bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palladium Complexes of Carbazole‐Based Chalcogenaisophlorins: Synthesis, Structure, and Solid‐State NIR Absorption Spectra
Authors: Maeda Chihiro , Takaishi Kazuto , Ema Tadashi
Published: November 2017

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Prof. Tadashi Ema from Okayama University, Japan. The cover picture shows the crystal structure of a palladium‐complex of carbazole‐based isophlorin, which forms the trimeric stacked layered structure and shows relatively strong solid‐state NIR absorption. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201700430.
Leveraging Humanized Animal Models to Understand Human Drug Disposition: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions
Authors: Choo Edna F. , Salphati Laurent
Published: November 2017

The utility of animal models in understanding drug disposition and extrapolating to human in a direct manner is limited, confounded by differences in enzyme and transporter substrate specificity and expression between species. Conversely, certain clinical pharmacology or mechanistic studies cannot be conducted for ethical and practical reasons. Thus, humanized animal models could be useful to bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical pharmacology and gain relevant insight into the determinants of drug disposition and drug–drug interaction (DDI).
Interfacial Engineering of Supported Liquid Membranes by Vapor Cross‐Linking for Enhanced Separation of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Kong Li‐Yun , Shan Wei‐Da , Han Sheng‐Li , Zhang Tao , He Lang‐Chong , Huang Kuan , Dai Sheng
Published: November 2017

Supported liquid membranes (SLMs) based on ionic liquids (ILs) with not only high gas permeability and selectivity, but also high stability under high pressure, are highly desired for gas separation applications. In this work, permeable and selective polyamide network (PN) layers are deposited on the surface of SLMs by utilizing the cross‐linking reaction of trimesoyl chloride, which was pre‐dispersed in the SLMs, and vapor of amine linkers. The vapor cross‐linking method makes it easy to control the growth and aggregation of PN layers, owing to the significantly reduced reaction rate, and thereby ensuring the good distribution of PN layers on the surface of SLMs. With rational choice of amine linkers and optimization of vapor cross‐linking conditions, the prepared sandwich‐like PN@SLMs with ILs embedded homogeneously within polymeric matrices displayed much‐improved CO2 permeability and CO2/N2 selectivity in relation to the pristine SLMs. Moreover, those SLMs with ILs impregnated into porous supports physically displayed improved stability under high pressure after vapor cross‐linking, because the PN layers formed on the surface of SLMs help prevent the ILs from being squeezed out. This interfacial engineering strategy represents a significant advance in the surface modification of SLMs to endow them with promising applications in CO2 capture.
Effective charge of a macroparticle in a non‐isothermal plasma within the Poisson–Boltzmann model
Authors: Momot A.I.
Published: November 2017

The electrostatic potential distribution around a charged, spherical, finite‐size macroparticle in a non‐isothermal plasma‐like medium is studied numerically within the Poisson–Boltzmann model. It is assumed that plasma consists of electrons and one species of singly charged ions. The effective charge of a macroparticle is calculated and its dependence on the electron to ion temperature ratio as well as on the particle radius and bare charge is considered. Numerical results for the effective charge in an isothermal plasma are compared with known analytical expressions.
Identifying compartments in ecological networks based on energy channels
Authors: Zhao Lei , Zhang Huayong , Tian Wang , Xu Xiang
Published: November 2017

It has been confirmed in many food webs that the interactions between species are divided into “compartments,” that is, subgroups of highly interacting taxa with few weak interactions between the subgroups. Many of the current methods for detecting compartments in food webs are borrowed from network theory, which do little to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning them. Therefore, a method based on ecological context is needed. Here, we develop a new method for detecting compartments in food webs based on the reliance of each node on energy derived from basal resources (i.e., producers or decomposers). Additional Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to test the significance of the compartmentalization. Further, we applied a food web dynamics model to test whether the effects of permutation would be retained within a single compartment. The proposed method identified significant compartments in 23 of the 28 empirical food webs that were investigated. We further demonstrated that the effects of node removal were significantly higher within compartments than between compartments. Our methods and results emphasize the importance of energy channels in forming food web structures, which sheds light on the mechanisms of self‐organization within food webs.
Phenology largely explains taller grass at successful nests in greater sage‐grouse
Authors: Smith Joseph T. , Tack Jason D. , Doherty Kevin E. , Allred Brady W. , Maestas Jeremy D. , Berkeley Lorelle I. , Dettenmaier Seth J. , Messmer Terry A. , Naugle David E.
Published: November 2017

