bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protonation and Anion Binding Properties of Aromatic Bis‐Urea Derivatives—Comprehending the Proton Transfer
Authors: Barišić Dajana , Cindro Nikola , Kulcsár Marina Juribašić , Tireli Martina , Užarević Krunoslav , Bregović Nikola , Tomišić Vladislav
Published: March 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Vladislav Tomišić at the University of Zagreb and colleagues from the Ruđer Bošković Institute of Zagreb. The image depicts a urea derivative as a piece of jewelry, a part of which is being stolen, to represent proton transfer in the presence of basic anions. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201805633.
Resin Swelling in Mixed Solvents Analysed using Hansen Solubility Parameter Space
Authors: Ran Yanrui , Byrne Fergal , Ingram Ian D. V. , North Michael
Published: March 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Michael North and co‐workers at the University of York. The image depicts the use of a mixture of two green solvents to swell a solid‐phase synthesis resin bead that does not swell in either pure solvent. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201900228.
A new approach to model friction losses in the water‐assisted pipeline transportation of heavy oil and bitumen
Authors: Rushd Sayeed , McKibben Melissa , Sanders R. Sean
Published: March 2019

Continuous water‐assisted flow (CWAF), where a water layer surrounds a viscous oil core, provides low energy, long distance transport of heavy oil and bitumen without requiring heating or solvent addition. In industrial applications of CWAF, the pipe wall is fouled by a thin coating of oil, an effect not considered in many studies of water‐lubricated pipe flows. In the present study, a new method to model pressure loss in the water‐assisted pipeline flow of heavy oil is introduced. The hydrodynamic effects produced by the wall‐fouling layer are incorporated in the model as input parameters for CFD simulations. The most important of these parameters are the thickness of the wall‐fouling layer and the equivalent hydrodynamic roughness it produces. The CFD methodology described here was developed on the ANSYS‐CFX platform and is able to capture the effects of the wall‐fouling layer, the hydrodynamic roughness produced by this layer, and the water hold‐up. The new CFD model was validated using previously collected data from tests conducted in two separate pipeline loops (100 and 260 mm in diameter), using a range of oil viscosities, water fractions, and mixture velocities. Compared to existing models, the one presented here provides more accurate predictions and requires significantly fewer computing resources. Because the model was developed using a physics‐based approach, it is a useful tool in evaluating the effects of pipe diameter, oil viscosity (or temperature), water cut, and mixture velocity on pressure losses in water‐assisted heavy oil pipelines.
Monitoring tailings flocculation performance using hyperspectral imagery
Authors: Entezari Iman , Rivard Benoit , Vajihinejad Vahid , Wilson Ward G. , Soares João B. P. , Fisseha Bereket , Beier Nicholas
Published: March 2019

In‐line flocculation of oil sands tailings is a technique widely used in the oil sands industry to dewater fluid fine tailings. In this method, flocculants are added to the tailings to aggregate the fine particles and increase the settling rate and dewatering performance. Among the factors controlling the flocculation performance, the flocculant dose, rate and time of mixing play a crucial role. Consequently, the development of techniques that can monitor flocculation and provide feedback information to adjust flocculant dose and mixing conditions is of significant interest to the oil sands industry. This paper examines how hyperspectral imagery can be used to monitor tailings flocculation through post‐depositional spectral measurements and image analysis. The results show that hyperspectral imagery can detect under‐dosed and over‐sheared samples, but experiments over a wider range of flocculation conditions are required to validate the results and calibrate the method. This study represents the initial step in the development of a spectral method for monitoring and assessment of the flocculation process.
The cost effectiveness of treating Burkitt lymphoma in Uganda
Authors: Denburg Avram E. , Laher Nazeefah , Mutyaba Innocent , McGoldrick Suzanne , Kambugu Joyce , Sessle Erica , Orem Jackson , Casper Corey
Published: March 2019

Background

Perceptions of high cost and resource intensity remain political barriers to the prioritization of childhood cancer treatment programs in many low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Little knowledge exists of the actual cost and cost‐effectiveness of such programs. To improve outcomes for children with Burkitt lymphoma (BL), the most common childhood cancer in Africa, the Uganda Cancer Institute implemented a comprehensive BL treatment program in 2012. We undertook an economic evaluation of the program to ascertain the cost‐effectiveness of BL therapy in a specific LIC setting.

Methods

We compared the treatment of BL to usual care in a cohort of 122 patients treated between 2012 and 2014. Costs included variable, fixed, and family costs. Our primary measure of effectiveness was overall survival (OS). Patient outcomes were determined through prospective capture and retrospective chart abstraction. The cost per disability‐adjusted life‐year (DALY) averted was calculated using the World Health Organization’s Choosing Interventions That Are Cost‐Effective (WHO‐CHOICE) methodology.

