bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological determinants of intertidal recruitment and metacommunity structure on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia
Authors: Scrosati Ricardo A. , Ellrich Julius A.
Published: April 2018

Rocky-intertidal species are often distributed as metacommunities along marine shores, as rocky habitats are patchy. Nearshore pelagic conditions often explain variation among the local communities, but most studies have been done on eastern ocean boundary coasts. We investigated potential drivers of intertidal metacommunity structure on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia. We studied the high intertidal zone of nine wave-exposed bedrock locations spanning 415 km of coastline. At each location in the spring, we measured the recruitment of barnacles and mussels, the two predominant sessile invertebrates. Satellite data on coastal phytoplankton abundance and particulate organic carbon (food supply for intertidal filter-feeders) and in-situ data on coastal seawater temperature explained to varying degrees the geographic structure of recruitment. In turn, the summer abundance of both filter-feeders was positively related to their spring recruitment. Ultimately, predator (dogwhelk) abundance increased with the recruitment and abundance of barnacles and mussels (the main prey of dogwhelks), suggesting that bottom-up forcing influences metacommunity structure on this coast. Sea ice constituted an overlapping source of variation. Drift ice leaving the Gulf of St. Lawrence in late winter disturbed intertidal communities in the northern locations, limiting local biodiversity compared with central and southern locations.
Two complement receptor one alleles have opposing associations with cerebral malaria and interact with α+thalassaemia
Authors: Opi D Herbert , Swann Olivia , Macharia Alexander , Uyoga Sophie , Band Gavin , Ndila Carolyne M , Harrison Ewen M , Thera Mahamadou A , Kone Abdoulaye K , Diallo Dapa A , Doumbo Ogobara K , Lyke Kirsten E , Plowe Christopher V , Moulds Joann M , Shebbe Mohammed , Mturi Neema , Peshu Norbert , Maitland Kathryn , Raza Ahmed , Kwiatkowski Dominic P , Rockett Kirk A , Williams Thomas N , Rowe J Alexandra
Published: April 2018

Malaria has been a major driving force in the evolution of the human genome. In sub-Saharan African populations, two neighbouring polymorphisms in the Complement Receptor One (CR1) gene, named Sl2 and McCb, occur at high frequencies, consistent with selection by malaria. Previous studies have been inconclusive. Using a large case-control study of severe malaria in Kenyan children and statistical models adjusted for confounders, we estimate the relationship between Sl2 and McCb and malaria phenotypes, and find they have opposing associations. The Sl2 polymorphism is associated with markedly reduced odds of cerebral malaria and death, while the McCb polymorphism is associated with increased odds of cerebral malaria. We also identify an apparent interaction between Sl2 and α+thalassaemia, with the protective association of Sl2 greatest in children with normal α-globin. The complex relationship between these three mutations may explain previous conflicting findings, highlighting the importance of considering genetic interactions in disease-association studies.
A Look into Rev. J. Todd's "Scene on the Ohio: The Solitary Grave" (1840) : Critical Reading
Authors: M. Bani-Khair Baker
Published: April 2018

Having researched and looked in some historical antebellum newspapers, I found an interesting story, which I think it represent a good example on antebellum literature that remained unknown since it once appeared in the newspaper two centuries ago. The story is entitled,  "Scene on the Ohio: The Solitary Grave" by a writer named Rev. J. Todd. In fact, there are no resources that can tell us any information about the writer or the story. However, his story appeared in the Southern Recorder Newspaper, on Jan, 28, 1840, under The Milledgeville Historic Newspaper Archives, California Digital Newspaper Collections. In this essay, I focused on Todd’s story in terms of style, structure, themes, and content, and I link it with the features of the Antebellum literature through explaining its distinguishing characteristics, references to culture, Ideology, and some other psychological aspects that match the common features of the Antebellum literature.
Investigating Iraqi EFL College Students’ Ability of Parametric Resetting
Authors: I. Kareem al-Utbi Mahdi , K. Obeid Aljubory Mawj
Published: April 2018

This paper tries to answer whether Iraqi EFL college students are able to reset the parametric values of their native Arabic into those which suit English. It aims at enhancing Iraqi students' knowledge of some of the parametric values of English via tackling three parameters: Null-subject parameter, Head-parameter, and Serial parameter. To achieve the aim of this study,  Grammaticality Judgment Tasks are administered to sixty students of the fourth year at the Department of English- College of Languages/ University of Baghdad for the academic year 2016-2017. The students' responses have been corrected and statically analysed. The study concludes that Iraqi EFL students' ability to reset parameters varies as to the parameter in question since they have succeeded to reset the Head parameter, but failed to reset the Serial parameter; this is accompanied by a partial ability to rest the Null-subject parameter. As well, it has further been revealed that Iraqi EFL students' inability to reset a parameter is due to negative transfer from Arabic to English, hence EFL learners need be exposed to extensive input data to encourage the resetting of parameters.
Understanding The Mad Heart: A Deconstructionist Approach To Efua T. Sutherland’s Edufa
Authors: Korkoi Bonku Lucy , Gbolo Sanka Confidence , Yeboah Philomena
Published: April 2018