Much interest lies in the identification of manageable habitat variables that affect key vital rates for species of concern. For ground‐nesting birds, vegetation surrounding the nest may play an important role in mediating nest success by providing concealment from predators. Height of grasses surrounding the nest is thought to be a driver of nest survival in greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage‐grouse), a species that has experienced widespread population declines throughout their range. However, a growing body of the literature has found that widely used field methods can produce misleading inference on the relationship between grass height and nest success. Specifically, it has been demonstrated that measuring concealment following nest fate (failure or hatch) introduces a temporal bias whereby successful nests are measured later in the season, on average, than failed nests. This sampling bias can produce inference suggesting a positive effect of grass height on nest survival, though the relationship arises due to the confounding effect of plant phenology, not an effect on predation risk. To test the generality of this finding for sage‐grouse, we reanalyzed existing datasets comprising >800 sage‐grouse nests from three independent studies across the range where there was a positive relationship found between grass height and nest survival, including two using methods now known to be biased. Correcting for phenology produced equivocal relationships between grass height and sage‐grouse nest survival. Viewed in total, evidence for a ubiquitous biological effect of grass height on sage‐grouse nest success across time and space is lacking. In light of these findings, a reevaluation of land management guidelines emphasizing specific grass height targets to promote nest success may be merited.
Multiplex identification of sepsis‐causing Gram‐negative pathogens from the plasma of infected blood
Authors: Chung Boram , Park Chulmin , Cho Sung‐Yeon , Shin Juyoun , Shin Sun , Yim Seon‐Hee , Lee Dong‐Gun , Chung Yeun‐Jung
Published: November 2017

Early and accurate detection of bacterial pathogens in the blood is the most crucial step for sepsis management. Gram‐negative bacteria are the most common organisms causing severe sepsis and responsible for high morbidity and mortality. We aimed to develop a method for rapid multiplex identification of clinically important Gram‐negative pathogens and also validated whether our system can identify Gram‐negative pathogens with the cell‐free plasm DNA from infected blood. We designed five MLPA probe sets targeting the genes specific to major Gram‐negative pathogens (uidA and lacY for E. coli, ompA for A. baumannii, phoE for K. pneumoniae, and ecfX for P. aeruginosa) and one set targeting the CTX‐M group 1 to identify the ESBL producing Gram‐negative pathogens. All six target‐specific peaks were clearly separated without any non‐specific peaks in a multiplex reaction condition. The minimum detection limit was 100 fg of pathogen DNA. When we tested 28 Gram‐negative clinical isolates, all of them were successfully identified without any non‐specific peaks. To evaluate the clinical applicability, we tested seven blood samples from febrile patients. Three blood culture positive cases showed E. coli specific peaks, while no peak was detected in the other four culture negative samples. This technology can be useful for detection of major sepsis‐causing, drug‐resistant Gram‐negative pathogens and also the major ESBL producing Gram‐negatives from the blood of sepsis patients in a clinical setting. This system can help early initiation of effective antimicrobial treatment against Gram‐negative pathogens for sepsis patients, which is very crucial for better treatment outcomes.
Green and Facile Preparation of Carbon‐Coated TiO2 Nanosheets for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Luo Zhigao , Liu Sainan , Cai Yangshen , Li Shi , Pan Anqiang , Liang Shuquan
Published: November 2017

TiO2 is particularly interesting as an anode for sodium‐ion batteries because of its exceptional stability, nontoxicity, natural abundance, and low cost. However, the low intrinsic electronic and ionic conductivity of TiO2 result in insufficient reversible capacities and rate capabilities. Herein, a sheet‐like anatase‐type TiO2 with carbon coating is synthesized using a cost‐effective and energy‐efficient hydrothermal reaction. As a proof‐of‐concept application, the as‐synthesized C/TiO2 nanosheets exhibits good electrochemical performance, including high specific capacities and high rate stability.
Experimental study of deformable connection consisting of friction device and rubber bearings to connect floor system to lateral force resisting system
Authors: Tsampras Georgios , Sause Richard , Fleischman Robert B. , Restrepo José I.
Published: November 2017

This paper presents experimental and numerical studies of a full‐scale deformable connection used to connect the floor system of the flexible gravity load resisting system to the stiff lateral force resisting system (LFRS) of an earthquake‐resistant building. The purpose of the deformable connection is to limit the earthquake‐induced horizontal inertia force transferred from the floor system to the LFRS and thereby to reduce the horizontal floor accelerations and the forces in the LFRS. The deformable connection that was studied consists of a friction device (FD) and carbon fiber‐reinforced laminated low‐damping rubber bearings (RB), denoted as the FD + RB connection.

The test results show that the force‐deformation responses of the FD + RB connection are stable under quasi‐static sinusoidal and earthquake loading histories and dynamic sinusoidal loading histories. The FD + RB connection force‐deformation response is approximated with a bilinear elastic‐plastic force‐deformation response with kinematic hardening. The FD is axially stiff, compact, easy‐to‐assemble, and able to accommodate the FD + RB connection kinematic requirements. The FD elastic stiffness controls the FD + RB connection elastic stiffness. The FD friction force controls the force when the FD + RB connection force‐deformation response transitions from elastic to post elastic. The RB provide predictable and reliable post‐elastic stiffness to the FD + RB connection. The machining tolerances for the FD components, the “break‐in” effect, the sliding history, and the dwell time affect the FD friction force. Numerical simulation results for a 12‐story reinforced concrete wall building with FD + RB connections under seismic loading show that a reduction of the FD friction force increases the FD + RB connection deformation demand.
Bioaccumulation, uptake, and toxicity of carbamazepine in soil–plant systems
Authors: Knight Emma R. , Carter Laura J. , McLaughlin Michael J.
Published: November 2017

