bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of bacterial transmission to the paranasal sinuses through sinus irrigation
Authors: Hauser Leah J. , Ir Diana , Kingdom Todd T. , Robertson Charles E. , Frank Daniel N. , Ramakrishnan Vijay R.
Published: March 2016

Background

Saline nasal irrigation is effective in the treatment of sinonasal disorders, including chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Despite bacterial contamination in rinse bottles and reports of infections from contaminated irrigation water, tap water is still used by ∼50% of irrigation users, raising a potential public health concern. This study aimed to determine whether bacteria from the water supply used in sinus irrigations colonizes the paranasal sinuses.

Methods

Samples were taken from the: (1) water used for irrigation, (2) faucet or container the water originated from, (3) rinse bottle, and (4) postoperative ethmoid cavity from 13 subjects with CRS. Microbiota were characterized using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. The Morisita‐Horn beta‐diversity index (M‐H) was used to assess similarity in microbiota between samples, and genomic analysis was performed to assess clonality of cultured bacteria.

Results

Of 13 subjects, 6 used distilled water, 6 used tap water, and 1 used well water in this institutional review board (IRB)‐approved observational study. Well‐water had markedly more bacteria than tap or distilled water. There was a trend toward tap having more bacteria than distilled water. The sinus samples were notably dissimilar to the bottle, faucet, and irrigant (M‐H 0.15, 0.09, and 0.18, respectively). There was no difference in postoperative microbiotas between distilled and tap water users.

Conclusion

The current study suggests that irrigation plays little role in establishing the sinus microbiome. Although rinsing with tap water may never be formally recommended, these data are useful to counsel patients who prefer to do so in non‐endemic areas if the municipal water supply is appropriately treated.
Human cerebral circuitry related to cardiac control: A neuroimaging meta‐analysis
Authors: Ruiz Vargas Estefanía , Sörös Peter , Shoemaker J. Kevin , Hachinski Vladimir
Published: March 2016

Serious arrhythmias often follow stroke, highlighting the important role that the cerebral cortex has in neural regulation of the heart. Neuroimaging studies reveal patterns of activation associated with autonomic cardiovascular responses. Using the activation likelihood estimation, a meta‐analysis was performed to identify cortical activation patterns related to heart rate and heart rate variability across studies that used differing stimuli of cardiovascular arousal. Consistent associations with heart rate and heart rate variability were observed in the anterior cingulate, amygdala, insula, and prefrontal cortex, among others. Also, evidence is provided of insular lateralization associated with autonomic cardiac responses. Ann Neurol 2016;79:709–716
Metall‐organische Gerüstverbindungen: Photokatalysatoren für Redoxreaktion und die Produktion von Solarbrennstoffen
Authors: Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi , Asiri Abdullah M. , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: March 2016

Metall‐organische Gerüste (MOFs) sind kristalline poröse Materialien, die aus bi‐ oder multipodalen organischen Linkern und Übergangsmetall‐Knoten aufgebaut sind. Manche MOFs zeigen hohe strukturelle Stabilität und flexible Zusammensetzungen. MOFs können aufgrund von Lichtabsorption durch die organische Komponente oder den Metalloxid‐Knoten photosensitiv sein. Die Photoanregung der Lichtabsorptionseinheiten generiert einen Ligand‐zu‐Metall‐Ladungstrennungszustand, der zu photokatalytischer Aktivität führen kann. In diesem Aufsatz diskutieren wir die Vorteile und Besonderheiten von MOFs im Zusammenhang mit der Photokatalyse. Wir besprechen geeignete Verfahren zur Bestimmung der photokatalytischen Aktivität von MOFs und zur Abscheidung von Kokatalysatoren. Insbesondere stellen wir Beispiele für die photokatalytische Aktivität von MOFs in der H2‐Entwicklung, der CO2‐Reduktion, der Photooxygierung und der Photoreduktion vor.
Der Tunneleffekt von Atomen in der Chemie
Authors: Meisner Jan , Kästner Johannes
Published: March 2016

Der quantenmechanische Tunneleffekt von Atomen wird immer häufiger als wichtiger Aspekt in chemischen Reaktionen identifiziert. Experimentell kann man Atomtunneln nur indirekt nachweisen; beispielsweise durch temperaturunabhängige Reaktionsgeschwindigkeitskonstanten oder durch sehr große kinetische Isotopeneffekte. Im Gegensatz dazu können theoretische Methoden den Einfluss des Tunneleffekts auf die Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit direkt bestimmen. Der Tunneleffekt ändert beispielsweise Reaktionspfade und Verzweigungsverhältnisse, ermöglicht chemische Reaktionen in astrochemischer Umgebung, die thermisch nicht stattfinden, und beeinflusst auch biochemische Prozesse.
Firefly Luciferase Mutants Allow Substrate‐Selective Bioluminescence Imaging in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Adams Spencer T. , Mofford David M. , Reddy G. S. Kiran Kumar , Miller Stephen C.
Published: March 2016

