bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Access to 2‐Arylindoles via Decarboxylative C−C Coupling in Aqueous Medium and to Heteroaryl Carboxylates under Base‐Free Conditions using Diaryliodonium Salts
Authors: Arun Velladurai , Pilania Meenakshi , Kumar Dalip
Published: October 2016

Easily accessible heteroaromatic carboxylic acids and diaryliodonium salts were successfully employed to construct valuable 2‐arylindoles and heteroaryl carboxylates in a regioselective fashion. C2‐arylated indoles were produced using a Pd‐catalyzed decarboxylative strategy in water without any base, oxidant, or ligand. Heteroaryl carboxylates were prepared under metal and base‐free conditions. This protocol was successfully utilized to synthesize Paullone, a cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor.
Tradable credits scheme and transit investment optimization for a two‐mode traffic network
Authors: Gao Ge , Sun Huijun , Wu Jianjun , Zhao Hui
Published: October 2016

This paper proposes an optimization model to minimize the “system costs” and guide travelers' behavior by exploring the optimal bus investment and tradable credits scheme design in a bimodal transportation system. Travelers' transport mode choice behavior (car or bus) and the modal equilibrium conditions between these two forms of transport are studied in the tradable credits scheme. Public transport priority is highlighted by charging car travelers credits only. The economies of scale presented by the transit system under the tradable credit scheme are analyzed by comparing the marginal cost and average cost. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the model. Furthermore, the effects of tradable credits schemes on bus investment and travelers' modal choice behavior are explored based on scenario discussions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability of the acoustic startle response and its modulation in children with typical development and those with autism spectrum disorders: A one‐year follow‐up
Authors: Takahashi Hidetoshi , Nakahachi Takayuki , Stickley Andrew , Ishitobi Makoto , Kamio Yoko
Published: October 2016

Auditory hyper‐reactivity is a common sensory–perceptual abnormality that interrupts behavioral adaptations in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Recently, prolonged acoustic startle response (ASR) latency and hyper‐reactivity to weak acoustic stimuli were reported in children with ASD. Indexes of ASR and its modulation are known to be stable biological markers for translational research in the adult population. However, little is known about the stability of these indexes in children. Thus, the objective of our study was to investigate the stability of neurophysiological ASR indexes in children with ASD and typical development (TD). Participants included 12 children with ASD and 24 with TD. Mean startle magnitudes to acoustic stimuli presented at 65–105 dB in increments of 10 dB were analyzed. Average peak startle latency (PSL), ASR modulation of habituation, and prepulse inhibition were also analyzed. These startle measures were examined after a follow‐up period of 15.7 ± 5.1 months from baseline. At both baseline and in the follow‐up period, children with ASD had significantly greater startle magnitudes to weak stimuli of 65–85 dB and more prolonged PSL compared with controls. Intraclass correlation coefficients for these ASR measures between both periods were 0.499–0.705. None of the ASR measures differed significantly between the two periods. Our results suggest that prolonged PSL and greater startle magnitudes to weak stimuli in children with ASD might serve as moderately stable neurophysiological indexes of ASD. Autism Res 2016. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Autism Res 2017, 10: 673–679. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cognition, depression, fatigue, and quality of life in primary Sjögren's syndrome: correlations
Authors: Koçer Belgin , Tezcan Mehmet Engin , Batur Hale Zeynep , Haznedaroğlu Şeminur , Göker Berna , İrkeç Ceyla , Çetinkaya Rümeysa
Published: October 2016

Objective

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and pattern of cognitive dysfunction observed in primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) and to examine the relationships between cognitive abilities, depression, fatigue, and quality of life.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐two subjects with PSS were compared with 19 healthy controls on comprehensive neuropsychological, depression, fatigue, health state, and daily‐life activities tests.

