bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ejector loop reactor: Application for microbial fermentation and comparison with a stirred‐tank bioreactor
Authors: Ughetti Manuel , Jussen Daniel , Riedlberger Peter
Published: January 2018

Ejector loop reactors (ELR) are successfully used in industrial chemical processes for gas/liquid reactions. They achieve higher mass transfer rates compared to the stirred‐tank reactor (STR) at comparable specific power input. Insufficient oxygen transport and shear stress induced growth inhibition are limiting parameters during microbial fermentation. Due to its better mass transfer characteristics, the ELR was expected to have beneficial effects on biomass and recombinant protein production. One concern, however, was whether the ELR's shear stress characteristics would have a negative effect. This study evaluated the suitability of using the Buss‐Loop® Reactor (BLR), one of the most advanced ELR technologies, as a bioreactor. The well‐studied STR was used as a reference. A lab scale BLR was adapted for microbial fermentation. Mass transfer rates and specific power inputs were within the same order of magnitude in the ELR and the reference STR. Maximum values of 207 and 205 h−1 at power inputs of 6.9 and 9.7 W/L were measured in the ELR and STR, respectively. During batch fermentation of Escherichia coli K12 MG1655, maximum cell densities were higher in the ELR (OD600 of 22) than in the STR (OD600 of 18). Green fluorescence protein (GFP) production with pGS1 was comparable; however, more GFP was released into the media in the ELR. This indicates higher cell disruption compared to the STR. Despite this drawback of the first prototype, our work clearly demonstrates the potential of the ELR as a system for microbial fermentations.
Recognize how your own patterns and choices affect interactions with others
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2018

BOSTON — “My number‐one requested topic [for speaking engagements] is ‘life would be easy if it weren't for other people,’” said Connie Podesta, motivational speaker and author, at the national conference for the National Association for College Admission Counseling.
Astrocytic glutamine synthetase is expressed in the neuronal somatic layers and down‐regulated proportionally to neuronal loss in the human epileptic hippocampus
Authors: Papageorgiou Ismini E. , Valous Nektarios A. , Lahrmann Bernd , Janova Hana , Klaft Zin‐Juan , Koch Arend , Schneider Ulf C. , Vajkoczy Peter , Heppner Frank L. , Grabe Niels , Halama Niels , Heinemann Uwe , Kann Oliver
Published: January 2018

Human mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) features subregion‐specific hippocampal neurodegeneration and reactive astrogliosis, including up‐regulation of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and down‐regulation of glutamine synthetase (GS). However, the regional astrocytic expression pattern of GFAP and GS upon MTLE‐associated neurodegeneration still remains elusive. We assessed GFAP and GS expression in strict correlation with the local neuronal number in cortical and hippocampal surgical specimens from 16 MTLE patients using immunohistochemistry, stereology and high‐resolution image analysis for digital pathology and whole‐slide imaging. In the cortex, GS‐positive (GS+) astrocytes are dominant in all neuronal layers, with a neuron to GS+ cell ratio of 2:1. GFAP‐positive (GFAP+) cells are widely spaced, with a GS+ to GFAP+ cell ratio of 3:1–5:1. White matter astrocytes, on the contrary, express mainly GFAP and, to a lesser extent, GS. In the hippocampus, the neuron to GS+ cell ratio is approximately 1:1. Hippocampal degeneration is associated with a reduction of GS+ astrocytes, which is proportional to the degree of neuronal loss and primarily present in the hilus. Up‐regulation of GFAP as a classical hallmark of reactive astrogliosis does not follow the GS‐pattern and is prominent in the CA1. Reactive alterations were proportional to the neuronal loss in the neuronal somatic layers (stratum pyramidale and hilus), while observed to a lesser extent in the axonal/dendritic layers (stratum radiatum, molecular layer). We conclude that astrocytic GS is expressed in the neuronal somatic layers and, upon neurodegeneration, is down‐regulated proportionally to the degree of neuronal loss.
The cystine‐glutamate exchanger (xCT, Slc7a11) is expressed in significant concentrations in a subpopulation of astrocytes in the mouse brain
Authors: Ottestad‐Hansen Sigrid , Hu Qiu Xiang , Follin‐Arbelet Virgine Veronique , Bentea Eduard , Sato Hideyo , Massie Ann , Zhou Yun , Danbolt Niels Christian
Published: January 2018

The cystine‐glutamate exchanger (xCT) promotes glutathione synthesis by catalyzing cystine uptake and glutamate release. The released glutamate may modulate normal neural signaling and contribute to excitotoxicity in pathological situations. Uncertainty, however, remains as neither the expression levels nor the distribution of xCT have been unambiguously determined. In fact, xCT has been reported in astrocytes, neurons, oligodendrocytes and microglia, but most of the information derives from cell cultures. Here, we show by immunohistochemistry and by Western blotting that xCT is widely expressed in the central nervous system of both sexes. The labeling specificity was validated using tissue from xCT knockout mice as controls. Astrocytes were selectively labeled, but showed greatly varying labeling intensities. This astroglial heterogeneity resulted in an astrocyte domain‐like labeling pattern. Strong xCT labeling was also found in the leptomeninges, along some blood vessels, in selected circumventricular organs and in a subpopulation of tanycytes residing the lateral walls of the ventral third ventricle. Neurons, oligodendrocytes and resting microglia, as well as reactive microglia induced by glutamine synthetase deficiency, were unlabeled. The concentration of xCT protein in hippocampus was compared with that of the EAAT3 glutamate transporter by immunoblotting using a chimeric xCT‐EAAT3 protein to normalize xCT and EAAT3 labeling intensities. The immunoblots suggested an xCT/EAAT3 ratio close to one (0.75 ± 0.07; average ± SEM; n = 4) in adult C57BL6 mice. Conclusions: xCT is present in select blood/brain/CSF interface areas and in an astrocyte subpopulation, in sufficient quantities to support the notion that system
provides physiologically relevant transport activity.
Benchmarked Intrinsic Olefin Metathesis Activity: Mo vs. W
Authors: Zhizhko Pavel A. , Mougel Victor , De Jesus Silva Jordan , Copéret Christophe
Published: January 2018

