bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
D‐Malate decreases renal content of α‐ketoglutarate, a driving force of organic anion transporters OAT1 and OAT3, resulting in inhibited tubular secretion of phenolsulfonphthalein, in rats
Authors: Uwai Yuichi , Kawasaki Tatsuya , Nabekura Tomohiro
Published: July 2017

d‐Malate inhibits a Krebs cycle enzyme and the tubular transport of α‐ketoglutarate, an intermediate of the Krebs cycle and the driving force for rat organic anion transporter 1 (rOAT1) and rOAT3 in the kidney. This study examined the effects of d‐malate on the rat organic anion transport system. The uptake of 6‐carboxyfluorescein by HEK293 cells expressing rOAT1 or rOAT3 was not affected by d‐malate and l‐malate. Up to 60 min after the intravenous injection of phenolsulfonphthalein (PSP), a typical substrate of the renal organic anion transporters, as a bolus to rats, 47.1% of the dose was recovered in the urine, and its renal clearance was estimated to be 8.60 ml/min/kg. d‐Malate but not l‐malate interfered with its renal excretion, resulting in the delayed elimination of PSP from plasma. No effect of d‐malate was recognized on creatinine clearance or the expression level of rOAT3 in the kidney cortex. d‐Malate increased the plasma concentration of α‐ketoglutarate. In addition, the compound greatly stimulated the renal excretion of α‐ketoglutarate, implying that d‐malate inhibited its reabsorption. The content of α‐ketoglutarate was significantly decreased in the kidney cortex of rats administered d‐malate. Collectively, this study shows that d‐malate abrogates the tubular secretion of PSP, and the reduction of the renal content of α‐ketoglutarate was proposed to be one of the mechanisms. A relationship between the reabsorption of α‐ketoglutarate and the basolateral uptake of organic anion in the kidney is suggested.
Secondary Metabolite Production from Industrially Relevant Bacteria is Enhanced by Organic Nanofibers
Authors: Moffa Maria , Pasanisi Daniela , Scarpa Elisa , Marra Anna Rita , Alifano Pietro , Pisignano Dario
Published: July 2017

Streptomycetes are exploited for the production of a wide range of secondary metabolites, including antibiotics. Therefore, both academic and industrial research efforts are focused on enhancing production of these precious metabolites. So far, this has been mostly achieved by classical or recombinant genetic techniques, in association with process optimization for either submerged or solid state fermentation. New cultivation approaches addressing the natural mycelial growth and life cycle would allow the biosynthetic potential of filamentous strains to be much better exploited. We developed a cultivation system for antibiotic‐producing microorganisms which involves electrospun organic nanofibers deposited onto agar plates or immersed in liquid media. Dense filamentous networks of branched hyphae formed by bacterial colonies were found to wrapped around the fibers. We analyzed the effects of fibers on growth and antibiotic production in Streptomyces lividans, and found that the actinorhodin, undecylprodigiosin and calcium dependent antibiotic productions were positively modulated, with a two‐ to sixfold enhancement compared to standard culture conditions. Highlighting the secondary metabolism‐promoting role of nanofibers in bacterial cultures, these results open a route to the design of improved culture systems for microorganisms based on organic nanostructures.
Supplementation of Nucleosides During Selection can Reduce Sequence Variant Levels in CHO Cells Using GS/MSX Selection System
Authors: Tang Danming , Lam Cynthia , Louie Salina , Hoi Kam Hon , Shaw David , Yim Mandy , Snedecor Brad , Misaghi Shahram
Published: July 2017

In the process of generating stable monoclonal antibody (mAb) producing cell lines, reagents such as methotrexate (MTX) or methionine sulfoximine (MSX) are often used. However, using such selection reagent(s) increases the possibility of having higher occurrence of sequence variants in the expressed antibody molecules due to the effects of MTX or MSX on de novo nucleotide synthesis. Since MSX inhibits glutamine synthase (GS) and results in both amino acid and nucleoside starvation, it is questioned whether supplementing nucleosides into the media could lower sequence variant levels without affecting titer. The results show that the supplementation of nucleosides to the media during MSX selection decreased genomic DNA mutagenesis rates in the selected cells, probably by reducing nucleotide mis‐incorporation into the DNA. Furthermore, addition of nucleosides enhance clone recovery post selection and does not affect antibody expression. It is further observed that nucleoside supplements lowered DNA mutagenesis rates only at the initial stage of the clone selection and do not have any effect on DNA mutagenesis rates after stable cell lines are established. Therefore, the data suggests that addition of nucleosides during early stages of MSX selection can lower sequence variant levels without affecting titer or clone stability in antibody expression.
Evaluating Your CEO on What Matters—and No More!
Authors: Hull Ted
Published: July 2017

Board consultant and governance practitioner Ted Hull looks at CEO evaluation from the perspective of the Policy Governance® system.
Development and validation of an LC–MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of seven constituents in rat plasma and application in a pharmacokinetic study of the Zaoren Anshen prescription
Authors: Zhao Ajing , Zhang Li , Li Rong , Shang Jiao , Yi Huihui , Wang Yuan , Zhang Dian , Wang Shixiang , Fang Minfeng
Published: July 2017