Bioluminescence imaging is a powerful approach for visualizing specific events occurring inside live mice. Animals can be made to glow in response to the expression of a gene, the activity of an enzyme, or the growth of a tumor. But bioluminescence requires the interaction of a luciferase enzyme with a small‐molecule luciferin, and its scope has been limited by the mere handful of natural combinations. Herein, we show that mutants of firefly luciferase can discriminate between natural and synthetic substrates in the brains of live mice. When using adeno‐associated viral (AAV) vectors to express luciferases in the brain, we found that mutant luciferases that are inactive or weakly active with d‐luciferin can light up brightly when treated with the aminoluciferins CycLuc1 and CycLuc2 or their respective FAAH‐sensitive luciferin amides. Further development of selective luciferases promises to expand the power of bioluminescence and allow multiple events to be imaged in the same live animal.
Leichte Neucodierung von Selenocystein in der Natur
Authors: Mukai Takahito , Englert Markus , Tripp H. James , Miller Corwin , Ivanova Natalia N. , Rubin Edward M. , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Söll Dieter
Published: March 2016

Selenocystein (Sec oder U) wird durch Neuzuordnung des Stopp‐Codons UGA durch einen Sec‐spezifischen Elongationsfaktor und eine charakteristische RNA‐Struktur codiert. Um mögliche Codonvariationen zu finden, analysierten wir 6.4 Billionen Basenpaare metagenomischer Daten sowie 24 903 mikrobielle Genome für tRNASec‐Spezies. UGA ist erwartungsgemäß das vorherrschende Codon für Sec, allerdings finden wir auch tRNASec‐Spezies, die die Stopp‐Codons UAG und UAA erkennen, sowie weitere zehn Sense‐Codons. Die Synthese von Selenoproteinen durch UAG in Geodermatophilus und Blastococcus sowie durch das Cys‐Codon UGA in Aeromonas salmonicida konnte durch metabolische Markierung mit 75Se oder Massenspektrometrie bestätigt werden. Weitere tRNASec‐Spezies mit verschiedenen Anticodons ermöglichten es Escherichia coli, die aktive Form des Selenoproteins Formiatdehydrogenase H zu synthetisieren. Der genetische Code ist damit bedeutend flexibler, als bisher angenommen.
Surface Coordination of Black Phosphorus for Robust Air and Water Stability
Authors: Zhao Yuetao , Wang Huaiyu , Huang Hao , Xiao Quanlan , Xu Yanhua , Guo Zhinan , Xie Hanhan , Shao Jundong , Sun Zhengbo , Han Weijia , Yu Xue‐Feng , Li Penghui , Chu Paul K.
Published: March 2016

A titanium sulfonate ligand is synthesized for surface coordination of black phosphorus (BP). In contrast to serious degradation observed from the bare BP, the BP after surface coordination exhibits excellent stability during dispersion in water and exposure to air for a long period of time, thereby significantly extending the lifetime and spurring broader application of BP.
Milde und vollständige Spaltung eines Carbonylliganden innerhalb eines einkernigen Übergangsmetallkomplexes
Authors: Braunschweig Holger , Celik Mehmet Ali , Dewhurst Rian D. , Kachel Stephanie , Wennemann Benedikt
Published: March 2016

Während die vollständige Spaltung einer Kohlenstoff‐Sauerstoff‐Bindung an Metallen, zweikernigen Übergangsmetallkomplexen und Übergangsmetallclustern häufig beobachtet wird, ist diese Reaktion an einkernigen Übergangsmetallkomplexen bisher unbekannt. Die Reaktion eines Eisenbis(borylen)komplexes mit einem cyclischen (Alkyl)(amino)carben zeigte eine hochselektive intramolekulare Spaltung einer C‐O‐Bindung eines Carbonylliganden bei Raumtemperatur, was die Bildung eines ungewöhnlichen Eisenkomplexes mit basenstabilisiertem (Bora)alkylidenboranliganden zur Folge hatte. DFT‐Studien dieser Reaktion zeigen die Beteiligung der beiden Lewis‐aziden Borylenliganden an der Spaltung der C‐O‐Mehrfachbindung.
Copper/Guanidine‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Alkynylation of Isatins
Authors: Chen Quangang , Tang Yu , Huang Tianyu , Liu Xiaohua , Lin Lili , Feng Xiaoming
Published: March 2016

The highly enantioselective alkynylation of isatins, catalyzed by a bifunctional guanidine/CuI catalyst under mild reaction conditions, is described. The reaction is broad in scope with respect to alkyl/aryl‐substituted terminal alkynes and substituted isatins, thus affording bioactive propargylic alcohols in excellent yields and enantioselectivities.
Indium Oxide as a Superior Catalyst for Methanol Synthesis by CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Martin Oliver , Martín Antonio J. , Mondelli Cecilia , Mitchell Sharon , Segawa Takuya F. , Hauert Roland , Drouilly Charlotte , Curulla‐Ferré Daniel , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: March 2016

Methanol synthesis by CO2 hydrogenation is attractive in view of avoiding the environmental implications associated with the production of the traditional syngas feedstock and mitigating global warming. However, there still is a lack of efficient catalysts for such alternative processes. Herein, we unveil the high activity, 100 % selectivity, and remarkable stability for 1000 h on stream of In2O3 supported on ZrO2 under industrially relevant conditions. This strongly contrasts to the benchmark Cu‐ZnO‐Al2O3 catalyst, which is unselective and experiences rapid deactivation. In‐depth characterization of the In2O3‐based materials points towards a mechanism rooted in the creation and annihilation of oxygen vacancies as active sites, whose amount can be modulated in situ by co‐feeding CO and boosted through electronic interactions with the zirconia carrier. These results constitute a promising basis for the design of a prospective technology for sustainable methanol production.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Four‐Component Synthesis of Thiochromenones: The Advantages of a Reagent Capsule
Authors: Shen Chaoren , Spannenberg Anke , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: March 2016