Since the detection of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in various environmental media, research has explored the potential uptake and toxicity of these chemicals to species inhabiting these matrices. Specifically, pharmaceuticals, including the antiepileptic API carbamazepine (CBZ), are taken up from soil by a range of plants. Many short-term studies have also suggested that certain APIs induce toxicity in plants. However, the effects of APIs on fruiting plants remain relatively unexplored. The present study investigated the uptake, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of CBZ in Cucurbita pepo (zucchini) from seed to full maturity across a range of CBZ exposure concentrations in soil (0.1–20 mg/kg). Results of biomass, chlorophyll, starch and total nitrogen (N) concentration in C. pepo indicated toxicity at soil concentrations of ≥10 mg/kg. There were clear visual indications of increasing toxicity on leaves, including chlorosis and necrosis, from soil concentrations of 1 up to 20 mg/kg. The present study also revealed novel insights into the effect of CBZ accumulation on C. pepo fruiting: female C. pepo flowers were unable to set fruit when leaf concentrations were ≥14 mg/kg. These findings may have implications for future agricultural productivity in areas where reclaimed wastewater containing APIs is a source of irrigation. Detectable CBZ concentrations were found in edible C. pepo fruit, indicating the possibility of trophic transfer. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1122–1130. © 2017 SETAC
Mitogenome evolution in the last surviving woolly mammoth population reveals neutral and functional consequences of small population size
Authors: Pečnerová Patrícia , Palkopoulou Eleftheria , Wheat Christopher W. , Skoglund Pontus , Vartanyan Sergey , Tikhonov Alexei , Nikolskiy Pavel , van der Plicht Johannes , Díez-del-Molino David , Dalén Love
Published: November 2017

The onset of the Holocene was associated with a global temperature increase, which led to a rise in sea levels and isolation of the last surviving population of woolly mammoths on Wrangel Island. Understanding what happened with the population's genetic diversity at the time of the isolation and during the ensuing 6000 years can help clarify the effects of bottlenecks and subsequent limited population sizes in species approaching extinction. Previous genetic studies have highlighted questions about how the Holocene Wrangel population was established and how the isolation event affected genetic diversity. Here, we generated high-quality mitogenomes from 21 radiocarbon-dated woolly mammoths to compare the ancestral large and genetically diverse Late Pleistocene Siberian population and the small Holocene Wrangel population. Our results indicate that mitogenome diversity was reduced to one single haplotype at the time of the isolation, and thus that the Holocene Wrangel Island population was established by a single maternal lineage. Moreover, we show that the ensuing small effective population size coincided with fixation of a nonsynonymous mutation, and a comparative analysis of mutation rates suggests that the evolutionary rate was accelerated in the Holocene population. These results suggest that isolation on Wrangel Island led to an increase in the frequency of deleterious genetic variation, and thus are consistent with the hypothesis that strong genetic drift in small populations leads to purifying selection being less effective in removing deleterious mutations.
DUT‐58 (Co) Derived Synthesis of Co Clusters as Efficient Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalyst for Zinc–Air Battery
Authors: Gao Lichao , Chen Shuai , Cai Rongsheng , Zhao Quansheng , Zhao Xiaoliang , Yang Dongjiang
Published: November 2017

To meet the requirement of fuel cells and metal–air batteries, non‐noble metal catalysts have to be developed to replace precious platinum‐based catalysts. Herein, Co nanoclusters (≈2 nm) are anchored on nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide (Co/N‐r‐GO) by using DUT‐58 (Co) metal–organic framework and GO as precursors. Compared with single‐atom catalysts usually with ultralow concentration (<0.5 wt%), Co nanoclusters are more beneficial to break the OO bond to ensure four electronic way for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), since they can provide more adsorption centers for reactants. Therefore, as expected, the sample with 6.67 wt% Co content (Co/N‐r‐GO‐5%‐850) exhibits better ORR activity with a higher half‐wave potential of 0.831 V, a more positive onset potential of 0.921 V than Pt/C, and a comparable limiting current density in alkaline medium. The Co nanoclusters enhance the catalytic performance for ORR in three aspects: quantum size effects, metal–support interactions, and low‐coordination environment of metal centers. Furthermore, the sample is assembled into a zinc–air battery as the outstanding durable ORR catalyst. It displays a higher specific capacity (795 mAh g−1 at the current density 50 mA cm−2) and power density (175 mW cm−2) than Pt/C (731 mAh g−1 and 164 mW cm−2, respectively).
Zum geotechnischen Risiko durch Stabilitätsverlust
Authors: Gudehus Gerd , Touplikiotis Asterios
Published: November 2017

