bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Light‐Induced Promoters for the Control of Heterologous Gene Expression in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Albers Stevan C. , Peebles Christie A. M.
Published: November 2016

Cyanobacteria are enticing microbial factories, but little is understood how their gene control elements respond to the periodic availability to light. This research tested the capability of PpsbAII to control gene expression during light/dark conditions when moved to a neutral location within the Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 genome. When the eYFP reporter gene was run by PpsbAII in the promoter's native genomic location, mutants exposed to 12‐hour light conditions experienced a 15.8× increase in transcript abundance over that observed from the same construct exposed to 12‐hour dark conditions. When this same construct was moved to the hypothetical coding region slr0168 in the genome, transcripts generated during 12 hour light conditions accumulated to 1.67X of the levels of transcripts generated by the same construct during 12 hour dark conditions. Three additional promoter constructs, PpsbAIII, PgroEL2, and PsigD were also tested for differential expression in light and dark conditions within the neutral region slr0168. While low amounts of transcript accumulation were observed from PgroEL2 and PsigD, the PpsbAIII construct accumulated 5.79× more transcripts when compared to transcript abundance during dark conditions, which highlights the potential of this promoter to control gene expression during diel‐cycle light conditions. Additionally, nucleotide mutations were made to regions within PpsbAII. Mutations to the cis‐acting hexo‐nucleotide region increased expression 3.71× over that of the native promoter, while the addition of the “HLR” nucleotide region to the PpsbAII::ΔHex construct increased expression 2.76× over that of the native promoter. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:45–53, 2017
To CBE or not to CBE: The Washington state experience
Authors: Cummins Richard W. , Floten B. Jean
Published: November 2016

Background

In July 2012, the 34 presidents, three chancellors, and State Board leaders for the community and technical colleges of Washington State created a Strategic Visioning Committee. The committee's first project was to identify ways to achieve higher educational attainment rates in the context of the Great Recession with a substantially reduced investment in higher education. The group focused on educational delivery changes that would result in a high‐quality education that is more affordable by utilizing technology.

Methods

The approach the committee pursued was competency‐based education, modeled after Western Governors University. This study examines a critical question within this context: “Can a sustainable, low‐cost CBE program be built from scratch inside or across institutions that have not had grassroots faculty activity for building one?”

Results

The result was the first, statewide, competency‐Based, online, degree (a direct transfer associate's degree in business), developed, funded, and delivered collaboratively by six colleges and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Conclusion

The article describes the organizational factors and challenges that the collaborating colleges experienced in reaction to the introduction and implementation of the jointly developed CBE degree.
Protein Surface Mimetics: Understanding How Ruthenium Tris(Bipyridines) Interact with Proteins
Authors: Hewitt Sarah H. , Filby Maria H. , Hayes Ed , Kuhn Lars T. , Kalverda Arnout P. , Webb Michael E. , Wilson Andrew J.
Published: November 2016

Protein surface mimetics achieve high‐affinity binding by exploiting a scaffold to project binding groups over a large area of solvent‐exposed protein surface to make multiple cooperative noncovalent interactions. Such recognition is a prerequisite for competitive/orthosteric inhibition of protein–protein interactions (PPIs). This paper describes biophysical and structural studies on ruthenium(II) tris(bipyridine) surface mimetics that recognize cytochrome (cyt) c and inhibit the cyt c/cyt c peroxidase (CCP) PPI. Binding is electrostatically driven, with enhanced affinity achieved through enthalpic contributions thought to arise from the ability of the surface mimetics to make a greater number of noncovalent interactions than CCP with surface‐exposed basic residues on cyt c. High‐field natural abundance 1H,15N HSQC NMR experiments are consistent with surface mimetics binding to cyt c in similar manner to CCP. This provides a framework for understanding recognition of proteins by supramolecular receptors and informing the design of ligands superior to the protein partners upon which they are inspired.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure and Physical Properties of New Ca2TGe3 (T: Pd and Pt) Germanides.
Authors: Klimczuk T. , Xie Weiwei , Winiarski M.j. , Koziol R. , Litzbarski L.s. , Luo Huixia , Cava R.j.
Published: November 2016

Ca2PdGe3 and Ca2PtGe3 are prepared by arc melting of stoichiometric amounts of Pd or Pt with Ge and subsequent addition of excess Ca (Al2O3 crucible in quartz ampoule, 880 °C, 12 h, ≈50 kPa Ar).
ChemInform Abstract: The Role of Nonmagnetic d0 vs. d10 B‐Type Cations on the Magnetic Exchange Interactions in Osmium Double Perovskites.
Authors: Feng Hai L. , Yamaura Kazunari , Tjeng Liu Hao , Jansen Martin
Published: November 2016

Polycrystalline samples of Ba2MOsO6 (M: Sc (I), In (II)) are prepared by solid state reactions of 4:1:2 molar mixtures of BaO2M2O3, and OsO2 (Al2O3 crucibles in quartz ampoules, 950—1025 °C, 96 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Octaammine EuII and YbII Azides and Their Thermal Decompositions to the Nitrides.
Authors: Mueller Thomas G. , Mogk Jochen , Conrad Matthias , Kraus Florian
Published: November 2016