Results

The 2‐year OS with treatment was 55% (95% CI, 45% to 64%). The cost per DALY averted in the treatment group was US$97 (Int$301). Cumulative estimate of national DALYs averted through treatment was 8607 years, and the total national annual cost of treatment was US$834,879 (Int$2,590,845). The cost of BL treatment fell well within WHO‐CHOICE cost‐effectiveness thresholds. The ratio of cost per DALY averted to per capita gross domestic product was 0.14, reflecting a very cost‐effective intervention.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that treating BL with locally tailored protocols is very cost‐effective by international standards. Studies of this kind will furnish crucial evidence to help policymakers prioritize the allocation of LMIC health system resources among noncommunicable diseases, including childhood cancer.
Patient recommendations for reducing long‐lasting economic burden after breast cancer
Authors: Dean Lorraine T. , Moss Shadiya L. , Rollinson Sarah I. , Frasso Jaramillo Livia , Paxton Raheem J. , Owczarzak Jill T.
Published: March 2019

Background

In the United States, patients who have breast cancer experience significant economic burden compared with those who have other types of cancers. Cancer‐related economic burden is exacerbated by adverse treatment effects. Strategies to resolve the economic burden caused by breast cancer and its adverse treatment effects have stemmed from the perspectives of health care providers, oncology navigators, and other subject‐matter experts. For the current study, patient‐driven recommendations were elicited to reduce economic burden after 1) breast cancer and 2) breast cancer‐related lymphedema, which is a common, persistent adverse effect of breast cancer.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 40 long‐term breast cancer survivors who were residents of Pennsylvania or New Jersey in 2015 and were enrolled in a 6‐month observational study. Purposive sampling ensured equal representation by age, socioeconomic position, and lymphedema diagnosis. Semistructured interviews addressed economic challenges, supports used, and patient recommendations for reducing financial challenges. Interviews were coded, and representative quotes from the patient recommendations were analyzed and reported to illustrate key findings.

Results

Of 40 interviewees (mean age, 64 years; mean time since diagnosis, 12 years), 27 offered recommendations to reduce the economic burden caused by cancer and its adverse treatment effects. Nine recommendations emerged across 4 major themes: expanding affordable insurance and insurance‐covered items, especially for lymphedema treatment (among the 60% who reported lymphedema); supportive domestic help; financial assistance from diagnosis through treatment; and employment‐preserving policies.

Conclusions

The current study yielded 9 actionable, patient‐driven recommendations—changes to insurance, supportive services, financial assistance, and protective policies—to reduce breast cancer‐related economic burden. These recommendations should be tested through policy and programmatic interventions.
Targeting Burkitt lymphoma with a tumor cell–specific heptamethine carbocyanine‐cisplatin conjugate
Authors: Mrdenovic Stefan , Zhang Yi , Wang Ruoxiang , Yin Lijuan , Chu Gina Chia‐Yi , Yin Liyuan , Lewis Michael , Heffer Marija , Zhau Haiyen E. , Chung Leland W. K.
Published: March 2019

Background

Burkitt lymphoma is a fast‐growing mature B cell malignancy, whose genetic hallmark is translocation and activation of the c‐myc gene. Prompt multiagent immunochemotherapy regimens can have favorable outcomes, but prognosis is poor in refractory or relapsed disease. We previously identified a novel family of near‐infrared heptamethine carbocyanine fluorescent dyes (HMCD or DZ) with tumor‐homing properties via organic anion‐transporting peptides. These membrane carriers have uptake in tumor cells but not normal cells in cell culture, mouse and dog tumor models, patient‐derived xenografts, and perfused kidney cancers in human patients.

Methods

Here we report the cytotoxic effects of a synthesized conjugate of DZ with cisplatin (CIS) on B cell lymphoma CA46, Daudi, Namalwa, Raji, and Ramos cell lines in cell culture and in xenograft tumor formation. Impaired mitochondrial membrane permeability was examined as the mechanism of DZ‐CIS–induced lymphoma cell death.

Results

The new conjugate, DZ‐CIS, is cytotoxic against Burkitt lymphoma cell lines and tumor models. DZ‐CIS retains tumor‐homing properties to mitochondrial and lysosomal compartments, does not accumulate in normal cells and tissues, and has no nephrotoxicity in mice. DZ‐CIS accumulated in Burkitt lymphoma cells and tumors induces apoptosis and retards tumor cell growth in culture and xenograft tumor growth in mice.

Conclusion

DZ‐CIS downregulated c‐myc and overcame CIS resistance in myc‐driven TP53‐mutated aggressive B cell Burkitt lymphoma. We propose that DZ‐CIS could be used to treat relapsed/refractory aggressive Burkitt lymphomas.
Treatment delays for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Masic Selma , Smaldone Marc C.
Published: March 2019

Growing evidence supports the importance of timely care for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer, with multiple studies demonstrating that delays longer than 3 months are associated with worse outcomes. Causes for treatment delays are multifactorial and may be compounded by increasing regionalization; contemporary efforts to minimize delays must address cross‐team communication, care transitions, patient empowerment, socioeconomic differences, and access disparities.
Cationic Porphyrin‐Graphene Oxide Hybrid: Donor‐Acceptor Composite for Efficient Photoinduced Electron Transfer
Authors: Larowska Daria , Wojcik Aleksandra , Mazurkiewicz‐Pawlicka Marta , Malolepszy Artur , Stobiński Leszek , Marciniak Bronislaw , Lewandowska‐Andralojc Anna
Published: March 2019