Results

There was low performance in Clock Drawing, COWAT, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), Colorless Word Reading (Stroop1) and Recognizing Colors (Stroop2) Patterns of STROOP test, SDLT, Auditory–Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), immediate and long‐term verbal memory, Benton Judgment of Line Orientation Test (BJLOT), and in all the patterns of RCFT in PSS patients compared to the healthy control group (p < .05). It was observed an increased depression frequency and fatigue severity, impairment in health condition, and a decreased quality of life in PSS cases compared to the healthy controls (p < .05). All the depression, fatigue severity, and quality of life tests showed a significant positive correlation with each other (p < .05). A significant negative correlation between Clock Drawing and SF‐36‐BP (p = .031, r = −.382) and SF‐36‐GH (p = .027, r = −.392) was observed.

Conclusions

Clock Drawing, PASAT, and AVLT are very useful tests to determine the subclinical and clinical cognitive dysfunction to evaluate attention, information processing speed, executive functions, and short‐term and long‐term verbal memory in PSS patients. Depression and fatigue may not affect the neuropsychological tests performance.
A Phase 1 study of intravenous infusions of tigecycline in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Reed Gregory A. , Schiller Gary J. , Kambhampati Suman , Tallman Martin S. , Douer Dan , Minden Mark D. , Yee Karen W. , Gupta Vikas , Brandwein Joseph , Jitkova Yulia , Gronda Marcela , Hurren Rose , Shamas‐Din Aisha , Schuh Andre C. , Schimmer Aaron D.
Published: October 2016

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells meet the higher energy, metabolic, and signaling demands of the cell by increasing mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial protein translation. Blocking mitochondrial protein synthesis through genetic and chemical approaches kills human AML cells at all stages of development in vitro and in vivo. Tigecycline is an antimicrobial that we found inhibits mitochondrial protein synthesis in AML cells. Therefore, we conducted a phase 1 dose‐escalation study of tigecycline administered intravenously daily 5 of 7 days for 2 weeks to patients with AML. A total of 27 adult patients with relapsed and refractory AML were enrolled in this study with 42 cycles being administered over seven dose levels (50–350 mg/day). Two patients experienced DLTs related to tigecycline at the 350 mg/day level resulting in a maximal tolerated dose of tigecycline of 300 mg as a once daily infusion. Pharmacokinetic experiments showed that tigecycline had a markedly shorter half‐life in these patients than reported for noncancer patients. No significant pharmacodynamic changes or clinical responses were observed. Thus, we have defined the safety of once daily tigecycline in patients with refractory AML. Future studies should focus on schedules of the drug that permit more sustained target inhibition.
Composition and Biological Activity of Picea pungens and Picea orientalis Seed and Cone Essential Oils
Authors: Wajs‐Bonikowska Anna , Szoka Łukasz , Karna Ewa , Wiktorowska‐Owczarek Anna , Sienkiewicz Monika
Published: October 2016

The increasing consumption of natural products lead us to discover and study new plant materials, such as conifer seeds and cones, which could be easily available from the forest industry as a waste material, for their potential uses. The chemical composition of the essential oils of Picea pungens and Picea orientalis was fully characterized by GC and GC/MS methods. Seed and cone oils of both tree species were composed mainly of monoterpene hydrocarbons, among which limonene, α‐ and β‐pinene were the major, but in different proportions in the examined conifer essential oils. The levorotary form of chiral monoterpene molecules was predominant over the dextrorotary form. The composition of oils from P. pungens seeds and cones was similar, while the hydrodistilled oils of P. orientalis seeds and cones differed from each other, mainly by a higher amount of oxygenated derivatives of monoterpenes and by other higher molar mass terpenes in seed oil. The essential oils showed mild antimicrobial action, however P. orientalis cone oil exhibited stronger antimicrobial properties against tested bacterial species than those of P. pungens. Effects of the tested cone essential oils on human skin fibroblasts and microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC‐1) were similar: in a concentration of 0 – 0.075 μl/ml the oils were rather safe for human skin fibroblasts and 0 – 0.005 μl/ml for HMEC‐1 cells. IC50 value of Picea pungens oils was 0.115 μl/ml, while that of Picea orientalis was 0.105 μl/ml. The value of IC50 of both oils were 0.035 μl/ml for HMEC‐1 cells. The strongest effect on cell viability had the oil from Picea orientalis cones, while on DNA synthesis the oil from Picea pungens cones.
Interkingdom Responses to Bacterial Quorum Sensing Signals Regulate Frequency and Rate of Nodulation in Legume–Rhizobia Symbiosis
Authors: Palmer Andrew G. , Mukherjee Arijit , Stacy Danielle M. , Lazar Stephen , Ané Jean‐Michel , Blackwell Helen E.
Published: October 2016