Combining Surface Organometallic Chemistry with rigorous olefin purification protocol allows evaluating and comparing the intrinsic activities of Mo and W olefin metathesis catalysts towards different types of olefin substrates. While well‐defined silica‐supported Mo and W imido‐alkylidenes show very similar activities in metathesis of internal olefins, Mo catalysts systematically outperform their W analogs in metathesis of terminal olefins, consistent with the formation of stable unsubstituted W metallacyclobutanes in the presence of ethylene. However, Mo catalysts are more prone to induce olefin isomerization, in particular when ethylene is present, probably because of their propensity to undergo more easily reduction processes.
Specific Modulation of Vertebral Marrow Adipose Tissue by Physical Activity
Authors: Belavy Daniel L , Quittner Matthew J , Ridgers Nicola D , Shiekh Adnan , Rantalainen Timo , Trudel Guy
Published: January 2018

Marrow adipose tissue (MAT) accumulation with normal aging impacts the bone, hemopoiesis, and metabolic pathways. We investigated whether exercise was associated with lower MAT, as measured by vertebral marrow fat fraction (VFF) on magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 101 healthy individuals (54 females) aged 25 to 35 years without spine or bone disease but with distinct exercise histories were studied. Long-distance runners (67 km/wk, n = 25) exhibited lower mean lumbar VFF (27.9% [8.6%] versus 33.5% [6.0%]; p = 0.0048) than non-sporting referents (n = 24). In habitual joggers (28 km/wk, n = 30), mean lumbar VFF was 31.3% (9.0%) (p = 0.22 versus referents) and 6.0 percentage points lower than referents at vertebrae T10, T11, and T12 (p ≤ 0.023). High-volume road cycling (275 km/wk, n = 22) did not impact VFF. 3D accelerations corresponding to faster walking, slow jogging, and high-impact activities correlated with lower VFF, whereas low-impact activities and sedentary time correlated with higher mean lumbar VFF (all p ≤ 0.05). Given an estimated adipose bone marrow conversion of 7% per decade of life, long distance runners, with 5.6 percentage points lower VFF, showed an estimated 8-year younger vertebral marrow adipose tissue phenotype. Regression analysis showed a 0.7 percentage point reduction in mean lumbar VFF with every 9.4 km/wk run (p = 0.002). This study presents the first evidence in humans or animals that specific volumes and types of exercise may influence the age-determined adipose marrow conversion and result in low MAT. These results identify a potentially modifiable risk factor for prevalent chronic conditions related to bone metabolism, hemopoietic production, and other metabolic functions with potential global health applications. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Purification of glutathione S‐transferase enzyme from quail liver tissue and inhibition effects of (3aR,4S,7R,7aS)‐2‐(4‐((E)‐3‐(aryl)acryloyl)phenyl)‐3a,4,7,7a‐tetrahydro‐1H‐4,7‐methanoisoindole‐1,3(2H)‐dione derivatives on the enzyme activity
Authors: Temel Yusuf , Koçyigit Umit M. , Taysı M. Şerif , Gökalp Faik , Gürdere Meliha Burcu , Budak Yakup , Ceylan Mustafa , Gülçin İlhami , Çiftci Mehmet
Published: January 2018

The use of quail meat and eggs has made this animal important in recent years, with its low cost and high yields. Glutathione S‐transferases (GST, E.C.2.5.1.18) are an important enzyme family, which play a critical role in detoxification system. In our study, GST was purified from quail liver tissue with 47.88‐fold purification and 12.33% recovery by glutathione agarose affinity chromatography. The purity of enzyme was checked by SDS‐PAGE method and showed a single band. In addition, inhibition effects of (3aR,4S,7R,7aS)‐2‐(4‐((E)‐3‐(aryl)acryloyl)phenyl)‐3a,4,7,7a‐tetrahydro‐1H‐4,7methanoisoindole‐1,3(2H)‐dion derivatives (1a–g) were investigated on the enzyme activity. The inhibition parameters (IC50 and Ki values) were calculated for these compounds. IC50 values of these derivatives (1a–e) were found as 23.00, 15.75, 115.50, 10.00, and 28.75 μM, respectively. Ki values of these derivatives (1a–e) were calculated in the range of 3.04 ± 0.50 to 131.50 ± 32.50 μM. However, for f and g compounds, the inhibition effects on the enzyme were not found.
Biological functions of Elabela, a novel endogenous ligand of APJ receptor
Authors: Xu Jin , Chen Linxi , Jiang Zhisheng , Li Lanfang
Published: January 2018