Multicomponent reactions, especially those involving four or even more reagents, have been a long‐standing challenge because of the issues associated with balancing reactivity, selectivity, and compatibility. Herein, we demonstrate how the use of a reagent capsule provides straightforward access to synthetically valuable thiochromenone derivatives by a palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative four‐component reaction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of applying a capsule to prevent catalyst poisoning and undesired side reactions of the multicomponent reaction.
Polyfunktionelle Lithium‐, Magnesium‐ und Zinkalkenyl‐Reagentien als Grundbausteine für die Synthese komplexer Heterocyclen
Authors: Shen Zhi‐Liang , Dhayalan Vasudevan , Benischke Andreas D. , Greiner Robert , Karaghiosoff Konstantin , Mayer Peter , Knochel Paul
Published: March 2016

Neue konjunktive β‐silylierte organometallische Li‐, Mg‐ und Zn‐Reagentien wurden hergestellt und für den Aufbau einer Vielzahl von polyfunktionalisierten 5‐, 6‐ und 7‐gliedrigen Heterocyclen wie Furane, Pyrrole, Chinoline, Benzo[b]thieno[2,3‐b]pyridin, Naphthyridine, kondensierte Pyrazole und 2,3‐Dihydrobenzo[c]azepine verwendet. Die endständige Silylgruppe konnte in den meisten Heterocyclenklassen in neue Kohlenstoff‐Kohlenstoff‐Bindungen umgewandelt werden.
Controllable ROMP Tacticity by Harnessing the Fluxionality of Stereogenic‐at‐Ruthenium Complexes
Authors: Mikus Malte S. , Torker Sebastian , Hoveyda Amir H.
Published: March 2016

Readily accessible and easy‐to‐handle Ru complexes capable of generating all‐Z polynorbornene and polynorbornadiene by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) with controllable selectivity, ranging from ≈50 to ≥95 % syndiotactic, are introduced. It is demonstrated that the rate of non‐metathesis based polytopal isomerization and levels of syndiotacticity may be fine‐tuned by the adjustment of monomer concentration and catalyst's steric and electronic characteristics.
Direct Asymmetric Reductive Amination for the Synthesis of Chiral β‐Arylamines
Authors: Huang Haizhou , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhou Le , Chang Mingxin , Zhang Xumu
Published: March 2016

The highly efficient and direct asymmetric reductive amination of arylacetones catalyzed by an iridium complex for the preparation of enantiomerically pure β‐arylamines is described. The monodentate phosphoramidite ligand exhibits superb reactivity (TONs of up to 20 000) and enantioselectivity (up to 99 % ee). Additives played important roles in this reductive coupling reaction.
Polymer Acceptor Based on B←N Units with Enhanced Electron Mobility for Efficient All‐Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Zhao Ruyan , Dou Chuandong , Xie Zhiyuan , Liu Jun , Wang Lixiang
Published: March 2016

We demonstrate that polymer electron acceptors with excellent all‐polymer solar‐cell (all‐PSC) device performance can be developed from polymer electron donors by using B←N units. By alleviating the steric hindrance effect of the bulky pendant moieties on the conjugated polymers that contain B←N units, the π–π stacking distance of polymer backbones is decreased and the electron mobility is consequently enhanced by nearly two orders of magnitude. As a result, the power conversion efficiency of all‐PSCs with the polymer acting as the electron acceptor is greatly improved from 0.12 % to 5.04 %. This PCE value is comparable to that of the best all‐PSCs with state‐of‐the‐art polymer acceptors.
Atom Tunneling in Chemistry
Authors: Meisner Jan , Kästner Johannes
Published: March 2016

Quantum mechanical tunneling of atoms is increasingly found to play an important role in many chemical transformations. Experimentally, atom tunneling can be indirectly detected by temperature‐independent rate constants at low temperature or by enhanced kinetic isotope effects. In contrast, the influence of tunneling on the reaction rates can be monitored directly through computational investigations. The tunnel effect, for example, changes reaction paths and branching ratios, enables chemical reactions in an astrochemical environment that would be impossible by thermal transition, and influences biochemical processes.
Transition‐Metal Carbodiimides as Molecular Negative Electrode Materials for Lithium‐ and Sodium‐Ion Batteries with Excellent Cycling Properties
Authors: Sougrati Moulay T. , Darwiche Ali , Liu Xiaohiu , Mahmoud Abdelfattah , Hermann Raphael P. , Jouen Samuel , Monconduit Laure , Dronskowski Richard , Stievano Lorenzo
Published: March 2016

We report evidence for the electrochemical activity of transition‐metal carbodiimides versus lithium and sodium. In particular, iron carbodiimide, FeNCN, can be efficiently used as negative electrode material for alkali‐metal‐ion batteries, similar to its oxide analogue FeO. Based on 57Fe Mössbauer and infrared spectroscopy (IR) data, the electrochemical reaction mechanism can be explained by the reversible transformation of the Fe−NCN into Li/Na−NCN bonds during discharge and charge. These new electrode materials exhibit higher capacity compared to well‐established negative electrode references such as graphite or hard carbon. Contrary to its oxide analogue, iron carbodiimide does not require heavy treatments (such as nanoscale tailoring, sophisticated textures, or coating) to obtain long cycle life with current density as high as 9 A g−1 for hundreds of charge–discharge cycles. Similar to the iron compound, several other transition‐metal carbodiimides Mx(NCN)y with M=Mn, Cr, Zn can cycle successfully versus lithium and sodium. Their electrochemical activity and performance open the way to the design of a novel family of anode materials.
Atomic‐Scale Determination of Active Facets on the MoVTeNb Oxide M1 Phase and Their Intrinsic Catalytic Activity for Ethane Oxidative Dehydrogenation
Authors: Melzer Daniel , Xu Pinghong , Hartmann Daniela , Zhu Yuanyuan , Browning Nigel D. , Sanchez‐Sanchez Maricruz , Lercher Johannes A.
Published: March 2016