Myths constitute an important part of human development. Life enduring values are embedded in these myths and the adaptation of some of these archetypal myths from culture to culture ensures shared virtues and opinions on human experience. This paper investigates, using the theories of myth and deconstruction, the relationship between Euripedes’ Alcestis myth and the Edufa myth written by Afua Sutherland. A comparative analysis of the two myths indicates that Sutherland adapted the Greek myth to the Ghanaian context. However, due to the fluid and unstable nature of language and meaning in general and due to same qualities of the discourse in Edufa, a deconstructionist approach has been used in this paper to derive a powerful message on the responsibility of the mother cum wife. The findings reveal that Sutherland does not endorse the kind of love exhibited by Ampoma; rather, she proscribes it. The dramatist’s adept use of language and the text’s leaning on lessons from the African concept of marriage is what makes this deconstructionist’s reading possible.
Teaching Strategies in EFL Environment in the Secondary Schools in the KSA: Evaluation and Remedies
Authors: Abdullah Al-Awaid Salmeen Abdulrahman
Published: April 2018

The EFL scenario in Saudi Arabia has been a matter of concern for academicians, learners, institutions and policy makers alike. The reason is simple: It is the single most zealously funded field of study in the state. Further, it is also an area of modern education that causes much discontent amongst the teaching-learning community who do not arrive at desired outcomes. The roots lie in our classrooms. This study is another attempt to highlight the shortcomings of the Saudi EFL classroom with the larger objective of student welfare through positive recommendations.
Increased chemical acetylation of peptides and proteins in rats after daily ingestion of diacetyl analyzed by Nano-LC-MS/MS
Authors: Jedlicka Leticia Dias Lima , Guterres Sheila Barreto , Balbino Aleksandro Martins , Neto Giuseppe Bruno , Landgraf Richardt Gama , Fernandes Liliam , Carrilho Emanuel , Bechara Etelvino José Henriques , Assuncao Nilson A.
Published: April 2018

Background

Acetylation alters several protein properties including molecular weight, stability, enzymatic activity, protein–protein interactions, and other biological functions. Our previous findings demonstrating that diacetyl/peroxynitrite can acetylate L-lysine, L-histidine, and albumin in vitro led us to investigate whether diacetyl-treated rats suffer protein acetylation as well.

Methods

Wistar rats were administered diacetyl daily for four weeks, after which they were sacrificed, and their lung proteins were extracted to be analysed by Nano-LC-MS/MS (Q-TOF). A C18 reversed-phase column and gradient elution with formic acid/acetonitrile solutions from 2 to 50% over 150 min were used to separate the proteins. Protein detection was performed using a microTOF-Q II (QTOF) equipped with captive source and an electrospray-ionization source. The data from mass spectrometry were processed using a Compass 1.7 and analyzed using Protein Scape, software that uses Mascot algorithms to perform protein searches.

Results

A set of 3,162 acetylated peptides derived from 351 acetylated proteins in the diacetyl-treated group was identified. Among them, 23 targeted proteins were significantly more acetylated in the diacetyl-treated group than in the PBS control. Protein acetylation of the group treated with 540 mg/kg/day of diacetyl was corroborated by Western blotting analysis.

Conclusions

These data support our hypothesis that diacetyl exposure in animals may lead to the generation of acetyl radicals, compounds that attach to proteins, affecting their functions and triggering adverse health problems.
Culturally Competent Commissioning; Meeting the Needs of Canada’s Diverse Communities: The Road Map to a Culturally Competent Mental Health System for All
Authors: Kolapo Tiwalola Foluke
Published: April 2018

Cultural competence has proven to be a very efficient tool in reducing healthcare disparities and improving healthcare experiences, compliance with therapy, and reducing incidents of misdiagnosis. This effect is because professionals are recognizing the value and significance of including the person in need of services in their assessment and decision making. While this rationale has also long been considered part of good practice among healthcare professionals (providers) within the mental health arena and nursing care and the success of its use has been reported widely in the provider and insurance arena, the notion seems to have escaped the commissioning arena. Commissioners are responsible for specifying, procuring, and monitoring services and are missing out on the value of completing culturally competent needs assessments for their localities. Synonymous with cultural competence is “person-centred care.” In recent times, cultural competence has contributed much to the commissioning of dementia services in a bid to improve and promote person-centred care. It could be argued that there is no person-centred care without cultural competence, which, in simplistic terms, can be defined as care that is undertaken in partnership with the recipient and is of value and significance to the recipient. Culturally competent commissioning and provision of care is therefore to be recommended as capable of addressing quality issues and the problematic variation in services available.
Diagnostic Performance of Surgical Criteria Incorporating MDCT for Suspected Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Suda Hiroshi , Kochi Mitsugu , Fujii Masashi , Hagiwara Ken , Shimizu Hiroko , Watanabe Megumu , Kawai Yoritaka Matsuno Takaharu , Yagi Renpei , Takayama Tadatoshi
Published: April 2018

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new set of criteria and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in determining whether surgical intervention is required in cases of appendicitis, with the aim of reducing unnecessary procedures and postoperative complications.

Methods

The patients were divided into 2 groups: group A, comprising patients who were admitted between 2008 and 2013 and treated based on the new criteria; and group B, comprising patients who were admitted between 2003 and 2007 and treated based on the standard criteria. Positive and negative predictive values were calculated.