Non‐covalent nanohybrids composed of cationic 5,10,15,20‐tetra(4‐trimethylammoniophenyl)porphyrin tetra(p‐toluenesulfonate) (TMAP) and the graphene oxide sheets were prepared under two pH values (6.2 vs. 1.8). The TMAP molecule was positively charged, regardless of the pH value during preparation. However, protonation of the imino nitrogens increased the overall charge of the porphyrin molecule from +4 to +6 (TMAP4+ and TMAP6+). It was found that at acidic pH, interaction of TMAP6+ with GO was largely suppressed. On the other hand, results of FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and elemental analysis confirmed effective non‐covalent functionalization of graphene oxide with cationic porphyrin at pH 6.2. The TMAP4+‐GO hybrids exhibited well defined structure with a monolayer of TMAP4+ on the GO sheets as confirmed by AFM. Formation of the ground‐state TMAP4+‐GO complex in solution was monitored by the red‐shift of the porphyrin Soret absorption band. This ground‐state interaction between TMAP4+ and GO is responsible for the static quenching of the porphyrin emission. Fluorescence was not detected for the nanohybrid which indicated that a very fast deactivation process had to take place. Ultrafast time‐resolved transient absorption spectroscopy clearly demonstrated the occurrence of electron transfer from the photoexcited TMAP4+ singlet state to GO sheets, as proven by the formation of a porphyrin radical cation.
Imaging Flow Cytometry to Assess Antigen‐Presenting‐Cell Function
Authors: Markey Kate A. , Gartlan Kate H.
Published: March 2019

This unit describes methods for quantifying phagocytosis and imaging the immunological synapse between T cells and antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), with both techniques delivering valuable information about APC function. These aspects of APC biology have traditionally been challenging to quantify, and imaging flow cytometry, which harnesses the high‐throughput nature of flow cytometry combined with the capacity of microscopy to deliver spatial localization, facilitates analysis of these APC functions in a fashion that was previously not possible. Imaging flow cytometry allows large numbers of events to be captured and large amounts of fluorescence data to be quantified at the physical location of markers of interest, both on the cell surface and in intracellular compartments, combining key features of traditional flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Human Germinal Center B Cells Differ from Naïve and Memory B Cells in CD40 Expression and CD40L‐Induced Signaling Response
Authors: Huse Kanutte , Wogsland Cara E. , Polikowsky Hannah G. , Diggins Kirsten E. , Smeland Erlend B. , Myklebust June H. , Irish Jonathan M.
Published: March 2019

CD40 expression is required for germinal center (GC) formation and function, but the kinetics and magnitude of signaling following CD40 engagement remain poorly characterized in human B cells undergoing GC reactions. Here, differences in CD40 expression and signaling responses were compared across differentiation stages of mature human tonsillar B cells. A combination of mass cytometry and phospho‐specific flow cytometry was used to quantify protein expression and CD40L‐induced signaling in primary human naïve, GC, and memory B cells. Protein expression signatures of cell subsets were quantified using viSNE and Marker Enrichment Modeling (MEM). This approach revealed enriched expression of CD40 protein in GC B cells, compared to naïve and memory B cells. Despite this, GC B cells responded to CD40L engagement with lower phosphorylation of NFκB p65 during the first 30 min following CD40L activation. Before CD40L stimulation, GC B cells expressed higher levels of suppressor protein IκBα than naïve and memory B cells. Following CD40 activation, IκBα was rapidly degraded and reached equivalently low levels in naïve, GC, and memory B cells at 30 min following CD40L. Quantifying CD40 signaling responses as a function of bound ligand revealed a correlation between bound CD40L and degree of induced NFκB p65 phosphorylation, whereas comparable IκBα degradation occurred at all measured levels of CD40L binding. These results characterize cell‐intrinsic signaling differences that exist in mature human B cells undergoing GC reactions. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Management intensification maintains wood production over multiple harvests in tropical Eucalyptus plantations
Authors: McMahon Devin E. , Jackson Robert B.
Published: March 2019

Plantation forestry, in which trees are grown as a crop, must maintain wood production over repeated harvest cycles (rotations) to meet global wood demands on a limited land area. We analyze 33 yr of Landsat observations across the world's most productive forestry system, Eucalyptus plantations in southeastern Brazil, to assess long‐term regional trends in wood production. We apply a simple algorithm to time series of the vegetation index NIRv in thousands of Eucalyptus stands to detect the starts and ends of rotations. We then estimate wood production in each identified stand and rotation, based on a statistical relationship between NIRv trajectories and inventory data from three plantation companies. We also compare Eucalyptus NIRv with that of surrounding native vegetation to assess the relative influence of management and environment on plantation productivity trends. Across more than 3,500 stands with three complete rotations between 1984 and 2016, modeled wood volume decreased significantly between the first and second rotation, but recovered at least partially in the third; mean wood volumes for the three rotations were 262, 228, and 247 m3/ha. This nonlinear trend reflects intensifying plantation management, as rotation length decreased by an average of 15% (decreasing wood volume per rotation) and NIRv proxies of tree growth rates increased (increasing volume) between the first and third rotation. However, NIRv also increased significantly over time in unmanaged vegetation around the plantations, suggesting that environmental trends affecting all vegetation also contribute to sustaining wood production. Management inputs will likely continue to be important for maintaining wood production in future harvests.
Population projection models for 14 alien plant species in the presence and absence of aboveground competition
Authors: Levin Sam C. , Crandall Raelene M. , Knight Tiffany M.
Published: March 2019