In dem Beitrag wird das geotechnische Risiko als Erwartungswert des Ausmaßes schädlicher Ereignisse innerhalb eines Operationsgebiets und ‐zeitraums präzisiert. Dafür ursächliche Stabilitätsverluste sind mit domino‐artigen Kettenreaktionen und Kontrollverlusten verbunden, die sich bislang nicht berechnen lassen. Ihr Ausmaß ist physikalisch durch die dabei freigesetzte Energie gegeben. Je größer diese ist und je mehr etwas oder jemand einer Kettenreaktion ausgesetzt ist, desto größer ist der Schaden. Wegen der „wilden“ Zufälligkeit hängt die Anzahl von Kettenreaktionen von der dabei mindestens freigesetzten Energie nach einem Potenzgesetz ab. Dessen Exponent ist nahe –1, weil die Geomaterie annähernd ratenunabhängig reagiert. Das Potenzgesetz hat physikalisch und organisatorisch begründbare Unter‐ und Obergrenzen. Damit ergibt sich das geotechnische Risiko als das Produkt von Schadensuntergrenze und Logarithmus des Verhältnisses von Ober‐ und Untergrenze. Erwartungswerte der Grenzen sind aufgrund von Baugrunddaten, technischen und sonstigen Einwirkungen für Szenarios zu ermitteln. So kann man das Risiko objektiv kalkulieren, Versicherungsprämien einschätzen und die Gesamtausgaben von der Vorstudie bis zur Nutzung reduzieren.
Yanshanian deformation in Western Shandong, eastern North China Craton: Response to a transition from paleo‐Pacific to Pacific Plate subduction
Authors: Zhang Jian , Li Sanzhong , Li Xiyao , Zhao Shujuan , Somerville Ian D. , Li Shaojun , Lan Haoyuan
Published: November 2017

The eastern part of the North China Craton has experienced cratonic destruction during the Mesozoic–Cenozoic period. However, the mechanism and geodynamic process of cratonic destruction is still not clear. The Shandong Province is a typical region that suffered the Yanshanian (Jurassic to Cretaceous) tectono‐thermal event relating to the cratonic destruction. In this paper, we focus on the Yanshanian deformation in Western Shandong and integrate the previous studies of contemporaneous magmatism. There are two‐stage compressive structures developed in Western Shandong, NE‐ or NNE‐ trending open folds, which subsequently evolved the same trend as the thrust faults. A series of NW‐trending normal faults converted from the pre‐existing Indosinian (Triassic) thrusts controlled the formation of Mesozoic basins. These deformations are a tectonic response to the subduction of the Izanagi Plate (paleo‐Pacific Plate) under the North China Craton during the Middle Jurassic and the Early Cretaceous. The Cretaceous magmatic rocks in Western Shandong mainly occurred between 130–125 Ma and have multi‐magmatic sources, including enriched lithospheric mantle, delaminated lithosphere, and subducted oceanic slab. We propose that the subduction of the Izanagi Plate converting to the Pacific Plate occurred during the middle Early Cretaceous induced a delamination of the lower crust linked to the destruction of the eastern North China Craton.
Waist circumference and risk of breast cancer in Korean women: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lee Kyu Rae , Hwang In Cheol , Han Kyung Do , Jung Jinhyung , Seo Mi Hae
Published: November 2017

Although postmenopausal breast cancer (BC) risk has been linked to adiposity, associations between adiposity and premenopausal BC remain unclear. To address this question, we investigated the association of BC risk with measures of adiposity, including body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), in a large cohort of Asian women. We used a nationwide cohort of adult Korean women selected from the National Health Insurance Corporation database merged with national health examination data from 2009 to 2015. A total of 11,227,948 women were tracked to retrospectively identify incident cases of BC. Our analysis used Cox proportional hazards models to calculate hazard ratios and assess the association of BC risk with BMI and/or WC in both pre‐ and postmenopausal women. BMI and WC were robustly associated with increased risk for postmenopausal BC (ptrend<0.001 for both BMI and WC) but not with premenopausal BC. Association between WC and premenopausal BC was only statistically significant when considering BMI (ptrend=0.044). In contrast, postmenopausal BC was negatively associated with WC when considering BMI (ptrend=0.011). In premenopausal women, WC may predict increased BC risk when considering BMI. However, in postmenopausal women, WC is not superior to BMI as an indicator of BC risk.
The question‐behaviour effect in intergroup attitudes research: When do attitudes towards a minority predict a relevant behaviour?
Authors: Byrka Katarzyna , Grzyb Tomasz , Dolinski Dariusz
Published: November 2017

We hypothesised that the question‐behaviour effect, referred to as the influence of questioning about a given behaviour on its subsequent performance, is a relevant issue when exploring the external validity of intergroup attitudes. In a pair of studies, we have corroborated that merely expressing attitudes towards the Jewish minority affects people's relevant behaviour towards this group. In an Internet study, participants who first completed verbal attitude measures were more likely to donate to a Jewish organisation compared to those who completed the measures after making the decision to donate. Moreover, responses to attitude measures of various types and donating to the Jewish organisation were correlated when attitudes had been expressed in the first step. When attitudes were measured after the decision to donate, only the responses to the traditional anti‐Semitic scale were correlated with this behaviour. In the field study, in which the time interval between attitude and behaviour measures was introduced, no question‐behaviour effect was observed. We explain the results with reference to cognitive dissonance and attitude accessibility mechanisms and discuss them in a broader context of attitude‐behaviour research.
Development and validation of Indian Affective Picture Database
Authors: Sharma Ujjwal , Bhushan Braj
Published: November 2017

