bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gestão do Uso da Água na Vila Esperança: Um Caso para Ensino sobre Liderança Compartilhada
Authors: Cruz Fabrício Nascimento da , Rosário Denice Santiago Santos do , Cezário Hilda Bárbara Maia , Dias Márcia Vilenice de Macedo
Published: August 2017

O presente caso para ensino tem como objetivo desenvolver uma reflexão crítica sobre o exercício da liderança compartilhada. Para tanto, utiliza uma narrativa fictícia, porém, baseada em fatos verídicos, os quais ilustram o seguinte contexto: os frequentes atendimentos de pessoas com verminoses e infecções gastrointestinais ativam o sinal de alerta do agente de saúde no pequeno posto da Comunidade Vila Esperança, localizada no semiárido cearense. A correlação entre o perfil dos atendidos e a fonte de consumo de água confirmou a origem do problema, o qual passou a ser considerado de saúde pública. Sua resolução dependeria de uma ampla mobilização para a assunção e compartilhamento de responsabilidades entre os diversos atores locais. Para tanto, foram necessários o exercício e a compreensão de novas formas de lideranças. Este caso pode ser utilizado como recurso didático nos cursos de graduação e pós-graduação em Administração e Gestão Social, mas também em cursos de extensão voltados à formação de lideranças comunitárias.
Do Ouro ao Pó: A (Re)produção do Espaço Urbano em Santa Luzia (MG)
Authors: Bretas Paula Fernandes Furbino
Published: August 2017

Neste ensaio fotográfico, pretende-se compreender de que forma o processo de organizing se configura na cidade de Santa Luzia (MG). Apresenta-se uma breve contextualização sobre a (re)produção do espaço social, do ciclo do ouro aos dias atuais, levando-se em consideração aspectos históricos, simbólicos e de desenvolvimentos econômico e urbano. As fotos foram apresentadas em dicotomias, separando Santa Luzia (sede) e São Benedito (distrito), marcando as diferenças dos espaços nas seguintes categorias: centro x periferia, inércia x movimento, tradição x progresso. Conclui-se que a cidade é organizada pelos sujeitos que fazem uso dela, entretanto, permeados por relações de poder, pois a organização do espaço urbano exerce um papel no processo de dominação, junto com outros elementos que constituem um dispositivo de poder no capitalismo contemporâneo.
O Trabalho Sujo com a Morte, o Estigma e a Identidade no Ofício de Coveiro
Authors: Monteiro Daniel Francisco Bastos , Pereira Verônica Fujise , Oliveira Laureane Leopoldino de , Lima Oscar Palma , Carrieri Alexandre de Pádua
Published: August 2017

Este artigo tem como objetivo compreender questões acerca do ofício de coveiro e identificar quais as marcas sociais existentes na profissão, como ela é vista pelos profissionais e como estes se identificam com o seu exercício. Optou-se por desenvolver uma pesquisa de cunho qualitativo, na qual foram entrevistados 08 coveiros de 03 cemitérios de Belo Horizonte (02 públicos e 01 judaico). Para a análise dos relatos, foram utilizadas categorias da Análise Linguística do Discurso, sendo possível identificar dois percursos semânticos a respeito da profissão de coveiro. O primeiro diz respeito ao discurso que retrata as categorias estigmatizantes que permeiam a profissão e ao preconceito e discriminação que os coveiros sofrem perante a sociedade. Já o segundo percurso está atrelado ao processo de construção das identidades dos coveiros e a maneira como eles passaram a lidar com a morte após começar a trabalhar com uma atividade que está diretamente ligada a ela. Concluímos este trabalho, portanto, com reflexões acerca dos estigmas presentes na profissão de coveiro e sugestões para pesquisas futuras. 
RNA‐virus proteases counteracting host innate immunity
Authors: Lei Jian , Hilgenfeld Rolf
Published: August 2017

Virus invasion triggers host immune responses, in particular, innate immune responses. Pathogen‐associated molecular patterns of viruses (such as dsRNA, ssRNA, or viral proteins) released during virus replication are detected by the corresponding pattern‐recognition receptors of the host, and innate immune responses are induced. Through production of type‐I and type‐III interferons as well as various other cytokines, the host innate immune system forms the frontline to protect host cells and inhibit virus infection. Not surprisingly, viruses have evolved diverse strategies to counter this antiviral system. In this review, we discuss the multiple strategies used by proteases of positive‐sense single‐stranded RNA viruses of the families Picornaviridae, Coronaviridae, and Flaviviridae, when counteracting host innate immune responses.
Contrasting Features of Monsoon Precipitation Around the Meghalaya Plateau Under Westerly and Easterly Regimes
Authors: Fujinami Hatsuki , Sato Tomonori , Kanamori Hironari , Murata Fumie
Published: August 2017

