bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Catalytic Performances of Noble Metal Nanoparticle@MOF Composites: The Concomitant Effect of Aperture Size and Structural Flexibility of MOF Matrices
Authors: Chen Luning , Zhan Wenwen , Fang Huihuang , Cao Zhenmin , Yuan Chaofan , Xie Zhaoxiong , Kuang Qin , Zheng Lansun
Published: June 2017

Noble metal nanoparticles embedded in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are composite catalysts with enhanced or novel properties compared to the pristine counterparts. In recent years, to determine the role of MOFs during catalytic process, most studies have focussed on the confinement effect of MOFs, but ignored the structural flexibility of MOFs. In this study, we use two composite catalysts, Pt@ZIF‐8 [Zn(mIM)2, mIM=2‐methyl imidazole] with flexible structure and Pt@ZIF‐71 [Zn(DClIM)2, DClIM=4,5‐dichloroimidazole] with rigid structure, and hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde as model reaction, to show the confinement effect and the structure flexibility of MOF matrices on the catalytic performance of composite catalysts. Both catalysts showed high selectivity for cinnamic alcohol with the confinement effect of the aperture. But, compared to Pt@ZIF‐71, Pt@ZIF‐8 exhibited higher conversion but lower selectivity owing to the flexible structure. The above results remind us that we will have to consider both the aperture size of MOFs and structure flexibility to select the proper MOF matrices for the composite materials to achieve the optimized performance.
Fatty acid methyl ester heterogeneous self‐metathesis in hydrophobic green solvent: Mass transfer limitations, catalyst recyclability, and stability
Authors: Hasib‐ur‐Rahman Muhammad , Hamoudi Safia , Belkacemi Khaled
Published: June 2017

The role of room‐temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), [bmim][PF6] and [bmim][Tf2N], as reaction media regarding the catalytic activity and stability of methyltrioxorhenium (MTO) supported on ZnCl2‐modified mesoporous Al2O3 has been studied for self‐metathesis of a functionalized olefin, methyl oleate. The humidity influence on the catalytic activity was probed. The catalyst recycling ability and the kinetics of the metathesis reaction using these RTILs were also investigated. It was found that the MTO‐based catalyst was efficient in viscous hydrophobic RTIL solvents. However, their high viscosity was found to increase the mass transfer limitations thus somewhat impacting the reaction kinetics. Nevertheless, better catalyst stability was reached allowing its possible recycling when used in RTIL media.
Leaching of Phosphorus and Cadmium in Soils Amended with Different Bone Chars
Authors: Morshedizad Mohsen , Leinweber Peter
Published: June 2017

The benefits of bone char (BC) application may include both the mobilization of P for plant nutrition and immobilization of contaminant Cd in the soil. However, previous studies were conducted under equilibrium conditions that do not adequately reflect field conditions. Therefore, the objective was to study the effect of BC, surface‐modified BC (BCplus) and sulfur‐enriched activated char (ACS) application at different particle sizes on P‐ and Cd‐mobilization under non‐equilibrium conditions in a combined incubation‐leaching experiment. Two soils each with the treatments (i) BC, (ii) BCplus, (iii) BC + ACS, (iv) control (0 mg P kg−1 soil), and (v) ACS were leached five times during 70 days incubation. Over the complete incubation P‐contents in leachates were significantly increased by BC and BCplus of 0.5–1 mm size. P‐release from BCs was larger under non‐equilibrium condition in this experiment compared with a previous continuous incubation experiment. ACs application reduced the P‐release from BC of all particle sizes. The lowest leachate Cd‐concentrations were found in soils amended with the smallest BC particles. Addition of BCplus and ACS significantly increased Cd leaching and the highest amounts of Cd were leached at the smallest particle size. In conclusion, the 0.5–1 mm size class of BCs performed best and should be introduced in practical agriculture using standard machinery.
Sulfur, Iron, and Manganese Speciation in Anoxic Sediments with Methane (Ría de Vigo, NW Spain)
Authors: Ramírez‐Pérez Alexandra María , de Blas Esther , García‐Gil Soledad
Published: June 2017

High sedimentation rates and high organic matter contents promote the development of anoxic conditions in the Ría de Vigo (NW Spain). In these anoxic environments, elements such as S, Fe, and Mn are involved in redox processes affecting the CH4 dynamic. In this work, speciation of S, Fe, and Mn was evaluated through a five‐step sequential extraction procedure (exchangeable form and bound to carbonate, present in the reductive phase bound to Fe/Mn oxides, weakly bound to organic matter, strongly bound to organic matter, and residual fractions) in order to identify the origin of S, Fe, and Mn, distinguishing between fractions bound to organic compounds from those in the sulfide phase in these anoxic sediments. The study was conducted on samples from three gravity cores retrieved in the inner and outer zones of the ría in November 2012. S was mainly found in the fraction strongly bound to organic matter, showing that S is incorporated in the organic matter. However, the S in this fraction was associated with total organic carbon only in the inner zone (r = 0.833). More than 65% of total Fe and Mn was found in the residual fraction at all zones, being the highest in the outer zone, and showing an intense diagenesis in the ría, where precipitation of these elements as sulfides is favored by anoxic conditions. SO42− reduction, Fe and Mn reduction processes coexist in the same area within the cores.
Effectiveness of Soil and Water Conservation Practices Under Climate Change in the Gorganroud Basin, Iran
Authors: Azari Mahmood , Saghafian Bahram , Moradi Hamid Reza , Faramarzi Monireh
Published: June 2017