Aberration‐corrected high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF‐STEM) has been used to image the basal {001} plane of the catalytically relevant M1 phase in MoVTeNb complex oxides. Facets {010}, {120}, and {210} are identified as the most frequent lateral termination planes of the crystals. Combination of STEM with He ion microscopy (HIM) images, Rietveld analysis, and kinetic tests reveals that the activation of ethane is correlated to the availability of facets {001}, {120}, and {210} at the surface of M1 crystals. The lateral facets {120} and {210} expose crystalline positions related to the typical active centers described for propane oxidation. Conversely, the low activity of the facet {010} is attributed to its configuration, consisting of only stable M6O21 units connected by a single octahedron. Thus, we quantitatively demonstrated that differences in catalytic activity among M1 samples of equal chemical composition depend primarily on the morphology of the particles, which determines the predominant terminating facets.
Halogenase‐Inspired Oxidative Chlorination Using Flavin Photocatalysis
Authors: Hering Thea , Mühldorf Bernd , Wolf Robert , König Burkhard
Published: March 2016

Chlorine gas or electropositive chlorine reagents are used to prepare chlorinated aromatic compounds, which are found in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and polymers, and serve as synthetic precursors for metal‐catalyzed cross‐couplings. Nature chlorinates with chloride anions, FAD‐dependent halogenases, and O2 as the oxidant. A photocatalytic oxidative chlorination is described based on the organic dye riboflavin tetraacetate mimicking the enzymatic process. The chemical process allows within the suitable arene redox potential window a broader substrate scope compared to the specific activation in the enzymatic binding pocket.
Immobilization of copper ions onto α‐amidotriazole‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles and their application in the synthesis of triazole derivatives in water
Authors: Moghaddam Firouz Matloubi , Ayati Seyed Ebrahim , Firouzi Hamid Reza , Ghorbani Fereshte
Published: March 2016

A new heterogeneous copper catalyst was synthesized by immobilization of copper ions onto magnetic nanoparticles with a new ligand based on triazole. The catalyst was characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopies, atomic absorption and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies, and thermogravimetric, elemental and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analyses. The results confirmed that a good level of organic groups was immobilized on the magnetic nanoparticles. Huisgen cycloaddition reaction was chosen as a model reaction for the investigation of catalyst activity under green conditions. Phenylacetylene and benzyl bromide derivatives were used for the synthesis of triazoles. The reaction proceeded with good to excellent yields for various alkynes and alkyl halides. To investigate catalyst activity for inactive alkynes, aliphatic alkynes were used in the model reaction. The corresponding triazoles were obtained in good to excellent yields and a high regioselectivity for products was obtained. The catalyst was easily separated using an external magnetic field and subsequently reused in ten reaction cycles without any loss of catalytic activity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of storage temperature and time on stability of poly(lactide)–whey protein isolate laminated films
Authors: Phupoksakul Thunyaluck , Leuangsukrerk Manusawee , Somwangthanaroj Anongnat , Tananuwong Kanitha , Janjarasskul Theeranun
Published: March 2016

The stability of biopolymeric multilayer film fabricated from poly(lactide) (PLA) and glycerol‐plasticized whey protein isolate (WPI), PLA/WPI/PLA, at 4 °C, 25 °C, and 35 °C were examined. The PLA/WPI/PLA film showed small rates of decreasing in transparency and increasing total color difference. Storage at 35 °C caused the film to become stronger and less extendible. The multilayer structures showed lower tensile strength and higher elongation over storage at 4 °C and 25 °C. Oxygen and water vapor barrier abilities of PLA/WPI/PLA gradually improved over time, especially at 35 °C. The changes in properties of laminate structure can be empirically fitted with either zero‐ or first‐order reaction kinetics, with overall R2 ≥ 0.90. The results suggested that PLA/WPI/PLA film could be stored at 4–35 °C, 50–59% RH, for extended period of inventory time. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43547.
Dynamic heterogeneity in epoxy networks for protection applications
Authors: Masser Kevin A. , Knorr Daniel B. , Yu Jian H. , Hindenlang Mark D. , Lenhart Joseph L.
Published: March 2016