Results

Of 1021 patients, 533 (274 males, 259 females) belonged to group A and 488 (263 males, 225 females) to group B. Surgical procedures were performed in 46.0% (245 cases) of patients in group A and 64.3% (314 cases) in group B (P > 0.001). The rate of conservative treatment was significantly higher in group A. The overall rate of catarrhal appendicitis based on histopathologic findings was 6.9% (17 cases) in group A and 15.0% (47 cases) in group B (P > 0.003). The overall rate of surgical complications was significantly higher in group B, being observed in 14.6% (46 cases) in this group, but only 8.2% (20 cases) in group A (P > 0.02). No statistically significant difference was observed in rate of conversion to surgery after conservative therapy or recurrence between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

Our new surgical criteria incorporating MDCT are effective in reducing the incidence of negative appendectomies and surgical complications.
Enhanced Ductility of a Fine‐Grained Mg–Gd–Al–Zn Magnesium Alloy by Hot Extrusion
Authors: Pourbahari Bita , Mirzadeh Hamed , Emamy Massoud , Roumina Reza
Published: April 2018

The grain refinement by dynamic recrystallization (DRX), the enhancement of room‐temperature strength and ductility by decreasing hot extrusion temperature, and the effect of grain growth at elevated temperatures are discussed for a newly developed as‐cast Mg–Gd–Al–Zn magnesium alloy. The results are supported by fracture surface observations, texture analysis by Schulz reflection method based on X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and work‐hardening rate plots. It is found that by decreasing the extrusion temperature, the ductility of alloys enhances, which is related to the weakening of basal texture by the rare earth element Gd. Moreover, the grain growth annealing resulted in decreasing the strength and increasing the ductility in the conventional manner, where the texture intensity remained unchanged.
The Minimum Energy Density Criterion for the Competition between Shear and Flat Fracture
Authors: Li He Fei , Zhang Peng , Qu Rui Tao , Zhang Zhe Feng
Published: April 2018

It is generally recognized that the fracture toughness KIC of materials represents the crack resistance during fracture, i.e., the energy consumption. In this study, AISI 4340 steels with different strength are applied to systematically investigate the intrinsic mechanism of fracture toughness. It is found that the fracture surface morphologies of AISI 4340 steels change from quasi‐cleavage fracture to dimple fracture with increasing the tempering temperature. While, the specimen size has almost no effect on the fracture mechanism of shear/flat fracture region, demonstrating that the fracture toughness depends on the proportion of shear and flat fracture region. Additionally, the shear lip width of the KIC specimen will increase to a constant value with enhancing the specimen thickness. Based on the energy balance principle, the maximum shear lip width can be obtained at the minimum fracture energy density of materials; consequently, there is an essential relationship between the shear fracture and fracture toughness, i.e., the minimum energy density criterion. The new finding, which provides a scaling law to well evaluate the plane strain fracture toughness of new materials with high toughness (e.g., nanostructured materials and metallic glasses), may broad the understandings on the fracture toughness.
Direct Graphene Transfer and Its Application to Transfer Printing Using Mechanically Controlled, Large Area Graphene/Copper Freestanding Layer
Authors: Seo Jeongmin , Kim Cheogyu , Ma Boo Soo , Lee Tae‐Ik , Bong Jae Hoon , Oh Joong Gun , Cho Byung Jin , Kim Taek‐Soo
Published: April 2018

Direct graphene transfer is an attractive candidate to prevent graphene damage, which is a critical problem of the conventional wet transfer method. Direct graphene transfer can fabricate the transferred graphene film with fewer defects by using a polymeric carrier. Here a unique direct transfer method is proposed using a 300 nm thick copper carrier as a suspended film and a transfer printing process by using the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp under controlled peeling rate and modulus. Single and multilayer graphene are transferred to flat and curved PDMS target substrate directly. With the transfer printing process, the transfer yield of a trilayer graphene with 1000 µm s−1 peeling rate is 68.6% of that with 1 µm s−1 peeling rate. It is revealed that the graphene transfer yield is highly related to the storage modulus of the PDMS stamp: graphene transfer yield decreases when the storage modulus of the PDMS stamp is lower than a specific threshold value. The relationship between the graphene transfer yield and the interfacial shear strain of the PDMS stamp is studied by finite‐element method simulation and digital image correlation.
Inversion Symmetry Broken 2D 3R‐MoTe2
Authors: Yang Dan , Hu Xiaozong , Zhuang Minghao , Ding Yao , Zhou Shasha , Li Aoju , Yu Yiwei , Li Huiqiao , Luo Zhengtang , Gan Lin , Zhai Tianyou
Published: April 2018

Inversion symmetry broken 3R phase semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) have huge potential applications in many novel fields, such as valleytronics and nonlinear optics for the strong spin–orbit coupling and particularly the persistent noncentrosymmetric structure regardless the layer numbers, in stark contrast to the strict layer number requirement in other phases. Unfortunately, the fabrication of 3R phase TMDC is still a huge task to date. Molybdenum telluride (MoTe2) attracts increasing interest in recent years due to the easy transition between its various phases and its narrow bandgap close to silicon. However, the weak Mo–Te bond and the small energy imparity among phases make it a big challenge to obtain pure‐phase single crystalline MoTe2, especially; it is still a virgin land to obtain two‐dimensional (2D) 3R‐MoTe2. Here, by rational controlling the deposition temperature and tellurization velocity, for the first time high quality 2D 3R‐MoTe2 flakes are synthesized via chemical vapor deposition from a MoCl5 precursor. Scanning transmission electron microscopy unambiguously reveals the 3R stacking mode of as‐synthesized MoTe2. Second harmonic generation measurement confirms the excellent odd/even layer‐independent frequency conversion efficiency. Besides, the outstanding intrinsic infrared detection ability of as‐synthesized 3R‐MoTe2 is demonstrated as well.
A Dual Immunotherapy Nanoparticle Improves T‐Cell Activation and Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Mi Yu , Smith Christof C. , Yang Feifei , Qi Yanfei , Roche Kyle C. , Serody Jonathan S. , Vincent Benjamin G. , Wang Andrew Z.
Published: April 2018