Assessing the effectiveness of conservation practices under changed climatic conditions has proven to be invaluable in selecting the adaptation practices. Conservationists are concerned that past effective practices may no longer be effective in the future climate change. This research is aimed at assessing the effectiveness of soil and water conservation practices under future climate change, with respect to sediment yield leaving a watershed. For this purpose, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool, SWAT, was applied to simulate various climate change scenarios with three soil and water conservation practices to assess possible changes in stream flow, and sediment yield of the Gorganroud watershed in the northern part of Iran. Study results demonstrated that the impact of climate change in the increase of watershed sediment yield is more than the stream flow and varies from 35.9 to 47.7% for the period 2040–2069. Implementing conservation practices under climate change can reduce the sediment yield of watershed up to 7.2% and for the sub‐basin scale up to 46.4%. Range management practices were found to be the most effective practice in the decrease of sediment at the sub‐basin scale and porous gully plugs and terrace construction, the most effective at the watershed scale. The results indicate that soil and water conservation practices will be more effective at reducing sediment yields under anticipated future climates. Though, implementation of each conservation practice solely was not sufficient to compensate for climate change‐driven increases in sediment yield. This study provides valuable information for watershed managers and decision makers regarding selection of soil and water conservation practices for adaptation to climate change.
Do red prices also work online?: An extension of Puccinelli et al. (2013)
Authors: Van Droogenbroeck Ellen , Van Hove Leo , Cordemans Steven
Published: June 2017

In a recent article, Puccinelli et al. examine the effect of the color in which prices appear in print flyers on consumers' perceived savings. Puccinelli et al. find that the effect is moderated by gender: unlike female consumers, men think they are being offered a better deal when prices are presented in red than when they are presented in black. The advertisements with prices in red also put men in a more positive state. This note replicates Puccinelli et al.'s main experiment in a different context (online vs. print) and in a different cultural setting (Belgium vs. the USA). In line with Puccinelli et al., we find that men perceive the online store with red prices as offering better value. But, intriguingly, it does not appear to make men feel more positively. One possible explanation is that red prices work differently online.
An Efficient and Versatile Lanthanum Heteroscorpionate Catalyst for Carbon Dioxide Fixation into Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Martínez Javier , Fernández‐Baeza Juan , Sánchez‐Barba Luis F. , Castro‐Osma José A. , Lara‐Sánchez Agustín , Otero Antonio
Published: June 2017

A new lanthanum heteroscorpionate complex has shown exceptional catalytic activity for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and carbon dioxide. This catalyst system also promotes the reaction of bio‐based epoxides to give an important class of bis(cyclic carbonates) that can be further used for the production of bio‐derived non‐isocyanate polyurethanes. The catalytic process requires low catalyst loading and mild reaction conditions for the synthesis of a wide range of cyclic carbonates.
A new electro‐static micro‐generator for energy harvesting from diaphragm muscle
Authors: Daneshvar Seyed Hossein , Maymandi‐Nejad Mohammad
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we propose a new energy scavenging system for powering bio‐implantable devices. Different available energy sources and micro‐generators are examined. The operation of electrostatic generators will be examined in detail, and their design issues are discussed. The proposed generator is analyzed, and a closed form formula is developed for the capacitor voltages. Also, an equation is obtained for the output power for the proposed circuit. It will be shown that the diaphragm muscle in conjunction with the electrostatic micro‐generator can be used to extract energy from human body. The diaphragm muscle has a continuous movement with a relatively fixed frequency. There is enough space around this muscle to place the micro‐generator. Using the proposed system, it will be shown that it is possible to produce 230 mW power in a 125 mm3 volume from the diaphragm muscle. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of drug products received for analysis in the Swedish STRIDA project on new psychoactive substances
Authors: Bäckberg Matilda , Jönsson Karl‐Henrik , Beck Olof , Helander Anders
Published: June 2017

The web‐based open sale of unregulated new psychoactive substances (NPS) has shown a steady increase in recent years. Analysis of drug products sold as NPS is useful to confirm the true chemical contents, for comparison with the substances detected in corresponding body fluids, but also to study drug trends. This work describes the examination of 251 drug products that were randomly submitted for analysis in 173 cases of suspected NPS‐related intoxications in the Swedish STRIDA project in 2010–2015. Of the products, 39% were powders/crystals, 32% tablets/capsules, 16% herbal materials, 8% liquids, 1% blotters, and 4% others. The analysis involved tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In 88 products (35%), classic psychoactive substances, prescription pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, or doping agents were found; however, in none of these cases had an NPS‐related intoxication been indicated from product markings or patient self‐reports. Another 12 products tested negative for psychoactive substances. The remaining 151 products contained 86 different NPS (30% contained ≥2 substances). In 104 drug products, a specific NPS ingredient was indicated based on labelling (69%) or patient self‐report; in 92 cases this was also analytically confirmed to be correct. Overall, the NPS products submitted for analysis in the STRIDA project showed a high degree of consistency between suspected and actual content (88%). The results of related urine and/or blood analysis further demonstrated that the patients commonly (89%) tested positive for the indicated NPS, but also revealed that polysubstance intoxication was common (83%), indicating use of additional drug products.
Non‐targeted acquisition strategy for screening doping compounds based on GC‐EI‐hybrid quadrupole‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry: A focus on exogenous anabolic steroids
Authors: de Albuquerque Cavalcanti Gustavo , Rodrigues Lucas Martins , dos Santos Leonardo , Zheng Xin , Gujar Amit , Cole Jason , Padilha Monica Costa , de Aquino Neto Francisco Radler
Published: June 2017