Precipitation features around the Meghalaya Plateau, northeast India, during summer are investigated using a 17 year (1998–2014) high‐spatial‐resolution Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission precipitation radar data set. Precipitation around the plateau fell into two distinct regimes based on the low‐level wind direction that fluctuates on intraseasonal time scales over Bangladesh, windward of the plateau: a westerly regime (WR) and an easterly regime (ER). Under the WR, strong low‐level onshore southwesterlies across Bangladesh encounter the plateau, and localized strong low‐level southerlies running parallel to the Arakan Mountains (i.e., the barrier jet) also blow toward the plateau, concentrating convective unstable air onto its southern slopes. The low‐level wind fields and large‐scale upper level divergent fields promote frequent and intense orographic rainfall along the southern slopes due to forced uplift, generating high precipitation. In contrast, under the ER, strong southeasterlies that blow along the Gangetic Plain without encountering the plateau and subsidence inhibit upward motion around the plateau, resulting in low precipitation. Diurnal variations in precipitation significantly affect the daily precipitation around the plateau under both regimes. High rainfall frequency persists over the southern slopes between 2100 and 1200 LT of the next day under the WR, whereas modest rainfall frequency occurs between 0000 and 0600 LT under the ER, with a daytime minimum and nocturnal maximum in both regimes. The atmospheric boundary layer processes over Bangladesh regulate the wind speed and vertical structure of the low‐level wind toward the plateau, with deceleration during daytime and acceleration at night (i.e., nocturnal jet) that result in the nocturnal rainfall maximum.
Modeling Craton Destruction by Hydration‐Induced Weakening of the Upper Mantle
Authors: Liao Jie , Wang Qin , Gerya Taras , Ballmer Maxim D.
Published: August 2017

Growing evidence shows that lithospheric mantle beneath cratons may contain a certain amount of water that originated from dehydration of subducted slabs or mantle metasomatism. As water can significantly reduce the viscosity of nominally anhydrous minerals such as olivine, hydration‐induced rheological weakening is a possible mechanism for the lithospheric thinning of cratons. Using 2‐D thermomechanical numerical models, we investigated the influence of water on dislocation and diffusion creep of olivine during the evolution of cratonic lithosphere. Modeling results indicate that dislocation creep of wet olivine alone is insufficient to trigger dramatic lithospheric thinning within a timescale of tens of millions of years, even with an extremely high water content. However, if diffusion creep is incorporated, significant convective instability will occur at the base of the lithosphere and drive lithospheric mantle dripping, which results in intense lithospheric thinning. We performed semianalytical models to better understand the influence of various parameters on the onset of convective instability. The convective instability promoted by hydration weakening drives lithospheric mantle dripping beneath cratons and thus provides a possible mechanism for cratonic thinning.
Hydrothermal nontronite formation associated with microbes from low‐temperature diffuse hydrothermal vents at the South Mid‐Atlantic Ridge
Authors: Ta Kaiwen , Peng Xiaotong , Chen Shun , Xu Hengchao , Li Jiwei , Du Mengran , Hao Jialong , Lin Ying
Published: August 2017

Oceanic nontronite deposits have been identified to be closely related to low‐temperature hydrothermal activities. However, their formation mechanisms associated with microbes in diffuse hydrothermal vents still remain largely unknown. The friable deposits, collected from the low‐temperature diffuse flow at the Southern Atlantic Ridge, display a layered structure. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope analyses reveal that abundant filamentous, spherical, and rod‐shaped mineralized forms are preserved in the yellowish‐green layer of the deposits. These mineralized forms primarily consist of Si and Fe. Selected area electron diffraction patterns of the mineralized forms indicate that they are composed of nontronite. High intensities of 12C and 12C14N signals derived from cellular structures determined by nanosecondary ion mass spectrometry suggest the intimate relationship between nontronite and microbes. The results of 454 pyrosequencing analyses provide insights into the microbial communities involved in the biologically induced mineralization in the yellowish‐green layer. We propose an evolutionary model for establishing paragenetic sequences among nontronite, Mn oxide, and Fe oxyhydroxide in the deposits. This paragenetic sequence could be widespread in modern and ancient low‐temperature hydrothermal fields.
Microstructures and Tensile Properties of AZ91 Magnesium Alloys with Ca, Sm, and La Elements Additions
Authors: Fu Li , Wang Xi Bo , Gou Pei Li , Le Qi Chi , Jia Wei Tao , Tang Yan
Published: August 2017

Microstructures and tensile properties of as‐cast and as‐extruded AZ91 magnesium alloys with individual and combined additions of Ca, Sm, and La elements are investigated. The results show that Al2Ca, Al2Sm, and Al11La3 new phases form after adding Ca, Sm, La elements, decreasing the amount of Mg17Al12 phases and refining the microstructures. Microstructures of as‐cast and as‐extruded alloys with combined additions are significant refined. The Al2Ca and Al11La3 intermetallic compounds are crushed into granules because of severe deformation during hot extrusion, while the Al2Sm intermetallic compounds are not. Tensile tests results at room temperature indicate that individual additions of Ca, Sm, and La elements could increase the elongation of as‐extruded alloys, and tensile tests results at 150 °C indicate that individual additions of Sm and La elements could increase the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of as‐extruded alloys. AZ91–0.3La alloy exhibits the best comprehensive tensile properties both at room temperature and 150 °C. However, combined additions in AZ91 alloys leads to coarseness and aggregation of Al2Sm phases, resulting in slightly decline of tensile properties both at room temperature and 150 °C.
Effect of Initial Annealing Temperature on Microstructural Development and Microhardness in High‐Purity Copper Processed by High‐Pressure Torsion
Authors: Alhajeri Saleh N. , Almazrouee Abdulla I. , Al‐Fadhalah Khaled J. , Langdon Terence G.
Published: August 2017