Combination immunotherapy has recently emerged as a powerful cancer treatment strategy. A promising treatment approach utilizes coadministration of antagonistic antibodies to block checkpoint inhibitor receptors, such as antiprogrammed cell death‐1 (aPD1), alongside agonistic antibodies to activate costimulatory receptors, such as antitumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 4 (aOX40). Optimal T‐cell activation is achieved when both immunomodulatory agents simultaneously engage T‐cells and promote synergistic proactivation signaling. However, standard administration of these therapeutics as free antibodies results in suboptimal T‐cell binding events, with only a subset of the T‐cells binding to both aPD1 and aOX40. Here, it is shown that precise spatiotemporal codelivery of aPD1 and aOX40 using nanoparticles (NP) (dual immunotherapy nanoparticles, DINP) results in improved T‐cell activation, enhanced therapeutic efficacy, and increased immunological memory. It is demonstrated that DINP elicits higher rates of T‐cell activation in vitro than free antibodies. Importantly, it is demonstrated in two tumor models that combination immunotherapy administered in the form of DINP is more effective than the same regimen administered as free antibodies. This work demonstrates a novel strategy to improve combination immunotherapy using nanotechnology.
Bioinspired Synthesis of Monolithic and Layered Aerogels
Authors: Han Xiao , Hassan Khalil T. , Harvey Alan , Kulijer Dejan , Oila Adrian , Hunt Michael R. C. , Šiller Lidija
Published: April 2018

Aerogels are the least dense and most porous materials known to man, with potential applications from lightweight superinsulators to smart energy materials. To date their use has been seriously hampered by their synthesis methods, which are laborious and expensive. Taking inspiration from the life cycle of the damselfly, a novel ambient pressure‐drying approach is demonstrated in which instead of employing low‐surface‐tension organic solvents to prevent pore collapse during drying, sodium bicarbonate solution is used to generate pore‐supporting carbon dioxide in situ, significantly reducing energy, time, and cost in aerogel production. The generic applicability of this readily scalable new approach is demonstrated through the production of granules, monoliths, and layered solids with a number of precursor materials.
3D Printed Functional and Biological Materials on Moving Freeform Surfaces
Authors: Zhu Zhijie , Guo Shuang‐Zhuang , Hirdler Tessa , Eide Cindy , Fan Xiaoxiao , Tolar Jakub , McAlpine Michael C.
Published: April 2018

Conventional 3D printing technologies typically rely on open‐loop, calibrate‐then‐print operation procedures. An alternative approach is adaptive 3D printing, which is a closed‐loop method that combines real‐time feedback control and direct ink writing of functional materials in order to fabricate devices on moving freeform surfaces. Here, it is demonstrated that the changes of states in the 3D printing workspace in terms of the geometries and motions of target surfaces can be perceived by an integrated robotic system aided by computer vision. A hybrid fabrication procedure combining 3D printing of electrical connects with automatic pick‐and‐placing of surface‐mounted electronic components yields functional electronic devices on a free‐moving human hand. Using this same approach, cell‐laden hydrogels are also printed on live mice, creating a model for future studies of wound‐healing diseases. This adaptive 3D printing method may lead to new forms of smart manufacturing technologies for directly printed wearable devices on the body and for advanced medical treatments.
Regio‐ und chemoselektive Oxo‐Azidierung von Vinylarenen, katalysiert durch Kupfer(II) und sichtbares Licht
Authors: Hossain Asik , Vidyasagar Adiyala , Eichinger Christian , Lankes Christian , Phan Jenny , Rehbein Julia , Reiser Oliver
Published: April 2018

Die photokatalytische Oxo‐Azidierung von Vinylarenen mit Trimethylsilylazid und Luftsauerstoff als stöchiometrischem Oxidationsmittel gelingt in Gegenwart von [Cu(dap)2]Cl oder [Cu(dap)Cl2], im Unterschied zu etablierten Photokatalysytoren auf Basis von Iridium oder Ruthenium oder organischen Farbstoffen. Eine Erklärung hierfür sind der leichte Ligandenaustausch sowie die Möglichkeit zur Rückbindung der intermediär gebildeten Radikale an Kupferzentren. Als katalytisch aktive Spezies wird ein CuII‐Azid‐Komplex postuliert, der eine durch sichtbares Licht beschleunigte Cu‐N‐Bindungshomolyse eingeht und dabei CuI sowie Azidradikale bildet. Dieses Aktivierungsprinzip (CuII‐X→CuI+X.) eröffnet neue Möglichkeiten für die Kupfer‐basierte Photokatalyse.
Electron‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Arylboron Compounds with Aryl Iodides
Authors: Okura Keisho , Teranishi Tsuyoshi , Yoshida Yuto , Shirakawa Eiji
Published: April 2018