A sensitive, specific and accurate liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of seven constituents of the Zaoren Anshen prescription (ZAP) in rat plasma after oral administration of the ZAP: spinosin, salvianic acid A, 6′′′‐feruloylspinosin, protocatechualdehyde, salvianolic acid B, schisandrin and deoxyschisandrin. The plasma samples and the internal standard (IS) sulfamethoxazole were extracted using acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was performed with an Agilent HC‐C18 column using a gradient elution profile and a mobile phase consisting of 0.01% formic acid in water (A) and acetonitrile (B). The analytes were quantified simultaneously in a single run using an ion trap mass spectrometer operated in the multiple reaction monitoring mode and electrospray ion‐source polarity in the positive and negative modes. The calibration curves for spinosin, salvianic acid A, 6′′′‐feruloylspinosin, protocatechualdehyde, salvianolic acid B, schisandrin and deoxyschisandrin were linear over the concentration ranges of 2.90–1160, 2.50–1000, 1.80–720, 0.65–260, 2.50–1000, 8.00–1600 and 1.30–520 ng/mL, respectively. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions in terms of relative standard deviation were <18.9%, and the accuracies in terms of relative error were within ±14.2%. Consequently, the proposed method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic analysis of these seven major active compounds in rats administered ZAP. These results will facilitate research aiming to predict the effectiveness of the optimal dose of ZAP and might be beneficial for the therapeutic use of ZAP in the clinical setting.
Correlation of Tmax volumes with clinical outcome in anterior circulation stroke
Authors: Seker Fatih , Pfaff Johannes , Potreck Arne , Mundiyanapurath Sibu , Ringleb Peter A. , Bendszus Martin , Möhlenbruch Markus A.
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose

The recent thrombectomy trials have shown that perfusion imaging is helpful in proper patient selection in thromboembolic stroke. In this study, we analyzed the correlation of pretreatment Tmax volumes in MR and CT perfusion with clinical outcome after thrombectomy.

Methods

Forty‐one consecutive patients with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCA) or carotid T occlusion treated with thrombectomy were included. Tmax volumes at delays of >4, 6, 8, and 10 s as well as infarct core and mismatch ratio were automatically estimated in preinterventional MRI or CT perfusion using RAPID software. These perfusion parameters were correlated with clinical outcome. Outcome was assessed using modified Rankin scale at 90 days.

Results

In patients with successful recanalization of MCA occlusion, Tmax > 8 and 10 s showed the best linear correlation with clinical outcome (r = 0.75; p = .0139 and r = 0.73; p = .0139), better than infarct core (r = 0.43; p = .2592). In terminal internal carotid artery occlusions, none of the perfusion parameters showed a significant correlation with clinical outcome.

Conclusions

Tmax at delays of >8 and 10 s is a good predictor for clinical outcome in MCA occlusions. In carotid T occlusion, however, Tmax volumes do not correlate with outcome.
Emergent social identities in a flood: Implications for community psychosocial resilience
Authors: Ntontis Evangelos , Drury John , Amlôt Richard , Rubin G. James , Williams Richard
Published: July 2017

Although the mobilization of pre‐existing networks is crucial in psychosocial resilience in disasters, shared identities can also emerge in the absence of such previous bonds, due to survivors sharing a sense of common fate. Common fate seems to operate in sudden‐impact disasters (e.g., bombings), but to our knowledge, no research has explored social identity processes in “rising‐tide” incidents. We interviewed an opportunity sample of 17 residents of York, United Kingdom, who were involved in the 2015–2016 floods. Using thematic and discourse analysis, we investigated residents' experiences of the floods and the strategic function that invocations of community identities perform. We show how shared community identities emerged (e.g., because of shared problems, shared goals, perceptions of vulnerability, and collapse of previous group boundaries) and show how they acted as a basis of social support (both given and expected). The findings serve to further develop the social identity model of collective psychosocial resilience in rising‐tide disasters. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Physical Methods for Dealcoholization of Beverage Matrices and their Impact on Quality Attributes
Authors: Müller Magdalena , Bellut Konstantin , Tippmann Johannes , Becker Thomas
Published: July 2017

Membrane‐based and thermal methods to produce non‐alcoholic beverages have been used for many years to remove ethanol from beer and other alcoholic, fermented matrices. The aim of all applied methods is to eliminate the ethanol as selectively as possible. Besides legal regulations and nutritional health benefits, different physical production methods as well as the effects on the aroma composition after different production steps and possibilities for procedural descriptions are elucidated.
CO2 Absorption and Regeneration Using Amines with Different Degrees of Steric Hindrance
Authors: Gómez-Díaz Diego , Navaza José M. , Rodríguez Pablo , Vega Raquel
Published: July 2017

The influence of steric hindrance in amines upon different characteristics in carbon dioxide chemical absorption, namely, absorption rate, carbon dioxide loading, and regeneration degree, has been analyzed. Aqueous solutions of monoethanolamine, 1‐amino‐2‐propanol, and 2‐amino‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanol were used to compare their behavior during carbon dioxide absorption. The presence of one or two methyl groups on the carbon next to the amino group produced changes in the analyzed parameters. In addition, the influences of the gas‐flow rate and amine concentration on the chemical solvent behavior were studied to improve the mass transfer under different experimental conditions.
Development of a Robust Fixed‐Bed Reactor Model for Supercritical Citral Hydrogenation
Authors: Häring Hans , Wilhelm Steffen , Horn Daniel , Haase Stefan
Published: July 2017

