were made and then verified after the design was finished. This traditional approach is highly dependent of the experience of a skilled engineer and it usually results in oversizing. Later, optimization techniques were proposed for the automatic generation of the best design alternative. Among these methods, there are heuristic and stochastic approaches as well as mathematical programming. In all cases, the models are mixed integer non‐linear and non‐convex. In the case of mathematical programming solution procedures, all the solution approaches were likely to be trapped in a local optimum solution, unless global optimization is used. In addition, it is very well‐known that local solvers need good initial values or sometimes they do not even find a feasible solution. In this article, we propose to use a robust mixed integer global optimization procedure to obtain the optimal design. Our model is linear thanks to the use of standardized and discrete geometric values of the heat exchanger main mechanical components and a reformulation of integer nonlinear expressions without losing any rigor. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 1907–1922, 2017
Pulmonary function among Latino thoroughbred horse farmworkers
Authors: Flunker John C. , Clouser Jessica Miller , Mannino David , Swanberg Jennifer
Published: October 2016

Background

Latino thoroughbred workers may be at risk for developing abnormal pulmonary function related to occupational exposures.

Methods

Eighty worker participants were recruited via community‐based purposive sampling. Questionnaires and spirometry tests were administered by trained lay health promoters. Demographic and occupational factors were assessed for associations with respiratory outcomes via multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Twenty‐seven percent of participants exhibited abnormal pulmonary function (primarily restrictive), 79% reported any respiratory symptoms, and 94% infrequently used dust masks. Shorter duration of both current horse farm employment (≤5 years) and time living in the United States (≤10 years) increased the odds of abnormal pulmonary function. Shorter time living in the United States increased the odds of upper respiratory symptoms and shorter duration of current horse farm employment increased the odds of lower respiratory symptoms.

Conclusions

Abnormal pulmonary function was high among this vulnerable worker group, suggesting the need for increased dust mask usage and further exposure assessment. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:35–44, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of elosulfase alfa in patients with morquio A syndrome who have limited ambulation: An open‐label, phase 2 study
Authors: Harmatz Paul R. , Mengel Eugen , Geberhiwot Tarekegn , Muschol Nicole , Hendriksz Christian J. , Burton Barbara K. , Jameson Elisabeth , Berger Kenneth I. , Jester Andrea , Treadwell Marsha , Sisic Zlatko , Decker Celeste
Published: October 2016

Efficacy and safety of elosulfase alfa enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) were assessed in an open‐label, phase 2, multi‐national study in Morquio A patients aged ≥5 years unable to walk ≥30 meters in the 6‐min walk test. Patients received elosulfase alfa 2.0 mg/kg/week intravenously for 48 weeks. Efficacy measures were functional dexterity, pinch/grip strength, mobility in a modified timed 25‐foot walk, pain, quality of life, respiratory function, and urine keratan sulfate (KS). Safety/tolerability was also assessed. Fifteen patients received elosulfase alfa, three patients discontinued ERT due to adverse events (two were grade 3 drug‐related adverse events, the other was not drug‐related), and two patients missed >20% of planned infusions; 10 completed treatment through 48 weeks and received ≥80% of planned infusions (Modified Per Protocol [MPP] population). The study population had more advanced disease than that enrolled in other trials. From baseline to week 48, MPP data showed biochemical efficacy (urine KS decreased 52.4%). The remaining efficacy results were highly variable due to challenges in test execution because of severe skeletal and joint abnormalities, small sample sizes, and clinical heterogeneity among patients. Eight patients showed improvements in one or more outcome measures; several patients indicated improvements not captured by the study assessments (e.g., increased energy, functional ability). The nature of adverse events was similar to other elosulfase alfa studies. This study illustrates the considerable challenges in objectively measuring impact of ERT in very disabled Morquio A patients and highlights the need to examine results on an individual basis. © 2016 The Authors. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Abdominal paraganglioma in a young woman with 1p36 deletion syndrome
Authors: Murakoshi Miki , Takasawa Kei , Nishioka Masato , Asakawa Masahiro , Kashimada Kenichi , Yoshimoto Takanobu , Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Takekoshi Kazuhiro , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Shimohira Masayuki
Published: October 2016