Arylboroxines in combination with zinc chloride and potassium tert‐butoxide were found to undergo the electron‐catalyzed cross‐coupling with aryl iodides to give the corresponding biaryls without the aid of transition‐metal catalysis.
Visible‐Light‐Accelerated Copper(II)‐Catalyzed Regio‐ and Chemoselective Oxo‐Azidation of Vinyl Arenes
Authors: Hossain Asik , Vidyasagar Adiyala , Eichinger Christian , Lankes Christian , Phan Jenny , Rehbein Julia , Reiser Oliver
Published: April 2018

The visible‐light‐accelerated oxo‐azidation of vinyl arenes with trimethylsilylazide and molecular oxygen as stoichiometric oxidant was achieved. In contrast to photocatalysts based on iridium, ruthenium, or organic dyes, [Cu(dap)2]Cl or [Cu(dap)Cl2] were found to be unique for this transformation, which is attributed to their ability to interact with the substrates through ligand exchange and rebound mechanisms. CuII is proposed as the catalytically active species, which upon coordinating azide will undergo light‐accelerated homolysis to form CuI and azide radicals. This activation principle (CuII‐X→CuI+X.) opens up new avenues for copper‐based photocatalysis.
Facile Stabilization of the Sodium Metal Anode with Additives: Unexpected Key Role of Sodium Polysulfide and Adverse Effect of Sodium Nitrate
Authors: Wang Huan , Wang Chuanlong , Matios Edward , Li Weiyang
Published: April 2018

Sodium metal is an attractive anode for next‐generation energy storage systems owing to its high specific capacity, low cost, and high abundance. Nevertheless, uncontrolled Na dendrite growth caused by the formation of unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) leads to poor cycling performance and severe safety concerns. Sodium polysulfide (Na2S6) alone is revealed to serve as a positive additive or pre‐passivation agent in ether electrolyte to improve the long‐term stability and reversibility of the Na anode, while Na2S6‐NaNO3 as co‐additive has an adverse effect, contrary to the prior findings in the lithium anode system. A superior cycling behavior of Na anode is first demonstrated at a current density up to 10 mA cm−2 and a capacity up to 5 mAh cm−2 over 100 cycles. As a proof of concept, a high‐capacity Na‐S battery was prepared by pre‐passivating the Na anode with Na2S6. This study gives insights into understanding the differences between Li and Na systems.
Highly Selective Directed Iridium‐Catalyzed Hydrogen Isotope Exchange Reactions of Aliphatic Amides
Authors: Valero Mégane , Weck Remo , Güssregen Stefan , Atzrodt Jens , Derdau Volker
Published: April 2018

For the first time, we describe highly selective homogeneous iridium‐catalyzed hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) of unactivated C(sp3) centers in aliphatic amides. When using the commercially available Kerr catalyst, the HIE with a series of common antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) linker side chains proceeds with high yields, high regioselectivity, and with deuterium incorporation up to 99 %. The method is fully translatable to the specific requirements of tritium chemistry and its effectiveness was demonstrated by direct tritium labelling of a maytansinoid. The scope of the method can be extended to simple amino acids, with high HIE activity observed for glycine and alanine. In di‐ and tripeptides, a very interesting protecting‐group‐dependent tunable selectivity was observed. DFT calculations gave insight into the energies of the transition states, thereby explaining the observed selectivity and the influence of the amino acid protecting groups.
Influence of Water Deficit in Bioactive Compounds of Olive Paste and Oil Content
Authors: Sena‐Moreno Estela , Cabrera‐Bañegil Manuel , Pérez‐Rodríguez Juan M. , De Miguel Concepción , Prieto María H. , Martín‐Vertedor Daniel
Published: April 2018

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different deficit irrigation treatments (control, regulated deficit irrigation [RDI]‐1, RDI‐2, and RDI‐3) on the phenolic profile of the olive paste and oil content. Irrigation treatments with more stress water led to a considerable increase in the phenolic compounds of olive paste, especially in oleuropein (60.24%), hydroxytyrosol (82%), tyrosol (195%), and verbascoside (223%) compared to control. A significant increase in the content of total flavonoids and phenolic acids was also observed for these samples. In virgin olive oils (VOO) elaborated from the most stressed olive trees (RDI‐2 and RDI‐3), a noticeable increase in phenolic substances with antioxidant properties (oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, secoiridoid derivatives, and o‐vanillin) was observed. Consequently, water stress conditions improved antioxidant activity of VOO.
Processing Parameters on the Extraction of Olive Pomace Oil and Its Bioactive Compounds: A Kinetic and Thermodynamic Study
Authors: Chanioti Sofia , Tzia Constantina
Published: April 2018