A route to metal nitrides by the use of ammine metal azides under relatively mild conditions is presented.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed Perfluoroalkylthiolation of Alkynes with Perfluoroalkanesulfenamides.
Authors: Tlili Anis , Alazet Sebastien , Glenadel Quentin , Billard Thierry
Published: November 2016

The direct perfluoroalkylthiolation of terminal alkynes is readily achieved with sulfenamide reagents of type (II) and (IV) in the presence of Cu(I)‐catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: Direct α‐Amination of Nitrones Achieved by DBU‐Activated N‐Haloimides.
Authors: Li Mengru , Liang Fushun
Published: November 2016

The facile one‐pot direct amination of nitrones and quinoline N‐oxides gives E/Z‐mixtures of α‐aminonitrones.
ChemInform Abstract: Iridium(III)‐Catalyzed Regioselective Direct Arylation of sp2 C—H Bonds with Diaryliodonium Salts.
Authors: Gao Pan , Liu Li , Shi Zhuangzhi , Yuan Yu
Published: November 2016

A direct ortho‐arylation of arenes and olefins by diaryliodonium salts yields biaryls and aryl alkenes, resp., under mild reaction conditions and with a high tolerance of functional groups including halides.
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Access to Alkyl Bromides, Chlorides and Iodides via Visible Light‐Promoted Decarboxylative Halogenation.
Authors: Candish Lisa , Standley Eric A. , Gomez‐Suarez Adrian , Mukherjee Satobhisha , Glorius Frank
Published: November 2016

The title reaction is achieved in the presence of a typical iridium photocatalyst and various substrates are tolerable.
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Aldol Reaction of Dichloroacetaldehyde Catalyzed by Diarylprolinol.
Authors: Hayashi Yujiro , Nakamura Daichi , Yasui Yusuke , Iwasaki Kotaro , Chiba Hiroaki
Published: November 2016

γ,γ‐Dichloro‐β‐hydroxy aldehydes are generated in the first step.
ChemInform Abstract: Chiral Allenes via Alkynylogous Mukaiyama Aldol Reaction.
Authors: Tap Aurelien , Blond Aurelie , Wakchaure Vijay N. , List Benjamin
Published: November 2016

The reaction between aryl aldehydes and diverse alkynyl‐substituted ketene acetals in the presence of a newly designed chiral disulfonimide is examined which provides tetrasubstituted allenes in high yields and with excellent regio‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselectivities.
ChemInform Abstract: Rhodium‐Catalyzed ortho‐Amidations in the Preparation of Thiadiazine 1‐Oxides.
Authors: Cheng Ying , Dong Wanrong , Wang Han , Bolm Carsten
Published: November 2016

Rhodium‐catalyzed ortho‐amidations of sulfoximines lead to key intermediates for the preparation of thiadiazine 1‐oxides.
ChemInform Abstract: Cationic Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Dehydrative Nucleophilic Substitutions of Benzhydryl Alcohols with Electron‐Deficient Benzenethiols in Water.
Authors: Hikawa Hidemasa , Machino Yumo , Toyomoto Mariko , Kikkawa Shoko , Azumaya Isao
Published: November 2016

A nucleophilic substitution reaction of benzhydryl alcohols with electron‐deficient benzenethiols in water yields the corresponding benzylic thioethers in moderate to excellent yields via an atom economical and environmentally benign protocol.
ChemInform Abstract: The Reactivity of Difluorocarbene with Hydroxylamines: Synthesis of Carbamoyl Fluorides.
Authors: Baars Hannah , Engel Julien , Mertens Lucas , Meister Daniela , Bolm Carsten
Published: November 2016

The conditions for the preparation of title compounds, formed as by‐products during synthetic studies, are optimized.
ChemInform Abstract: Gold‐Catalyzed Facile Access to Indene Scaffolds via Sequential C—H Functionalization and 5‐endo‐dig Carbocyclization.
Authors: Ma Ben , Wu Ziang , Huang Ben , Liu Lu , Zhang Junliang
Published: November 2016

A novel and efficient gold‐catalyzed cascade C—H functionalization/5‐endo‐dig cyclization of o‐alkynylaryl α‐diazoesters with electron‐rich aromatic compounds is established.
ChemInform Abstract: Insertion of Isocyanides into N—Si Bonds: Multicomponent Reactions with Azines Leading to Potent Antiparasitic Compounds.
Authors: Gamez‐Montano Rocio , et al.
Published: November 2016

The trimethylsilyl chloride promoted title reaction may be intercepted with different nucleophiles offering access to interesting adducts.
ChemInform Abstract: Mild and Efficient Organocatalytic Method for the Synthesis of Flavones.
Authors: Stanek Filip , Stodulski Maciej
Published: November 2016

A facile protocol for the dehydrative cyclization of 1,3‐diaryl diketones to give functionalized flavones is developed.
ChemInform Abstract: Unexpected Formation of π‐Expanded Isoquinoline from Anthracene Possessing Four Electron‐Donating Groups via the Duff Reaction.
Authors: Weclawski Marek K. , Deperasinska Irena , Leniak Arkadiusz , Banasiewicz Marzena , Kozankiewicz Boleslaw , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: November 2016