1p36 deletion syndrome is the most common terminal deletion syndrome, and the genomic regions that contribute to specific 1p36 deletion syndrome‐related phenotypes were recently identified. Deletions in the 1p36 region have been documented in various tumor tissues, which indicates correlation between loss of heterozygosity of 1p36 and tumor development, and the existence of tumor suppressors in this region. Therefore, it was suspected that patients with 1p36 deletion syndrome have a higher risk of tumor development; however, only a few child cases of neuroblastoma with 1p36 deletion syndrome have been reported. We report the first case of 1p36 deletion syndrome with paraganglioma (PGL) and include genetic investigation. The 24‐year‐old woman with 1p36 deletion syndrome had severe intellectual disability, dilated cardiomyopathy, and distinct dysmorphic features, and presented with persistent vomiting accompanied by hypertension (178/115 mmHg). Abdominal CT revealed a 40 × 50 mm retroperitoneal mass and substantial elevations of plasma and urine norepinephrine (15.4 nmol/L and 1022 µmol/mol creatinine, respectively); abnormal uptake of 123I‐MIBG in the tumor led to PGL diagnosis. The patient was not able to have surgery because of substantial surgical risks; however, a combination of α‐ and β‐blockade was effective for blood pressure control. Array CGH revealed a deletion over 4.5 Mb, from the 1p telomere but excluding the SDHB region. Comprehensive mutational analysis of PGL‐associated genes (RET, VHL, TMEM127, MAX, and SDHA/B/C/D) was negative. These results indicate that the germline 1p36 deletion might be “1st hit” of tumor development, and PGL might be a novel complication of 1p36 deletion syndrome. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Psychopathology in 7‐year‐old children: Differences in maternal and paternal ratings and the genetic epidemiology
Authors: Wesseldijk Laura W. , Fedko Iryna O. , Bartels Meike , Nivard Michel G. , van Beijsterveldt Catharina E. M. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Middeldorp Christel M.
Published: October 2016

The assessment of children's psychopathology is often based on parental report. Earlier studies have suggested that rater bias can affect the estimates of genetic, shared environmental and unique environmental influences on differences between children. The availability of a large dataset of maternal as well as paternal ratings of psychopathology in 7‐year old children enabled (i) the analysis of informant effects on these assessments, and (ii) to obtain more reliable estimates of the genetic and non‐genetic effects. DSM‐oriented measures of affective, anxiety, somatic, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity, oppositional‐defiant, conduct, and obsessive‐compulsive problems were rated for 12,310 twin pairs from the Netherlands Twin Register by mothers (N = 12,085) and fathers (N = 8,516). The effects of genetic and non‐genetic effects were estimated on the common and rater‐specific variance. For all scales, mean scores on maternal ratings exceeded paternal ratings. Parents largely agreed on the ranking of their child's problems (r 0.60–0.75). The heritability was estimated over 55% for maternal and paternal ratings for all scales, except for conduct problems (44–46%). Unbiased shared environmental influences, i.e., on the common variance, were significant for affective (13%), oppositional (13%), and conduct problems (37%). In clinical settings, different cutoffs for (sub)clinical scores could be applied to paternal and maternal ratings of their child's psychopathology. Only for conduct problems, shared environmental and genetic influences explain an equal amount in differences between children. For the other scales, genetic factors explain the majority of the variance, especially for the common part that is free of rater bias. © 2016 The Authors. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Paternal age and psychiatric disorders: A review
Authors: de Kluiver Hilde , Buizer‐Voskamp Jacobine E. , Dolan Conor V. , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: October 2016

We review the hypotheses concerning the association between the paternal age at childbearing and childhood psychiatric disorders (autism spectrum‐ and attention deficit/hyperactive disorder) and adult disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar‐, obsessive–compulsive‐, and major depressive disorder) based on epidemiological studies. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the paternal age effect. We discuss the four main—not mutually exclusive—hypotheses. These are the de novo mutation hypothesis, the hypothesis concerning epigenetic alterations, the selection into late fatherhood hypothesis, and the environmental resource hypothesis. Advanced paternal age in relation to autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia provided the most robust epidemiological evidence for an association, with some studies reporting a monotonic risk increase over age, and others reporting a marked increase at a given age threshold. Although there is evidence for the de novo mutation hypothesis and the selection into late fatherhood hypothesis, the mechanism(s) underlying the association between advanced paternal age and psychiatric illness in offspring remains to be further clarified. © 2016 The Authors. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Leaf swallowing and parasite expulsion in Khao Yai white‐handed gibbons (Hylobates lar), the first report in an Asian ape species
Authors: Barelli Claudia , Huffman Michael A.
Published: October 2016