The effect of temperature (40–60 °C), solid/liquid ratio (1/4–1/12 g mL−1), and agitation speed (AS) (100–800 rpm) on the extraction yield of olive pomace oil and on the recovery of its unsaponifiable matter (USM) during extraction were studied. Two kinetic models were tested to correlate the experimental data; the first proposed by So and Macdonald and the second by Sulaiman et al. The two models adequately describe the extraction process of both oil and USM. Higher extraction temperatures, solid to liquid ratios, and AS led to increased oil yield and favored USM in the extracted oil, and also increased the calculated mass transfer coefficients of the extraction. Changes in enthalpy and entropy were found to be positive while change in free energy was negative, indicating that the process was endothermic, irreversible, and spontaneous. Under equilibrium conditions, the oil yield was increased by a factor of approximately 1.096 and 1.054 for the model of So and Macdonald and Sulaiman et al., respectively, for every 10 °C rise in temperature.
Pharmacological characterization of a β‐adrenergic‐like octopamine receptor in Plutella xylostella
Authors: Huang Qing‐Ting , Ma Hai‐Hao , Deng Xi‐Le , Zhu Hang , Liu Jia , Zhou Yong , Zhou Xiao‐Mao
Published: April 2018

The β‐adrenergic‐like octopamine receptor (OA2B2) belongs to the class of G‐protein coupled receptors. It regulates important physiological functions in insects, thus is potentially a good target for insecticides. In this study, the putative open reading frame sequence of the Pxoa2b2 gene in Plutella xylostella was cloned. Orthologous sequence alignment, phylogenetic tree analysis, and protein sequence analysis all showed that the cloned receptor belongs to the OA2B2 protein family. PxOA2B2 was transiently expressed in HEK‐293 cells. It was found that PxOA2B2 could be activated by both octopamine and tyramine, resulting in increased intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels, whereas dopamine and serotonin were not effective in eliciting cAMP production. Further studies with series of PxOA2B2 agonists and antagonists showed that all four tested agonists (e.g., naphazoline, clonidine, 2‐phenylethylamine, and amitraz) could activate the PxOA2B2 receptor, and two of tested antagonists (e.g., phentolamine and mianserin) had significant antagonistic effects. However, antagonist of yohimbine had no effects. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that Pxoa2b2 gene was expressed in all developmental stages of P. xylostella and that the highest expression occurred in male adults. Further analysis with fourth‐instar P. xylostella larvae showed that the Pxoa2b2 gene was mainly expressed in Malpighian tubule, epidermal, and head tissues. This study provides both a pharmacological characterization and the gene expression patterns of the OA2B2 in P. xylostella, facilitating further research for insecticides using PxOA2B2 as a target.
A Link Between Alzheimer's and Type II Diabetes Mellitus? Ca+2‐Mediated Signal Control and Protein Localization
Authors: Tsutsui Yuko , Hays Franklin A.
Published: April 2018

We propose protein localization dependent signal activation (PLDSA) as a model to describe pre‐existing protein partitioning between the cytosol, and membrane surface, as a means to modulate signal activation, specificity, and robustness. We apply PLDSA to explain possible molecular links between type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) by describing Ca+2‐mediated interactions between the Src non‐receptor tyrosine kinase and p52Shc adaptor protein. We suggest that these interactions may serve as a contributing factor to disease development and progression. In particular, we propose that signaling response is regulated, in part, by Ca+2‐mediated partitioning of lipid‐bound and soluble forms of Src and p52shc. Thus, protein‐protein interactions that drive signaling in response to extracellular ligand binding are also mediated by partitioning of signaling proteins between membrane‐bound and soluble populations. We propose that PLDSA effects may explain, in part, the evolutionary basis of promiscuous protein interaction domains and their importance in cellular function.
Treatment of elopement following a latency‐based interview‐informed, synthesized contingency analysis
Authors: Jessel Joshua , Ingvarsson Einar T. , Metras Rachel , Whipple Ruth , Kirk Hillary , Solsbery Lauren
Published: April 2018

Using a latency measure during a functional analysis of problem behavior increases the brevity of the assessment period and decreases risks resulting from exposure to contexts intended to evoke problem behavior. In addition, latency‐based functional analyses may be especially suitable for discrete behaviors such as elopement, which require resetting the environment after each instance of the response. We evaluated a comprehensive assessment and treatment package for the elopement of two children diagnosed with autism. We observed short latencies to elopement during the test condition of the analysis and no elopement during the control condition. We then taught the participants multiple forms of functional communication responses of increasing complexity while elopement was blocked. This was followed by the thinning of reinforcement to a terminal goal, creating a treatment package that nearly eliminated elopement and was socially validated by caregivers.
Aqueous biphasic systems in the separation of food colorants
Authors: Santos João H. P. M. , Capela Emanuel V. , Boal‐Palheiros Isabel , Coutinho João A. P. , Freire Mara G. , Ventura Sónia P. M.
Published: April 2018

Aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) composed of polypropylene glycol and carbohydrates, two benign substances are proposed to separate two food colorants (E122 and E133). ABS are promising extractive platforms, particularly for biomolecules, due to their aqueous and mild nature (pH and temperature), reduced environmental impact and processing costs. Another major aspect considered, particularly useful in downstream processing, is the “tuning” ability for the extraction and purification of these systems by a proper choice of the ABS components. In this work, our intention is to show the concept of ABS as an alternative and volatile organic solvent‐free tool to separate two different biomolecules in a simple way, so simple that teachers can effectively adopt it in their classes to explain the concept of bioseparation processes. Informative documents and general information about the preparation of binodal curves and their use in the partition of biomolecules is available in this work to be used by teachers in their classes. In this sense, the students use different carbohydrates to build ABS, then study the partition of two food color dyes (synthetic origin), thus evaluating their ability on the separation of both food colorants. Through these experiments, the students get acquainted with ABS, learn how to determine solubility curves and perform extraction procedures using colorant food additives, that can also be applied in the extraction of various (bio)molecules. © 2018 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46:390–397, 2018.
Experience with host cell protein impurities in biopharmaceuticals
Authors: Vanderlaan Martin , Zhu‐Shimoni Judith , Lin Sansan , Gunawan Feny , Waerner Thomas , Van Cott Kevin E.
Published: April 2018