The segmental dynamics and ballistic performance are investigated for a series of thermosetting epoxy networks composed of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) cured with mixtures of a rigid cycloaliphatic diamine and a series of flexible propylene oxide diamines. Formulations of DGEBA, cycloaliphatic diamine, and a low molecular weight propylene oxide diamine exhibit miscibility in the fully cured state, resulting in a single glass transition temperature (Tg), described by a Gordon‐Taylor relationship. When high molecular weight propylene oxide diamines are used, the monomers are partially miscible, and the resulting cured epoxy exhibits dynamic heterogeneity, as evidenced by dual Tg's. These dynamically heterogeneous systems composed of rigid and flexible domains can exhibit enhanced ballistic impact response when the length scale of the phase separation is small, and the composition is near a phase inversion point. The dynamic heterogeneity also broadens the temperature window for impact performance, which is important for practical applications in military systems. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43566.
Microwave‐assisted synthesis of chitosan biguanidine hydrochloride and its antioxidant activity in vitro
Authors: Liu Qianwen , Li Yuan , Jin Xin , Peng Qin , Liu Xiaofei , Wu Yuntang
Published: March 2016

Chitosan biguanidine hydrochloride (CSGH) was synthesized by guanidinylation of chitosan hydrochloride (CSH) under microwave irradiation and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and element analysis. The antioxidant activity of CSGH was evaluated by both chemical and cellular methods. The results showed that CSGH was better than CSH but slightly inferior to ascorbic acid (Vc) for scavenging 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals, and the DPPH• scavenging ability of CSGH was dose‐dependent. However, cell experiments indicated CSGH had a superior repairing effect on oxidatively damaged cells. The intervention of CSGH could excellently recover the cell morphology, decrease the level of malondialdehyde, and enhance the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. CSGH could be a potential antioxidant reagent, and its antioxidant activity was reflected not only in scavenging the free radicals but also in regulating the oxidation/antioxidation balance of damaged cells. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43570.
Crosslinking of fibers via azide–alkyne click chemistry: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Rahman Nur Syazwani Abd , Ahmad Noor Afiqah , Yhaya Mohd Firdaus , Azahari Baharin , Ismail Wan Ruslan
Published: March 2016

There has been growing interest in fiber modification for several industrial applications. The modifications have mostly been done to improve the fiber properties. However, the information regarding fiber modification via click chemistry is still limited. In this work, two strategies of click chemistry are evaluated for modifying commercial paper without the addition of copper catalyst. The first strategy is the direct reaction between azidated fiber and propargylated fiber, and the second strategy is to bridge azidated fiber with a self‐made alkyne terminal crosslinker. Native and chemically modified fibers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The effects of the two clicking strategies on the fiber were further investigated by making handsheets. In terms of mechanical properties, the bridge‐clicking strategy was found to produce better handsheets than the direct‐clicking strategy. These modified fibers would be an interesting application for the packaging and printing industries. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43576.
Hydrophilic goethite nanoparticle as a novel antifouling agent in fabrication of nanocomposite polyethersulfone membrane
Authors: Rahimi Masoud , Zinadini Sirus , Zinatizadeh Ali Akbar , Vatanpour Vahid , Rajabi Laleh , Rahimi Zahra
Published: March 2016

The goethite nanoparticle was used as a multifunctional additive to fabricate antifouling polyethersulfone (PES) nanofiltration membranes. The goethite/PES membranes were synthesized via the phase inversion method. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs showed an increase in pore size and porosity of the prepared membranes with blending of the goethite. The static water contact angle measurements confirmed a hydrophilic modification of the prepared membranes. With increase in the goethite content from 0 to 0.1 wt %, the pure water flux increased up to 12.7 kg/m2 h. However, the water permeability decreased using high amount of this nanoparticle. Evaluation of the nanofiltration performance was performed using the retention of Direct Red 16. It was observed that the goethite/PES membranes have higher dye removal capacity (99% rejection) than those obtained from the unfilled PES (89%) and the commercial CSM NE 4040 NF membrane (92%). In addition, the goethite/PES blend membranes showed good selectivity and antifouling properties during long‐term nanofiltration experiments with a protein solution. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43592.
Sources of Growth Spurts in Pacific Island Economies
Authors: Duncan Ron
Published: March 2016

There has been a considerable amount of research into the growth of the Pacific island countries; however, there has been no attempt to identify episodes of growth (and non‐growth) and to identify and understand the factors behind these episodes. This narrative article examines the growth experiences of the eight small and micro states of the North and South Pacific that are members of the World Bank. The experience of Samoa and Vanuatu supports the idea that economic reform can lead to growth spurts. Overall, the narratives suggest that unless aid leads to changes in institutions and policies, it does not have long‐lasting positive growth impacts. As experience in the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands appears to show, substantial aid may raise Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for short periods, but may well have very adverse impacts over the long run.
INVOLVEMENT OF PEPTIDOGLYCAN RECOGNITION PROTEIN L6 IN ACTIVATION OF IMMUNE DEFICIENCY PATHWAY IN THE IMMUNE RESPONSIVE SILKWORM CELLS
Authors: Tanaka Hiromitsu , Sagisaka Aki
Published: March 2016