Under Duff conditions, the reaction of 1,5,9,10‐tetramethoxyanthracene with hexamethylenetetramine yields a 2‐azabenzoanthrone by double electrophilic aromatic substitution, followed by oxidation of the resulting intermediate to form a pyridine ring.
ChemInform Abstract: Multicomponent Strategy for the Preparation of Pyrrolo[1,2‐a]pyrimidine Derivatives under Catalyst‐Free and Microwave Irradiation Conditions.
Authors: Xun Zhan , Feng Xian , Wang Jianjun , Shi Daqing , Huang Zhibin
Published: November 2016

The introduced protocol has the advantages of readily available starting materials, short reaction times, and good regioselectivity.
ChemInform Abstract: The Pauson—Khand Reaction Using Alkynylboronic Esters: Solving a Long‐Standing Regioselectivity Issue.
Authors: Leon Thierry , Fernandez Elena
Published: November 2016

For the first time, an intermolecular Pauson—Khand reaction between norbornadiene and internal alkynylboronic esters allows the installation of the boronic ester moiety at the β‐position of the resulting cyclopentenone with total regio‐ and stereoselectivity.
ChemInform Abstract: Two New Diterpene Alkaloids from the South China Sea Sponge Agelas aff. nemoechinata.
Authors: Li Tao , Wang Bin , de Voogd Nicole J. , Tang Xu‐Li , Wang Qi , Chu Mei‐Jun , Li Ping‐Lin , Li Guo‐Qiang
Published: November 2016

Nemoechines F (I) and G (II) do not exhibit antimicrobial activities against S.
ChemInform Abstract: A Novel Anticancer Theranostic Pro‐Prodrug Based on Hypoxia and Photo Sequential Control.
Authors: Wang Shuxiang , et al.
Published: November 2016

By modifying the active chemotherapeutic gemcitabine with an o‐hydroxy cinnamic ester derivative locked by a hypoxic trigger p‐nitrobenzyl group, an effective anticancer prodrug (I) with both functions for diagnosis and therapy is successfully developed.
ChemInform Abstract: Metal‐Catalyzed Carboxylation of Organic (Pseudo)halides with CO2
Authors: Borjesson Marino , Moragas Toni , Gallego Daniel , Martin Ruben
Published: November 2016

Review: 105 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Size‐Selective Molecular Flasks
Authors: Otte Matthias
Published: November 2016

Review: 154 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: 1001 Lights: Luciferins, Luciferases, Their Mechanisms of Action and Applications in Chemical Analysis, Biology and Medicine
Authors: Kaskova Zinaida M. , Tsarkova Aleksandra S. , Yampolsky Ilia V.
Published: November 2016

Review: 399 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Phosphinic Peptides as Potent Inhibitors of Zinc‐Metalloproteases
Authors: Georgiadis Dimitris , Dive Vincent
Published: November 2016

Review: 152 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Covalent Organic Frameworks Based on Schiff‐Base Chemistry: Synthesis, Properties and Potential Applications
Authors: Segura Jose L. , Mancheno Maria J. , Zamora Felix
Published: November 2016

Review: 178 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Mechanistic Insights and Computational Design of Transition‐Metal Catalysts for Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation Reactions
Authors: Chen Xiangyang , Yang Xinzheng
Published: November 2016

Review: [60 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Transformations of Organic Molecules over Metal Surfaces: Insights from Computational Catalysis
Authors: Moskaleva Lyudmila , Chiu Cheng‐chau , Genest Alexander , Roesch Notker
Published: November 2016

Review: [95 refs.
Practical method for correcting heterochromatic stray light in dual‐channel spectrographs for colorimetry
Authors: Imura Kenji , Yamamoto Yuzuru , Takebe Yohsuke , Nagai Yoshiroh
Published: November 2016

Measurements by spectrophotometers more or less suffer from heterochromatic stray light generated in their spectrometers. It is divided into near‐band and off‐band stray lights. While the former appears near the spectral band of the incident flux, the latter distributes broadly across the whole range and is far more problematic from colorimetric point of view. This article presents a practical method for correcting off‐band stray light in dual‐channel array spectrographs often built in modern spectrophotometers. Unlike most correction methods using a line spread function, the presented method estimates the distribution of off‐band stray light across the array as the product of a device‐specific stray light distribution and a total stray light intensity. The latter depends on both the spectral power distribution of an incident flux and a device‐specific rate of change from the incident flux to the off‐band stray light. For further simplification, the method replaces wavelengths by several bands dividing the visible range owing to the moderate spectral dependence of the above rate of change. With those simplifications, the method is practical, effective, and robust enough to work in an inexpensive hand‐held spectrophotometer with the compact spectrograph which often suffers from off‐band stray light. The performance of the method was evaluated with two dual‐channel array spectrographs with and without 2nd‐order‐rejection filter. Specimen lights incident through ten different glass filters were measured and the errors caused by off‐band stray light in the pixel outputs from the array were successfully corrected by the method. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 42, 431–439, 2017
High‐Temperature Hydrogen Storage of Multiple Molecules: Theoretical Insights from Metalated Catechols
Authors: Tsivion Ehud , Veccham Srimukh Prasad , Head‐Gordon Martin
Published: November 2016