Since culturally salient stimuli for emotion recognition are scarce in India, we developed and validated a set of 140 coloured pictures of six basic emotions along with a neutral expression. The expressions were posed by four expressers, two males and two females, with mean age of 25.25 (SD 3.77) years. The expressions were captured from five different angles keeping the background uniform. These pictures were shown to 350 undergraduates who labelled the emotion and rated their intensity. The mean biased hit rate was 93.02 (SD 7.33) and mean unbiased hit rate was .519 (SD .015). Within subjects ANOVA revealed significant main effect of emotion (F(1, 6) = 7.598, p < .001). The t‐test value (23.116, p < .001) shows that the given emotion was identified correctly by participants beyond chance factors. The mean intensity rating was 5.94 (SD .77). Overall, the results reveal that the pictures are a valid set of affective stimuli.
Lipopolysaccharide levels adherent to PM2.5 play an important role in particulate matter induced‐immunosuppressive effects in mouse splenocytes
Authors: He Cuiying , Song Yuan , Ichinose Takamichi , He Miao , Morita Kentaro , Wang Duo , Kanazawa Tamotsu , Yoshida Yasuhiro
Published: November 2017

Epidemiological studies show that exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) is associated with serious adverse health effects, including, but not limited to, those on the respiratory system. In the present study, we investigated the splenic response in mice administered PM of ≤ 2.5 μ m diameter (PM2.5). Male BALB/c mice (7 or 8 weeks old) were intratracheally administered PM2.5 (0.1 mg) four times, at 2 week intervals, and dissected 24 h after the final administration. The effect of six types of PM2.5, collected in Shenyang or Beijing (China) and Kitakyushu (Japan), on splenocytes was examined. Our results revealed a strong correlation between the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), but not that of β‐glucan and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, attached to PM2.5 and the effect of PM2.5 on cell activity. PM2.5 with a low amount of LPS (PM2.5LL) reduced splenocyte mitogen‐induced proliferation and cytokine production compared with that in control mice. The suppressive effects of PM2.5LL on proliferation and interleukin‐2 production in splenocytes were rescued by the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine. Expression of heme oxygenase‐1 was elevated after PM2.5LL administration, particularly in CD11b + cells, while no elevation was observed in CD4+, CD8+ or B220+ cells. Further, dissociation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 from Kelch‐like ECH‐associating protein 1 was observed in splenocytes of PM2.5LL‐administered mice. These data suggest that LPS attached to PM2.5 modulates the splenocyte immune responses to PM2.5.
Optical effects on the surrounding structure during quantitative analysis using indocyanine green videoangiography: A phantom vessel study
Authors: Tsukiyama Atsushi , Murai Yasuo , Matano Fumihiro , Shirokane Kazutaka , Morita Akio
Published: November 2017

Various reports have been published regarding quantitative evaluations of intraoperative fluorescent intensity studies using indocyanine green (ICG) with videoangiography (VAG). The effects of scattering and point‐spread functions (PSF) on quantitative ICG‐VAG evaluations have not been investigated. Clinically, when ICG is administered through the peripheral vein, it reaches the tissue intra‐arterially. To achieve more reliable intraoperative quantitative intensity evaluations, we examined the impact of high‐intensity structures on close areas. The study was conducted using a phantom model and surgical fluorescent microscope. A region of interest (ROI) was created for the vessel model and another ROI was created within 3 cm of that. With an ROI of 6.8 mm in the vessel phantom model, 10% intensity was confirmed, even though there was no fluorescent structure. Intensity decreased gradually as the ROI moved further from the vessel model. Our study results suggest that the presence of a high‐intensity structure and the size of the ROI may affect quantitative intensity evaluations using ICG‐VAG. Results of linear regression analysis indicate that the relationship of intensity (Y) and distance (X) is as follows: Y(real/A) = 29 Exp(−0.062X) + 164.3 Exp(−1.81X). The optical effect should be considered when performing an intraoperative intensity study with a surgical microscope.
Phosphorus Balance in Adolescent Girls and the Effect of Supplemental Dietary Calcium
Authors: Vorland Colby J , Martin Berdine R , Weaver Connie M , Peacock Munro , Hill Gallant Kathleen M
Published: November 2017

There are limited data on phosphorus balance and the effect of dietary calcium supplements on phosphorus balance in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to determine phosphorus balance and the effect of increasing dietary calcium intake with a supplement on net phosphorus absorption and balance in healthy adolescent girls. This study utilized stored urine, fecal, and diet samples from a previously conducted study that focused on calcium balance. Eleven healthy girls ages 11 to 14 years participated in a randomized crossover study, which consisted of two 3‐week periods of a controlled diet with low (817 ± 19.5 mg/d) or high (1418 ± 11.1 mg/d) calcium, separated by a 1‐week washout period. Phosphorus intake was controlled at the same level during both placebo and calcium supplementation (1435 ± 23.5 and 1453 ± 28.0 mg/d, respectively, p = 0.611). Mean phosphorus balance was positive by about 200 mg/d and was unaffected by the calcium supplement (p = 0.826). Urinary phosphorus excretion was lower with the calcium supplement (535 ± 42 versus 649 ± 41 mg/d, p = 0.013), but fecal phosphorus and net phosphorus absorption were not significantly different between placebo and calcium supplement (553 ± 60 versus 678 ± 63 versus mg/d, p = 0.143; 876 ± 62 versus 774 ± 64 mg/d, p = 0.231, respectively). Dietary phosphorus underestimates using a nutrient database compared with the content measured chemically from meal composites by ∼40%. These results show that phosphorus balance is positive in girls during adolescent growth and that a calcium dietary supplement to near the current recommended level does not affect phosphorus balance when phosphorus intake is at 1400 mg/d, a typical US intake level. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Identification of microRNAs and genes associated with hyperandrogenism in the follicular fluid of women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Xue Yunping , Lv Juan , Xu Pengfei , Gu Lin , Cao Jian , Xu Lingling , Xue Kai , Li Qian
Published: November 2017