The immune deficiency (Imd) signaling pathway is activated by Gram‐negative bacteria for producing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In Drosophila melanogaster, the activation of this pathway is initiated by the recognition of Gram‐negative bacteria by peptidoglycan (PGN) recognition proteins (PGRPs), PGRP‐LC and PGRP‐LE. In this study, we found that the Imd pathway is involved in enhancing the promoter activity of AMP gene in response to Gram‐negative bacteria or diaminopimelic (DAP) type PGNs derived from Gram‐negative bacteria in an immune responsive silkworm cell line, Bm‐NIAS‐aff3. Using gene knockdown experiments, we further demonstrated that silkworm PGRP L6 (BmPGRP‐L6) is involved in the activation of E. coli or E. coli‐PGN mediated AMP promoter activation. Domain analysis revealed that BmPGRP‐L6 contained a conserved PGRP domain, transmembrane domain, and RIP homotypic interaction motif like motif but lacked signal peptide sequences. BmPGRP‐L6 overexpression enhances AMP promoter activity through the Imd pathway. BmPGRP‐L6 binds to DAP‐type PGNs, although it also binds to lysine‐type PGNs that activate another immune signal pathway, the Toll pathway in Drosophila. These results indicate that BmPGRP‐L6 is a key PGRP for activating the Imd pathway in immune responsive silkworm cells.
Rate and Predisposing Factors for Sacroiliac Joint Radiographic Progression After a Two‐Year Follow‐up Period in Recent‐Onset Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Dougados Maxime , Demattei Christophe , van den Berg Rosaline , Vo Hoang Viet , Thevenin Fabrice , Reijnierse Monique , Loeuille Damien , Feydy Antoine , Claudepierre Pascal , van der Heijde Désirée
Published: March 2016

Objective

To evaluate the rate of radiographic structural progression in the sacroiliac (SI) joints in patients with radiographic or nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), and to determine factors predisposing to such progression, over 2 years.

Methods

Patients with recent‐onset axial SpA (from the Devenir des Spondyloarthropathies Indifferérenciées Récentes cohort) were assigned a radiographic SI joint score according to the modified New York criteria. Demographic characteristics, smoking status, HLA–B27 positivity, inflammation on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the SI joints, disease activity, and treatment were investigated as potential predisposing factors. The main analysis consisted of the evaluation of the switch from nonradiographic to radiographic axial SpA, but other definitions of radiographic progression were also evaluated.

Results

Of the 708 patients enrolled, 449 had baseline and 2‐year pelvic radiographs. Of these patients, 47% were men. Their mean ± SD age was 34 ± 9 years, 61% were B27 positive, and 37% had inflammation of the SI joints on MRI. The percentages of patients who switched from nonradiographic to radiographic axial SpA (4.9% [16 of 326]) and from radiographic to nonradiographic axial SpA (5.7% [7 of 123]) were low. The mean ± SD change in the total SI joint score (range 0–8) was small (0.1 ± 0.8) but highly significant (P < 0.001). The potential baseline predisposing factors for meeting the modified New York criteria in the multivariate analysis were current smoking, HLA–B27 positivity, and inflammation of the SI joints on MRI, with odds ratios of 3.3 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.0–11.5], 12.6 (95% CI 2.3–274), and 48.8 (95% CI 9.3–904), respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that structural progression does exist in early SpA, but it is quite small and observed in a small number of patients, and that environmental (smoking status), genetic (HLA–B27 positivity), and inflammation (inflammation of the SI joints on MRI) markers might be independent predisposing factors for progression.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Outcomes of Lupus Nephritis in an International Inception Cohort Using a Multistate Model Approach
Authors: Hanly John G. , Su Li , Urowitz Murray B. , Romero‐Diaz Juanita , Gordon Caroline , Bae Sang‐Cheol , Bernatsky Sasha , Clarke Ann E. , Wallace Daniel J. , Merrill Joan T. , Isenberg David A. , Rahman Anisur , Ginzler Ellen M. , Petri Michelle , Bruce Ian N. , Dooley M. A. , Fortin Paul , Gladman Dafna D. , Sanchez‐Guerrero Jorge , Steinsson Kristjan , Ramsey‐Goldman Rosalind , Khamashta Munther A. , Aranow Cynthia , Alarcón Graciela S. , Fessler Barri J. , Manzi Susan , Nived Ola , Sturfelt Gunnar K. , Zoma Asad A. , van Vollenhoven Ronald F. , Ramos‐Casals Manuel , Ruiz‐Irastorza Guillermo , Lim S. Sam , Kalunian Kenneth C. , Inanc Murat , Kamen Diane L. , Peschken Christine A. , Jacobsen Soren , Askanase Anca , Theriault Chris , Farewell Vernon
Published: March 2016

Objective

To study bidirectional change and predictors of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and proteinuria in lupus nephritis (LN) using a multistate modeling approach.

Methods

Patients in the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics inception cohort were classified annually into estimated GFR state 1 (>60 ml/minute), state 2 (30–60 ml/minute), or state 3 (<30 ml/minute) and estimated proteinuria state 1 (<0.25 gm/day), state 2 (0.25–3.0 gm/day), or state 3 (>3.0 gm/day), or end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) or death. Using multistate modeling, relative transition rates between states indicated improvement and deterioration.

Results

Of 1,826 lupus patients, 700 (38.3%) developed LN. During a mean ± SD follow‐up of 5.2 ± 3.5 years, the likelihood of improvement in estimated GFR and estimated proteinuria was greater than the likelihood of deterioration. After 5 years, 62% of patients initially in estimated GFR state 3 and 11% of patients initially in estimated proteinuria state 3 transitioned to ESRD. The probability of remaining in the initial states 1, 2, and 3 was 85%, 11%, and 3%, respectively, for estimated GFR and 62%, 29%, and 4%, respectively, for estimated proteinuria. Male sex predicted improvement in estimated GFR states; older age, race/ethnicity, higher estimated proteinuria state, and higher renal biopsy chronicity scores predicted deterioration. For estimated proteinuria, race/ethnicity, earlier calendar years, damage scores without renal variables, and higher renal biopsy chronicity scores predicted deterioration; male sex, presence of lupus anticoagulant, class V nephritis, and mycophenolic acid use predicted less improvement.