The effect of the initial annealing temperature on the evolution of microstructure and microhardness in high purity OFHC Cu is investigated after processing by HPT. Disks of Cu are annealed for 1 h at two different annealing temperatures, 400 and 800 °C, and then processed by HPT at room temperature under a pressure of 6.0 GPa for 1/4, 1/2, 1, 5, and 10 turns. Samples are stored for 6 months after HPT processing to examine the self‐annealing effects. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) measurements are recorded for each disk at three positions: center, mid‐radius, and near edge. Microhardness measurements are also recorded along the diameters of each disk. Both alloys show rapid hardening and then strain softening in the very early stages of straining due to self‐annealing with a clear delay in the onset of softening in the alloy initially annealed at 800 °C. This delay is due to the relatively larger initial grain size compared to the alloy initially annealed at 400 °C. The final microstructures consist of homogeneous fine grains having average sizes of ≈0.28 and ≈0.34 µm for the alloys initially annealed at 400 and 800 °C, respectively. A new model is proposed to describe the behavior of the hardness evolution by HPT in high purity OFHC Cu.
Printing Polymer Nanocomposites and Composites in Three Dimensions
Authors: Dermanaki Farahani Rouhollah , Dubé Martine
Published: August 2017

Recent advances in materials science and three‐dimensional (3D) printing hold great promises to conceive new classes of multifunctional materials and components for functional devices and products. Various functionalities (e.g., mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, magnetism) can be offered by the nano‐ and micro‐reinforcements to the non‐functional pure printing materials for the realization of advanced materials and innovative systems. In addition, the ability to print 3D structures in a layer‐by‐layer manner enables manufacturing of highly‐customized complex features and allows an efficient control over the properties of fabricated structures. Here, the authors present a brief overview mainly over the latest progresses in 3D printing of multifunctional polymer nanocomposites and microfiber‐reinforced composites including the benefits, limitations, and potential applications. Only those 3D printing techniques that are compatible with polymer nanocomposites and composites, that is, materials that have already been used as printing materials, are introduced. The very hot topic of 3D printing of thermoplastic composites featuring continuous microfibers is also briefly introduced.
Changes in intestinal microbiota and their effects on allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Shallis Rory M. , Terry Christopher M. , Lim Seah H.
Published: August 2017

The human intestinal microbiota is essential for microbial homeostasis, regulation of metabolism, and intestinal immune tolerance. Rapidly evolving understanding of the importance of the microbiota implicates changes in the composition and function of intestinal microbial communities in an assortment of systemic conditions. Complications following allogeneic stem cell transplant now join the ever‐expanding list of pathologic states regulated by intestinal microbiota. Dysbiosis, or disruption of the normal ecology of this microbiome, has been directly implicated in the pathogenesis of entities such as Clostridium difficile infections, graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), and most recently disease relapse, all of which are major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplant. In this review, we elucidate the key origins of microbiotic alterations and discuss how dysbiosis influences complications following allogeneic stem cell transplant. Our emerging understanding of the importance of a balanced and diverse intestinal microbiota is prompting investigation into the appropriate treatment of dysbiosis, reliable and early detection of such, and ultimately its prevention in patients to improve the outcome following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Clinical outcomes in adult patients with aplastic anemia: A single institution experience
Authors: Boddu Prajwal , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Ravandi Farhad , Borthakur Gautam , Jabbour Elias , DiNardo Courtney , Jain Nitin , Daver Naval , Pemmaraju Naveen , Anderlini Paolo , Parmar Simrit , KC Devendra , Akosile Mary , Pierce Sherry A. , Champlin Richard , Cortes Jorge , Kantarjian Hagop , Kadia Tapan
Published: August 2017

Newer treatment modalities are being investigated to improve upon historical outcomes with standard immunosuppressive therapy (IST) in aplastic anemia (AA). We analyzed outcomes of adult patients with AA treated with various combinatorial anti‐thymoglobulin‐based IST regimens in frontline and relapsed/refractory (R/R) settings. Pretreatment and on‐treatment clinical characteristics were analyzed for relationships to response and outcome. Among 126 patients reviewed, 95 were treatment‐naïve (TN) and 63, R/R (including 32 from the TN cohort); median ages were 49 and 50 years, respectively. Overall survival (OS) was superior in IST responders (P < .001). Partial response to IST was associated with shorter relapse‐free survival (RFS), as compared with complete response (P = .03). By multivariate analysis, baseline platelet and lymphocyte count predicted for IST response at 3 and 6 months, respectively. While additional growth factor interventions led to faster count recovery, there were no statistically significant differences in RFS or OS across the various frontline IST regimens (i.e., with/without G‐CSF or eltrombopag). While marrow cellularity did not correlate with peripheral‐blood counts at 3 months, cytomorphological assessment revealed dyspoietic changes in all nonresponders with hypercellular‐marrow indices. Covert dysplasia, identified through early bone marrow assessment, has implications on future therapy choices after IST failure. Salvage IST response depended upon prior response to ATG: prior responders (46%) vs. primary refractory (0%) (P < .01). In the R/R setting, there was no survival difference between IST and allogeneic stem cell transplant groups, with a trend toward superior OS in the former. Transplant benefits in the R/R setting may be underrealized due to transplant‐related mortality.
Genome‐wide significant locus for Research Diagnostic Criteria Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar type
Authors: Green Elaine K. , Di Florio Arianna , Forty Liz , Gordon‐Smith Katherine , Grozeva Detelina , Fraser Christine , Richards Alexander L. , Moran Jennifer L. , Purcell Shaun , Sklar Pamela , Kirov George , Owen Michael J. , O'Donovan Michael C. , Craddock Nick , Jones Lisa , Jones Ian R.
Published: August 2017