Insertion of open metal sites (OMS) into metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is a promising strategy for preparation of physical adsorbents that enable H2 storage at room temperature. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are reported on a promising paradigm for adsorption of multiple hydrogen molecules to a single OMS attached to an MOF linker via a catechol or thiocatechol. The interactions between adsorbed H2 and the OMS are characterized with special attention to their degrees of freedom and thermal properties. By combining the present calculations with experimental data, some of these materials are predicted to have usable capacities close to the Department of Energy (DOE) 2020 target of 40 gr L−1 marking them as important synthetic targets. Surprisingly, calculations suggest that a Ca–catechol OMS retains the ability to bind up to two hydrogens even in the presence of residual solvent.
High Yield Production of Natural Phenolic Alcohols from Woody Biomass Using a Nickel‐Based Catalyst
Authors: Chen Jiazhi , Lu Fang , Si Xiaoqin , Nie Xin , Chen Junsheng , Lu Rui , Xu Jie
Published: November 2016

Efficient depolymerization of woody biomass to produce natural phenolic alcohols not only preserves the original structure of lignin, but also makes the depolymerization process atom‐efficient. Here, high yield production of natural phenolic alcohols (38.7 wt %) from woody biomass has been achieved using a Ni/C catalyst in a methanol–water co‐solvent. The Ni‐based catalyst can efficiently etherify the Cα−OH group in lignin β‐O‐4 motifs under hydrogen atmosphere, which can break the hydrogen bond between the Cβ−O oxygen and the Cα−OH proton to facilitate the Cβ−O cleavage. It was reported that water can also accelerate the etherification of raw lignin with methanol through in situ formation of acid. Our results suggest that breaking the intramolecular hydrogen bonds can accelerate the Cβ−O cleavage, keeping the original structure of lignin unchanged. This work highlights the significance of structure modification in lignin depolymerization and displays a clear potential for the valorization of whole biomass.
Impaired Immunosuppressive Effect of Bronchoalveolar Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Balogh Enikő , Nagy Béla , Gyetvai Ágnes , Bene Zsolt , Hendrik Zoltán , Jeney Viktória , Nagy Péter , Papp Ágnes , Balla József , Balla György , Kappelmayer János , Nagy Béla
Published: November 2016

Background

Bronchoalveolar mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an important role in the maintenance of lung integrity. Therapeutic application of bone marrow‐derived MSCs reduced chronic bronchial inflammation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and improved the ratio of survivors in sepsis with pneumonia. This study investigated the effect of MSCs from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) on T‐cell function under in vitro conditions.

Methods

Bronchoalveolar MSCs were obtained via bronchoscopy with BAL from children with severe subacute HP. As control, BALF MSCs were assessed from children without any inflammatory lung disease. Isolated MSCs were characterized via immunophenotyping by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. HP‐derived and healthy separated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated by 5 µg/mL phytohemagglutinin in the presence of HP‐derived or control MSCs in 5‐day cultures. Proliferation and activation of T‐cells were characterized by the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of 5,6‐carboxyfluorescein‐diacetat succinimidyl ester (CFSE) and CD25, CD69 as well as HLA‐DR surface positivities, respectively.

Results

HP‐derived MSCs showed significantly lower level of CD73, CD90, and CD105 expression compared to control MSCs in both flow cytometric and confocal microscopic experiments. MSCs from HP did not reduce T‐cell proliferation based on CFSE MFI values, while the level of CD25 expression on both control and HP‐derived CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells was significantly reduced by normal MSCs, while HP‐derived MSCs did not have any significant effect. The level of other activation markers was not markedly modulated by MSCs.

Conclusions

BALF MSCs from HP are unable to downregulate the proliferation and activation of T‐cells that may support the development of recurrent intrapulmonary inflammation in HP. © 2016 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Cytology of primary vaginal melanoma: An unusual report on fine needle aspiration
Authors: Agarwal Poojan , Kaushal Manju
Published: November 2016

Primary malignant melanoma of the vagina is an extremely uncommon malignancy comprising of less than 10% malignancies of the female genital tract and 0.3% of all melanomas. Melanoblasts are neural crest derivatives and are notorious for causing primary cutaneous neoplasms. However, they involve virtually every organ of the body including eye, intestines and ocular mucosa, probably due to aberrancies in cell migration. Vagina is a rare site and primary melanoma of the vagina occurs in postmenopausal women with vaginal discharge, bleeding, or mass as common presenting complaints. Only a handful of case reports are available describing this entity on biopsy and PAP smear samples; however, fine needle aspiration has seldom been discussed. In the present report we discuss a case of an elderly female who complained of mass protruding through the vaginal opening, FNAC was done from the mass as well as from the right inguinal lymph node. An extensive clinicoradiological workup, and immunohistochemical confirmation is essential to rule out metastatic lesions and confirm primary. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:252–256. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
IRMS to study a common cocaine cutting agent: phenacetin
Authors: Ladroue Virginie , Dujourdy Laurence , Besacier Fabrice , Jame Patrick
Published: November 2016