Density‐dependent phenotypic switching in bacteria, the phenomenon of quorum sensing (QS), is instrumental in many pathogenic and mutualistic behaviors. In many Gram‐negative bacteria, QS is regulated by N‐acylated‐l‐homoserine lactones (AHLs). Synthetic analogues of these AHLs hold significant promise for regulating QS at the host–symbiont interface. Regulation depends on refined temporal and spatial models of quorums under native conditions. Critical to this is an understanding of how the presence of these signals may affect a prospective host. We screened a library of AHL analogues for their ability to regulate the legume–rhizobia mutualistic symbiosis (nodulation) between Medicago truncatula and Sinorhizobium meliloti. Using an established QS‐reporter line of S. meliloti and nodulation assays with wild‐type bacteria, we identified compounds capable of increasing either the rate of nodule formation or total nodule number. Most importantly, we identified compounds with activity exclusive to either host or pathogen, underscoring the potential to generate QS modulators selective to bacteria with limited effects on a prospective host.
Catalytic Enantioselective and Regioselective [3+3] Cycloadditions Using 2‐Indolylmethanols as 3 C Building Blocks
Authors: Sun Xiao‐Xue , Zhang Hong‐Hao , Li Guo‐Hao , He Ying‐Ying , Shi Feng
Published: October 2016

The first catalytic asymmetric cycloaddition using 2‐indolylmethanols as 3C building blocks has been established by a chiral phosphoric acid‐catalyzed enantioselective and regioselective [3+3] cycloaddition of 2‐indolylmethanols with azomethine ylides, which constructed biologically important tetrahydro‐γ‐carboline frameworks in high yields and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 83 % yield, 99:1 e.r.). This reaction not only represents the first application of 2‐indolylmethanols as 3C building blocks in catalytic asymmetric cycloadditions, but also has established an abnormal regioselectivity in indolylmethanol‐involved transformations.
The Reductive Dehydration of Cellulose by Solid/Gas Reaction with TiCl4 at Low Temperature: A Cheap, Simple, and Green Process for Preparing Anatase Nanoplates and TiO2/C Composites
Authors: Plumejeau Sandrine , Rivallin Matthieu , Brosillon Stephan , Ayral André , Heux Laurent , Boury Bruno
Published: October 2016

Metal oxides and metal oxide/carbon composites are entering the development of new technologies and should therefore to be prepared by sustainable chemistry processes. Therefore, a new aspect of the reactivity of cellulose is presented through its solid/gas reaction with vapour of titanium(IV) chloride in anhydrous conditions at low temperature (80 °C). This reaction leads to two transformations both for cellulose and titanium(IV) chloride. A reductive dehydration of cellulose is seen at the lowest temperature ever reported and results in the formation of a carbonaceous fibrous solid as the only carbon‐containing product. Simultaneously, the in situ generation of water leads to the formation of titanium dioxide with an unexpected nanoplate morphology (ca. 50 nm thickness) and a high photocatalytic activity. We present the evidence showing the evolution of the cellulose and the TiO2 nanostructure formation, along with its photocatalytic activity. This low‐temperature process avoids any other reagents and is among the greenest processes for the preparation of anatase and also for TiO2/carbon composites. The anisotropic morphology of TiO2 questions the role of the cellulose on the growing process of these nanoparticles.
Photochemistry of N‐Arylsulfonimides: An Easily Available Class of Nonionic Photoacid Generators (PAGs)
Authors: Torti Edoardo , Protti Stefano , Merli Daniele , Dondi Daniele , Fagnoni Maurizio
Published: October 2016