The hydrogenation of citral in a fixed‐bed reactor by using supercritical carbon dioxide was studied. A numerical model was set up by using the commercial software Aspen Custom Modeler®. By applying literature experimental data, a parameter estimation for the kinetic parameters was carried out. A good fit was reached with the presented model. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was performed. The influence of process pressure, inlet CO2 and H2 concentration, and catalyst particle size on conversion, reactor length, space time yield, yield of the intermediate product 3,7‐dimethyl‐2‐octenal, and pressure drop was investigated.
Catalytic Dehydrogenative Coupling of Hydrosilanes with Alcohols for the Production of Hydrogen On‐demand: Application of a Silane/Alcohol Pair as a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier
Authors: Ventura‐Espinosa David , Carretero‐Cerdán Alba , Baya Miguel , García Hermenegildo , Mata Jose A.
Published: July 2017

The compound [Ru(p‐cym)(Cl)2(NHC)] is an effective catalyst for the room‐temperature coupling of silanes and alcohols with the concomitant formation of molecular hydrogen. High catalyst activity is observed for a variety of substrates affording quantitative yields in minutes at room temperature and with a catalyst loading as low as 0.1 mol %. The coupling reaction is thermodynamically and, in the presence of a Ru complex, kinetically favourable and allows rapid molecular hydrogen generation on‐demand at room temperature, under air, and without any additive. The pair silane/alcohol is a potential liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) for energy storage over long periods in a safe and secure way. Silanes and alcohols are non‐toxic compounds and do not require special handling precautions such as high pressure or an inert atmosphere. These properties enhance the practical applications of the pair silane/alcohol as a good LOHC in the automotive industry. The variety and availability of silanes and alcohols permits a pair combination that fulfils the requirements for developing an efficient LOHC.
Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Ti‐Doping Li1.15Ni0.47Sb0.38O2 as Lithium‐excess Cathode for Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Su Xiaozhi , Wang Xingbo , Chen Haiping , Yu Zhen , Qi Jiaxin , Tao Shi , Chu Wangsheng , Song Li
Published: July 2017

Recent success and application of the percolation theory have highlighted cation‐disordered Li‐rich oxides as high energy density cathode materials. Generally, this kind of cathode materials suffer from low cycling stability and rate performance. Doped Ti4+ ions can improve the long‐term cycling stability and rate performance of the Li‐rich oxides materials with obvious capacity fading. The electrochemical performance in LixNi2−4x/3Sbx/3O2 can benefit a lot from the nanohighway, which is a kind of nanoscale 0‐TM diffusion channels in the transition metal layer and provides low diffusion barrier pathways for the lithium diffusion. In this work, the doping effect of Ti on the structure and electrochemical properties in Li1.15Ni0.47Sb0.38O2 is studied. The Ti‐stabilized Li1.15−xNi0.47TixSb0.38O2 (x=0, 0.01, 0.03 and 0.05) have been prepared by a solid‐state method and the Li1.03Ni0.47Sb0.38Ti0.03O2 sample exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance with a larger reversible discharge capacity, better rate capability and cyclability. Synchrotron‐based XANES, combined with ab initio calculations in the multiple‐scattering framework, reveals the Ti ions have been doped into the Li‐site in the lithium layer and formed a distortion TiO6 octahedron. This TiO6 local configuration in the lithium can keep the stability of nanohighway in the electrochemical process. In particular, the Li1.03Ni0.47Sb0.38Ti0.03O2 compound can deliver a discharge capacities 132 and 76 mAh/g at 0.2 and 5 C, respectivly. About 86% capacity retention occurs at 1 C rate after 500 cycles. This work suggests capacity fading in the oxide cathode materials can be suppressed to construct and stabilize the nanohighway.
A 2D Metal‐Organic Framework Based on 9‐(Pyridin‐4‐yl)‐9H‐carbazole‐3,6‐dicarboxylic Acid: Synthesis, Structure and Properties
Authors: Zhou Xinhui , Zhu Yali , Li Liang , Huang Wei
Published: July 2017

A metal‐organic framework (MOF) formulated as [Cd2(μ3‐L)2(DMF)4]•H2O (CdL) [H2L=9‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐ 9H‐carbazole‐3,6‐dicarboxylic acid, DMF=N,N‐dimethylformamide] was synthesized under solvothermal condition. Crystal structural analysis reveals that CdL features the layered 2D framework with L2− ligands as 3‐connected nodes. The compound CdL emits blue‐violet light with the narrow emission peak and the emission maximum at 414 nm upon excitation at the maximum excitation wavelength of 340 nm. The compound CdL has a similar emission spectrum curve to the free H2L ligand that indicates the emission of compound CdL should be originated from the coordinated L2− ligands.
MAPK‐15 is a ciliary protein required for PKD‐2 localization and male mating behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Piasecki Brian P. , Sasani Thomas A. , Lessenger Alexander T. , Huth Nicholas , Farrell Shane
Published: July 2017