Plant population ecologists strive to understand how environmental drivers influence demographic vital rates and thus population dynamics. Hundreds of studies have collected demographic data and used matrix and/or integral projection models to quantify lifetime fitness and population dynamics of plants. However, most of these studies have focused on native plant species, and there is a need for more studies on alien plants. Further, few studies on alien plants have experimentally manipulated environmental drivers in order to understand the mechanisms that allow alien plant species to have positive population growth. A synthetic understanding of the population dynamics of alien plant species will only be achieved if ecologists collect demographic data on many plant species and environments and provide the demographic data and model structure in a data archive for future comparisons and meta‐analyses. Invasive alien species are a social, economic, and ecological issue that has become increasingly important in an increasingly globalized world. Researchers continue to forecast impacts and prevent new introductions by seeking a robust understanding of drivers of invasive species success and failure. Researchers have hypothesized that competitive differences may play a key role in determining alien species success in novel environments. Studies that experimentally manipulate competitors while quantifying demography provide mechanistic insight into species’ responses to competition. To date, nearly all field manipulations of competition that measure plant demography and population dynamics have focused on native plant species. The data we provide here aim to address this gap in our knowledge for alien plant species. We present raw data and population‐projection models for 14 alien plant species in eastern Missouri, USA. We sampled under ambient conditions and with all individuals of nonfocal species removed from the community, allowing us to project population dynamics in the presence and absence of competition. We have also included the data quantifying how much biomass we removed at the plot level during each removal procedure and data from our germination experiment. No copyright or proprietary restrictions are associated with the use of this data set other than citation of this Data Paper.
The dynamics of advancing climate policy in federal political systems
Authors: Jordaan Sarah M. , Davidson Adrienne , Nazari Jamal A. , Herremans Irene M.
Published: March 2019

To avoid irreversible climate damages, countries with different political systems must commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the world. The challenge posed to federal countries participating in international climate agreements through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is that successful implementation requires buy‐in from their subnational governments. However, subnational climate action may not be aligned with the political priorities of the national government and could either undermine or support commitments made through the agreement. To explore these dynamics, we review the incoherence between international commitments, national and subnational policies of Canada and the United States, relying on case studies of investments in low‐carbon energy and emissions outcomes. Political and policy incoherence has flowed in both directions. Both countries have seen periods of federal government action, which have been undermined by subnational inaction or opposition. Similarly, both countries have seen periods of federal government inaction, which has placed the onus on subnational governments. Our analysis enables a greater understanding about how the dynamics of federalist political systems influence policy, thus the energy investment and emissions outcomes of national commitments to international agreements. The implications of our findings for other federalist political systems are discussed. We suggest that during national leadership voids, subnational governments can counteract the associated negative policy outcomes by implementing climate policies that support low‐carbon technologies and reducing emissions. This type of system supports the development of a coordinated strategy among subnational governments in achieving international goals through cooperative federalism via subnational policy compacts.
Mechanistic Understanding of Size‐Dependent Oxygen Reduction Activity and Selectivity over Pt/CNT Nanocatalysts
Authors: Gan Jie , Luo Wei , Chen Wenyao , Guo Jianing , Xiang Zhonghua , Chen Bingxu , Yang Fan , Cao Yunjun , Song Fei , Duan Xuezhi , Zhou Xinggui
Published: March 2019

Identifying the underlying nature of the structure sensitivity of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) over carbon supported Pt catalysts is an important but challenging issue in electrochemical system. In this work, we combine experiments, density functional theory calculations with model calculations to clarify the size‐dependent ORR activity and selectivity over differently sized Pt/CNT catalysts. HAADF‐STEM, HRTEM and XPS measurements show that the Pt nanoparticles supported on CNT possess a well‐defined truncated octahedron shape in most cases and similar electronic properties. The observed size‐insensitive TOFactive site based on the number of Pt(111) atoms suggests the Pt(111) surface as the dominant active site. Moreover, the Pt(111) surface is also suggested as the dominant active sites for the formation of H2O2, and the catalyst with the higher Pt binding energy facilitates the oxygen reduction to H2O. The insights revealed here could shed new light on the design and optimization of Pt‐based ORR catalysts.
Helicene‐Based Illusory Chiral Supramolecular Expression of the Penrose Stairs: Chiroptical Property and Narcissistic Self‐Sorting
Authors: Lin Wei‐Bin , Wang Yin‐Feng , Lu Hai‐Yan , Chen Chuan‐Feng
Published: March 2019