The G protein‐coupled receptor APJ and its cognate ligand, apelin, are widely expressed throughout human body. They are implicated in different key physiological processes such as angiogenesis, cardiovascular functions, fluid homeostasis, and energy metabolism regulation. Recently, a new endogenous peptidic ligand of APJ, named Elabela, has been identified and shown to play a crucial role in embryonic development. In addition, increasing evidences show that Elabela is also intimate associated with a large number of physiological processes in adulthood. However, a comprehensive summary of Elabela has not been reported to date. In this review, we provide an overview of the biological functions of Elabela. Collectively, Elabela, a potential therapeutic peptide, exerts diverse biological functions in both embryos and adult organisms, such as dysontogenesis, self‐renewing of human embryonic stem cells, endoderm differentiation, heart morphogenesis, cardiac dyfunctions, blood pressure control, angiogenesis, blood pressure control, regulation of food and water intake, bone formation, and kidney diseases.
Gift Giving at Israeli Weddings as a Function of Genetic Relatedness and Kinship Certainty
Authors: Tifferet Sigal , Saad Gad , Meiri Mali , Ido Nir
Published: January 2018

This study examines gift giving at Israeli weddings. In accordance with kin selection theory, we hypothesized that wedding guests possessing greater genetic relatedness to the newlyweds would offer greater sums of money as wedding gifts. We also hypothesized that family members stemming from the maternal side (where the genetic lineage has higher kinship certainty) would offer the newlyweds more money than those stemming from the paternal side. Data on the monetary gift sums of the wedding guests from 30 weddings were collapsed according to two criteria: (a) genetic relatedness (0%, 6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, and 50%) and (b) kinship certainty (maternal or paternal lineage). Both hypotheses were supported. We discuss the implications of these data in understanding family dynamics, as well as practical applications associated with the marketing of gifts.
“Risk management” is a verb
Authors: Sheppard Faye
Published: January 2018

To optimally demonstrate the value of risk management, our actions must show the benefits. The American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM) board needs to provide support through tools and resources. ASHRM members must show through their actions the value of risk management. And ASHRM members need to show the organization where actions and activities should be focused in the future. Actions show the value of enterprise risk management.
Exogenous oestrogen inhibits genital transmission of cell‐associated HIV‐1 in DMPA‐treated humanized mice
Authors: Quispe Calla Nirk E , Vicetti Miguel Rodolfo D , Glick Melissa E , Kwiek Jesse J , Gabriel Janelle M , Cherpes Thomas L
Published: January 2018

Introduction

HIV affects more women than any other life‐threatening infectious agent, and most infections are sexually transmitted. HIV must breach the female genital tract mucosal barrier to establish systemic infection, and clinical studies indicate virus more easily evades this barrier in women using depot‐medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and other injectable progestins for contraception. Identifying a potential mechanism for this association, we learned DMPA promotes susceptibility of wild‐type mice to genital herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV‐2) infection by reducing genital tissue expression of the cell‐cell adhesion molecule desmoglein‐1 (DSG‐1) and increasing genital mucosal permeability. Conversely, DMPA‐mediated increases in genital mucosal permeability and HSV‐2 susceptibility were eliminated in mice concomitantly administered exogenous oestrogen (E). To confirm and extend these findings, herein we used humanized mice to define effects of systemic DMPA and intravaginal (ivag) E administration on susceptibility to genital infection with cell‐associated HIV‐1.

Methods

Effects of DMPA or an intravaginal (ivag) E cream on engraftment of NOD‐scid‐IL‐2Rgcnull (NSG) mice with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) were defined with flow cytometry. Confocal microscopy was used to evaluate effects of DMPA, DMPA and E cream, or DMPA and the pharmacologically active component of the cream on vaginal tissue DSG‐1 expression and genital mucosal permeability to low molecular weight (LMW) molecules and hPBMCs. In other studies, hPBMC‐engrafted NSG mice (hPBMC‐NSG) received DMPA or DMPA and ivag E cream before genital inoculation with 106 HIV‐1‐infected hPBMCs. Mice were euthanized 10 days after infection, and plasma HIV‐1 load quantified by qRT‐PCR and splenocytes used to detect HIV‐1 p24 antigen via immunohistochemistry and infectious virus via TZM‐bl luciferase assay.

Results

Whereas hPBMC engraftment was unaffected by DMPA or E treatment, mice administered DMPA and E (cream or the pharmacologically active cream component) displayed greater vaginal tissue expression of DSG‐1 protein and decreased vaginal mucosal permeability to LMW molecules and hPBMCs versus DMPA‐treated mice. DMPA‐treated hPBMC‐NSG mice were also uniformly susceptible to genital transmission of cell‐associated HIV‐1, while no animal concomitantly administered DMPA and E cream acquired systemic HIV‐1 infection.

Conclusion

Exogenous E administration reduces susceptibility of DMPA‐treated humanized mice to genital HIV‐1 infection.
Pattern synthesis and broad nulling optimization of STMLAA with EM simulation
Authors: Ram Gopi , Panduro Marco A. , Reyna Alberto , Kar Rajib , Mandal Durbadal
Published: January 2018