This is a first look at a non‐targeted screening method based on Orbitrap gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) technology for a large number of banned compounds in sports found in urine, including exogenous anabolic steroids, β‐agonists, narcotics, stimulants, hormone modulators, and diuretics. A simple sample preparation was processed in four steps: an enzymatic hydrolysis, liquid–liquid extraction, evaporation, and trimethylsilylation. All compounds were able to meet the World Anti‐Doping Agency's sensitivity criteria with mass accuracies less than 1 ppm and with sufficient points across the peak by running the Orbitrap GC–MS in full‐scan mode. In addition, we discuss our initial findings of using a full‐scan selected ion monitoring‐tandem mass spectrometry (SIM‐MS/MS) approach as a way to obtain lower detection limits and reach desirable selectivity for some exogenous anabolic steroids.
Balanced Bcl‐3 expression in murine CD4+ T cells is required for generation of encephalitogenic Th17 cells
Authors: Mufazalov Ilgiz A. , Kuschmann Janina , Andruszewski David , Masri Joumana , Gabriel Laureen A. , Adams Petra , Reissig Sonja , Hövelmeyer Nadine , Waisman Ari
Published: June 2017

The function of NF‐κB family members is controlled by multiple mechanisms including the transcriptional regulator Bcl‐3, an atypical member of the IκB family. By using a murine model of conditional Bcl‐3 overexpression specifically in T cells, we observed impairment in the development of Th2, Th1, and Th17 cells. High expression of Bcl‐3 promoted CD4+ T‐cell survival, but at the same time suppressed proliferation in response to TCR stimulation, resulting in reduced CD4+ T‐cell expansion. As a consequence, T‐cell‐specific overexpression of Bcl‐3 led to reduced inflammation in the small intestine of mice applied with anti‐CD3 in a model of gut inflammation. Moreover, impaired Th17‐cell development resulted in the resistance of Bcl‐3 overexpressing mice to EAE, a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Thus, we concluded that fine‐tuning expression of Bcl‐3 is needed for proper CD4+ T‐cell development and is required to sustain Th17‐cell mediated pathology.
A GO@PLA@HA Composite Microcapsule: Its Preparation and Multistage and Controlled Drug Release
Authors: Guo Hailing , Wang Yunlong , Huang Yiping , Huang Fangzhi , Li Shikuo , Shen Yuhua , Zhu Manzhou , Xie Anjian
Published: June 2017

In this work, a new kind of multiple drug‐release system, graphene oxide (GO)@polylactic acid (PLA)@hydroxyapatite (HA) composite microcapsule, was constructed through the double Pickering emulsion method. In the preparation of the microcapsules, GO and HA were used as stabilizers for the water‐in‐oil (W1/O) and oil‐in‐water (O/W2) systems, respectively. Furthermore, GO, as the internal water phase (W1), could carry a hydrophilic drug (5‐FU), while PLA, as the oil phase (O), was employed to effectively embed a hydrophobic drug (coumarin). Additionally, the pH‐sensitive HA in an external water phase (W2) could also act as a vector to carry hydrophilic rose bengal, due to its excellent adsorption ability. Dynamic optical experiment results show that the uniform size and complete structure of the GO@PLA@HA composite microcapsules can be obtained at a volume ratio of W1/O/W2 = 3:20:100. The prepared GO@PLA@HA composite microcapsules present good biocompatible, biodegradable, and pH‐sensitive features. The respective drug encapsulation efficiencies of 5‐FU, coumarin, and rose bengal are estimated to be 13.38 %, 48.58 %, and 53.24 %, and their loading efficiencies are 0.15 %, 4.49 %, and 5.3 %, respectively. The controlled release of drugs can be realized by the degradation of HA in the simulated acidic tumoral environment, which illustrates the pH‐triggered drug‐release behavior of HA. More importantly, the above three different drugs, with their hydrophilic or hydrophobic natures, could be loaded into the single W1@O@W2 microcapsule, and they exhibited multistage sustained release in PBS solution at pH 5.0. Thus, the as‐synthesized composite microcapsules, with their multistage drug‐delivery function, may act as a new and promising drug‐delivery system in the medical field.
Closomers: Versatile Monodisperse Molecular Nanoparticles
Authors: Safronov Alexander V. , Jalisatgi Satish S. , Hawthorne M. Frederick
Published: June 2017

This review is dedicated to a relatively new, but nevertheless very quickly evolving field of chemistry – closomer chemistry. Closomers are complex organoelement molecules built on a [B12]2– icosahedral platform that have the combined benefits of the symmetry and stability of polyhedral boranes and the diversity of organic chemistry. On a material level, closomers can be considered as monodisperse molecular nanoparticles because of their size, spherical symmetry, and ease of adjusting the arm length. The ease of twelvefold side‐chain functionalization and the possibility of heterosubstitution makes closomers very useful medical tools for targeted and traceable imaging and drug delivery applications.
Carbocation Organocatalysis in Interrupted Povarov Reactions to cis‐Fused Pyrano‐ and Furanobenzodihydropyrans
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Xu Jiaxi , Li Zhenjiang , Huang Yu , Wang Haixin , Gao Yu , Guo Tianfo , Ouyang Pingkai , Guo Kai
Published: June 2017