Phenacetin is a pharmaceutical closely related to acetaminophen that has been banned in France for a long time due to its nephritic and carcinogenic adverse effects. It frequently appears in cocaine seizures as a cutting agent. Following both sanitary and intelligence motivations, this molecule was chosen for this study, and stable isotopes seemed to be the most appropriate tool. A total of 228 seized samples were collected over a 6‐year period, and 8 standards of known origin were purchased. They were submitted to gas chromatography (GC) or elemental analysis ‐ isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA‐IRMS) measurements, depending on their complexity. Stable isotope ratios of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen for a part of the sample set, were acquired. The isotopic values of phenacetin standards acquired from various providers located worldwide are quite spread, which indicates that stable isotopes could be used to discriminate manufacturers. However, the measured values of most of the seized samples are concentrated in a narrow range, tending to demonstrate that phenacetin is smuggled from a single source or similar ones. Consequently, stable isotopes could only be used to exclude that several samples come from a common source. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Method for High‐Throughput Deduplication for Primary File Server by Using Prefetch Cache
Authors: KAMEI HITOSHI , NAKAMURA TAKAKI
Published: November 2016

We propose a method of high‐throughput file‐level deduplication for primary file servers, called partial data background prefetch (PDBP). To achieve high throughput of deduplication, the method reduces the number of disk I/Os issued during deduplication process. Before running deduplication process, the proposed method prefetches a part of data of shred files referred by deduplicated files. After that, the method processes the files that are larger than a file‐size threshold defined by administrators.

In this paper, we evaluate a deduplication processing time by using a simulation model of PDBP. Consequently, we confirm that the processing time of PDBP is reduced by about 50% compared to a conventional file deduplication method when the threshold is set to 4 KB.
Proposal of Chance Index in Co‐occurrence Network
Authors: TAKAYAMA YUKIHIRO , SAGA RYOSUKE
Published: November 2016

This paper proposes chance index that estimates whether a node is chance in a co‐occurrence network. Recently, chance discovery researches are attractive for several domains. By using chance discovery, we can develop new business or predict earthquake. However, there is a problem that chance discovery requires analysts’ inference from visualized network so that success and failure of chance discovery depend on analysists. In order to solve this problem, we analyzed the features from previous chance discovery researches and build the two hypotheses: (1) chance nodes have high betweenness centrality and (2) chance nodes connect to others with weak links. Based on the hypotheses, chance index is formulated by two terms about betweenness centrality and the strength of links. We confirm the usability of chance index from verification experiments, using Bush network, questionnaire network, interview network, and editorial network.
NIS‐Induced Enone Difunctionalization for the Synthesis of Naphtho[2,3‐b]furan‐4,9‐diones
Authors: Liu Yun , Ge Wen‐Hui , Zhu You‐Quan , Hu Hua‐You , Fan Hui , Shi Yan‐Hui , Wu Hui
Published: November 2016

An efficient synthesis of naphtho[2,3‐b]furan‐4,9‐diones has been developed by N‐iodosuccinimide (NIS)‐induced enone difunctionalization with 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinones. This reaction involved sequential Michael addition, intramolecular oxidative cyclization and dehydrogenative aromatization to form new C–C and C–O bonds at the α and β positions of the enones. Various enones survived under the reaction conditions and the corresponding products were obtained in moderate‐to‐excellent yields.
Chemical activity–based environmental risk analysis of the plasticizer di-ethylhexyl phthalate and its main metabolite mono-ethylhexyl phthalate
Authors: Gobas Frank A.P.C. , Otton S.Victoria , Tupper-Ring Laura F. , Crawford Meara A. , Clark Kathryn E. , Ikonomou Michael G.
Published: November 2016

The present study applies a chemical activity–based approach to: 1) evaluate environmental concentrations of di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP; n = 23 651) and its metabolite mono-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP; n = 1232) in 16 environmental media from 1174 studies in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, and in vivo toxicity data from 934 studies in 20 species, as well as in vitro biological activity data from the US Environmental Protection Agency's Toxicity Forecaster and other sources; and 2) conduct a comprehensive environmental risk analysis. The results show that the mean chemical activities of DEHP and MEHP in abiotic environmental samples from locations around the globe are 0.001 and 10−8, respectively. This indicates that DEHP has reached on average 0.1% of saturation in the abiotic environment. The mean chemical activity of DEHP in biological samples is on average 100-fold lower than that in abiotic samples, likely because of biotransformation of DEHP in biota. Biological responses in both in vivo and in vitro tests occur at chemical activities between 0.01 to 1 for DEHP and between approximately 10−6 and 10−2 for MEHP, suggesting a greater potency of MEHP compared with DEHP. Chemical activities of both DEHP and MEHP in biota samples were less than those causing biological responses in the in vitro bioassays, without exception. A small fraction of chemical activities of DEHP in abiotic environmental samples (i.e., 4–8%) and none (0%) for MEHP were within the range of chemical activities associated with observed toxicological responses in the in vivo tests. The present study illustrates the chemical activity approach for conducting risk analyses. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1483–1492. © 2016 SETAC
Quantifying the effects of photoreactive dissolved organic matter on methylmercury photodemethylation rates in freshwaters
Authors: Klapstein Sara J. , Ziegler Susan E. , Risk David A. , O'Driscoll Nelson J.
Published: November 2016