Conclusion

In LN, the expected improvement or deterioration in renal outcomes can be estimated by multistate modeling and is preceded by identifiable risk factors. New therapeutic interventions for LN should meet or exceed these expectations.
Brief Report: Association of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor–Associated Periodic Syndrome With Gonosomal Mosaicism of a Novel 24‐Nucleotide TNFRSF1A Deletion
Authors: Rowczenio Dorota M. , Trojer Hadija , Omoyinmi Ebun , Aróstegui Juan I. , Arakelov Grigor , Mensa‐Vilaro Anna , Baginska Anna , Silva Pilorz Caroline , Wang Guosu , Lane Thirusha , Brogan Paul , Hawkins Philip N. , Lachmann Helen J.
Published: March 2016

Objective

To investigate the molecular cause of persistent fevers in a patient returning from working overseas, in whom investigations for tropical diseases yielded negative results.

Methods

DNA was extracted from the patient's whole blood, leukocyte subpopulations, saliva, hair root, and sperm. The TNFRSF1A gene was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), allele‐specific PCR, Sanger sequencing, and next‐generation sequencing. In silico molecular modeling was performed to predict the structural and functional consequences of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) type I protein mutation in the extracellular domain.

Results

Sanger sequencing corroborated by allele‐specific PCR detected a novel in‐frame deletion of 24 nucleotides (c.255_278del) in the TNFRSF1A gene, and this was subsequently confirmed using next‐generation sequencing methods (targeted sequencing and amplicon‐based deep sequencing). Results of amplicon‐based deep sequencing revealed variable frequency of the mutant allele among different cell lines, including sperm, thus supporting the presence of gonosomal TNFRSF1A mosaicism. The patient had a complete response to treatment with interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) blockade, with resolution of symptoms and normalization of acute‐phase protein levels.

Conclusion

We describe the first case of gonosomal TNFRSF1A mosaicism in a patient with TNFR‐associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), which was attributable to a novel, somatic 24‐nucleotide in‐frame deletion. The clinical picture in this patient, including the complete response to IL‐1 blockade, was typical of that found in TRAPS. This case adds TRAPS to the list of dominantly inherited autoinflammatory diseases reported to be caused by somatic (or postzygotic) mutation.
IgG4‐Related Disease: Retrospective Analysis of One Hundred Sixty‐Six Patients
Authors: Sekiguchi Hiroshi , Horie Ryohei , Kanai Mio , Suzuki Reina , Yi Eunhee S. , Ryu Jay H.
Published: March 2016

Objective

To investigate clinical and pathologic aspects of IgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) in non‐Asian populations.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of patients with IgG4‐RD who presented to an academic medical center from January 1994 to September 2012.

Results

Among 166 patients identified, the median age at diagnosis was 61 years (interquartile range [IQR] 49–70 years), 75% were male, and 80% were white. The median number of organs involved was 2 (IQR 2–3). When organs were grouped according to anatomic system, the hepatopancreaticobiliary system was most commonly involved (77%). The median highest serum IgG4 level during the clinical course was 215 mg/dl (IQR 122–466). Forty‐three patients (26%) had a normal serum IgG4 level. Seventy‐nine pathology specimens were available for immunostaining. The median number of IgG4+ cells was 37 (IQR 25–82) per high‐power field, with an IgG4+:IgG+ ratio of 0.50 (IQR 0.32–0.68). Among 151 patients who received medical therapy, 72 (48%) received steroid‐sparing agents because of relapse, recurrence, or corticosteroid intolerance. Of the 66 patients who were newly diagnosed, started on corticosteroid monotherapy as the initial treatment, and followed up at our institution, 30 (45%) experienced relapse or recurrence despite an initial favorable response. The number of organs involved had a significant impact on time to relapse or recurrence, with a hazard ratio of 1.48 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.12–1.93) (P < 0.01) in multivariate analysis. The standardized incidence ratio of malignancy was 4.5 (95% CI 1.5–7.5).

Conclusion. IgG4‐RD is a multisystem disorder that commonly affects older men and has a propensity for relapse, recurrence, and malignancy.
Comparison of two successive versions 6 and 7 of TMPA satellite precipitation products with rain gauge data over Swat Watershed, Hindukush Mountains, Pakistan
Authors: Anjum Muhammad Naveed , Ding Yongjian , Shangguan Donghui , Tahir Adnan Ahmad , Iqbal Mudassar , Adnan Muhammad
Published: March 2016

Swat watershed in Hindukush Mountains was selected for the evaluation of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multi‐satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) Versions 6 and 7 using rain‐gauge data. Agreement between the satellite and gauge estimates was good at monthly scale but poor at daily and seasonal (monsoon and westerlies, particularly for monsoon) scales. Over and underestimations were observed at foothills and high‐altitude areas, respectively. Although, bias was still present, but overall performance of TMPA‐V7 was improved compared with TMPA‐V6. Bias corrected‐TMPA‐V7 estimates were better than corrected‐TMPA‐V6. Basin average bias‐corrected precipitation estimates of TMPA‐V7 were estimated at daily, monthly, westerlies, monsoon, and annual scales [means (mm) 1.60, 48, 190, 173 and 582, respectively] for the period 1998–2014. Results suggest that regional bias correction of satellite‐precipitation products is critical and can yield to the substantial improvement in capturing the precipitation.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of propofol and fentanyl in patients undergoing abdominal aortic surgery – a study of pharmacodynamic drug–drug interactions
Authors: Wiczling Paweł , Bieda Krzysztof , Przybyłowski Krzysztof , Hartmann‐Sobczyńska Roma , Borsuk Agnieszka , Matysiak Jan , Kokot Zenon J. , Sobczyński Paweł , Grześkowiak Edmund , Bienert Agnieszka
Published: March 2016