Leaf swallowing behavior, known as a form of self‐medication for the control of nematode and tapeworm infection, occurs widely in all the African great apes (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii, P. t. troglodytes, P. t. verus, P. t. vellerosus, Pan paniscus, Gorilla gorilla graueri), except mountain gorillas. It is also reported to occur in a similar context across a wide array of other animal taxa including, domestic dogs, wolves, brown bears, and civets. Despite long‐term research on Asian great and small apes, this is the first report of leaf swallowing in an Asian species, the white‐handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) in Khao Yai National Park, central Thailand. We present the first evidence of leaf swallowing (Gironniera nervosa Planch CANNABACEA) behavior (N = 5 cases) and parasite (Streptopharagus pigmentatus) expulsion (N = 4 cases), recorded during 4,300 hr of direct animal observations during two distinct research projects. We recovered 4–18 rough, hairy, and hispid surfaced leaves from each sample, undigested and folded, from the freshly evacuated feces of five different individuals (2 males, 3 females, 5 to 34+ years old) living in three different social groups, between the hours of 06:00 to 10:30. Based on close inspection of the leaves, as observed in chimpanzees, it was clear that they were taken into the mouth, one at a time, folded and detached from the stem with the teeth before swallowing them whole. All instances occurred during the rainy season, the time when nematode worms were also found in the feces, although they were not found together with leaves in the same feces. These striking similarities in the details of leaf swallowing between white‐handed gibbons and African great apes, and other animal species, suggest a similar self‐medicative function.
Design of Potent Mannose 6‐Phosphate Analogues for the Functionalization of Lysosomal Enzymes To Improve the Treatment of Pompe Disease
Authors: El Cheikh Khaled , Basile Ilaria , Da Silva Afitz , Bernon Coralie , Cérutti Pierre , Salgues Frédéric , Perez Marc , Maynadier Marie , Gary‐Bobo Magali , Caillaud Catherine , Cérutti Martine , Garcia Marcel , Morère Alain
Published: October 2016

Improving therapeutics delivery in enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for lysosomal storage disorders is a challenge. Herein, we present the synthesis of novel analogues of mannose 6‐phosphate (M6P), known as AMFAs and functionalized at the anomeric position for enzyme grafting. AMFAs are non‐phosphate serum‐resistant derivatives that efficiently bind the cation‐independent mannose 6‐phosphate receptor (CI‐M6PR), which is the main pathway to address enzymes to lysosomes. One of the AMFAs was used to improve the treatment of the lysosomal myopathy Pompe disease, in which acid α‐glucosidase (GAA) is defective. AMFA grafting on a M6P‐free recombinant GAA led to a higher uptake of the GAA in adult Pompe fibroblasts in culture as compared to Myozyme, the M6P recombinant GAA. Moreover, the treatment of Pompe adult mice with the AMFA‐grafted recombinant enzyme led to a remarkable improvement, even at low doses, in muscle functionality and regeneration, whereas Myozyme had limited efficacy.
Inherent Conformational Preferences of Ac‐Gln‐Gln‐NHBn: Sidechain Hydrogen Bonding Supports a β‐Turn in the Gas Phase
Authors: Walsh Patrick S. , Blodgett Karl N. , McBurney Carl , Gellman Samuel H. , Zwier Timothy S.
Published: October 2016

Gas‐phase single‐conformation spectroscopy is used to study Ac‐Gln‐Gln‐NHBn in order to probe the interplay between sidechain hydrogen bonding and backbone conformational preferences. This small, amide‐rich peptide offers many possibilities for backbone–backbone, sidechain–backbone, and sidechain–sidechain interactions. The major conformer observed experimentally features a type‐I β‐turn with a canonical 10‐membered ring C=O—H−N hydrogen bond between backbone amide groups. In addition, the C=O group of each Gln sidechain participates in a seven‐membered ring hydrogen bond with the backbone NH of the same residue. Thus, sidechain hydrogen‐bonding potential is satisfied in a manner that is consistent with and stabilizes the β‐turn secondary structure. This turn‐forming propensity may be relevant to pathogenic amyloid formation by polyglutamine segments in human proteins.
Organic‐Base‐Driven Intercalation and Delamination for the Production of Functionalized Titanium Carbide Nanosheets with Superior Photothermal Therapeutic Performance
Authors: Xuan Jinnan , Wang Zhiqiang , Chen Yuyan , Liang Dujuan , Cheng Liang , Yang Xiaojing , Liu Zhuang , Ma Renzhi , Sasaki Takayoshi , Geng Fengxia
Published: October 2016

The delamination of titanium carbide sheets, an intriguing class of two‐dimensional materials, has been critically dependent on the extraction of interlayer Al in acidic media, such as concentrated hydrofluoric acid (HF) or a mixture of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and a fluoride salt. Herein, we report an organic‐base‐driven intercalation and delamination of titanium carbide that takes advantage of the amphoteric nature of interlayer Al. The resulting aluminum‐oxoanion‐functionalized titanium carbide sheets manifested unusually strong optical absorption in the near‐infrared (NIR) region with a mass extinction coefficient as high as 29.1 L g−1 cm−1 at 808 nm. Thus, the performance of this material is comparable or even superior to that of state‐of‐the‐art photoabsorption materials, including gold‐based nanostructures, carbon‐based materials, and transition‐metal dichalcogenides. Preliminary studies show that the titanium carbide sheets serve as efficient photothermal agents against tumor cells.
Block Copolymer Capsules with Structure‐Dependent Release Behavior
Authors: Xu Jiangping , Li Jun , Yang Yi , Wang Ke , Xu Nan , Li Jingyi , Liang Ruijing , Shen Lei , Xie Xiaolin , Tao Juan , Zhu Jintao
Published: October 2016