The photochemical behavior of differently substituted N‐arylsulfonimides was investigated. Homolysis of the S−N bond took place as the exclusive path from the singlet state to afford both N‐arylsulfonamides and photo‐Fries adducts, the amount of which depended on reaction conditions and aromatic substituents. Sulfinic and sulfonic acids were released upon irradiation under deaerated and oxygenated conditions, respectively. The nature of the excited states and intermediates involved were proved by laser flash photolysis and EPR experiments. These results highlighted the potential of such compounds as nonionic photoacid generators able to photorelease up to two equivalents of a strong acid for each mole of substrate.
Structure–Activity Relationships in Salinomycin: Cytotoxicity and Phenotype Selectivity of Semi‐synthetic Derivatives
Authors: Borgström Björn , Huang Xiaoli , Hegardt Cecilia , Oredsson Stina , Strand Daniel
Published: October 2016

The ionophore salinomycin has attracted attention for its exceptional ability to selectively reduce the proportion of cells with stem‐like properties in cancer cell populations of varying origin. Targeting the tumorigenicity of such cells is of interest as they are implicated in recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Structural derivatives of salinomycin are thus sought after, both as tools for probing the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the observed phenotype effects, and for improving selectivity and activity against cancer stem cells. Synthetic strategies for modification of each of the directly accessible functional groups of salinomycin are presented and the resulting library of analogues was investigated to establish structure–activity relationships, both with respect to cytotoxicity and phenotype selectivity in breast cancer cells. 20‐O‐Acylated derivatives stand out by exhibiting both improved selectivity and activity. Mechanistically, the importance of the ionophore properties of salinomycin is highlighted by a significant loss of activity by modifications directly interfering with either of the two primary ion coordinating motifs in salinomycin, the C11 ketone and the C1 carboxylate.
Mechanism and Scope of Base‐Controlled Catalyst‐Free N‐Arylation of Amines with Unactivated Fluorobenzenes
Authors: Borch Jacobsen Christian , Meldal Morten , Diness Frederik
Published: October 2016

A general method for transition metal‐free N‐arylation of amines has been developed. Mechanistic studies have revealed that the ability of the base to facilitate the desired amination without promoting unwanted side reactions is the guiding factor. By employing lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide as a base the resultant deprotonated amines readily react with a range of unactivated fluorobenzene derivatives. This new arylation method is utilized for the simple two‐step synthesis of the antidepressant Vortioxetine.
Selective Host–Guest Co‐crystallization of Pyridine‐Functionalized Tetraphenylethylenes with Phthalic Acids and Multicolor Emission of the Co‐crystals
Authors: Feng Hai‐Tao , Xiong Jia‐Bin , Luo Jun , Feng Wen‐Fang , Yang Desuo , Zheng Yan‐Song
Published: October 2016

Tetraphenylethylene (TPE) and its derivatives are the most typical and most widely studied organic compounds showing aggregation‐induced emission (AIE). Due to their propeller‐like structures, V‐like clefts exist between the aryl rings, which make them promising host compounds. However, such a possibility is seldom explored. Herein, it is reported that TPE derivatives bearing two or four pyridine rings at the para positions of the phenyl rings (TPE‐Pys) can selectively include triangular (Δ‐like) m‐phthalic acid from a mixture of o‐, m‐, and p‐phthalic acids due to their shape complementary to form host–guest co‐crystals, which showed redder emission than the TPE‐Pys themselves. The emission of co‐crystals 1–5 could be reversibly switched between yellow and red by alternating exposure to HCl and ammonia vapor. The host–guest co‐crystals not only exhibited great potential for selectively recognizing and separating m‐phthalic acid and as multicolor emission materials, but are also suitable for use as secret ink due to their reversible color change on varying the host–guest interactions.
Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Dehydroboration via Generation of Boron Enolates
Authors: Sakamoto Yuki , Amaya Toru , Suzuki Takeyuki , Hirao Toshikazu
Published: October 2016