Studies have suggested that Research Diagnostic Criteria for Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar type (RDC‐SABP) might identify a more genetically homogenous subgroup of bipolar disorder. Aiming to identify loci associated with RDC‐SABP, we have performed a replication study using independent RDC‐SABP cases (n = 144) and controls (n = 6,559), focusing on the 10 loci that reached a p‐value <10−5 for RDC‐SABP in the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium (WTCCC) bipolar disorder sample. Combining the WTCCC and replication datasets by meta‐analysis (combined RDC‐SABP, n = 423, controls, n = 9,494), we observed genome‐wide significant association at one SNP, rs2352974, located within the intron of the gene TRAIP on chromosome 3p21.31 (p‐value, 4.37 × 10−8). This locus did not reach genome‐wide significance in bipolar disorder or schizophrenia large Psychiatric Genomic Consortium datasets, suggesting that it may represent a relatively specific genetic risk for the bipolar subtype of schizoaffective disorder.
A One‐Dimensional Fluidic Nanogenerator with a High Power Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Xu Yifan , Chen Peining , Zhang Jing , Xie Songlin , Wan Fang , Deng Jue , Cheng Xunliang , Hu Yajie , Liao Meng , Wang Bingjie , Sun Xuemei , Peng Huisheng
Published: August 2017

Electricity generation from flowing water has been developed for over a century and plays a critical role in our lives. Generally, heavy and complex facilities are required for electricity generation, while using these technologies for applications that require a small size and high flexibility is difficult. Here, we developed a fluidic nanogenerator fiber from an aligned carbon nanotube sheet to generate electricity from any flowing water source in the environment as well as in the human body. The power conversion efficiency reached 23.3 %. The fluidic nanogenerator fiber was flexible and stretchable, and the high performance was well‐maintained after deformation over 1 000 000 cycles. The fiber also offered unique and promising advantages, such as the ability to be woven into fabrics for large‐scale applications.
Cross‐Coupling of α‐Carbonyl Sulfoxonium Ylides with C−H Bonds
Authors: Barday Manuel , Janot Christopher , Halcovitch Nathan R. , Muir James , Aïssa Christophe
Published: August 2017

The functionalization of carbon–hydrogen bonds in non‐nucleophilic substrates using α‐carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides has not been so far investigated, despite the potential safety advantages that such reagents would provide over either diazo compounds or their in situ precursors. Described herein are the cross‐coupling reactions of sulfoxonium ylides with C(sp2)−H bonds of arenes and heteroarenes in the presence of a rhodium catalyst. The reaction proceeds by a succession of C−H activation, migratory insertion of the ylide into the carbon–metal bond, and protodemetalation, the last step being turnover‐limiting. The method is applied to the synthesis of benz[c]acridines when allied to an iridium‐catalyzed dehydrative cyclization.
Enantioselective Light Harvesting with Perylenediimide Guests on Self‐Assembled Chiral Naphthalenediimide Nanofibers
Authors: Sethy Ramarani , Kumar Jatish , Métivier Rémi , Louis Marine , Nakatani Keitaro , Mecheri Nila Mohan Thazhe , Subhakumari Akhila , Thomas K. George , Kawai Tsuyoshi , Nakashima Takuya
Published: August 2017

Self‐assembling molecular systems often display amplified chirality compared to the monomeric state, which makes the molecular recognition more sensitive to chiral analytes. Herein, we report the almost absolute enantioselective recognition of a chiral perylenediimide (PDI) molecule by chiral supramolecular nanofibers of a bichromophoric naphthalenediimide (NDI) derivative. The chiral recognition was evaluated through the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the NDI‐based host nanofibers to the guest PDI molecules. The excitation energy was successfully transferred to the guest molecule through efficient energy migration along the host nanofiber, thus demonstrating the light‐harvesting capability of these hybrid systems. Furthermore, circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) was enantioselectively sensitized by the guest molecule as the wavelength band and sign of the CPL signal were switched in response to the chiral guest molecule.
Lysine‐Targeting Covalent Inhibitors
Authors: Pettinger Jonathan , Jones Keith , Cheeseman Matthew D.
Published: August 2017