Although high‐boiling non‐solvent induced macrophase separation in emulsion droplets has been widely applied for the fabrication of polymeric capsules, precise control of their structures remains a great challenge. Herein, block copolymer capsules with tunable shell structures were fabricated by employing a non‐solvent as a liquid template in emulsion droplets. The properties of the non‐solvents dictate the phase separation sequence in the droplets and the capsule formation mechanism. Two different pathways for capsule formation were observed, and could be applied to predict the shell structure. The structured capsules could be transformed into mesoporous capsules, which demonstrated an intriguing structure‐dependent release behavior. Capsules with spherical shell structures displayed the best permeability, while those with lamellar shell structures showed the slowest release, but with a stepwise profile. After loading with an anticancer drug, different capsules induced different apoptosis ratios in cancer cell studies.
Hydrogen Sulfide Donors Activated by Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Zhao Yu , Pluth Michael D.
Published: October 2016

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exhibits promising protective effects in many (patho)physiological processes, as evidenced by recent reports using synthetic H2S donors in different biological models. Herein, we report the design and evaluation of compounds denoted PeroxyTCM, which are the first class of reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐triggered H2S donors. These donors are engineered to release carbonyl sulfide (COS) upon activation, which is quickly hydrolyzed to H2S by the ubiquitous enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA). The donors are stable in aqueous solution and do not release H2S until triggered by ROS, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide (O2−), and peroxynitrite (ONOO−). We demonstrate ROS‐triggered H2S donation in live cells and also demonstrate that PeroxyTCM‐1 provides protection against H2O2‐induced oxidative damage, suggesting potential future applications of PeroxyTCM and similar scaffolds in H2S‐related therapies.
Formation of Triple‐Shelled Molybdenum–Polydopamine Hollow Spheres and Their Conversion into MoO2/Carbon Composite Hollow Spheres for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Yawen , Yu Le , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: October 2016

Unique triple‐shelled Mo‐polydopamine (Mo‐PDA) hollow spheres are synthesized through a facile solvothermal process. A sequential self‐templating mechanism for the multi‐shell formation is proposed, and the number of shells can be adjusted by tuning the size of the Mo‐glycerate templates. These triple‐shelled Mo‐PDA hollow spheres can be converted to triple‐shelled MoO2/carbon composite hollow spheres by thermal treatment. Owing to the unique multi‐shells and hollow interior, the as‐prepared MoO2/carbon composite hollow spheres exhibit appealing performance as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries, delivering a high capacity of ca. 580 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 with good rate capability and long cycle life.
Fluorescent, electroactive, thermally stable triphenylamine‐ and naphthalene‐based polyimides for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Khalid Naila , Park O. OK , Akhter Toheed , Siddiqi Humaira M.
Published: October 2016

To tune the photophysical properties of polyimides (PIs), a diamine containing naphthalene and triphenylamine units, N1‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐N1‐[(4‐naphthalene‐2‐yloxy)phenyl]benzene‐1,4‐diamine (DA), was synthesized. A series of fluorescent electroactive new PIs from synthesized DA were prepared with conventional thermal imidization with dianhydride. The selected dianhydride were used to study and compare the effects of rigid planar phenyl, flexible phenoxy, and nonplanar flexible hexafluoroisopropyidene and carbonyl groups in the main polymer backbone on the optoelectronic properties and processability of materials. The structures of the synthesized diamine and its PIs were evaluated by spectral and CHNS elemental analysis. The optoelectronic and thermal properties of PIs revealed intense blue‐light emission (428–477 nm), a low oxidation potential (0.3–1.3 V), and a lower highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gap (2.92–3.21 eV). The observed behavior and properties of our synthesized PIs suggest their potential as future hole‐transport materials in optoelectronic applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44526.
Small‐molecule‐induced miscibility of isosorbide‐based polycarbonate with bisphenol A polycarbonate
Authors: Su Lili , Lai Wenqin , Yan Jin , Wu Guozhang
Published: October 2016

In this study, we investigated the influence of the small molecule 4,4′‐thiobis(6‐tert‐butyl‐m‐methyl phenol) (AO300) on the miscibility of poly(isosorbide‐co‐1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol carbonate) (IcC–PC) with bisphenol A polycarbonate (BPA–PC) through the formation of hydrogen‐bonding networks. Differential scanning calorimetry and morphological observation revealed that the initially, immiscible BPA–PC/IcC–PC blends become miscible through the addition of small molecules. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that intermolecular hydrogen bonds formed between the hydroxyl groups of AO300 and the carbonyl groups of the studied polycarbonates. These polycarbonates exhibited different hydrogen‐bonding behaviors and various degrees of glass‐transition temperature composition dependence. Dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrated that AO300 played an antiplasticization role in the BPA–PC/IcC–PC blends with improved storage moduli. To our knowledge, this article is the first to describe the miscibility of isosorbide‐based polycarbonate with BPA–PC. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2017,134, 44537.
Composite effect of silica nanoparticle on the mechanical properties of cellulose‐based hydrogels derived from cottonseed hulls
Authors: Boonmahitthisud Anyaporn , Nakajima Lisa , Nguyen Khoa Dang , Kobayashi Takaomi
Published: October 2016