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disease, which is characterized by hyperandrogenism (HA), chronic anovulation, polycystic ovaries, insulin resistance, and obesity. At present, the mechanism by which PCOS/HA occurs has not been fully elucidated, thus, the mechanisms behind and interventions for HA in PCOS are current hot topics in research. MiRNAs have recently been shown to serve as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in patients with cancer. Thus, we are currently focused on studying the altered expression of miRNAs in follicular fluid and their correlation with HA in PCOS. Illumina deep sequencing technology was used to explore different miRNAs in the follicular fluid of women with PCOS/HA and in the follicular fluid of women in a control group. Target prediction databases were then used to analyse the target genes of different expressed miRNAs, and GO analysis and the KEGG pathway database were used to identify the functions and the main biochemical and signalling pathways of differentially expressed target genes. The expression levels of 263 miRNAs were significantly different (>2‐fold up‐regulated or <0.5‐fold down‐regulated, P < 0.05) between the two groups of women. For example, the expression levels of miRNA (200a‐3p, 10b‐3p, 200b‐3p, 29c‐3p, 99a‐3p, and 125a‐5p) were significantly increased, while there was a decreased expression of miR‐105‐3p in PCOS patients with respect to the control. Literature has shown that the above seven miRNAs were associated with HA in PCOS. Furthermore, 31 770 genes were predicted to be targets of the 263 differentially expressed microRNAs. GO analysis and the KEGG pathway database showed involvement of these target genes in HA in PCOS. These results suggest the presence of differentially expressed miRNAs in the follicular fluid of women with PCOS/HA versus women in the control group. The potential role of these microRNAs was elucidated using bioinformatics tools and was found to be involved in the regulation of different pathways, biological functions, and cellular components underlying PCOS. The results of this research may reveal new mechanisms of PCOS/HA and suggest potential treatment targets.
Randomized, Double‐Blind, Crossover, Clinical‐End‐Point Pilot Study to Examine the Use of Exhaled Nitric Oxide as a Bioassay for Dose Separation of Inhaled Fluticasone Propionate
Authors: Weiler John M. , Sorkness Christine A. , Hendeles Leslie , Nichols Sara , Zhu Yaping
Published: November 2017

This was a randomized, double‐blind, crossover, clinical‐end‐point pilot study examining the hypothesis that inhaled fluticasone propionate decreases exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) concentrations within a week of beginning treatment and shows evidence of dose separation across the marketed dose range. Subjects had a ≥6‐month history of asthma and screening eNO ≥60 parts per billion. At the start of each treatment period, eNO was ≥55 parts per billion, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second was ≥50% predicted. Subjects attended a clinic visit daily on consecutive mornings during each of 3 1‐week treatment periods to measure eNO and receive once‐daily doses of 100/50, 250/50, or 500/50 fluticasone propionate/salmeterol combination product (Advair® Diskus). Daily eNO value recorded was the highest of 3 measurements; 1 inhalation of treatment was then administered. Procedures were repeated for 3 treatment cycles, separated by 14‐day minimum washouts. A total of 105 subjects were screened; 22 were randomized; and 17 completed all treatments. Mean percentage eNO decrease (standard deviation) from day 1 baseline for each treatment period was 36.6 (±18.7), 45.3 (±16.5), and 54.6 (±12.5) with Advair® 100/50, 250/50, and 500/50, respectively. Mean percentage decrease in eNO across each treatment (dose) was modeled using a mixed‐model ANOVA. Although the overall treatment was significant (P = .0015), because of the relatively small sample size and within‐subject variability, only the 100/50 vs 500/50 (P = .0003) and 250/50 vs 500/50 (P = .047) treatments were significantly different.
Solubilization of inclusion body proteins using low and very low concentrations of chemicals: implications of novel combined chemical treatment designs in enhancement of post‐solubilization target protein purity and biological activity
Authors: Mohammadian Alireza , Kaghazian Hooman , Kavianpour Alireza , Jalalirad Reza
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Solubilization of inclusion body (IB) proteins by conventional methods (i.e. high concentrations of denaturants such as chaotropes) is a challenging process due to denaturation of the native‐like secondary structures and subsequently low recovery into bioactive forms. The main objective of this work was to study the effect of a range of chemicals at low and very low concentrations on the solubilization of IB proteins produced in Escherichia coli and the enhancement of the target protein biological activity subsequent to refolding.