Propofol is routinely combined with opioid analgesics to ensure adequate anesthesia during surgery. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of fentanyl on the hypnotic effect of propofol and the possible clinical implications of this interaction. The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) data were obtained from 11 patients undergoing abdominal aortic surgery, classified as ASA III. Propofol was administered by a target‐controlled infusion system. Fentanyl 2–3 µg/kg was given whenever insufficient analgesia occurred. The bispectral index (BIS) was used to monitor the depth of anesthesia. A population PK/PD analysis with a non‐linear mixed‐effect model (NONMEM 7.2 software) was conducted. Two‐compartment models satisfactorily described the PK of propofol and fentanyl. The delay of the anesthetic effect in relation to PK was described by the effect compartment. The BIS was linked to propofol and fentanyl effect‐site concentrations through an additive Emax model. Context‐sensitive decrement times (CSDT) determined from the final model were used to assess the influence of fentanyl on the recovery after anesthesia. The population PK/PD model was successfully developed to describe simultaneously the time course and variability of propofol and fentanyl concentrations and BIS. Additive propofol–fentanyl interactions were observed and quantitated. The duration of the fentanyl infusion had minimal effect on CSDT when it was shorter than the duration of the propofol infusion. If the fentanyl infusion was longer than the propofol infusion, an almost two‐fold increase in CSDT occurred. Additional doses of fentanyl administered after the cessation of the propofol infusion result in lower BIS values, and can prolong the time of recovery from anesthesia. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Membrane mediated development of the vertebrate blood‐gas‐barrier
Authors: Makanya Andrew N.
Published: March 2016

During embryonic lung development, establishment of the gas‐exchanging units is guided by epithelial tubes lined by columnar cells. Ultimately, a thin blood‐gas barrier (BGB) is established and forms the interface for efficient gas exchange. This thin BGB is achieved through processes, which entail lowering of tight junctions, stretching, and thinning in mammals. In birds the processes are termed peremerecytosis, if they involve cell squeezing and constriction, or secarecytosis, if they entail cutting cells to size. In peremerecytosis, cells constrict at a point below the protruding apical part, resulting in fusion of the opposing membranes and discharge of the aposome, or the cell may be squeezed by the more endowed cognate neighbors. Secarecytosis may entail formation of double membranes below the aposome, subsequent unzipping and discharge of the aposome, or vesicles form below the aposome, fuse in a bilateral manner, and release the aposome. These processes occur within limited developmental windows, and are mediated through cell membranes that appear to be of intracellular in origin. In addition, basement membranes (BM) play pivotal roles in differentiation of the epithelial and endothelial layers of the BGB. Laminins found in the BM are particularly important in the signaling pathways that result in formation of squamous pneumocytes and pulmonary capillaries, the two major components of the BGB. Some information exists on the contribution by BM to BGB formation, but little is known regarding the molecules that drive peremerecytosis, or even the origins and composition of the double and vesicular membranes involved in secarecytosis. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 108:85–97, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
From embryonic development to human diseases: The functional role of caveolae/caveolin
Authors: Sohn Jihee , Brick Rachel M. , Tuan Rocky S.
Published: March 2016

Caveolae, an almost ubiquitous, structural component of the plasma membrane, play a critical role in many functions essential for proper cell function, including membrane trafficking, signal transduction, extracellular matrix remodeling, and tissue regeneration. Three main types of caveolin proteins have been identified from caveolae since the discovery of caveolin‐1 in the early 1990s. All three (Cav‐1, Cav‐2, and Cav‐3) play crucial roles in mammalian physiology, and can effect pathogenesis in a wide range of human diseases. While many biological activities of caveolins have been uncovered since its discovery, their role and regulation in embryonic develop remain largely poorly understood, although there is increasing evidence that caveolins may be linked to lung and brain birth defects. Further investigations are clearly needed to decipher how caveolae/caveolins mediate cellular functions and activities of normal embryogenesis and how their perturbations contribute to developmental disorders. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 108:45–64, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Membrane dynamics in mammalian embryogenesis: Implication in signal regulation
Authors: Wada Yoh , Sun‐Wada Ge‐Hong , Kawamura Nobuyuki , Yasukawa Jyunichiro
Published: March 2016

Eukaryotes have evolved an array of membrane compartments constituting secretory and endocytic pathways that allow the flow of materials. Both pathways perform important regulatory roles. The secretory pathway is essential for the production of extracellular, secreted signal molecules, but its function is not restricted to a mere route connecting intra‐ and extracellular compartments. Post‐translational modifications also play an integral function in the secretory pathway and are implicated in developmental regulation. The endocytic pathway serves as a platform for relaying signals from the extracellular stimuli to intracellular mediators, and then ultimately inducing signal termination. Here, we discuss recent studies showing that dysfunction in membrane dynamics causes patterning defects in embryogenesis and tissue morphogenesis in mammals. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 108:33–44, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.