Targeted covalent inhibitors have gained widespread attention in drug discovery as a validated method to circumvent acquired resistance in oncology. This strategy exploits small‐molecule/protein crystal structures to design tightly binding ligands with appropriately positioned electrophilic warheads. Whilst most focus has been on targeting binding‐site cysteine residues, targeting nucleophilic lysine residues can also represent a viable approach to irreversible inhibition. However, owing to the basicity of the ϵ‐amino group in lysine, this strategy generates a number of specific challenges. Herein, we review the key principles for inhibitor design, give historical examples, and present recent developments that demonstrate the potential of lysine targeting for future drug discovery.
TPE‐conjugated biomimetic and biodegradable polymeric micelle for AIE active cell imaging and cancer therapy
Authors: Zhuang Weihua , Ma Boxuan , Liu Gongyan , Li Gaocan , Wang Yunbing
Published: August 2017

Smart nanocarrier for simultaneous drug delivery and cellular imaging is ideal for both cancer therapy and diagnosis. In this work, polymeric micelles based on the tetraphenylethene (TPE) conjugated poly(N6‐carbobenzyloxy‐l‐lysine)‐block‐poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (TPE‐PLys‐b‐PMPC) copolymer are successfully prepared. Such biomimetic and biodegradable TPE‐PLys‐b‐PMPC micelles exhibit remarkable aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) feature and great biocompatibility, showing great potential for bioimaging application. In addition, anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) can be incorporated into the core of micelles and the intracellular release of DOX can be furthermore traced through the fluorescent imaging of these AIE micelles. As expected, this DOX‐loading polymeric micelle shows significant growth inhibition against HeLa cells and 4T1 cells and such TPE‐PLys‐b‐PMPC micelles would be a promising drug carrier for potential cancer therapy and bioimaging. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45651.
Antimicrobial nanocomposites and electrospun coatings based on poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) and copper oxide nanoparticles for active packaging and coating applications
Authors: Castro Mayorga Jinneth Lorena , Fabra Rovira María José , Cabedo Mas Luis , Sánchez Moragas Gloria , Lagarón Cabello José María
Published: August 2017

Active biodegradable poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) melt mixed nanocomposites and bilayer structures containing copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were developed and characterized. The bilayer structures consisted of a bottom layer of compression molded PHBV3 (3% mol valerate) coated with an active electrospun fibers mat made with CuO nanoparticles and PHBV18 (18% valerate) derived from microbial mixed cultures and cheese whey. The results showed that the water vapor permeability increased with the CuO addition while the oxygen barrier properties were slightly enhanced by the addition of 0.05 wt % CuO nanoparticles to nanocomposite films but a negligible effect was registered for the bilayer structures. However, the mechanical properties were modified by the addition of CuO nanoparticles. Interestingly, by incorporating highly dispersed and distributed CuO nanoparticles in a coating by electrospinning, a lower metal oxide loading was required to exhibit significant bactericidal and virucidal performance against the food‐borne pathogens Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, and murine norovirus. The biodisintegration tests of the samples under composting conditions showed that even the 0.05% CuO‐coated structures biodegraded within 35 days. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45673.
Synthesis of poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐divinylbenzene‐co‐vinylbenzyl chloride)‐derived hypercrosslinked polymer microspheres and a preliminary evaluation of their potential for the solid‐phase capture of pharmaceuticals
Authors: Subri Nur Nida Syamimi , Cormack Peter A. G. , Md. Jamil Siti Nurul Ain , Abdullah Luqman Chuah , Daik Rusli
Published: August 2017

Poly[acrylonitrile (AN)‐co‐divinylbenzene (DVB)‐co‐vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC)] terpolymers were synthesized by precipitation polymerization in the form of porous polymer microspheres. The poly(AN‐co‐DVB‐co‐VBC) polymers were then hypercrosslinked, via a Friedel‐Crafts reaction with FeCl3 in nitrobenzene, to provide a significant uplift in the specific surface areas of the polymers. FTIR spectra of the hypercrosslinked poly(AN‐co‐DVB‐co‐VBC)s showed that the chloromethyl groups derived from VBC were consumed by the Friedel‐Crafts reactions, which was consistent with successful hypercrosslinking. Hypercrosslinking installed a number of new, small pores into the polymers, as evidenced by a dramatic increase in the specific surface areas upon hypercrosslinking (from ∼530 to 1080 m2 g−1). The hypercrosslinked polymers are very interesting for a range of applications, not least of all for solid‐phase extraction (SPE) work, where the convenient physical form of the polymers (beaded format), their low mean particle diameters, and narrow particle size distributions, as well as their high specific surface areas and polar character (arising from the AN residues), make them attractive candidates as SPE sorbents. In this regard, in a preliminary study one of the hypercrosslinked polymers was utilized as an SPE sorbent for the capture of the polar pharmaceutical diclofenac from a polar environment. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45677.
Epoxy adhesive with high underwater adhesion and stability based on low viscosity modified Mannich bases
Authors: Zhou Jinjun , Wan Yun , Liu Na , Yin Hao , Li Bo , Sun Dewen , Ran Qianping
Published: August 2017