Tritylium cation‐catalyzed interrupted Povarov reactions afforded cis‐4‐aminobenzodihydropyrans in excellent yields (90 %) within 10 min by low catalyst loadings (1 mol‐%). A mechanism involving Lewis acidic catalysis by a carbocation was proposed and validated. Changing a one‐pot batch version of the reaction into a two‐stage convergent continuous flow procedure led to a 10‐fold time reduction (to 1 min) with 88 % yield.
Hepatic lipophagy: New insights into autophagic catabolism of lipid droplets in the liver
Authors: Schulze Ryan J. , Drižytė Kristina , Casey Carol A. , McNiven Mark A.
Published: June 2017

The liver is a central fat‐storage organ, making it especially susceptible to steatosis as well as subsequent inflammation and cirrhosis. The mechanisms by which the liver mobilizes stored lipid for energy production, however, remain incompletely defined. The catabolic process of autophagy, a well‐known process of bulk cytoplasmic recycling and cellular self‐regeneration, is a central regulator of lipid metabolism in the liver. In the past decade, numerous studies have examined a selective form of autophagy that specifically targets a unique neutral lipid storage organelle, the lipid droplet, to better understand the function for this process in hepatocellular fatty acid metabolism. In the liver (and other oxidative tissues), this specialized pathway, lipophagy, likely plays as important a role in lipid turnover as conventional lipase‐driven lipolysis. In this review, we highlight several recent studies that have contributed to our understanding about the regulation and effects of hepatic lipophagy. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:359–369)
Different implications of the dorsal and ventral hippocampus on contextual memory retrieval after stress
Authors: Pierard C. , Dorey R. , Henkous N. , Mons N. , Béracochéa D.
Published: June 2017

This study assessed the relative contributions of dorsal (dHPC) and ventral (vHPC) hippocampus regions in mediating the rapid effects of an acute stress on contextual memory retrieval. Indeed, we previously showed that an acute stress (3 electric footschocks; 0.9 mA each) delivered 15 min before the 24 h‐test inversed the memory retrieval pattern in a contextual discrimination task. Specifically, mice learned in a four‐hole board two successive discriminations (D1 and D2) varying by the color and texture of the floor. Twenty‐four hours later, nonstressed animals remembered accurately D1 but not D2 whereas stressed mice showed an opposite memory retrieval pattern, D2 being more accurately remembered than D1. We showed here that, at the time of memory testing in that task, stressed animals exhibited no significant changes neither in pCREB activity nor in the time‐course evolution of corticosterone into the vHPC; in contrast, a significant decrease in pCREB activity and a significant increase in corticosterone were observed in the dHPC as compared to nonstressed mice. Moreover, local infusion of the anesthetic lidocaine into the vHPC 15 min before the onset of the stressor did not modify the memory retrieval pattern in nonstress and stress conditions whereas lidocaine infusion into the dHPC induced in nonstressed mice an memory retrieval pattern similar to that observed in stressed animals. The overall set of data shows that memory retrieval in nonstress condition involved primarily the dHPC and that the inversion of memory retrieval pattern after stress is linked to a dHPC but not vHPC dysfunction.
Anatomy of a decision II: Potential effects of changes to Tier I chemical approaches in Canadian Disposal at Sea program sediment assessment protocols
Authors: Apitz Sabine E , Agius Suzanne
Published: June 2017

The effects of possible changes to the Canadian 2-tiered assessment framework for dredged material based on outcomes of the 2006 Contaminated Dredged Material Management Decisions Workshop (CDMMD) are evaluated. Expanding on the “data mining” approach described in a previous paper, which focused solely on chemical lines of evidence, the efficacy of Tier 1 approaches (increases to the number of chemical analytes, use of mean hazard quotients, and the use of a screening bioassay) in predicting toxicity are evaluated. Results suggest value in additional work to evaluate the following areas: 1) further expanding minimum chemical requirements, 2) using more advanced approaches for chemical interpretation, and 3) using a screening-level bioassay (e.g., Canadian solid-phase photoluminescent bacteria test) to determine whether it would complement Tier 1 chemistry as well as or better than the solvent-based Microtox™ test method evaluated in the present study. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:1072–1085. © 2017 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)

Key Points

We developed a sediment database to examine international dredged material assessment approaches. A longer chemical action list is more effective at predicting toxicity. Well-designed mean hazard quotient approaches outperform “one out/all out” rules. A conservative Tier 1 screening bioassessment improved toxic detection.
The Evolving Nature of Higher Education Accreditation: Legal Considerations for Institutional Research Leaders
Authors: Flood Julee T. , Roberts Jeff
Published: June 2017

This chapter provides an overview of the purpose, history, and process of accreditation and a context for understanding the legal considerations of accreditation.
The Value of Law in Assessment and Institutional Research
Authors: Paine Gage
Published: June 2017

An awareness of the relevant legal issues and an understanding of the appropriate times to engage legal counsel are essential skills for institutional research (IR) professionals.
Klotho Lacks an FGF23-Independent Role in Mineral Homeostasis
Authors: Andrukhova Olena , Bayer Jessica , Schüler Christiane , Zeitz Ute , Murali Sathish K , Ada Sibel , Alvarez-Pez Jose M , Smorodchenko Alina , Erben Reinhold G
Published: June 2017

Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) is a bone-derived hormone regulating vitamin D hormone production and renal handling of minerals by signaling through an FGF receptor/αKlotho (Klotho) receptor complex. Whether Klotho has FGF23-independent effects on mineral homeostasis is a controversial issue. Here, we aimed to shed more light on this controversy by comparing male and female triple knockout mice with simultaneous deficiency in Fgf23 and Klotho and a nonfunctioning vitamin D receptor (VDR) (Fgf23/Klotho/VDR) with double (Fgf23/VDR, Klotho/VDR, and Fgf23/Klotho) and single Fgf23, Klotho, and VDR mutants. As expected, 4-week-old Fgf23, Klotho, and Fgf23/Klotho knockout mice were hypercalcemic and hyperphosphatemic, whereas VDR, Fgf23/VDR, and Klotho/VDR mice on rescue diet were normocalcemic and normophosphatemic. Serum levels of calcium, phosphate, and sodium did not differ between 4-week-old triple Fgf23/Klotho/VDR and double Fgf23/VDR or Klotho/VDR knockout mice. Notably, 3-month-old Fgf23/Klotho/VDR triple knockout mice were indistinguishable from double Fgf23/VDR and Klotho/VDR compound mutants in terms of serum calcium, serum phosphate, serum sodium, and serum PTH, as well as urinary calcium and sodium excretion. Protein expression analysis revealed increased membrane abundance of sodium-phosphate co-transporter 2a (NaPi-2a), and decreased expression of sodium-chloride co-transporter (NCC) and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 5 (TRPV5) in Fgf23/Klotho/VDR, Fgf23/VDR, and Klotho/VDR mice, relative to wild-type and VDR mice, but no differences between triple and double knockouts. Further, ex vivo treatment of live kidney slices isolated from wild-type and Klotho/VDR mice with soluble Klotho did not induce changes in intracellular phosphate, calcium or sodium accumulation assessed by two-photon microscopy. In conclusion, our data suggest that the main physiological function of Klotho for mineral homeostasis in vivo is its role as co-receptor mediating Fgf23 action. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
DJ‐1 Alleviates Angiotensin II‐Induced Endothelial Progenitor Cell Damage by Activating the PPARγ/HO‐1 Pathway
Authors: Han Tao , Liu Meihan , Yang Songbai
Published: June 2017

There is evidence that angiotensin II (Ang II) may impair the functions of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). It was revealed that DJ‐1 could resist oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated whether DJ‐1 could protect EPCs against Ang II‐induced cell damage. The proliferation and migration of EPCs were strongly reduced in the Ang II group and were increased by overexpression of DJ‐1. Western blotting indicated that the increased expression of the senescence marker β‐galactosidase and decreased expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1) induced by Ang II were reversed after Ad‐DJ‐1 transfection. The reduced angiogenic capacity of EPCs caused by Ang II was also improved after Ad‐DJ‐1 transfection. Moreover, Ang II significantly increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐1β), reduced the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and these were reversed by Ad‐DJ‐1 transfection. Expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ) and heme oxygenase (HO‐1) was increased by DJ‐1. Therefore, HO‐1 siRNA were constructed and transfected into EPCs, and the results showed that HO‐1 siRNA transfection inhibited the effects of DJ‐1 on EPC function. Thus, our study implies that DJ‐1 may protect EPCs against Ang II‐induced dysfunction by activating the PPARγ/HO‐1. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 392–400, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Role of Epigenetic Regulation and Pluripotency‐Related MicroRNAs in Differentiation of Pancreatic Stem Cells to Beta Cells
Authors: Coskun Ediz , Ercin Merve , Gezginci‐Oktayoglu Selda
Published: June 2017

In this study, we aimed to research the effects of class‐I HDACs and glucose on differentiation of pancreatic islet derived mesenchymal stem cells (PI‐MSCs) to beta cells. Beta cell differentiation determined by flow cytometric analysis and gene expression levels of PDX1, PAX4, PAX6, NKX6.1, NGN3, INS2, and GLUT2. As a result the valproic acid, is an inhibitor of class‐I HDACs, caused the highest beta cell differentiation in PI‐MSCs. However, the cells in this group were at early stages of differentiation. Glucose co‐administration to this group carried the differentiation to higher levels, but these newly formed beta cells were not functional. Moreover, reduction in the levels of pluripotency factors that Oct3/4, c‐Myc, and Nanog were parallel to beta cell differentiation. Also, the levels of HDAC1 and acetylated H3/H4 were increased and methylated H3 was decreased by VPA treatment. In addition, we have detected over expression in genes of miR‐18a‐5p, miR‐19b‐5p, miR‐30d‐3p, miR‐124, miR‐146a‐5p, miR‐184, miR‐335, and miR‐433‐5p in parallel to beta cell differentiation. As the conclusion, this study is important for understanding the epigenetic mechanism that controls the beta cell differentation and it suggests new molecules that can be used for diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 455–467, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tinker‐OpenMM: Absolute and relative alchemical free energies using AMOEBA on GPUs
Authors: Harger Matthew , Li Daniel , Wang Zhi , Dalby Kevin , Lagardère Louis , Piquemal Jean‐Philip , Ponder Jay , Ren Pengyu
Published: June 2017

The capabilities of the polarizable force fields for alchemical free energy calculations have been limited by the high computational cost and complexity of the underlying potential energy functions. In this work, we present a GPU‐based general alchemical free energy simulation platform for polarizable potential AMOEBA. Tinker‐OpenMM, the OpenMM implementation of the AMOEBA simulation engine has been modified to enable both absolute and relative alchemical simulations on GPUs, which leads to a ∼200‐fold improvement in simulation speed over a single CPU core. We show that free energy values calculated using this platform agree with the results of Tinker simulations for the hydration of organic compounds and binding of host–guest systems within the statistical errors. In addition to absolute binding, we designed a relative alchemical approach for computing relative binding affinities of ligands to the same host, where a special path was applied to avoid numerical instability due to polarization between the different ligands that bind to the same site. This scheme is general and does not require ligands to have similar scaffolds. We show that relative hydration and binding free energy calculated using this approach match those computed from the absolute free energy approach. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
IFN‐gamma priming of adipose‐derived stromal cells at “physiological” hypoxia
Authors: Andreeva Elena R. , Udartseva Olga O. , Zhidkova Olga V. , Buravkov Sergey V. , Ezdakova Maria I. , Buravkova Ludmila B.
Published: June 2017