The present study examined potential effects of seasonal variations in photoreactive dissolved organic matter (DOM) on methylmercury (MeHg) photodemethylation rates in freshwaters. A series of controlled experiments was carried out using natural and photochemically preconditioned DOM in water collected from 1 lake in June, August, and October. Natural DOM concentrations doubled between June and August (10.2–21.2 mg C L−1) and then remained stable into October (19.4 mg C L−1). Correspondingly, MeHg concentrations peaked in August (0.42 ng L−1), along with absorbances at 350 nm and 254 nm. Up to 70% of MeHg was photodemethylated in the short 48-h irradiation experiments, with June having significantly higher rates than the other sampling months (p < 0.001). Photodemethylation rate constants were not affected by photoreactive DOM, nor were they affected by initial MeHg concentrations (p > 0.10). However, MeHg photodemethylation efficiencies (quantified in moles MeHg lost/moles photon absorbed) were higher in treatments with less photoreactive DOM. Congruently, MeHg photodemethylation efficiencies also decreased over summer by up to 10 times across treatments in association with increased photoreactive DOM, and were negatively correlated with DOM concentration. These results suggest that an important driver of MeHg photodemethylation is the interplay between MeHg and DOM, with greater potential for photodemethylation in freshwaters with more photobleached DOM and lower DOM content. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1493–1502. © 2016 SETAC
Microstructural changes of brain in patients with aromatic L‐amino acid decarboxylase deficiency
Authors: Lee Wang‐Tso , Lin Jui‐Hsiang , Weng Wen‐Chin , Peng Steven Shinn‐Forng
Published: November 2016

Aromatic L‐amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is an uncommon inherited neurometabolic disease. The clinical presentations and MR findings in children with AADC deficiency were investigated. Total 12 children (6 boys, 6 girls), aged from 9 to 50 months (mean, 23 ±13 months), with AADC deficiency, were enrolled for analysis. Of 12 patients enrolled, clinical presentations included global developmental delay with generalized hypotonia in 12 (100%), dystonia in 12 (100%), oculogyric crisis in 12 (100%), and excessive sweating in 8 (67%). Sleep problem was also found in 4 (33%). Of 15 MR examinations, the major changes included 6 (40%) with diffusely prominent bilateral frontal sulci, 10 (67%) with prominent frontal horns, and 12 (80%) with hypomyelination. In AADC patients, the frontal horn was significantly widened (P < 0.01), and the volume of caudate nucleus was also significantly smaller than that of controls (P = 0.02). The ratios of thickness of the splenium to that of the genu of corpus callosum were also significantly increased (P < 0.01). There was also significant decrease of fiber density indices in major white matter fiber tracts. Using Tract‐Based Spatial Statistics approach, we also revealed significant change in major fiber tracts related to language function and motor function. In conclusion, the present study indicated that AADC deficiency may have significant impact on brain development, especially the frontal lobe and fiber tracts related to language function and motor function. Long‐term follow‐up of brain MRI in patients with AADC deficiency may clarify the possible effect of AADC deficiency on brain development. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1532–1540, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A statistical framework for neuroimaging data analysis based on mutual information estimated via a gaussian copula
Authors: Ince Robin A.A. , Giordano Bruno L. , Kayser Christoph , Rousselet Guillaume A. , Gross Joachim , Schyns Philippe G.
Published: November 2016

We begin by reviewing the statistical framework of information theory as applicable to neuroimaging data analysis. A major factor hindering wider adoption of this framework in neuroimaging is the difficulty of estimating information theoretic quantities in practice. We present a novel estimation technique that combines the statistical theory of copulas with the closed form solution for the entropy of Gaussian variables. This results in a general, computationally efficient, flexible, and robust multivariate statistical framework that provides effect sizes on a common meaningful scale, allows for unified treatment of discrete, continuous, unidimensional and multidimensional variables, and enables direct comparisons of representations from behavioral and brain responses across any recording modality. We validate the use of this estimate as a statistical test within a neuroimaging context, considering both discrete stimulus classes and continuous stimulus features. We also present examples of analyses facilitated by these developments, including application of multivariate analyses to MEG planar magnetic field gradients, and pairwise temporal interactions in evoked EEG responses. We show the benefit of considering the instantaneous temporal derivative together with the raw values of M/EEG signals as a multivariate response, how we can separately quantify modulations of amplitude and direction for vector quantities, and how we can measure the emergence of novel information over time in evoked responses. Open‐source Matlab and Python code implementing the new methods accompanies this article. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1541–1573, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The hippocampus integrates context and shock into a configural memory in contextual fear conditioning
Authors: Chang Shih‐Dar , Liang K. C.
Published: November 2016

Contextual fear conditioning involves forming a representation for the context and associating it with a shock, which were attributed by the prevailing view to functions of the hippocampus and amygdala, respectively. Yet our recent evidence suggested that both processes require integrity of the dorsal hippocampus (DH). In view of the DH involvement in uniting multiple stimuli into a configuration, this study examined whether the DH would integrate context and shock into a shocked‐context representation. Male Wistar rats were trained on a two‐phase training paradigm of contextual fear conditioning. They explored a novel context on the first day to acquire a contextual representation, and received a shock in that context on the second day to form the context–shock memory. Tests of conditioned freezing given on the following days revealed two properties of configural memory—direct and mediated pattern completion: First, the contextual fear memory was retrieved in a novel context by a cue embedded in the configural set—a shock that did not elicit significant freezing on its own. Second, freezing was also elicited in a novel context by a transportation chamber that was not directly paired with the shock but could activate the fear memory inferentially. The effects were specific to the cue and not due to context generalization. Infusion of lidocaine into the DH, but not the amygdala, immediately after context–shock training impaired conditioned freezing elicited through either type of pattern completion. Our data suggest that the DH in contextual fear conditioning associates context and shock in parallel with the amygdala by incorporating the shock into an otherwise neutral context representation and turning it into a shocked‐context representation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mapping children's and adolescents' judgment rules for assessing the risk of disease transmission from sick friends
Authors: Muñoz Marco Victor , Cano Martil Samuel , Munoz Sastre Maria Teresa , Sorum Paul C. , Mullet Etienne
Published: November 2016