An accurate imposing of broad nulls in the side lobe levels of radiation pattern of the symmetric time modulated linear antenna array (STMLAA) is proposed in this article. The broad nulls are intended to be imposed in the range of the angular sector of 40° to 70° of angle of arrival in θ plane which is symmetrical to the main beam of the radiation pattern. The metaheuristic evolutionary algorithm with the hybridization of flower pollination algorithm with Nelder‐Mead simplex method called memetic flower pollination algorithm is used uniquely for the application of pattern synthesis to serve this purpose. The optimized results obtained by using memetic flower pollination algorithm are validated by using Computer Simulation Technology Microwave Studio by taking practical elements of microstrip patch antenna. From algorithm's point of view, the superiority of the adopted algorithm has been justified by the statistical analysis performed along with the basic algorithms, like real‐coded genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, and differential evolution. 16‐, 32‐, and 64‐element STMLAA are realized to demonstrate the proposed concept. Broad nulls are aimed to be obtained by the optimal perturbations of switching time sequences and the interelement separations of the elements having symmetricity with respect to the main beam of the radiation pattern. Moreover, the maximum side lobe level is also reduced as compared with that of the uniform linear antenna array for the same element. The microstrip patch antenna with operating frequency of 5.85 GHz has been designed, which is applicable for Wi‐Max application. The concept of pattern multiplication is applied to multiply the element pattern of patch antenna and the array factor of STMLAA of isotropic elements.
Eine optimierte Methode zur Bestimmung der Proteaseaktivität in Sauren Waldböden
Authors: Hamm Daniela , Feger Karl‐Heinz
Published: January 2018

Eine Methode zur Bestimmung der Proteaseaktivität wurde auf ihre Anwendbarkeit an sauren Waldböden (Humusauflage und Mineralboden) getestet. Untersucht wurden die Einflüsse folgender Parameter auf die Proteaseaktivität bzw. deren Nachweis: Inkubationszeit, Substratkonzentration, pH‐Wert der Inkubationslösung, Pufferlösung, Probenmatrix und Lagerung der Bodenproben. Aufgrund der Ergebnisse wird eine optimierte Methode vorgeschlagen. Die Anwendung dieser modifizierten Methode an zwei Waldstandorten, die sich in ihrem N‐Haushalt voneinander unterscheiden, zeigt, daß die Bestimmung der Proteaseaktivität auch in sauren Waldböden deutliche Differenzierungen zuläßt.
Quantitative evaluation of collagen and elastic fibers after intense pulsed light treatment of mouse skin
Authors: Faucz Luciana L. , Will Sonia E. , Rodrigues Consuelo J. , Hesse Henrique , Moraes Angelina C. , Maria Durvanei A.
Published: January 2018

Background and Objective

The aging of human skin includes intrinsic aging and photo‐aging, which are characterized by a decrease in collagen and the deposition of abnormal elastic fibers. Intense pulsed light (IPL) sources are widely used in medicine to treat various cosmetic problems, including photo‐damaged skin. Few studies have examined the microscopic changes produced by IPL. The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the effects of IPL on collagen and elastic fibers in mice.

Materials and Methods

Forty female BALB/c mice were divided into four subgroups. Group 1 was the control group (n = 10), and groups 2, 3, and 4 were treatment groups (n = 10 in each group). Group 2 received one treatment, group 3 received two treatments, and group 4 received three treatments every 2 weeks. Skin tissue was obtained from irradiated areas 24 hours after the last treatment in each mouse. Collagen fibers were identified using the picrosirius red method. Elastic fibers were marked by Weigert‐oxone stain. All samples were analyzed and quantified by a light microscope using analyzer system images.

Results

Group 4, which received three IPL treatments, showed significant quantitative increases in both collagen fibers (P < 0.05) and elastic fibers (P < 0.01). Collagen fibers demonstrated a better parallel distribution in relation to the epidermis.

Conclusion

IPL treatment significantly increased the number of collagen and elastic fibers within the dermis and improved the parallel distribution of collagen fibers in relation to the epidermis. These results were evident after three IPL treatments. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:644–650, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Benefit finding and diurnal cortisol after prostate cancer: The mediating role of positive affect
Authors: Wang Ashley W. , Hoyt Michael A.
Published: January 2018

Objective

Benefit finding (BF) has exhibited a salutary effect on psychological adjustment to cancer. However, few studies have examined its relationship with physiology or have examined BF in men with cancer. This study investigated whether BF is associated with hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis activity (ie, diurnal salivary cortisol) in men treated for prostate cancer. Positive affect (PA) is proposed as a potential pathway linking BF to diurnal salivary cortisol.

Methods

A sample of 66 men treated for localized prostate cancer within the prior 2 years completed questionnaires and collected salivary cortisol 3 times per day over 3 consecutive days. Hierarchical linear modeling was used for estimating the effects of BF and PA on cortisol responses as measured by diurnal slope and area under the curve (AUCg). Confidence intervals for indirect effects were estimated using the Monte Carlo method for mediation testing.

Results

BF was significantly associated with diurnal cortisol slope, controlling for body mass index and age (B = −.12, P = .03), such that greater BF was associated with steeper cortisol slope. Analyses revealed that PA mediated the effect of BF on cortisol slope (Monte Carlo estimation 95% CI = −0.087, −0.001); negative affect did not mediate this relationship. BF was not significantly associated with AUCg.