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are considered cue regulators of tissue remodeling. Their activity is strongly governed by local milieu, where O2 level is most important. The elevation of inflammatory mediators and acute O2 lowering may additionally modulate MSC activity. In present paper the priming effects of IFN‐gamma on adipose tissue‐derived MSCs (ASCs) at tissue‐related O2 level (5%) and acute hypoxic stress (0.1% O2) were assessed as alterations of ASCs’ CFU‐F, proliferation, migration, osteo‐commitment. IFN‐gamma priming provoked ROS elevation, cell growth slowdown, attenuation of both spontaneous and induced osteodifferentiation of tissue O2‐adapted ASCs. The prominent changes in ASC cytoskeleton‐related gene transcription was detected. IFN‐gamma exposure shifted the ASC paracrine profile, suppressing the production of VEGF and IL‐8, while MCP‐1 and IL‐6 were stimulated. Conditioned medium of IFN‐gamma‐primed ASCs did not activate vessel growth in the CAM assay, but induced endothelial cell migration in “wound closure.” Short‐term hypoxia suppressed CFU‐F number, IFN‐gamma‐induced elevation of IL‐6 and endothelial cell migration, while it abolished IFN‐gamma‐provoked VEGF inhibition. After N‐acetyl cysteine treatment ROS level was partly abolished providing additional enhancement of IL‐6 and suppression of IL‐8 and VEGF production. These findings demonstrated that paracrine activity of ASCs in part may be governed by ROS level. Thus, this study first demonstrated that IFN‐gamma priming itself and in combination with acute O2 deprivation could supply dual effects on ASC functions providing both stimulatory and hampering effects. The equilibrium of these factors is a substantial requirement for the execution of MSC remodeling functions.
“In‐loop” [11C]CO2 fixation: Prototype and proof of concept
Authors: Dahl Kenneth , Collier Thomas L. , Cheng Ran , Zhang Xiaofei , Sadovski Oleg , Liang Steven H. , Vasdev Neil
Published: June 2017

Carbon‐11‐labeled carbon dioxide is the most common feedstock for the synthesis of positron emission tomography radiotracers and can be directly used for 11C‐carbonylation. Herein, we report the development of an apparatus that takes advantage of “in‐loop” technologies to facilitate robust and reproducible syntheses of 11C‐carbonyl‐based radiotracers by [11C]CO2‐fixation. Our “in‐loop” [11C]CO2‐fixation method is simple, efficient, and proceeds smoothly at ambient pressure and temperature. We selected model 11C‐carbonyl‐labeled carbamates as well as symmetrical and unsymmetrical ureas based on their widespread use in radiotracer design and our clinical research interests for proof of concept. Utility of this method is demonstrated by the synthesis of a reversible radiopharmaceutical for monoamine oxidase B, [11C]SL25.1188, and 2 novel fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors. These radiotracers were isolated and formulated (>3.5 GBq; 100 mCi) with radiochemical purities (>99%) and molar radioactivity (≥80 GBq/μmol; ≥2162 mCi/μmol).
Intratumor cisplatin nephrotoxicity in combined laser‐induced thermal therapy for cancer treatment
Authors: Palumbo Marcel N. , Cervantes Onivaldo , Eugênio Cecilia , Hortense Flávia T. P. , Ribeiro João C. , Paolini Ana Amélia P. , Tedesco Antônio C. , Sercarz Joel A. , Paiva Marcos B.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Thermal ablation of tumors by Nd:YAG laser has been growing as a multidisciplinary subspecialty defined as laser‐induced thermal therapy (LITT), and has been increasingly accepted as a minimally invasive method for palliation of advanced or recurrent cancer. Previous studies have shown that adjuvant chemotherapy can potentiate laser thermal ablation of tumors leading to improved palliation in advanced cancer patients.

Objective

Evaluate nephrotoxicity by early markers of renal function in treating head and neck cancer using intra‐tumor injections of cisplatin combined with laser‐induced thermal therapy (CDDP‐LITT).

Methods

Nine patients with recurrent head and neck tumors were treated by CDDP‐LITT in order to determine nephrotoxicity related to this synergistic association. Among the tests requested to detect early were creatinine, magnesium, creatinine clearance, serum urea‐BUN, type I urine, and proteinuria at 24 hours.

Results

Twelve recurrent tumors in nine patients were treated by CDDP‐LITT. Pain was the major complaint (four patients), while other symptoms included dysphagia, dyspnea, bleeding, and difficulties in chewing. Fifteen laser procedures were performed and maximal CDDP dose was 50 mg. None of the markers for nephrotoxicity showed changes at these levels of CDDP intra‐tumor injections.