Based on the chiral helicene‐derived dipyridyl ligands, two pairs of chiral rhomboid metallacycles were constructed conveniently by the coordination‐driven self‐assembly. It was found that the chiral metallacycles showed a supramolecular depiction of the illusory Penrose stairs. Moreover, the enantiomers of the metallacycles not only showed clear mirror imaged circular dichroism (CD) spectra and mirror imaged circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) properties, but also exhibited enhanced chiroptical responses probably due to the PS‐like structures. Narcissistic self‐sorting was further observed in the one‐pot synthesis of these chiral rhomboid metallacycles.
Quality Parameters of Mechanically Extracted Edible Macauba Oils (Acrocomia aculeata) for Potential Food and Alternative Industrial Feedstock Application
Authors: Prates‐Valério Pedro , Celayeta Jesus M. F. , Cren Erika C.
Published: March 2019

There is a need for knowledge on new sources of vegetable oils. Acrocomia aculeata is regarded as a promising alternative source to meet food and industrial demands. With a similar productive potential to Elaeis guineensis, this crop is among the highest oil‐yielding plants in the world. The present study characterizes the A. aculeata oil comprehensively to aid the setting up of standards encompassing the quality, composition, and identity. Samples are obtained under five different pressing conditions and screened regarding quality parameters. The coldly pressed sample, which shows the highest tocols content (85.5 mg kg−1), the higher oil stability index (6.4 h), and an acid value of 1.6 mg KOH g−1 is characterized in terms of chemical, physical, and identity characteristics, i.e., peroxide value, insoluble impurities, mineral contents, fatty acids essential composition, iodine value, saponification value, kinematic viscosity, relative density, unsaponifiable matter, and total carotenoids. Results are compared with the literature sources to assess A. aculeata as an alternative feedstock. The study contributes to evidence that products derived from A. aculeata may have good consumer acceptance, nutraceutical value, and natural appeal. It is suggested that the compliance to legal standards must be pursued to guarantee the sustainability of the productive crop chain.

Practical Applications: This paper contributes an assessment of the quality parameters of Acrocomia aculeata oils as Functional Food and alternative industrial feedstock. A comprehensive characterization of the oil studied will help food scientists, industry and food processing research to set up standards concerning composition, identity and health‐related topics regarding one of the highest oil‐yielding plants in the world.

A comprehensive characterization of edible vegetable oils mechanically extracted from the mesocarp of fresh Acrocomia aculeata fruit is carried out to consider the assessment of different temperature conditions and subsequent pressings. Quality, composition, and identity characteristics of the crude oil are obtained to set up standards also on health‐related topics.
LiFePO4‐Accelerated Change in Surface and Electrochemical Properties in Aqueous Systems Induced by Mechanical Agitation
Authors: Geng Linxiao , Foley Sonia B. , Dong Hongxu , Koenig Gary M.
Published: March 2019

Switching from organic to aqueous solvents for battery electrode processing is desirable due to both safety and cost advantages. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) is considered a cathode material for aqueous processing due to its demonstrated chemical compatibility with water, in addition to its favorable cost, safety, electrochemical performance, and environmental advantages as a battery active material. All research on LFP stability in water has been conducted in a scenario where LFP is aged in stagnant water, or surrounded by water when confined within a composite electrode. However, a much accelerated degradation in the electrochemical performance of LFP when it is in contact with water and exposed to mechanical agitation is demonstrated. Changes to LFP are probed using a combination of materials characterization methods. Although there are no significant changes to the bulk particle structure and morphology, significant particle surface damage and compositional modifications are observed. These results suggest that the systems where LFP is exposed to agitation in an aqueous environment, such as in aqueous battery electrode processing or in aqueous slurry electrodes, need to be carefully investigated for potential changes to the LFP surface environment under relevant processing conditions.
Enhanced responses to somatostatin interneuron activation in developmentally malformed cortex
Authors: Ekanem Nicole B. , Reed Laura K. , Weston Nicole , Jacobs Kimberle M.
Published: March 2019

Intractable epilepsy is commonly associated with developmental cortical malformations. Using the rodent freeze lesion model, we have sought the underlying circuit abnormalities contributing to the epileptiform activity that occurs in association with the structural pathology of four‐layered microgyria. We showed previously that within the epileptogenic paramicrogyral region (PMR) surrounding the malformation, non–fast‐spiking neurons commonly containing somatostatin (SSt) exhibit alterations, including having a greater maximum firing rate. Here we examined the output of SSt interneurons with optogenetics, using SSt‐Cre mice mated to mice with floxed channelrhodopsin‐2. Voltage clamp recordings from layer V pyramidal neurons in ex vivo slices had significantly enhanced SSt‐evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents in PMR cortex compared to control. In addition, under conditions of low‐Mg2+ artificial cerebral spinal fluid (aCSF), light activation of the SSt neurons evoked field potential epileptiform activity in the PMR cortex, but not in control. These data suggest that within the PMR cortex, SSts have a significantly larger effect on excitatory neurons. Surprisingly, the network effect of this enhanced inhibition is hyperexcitability with propagating epileptiform activity, perhaps due to disinhibition of other interneuron cell types or to enhanced synchrony of excitatory cortical elements. This identification creates a new locus for potential modulation of epileptiform activity associated with cortical malformation.
Costly signaling and the handicap principle in hunter‐gatherer research: A critical review
Authors: Stibbard‐Hawkes Duncan N. E.
Published: March 2019