A series of Mannich base curing agents were synthesized by using different structured phenols and amines. The phenols were phenol, o‐cresol, and nonylphenol, and the amines were diethylenetriamine, m‐xylylenediamine, and JEFFAMINE D230 polyetheramine. The chemical structures of Mannich bases were confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The curing agents had low viscosities in the range of 19.9 to 1549 mPa s. The curing behavior of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A with these curing agents was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The mechanical properties and thermal properties of the cured epoxies were also investigated and compared. Lap‐shear adhesion in air and underwater was studied by using stainless steel substrates, and the adhesion after ageing in hot water (80 °C) was also investigated. Adhesive cured with phenol modified m‐xylylenediamine showed the highest underwater adhesion around 5.9 MPa, which was comparable to other ones tested in air. In addition, the high adhesive strength was kept after ageing in hot water for 7 days. The structural influence of the curing agents on mechanical property and adhesive performances were discussed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45688.
Charge‐assisted ultrafiltration membranes for monovalent ions separation in electrodialysis
Authors: Li Jian , Zhu Junyong , Wang Jing , Yuan Shushan , Lin Jiuyang , Shen Jiangnan , Van der Bruggen Bart
Published: August 2017

Selectivity for monovalent ions is a very important feature of ion exchange membranes in view of a further expansion of the scope of electrodialysis (ED). An efficient one‐step chemical process to graft a thin polyaniline (PANI) layer on the surface and pores of an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane is reported. The existence of a PANI layer on such modified UF membrane was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy images. These membranes were extensively characterized by studying their properties such as water uptake, ion‐exchange capacity, contact angle, and performance in diffusion dialysis. ED experiments were conducted by comparing desalting of sodium chloride and magnesium chloride solutions. During the desalting procedure, the driving force has two contributions, the electrical field and the salinity‐gradient. Initially, transport of ions by the electrical field is dominant, while at the end of the experiment, diffusion dialysis by the salinity gradient plays a larger role in ion transport. The presence of PANI can hinder Mg2+ transport from the concentrate to the diluate compartment because of the electrostatic effect, while there is no obvious effect on Na+ ions. The ability of such a surface modification layer to improve the membrane selectivity for Na+/Mg2+ was confirmed by means of ED in a mixed solution. The flux of Na+ was slightly increased to 13.21 × 10−8 mol/L/min while the flux of Mg2+ was reduced to 3.32 × 10−8 mol/L/min, so that the permselectivity is almost doubled. The protonation reaction of the PANI layer creates positive charges, thus leading to an electrical repulsion barrier, which may reduce the penetration of divalent cations with respect to monovalent ions. Polyacrylonitrile‐based UF membranes with different molecular cutoff was used to determine the influence of the permselectivity. Results showed that the membrane permselectivity of smaller molecular cutoff UF membranes is higher. It can be concluded that this method is suitable for preparing membranes based on UF membranes for efficient separation of monovalent ions by electro‐driven separation techniques. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45692.
Improved dispersion of carbon nanotubes in poly(vinylidene fluoride) composites by hybrids with core–shell structure
Authors: Fan Benhui , Lu Xiaoxin , Dang Zhimin , Deng Yuan , Zhou Xiying , He Delong , Bai Jinbo
Published: August 2017

Core–shell structure hybrids of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/BaTiO3 (H‐CNT‐BT) and commercial multi‐wall CNTs are respectively incorporated into poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) for preparing the composites near the percolation thresholds. A comprehensive investigation for CNT's dispersion and composite's conductivity is conducted between H‐CNT‐BT/PVDF and CNT/PVDF at different depths vertical to the injection's direction. Gradual increases of the conductivity in two composites are observed from the out‐layer to the core part which infers an inhomogeneous CNT's dispersion in the interior of composites due to their migration under flow during the injection. However, the use of H‐CNT‐BT fillers with core–shell structure enables to reduce this inhomogeneous dispersion in the composite. Furthermore, the conductive network of CNTs in H‐CNT‐BT/PVDF is less sensitive to the thermal treatment than the one in CNT/PVDF composite, which infers the core–shell structure of hybrids can ameliorate the sensitivity of the conductive network. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45693.
Forgotten fishes: What is the future for small threatened freshwater fish? Population risk assessment for southern pygmy perch, Nannoperca australis
Authors: Todd Charles R. , Koehn John D. , Pearce Luke , Dodd Lauren , Humphries Paul , Morrongiello John R.
Published: August 2017

Fish species that have no commercial or recreational value are often overlooked in conservation management, despite serious threats to their long‐term future. This can be termed the ‘small threatened freshwater fishes’ paradigm.

Population viability analysis (PVA) is a useful technique to assess threatened species and conservation management options. While the development and use of population models and population viability analysis is common in conservation, and often used for larger fishes, this has not been so for small threatened freshwater species.

This study uses the PVA process to develop a stochastic population model for Nannoperca australis (southern pygmy perch) in temperate south‐eastern Australia.

The model was most sensitive to early life‐history survival rates, for which there were no estimates from field data, compared with other model uncertainty. This study also found that the oldest age class had the highest reproductive value, providing unique support to the value of big, old, fat and fecund fish (BOFFFs) in sustaining natural populations.

Modelling indicated that a population in stable habitat supporting about 2000 female adults would likely to be viable, able to withstand some disturbance and possibly be used as a source population for reintroductions. In reality, however, there are few populations in the wild of sufficient size to withstand such take for translocations and hence the production of fish through hatchery means may be required.