RESULTS

Performance of chemical combinations at low and very low concentrations through the solubilization process of recombinant streptokinase (rSK) from IBs isolated from E. coli was appraised based on values pertinent to three parameters including target protein solubilization yield, purity and biological activity. In comparison with the conventional IBs' solubilization method (i.e. 4 mol L‐1 urea), combinations of 0.5–1 mol L‐1 urea with very low to low concentrations (0.05–1%) of detergents resulted in considerable target protein solubilization (by 100%), very high post‐solubilization target protein purities (up to 100%) and biological activities (up by 360%).

CONCLUSION

Owing to the improvements in the abovementioned integral parameters, these chemical treatments are good candidates to be considered for more efficient and cost‐effective recovery of recombinant target proteins from IBs. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Critical issues in the performance of yeast based microbial fuel cell
Authors: Sayed Enas Taha , Nakagawa Nobuyoshi
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is quite safe, easily available, rapid‐growing and one of few microorganisms that can metabolize complex organic materials. The effect of different anode materials such as carbon cloth (CC), carbon paper (CP), Teflon‐treated carbon paper (CP‐T), and porous carbon plate (PCP) on the performance of mediatorless yeast, S. cerevisiae‐based MFC was investigated to explore some issues that are affecting the performance.

RESULTS

The variation in the open circuit voltage (OCV), and power generation for CC, CP and CP‐T, were explained by the different areal densities of the yeast cells that adhered to the anode surface. The highest power was obtained using the CP anode. On the other hand, the PCP anode with dense adhesion of the yeast cells, which was expected to give the highest performance; showed the lowest performance. Modifying the PCP surface with a thin nanolayer of cobalt significantly increased the performance over fifty times.

CONCLUSION

The performance of a mediatorless yeast‐based microbial fuel cell, i.e. OCV and current density, was affected by the adhesion density of the yeast cell on the electrode surface. However, it was not the only factor affecting the cell performance. The yeast cell adhesion on the anode surface was dependent on the carbon materials. The improvement of the interfacial electron transfer between the anode and yeast cells is key for the development of yeast based mediatorless MFCs. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of light intensity and wavelength on the production of lactobionic acid from whey by Pseudomonas taetrolens in batch cultures
Authors: Shu Chin‐Hang , Tseng Kevin , Jaiswal Rajan
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Lactobionic acid production from dairy waste using Psedomonas taetrolens has gained rapid momentum as it is an economically feasible and environmentally friendly approach. Although photoreceptors have been identified in P. taetrolens, the effect of light on the production of lactobionic acid has not been investigated. This research successfully demonstrates the influence of light on lactobionic acid production by P. taetrolens from cheese whey.

RESULTS

Experimental results indicated that while red light promoted both cell growth and lactobionic acid production, blue light could only promote cell growth. Xmax and Pmax increased from 12.78 to 15.83 g L−1 and 17.4 to 24.5 g L−1, respectively, under red LED light at 500 lux. On the other hand, Xmax increased from 12.78 to 15.18 g L−1, but Pmax decreased from 17.4 to 15.4 g L−1 under blue LED light at 100 lux. A novel two‐stage LED photo‐bioreactor process was successful in reducing fermentation time by 24 h compared with that of the photo‐bioreactor under red LED light at 500 lux.

CONCLUSION

It is proposed that light of varying wavelengths and intensities can be used as modulator to enhance lactobionic production by P. taetrolens using cheese way. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Clique coloring of dense random graphs
Authors: Alon Noga , Krivelevich Michael
Published: November 2017

The clique chromatic number of a graph is the minimum number of colors in a vertex coloring so that no maximal (with respect to containment) clique is monochromatic. We prove that the clique chromatic number of the binomial random graph is, with high probability, . This settles a problem of McDiarmid, Mitsche, and Prałat who proved that it is with high probability.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Biological Activity of Novel N‐substituted Diazabicyclo Derivatives
Authors: Ye Fei , Wang Chen , Ma Peng , Zhao Li‐Xia , Gao Shuang , Fu Ying
Published: November 2017

A series of N‐substituted diazabicyclo derivatives were designed and synthesized based on the active subunit combination and structure–activity relationship theory. The compounds were prepared by levulinic acid or ester with diamine, then acylation with phenoxy acetyl chloride or acetoxy acetyl chloride. All the structures were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. The single crystal of compound 4a was determined by X‐ray crystallography. The preliminary bioassay showed that all products could protect soybean against injury caused by 2,4‐D butylate to some extent.
Estimating the arterial input function from dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI data with compensation for flow enhancement (I): Theory, method, and phantom experiments
Authors: van Schie Jeroen J.N. , Lavini Cristina , van Vliet Lucas J. , Vos Frans M.
Published: November 2017

Background

The arterial input function (AIF) represents the time‐dependent arterial contrast agent (CA) concentration that is used in pharmacokinetic modeling.

Purpose

To develop a novel method for estimating the AIF from dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE‐) MRI data, while compensating for flow enhancement.

Study Type

Signal simulation and phantom measurements.