Conclusions

Deriving more benefit from one's experience with prostate cancer is associated with a healthier diurnal cortisol rhythm. Through its potential to enhance PA, the relationship of BF and physiological processes underscores the health relevant value of BF in prostate cancer survivors.
First‐Principles Characterization of Equilibrium Vacancy Concentration in Metamagnetic Shape Memory Alloys: An Example of Ni2MnGa
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Salas Daniel , Medasani Bharat , Entel Peter , Karaman Ibrahim , Arróyave Raymundo , Duong Thien C.
Published: January 2018

Despite the fact that there is evidence for the important role that vacancies play in the martensitic transformation (MT) behavior of metamagnetic shape memory alloys (MMSMAs), little theoretical – and even experimental – work on the thermodynamics and kinetics of point defects in these systems has been carried out. Since the MT behavior of MMSMAs has a great influence on their magneto‐caloric response, investigating the vacancy evolution in MMSMAs has potentially a significant technological impact. Scarcity of studies may be due to the limited characterization capability available for studying vacancy properties as well as their impacts on the materials performance. The current work seeks to introduce the application of the grand‐canonical dilute‐solution model to the investigation of equilibrium (thermal) populations of point defects in Ni2MnGa, used as a prototypical MMSMA. The thermodynamic model is coupled to first‐principles calculations of the energetics of defect‐containing supercell structures. Such characterization capability allows for more realistic investigations of MMSMAs with the vacancy degree of freedom taken into account and subsequently opens up many interesting research topics. Here we demonstrate the capability of the first principles based characterization method by investigating the role of vacancy concentration in the kinetics of order–disorder (ODO) process and the MT temperature of Ni2MnGa.
Robust designs with high projection efficiency
Authors: Lin Chang‐Yun
Published: January 2018

Alphabetic optimality criteria, such as the D, A, and I criteria, require specifying a model to select optimal designs. They are not model‐free, and the designs obtained by them may not be robust. Recently, many extensions of the D and A criteria have been proposed for selecting robust designs with high estimation efficiency. However, approaches for finding robust designs with high prediction efficiency are rarely studied in the literature. In this paper, we propose a compound criterion and apply the coordinate‐exchange 2‐phase local search algorithm to generate robust designs with high estimation, high prediction, or balanced estimation and prediction efficiency for projective submodels. Examples demonstrate that the designs obtained by our method have better projection efficiency than many existing designs.
CO2 Reforming of Methane over Ni/MgO Catalysts Promoted with Zr and La Oxides
Authors: Al‐Doghachi Faris A. J. , Taufiq‐Yap Yun Hin
Published: January 2018

An investigation on carbon dioxide reforming of methane (DRM) to synthesis gas (H2 and CO) was carried out with several synthesized Ni‐based catalysts. Mixed oxide supports (MgO‐ZrO2 and MgO‐La2O3), were prepared using co‐precipitation method with K2CO3 as the precipitant. The findings indicated a high level of catalytic activity and stability of synthesized Ni‐based catalysts for DRM. Different techniques, namely, XRD, XPS, H2‐TPR, BET, TEM, FESEM, and TGA, were employed to perform the characterization of synthesized catalysts. It was found that with the addition of promoter Zr, the catalyst Ni/Mg0.85Zr0.15O showed a high level of activity (CH4; 86%, and CO2; 98%) and better stability. The significant anti‐coking activity of the reduced catalyst with low Ni metal was evaluated. Furthermore, this research study also examined the performance of the catalyst activity and stability. The results obtained from the temperature program reduction (H2‐TPR) revealed that the presence of ZrO2 with MgO support can enhance Ni reducibility in comparison to La2O3, which is an important indicator of high activity and stability of the Ni catalysts for DRM. It was also found that the presence of La2O3 did not show any effects on the stability of the catalyst.
Photochemical Behavior of Ag0 or Au0 Decorated Nanostructured TiO2 Prepared by a Facile In Situ Reduction Method
Authors: Conceição D. S. , Vieira Ferreira L. F.
Published: January 2018

The present work deals with the preparation and photochemical characterization of nanostructured TiO2 samples, decorated with metallic silver (Ag0) or gold (Au0), in the form of nanoparticles and/or agglomerates. Specifically, both a commercial TiO2 nanopowder and TiO2 mixed nanoparticles/nanowires (TNNWs), prepared via hydrothermal treatment in alkaline medium, were used as substrates for the growth of metallic Ag and Au species. The preparation route explored the intrinsic properties of the optical semiconductor, generated after lamp photoexcitation. An excess of Ti3+ states were created, in the absence of oxygen and in the presence of both UV light and a HO• scavenger. Several spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize the photochemical behavior of all samples and, ultimately, to evaluate the plasmonic response of the materials.
Heterogeneous Pd/POSS Nanocatalysts for C–C Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Somjit Vetiga , Wong Chi Man Michel , Ouali Armelle , Sangtrirutnugul Preeyanuch , Ervithayasuporn Vuthichai
Published: January 2018

An insoluble solid support of N−heterocyclic imidazolium‐functionalized cage‐like silsesquioxane (SQ); Bim‐SQ, was synthesized by nucleophilic substitution of octakis(3‐chloropropyl)octasilsesquioxane with an excess bis‐(imidazol‐1‐yl)methane and investigated as a new organic‐inorganic hybrid support. In the presence of Bim‐SQ, Pd(II) from [PdCl4]2− can be stabilized via both electrostatic interactions and imidazole‐N‐coordination, giving an amorphous material of Pd(II)@Bim‐SQ. Subsequent in situ reduction of Pd(II)@Bim‐SQ during Suzuki−Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions afforded monodispersed Pd nanoparticles (2.33 ± 1.50 nm) stablized on Bim‐SQ support, PdNp@Bim‐SQ with Pd loading up to 14% w/w. Catalytic studies revealed that the pre‐catalyst Pd(II)@Bim‐SQ was active heterogeneous catalyst for Suzuki−Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions, having the maximum TOFs of 5400 h−1 under mild conditions and in aqueous ethanol medium. Furthermore, PdNp@Bim‐SQ was also shown to be an efficient catalyst for Heck reactions. Simple catalyst recovery and reusability of PdNp@Bim‐SQ for at least 5 catalytic cycles without loss of activity were also demonstrated.
Novel Class of Reversible Chiral Ionic Liquids Derived from Natural Amino Acids: Synthesis and Characterization.
Authors: Bouchardy Lucie , Rodriguez‐Ruiz Violeta , Bournaud Chloée , Boyer François‐Didier , Toffano Martial , Judeinstein Patrick , Vo‐Thanh Giang
Published: January 2018