This type of approach should prove useful for the conservation management of many similar species globally.
Altered attentional processing in male and female rats in a prenatal valproic acid exposure model of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Anshu Kumari , Nair Ajay Kumar , Kumaresan U.D. , Kutty Bindu M. , Srinath Shoba , Laxmi T. Rao
Published: August 2017

Attention is foundational to efficient perception and optimal goal driven behavior. Intact attentional processing is crucial for the development of social and communication skills. Deficits in attention are therefore likely contributors to the core pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Clinical evidence in ASD is suggestive of impairments in attention and its control, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We examined sustained, spatially divided attention in a prenatal valproic acid (VPA) model of ASD using the 5‐choice serial reaction time task (5‐CSRTT). As compared to controls, male and female VPA rats had progressively lower accuracy and higher omissions with increasing attentional demands during 5‐CSRTT training, and showed further performance decrements when subjected to parametric task manipulations. It is noteworthy that although VPA exposure induced attentional deficits in both sexes, there were task parameter specific sex differences. Importantly, we did not find evidence of impulsivity or motivational deficits in VPA rats but we did find reduced social preference, as well as sensorimotor deficits that suggest pre‐attentional information processing impairments. Importantly, with fixed rules, graded difficulty levels, and more time, VPA rats could be successfully trained on the attentional task. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study examining attentional functions in a VPA model. Our work underscores the need for studying both sexes in ASD animal models and validates the use of the VPA model in the quest for mechanistic understanding of aberrant attentional functions and for evaluating suitable therapeutic targets. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1929–1944. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

We studied rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA), an established rodent model of autism. Both male and female VPA rats had a range of attentional impairments with sex‐specific characteristics. Importantly, with fixed rules, graded difficulty levels, and more time, VPA rats could be successfully trained on the attentional task. Our work validates the use of the VPA model in the quest for evaluating suitable therapeutic targets for improving attentional performance.
Characterization of early communicative behavior in mouse models of neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Maloney Susan E. , Chandler Krystal C. , Anastasaki Corina , Rieger Michael A. , Gutmann David H. , Dougherty Joseph D.
Published: August 2017

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a monogenic neurodevelopmental disease caused by germline loss‐of‐function mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene. Cognitive impairments are observed in approximately 80% of children with this disease, with 45–60% exhibiting autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptomatology. In light of the high comorbidity rate between ASD and NF1, we assessed early communicative behavior by maternal‐separation induced pup ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) and developmental milestones in two distinct Nf1 genetically engineered models, one modeling clinical germline heterozygous loss of Nf1 function (Nf1+/– mice), and a second with somatic biallelic Nf1 inactivation in neuroglial progenitor cells (Nf1GFAPCKO mice). We observed altered USV production in both models: Nf1+/– mice exhibited both increased USVs across development and alterations in aspects of pitch, while Nf1GFAPCKO mice demonstrated a decrease in USVs. Developmental milestones, such as weight, pinnae detachment, and eye opening, were not disrupted in either model, indicating the USV deficits were not due to gross developmental delay, and likely reflected more specific alterations in USV circuitry. In this respect, increased whole‐brain serotonin was observed in Nf1+/– mice, but whole‐brain levels of dopamine and its metabolites were unchanged at the age of peak USV disruption, and USV alterations did not correlate with overall level of neurofibromin loss. The early communicative phenotypes reported herein should motivate further studies into the risks mediated by haploinsufficiency and biallelic deletion of Nf1 across a full battery of ASD‐relevant behavioral phenotypes, and a targeted analysis of underlying circuitry disruptions. Autism Res 2018, 11: 44–58. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common neurogenetic disorder caused by mutation of the NF1 gene, in which 80% of affected children exhibit cognitive and behavioral issues. Based on emerging evidence that NF1 may be an autism predisposition gene, we examined autism spectrum disorder (ASD)‐relevant early communicative behavior in Nf1 mouse models and observed alterations in both models. The changes in early communicative behavior in Nf1 mutant mice should motivate further studies into the causative factors and potential treatments for ASD arising in the context of NF1.
Simultaneously Enhancing the Stability and Catalytic Activity of Multimeric Lysine Decarboxylase CadA by Engineering Interface Regions for Enzymatic Production of Cadaverine at High Concentration of Lysine
Authors: Hong Eun Young , Lee Sun‐Gu , Park Byung Jun , Lee Jong Min , Yun Hyungdon , Kim Byung‐Gee
Published: August 2017

Cadaverine (1,5‐diaminopentane) is a major source of many industrial polyamides such as nylon and chelating agents. Currently, cadaverine is produced by the microbial fermentation of glucose to lysine, which is then decarboxylated by lysine decarboxylase (CadA). However, utilizing CadA for cadaverine production causes enzyme instability. In order to stabilize the CadA homo‐decamer structure for in vitro decarboxylation reaction, mutants are designed. Of the four disulfide bond mutants in the multimeric interfacial region, B1 (F14C/K44C) showed a 216‐folds increase in the half‐life of CadA at 60 °C. On top of B1, another round of mutant screening is performed around F14C and K44C to generate B1/L7M/N8G, which is then examined for cadaverine production (2M lysine and 10% v/v of cell‐extract at 50 °C). The reaction pH increased from 4.9 to 8.3, and the final titer of the mutant is 157 g L−1, that is, 76.7% conversion yield in 9.5 h, whereas the wild‐type gave 119 g L−1, that is, 58.2% conversion yield in 9.5 h.
A dynamic metabolic flux analysis of ABE (acetone‐butanol‐ethanol) fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824, with riboflavin as a by‐product
Authors: Zhao Xinhe , Kasbi Mayssa , Chen Jingkui , Peres Sabine , Jolicoeur Mario
Published: August 2017