In the 40‐year history of biopharmaceuticals, there have been a few cases where the final products contained residual host cell protein (HCP) impurities at levels high enough to be of concern. This article summarizes the industry experience in these cases where HCP impurities have been presented in public forums and/or published. Regulatory guidance on HCP impurities is limited to advising that products be as pure as practical, with no specified numerical limit because the risk associated with HCP exposure often depends on the clinical setting (route of administration, dose, indication, patient population) and the particular impurity. While the overall safety and purity track record of the industry is excellent, these examples illustrate several important lessons learned about the kinds of HCPs that co‐purify with products (e.g., product homologs, and HCPs that react with product), and the kinds of clinical consequences of HCP impurities (e.g., direct biological activity, immunogenicity, adjuvant). The literature on industry experience with HCP impurities is scattered, and this review draws in to one reference documented examples where the data have been presented in meetings, patents, product inserts, or press releases, in addition to peer‐reviewed journal articles. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:828–837, 2018
An examination of critical parameters in hybridization‐based epigenotyping using magnetic microparticles
Authors: Tam Brooke E. , Hao Yining , Sikes Hadley D.
Published: April 2018

Gene‐specific promoter methylation is involved in gene silencing and is an important cancer biomarker. Cancer‐specific methylation patterns have been observed and clinically validated for numerous gene promoters, but the knowledge gleaned from this large body of work is currently under‐utilized in the clinic. Methylation‐specific PCR is currently the gold standard method for clinical methylation assessment, but several research groups have proposed hybridization‐based techniques which could be simpler to implement and provide more accurate results. However, the sensitivity of this easier alternative must be improved dramatically in order to compete with methylation‐specific PCR. Efficient sample capture is a key step in maximizing sensitivity, so here we investigate the key parameters involved in (i) maximizing the capture of gene‐specific target DNA molecules at the surfaces of functionalized, magnetic microparticles and (ii) recognizing DNA methylation using an engineered methyl‐CpG‐binding domain (MBD) protein. The magnetic bead density, the probe concentration, and the MBD concentration were very important for maximizing detection, and other variables such as the hybridization time also impacted the target capture efficiency but had a smaller effect on the overall methylation assay. The effect of genomic DNA on the capture of the target sequence was also investigated, and model methylated vs. unmethylated target sequences could be distinguished in the presence of 1 ng/μL genomic DNA. The findings we report related to the underlying binding events involved in hybridization‐based epigenotyping can be leveraged in combination with the many signal amplification and detection approaches that are currently being developed. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:1589–1595, 2018
A Simple Glycolipid Mimic of the Phosphatidylinositol Mannoside Core from Mycobacterium tuberculosis Inhibits Macrophage Cytokine Production
Authors: Mosaiab Tamim , Boiteux Sandra , Zulfiker Abu Hasanat Md , Wei Ming Q. , Kiefel Milton J. , Houston Todd A.
Published: April 2018

Glycolipids from Mycobacterium tuberculosis have a profound impact on the innate immune response of the host. Macrophage‐inducible C‐type lectin (Mincle) is a pattern‐recognition receptor that has been shown to bind trehalose dimycolate (TDM) from the mycobacterium and instigate intracellular signalling in the immune cell. There are structural similarities between the structures of TDM and phosphatidyl inositol mannoside (PIM). We thus hypothesized that these latter structures might also modulate an immune response in a similar manner. To test this, we synthesized a series of new mannose derivatives modified with fatty esters at the 6‐position and assessed the release of inflammatory cytokines in human U937 macrophages under the induction of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) after glycolipid treatment. The results showed that the amount of two major cytokines—tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐6—released from LPS‐stimulated U937 cells decreased significantly when compared to a control upon treatment with the prepared glycolipids, thus indicating a reduction in cytokine production by the macrophages.
Design of a Cost‐Reduced Flexible Plant for Supercritical Fluid‐Assisted Applications
Authors: Cassanelli Mattia , Prosapio Valentina , Norton Ian , Mills Thomas
Published: April 2018

A novel batch plant for supercritical CO2 applications is proposed which is not equipped with expensive components, such as high‐pressure pumps, making it particularly suitable for bench‐scale use. For the first time, the use of a hanging scale is suggested to weigh the amount of CO2 required for the experiment and the use of the thermodynamics to reach the working conditions. The rig is able to cover different applications, e.g., aerogel drying, impregnation, and extraction, showing high flexibility. An approximate cost analysis has been performed considering as a reference a 150‐mL vessel. It has been calculated that both the setup and running costs are considerably lower than the common batch and semicontinuous rigs.
Fault detection based on difference locality preserving projections for the semiconductor process
Authors: Guo Jinyu , Zhong Lulu , Li Yuan
Published: April 2018