Recently, cellulose‐based hydrogel nanocomposite materials have been attracted increasing attention owing to their potential applications in different areas including medical, electrical, optical, and magnetic fields. This is due to the fact that cellulose is one of the most abundant resources and possesses several unique properties required in medical fields, whereas silica nanoparticles (nSiO2) play an important role in developing materials with high functionality. In this study, cottonseed hull (CSH) was used as a source of cellulose and nSiO2 was used to prepare hydrogel nanocomposite films via phase inversion method without chemical crosslinking agent of cellulose. CSH was first pre‐treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for delignification and bleaching, respectively. The pre‐treated CSH exhibited whiter fiber and lower amount of lignin as compared with the untreated CSH. The properties of cellulose‐base hydrogel were found to be improved as a result of the addition of nSiO2 at 2–6 wt % for tensile strength and up to 10 wt % for modulus and elastic modulus (G′). However, the elongation at break was decreased with the incorporation of nSiO2. Moreover, the TEM images displayed the nano‐grape structure of nSiO2 surrounded by cellulose molecules. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44557.
Spermatogonia, Germline Cells, and Testicular Organization in the Characiform Prochilodus lineatus Studied Using Histological, Stereological, and Morphometric Approaches
Authors: De Melo Dias Gisele Cristiane , Cassel Mônica , Oliveira De Jesus Lázaro Wender , Batlouni Sergio Ricardo , Borella Maria Inés
Published: October 2016

Prochilodus lineatus is an important representative of the order Characiformes and a species that offers great advantages to fish farming. Therefore, detailed knowledge of its reproductive biology can be applied to various fields of production and biotechnology. In this study, we have identified testicular germ cells during spermatogenesis and have evaluated the volumetric proportion of the testes occupied by structures of the tubular and intertubular compartments. In addition, the individual volume of type A spermatogonia was measured and used to estimate the mean number of these cells per testis. Gonads of adult P. lineatus males were extracted and fixed. Light and transmission electron microscopy were applied to fragments of three testicular regions. Histological, stereological, and morphometric analyses were performed. The stereological data suggest that components of the tubular and intertubular compartments of the P. lineatus testes present a uniform distribution in all three regions and therefore reflect regions with similar distributions of cell types. In addition, P. lineatus testes showed ∼0.6% of type A spermatogonia, as well as a predominance of cysts of primary spermatocytes and spermatids during the reproductive phase evaluated. The results from this study provide a better understanding of the morphology and structure of the testis and of the characterization of the type A spermatogonia in P. lineatus. The nuclear diameter of germ cells also decreases significantly during spermatogenesis. The data presented herein are the first of its kind for the order Characiformes and may be useful for future biotechnology studies on fish reproduction. Anat Rec, 300:589–599, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fetal programming of neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Faa Gavino , Manchia Mirko , Pintus Roberta , Gerosa Clara , Marcialis Maria Antonietta , Fanos Vassilios
Published: October 2016

Starting from the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypotheses proposed by David Barker, namely fetal programming, in the past years, there is a growing evidence of the major role played by epigenetic factors during the intrauterine life and the perinatal period. Furthermore, it has been assessed that these factors can affect the health status in infancy and even in adulthood. In this review, we focus our attention on the fetal programming of the brain, analyzing the most recent literature concerning the epigenetic factors that can influence the development of neuropsychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorders, major depressive disorders, and schizophrenia. The perinatal epigenetic factors have been divided in two main groups: maternal factors and fetal factors. The maternal factors include diet, smoking, alcoholism, hypertension, malnutrition, trace elements, stress, diabetes, substance abuse, and exposure to environmental toxicants, while the fetal factors include hypoxia/asphyxia, placental insufficiency, prematurity, low birth weight, drugs administered to the mother or to the baby, and all factors causing intrauterine growth restriction. A better comprehension of the possible mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of these diseases may help researchers and clinicians develop new diagnostic tools and treatments to offer these patients a tailored medical treatment strategy to improve their quality of life. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 108:207–223, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Signal localization: a new approach in signal discovery
Authors: Malov Sergey V. , Antonik Alexey , Tang Minzhong , Berred Alexandre , Zeng Yi , O'Brien Stephen J.
Published: October 2016