Cilia are conserved cellular structures that facilitate sensory‐based processes, including those required for neuronal and kidney functions. Here, we show that the human mitogen activated kinase‐15 (MAPK‐15) ortholog in Caenorhabditis elegans encodes a ciliary protein. A strain harboring a mutation in the catalytic site of the kinase domain results in ciliary‐specific defects in tail neurons of both hermaphrodite and male worms, manifesting in dye uptake, dendrite extension, and male mating behavior defects. Transgenic‐fusion constructs for two mapk‐15 isoforms (A and C) with full‐length kinase domains were generated. Expression of either the A‐ or C‐specific isoform rescues the dye‐filling and male‐mating defective phenotypes, confirming the ciliary function of mapk‐15. Expression of mapk‐15 occurs in many ciliated‐sensory neurons of the head and tail in hermaphrodite and male worms. Localization of MAPK‐15 isoforms A and C occurs in the cell body, dendritic processes, and cilia. A C. elegans ortholog of polycystin‐2, a protein that when defective in mammals results in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, is mislocalized in the male ray neurons of mapk‐15 mutant worms. Expression of the mapk‐15 gene by the pkd‐2 promoter partially rescues the male‐mating defects observed in mapk‐15 mutant animals. Expression of mapk‐15 is DAF‐19/RFX dependent in some CSNs and DAF‐19/RFX independent in others. Collectively, these data suggest that MAPK‐15 functions upstream of PKD‐2 localization to modulate ciliary sensory functions.
The role of TACC3 in mitotic spindle organization
Authors: Ding Zhi‐Ming , Huang Chun‐Jie , Jiao Xiao‐Fei , Wu Di , Huo Li‐Jun
Published: July 2017

TACC3 regulates spindle organization during mitosis and also regulates centrosome‐mediated microtubule nucleation by affecting γ‐Tubulin ring complexes. In addition, it interacts with different proteins (such as ch‐TOG, clathrin and Aurora‐A) to function in mitotic spindle assembly and stability. By forming the TACC3/ch‐TOG complex, TACC3 acts as a plus end‐tracking protein to promote microtubule elongation. The TACC3/ch‐TOG/clathrin complex is formed to stabilize kinetochore fibers by crosslinking adjacent microtubules. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of TACC3 by Aurora‐A is important for the formation of TACC3/ch‐TOG/clathrin and its recruitment to kinetochore fibers. Recently, the aberrant expression of TACC3 in a variety of human cancers has been linked with mitotic defects. Thus, in this review, we will discuss our current understanding of the biological roles of TACC3 in mitotic spindle organization.
Photo‐Chromium: Sensitizer for Visible‐Light‐Induced Oxidative C−H Bond Functionalization—Electron or Energy Transfer?
Authors: Otto Sven , Nauth Alexander M. , Ermilov Eugenyi , Scholz Norman , Friedrich Aleksej , Resch‐Genger Ute , Lochbrunner Stefan , Opatz Till , Heinze Katja
Published: July 2017

The front cover artwork is provided by a team of researchers from the Universities of Mainz and Rostock. The image shows the molecular structure of the CrIII photosensitizer [Cr(ddpd)2]3+ which enables C−H bond activation of tertiary amines through generation of singlet oxygen from air and light. Ultrafast intersystem crossing precludes intermolecular nonselective photoredox reactions and allows a selective photochemical pathway through singlet oxygen formation. Read the full text of the Communication at 10.1002/cptc.201700077.
Characterization of Glcci1 expression in a subpopulation of lateral ganglionic eminence progenitors in the mouse telencephalon
Authors: Kohli Vikram , Nardini Diana , Ehrman Lisa A. , Waclaw Ronald R.
Published: July 2017

Background: The lateral ganglionic eminence (LGE) in the ventral telencephalon is a diverse progenitor domain subdivided by distinct gene expression into a dorsal region (dLGE) that gives rise to olfactory bulb and amygdalar interneurons and a ventral region (vLGE) that gives rise to striatal projection neurons. The homeobox gene, Gsx2, is an enriched marker of the LGE and is expressed in a high dorsal to low ventral gradient in the ventricular zone (VZ) as development proceeds. Aside from Gsx2, markers restricted to the VZ in the dLGE and/or vLGE remain largely unknown. Results: Here, we show that the gene and protein expression of Glucocorticoid‐induced transcript 1 (Glcci1) has a similar dorsal to ventral gradient of expression in the VZ as Gsx2. We found that Glcci1 gene and protein expression are reduced in Gsx2 mutants, and are increased in the cortex after early and late Gsx2 misexpression. Moreover, Glcci1 expressing cells are restricted to a subpopulation of Gsx2 positive cells on the basal side of the VZ and co‐express Ascl1, but not the subventricular zone dLGE marker, Sp8. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Glcci1 is a new marker of a subpopulation of LGE VZ progenitor cells in the Gsx2 lineage. Developmental Dynamics 247:222–228, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phylogenetic conservatism and trait correlates of spring phenological responses to climate change in northeast China
Authors: Du Yanjun , Chen Jingru , Willis Charles G. , Zhou Zhiqiang , Liu Tong , Dai Wujun , Zhao Yuan , Ma Keping
Published: July 2017