Conclusion

This initial experience with (CDDP‐LITT) indicates both safety and therapeutic potential for palliation of advanced head and neck cancer. However, safety and feasibility must be confirmed by longer follow‐up and further escalation of CDDP doses in a Phase I study to determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and demonstrate tangible benefits for patients. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:756–762, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Creating a Biomimetic Microenvironment for the Ex Vivo Expansion of Primary Human T Lymphocytes
Authors: Jérôme Valérie , Werner Melanie , Kaiser Patrick , Freitag Ruth
Published: June 2017

The ex vivo expansion of primary human T cells is of considerable interest. Current protocols call for the addition of massive amounts of stimuli. This study presents as alternative the expansion of such cells in semipermeable sodium cellulose sulfate/poly(diallyldimethyl) ammonium chloride (SCS/PDADMAC) polyelectrolyte microcapsules, which supports at least six cell divisions and results in >40 × 106 cells mLcapsule−1 within less than 10 d. Inside the microcapsules, the T cells are suspended in a viscous SCS‐solution. The low molecular weight cut off (<10 000 Da) of the surrounding polyelectrolyte membrane assures that typical signaling molecules produced by the cells are retained, while nutrients and metabolites can pass. Expensive additives, such as interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), can be coencapsulated. Expansion then no longer requires specialized T‐cell media. Moreover, these results suggest that an SCS with a low degree of sulfation has biomimetic properties, representing an artificial extracellular matrix mimicking heparin sulfate.
Consumer self‐construal and trust as determinants of the reactance to a recommender advice
Authors: Aljukhadar Muhammad , Trifts Valerie , Senecal Sylvain
Published: June 2017

Commercial recommendation agents (RAs) represent an important type of the decision support systems (DSSs) that are widely used by online retailers and firms. To date, little is known about the factors that shape the user's decision making and reactance toward the recommendations of these agents. Building on theories from psychology and information systems domains, this research proposes that a user's self‐construal and trust are two relevant factors that interact to shape the behavior toward the RA advice. Two studies, the first conducted using potential online customers and the second conducted at a behavioral laboratory, provided support to this proposition. The first study considered RA trust and showed that activating the interdependent self leads users with low (high) trust to exhibit high reactance behavior toward the RA advice. The second study variated trust using trust cues and corroborated the latter finding, while showing no important impact for the psychological reactance trait. As expected, in both studies the reactance behavior of independent users was not affected by trust. These results contribute by underscoring that social interdependence extends to RAs because the role of trust becomes salient when the interdependent self is activated for a user.
Under the sway of a mobile device during an in‐store shopping experience
Authors: Rippé Cindy B. , Weisfeld‐Spolter Suri , Yurova Yuliya , Dubinsky Alan J. , Hale Dena
Published: June 2017

Mobile device technology is transforming the retail shopping experience. Today's consumers are mobile dependent, preferring to consult with their phone, instead of using the salesperson, while shopping at the retail store. In the absence of literature investigating how the salesperson might sell to this omni‐channel, mobile‐connected consumer, this paper proposes a conceptual model and tests its proposed linkages. The empirically tested model presents a dyadic view of the omni‐channel consumer and the salesperson. Uniquely contributing to the omni‐channel and marketing literature, samples from an emerging economy (India) and developed (United States) economy represent the contexts. Specifically, the research examines the salesperson's role in selling to a mobile‐dependent consumer who uses mobile technology to search for information during the sales meeting. Findings show that adaptive selling can affect purchase intention and customer predisposition to comply with salesperson input. Results also reveal how perceived control, mobile dependence, and customer predisposition to comply with mobile device input affect purchase intention. Managerial and research implications specifically appropriate for the omni‐consumer retail setting are offered.
Can preoperative detrusor underactivity influence surgical outcomes of 120 W HPS vaporization of the prostate (PVP) or holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP)? A serial 3‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Cho Min Chul , Park Juhyun , Kim Jung Kwon , Cho Sung Yong , Jeong Hyeon , Oh Seung‐June , Paick Jae‐Seung , Son Hwancheol
Published: June 2017

Aims

To determine the influence of preoperative detrusor underactivity (DU) on serial long‐term outcomes of HPS/PVP or HoLEP for LUTS/BPH, and to compare the influence between the two surgeries.

Methods

A total of 382 men, who underwent 120W‐HPS/PVP or HoLEP for LUTS/BPH and for whom 36‐month follow‐up data were available, were classified into four groups: HPS with DU (n = 145), HPS without DU (n = 44), HoLEP with DU (n = 105), and HoLEP without DU (n = 88). DU was defined as bladder contractility index of <100. Surgical outcomes were assessed at postoperative 6, 12, 24, and 36 months using IPSS, uroflowmetry, and serum PSA.

Results

All four groups maintained improvements in voiding symptom score (VSS), storage symptom score, total‐IPSS, QOL index, maximum flow rate (Qmax), post‐void residual urine volume (PVR), and bladder voiding efficiency (BVE) compared with baseline up to 3 years postoperatively. There were no significant differences in improvements of postoperative IPSS parameters including QOL index between men with and without DU throughout the follow‐up period after HPS or HoLEP. In men with DU, there were no significant differences in improvements of postoperative QOL index, Qmax, PVR, or BVE between HPS and HoLEP groups throughout the follow‐up period, except for VSS and total IPSS. Serum PSA reductions after HoLEP were greater than after PVP.

Conclusions

Improvements in LUTS, Qmax, and BVE can maintain up to 3 years after HPS or HoLEP for LUTS/BPH, irrespective of the presence or absence of preoperative DU. Although HoLEP may provide more durable improvement of VS in men with DU than HPS, there seems to be no difference in improvement of QOL or Qmax or BVE between HPS and HoLEP.
The Dietary Intervention to Enhance Tracking with Mobile Devices (DIET Mobile) Study: A 6‐Month Randomized Weight Loss Trial
Authors: Turner‐McGrievy Gabrielle M. , Wilcox Sara , Boutté Alycia , Hutto Brent E. , Singletary Camelia , Muth Eric R. , Hoover Adam W.
Published: June 2017

Objective

To examine the use of two different mobile dietary self‐monitoring methods for weight loss.