Phantom Model

Time–intensity curves (TICs) were simulated for different numbers of excitation pulses modeling flow effects. A phantom experiment was performed in which a solution (without CA) was passed through a straight tube, at constant flow velocity.

Field Strength/Sequence

Dynamic fast spoiled gradient echo (FSPGRs) at 3T MRI, both in the simulations and in the phantom experiment. TICs were generated for a duration of 373 seconds and sampled at intervals of 1.247 seconds (300 timepoints).

Assessment

The proposed method first estimates the number of pulses that spins have received, and then uses this knowledge to accurately estimate the CA concentration.

Statistical Tests

The difference between the median of the estimated number of pulses and the true value was determined, as well as the interquartile range (IQR) of the estimations. The estimated CA concentrations were evaluated in the same way. The estimated number of pulses was also used to calculate flow velocity.

Results

The difference between the median estimated and reference number of pulses varied from –0.005 to –1.371 (corresponding IQRs: 0.853 and 48.377) at true values of 10 and 180 pulses, respectively. The difference between the median estimated CA concentration and the reference value varied from –0.00015 to 0.00306 mmol/L (corresponding IQRs: 0.01989 and 1.51013 mmol/L) at true values of 0.5 and 8.0 mmol/l, respectively, at an intermediate value of 100 pulses. The estimated flow velocities in the phantom were within 10% of the reference value.

Data Conclusion

The proposed method accurately corrects the MRI signal affected by the inflow effect.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1190–1196.
Comparison of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation in climate model simulations and observations
Authors: Wei Yun , Yu Haipeng , Huang Jianping , He Yongli , Yang Bin , Guan Xiaodan , Liu Xiaoyue
Published: November 2017

The ability of climate models to simulate the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and its global teleconnections is examined using the outputs of 20 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) models from historical experiments. It is shown that the global warming trend is reproduced by the models, but there is a considerable difference between the models in the PDO region. The standard deviation of detrended sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in the models is similar to that of the observations, especially in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific and the North Pacific, which are the regions closely associated with the PDO and El Nino‐Southern Oscillation. The globally averaged SSTA during 1900–1940 in the CMIP5 models and observations showed large divergence, which is mainly due to the SSTA in the PDO region. The most significant cycle of the PDO indexes in most of the models had a 60–80 years period, which is different from the observed PDO period (40–60 years). However, the models perform better for the spatial pattern of the PDO, and 90% of the spatial correlations between the models and observations of the spatial pattern of the PDO are above 0.8. In addition, the models can simulate the basic correlation between the PDO and Pacific SSTA variability, but most of them overestimate the relationship in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. The CMIP5 models are better at simulating the impact of the PDO on winter precipitation in southern North America but are less accurate in simulating summer precipitation in eastern China. This is probably because most of the models are not accurate in simulating the impacts of the PDO on the western Pacific subtropical high and the East Asian summer monsoon.
Factors associated with a primary surgical approach for sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cracchiolo Jennifer R. , Patel Krupa , Migliacci Jocelyn C. , Morris Luc T. , Ganly Ian , Roman Benjamin R. , McBride Sean M. , Tabar Viviane S. , Cohen Marc A.
Published: November 2017

Background and Objectives

Primary surgery is the preferred treatment of T1‐T4a sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC).

Methods

Patients with SNSCC in the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) were analyzed. Factors that contributed to selecting primary surgical treatment were examined. Overall survival (OS) in surgical patients was analyzed.

Results

Four‐thousand seven hundred and seventy patients with SNSCC were included. In T1‐T4a tumors, lymph node metastases, maxillary sinus location, and treatment at high‐volume centers were associated with selecting primary surgery. When primary surgery was utilized, tumor factors and positive margin guided worse OS. Adjuvant therapy improved OS in positive margin resection and advanced T stage cases.

Conclusions

Tumor and non‐tumor factors are associated with selecting surgery for the treatment of SNSCC. When surgery is selected, tumor factors drive OS. Negative margin resection should be the goal of a primary surgical approach. When a positive margin resection ensues, adjuvant therapy may improve OS.
Application of ionic‐liquid‐magnetized stirring bar liquid‐phase microextraction coupled with HPLC for the determination of naphthoquinones in Zicao
Authors: Guan Lianyue , Luo Qiang , Shi Jiayuan , Yu Wei
Published: November 2017

In this study, a green, rapid, and simple method, ionic‐liquid‐magnetized stirring bar liquid‐phase microextraction was developed for the determination of naphthoquinones, including shikonin and β,β′‐dimethylacrylshikonin, in Zicao. This method permits active magnetic stirring, extraction, and pre‐enrichment in a single device simultaneously, so the extract is conveniently collected. The analytes were extracted from the sample to ionic liquid‐magnetized stirring bar, then the analyte‐adsorbed magnetized stirring bar can be readily isolated from the sample solution by a magnet. The key experimental parameters were investigated and optimized, including the type and volume of ionic liquid, extraction time, salt concentration, stirring speed, and pH. The recoveries were in the range of 89.47–102.38%, and good reproducibilities were obtained with relative standard deviation below 5.36%. Compared with the conventional extraction methods, the proposed method is quicker and more effective.