Climate change has resulted in major changes in plant phenology across the globe that includes leaf‐out date and flowering time. The ability of species to respond to climate change, in part, depends on their response to climate as a phenological cue in general. Species that are not phenologically responsive may suffer in the face of continued climate change. Comparative studies of phenology have found phylogeny to be a reliable predictor of mean leaf‐out date and flowering time at both the local and global scales. This is less true for flowering time response (i.e., the correlation between phenological timing and climate factors), while no study to date has explored whether the response of leaf‐out date to climate factors exhibits phylogenetic signal. We used a 52‐year observational phenological dataset for 52 woody species from the Forest Botanical Garden of Heilongjiang Province, China, to test phylogenetic signal in leaf‐out date and flowering time, as well as, the response of these two phenological traits to both temperature and winter precipitation. Leaf‐out date and flowering time were significantly responsive to temperature for most species, advancing, on average, 3.11 and 2.87 day/°C, respectively. Both leaf‐out and flowering, and their responses to temperature exhibited significant phylogenetic signals. The response of leaf‐out date to precipitation exhibited no phylogenetic signal, while flowering time response to precipitation did. Native species tended to have a weaker flowering response to temperature than non‐native species. Earlier leaf‐out species tended to have a greater response to winter precipitation. This study is the first to assess phylogenetic signal of leaf‐out response to climate change, which suggests, that climate change has the potential to shape the plant communities, not only through flowering sensitivity, but also through leaf‐out sensitivity.
Complete recovery of fulminant peripartum cardiomyopathy on mechanical circulatory support combined with high‐dose bromocriptine therapy
Authors: Horn Patrick , Saeed Diyar , Akhyari Payam , Hilfiker‐Kleiner Denise , Kelm Malte , Westenfeld Ralf
Published: July 2017

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an idiopathic cardiomyopathy presenting with heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction towards the end of pregnancy or in the months following delivery, where no other cause of heart failure is found. We report a case of a woman with PPCM who developed a critical cardiogenic shock with repeated cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We show for the first time that mechanical circulatory support combined with high‐dose bromocriptine therapy to suppress systemic prolactin levels may serve as an effective therapeutic option in patients with fulminant PPCM and cardiogenic shock. Myocardial cathepsin D was overexpressed in our patient underscoring a potential role of cathepsin D‐induced cleavage of prolactin in the pathophysiology of PPCM.
Post‐translational regulation of antiviral innate signaling
Authors: Zhou Yilong , He Chenxi , Wang Lin , Ge Baoxue
Published: July 2017

The innate immune system initiates immune responses by pattern‐recognition receptors (PRR). Virus‐derived nucleic acids are sensed by the retinoic acid‐inducible gene I (RIG‐I)‐like receptor (RLR) family and the toll‐like receptor (TLR) family as well as the DNA sensor cyclic GMP‐AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS). These receptors activate IRF3/7 and NF‐κB signaling pathways to induce the expression of type I interferons (IFNs) and other cytokines firing antiviral responses within the cell. However, to achieve a favorable outcome for the host, a balanced production of IFNs and activation of antiviral responses is required. Post‐translational modifications (PTMs), such as the covalent linkage of functional groups to amino acid chains, are crucial for this immune homeostasis in antiviral responses. Canonical PTMs including phosphorylation and ubiquitination have been extensively studied and other PTMs such as methylation, acetylation, SUMOylation, ADP‐ribosylation and glutamylation are being increasingly implicated in antiviral innate immunity. Here we summarize our recent understanding of the most important PTMs regulating the antiviral innate immune response, and their role in virus‐related immune pathogenesis.
Quick unreferenced NMR quantification of Squalene in vegetable oils
Authors: Rotondo Archimede , Salvo Andrea , Gallo Vito , Rastrelli Luca , Dugo Giacomo
Published: July 2017

We present here a simple method for the rapid quantification of squalene in vegetable oils by NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance). The method was validated by adding internal standards to several vegetable oil samples. Quantification was accomplished by exploiting the characteristic resolved signal of terminal methyl groups at 1.67 ppm, which allowed squalene quantification regardless of the hydrophobic matrix. Theoretical principles are fulfilled by the method and, despite the general belief that NMR displays intrinsic low sensitivity, acceptable accuracy (<4%) and reproducibility (<6%) can be reached when squalene is over 2000 ppm, even in “worst case scenarios.” This method may be useful in the continuing efforts to rapidly generate accurate and complete quantitative data suitable for inclusion in the identification labels of vegetable oil products.

Practical applications: Unreferenced and accurate quantification of squalene in vegetable oils, was validated here by the analysis of several 1H‐NMR spectra of vegetable oils and of standard doped samples. Moreover, we found that squalene can affect the NMR spectra of other quantifiable species. These data may be useful to produce more accurate and precise analyses of vegetable oil using their 1H‐NMR profiles.