The present study reveals that supplementing sodium acetate (NaAc) strongly stimulates riboflavin production in acetone‐butanol‐ethanol (ABE) fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 with xylose as carbon source. Riboflavin production increased from undetectable concentrations to ∼0.2 g L−1 (0.53 mM) when supplementing 60 mM NaAc. Of interest, solvents production and biomass yield were also promoted with fivefold acetone, 2.6‐fold butanol, and 2.4‐fold biomass adding NaAc. A kinetic metabolic model, developed to simulate ABE biosystem, with riboflavin production, revealed from a dynamic metabolic flux analysis (dMFA) simultaneous increase of riboflavin (ribA) and GTP (precursor of riboflavin) (PurM) synthesis flux rates under NaAc supplementation. The model includes 23 fluxes, 24 metabolites, and 72 kinetic parameters. It also suggested that NaAc condition has first stimulated the accumulation of intracellular metabolite intermediates during the acidogenic phase, which have then fed the solventogenic phase leading to increased ABE production. In addition, NaAc resulted in higher intracellular levels of NADH during the whole culture. Moreover, lower GTP‐to‐adenosine phosphates (ATP, ADP, AMP) ratio under NaAc supplemented condition suggests that GTP may have a minor role in the cell energetic metabolism compared to its contribution to riboflavin synthesis.
Biosimilars: Key regulatory considerations and similarity assessment tools
Authors: Kirchhoff Carol F. , Wang Xiao‐Zhuo Michelle , Conlon Hugh D. , Anderson Scott , Ryan Anne M. , Bose Arindam
Published: August 2017

A biosimilar drug is defined in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance document as a biopharmaceutical that is highly similar to an already licensed biologic product (referred to as the reference product) notwithstanding minor differences in clinically inactive components and for which there are no clinically meaningful differences in purity, potency, and safety between the two products. The development of biosimilars is a challenging, multistep process. Typically, the assessment of similarity involves comprehensive structural and functional characterization throughout the development of the biosimilar in an iterative manner and, if required by the local regulatory authority, an in vivo nonclinical evaluation, all conducted with direct comparison to the reference product. In addition, comparative clinical pharmacology studies are conducted with the reference product. The approval of biosimilars is highly regulated although varied across the globe in terms of nomenclature and the precise criteria for demonstrating similarity. Despite varied regulatory requirements, differences between the proposed biosimilar and the reference product must be supported by strong scientific evidence that these differences are not clinically meaningful. This review discusses the challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies in the development of biosimilars.
Browning in apples: Exploring the biochemical basis of an easily‐observable phenotype
Authors: Deutch Charles E.
Published: August 2017

Many fruits and vegetables undergo browning when they are cut and the tissue is exposed to the air. This is due to the activity of the enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO, EC 1.14.18.1) with endogenous substrates. In this laboratory experiment, students prepare slices of different varieties of apples and assess the rate of browning. They make a simple extract of the apple tissue and measure the activity of PPO using 3,4‐dihydroxy‐l‐phenylalanine (l‐DOPA) as substrate. They determine the protein concentration of the extract with the Bradford Coomassie Blue reagent and calculate the specific activity of PPO. Finally, the students measure the total concentration of the potential substrates for PPO with the Folin–Ciocalteau phenol reagent using a gallic acid standard curve. By comparing the tendency of the apples to turn brown, the specific activity of PPO, and the concentration of potential substrates, they can assess the biochemical basis of the browning phenotype. This experiment can be done as a series of weekly laboratory exercises, as an intensive 1‐week laboratory project, or as the basis of an extended student research investigation. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(1):76–82, 2018.
Simultaneous determination of baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside, wogonin, scutellarin, berberine, coptisine, ginsenoside Rb1 and ginsenoside Re of Banxia xiexin decoction in rat plasma by LC–MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Yifan , Xiao Juan , Xu Ranchi , Wang Qiangli , Wang Xinhong
Published: August 2017

A rapid and high‐sensitivity liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method was developed for simultaneous determination of nine active constituents (baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside, wogonin, scutellarin, berberine, coptisine, ginsenoside Rb1 and ginsenoside Re) in rat plasma after oral administration of Banxia xiexin decoction (BXD). Biological samples were processed wtih acetone–ethyl acetate (4:1, v/v). The mobile phase consisted of methanol and water (containing 0.1% formic acid) with gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Detection was performed on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer using positive ion and negative ESI in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. The calibration curves for all analytes had good linearity (r > 0.9933). The mean recovery of all the nine active ingredients was >75.2%, and the intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were within 12.0%; the accuracy was between 87.4 and 110.4%. This method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study after administration of BXD. The results of the pharmacokinetic study might be helpful for BXD reasonable clinical application and further studies on mechanism.