It has been argued that men's hunting in many forager groups is not, primarily, a means of family provisioning but is a costly way of signaling otherwise cryptic qualities related to hunting ability. Much literature concerning the signaling value of hunting draws links to Zahavi's handicap principle and the costly signaling literature in zoology. However, although nominally grounded in the same theoretical paradigm, these literatures have evolved separately. Here I review honest signaling theory in both hunter‐gatherer studies and zoology and highlight three issues with the costly signaling literature in hunter‐gather studies: (a) an overemphasis on the demonstration of realized costs, which are neither necessary nor sufficient to diagnose costly signaling; (b) a lack of clear predictions about what specific qualities hunting actually signals; and (c) an insufficient focus on the broadcast effectiveness of hunting and its value as a heuristics for signal recipients. Rather than signaling hunting prowess, hunting might instead facilitate reputation‐building.
Application of narrow‐spectrum illumination and image processing to measure surface char formation in lateral ignition and flame spread tests
Authors: Gatien Seth , Young Tim , Hoehler Matthew S. , Gales John
Published: March 2019

The Lateral Ignition and Flame Spread Test (LIFT) is used to characterize fire ignition and flame spread on solid materials. This test requires the operator to visually monitor the flame spread over a combustible material and manually record the position of the flame during an experiment. Visual inspection limits the quantity of data obtained from a test and introduces uncertainty in the measurement. In this study, we use narrow‐spectrum light with a peak wavelength of 450 nm and a digital camera with frequency‐matched optical filters to capture images of surface charring, which underlies the flaming combustion, in a LIFT apparatus. The imaging technique reduced unwanted energy emissions from the flame in the visible light spectrum, allowing the test operator to directly view the charring of the material, which is otherwise hidden behind the flames. We describe data processing routines to analyze the sequences of high‐resolution images. The method improves temporal and spatial resolution of the surface charring compared with visual observations.
Hydrogen‐Peroxide‐Generating Electrochemical Scaffold Eradicates Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms
Authors: Raval Yash S. , Mohamed Abdelrhman , Zmuda Hannah M. , Patel Robin , Beyenal Haluk
Published: March 2019

Increasing rates of chronic wound infections caused by antibiotic‐resistant bacteria are a crisis in healthcare settings. Biofilms formed by bacterial communities in these wounds create a complex environment, enabling bacteria to persist, even with antibiotic treatment. Wound infections caused by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are major causes of morbidity in clinical practice. There is a need for new therapeutic interventions not based on antibiotics. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a known antibacterial/antibiofilm agent, continuous delivery of which has been challenging. A conductive electrochemical scaffold (e‐scaffold) is developed, which is composed of carbon fabric that electrochemically reduces dissolved oxygen into H2O2 when polarized at −0.6 VAg/AgCl, as a novel antibiofilm wound dressing material. In this study, the in vitro antibiofilm activity of the e‐scaffold against MRSA is investigated. The developed e‐scaffold efficiently eradicates MRSA biofilms, based on bacterial quantitation and ATP measurements. Moreover, imaging hinted at the possibility of cell‐membrane damage as a mechanism of action. These results suggest that an H2O2‐generating e‐scaffold may be a novel platform for eliminating MRSA biofilms without using antibiotics and may be useful to treat chronic MRSA wound infections.
A General Protocol for Robust Sonogashira Reactions in Micellar Medium
Authors: Jakobi Markus , Gallou Fabrice , Sparr Christof , Parmentier Michael
Published: March 2019

A robust and general protocol for a sustainable copper‐free Sonogashira cross coupling under micellar aqueous reaction conditions with high turnover was developed. By using the commercially available catalyst CataCXium A Pd G3 and THF as co‐solvent, various alkyne substrates were efficiently cross‐coupled with a broad range of aryl halides, providing improved yields and low catalyst loadings. The reaction parameters were optimized to render the process operationally simple, robust and scalable. The method gives access to alkynylated arenes, heterocyclic compounds, and monofunctionalized products from dihalogenated substrates with an improved selectivity achieved by the micellar aqueous reaction conditions.
Inclusion climate: A multilevel investigation of its antecedents and consequences
Authors: Li Yiqiong , Perera Sanjeewa , Kulik Carol T. , Metz Isabel
Published: March 2019

This study investigates the antecedents and consequences of organization‐level inclusion climate. A national sample of human resource decision‐makers from 100 organizations described their firms' formal diversity management programs; 3,229 employees reported their perceptions of, and reactions to, their employers' diversity management. Multilevel analyses demonstrate that identity‐conscious programs (programs that target specific identity groups) generate an inclusion climate. Moreover, the analyses provide evidence of multilevel mediation: In organizations with an inclusion climate, individual employees perceive the organization as fulfilling its diversity management obligations and respond with higher levels of affective commitment. This study represents an important step toward understanding how a shared perception of organizational inclusiveness develops and how inclusion climate facilitates the achievement of diversity management objectives. The findings also shed light on the important role of identity‐conscious programs in promoting organizational commitment within a diverse workforce.
Spatial and temporal variability of stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) in surface waters of arid, mountainous Central Asia
Authors: Wu Huawu , Wu Jinglu , Sakiev Kadyrbek , Liu Jinzhao , Li Jing , He Bin , Liu Ya , Shen Beibei
Published: March 2019