Collectively, our data indicate that quantification of squalene in vegetable oils can be easily accomplished by 1H‐NMR, opening new potentialities in NMR‐based fat analysis. The ability of squalene to alter NMR spectra should be taken into account, particularly in oils with a high squalene content, such as Sicilian olive oils.
Thiophene‐Based Organic D–π–A Dyes as Potent Sensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Fuse Shinichiro , Takizawa Miori , Matsumura Keisuke , Sato Shinichi , Okazaki Shigetoshi , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: July 2017

In this study, synthetically readily accessible, thiophene‐based organic D–π–A sensitizers exerted high phototoxicity and are valuable as sensitizer templates for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Evaluation of the antitumor activity of our previously synthesized D–π–A sensitizers under photoirradiation revealed their potent phototoxicity. The structural requirements of the D–π–A sensitizer for phototoxicity were elucidated with the rapid synthesis of structurally simplified analogues and evaluation of their antitumor activity under photoirradiation. Our developed sensitizers mainly accumulated in mitochondria and damaged cancer cells through both Type I and Type II mechanisms. The developed new template could be useful in the future development of sensitizers that could fulfil the requirements for PDT.
Spatial variability of ocean fertilizing nutrients in the dust‐emitting ephemeral river catchments of Namibia
Authors: Dansie A.P. , Thomas D.S.G. , Wiggs G.F.S. , Munkittrick K.R.
Published: July 2017

Research into global hot spots of dust emission has focused on exposed fine‐grained sediments in palaeo‐ or ephemeral dryland lake basins including Etosha (Namibia) and Makgadikgadi (Botswana) in southern Africa. Namibia's western ephemeral river valleys are also known to produce dust but have remained largely overlooked as a regionally significant source. Nutrient enrichment of valley sediments and proximity to the South Atlantic suggests aeolian dust could play an important role in ocean fertilization. The fertility of valley dust is dependent on fluvial sediments originating in the upper catchments on the Southern African Central Plateau. In this study we investigate climate, geology, vegetation and land use variability and how these may influence the nitrogen, phosphorus and iron availability in the catchments. We intensely sampled the Huab, Kuiseb and Tsauchab river systems to map the spatial distribution of nutrients from upper catchments to river termini. Samples were analysed for the bioavailable fractions of iron, nitrogen and phosphorus as well as total nitrogen and phosphorus. Results show that the lower valley reaches are sources of aeolian dust enriched in nutrients. Nitrogen levels correlate with precipitation and vegetation levels and phosphorus levels with geology. However, differences in upper catchment sediment nutrient levels were not representative of downstream nutrient differences between valleys. Rather, it is the hydrological and geomorphological processes of the ephemeral river systems that are key for producing the enriched sediments in the lower reaches. We demonstrate that the ephemeral river valleys of western Namibia are an extensive and enriched source of mineral dust that could play a critical role in marine productivity of the southern Atlantic. © 2017 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Testicular oocytes in smallmouth bass in northeastern Minnesota in relation to varying levels of human activity
Authors: Kadlec Sarah M. , Johnson Rodney D. , Mount David R. , Olker Jennifer H. , Borkholder Brian D. , Schoff Patrick K.
Published: July 2017

Testicular oocytes (TOs) have been found in black bass (Micropterus spp.) from many locations in North America. The presence of TOs is often assumed to imply exposure to estrogenic endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs); however, a definitive causal relationship has yet to be established, and TO prevalence is not consistently low in fish from areas lacking evident EDC sources. This might indicate any of a number of situations: 1) unknown or unidentified EDCs or EDC sources, 2) induction of TOs by other stressors, or 3) testicular oocytes occurring spontaneously during normal development. In the present study, we analyzed TO occurrence in smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) from 8 populations in northeastern Minnesota watersheds with differing degrees of human development and, hence, presumed likelihood of exposure to anthropogenic chemicals. Three watersheds were categorized as moderately developed, based on the presence of municipal wastewater discharges and higher human population density (4–81 per km2), and 5 watersheds were minimally developed, with very low human population density (0–1 per km2) and minimal built environment. Testicular tissues from mature fish were evaluated using a semiquantitative method that estimated TO density, normalized by cross-sectional area. Testicular oocyte prevalence and density among populations from moderately developed watersheds was higher than in populations from minimally developed watersheds. However, TO prevalence was unexpectedly high and variable (7–43%) in some populations from minimally developed watersheds, and only weak evidence was found for a relationship between TO density and watershed development, suggesting alternative or more complex explanations for TO presence in smallmouth bass from this region. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3424–3435. © 2017 SETAC
Simple methods to reduce major allergens Ara h 1 and Ana o 1/2 in peanut and cashew extracts
Authors: Chung Si‐Yin , Mattison Christopher P. , Grimm Casey C. , Reed Shawndrika
Published: July 2017

Whole peanut or cashew extracts are usually used in immunotherapy. Reducing major allergen(s) in the extracts may lessen their side effects. Three methods were evaluated to reduce major allergens in peanut extracts: (1) p‐aminobenzamidine; (2) magnetic agarose beads; and (3) extraction of a commercial peanut flour at pH 7, respectively. The first two methods were also used to reduce major allergens in cashew extracts. After treatments, samples were evaluated by SDS‐PAGE. pABA‐treated samples were also analyzed for IgE binding in western blot. We found that the methods resulted in peanut extracts lacking detectable Ara h 1 but containing Ara h 2/6 and cashew extract lacking Ana o 1/2, but containing Ana o 3. Consequently, reduced IgE binding was observed. We conclude that the methods are useful for producing peanut or cashew extract with little Ara h 1 or Ana o 1/2.
Oxidative changes in lipids, proteins, and antioxidants in yogurt during the shelf life
Authors: Citta Anna , Folda Alessandra , Scalcon Valeria , Scutari Guido , Bindoli Alberto , Bellamio Marco , Feller Emiliano , Rigobello Maria Pia
Published: July 2017