A new approach for statistical association signal identification is developed in this paper. We consider a strategy for nonprecise signal identification by extending the well‐known signal detection and signal identification methods applicable to the multiple testing problem. Collection of statistical instruments under the presented approach is much broader than under the traditional signal identification methods, allowing more efficient signal discovery. Further assessments of maximal value and average statistics in signal discovery are improved. While our method does not attempt to detect individual predictors, it instead detects sets of predictors that are jointly associated with the outcome. Therefore, an important application would be in genome wide association study (GWAS), where it can be used to detect genes which influence the phenotype but do not contain any individually significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). We compare power of the signal identification method based on extremes of singlep‐values with the signal localization method based on average statistics for logarithms ofp‐values. A simulation analysis informs the application of signal localization using the average statistics for wide signals discovery in Gaussian white noise process. We apply average statistics and the localization method to GWAS to discover better gene influences of regulating loci in a Chinese cohort developed for risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
Pharmacokinetics of mangiferin and its metabolite—norathyriol, Part 2: Influence of UGT, CYP450, P‐gp, and enterobacteria and the potential interaction in Rhizoma Anemarrhenae decoction with timosaponin B2 as the major contributor
Authors: Tian Xiaoting , Xu Zhou , Li Zhixiong , Ma Yuanjie , Lian Shan , Guo Xiaozhen , Hu Pei , Gao Yu , Huang Chenggang
Published: October 2016

The poor bioavailability of mangiferin (MGF) is a major obstacle on its further development. Aimed to illustrate the underlying mechanism and improve its poor exposure, the compared PK profiles of MGF and norathyriol (NTR) after different MGF preparation were performed: pure MGF, the Rhizoma Anemarrhenae (Zhi‐mu) decoction, MGF, and timosaponin B2 (TB‐2) combination. Furthermore, the potential contributing factors, including uridine diphosphoglucuronosyltransferase (UGT), cytochrome P450 (CYP450), P‐gp, and enterobacterial were investigated by comparing the PK profiles with and without the corresponding inhibitors or in different rat models. After taking MGF, CYP450 and UGT inhibition could decrease MGF and NTR exposure; P‐gp inhibition slightly enhanced (48%) MGF exposure, whereas more apparent for the improved NTR exposure (302%); enterobacterial inhibition almost completely stopped the NTR production, but no such effect was observed for MGF. Compared with the limited improvement by the abovementioned inhibition, the MGF and NTR exposure could significantly increase by 11.5‐ and 5.9‐fold in the Zhi‐mu decoction compared with the MGF treatment, probably contributed to TB‐2 as an absorption enhancer because the MGF and TB‐2 combination produced a similar level of improvement on the PK paremeters of MGF and NTR to the herb treatment. Likewise, most of the effects by UGT, CYP450, P‐gp, and enterobacteria followed a similar variation tendency between them. Therefore, the poor bioavailability of MGF possibly mainly attributed to its poor membrane permeability, but not transporters or metabolic enzymes, and the compatibility of MGF and TB‐2 could probably expand the prospective application of MGF by improving its bioavailability. © 2016 BioFactors, 42(5):545–555, 2016
Pharmacokinetics of mangiferin and its metabolite—Norathyriol, Part 1: Systemic evaluation of hepatic first‐pass effect in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Tian Xiaoting , Gao Yu , Xu Zhou , Lian Shan , Ma Yuanjie , Guo Xiaozhen , Hu Pei , Li Zhixiong , Huang Chenggang
Published: October 2016

Mangiferin (MGF), a glucoside of xanthone existing in phytomedicines and food, is increasingly attracting attention on diabetes treatment, while the underlying mechanism leading to its low oral bioavailability is unclear. Norathyriol (NTR), an active metabolite with hypoglycemic activity and its exposure after MGF dosing remains unclear. Hence, a rapid and sensitive LC‐MS/MS method was established and validated to determine MGF and NTR and applied in the PK study in rats. Correspondingly, the in vitro experiments on temperature‐dependent uptake, and MGF metabolism in hepatocyte and enterobacteria samples were performed. Results revealed that hepatic first‐pass effect slightly contributed to the poor bioavailability of MGF, based on the MGF exposure in portal vein plasma was nearly similar to that in systemic plasma, and the MGF accumulation in the liver was limited, so was that of NTR. Correspondingly, the in vitro study revealed the MGF uptake was mainly dependent on poor passive transport, possibly leading to its limited hepatic metabolism and accumulation. Moreover, the NTR exposure remained considerably low (Cmax < 3 ng/mL, AUCNTR/AUCMGF < 3%) in plasma after single MGF dosing, corresponding to its tiny proportion (0.1%) of MGF in MGF‐incubated enterobacteria samples. However, given the low generation and elimination rates of NTR, NTR might accumulate in plasma and exert effects after repeated MGF dosing, although requires further study. This work is the first systemic study on PK profiles of MGF and NTR in vitro and in vivo, which is important for the interpretation on the poor bioavailability and pharmacodynamics of MGF. © 2016 BioFactors, 42(5):533–544, 2016
Application of response surface methodology for optimization of trace amount of diazinon preconcentration in natural waters and biological samples by carbon mesoporous CMK‐3
Authors: Beirami Somayeh , Barzoki Hadi Rahimzadeh , Bahramifar Nader
Published: October 2016