Characterization of spatial and temporal variability of stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) of surface waters is essential to interpret hydrological processes and establish modern isotope–elevation gradients across mountainous terrains. Here, we present stable isotope data for river waters across Kyrgyzstan. River water isotopes exhibit substantial spatial heterogeneity among different watersheds in Kyrgyzstan. Higher river water isotope values were found mainly in the Issyk‐Kul Lake watershed, whereas waters in the Son‐Kul Lake watershed display lower values. Results show a close δ18O–δ2H relation between river water and the local meteoric water line, implying that river water experiences little evaporative enrichment. River water from the high‐elevation regions (e.g., Naryn and Son‐Kul Lake watershed) had the most negative isotope values, implying that river water is dominated by snowmelt. Higher deuterium excess (average d = 13.9‰) in river water probably represents the isotopic signature of combined contributions from direct precipitation and glacier melt in stream discharge across Kyrgyzstan. A significant relationship between river water δ18O and elevation was observed with a vertical lapse rate of 0.13‰/100 m. These findings provide crucial information about hydrological processes across Kyrgyzstan and contribute to a better understanding of the paleoclimate/elevation reconstruction of this region.
Mouse strain differences in response to oral immunotherapy for peanut allergy
Authors: Wagenaar Laura , Bol‐Schoenmakers Marianne W.H.C. , Giustarini Giulio , Garssen Johan , Smit Joost J. , Pieters Raymond H.H.
Published: March 2019

Background

Promising therapies for food allergy are emerging, mostly based on animal experimentation. However, different mouse strains are used, which may make it hard to compare experiments. The current study investigated whether the immunological differences between C3H/HeOuJ (C3H) and BALB/c mice lead to differences in efficacy of peanut‐specific immunotherapy.

Methods

After sensitization using peanut extract (PE), C3H and BALB/c mice received oral immunotherapy (OIT) by intragastric dosing for three weeks. Hereafter, mice were exposed to PE via the intradermal, intragastric and intraperitoneal route, to determine allergic outcomes. Furthermore, PE‐specific antibody and cytokine production were determined and the number of various immune cells at different time points during the study were measured.

Results

OIT protected C3H mice against anaphylaxis, whereas no anaphylaxis was seen in BALB/c mice. In contrast, OIT induced an increase in MMCP‐1 levels in BALB/c mice but not in C3H mice. No effect of OIT on the acute allergic skin response was observed in either strain. Specific antibody responses showed similar patterns in both strains for IgA and IgG1. IgE levels were a tenfold higher in BALB/c mice and after the intragastric challenge (day 70) OIT‐treated BALB/c mice showed induced IgE levels. Moreover, in C3H mice IgG2a levels were higher and increased in response to OIT and challenges. After the final challenge, but not at other timepoints MLN‐derived lymphocytes from OIT‐treated BALB/c mice produced less IL‐13 and IL‐5 compared to control‐treated mice, whereas no differences were seen in case of C3H mice.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results show that the C3H strain is more suitable to study clinical outcomes of OIT, whereas the BALB/c strain is more optimal to study T cell responses.
Ionic Liquids and their Polymers in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Josef Elinor , Yan Yajing , Stan Marian Cristian , Wellmann Julia , Vizintin Alen , Winter Martin , Johansson Patrik , Dominko Robert , Guterman Ryan
Published: March 2019

Future optimized lithium‐sulfur batteries may promise higher energy densities than the current standard. However, there are many barriers which hinder their commercialization. In this review we describe how ionic liquids (ILs) and their polymers are utilized in different components of the battery to address some of these issues. For example, IL‐based electrolytes have the potential to reduce the solubility of polysulfides compared to conventional organic electrolytes. Polymerizing ILs directly on the surface of the Li‐metal anode is suggested as an approach to protect the surface of this electrode. Finally, using poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) as binders for the cathode active material may increase the performance of the cathode as compared to polyvinylidene difluoride (PVdF) and could inhibit swelling‐induced degradation. These results demonstrate the advantages of ILs and their polymers for improving the performance of Li−S batteries.
Renal cell carcinoma in a lumbar ectopic kidney
Authors: Hamano Itsuto , Hatakeyama Shingo , Soma Osamu , Ishibashi Yusuke , Yoneyama Tohru , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Nishimura Shoji , Koie Takuya , Ohyama Chikara
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Lumbar ectopic kidney is a rare developmental renal anomaly. We report a case of renal cell carcinoma in lumbar ectopic kidney with an abnormality of the main renal artery piercing the renal parenchyma.