Oxidation processes in milk and yogurt during the shelf life can result in an alteration of protein and lipid constituents. Therefore, the antioxidant properties of yogurt in standard conditions of preservation were evaluated. Total phenols, free radical scavenger activity, degree of lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation were determined in plain and skim yogurts with or without fruit puree. After production, plain, skim, plain berries, and skim berries yogurts were compared during the shelf life up to 9 weeks. All types of yogurts revealed a basal antioxidant activity that was higher when a fruit puree was present but gradually decreased during the shelf life. However, after 5–8 weeks, antioxidant activity increased again. Both in plain and berries yogurts lipid peroxidation increased until the seventh week of shelf life and after decreased, whereas protein oxidation of all yogurts was similar either in the absence or presence of berries and increased during shelf life. During the shelf life, a different behavior between lipid and protein oxidation takes place and the presence of berries determines a protection only against lipid peroxidation.
De‐extinction and Conservation
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E. , Jennings Bruce
Published: July 2017

We are living in what is widely considered the sixth major extinction. Most ecologists believe that biodiversity is disappearing at an alarming rate, with up to 150 species going extinct per day according to scientists working with the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. Part of the reason the loss signified by biological extinction feels painful is that it seems irremediable. These creatures are gone, and there's nothing to be done about it. In recent years, however, the possibility has been broached that, just possibly, something can be done, in at least some cases. Human ingenuity, a contributing factor in the extinction crisis, might achieve their “de‐extinction”—in at least some cases, and with sometimes significant qualifications about whether the original species had been “recreated” and whether it could resume its original place in the environment.

De‐extinction is an entry point into a larger set of questions about how biotechnological tools can support, coexist with, or undermine the goals of conservation and about the very meaning of conservation. Are we beings in control of the world or beings who prosper by accommodating ourselves to webs of symbiotic interdependencies? Are we creators or creatures, or both—and if both, then how can we achieve the balance between them that might be called humility? The interplay of perfecting and accommodating is not unique to human beings—perhaps it characterizes all forms of life on Earth—but with humans, these modes of being are distinctive, and our technology greatly expands their scale and effects. It is such questions that the ten essays in this special report explore.
De‐extinction and the Community of Being
Authors: Meine Curt
Published: July 2017

Extinction deeply colors the way we think about conservation and the role of humans in nature. It is easy to overlook how recently, in fact, it has entered our consciousness. Only in the last two centuries has science sought to critically study life's origins, development, and diversification. Only in the last several generations have we identified and calibrated life's five major extinction events and speculated on their causes and effects. And only in recent decades have we come to appreciate the still‐unfolding fate of life's diversity under the increasing influence of humanity.

The story of extinction has continually changed as this monumental process of interdisciplinary synthesis and imagination has unfolded. Geology, paleontology, taxonomy, biogeography, and evolutionary biology have allowed us to comprehend the deep temporal and broad spatial dynamics of the extinction story. Archaeology, cultural anthropology, and environmental and economic history have illuminated the role of humans in altering the trajectory of species, landscapes, and ecosystems over the millennia. Ecology, genetics, population biology, and conservation biology have revealed the more recent patterns in life's vulnerability and resilience. As a phenomenon, extinction is as old as life itself. As a story shaping our consciousness, values, and intentions, it is still new. And it is uncomfortable.
Reclaiming Hope in Extinction Storytelling
Authors: Kohl Patrice
Published: July 2017

Critics often take conservationists to task for delivering a constant barrage of bad news without offering a compelling vision of the future. Could recent advances in synthetic biology—an optimistic, forward‐looking field with a can‐do attitude—let conservationists develop a new vision and generate some better news? Synthetic biology and related gene‐editing applications could be used to address threats to species. Genetic interventions might also be used in plants to better protect biodiversity in U.S. rangelands and forests. One possibility has stood out in its ability to capture media attention and the public imagination—recreating extinct species. And perhaps a de‐extinction story could counter the seemingly relentless negativity in biodiversity talk. De‐extinction proponent Stewart Brand writes that resurrecting species could shift the “conservation story … from negative to positive, from constant whining and guilt‐tripping to high fives and new excitement.” So, why do many people in conservation oppose the de‐extinction narrative? This essay is an inquiry into whether there are intrinsic social reactions to these types of conservation solutions that might offset their potential benefits. If genetic tools are to be applied to address conservation issues in a realistic and responsible way, their broader social‐cultural implications deserve far more attention than they have so far received.
De‐scenting Extinction: The Promise of De‐extinction May Hasten Continuing Extinctions
Authors: Campagna Claudio , Guevara Daniel , Le Boeuf Bernard
Published: July 2017

Among the most egregious and discouraging problems of conservation is the rapidly escalating human‐caused species extinction rate. “De‐extinction” refers to the application of certain cutting‐edge techniques for the supposed recovery of lost species and gives the impression that scientists, enlightened and empowered by the miracles of technology, are coming to the rescue. “De‐extinction” is the latest example of a long play of language that has given conservation efforts a tragically false sense of accomplishment and has worsened the conservation crisis. De‐extinction is the tip of an intellectual iceberg that sits atop of a host of profoundly questionable value systems, expectations, attitudes, and priorities that elude and bewitch critical reflection. It gives the impression that extinction is reversible and, thus, diminishes the gravity of the human annihilation of species. Here, we examine how the language of de‐extinction influences attitudes, shapes thoughts and imagination, and creates ethical blindness. The language developing around “de‐extinction” reveals what is in fact a profound intellectual crisis at the foundation of conservation. The underlying challenge is to find the language that will articulate and inspire the radical and indispensable change needed to come to grips with the value of nature.
Abnormal functional activation and maturation of ventromedial prefrontal cortex and cerebellum during temporal discounting in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Murphy Clodagh M. , Christakou Anastasia , Giampietro Vincent , Brammer Michael , Daly Eileen M. , Ecker Christine , Johnston Patrick , Spain Debbie , Robertson Dene M. ,   MRC AIMS Consortium, Murphy Declan G. , Rubia Katya
Published: July 2017