A novel class of reversible chiral ammonium‐based ionic liquids has been designed and synthesized. These chiral ammonium carbamate salts were quickly obtained by adding 1 atmosphere of CO2 gas to chiral silylated amines, easily prepared at gram scale and in some steps from natural amino acids as bio‐renewable substrates. Some physical properties of these reversible chiral ionic liquids such as reversibility temperature, thermal degradation, miscibility, and stability have been determined. The spectroscopic characteristics of the silylated amine and ionic liquid states have also been compared. The properties of reversibility, chirality, and ease of preparation should make these silylamine‐ionic liquid phases as promising solvents and/or catalysts for several applications, especially in asymmetric catalysis fields.
Do new entrants sustain, destroy, or create guaranteed profitability?
Authors: MacDonald Glenn , Ryall Michael
Published: January 2018

Research and Managerial Summary: We examine the effect of any new agent on the value captured by an incumbent: e.g., a new rival, a new source of supply, a new customer, etc. Regardless of the new agent's type, entry has two opposing effects on the incumbent's minimum profitability guaranteed by competition. First, is the creation of more economic value. This tends to blunt competition and lowers minimum guaranteed profit. Second, is the potential generation of new productive alternatives for the incumbent, thereby inducing the opposite effect. We describe whether entry allows guaranteed profits to persist or creates guaranteed profits when they did not previously exist. We show that knowing that the entrant can replace the incumbent is not enough to determine the impact of entry on guaranteed minimum profits.
Research of electromagnetic and thermal optimization design on air core reactor
Authors: Yuan Fating , Yuan Zhao , Wang Yong , Liu Junxiang , Su Haibo , He Junjia
Published: January 2018

In this paper, the geometry‐electromagnetic character, thermal condition of the coils, and encapsulation number are coupled in the optimization design of an air core reactor, to realize the minimum usage of metal conductor. Combined with the equality constraint conditions for maximum temperature rise conservation, inductance conservation, and structure function of the reactor, the optimization design curves and results are achieved based on the initial design parameters. According to the design results, the temperature field simulation model of the reactor is established, and the results verify the correctness of the optimization method. Compared with the design method of ‘equal height and heat flux’ and thermal‐electromagnetic character without considering the change of encapsulation number, the proportionality factor of metal conductor usage is 0.73 with the optimization method. It shows that the optimization method can significantly improve the utilization ratio of the conductor. Meanwhile, the influence of regularity on the electromagnetic efficiency, thermal efficiency, and other parameters is also obtained. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Report shows upward trend in overall completion rate
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2018

Nationwide completion rates increased by more than two percentage points over the prior year, according to a report issued by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. The six‐year completion rate for the cohort who started in 2011 was 56.9 percent, higher than the pre‐recession highest completion rate of 56.1 percent. The completion rate correlates to 48,000 more graduates than the 2010 cohort the NSC studied in 2016, even with a slightly smaller cohort for the 2011 group.
Genetic Test Reporting and Counseling for Melanoma Risk in Minors May Improve Sun Protection Without Inducing Distress
Authors: Stump Tammy K. , Aspinwall Lisa G. , Kohlmann Wendy , Champine Marjan , Hauglid Jamie , Wu Yelena P. , Scott Emily , Cassidy Pamela , Leachman Sancy A.
Published: January 2018

Genetic testing of minors is advised only for conditions in which benefits of early intervention outweigh potential psychological harms. This study investigated whether genetic counseling and test reporting for the CDKN2A/p16 mutation, which confers highly elevated melanoma risk, improved sun protection without inducing distress. Eighteen minors (Mage = 12.4, SD = 1.9) from melanoma‐prone families completed measures of protective behavior and distress at baseline, 1 week (distress only), 1 month, and 1 year following test disclosure. Participants and their mothers were individually interviewed on the psychological and behavioral impact of genetic testing 1 month and 1 year post‐disclosure. Carriers (n = 9) and noncarriers (n = 9) reported significantly fewer sunburns and a greater proportion reported sun protection adherence between baseline and 1 year post‐disclosure; results did not vary by mutation status. Anxiety symptoms remained low post‐disclosure, while depressive symptoms and cancer worry decreased. Child and parent interviews corroborated these findings. Mothers indicated that genetic testing was beneficial (100%) because it promoted risk awareness (90.9%) and sun protection (81.8%) without making their children scared (89.9%); several noted their child's greater independent practice of sun protection (45.4%). In this small initial study, minors undergoing CDKN2A/p16 genetic testing reported behavioral improvements and consistently low distress, suggesting such testing may be safely implemented early in life, allowing greater opportunity for risk‐reducing lifestyle changes.
The influence of obesity on operating room time and perioperative complications in cochlear implantation
Authors: Hatch Jonathan L. , Boersma Isabel M. , Weir Forest W. , Bauschard Michael J. , Holcomb Meredith A. , Lambert Paul R. , Meyer Ted A.
Published: January 2018

Objective

The rising incidence of obesity in the United States is associated with increased healthcare expenditures and resource allocation. Obesity has been associated with prolonged operating times during surgical procedures. The primary objective of this study is to compare body mass index (BMI) to length of surgery during cochlear implantation.