Case presentation

A 70‐year‐old female was referred to our division with an incidentally diagnosed ectopic kidney. Computed tomography angiography detected the right kidney at the lumbar (L3‐L4) level with an early‐enhanced 44‐mm‐diameter mass. The kidney had a laterally facing renal hilum and renal arteries piercing the renal parenchyma from the medial side. An open radical nephrectomy was performed using a peritoneal approach, and no perioperative complications were observed. The pathological diagnosis was clear cell carcinoma (pT1).

Conclusion

This is the first case report of renal cell carcinoma in a lumbar ectopic kidney. It highlights the importance of preoperational imaging for aberrant artery and careful surgical management.
Field performance of the INSTI HIV‐1/‐2 antibody test in two South African antenatal clinics
Authors: Mayaphi Simnikiwe H. , Martin Desmond J. , Quinn Thomas C. , Stoltz Anton C.
Published: March 2019

This was a prospective study that assessed field performance of the INSTI HIV‐1/‐2 antibody test (INSTI test) in two antenatal clinics in South Africa (SA). INSTI test was evaluated against rapid tests used at these clinics, and pooled nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) performed for individuals with negative rapid tests. Three hundred and eighty‐six pregnant women were enrolled; 334 (86.5%) with negative results on the screening rapid test, and 52 (13.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.2–17.3%) with positive results on screening and confirmatory rapid tests. INSTI test yielded the same results as other rapid tests in all participants, thus showing a 100% sensitivity (95% CI: 93.2–100.0%) and specificity (95% CI: 98.9–100.0%). Pooled NAAT was performed for 290 participants who had negative rapid tests, and yielded negative results in all pools. These data show excellent field performance of the INSTI test, and highlight that this test can be implementedat SA clinics.
Parvovirus B19 in South African blood donors
Authors: Francois Kerri Lee , Parboosing Raveen , Moodley Pravi
Published: March 2019

Background

Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) is transmitted via transfusion of blood and blood products. PVB19 is resistant to viral inactivation methods, which poses a threat to blood safety. We investigated the prevalence of PVB19 antibodies and DNA in healthy blood donors from the South African National Blood Bank Service to evaluate the necessity of PVB19 DNA testing.

Study Design and Method

A retrospective analysis of 1500 residual plasma specimens from healthy blood donors from the SANBS repository were screened in mini‐pools of 20 for PVB19 DNA using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Positive pools were resolved by individual viral load testing and screened for PVB19 immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to correlate viral loads with serological status. PVB19 IgG prevalence was determined by testing 90 randomly selected specimens from the 1500 plasma specimens.

Results

The prevalence of PVB19 IgG, IgM and IgG, and DNA was 62.2%, 0.06%, and 0.9%, respectively. Fourteen of the 1500 blood donor specimens received, had detectable PVB19 viral loads. Nine of the fourteen donors with detectable viral loads were PVB19 IgG seropositive. The PVB19 viral loads ranged from 1.81 to 5.32 log IU/mL. Four of the fourteen viraemic donors had a viraemia >10
4 IU/mL.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated a low prevalence of PVB19 DNA in SANBS blood donors. The predominance of low‐level viraemia and the presence of PVB19 antibodies, suggests that the risk of transfusion transmission of PVB19 among SANBS donors may be relatively low.
VEGF‐loaded mineral‐coated microparticles improve bone repair and are associated with increased expression of epo and RUNX‐2 in murine non‐unions
Authors: Orth Marcel , Shenar Amira K. , Scheuer Claudia , Braun Benedikt J. , Herath Steven C. , Holstein Jörg H. , Histing Tina , Yu Xiaohua , Murphy William L. , Pohlemann Tim , Laschke Matthias W. , Menger Michael D.
Published: March 2019

A poor vascular supply of the fracture gap is a key factor for the development of atrophic non‐unions. Mineral‐coated microparticles (MCM) represent a sophisticated carrier system for the delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Hence, we investigated whether VEGF‐loaded MCM improve bone repair in non‐unions. For this purpose, we analyzed binding and release kinetics of MCM for VEGF in vitro. Moreover, we applied VEGF‐loaded or ‐unloaded MCM in a murine non‐union model in vivo and studied the process of bone healing by means of biomechanical, radiological, histomorphometric, and Western blot techniques. MCM‐free non‐unions served as controls. The binding efficiency of MCM for VEGF was 46 ± 3% and the release profile revealed an initial minor burst release followed by a sustained release over a 50‐day study period, thus, mimicking the physiological expression profile of VEGF during bone healing. In vivo, bone defects treated with VEGF‐loaded MCM exhibited a higher bending stiffness, a higher fraction of bone volume/tissue volume and a larger callus area on days 14 and 70 when compared to the other groups. Western blot analyses on day 14 revealed a higher expression of VEGF, erythropoietin (EPO), and runt‐related transcription factor 2, but not of EPO‐receptor in bone defects treated with VEGF‐loaded MCM. These findings demonstrate that the use of MCM for VEGF delivery shows great potential due to the ability to maintain protein stability and functionality in vivo. Moreover, the application of VEGF‐loaded MCM represent a promising strategy for the treatment of non‐unions. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res