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have poor decision‐making and temporal foresight. This may adversely impact on their everyday life, mental health, and productivity. However, the neural substrates underlying poor choice behavior in people with ASD, or its’ neurofunctional development from childhood to adulthood, are unknown. Despite evidence of atypical structural brain development in ASD, investigation of functional brain maturation in people with ASD is lacking. This cross‐sectional developmental fMRI study investigated the neural substrates underlying performance on a temporal discounting (TD) task in 38 healthy (11–35 years old) male adolescents and adults with ASD and 40 age, sex, and IQ‐matched typically developing healthy controls. Most importantly, we assessed group differences in the neurofunctional maturation of TD across childhood and adulthood. Males with ASD had significantly poorer task performance and significantly lower brain activation in typical regions that mediate TD for delayed choices, in predominantly right hemispheric regions of ventrolateral/dorsolateral prefrontal cortices, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, striatolimbic regions, and cerebellum. Importantly, differential activation in ventromedial frontal cortex and cerebellum was associated with abnormal functional brain maturation; controls, in contrast to people with ASD, showed progressively increasing activation with increasing age in these regions; which furthermore was associated with performance measures and clinical ASD measures (stereotyped/restricted interests). Findings provide first cross‐sectional evidence that reduced activation of TD mediating brain regions in people with ASD during TD is associated with abnormal functional brain development in these regions between childhood and adulthood, and this is related to poor task performance and clinical measures of ASD. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5343–5355, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cross‐Linked Micelles with Enzyme‐Like Active Sites for Biomimetic Hydrolysis of Activated Esters
Authors: Hu Lan , Zhao Yan
Published: July 2017

Enzymes have substrate‐tailored active sites with optimized molecular recognition and catalytic features. Although many different platforms have been used by chemists to construct enzyme mimics, it is challenging to tune the structure of their active sites systematically. By molecularly imprinting template molecules within doubly cross‐linked micelles, we created protein‐sized nanoparticles with catalytically functionalized binding sites. These enzyme mimics accelerated the hydrolysis of activated esters thousands of times over the background reaction, whereas the analogous catalytic group (a nucleophilic pyridyl derivative) was completely inactive in bulk solution under the same conditions. The template molecules directly controlled the size and shape of the active site and modulated the resulting catalyst's performance at different pHs. The synthetic catalysts displayed Michaelis–Menten enzymatic behavior and, interestingly, reversed the intrinsic reactivity of the activated esters during the hydrolysis.
The expression of hematopoietic progenitor cell antigen CD34 is regulated by DNA methylation in a site‐dependent manner in gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Authors: Bure Irina , Braun Alexander , Kayser Claudia , Geddert Helene , Schaefer Inga‐Marie , Cameron Silke , Ghadimi Michael B. , Ströbel Philipp , Werner Martin , Hartmann Arndt , Wiemann Stefan , Agaimy Abbas , Haller Florian , Moskalev Evgeny A.
Published: July 2017

The anatomic site‐dependent expression of hematopoietic progenitor cell antigen CD34 is a feature of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). The basis for the differential CD34 expression is only incompletely understood. This study aimed at understanding the regulation of CD34 in GISTs and clarification of its site‐dependent expression. Two sample sets of primary GISTs were interrogated including 52 fresh‐frozen and 134 paraffin‐embedded and formalin‐fixed specimens. DNA methylation analysis was performed by HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array in three cell lines derived from gastric and intestinal GISTs, and differentially methylated CpG sites were established upstream of CD34. The methylation degree was further quantified by pyrosequencing, and inverse correlation with CD34 mRNA and protein abundance was revealed. The gene's expression could be activated upon induction of DNA hypomethylation with 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine in GIST‐T1 cells. In patient samples, a strong inverse correlation of DNA methylation degree with immunohistochemically evaluated CD34 expression was documented. Both CD34 expression and DNA methylation levels were specific to the tumours' anatomic location and mutation status. A constant decrease in methylation levels was observed ranging from almost 100% hypermethylation in intestinal GISTs from duodenum to hypomethylation in rectum. CD34 was heavily methylated in gastric PDGFRA‐mutant GISTs in comparison to hypomethylated KIT‐mutant counterparts. Next to CD34 hypermethylation, miR‐665 was predicted and experimentally confirmed to target CD34 mRNA in GIST‐T1 cells. Our results suggest that CD34 expression in GISTs may undergo a complex control by DNA methylation and miR‐665. Differential methylation and expression of CD34 in GISTs along the gastrointestinal tract axis and in tumours that harbour different gain‐of‐function mutations suggest the origin from different cell populations in the gastrointestinal tract.