Methods

A retrospective case control study from a tertiary academic referral center was performed. Patients included were adults who underwent primary, single‐sided cochlear implantation with documented BMI and operating room (OR) times from January 2009 to July 2015. The following data were collected: BMI, total operating room time (TORT), surgical operating room time (SORT), ASA status, perioperative and postoperative complications, age, and gender.

Results

Two hundreds and thirty‐four patients were included and stratified into obese (BMI >30) and non‐obese (BMI < 30) categories. Statistical analysis was performed comparing TORT against the obesity category along with other variables. Independent sample t‐test demonstrated that obesity increases TORT and SORT by 16.8 min (P = 0.0002) and 9.3 min (P = 0.03), respectively, compared to the non‐obese group. Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated no statistically significant impact of gender, or ASA status on total operating or surgical time. Obesity was associated with increased perioperative complications (odds ratio [OR], 6.21; 95% CI, 1.18–32.80; P = 0.03) and postoperative complications (OR, 3.97; 95% CI, 1.29–12.26; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Obesity leads to longer TORT and SORT during primary cochlear implant surgery. Obesity is also associated with increased perioperative and postoperative complications compared to non‐obese patients. These data have implications with utilization of operating room resources.
Respiration pattern variability and related default mode network connectivity are altered in remitted depression
Authors: Zamoscik Vera Eva , Schmidt Stephanie Nicole Lyn , Gerchen Martin Fungisai , Samsouris Christos , Timm Christina , Kuehner Christine , Kirsch Peter
Published: January 2018

Background

Studies with healthy participants and patients with respiratory diseases suggest a relation between respiration and mood. The aim of the present analyses was to investigate whether emotionally challenged remitted depressed participants show higher respiration pattern variability (RPV) and whether this is related to mood, clinical outcome and increased default mode network connectivity.

Methods

To challenge participants, sad mood was induced with keywords of personal negative life events in individuals with remitted depression [recurrent major depressive disorder (rMDD),n= 30] and matched healthy controls (HCs,n= 30) during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Respiration was measured by means of a built-in respiration belt. Additionally, questionnaires, a daily life assessment of mood and a 3 years follow-up were applied. For replication, we analysed RPV in an independent sample of 53 rMDD who underwent the same fMRI paradigm.

Results

During sad mood, rMDD compared with HC showed greater RPV, with higher variability in pause duration and respiration frequency and lower expiration to inspiration ratio. Higher RPV was related to lower daily life mood and predicted higher depression scores as well as relapses during a 3-year follow-up period. Furthermore, in rMDD compared with HC higher main respiration frequency exhibited a more positive association with connectivity of the posterior cingulate cortex and the right parahippocampal gyrus.

Conclusions

The results suggest a relation between RPV, mood and depression on the behavioural and neural level. Based on our findings, we propose interventions focusing on respiration to be a promising additional tool in the treatment of depression.
The Politics of Illusion: The Collapse of the Fujimori Regime in Peru
Authors: Calderón Bentin Sebastián
Published: January 2018

Peru approached the twenty-first century a polarized country. In the year 2000, with increased authoritarian control over the legislative and judicial branches along with constitutional reforms paving the way for his re-reelection, President Alberto Fujimori campaigned for a third term in office. His main electoral opponent, Alejandro Toledo, along with opposition leaders, spearheaded massive demonstrations in Lima accusing the government of repression, corruption, drug trafficking, and electoral fraud. Opposition figures were joined by grassroots social movements, unions, students, and human rights activists who opposed the regime's repressive and corrupt practices, which included by now reports of torture and extrajudicial killings. When Fujimori first became president a decade earlier he had inherited a country ravaged by widespread poverty, hyperinflation, nearly depleted foreign reserves, a growing narcotics trade, and two armed terrorist groups: the MRTA (Tupac Amarú Revolutionary Movement) and the Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso). Both were on the offensive across the country, the Shining Path most prominently, planting car bombs in the capital, kidnapping and killing civilians, and besieging towns and villages across the country. Looking for a way out of economic and terrorist violence, Peruvians were faced with two options in 1990: Alberto Fujimori, an ex-university president and agricultural engineer of Japanese descent, and Mario Vargas Llosa, a white, upper-middle-class novelist and liberal intellectual. Though Fujimori was less well-known, many Peruvians saw Vargas Llosa's center-right coalition as a repackaged version of the same traditional political groups that had lead the country into crisis. Fujimori would appear much like Hugo Chávez later in Venezuela, a populist outsider ready to challenge the traditional party system. Many saw Fujimori's succinct rhetoric as refreshing when contrasted with Vargas Llosa's elaborate speeches, especially since the former president, Alan García, who fled the country in 1992 on corruption charges, was also well-known for his loquacious disposition.
A novel ACPW-fed quad-band hybrid antenna for wireless applications
Authors: Ren Wang , Zhang Li-Juan , Hu Shu-Wei
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a novel asymmetric coplanar waveguide-fed quad-band hybrid antenna for wireless applications. The proposed hybrid antenna combines a conventional monopole antenna and a zeroth-order resonator antenna to perform a dual-mode operation. The first mode is generated by a slotted monopole antenna, supporting the two higher resonances at about 3.5 and 5.8 GHz. The second mode is supported by loading a composite right-/left-handed transmission line unit cell near the slotted monopole, contributing to the two lower resonances at about 1.6 and 2.5 GHz. It is printed on an FR4 substrate with the overall dimensions of 40 mm × 24 mm × 1.6 mm. Experimental results demonstrate that it can cover the global positioning system (1.57–1.59 GHz), wireless local area network (2.4–2.485, 5.15–5.35, and 5.725–5.825 GHz), and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (2.5–2.69, 3.3–3.7, and 5.25–5.85 GHz) applications with monopole-like radiation patterns and acceptable gains.
Iron Readings Hint That Ocean Depth Influences Seabed Volcanism
Authors: Lanese Nicoletta
Published: January 2018