Methods

Adults with overweight (n = 81; mean BMI 34.7 ± 5.6 kg/m2) were randomized to self‐monitor their diet with a mobile app (App, n = 42) or wearable Bite Counter device (Bite, n = 39). Both groups received the same behavioral weight loss information via twice‐weekly podcasts. Weight, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and energy intake (two dietary recalls) were assessed at 0, 3, and 6 months.

Results

At 6 months, 75% of participants completed the trial. The App group lost significantly more weight (−6.8 ± 0.8 kg) than the Bite group (−3.0 ± 0.8 kg; group × time interaction: P < 0.001). Changes in energy intake (kcal/d) (−621 ± 157 App, −456 ± 167 Bite; P = 0.47) or number of days diet was tracked (90.7 ± 9.1 App, 68.4 ± 9.8 Bite; P = 0.09) did not differ between groups, but the Bite group had significant increases in physical activity metabolic equivalents (+2015.4 ± 684.6 min/wk; P = 0.02) compared to little change in the App group (−136.5 ± 630.6; P = 0.02). Total weight loss was significantly correlated with number of podcasts downloaded (r = −0.33, P < 0.01) and number of days diet was tracked (r = −0.33, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

While frequency of diet tracking was similar between the App and Bite groups, there was greater weight loss observed in the App group.
Factors possibly affecting prognosis in children with Wilms’ tumor diagnosed before 24 months of age: A report from the Associazione Italiana Ematologia Oncologia Pediatrica (AIEOP) Wilms Tumor Working Group
Authors: D'Angelo Paolo , Di Cataldo Andrea , Terenziani Monica , Bisogno Gianni , Collini Paola , Di Martino Martina , Melchionda Fraia , Mosa Clara , Nantron Marilina , Perotti Daniela , Puccio Giuseppe , Serra Annalisa , Catania Serena , Spreafico Filippo ,   for the AIEOP Wilms Tumor Working Group
Published: June 2017

Background

Children with Wilms’ tumor (WT) aged under 24 months (infants) have a better prognosis than older patients. Our aim was to study the epidemiology of this age group, with focus on the modality of diagnosis, tumor size, and association with malformations/syndromes, seeking to understand if any of these factors might be related to prognosis.

Patients and methods

Infants diagnosed with WT between 2003 and February 2010 were evaluated. A query form was used to collect data on the modality of WT diagnosis (symptomatic or incidental), tumor volume, maximum diameter, site, and stage.

Results

Data were collected for 117 of 124 WT infants registered. Twenty‐four cases had an incidental diagnosis (ID) of renal mass, usually arising from an abdominal ultrasound performed for other reasons, and 93 had been diagnosed based on clinical signs/symptoms. The incidental cohort displayed unifocal disease, mean tumor diameter 5.52 cm, mean tumor volume 84.30 ml, and 14 patients showed associated malformations. Symptomatic patients had mean maximum tumor diameter of 10.18 cm, mean tumor volume of 451.18 ml, and six had associated malformations.

Conclusions

Our study showed that 20% of the infants had an ID of WT; they had a relatively smaller nonmetastatic tumor and a higher rate of malformations than infants of the symptomatically diagnosed group, but we did not detect any difference in age at diagnosis between the two groups. Conversely, we found a significant difference in the 5‐year event‐free survival rate (P = 0.018) between infants under 1 year (96%), more frequently associated with congenital malformations, and infants 1–2 years (80%).
Hospitalization rate and costs in acute lymphoblastic leukemia of childhood in a low‐income group: Financial impact in Northeast Mexico
Authors: Jaime‐Pérez José Carlos , Fernández Lucía Teresa , Jiménez‐Castillo Raúl Alberto , Colunga‐Pedraza Julia Esther , Padilla‐Medina José Ramón , Mancías‐Guerra Consuelo , Gómez‐Almaguer David
Published: June 2017

Background

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the main and most expensive and prolonged causes of hospitalization for childhood cancer. We describe the hospitalization rate and its costs for an open population with ALL in a low‐middle income country.

Procedure

We retrospectively analyzed 449 hospital admissions for 101 pediatric patients with ALL over 8 years. Clinical files and electronic databases were scrutinized to document causes, duration, readmission rate, costs, and outcome of each admission. Hospitalizations were divided into two categories: general pediatric ward and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Hospitalization rates and its costs per patient were estimated considering person‐time at risk.

Results

Patients had an admission rate of 2.09 hospitalizations per patient‐year and median length of stay per admission was 5 days. Most admissions occurred during the first 2 years from diagnosis. Mean cost per day was 239 US dollars (USD) and mean cost per stay was 2,246 USD versus 1,016 and 19,004 USD (P = 0.001) in the PICU, respectively. Total hospitalization cost per patient per year (PPPY) was 5,991 USD for high‐risk patients and 3,038 USD for standard‐risk patients. Patients between ages 1 and 9 years had a PPPY cost of $4,057; while for children younger than 1 year or older than 9 years, it was 7,463 USD. The popular medical insurance program covered 70% of hospitalizations and 63% of its total cost; patients contributed 2%, with the hospital absorbing 35%.

Conclusions

Hospitalizations for children with ALL were less expensive than in high‐income countries but had a significant cost to low‐income families and to the healthcare system.