Some existing fault detection methods for the semiconductor process, such as principal component analysis and locality preserving projections (LPP), are linear algorithms, so they degrade the performance of fault detection in a nonlinear process. In addition, they are not effective for fault detection in a multimodal process. To solve the problems caused by nonlinear and multimodal characteristics in the semiconductor process, a new difference (DIF) pre‐processing strategy is proposed to normalize the nonlinear and multimodal data. After detailed analysis of DIF, a new method called DIF‐LPP is developed for fault detection in the semiconductor process. The nonlinear and multimodal data can be transformed into data sets that follow a Gaussian and single mode distribution, respectively. The proposed method contains a model without prior knowledge of the nonlinear and multimodal process. To demonstrate the proposed method's effectiveness, it is applied to 2 numerical examples and the semiconductor process. Simulation results verify that the proposed method is effective for fault detection in the nonlinear and multimodal process.
Elemental fingerprint profiling with multivariate data analysis to classify organic chocolate samples
Authors: Junior Airton C.M. , Maione Camila , Barbosa Rommel M. , Gallimberti Matheus , Paulelli Ana Carolina C. , Segura Fabiana R. , Souza Vanessa C.O. , Batista Bruno L. , Barbosa Fernando
Published: April 2018

Chocolate is an appreciated food derived from cacao fruit. The flavonoids and minerals present in the chocolate have benefits to health, and some specific minerals are known to be toxic. Because of differences in their production systems, organic chocolate has a distinguishable pattern in mineral concentrations than conventional chocolate. Aiming for authenticity and study of the toxic elements in organic chocolate, we present in this work a simple method to classify organic chocolate samples based on elemental fingerprint profiling and multivariate data analysis. Thirty‐eight elements (toxic and essential) were determined in 36 chocolate samples (organic and conventional) by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to establish reference ranges and to identify differences in patterns of elements in both type of samples. Our results showed that Al, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Ba are the most present components for both types of chocolate, and higher concentrations of essential elements Fe, Zn, and Mg are found in conventional type, opposing the idea that organic food is rich in essential elements. Principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis were used for multivariate data analysis, and sample differentiation was possible with 83% accuracy.
Selective Synthesis of Perfluoroalkylated Corannulenes and Investigation of their Structural, Dynamic and Electrochemical Behavior
Authors: Haupt Axel , Keller Lisa‐Marie , Kutter Maximilian , Lentz Dieter
Published: April 2018

Herein we report general methods allowing the synthesis of various perfluoroalkylated corannulenes with a specific substitution pattern. Variable temperature NMR spectroscopic investigations revealed dynamic behavior which was analyzed by line shape analysis. The activation parameters of these dynamic processes were determined. For a tetrasubstituted compound it was possible to observe through space scalar coupling. The packing motifs were elucidated by X‐ray crystallography, showing that the substitution pattern as well as the size of substituents strongly influence intermolecular π‐stacking. The reduction potentials of the perfluoroalkylated compounds were determined by cyclic voltammetry.
A DNA Nanotube–Peptide Biocomplex for mRNA Detection and Its Application in Cancer Diagnosis and Targeted Therapy
Authors: Ji Xiaoting , Lv Haoyuan , Guo Jiayi , Ding Caifeng , Luo Xiliang
Published: April 2018

A biocomplex of DNA nanotube–peptide, consisting of six concatenated DNA strands, three locked DNA strands, and a cell‐penetrating peptide, is reported. The barrel‐structured DNA nanotube–peptide was successfully applied as a codrug‐delivery system for targeting cancer therapy. The mucin 1 protein (MUC‐1) aptamer is part of a DNA nanotube that can specifically recognize MUC‐1 protein on the surface of MCF‐7 cells. Cyclo (Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐d‐Phe‐Lys; cRGD), as a cell‐penetrating peptide, facilitates recruitment and uptake of targeting drugs by binding to integrin receptors (αvβ3) of the cytomembrane surface. Anticancer drugs doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX) were loaded into the capsulated DNA nanotube–peptide (CDNP), which was used as codrug cargo models. The as‐prepared biocomplex can be utilized not only to deliver drugs, but also to achieve anticancer effects in vivo. Experimental results suggested that the treatment efficacy of the codrug delivery platform (CDNP/DOX/PTX) was better than that of a single‐drug delivery platform (CDNP/DOX or CDNP/PTX). This system, which is composed of DNA strands and peptide, has good biocompatibility and biodegradability. Furthermore, the system can readily detect target mRNA in MCF‐7 cells in vitro. The detection limits of mRNA are 9.7×10−8 and 1.8×10−8 m with CDNP/DOX and CDNP/PTX–FITC (FITC=fluorescein isothiocyanate), respectively, as probes.
Chiral Lithium Amido Zincates for Enantioselective 1,2‐Additions: Auto‐assembling Reagents Involving a Fully Recyclable Ligand
Authors: Rouen Mathieu , Chaumont Pauline , Barozzino‐Consiglio Gabriella , Maddaluno Jacques , Harrison‐Marchand Anne
Published: April 2018

A methodology consisting in carrying out enantioselective nucleophilic 1,2‐additions (ee values up to 97 %) from cheap, easily accessible, and never described before, chiral lithium amido zincates is presented. These multicomponent reactants auto‐assemble when mixing, in a 1:1 ratio, a homoleptic diorganozinc (R2Zn) with a chiral lithium amide (CLA). The latter, obtained after a single reductive amination, plays the role of the chiral inductor and is fully recoverable thanks to a simple acid–base wash, allowing being recycled and re‐use without loss of stereochemical information.