Preconcentration of trace amounts of diazinon by carbon mesoporous CMK‐3 in water and biological samples and measurement by high‐performance liquid chromatography were investigated. CMK‐3 was prepared using hexagonal SBA‐15 as the template. The synthesized materials were characterized by X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunaur–Emmet–Teller, transmission electron microscopy and Boehm titration method. The preconcentration procedure was optimized using a multivariate optimization approach following a two‐stage process. The effect of analytical parameters including the amount of the CMK‐3 as an adsorbent, pH, type and volume of eluent and flow rate of eluent and sample were studied by a screening project, then the effective parameters were optimized by response surface methodology based on central composite design. The average extraction efficiency of diazinon under optimal conditions (CMK‐3 dosage = 25 mg, sample flow rate = 2.5 mL min−1, eluent flow rate = 1.25 mL min−1, volume of methanol as an eluent =3.5 mL and initial pH = 6) was 97.11%, which agrees well with the predicted response value (97.93%). The linearity of the method was in the range of 0.5–100 μg L−1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.997. Enrichment factor, limit of detection and limit of quantification were 285.7, 0.09 and 0.23 μg L−1, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) under optimum conditions was 2.21% (n = 5). The proposed method was applied to determine diazinon in real water and biological samples. Recovery of diazinon from real samples was between 95.80 and 104.94% with an RSD of 0.19–4.65%. Thus, this method is suitable for the preconcentration and determination of diazinon in real water and biological samples.
Touch imprint cytology with massively parallel sequencing (TIC‐seq): a simple and rapid method to snapshot genetic alterations in tumors
Authors: Amemiya Kenji , Hirotsu Yosuke , Goto Taichiro , Nakagomi Hiroshi , Mochizuki Hitoshi , Oyama Toshio , Omata Masao
Published: October 2016

Identifying genetic alterations in tumors is critical for molecular targeting of therapy. In the clinical setting, formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue is usually employed for genetic analysis. However, DNA extracted from FFPE tissue is often not suitable for analysis because of its low levels and poor quality. Additionally, FFPE sample preparation is time‐consuming. To provide early treatment for cancer patients, a more rapid and robust method is required for precision medicine. We present a simple method for genetic analysis, called touch imprint cytology combined with massively paralleled sequencing (touch imprint cytology [TIC]‐seq), to detect somatic mutations in tumors. We prepared FFPE tissues and TIC specimens from tumors in nine lung cancer patients and one patient with breast cancer. We found that the quality and quantity of TIC DNA was higher than that of FFPE DNA, which requires microdissection to enrich DNA from target tissues. Targeted sequencing using a next‐generation sequencer obtained sufficient sequence data using TIC DNA. Most (92%) somatic mutations in lung primary tumors were found to be consistent between TIC and FFPE DNA. We also applied TIC DNA to primary and metastatic tumor tissues to analyze tumor heterogeneity in a breast cancer patient, and showed that common and distinct mutations among primary and metastatic sites could be classified into two distinct histological subtypes. TIC‐seq is an alternative and feasible method to analyze genomic alterations in tumors by simply touching the cut surface of specimens to slides.
Identification of Small‐Molecule PHD2 Zinc Finger Inhibitors that Activate Hypoxia Inducible Factor
Authors: Arsenault Patrick R. , Song Daisheng , Bergkamp Marian , Ravaschiere Andrew M. , Navalsky Bradleigh E. , Lieberman Paul M. , Lee Frank S.
Published: October 2016

The prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) protein:hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) pathway is the main pathway by which changes in oxygen concentration are transduced to changes in gene expression. In mammals, there are three PHD paralogues, and PHD2 has emerged as a particularly critical one for regulating HIF target genes such as erythropoietin (EPO), which controls red cell mass and hematocrit. PHD2 is distinctive among the three PHDs in that it contains an N‐terminal MYND‐type zinc finger. We have proposed that this zinc finger binds a Pro‐Xaa‐Leu‐Glu (PXLE) motif found in proteins of the HSP90 pathway to facilitate HIF‐α hydroxylation. Targeting this motif could provide a means of specifically inhibiting this PHD isoform. Here, we screened a library of chemical compounds for their capacity to inhibit the zinc finger of PHD2. We identified compounds that, in vitro, can inhibit PHD2 binding to a PXLE‐containing peptide and induce activation of HIF. Injection of one of these compounds into mice induces an increase in hematocrit. This study offers proof of principle that inhibition of the zinc finger of PHD2 can provide a means of selectively targeting PHD2 to activate the HIF pathway.
Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: not exclusively in males
Authors: van den Broek Leonie , Heylen Evelien , van den Akker Machiel
Published: October 2016