Knowing the way children and adolescents assess the risk of disease transmission is important because this kind of knowledge may allow health caregivers to better communicate with them. We had 587 students in Spain and France aged 7–16 judge the risk of disease transmission in 28 scenarios of students visiting a sick friend. The scenarios were composed according to a three within‐subject orthogonal design: type of contact (from no contact to prolonged close contact), type of disease (contagious vs. noncontagious), and number of contacts. Cluster analysis revealed six main clusters, labeled “Contagion can never been ruled out,” “Depends on type of physical contact,” “Depends on type of disease,” “Depends simultaneously on contact and disease,” “Depends conjunctively on contact and disease,” and “Categorical thinking.” The composition of these clusters depended strongly on age level. From a practical perspective, even 7‐year‐olds seem to be fully aware of the issue of contagion, although they overgeneralize the risk. As a result, progress in understanding might be best achieved through a process of unlearning rather than learning.

Highlights

We examined the way children and adolescents judge the risk of contagion.

Five hundred eighty‐seven students aged 7–16 judged the risk of disease transmission in 28 scenarios of students visiting a sick friend that were composed according to a three within‐subject design: type of contact × type of disease × number of contacts. Six judgment rules were found. They were labeled “Contagion can never been ruled out,” “Depends on type of contact,” “Depends on type of disease,” “Depends simultaneously on contact and disease,” “Depends conjunctively on contact and disease,” and “Categorical thinking.”

Even 7‐year‐olds seemed to be fully aware of the issue of contagion, although they overgeneralize the risk. As a result, progress in understanding might be best achieved through a process of unlearning rather than learning.
Electron localization function from density components
Authors: Pilmé Julien
Published: November 2016

This work addresses the decomposition of the Electron Localization Function (ELF) into partial density contributions using an appealing split of kinetic energy densities. Regarding the degree of the electron localization, the relationship between ELF and its usual spin‐polarized formula is discussed. A new polarized ELF formula, built from any subsystems of the density, and a localization function, quantifying the measure of electron localization for only a subpart of the total system are introduced. The methodology appears tailored to describe the electron localization in bonding patterns of subsystems, such as the local nucleophilic character. Beyond these striking examples, this work opens up opportunities to describe any electronic properties that depend only on subparts of the density in atoms, molecules, or solids. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Skull ontogeny and modularity in two species ofLagenorhynchus: Morphological and ecological implications
Authors: del Castillo Daniela L. , Viglino Mariana , Flores David A. , Cappozzo Humberto L.
Published: November 2016

Comparisons of skull shape between closely related species can provide information on the role that phylogeny and function play in cranial evolution. We used 3D‐anatomical landmarks in order to study the skull ontogeny of two closely related species,Lagenorhynchus obscurusandLagenorhynchus australis, with a total sample of 52 skulls. We found shared trends between species, such as the relative compression of the neurocranium and the enlargement of the rostrum during ontogeny. However, these are common mammalian features, associated with prenatal brain development and sensory capsules. Moreover, we found a posterior displacement of the external nares and infraorbital foramina, and a strong development of the rostrum in an anteroposterior direction. Such trends are associated with the process of telescoping and have been observed in postnatal ontogeny of other odontocetes, suggesting a constraint in the pattern. Interspecific differences related to the deepness of facial region, robustness of the feeding apparatus and rostrum orientation may be related with the specific lifestyles ofL. obscurusandL. australis. We also tested the presence of three different modules in the skull (basicranium, neurocranium, rostrum), all of which presented strong integration. Only the rostrum showed a different ontogenetic trajectory between species. Even though we detected directional asymmetry, changes in this feature along ontogeny were not detectable. Because asymmetry may be related to echolocation, our results suggest a functional importance of directional asymmetry from the beginning of postnatal life. J. Morphol. 278:203–214, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals,Inc.
Prasugrel in percutaneous coronary intervention (PIPCI): a single centre study
Authors: Van Wees Matthew , Lam Alice , Banakh Iouri
Published: November 2016

Background

Prasugrel is a potent antiplatelet agent for use in percutaneous coronary interventions, but it carries a significant risk of adverse events.

Aims

The aims of this study were to review the use of prasugrel in a population requiring treatment for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), review adherence to guidelines, and assess the adverse event (AE) rates associated with its use.

Method

This study was a retrospective single‐centre case series conducted at a metropolitan hospital in Victoria, Australia. All patients who were admitted for treatment intervention for ACS and initiated on prasugrel between July 2011 and April 2013 were included. The primary outcome measures were the adherence to international cardiac guidelines and to subsidy restrictions. Secondary outcomes included adherence to guidelines for prasugrel and heparin dosing, rates of concomitant use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, rates of AEs and the severity of these according to TRITON‐TIMI criteria. Chi‐squared testing was conducted using SPSS 19.