Water pressure on mid-ocean ridges may affect magma production kilometers beneath the ocean floor.
Nuclear p53-mediated repression of autophagy involves PINK1 transcriptional down-regulation
Authors: Goiran Thomas , Duplan Eric , Rouland Lila , el Manaa Wejdane , Lauritzen Inger , Dunys Julie , You Han , Checler Frédéric , Alves da Costa Cristine
Published: January 2018

p53 is a transcription factor that is implicated in the control of both apoptotic and autophagic cell death. This tumor suppressor elicits both pro-autophagic and anti-autophagic phenotypes depending of its intracellular localization. The ability of p53 to repress autophagy has been exclusively associated to its cytoplasmic localization. Here, we show that transcriptional activity of p53 also contributes to autophagy down-regulation. Thus, nuclear p53 controls PINK1, a key protein involved in the control of mitophagy, by repressing its promoter activity, protein and mRNA levels, ex-vivo and in vivo. We establish that deletion of an identified p53 responsive element on PINK1 promoter impacts p53-mediated PINK1 transcriptional repression and we demonstrate a p53-PINK1 physical interaction by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Accordingly, we show that only nuclear p53 accounts for its ability to repress PINK1 gene transcription. Further, we demonstrate ex-vivo and in vivo that p53 invalidation in human cells increases LC3 maturation as well as optineurin and NDP52 autophagy receptors expression and down-regulates TIM23, TOM20 and HSP60 mitophagy markers. Importantly, this phenotype is mimicked by TP53 invalidation in mice brain. Finally, by combining pharmacological and genetic approaches, we show that the p53-mediated negative regulation of autophagy is PINK1-dependent. Thus pifithrin-α-mediated blockade of p53 transcriptional activity enhances LC3 maturation and reduces p62, TIM23, TOM20 and HSP60 protein levels. This pifithrin-α-associated pro-mitophagy phenotype is fully abolished by PINK1 depletion. This data unravels a novel pathway by which nuclear p53 can repress autophagy/mitophagy that could underlie important dysfunctions in both neurodegenerative and cancer diseases.
MCL-1 is a prognostic indicator and drug target in breast cancer
Authors: Campbell Kirsteen J. , Dhayade Sandeep , Ferrari Nicola , Sims Andrew H. , Johnson Emma , Mason Susan M. , Dickson Ashley , Ryan Kevin M. , Kalna Gabriela , Edwards Joanne , Tait Stephen W. G. , Blyth Karen
Published: January 2018

Analysis of publicly available genomic and gene expression data demonstrates that MCL1 expression is frequently elevated in breast cancer. Distinct from other pro-survival Bcl-2 family members, the short half-life of MCL-1 protein led us to investigate MCL-1 protein expression in a breast cancer tissue microarray and correlate this with clinical data. Here, we report associations between high MCL-1 and poor prognosis in specific subtypes of breast cancer including triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form that lacks targeted treatment options. Deletion of MCL-1 in the mammary epithelium of genetically engineered mice revealed an absolute requirement for MCL-1 in breast tumorigenesis. The clinical applicability of these findings was tested through a combination of approaches including knock-down or inhibition of MCL-1 to show triple-negative breast cancer cell line dependence on MCL-1 in vitro and in vivo. Our data demonstrate that high MCL-1 protein expression is associated with poor outcome in breast cancer and support the therapeutic targeting of MCL-1 in this disease.
Epstein-Barr virus encoded latent membrane protein 1 suppresses necroptosis through targeting RIPK1/3 ubiquitination
Authors: Liu Xiaolan , Li Yueshuo , Peng Songling , Yu Xinfang , Li Wei , Shi Feng , Luo Xiangjian , Tang Min , Tan Zheqiong , Bode A. M. , Cao Ya
Published: January 2018

Necroptosis is an alternative programmed cell death pathway that is unleashed in the absence of apoptosis and mediated by signaling complexes containing receptor-interating protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and RIPK3. This form of cell death has recently been implicated in host defense system to eliminate pathogen-infected cells. However, only a few viral species such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) have evolved mechanisms inhibiting necroptosis to overcome host antiviral defense, which is important for successful pathogenesis. Here, we show that the γ-herpesvirus Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) blocks necroptosis in EBV-infected human nasopharyngeal epithelial cells and nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Our findings indicate that EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), which lacks an RIP homotypic interaction motif (RHIM) domain, has mechanisms distinct from RHIM signaling competition to inhibit this necroptotic pathway. Intriguingly, LMP1 interacts directly with both RIPK1 and RIPK3 through its C-terminal activation region. More importantly, LMP1 can modulate the post-translational modification of the two receptor-interacting proteins. We then show that LMP1-mediated promotion of K63-polyubiquitinated RIPK1, suppression of RIPK1 protein expression and inhibition of K63-polyubiquitinated RIPK3 induced a switch in cell fate from necroptotic death to survival. These findings provide direct evidence for the suppression of necroptosis by EBV and define a mechanism of LMP1 to interrupt the initiation process of necroptosis before necrosome formation.