Key Clinical Message

Glucose‐6‐phosphate (G6PD) deficiency is the most common human enzyme defect, often presenting with neonatal jaundice and/or acute hemolytic anemia, triggered by oxidizing agents. G6PD deficiency is an X‐linked, hereditary disease, mainly affecting men, but should also be considered in females with an oxidative hemolysis.
Hemoglobin SC smear recorded with a smartphone
Authors: Trikalinos Nikolaos A. , Katzen Harvey I.
Published: October 2016

Key Clinical Message

Taking photographs of microscope slides generally requires expensive equipment and a lot of effort. We demonstrate a technique to take clear, focused pictures of microscope slides with a smartphone. This could facilitate exchange of information between providers, allow for quick second opinions, and improve patient care.
Foam‐Structured NiO‐MgO‐Al2O3 Nanocomposites Derived from NiMgAl Layered Double Hydroxides In Situ Grown onto Nickel Foam: A Promising Catalyst for High‐Throughput Catalytic Oxymethane Reforming
Authors: Chai Ruijuan , Li Yakun , Zhang Qiaofei , Fan Songyu , Zhang Zhiqiang , Chen Pengjing , Zhao Guofeng , Liu Ye , Lu Yong
Published: October 2016

Catalytic oxymethane reforming is an effective and efficient route to produce syngas, but the commonly used Ni catalysts suffer from coke deposition, Ni sintering, and heat‐transfer limitations. A Ni‐foam‐structured NiO‐MgO‐Al2O3 nanocomposite catalyst was developed by thermal decomposition of NiMgAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs) in situ hydrothermally grown onto the Ni‐foam. Originating from the lattice orientation effect and topotactic decomposition of the LDH precursor, NiO, MgO, and Al2O3 are highly distributed in the nanocomposite, and thus, this catalyst shows enhanced resistance to coke and sintering. At 700 °C and a gas hourly space velocity of 100 L g−1 h−1, 86.5 % methane conversion and selectivities of 91.8/88.0 % to H2/CO are achieved with stability for at least 200 h. We believe this type of tailoring strategy and the as‐obtained materials can open up new opportunities for future applications in other high‐throughput and high‐temperature reactions.
KIO3‐Catalyzed Domino C(sp2)−H Bond Sulfenylation and C−N Bond Oxygenation of Enaminones toward the Synthesis of 3‐Sulfenylated Chromones
Authors: Zhong Shanshan , Liu Yunyun , Cao Xiaoji , Wan Jie‐Ping
Published: October 2016

With 2‐hydroxyphenyl‐functionalized enaminones and thiophenols as the starting materials, the facile synthesis of 3‐sulfenylated chromones has been realized through a KIO3‐catalyzed domino reaction of C−H sulfenylation and subsequent C−N‐cleavage‐based C−O bond formation. The reaction was performed under transition‐metal‐free conditions in ethyl lactate, a bioavailable ecofriendly medium.
Heterogeneous Electron‐Transfer Rates for the Reduction of Viologen Derivatives at Platinum and Bismuth Electrodes in Acetonitrile
Authors: Cook Shaun K. , Horrocks Benjamin R.
Published: October 2016

The standard heterogeneous rate constants for the reduction of a series of viologen derivatives with a range of inter‐ring torsion angles were measured at Bi and Pt electrodes. The electrode potentials for the first one‐electron reduction of the viologens vary from −684 mV to −1070 mV vs. Ag/0.01 m Ag+; this enabled a comparison of the behaviour of metallic (Pt) and semi‐metallic (Bi) electrodes over a wide range of applied potentials. The differential capacitance (6.5 μF cm−2) of Bi/MeCN,TBAPF6 interfaces at the potential of zero charge (pzc=−0.60 V) is at least an order of magnitude greater than that calculated on the basis of the bulk Bi carrier density (3×1017 cm−3) and the differential capacitance (9.5 μF cm−2) of Pt/MeCN interfaces at their pzc (−0.43 V) is of the same order. The series of viologen derivatives exhibited simple one‐electron redox behaviour and showed similar rate constants at Pt (1.8×10−4–1.6×10−3 cm s−1) and Bi electrodes (1.1×10−4–1.9×10−3 cm s−1) after application of the Frumkin correction. These results demonstrate that the density of states at the Bi surface is much higher than in bulk. Finally, the Frumkin‐corrected standard rate constants were observed to be inversely correlated with the inter‐ring torsion angle of the viologens.