Results

Prasugrel was initiated in 79 patients during the study period. Of these patients, 87% were deemed high risk for further cardiovascular events and the use of prasugrel adhered to international guidelines. Over 10% of patients were started on prasugrel despite being assessed as high risk for bleeding, with haemorrhages occurring in 29.1% of patients. A significant proportion of patients had prasugrel dosing outside the guideline recommendations in relations to age and weight.

Conclusions

The majority of patients initiated on prasugrel conformed to international and national guidelines; however, a high bleeding rate was observed, which may warrant reviews with larger studies.
Rapid versus standard iron polymaltose infusions: a single centre safety study
Authors: Banakh Iouri , Lam Alice , Turek Martha , Htet Thaw , Vorlander Camilla
Published: November 2016

Background

Iron deficiency anaemia is a common condition among hospitalised patients and carries significant morbidity. Rapid rate iron polymaltose infusions for total body iron replacement have been recently accepted into practice following a safety study. However, the previous safety study was based on 100 patients and as such it did not provide confidence among healthcare providers.

Aim

The aims of this study were to review the safety of rapid and standard iron polymaltose infusions in a general hospital population and assess dosing accuracy.

Method

The Rapid versus Standard Iron Polymaltose infusion study (the RAPSIP study) was a retrospective, non‐randomised cohort study carried out across a healthcare network over a 2‐year period. All patients who were prescribed an iron polymaltose infusion between June 2013 and May 2015 were included. The study was powered to 80% to identify a 3% difference in severe adverse event rates between the standard 5‐h infusions and the rapid 1‐h infusions of iron polymaltose. The accuracy of dose selection was evaluated.

Results

Six hundred and forty‐eight patients were prescribed an iron infusion during the study period with a wide range of comorbidities and indications. The adverse event rates were 8.6 and 8.0% in the standard and rapid infusion study arms, respectively (p = 0.776). Over 25% of all patients had dosing inaccuracies, with an even higher rate among patients with chronic renal failure.

Conclusion

This study indicates that the rapid infusion approach to total body iron replacement is safer than previously reported and is a non‐inferior alternative to the standard rate infusions, but dosing accuracy can be improved.
Exploring Reliability and Validity of the Deployment Risk and Resilience Inventory‐2 Among a Nonclinical Sample of Discharged Soldiers Following Mandatory Military Service
Authors: Maoz Hagai , Goldwin Yiftach , Lewis Yael Doreen , Bloch Yuval
Published: November 2016

The Deployment Risk and Resilience Inventory (DRRI) is a widely used questionnaire assessing deployment‐related risk and resilience factors among war veterans. Its successor, the DRRI‐2, has only been validated and used among veterans deployed for overseas military missions, but because many countries still enforce compulsory military service, validating it among nonclinical samples of healthy discharged soldiers following mandatory service is also a necessity. In the current study, a sample of 101 discharged Israeli soldiers (39 males, 62 females; mean time since discharge 13.92, SD = 9.09 years) completed the DRRI‐2. There were 52 participants who completed the questionnaire at a second time point (mean time between assessments 19.02, SD = 6.21 days). Both physical and mental health status were examined, as well as symptomatology of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Cronbach's αs for all latent variables in the inventory ranged from .47 to .95. The DRRI‐2 risk factors were negatively associated with psychological functioning, whereas resilience factors were positively associated with better self‐reported mental health. Test‐retest reliability coefficients were generally high (Pearson correlations were .61 to .94, all p values < .01). Our study provides evidence for the reliability and validity of the DRRI‐2 in assessing salient deployment experiences among a nonclinical sample following mandatory military service.
Treatment of Adolescent PTSD: The Impact of Prolonged Exposure Versus Client‐Centered Therapy on Co‐Occurring Emotional and Behavioral Problems
Authors: Zandberg Laurie , Kaczkurkin Antonia N. , McLean Carmen P. , Rescorla Leslie , Yadin Elna , Foa Edna B.
Published: November 2016

The present study evaluated secondary emotional and behavioral outcomes among adolescents who received prolonged exposure (PE‐A) or client‐centered therapy (CCT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a randomized controlled trial. Participants were 61 adolescent girls (age: M = 15.33, SD = 1.50 years) with sexual abuse related PTSD seeking treatment at a community mental health clinic. Multilevel modeling was employed to evaluate group differences on the Youth Self‐Report (YSR) over acute treatment and 12‐month follow‐up. Both treatment groups showed significant improvements on all YSR scales from baseline to 12‐month follow‐up. Adolescents who received PE‐A showed significantly greater reductions than those receiving CCT on the Externalizing subscale (d = 0.70), rule‐breaking behavior (d = 0.63), aggressive behavior (d = 0.62), and conduct problems (d = 0.78). No treatment differences were found on the Internalizing subscale or among other YSR problem areas. Both PE‐A and CCT effectively reduced many co‐occurring problems among adolescents with PTSD. Although PE‐A focuses on PTSD and not on disruptive behaviors, PE‐A was associated with greater sustained changes in externalizing symptoms, supporting broad effects of trauma‐focused treatment on associated problem areas.