The PdII‐catalyzed dehydroboration of boron enolates generated from ketones and 9‐iodo‐9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane was achieved, providing a synthetically versatile protocol from ketones to α,β‐unsaturated ketones. The PdII compound employed in this reaction worked catalytically in the presence of Cu(OAc)2. The high trans‐selectivity of the olefinic moiety was observed. Aryl halide moieties (‐Br and ‐Cl) remained intact for this reaction in spite of the presence of a Pd species. An ester substrate could also be applied when a stoichiometric amount of PdII was used. The crossover reactions using boron and silyl enolates revealed that the oxidation reaction is much faster than the Saegusa‐Ito reaction.
Facile Electrospinning Synthesis of Carbonized Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/g‐C3N4 Hybrid Films for Photoelectrochemical Applications
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhao Xu , Tian Yang , Wang Yanbin , Jan Abdul Khaliq , Chen Yutong
Published: October 2016

The film‐forming ability and conductivity of graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) are still unsatisfying, despite much progress having been made in g‐C3N4‐related photocatalysts. New methods for synthesizing g‐C3N4 films coupled with excellent conductive materials are of significance. Herein, a facile method for synthesizing novel carbonized polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/g‐C3N4 (CPVP/g‐C3N4) films have been developed through an electrospinning technique. Nanocarbons are generated by in situ carbonization of PVP in the films, which could enhance the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of the films due to its good conductivity. The coverage of the CPVP/g‐C3N4 film is good and the films exhibit excellent PEC performance. Furthermore, the thickness of the films can be adjusted by varying the electrospinning time and substantially controlling the PEC performance, of which the photocurrent densities under visible‐light irradiation are 3.55, 4.92, and 6.64 μA cm−2 with spinning times of 40, 70, and 120 min, respectively. The photocurrent does not decrease until testing at 4000 s and the coverage is still good after the tests, which indicates the good stability of the films. The excellent PEC performance of the films and facile preparation method enables promising applications in energy and environmental remediation areas.
One‐Step Homologation for the Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Deoxypropionates
Authors: Xu Shiqing , Li Haijun , Komiyama Masato , Oda Akimichi , Negishi Ei‐ichi
Published: October 2016

A one‐step homologation protocol for the synthesis of natural products containing deoxypropionate motif is described by the combination of Zr‐catalyzed asymmetric carboalumination of alkenes (ZACA)‐Pd‐catalyzed vinylation and ZACA–oxidation reaction. In contrast to most other synthetic strategies used to date that typically require three steps per deoxypropionate unit due to the functional‐group interconversions, our one‐step homologation strategy promises to provide a general and more efficient synthetic route toward deoxypropionate natural products as exemplified by significant improvements in the syntheses of intermediates and/or final products of mycolipenic acid 1 and its analogue 2, (−)‐rasfonin, and syn‐ and anti‐dicarboxylic acids 5 and 6.
Phosphite‐Thiother Ligands Derived from Carbohydrates allow the Enantioswitchable Hydrogenation of Cyclic β‐Enamides by using either Rh or Ir Catalysts
Authors: Margalef Jèssica , Pàmies Oscar , Diéguez Montserrat
Published: October 2016

Phosphite‐thioether ligands with a simple modular architecture, derived from inexpensive l‐(+)‐tartaric acid and d‐mannitol, have been for the first time successfully applied (ee values up to 99 %) in the synthesis of 2‐aminotetralines and 3‐aminochromanes by metal‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of cyclic β‐enamides. The ligands have the advantages of the robustness of the thioether/phosphite moieties and the extra control provided by the flexibility of the chiral pocket through the presence of a biaryl phosphite group and a modular carbohydrate‐derived backbone. Moreover, they are solid and stable to air and they are therefore easy to handle, manipulate, and store. Usefully, both enantiomers of the hydrogenated products were obtained by simply switching from Rh to Ir. Low hydrogen pressure and environmentally friendly propylene carbonate can be used, with no loss of selectivity.
Expedient Synthesis of 1,2‐Thiaborines by Means of Sulfur Insertion into Boroles
Authors: Yruegas Sam , Martin Caleb D.
Published: October 2016

The propensity of boroles to undergo ring expansion reactions has been exploited as a route to generate 1,2‐thiaborines, molecules that can be viewed as hybrid inorganic/organic analogues of benzene. Computational studies as well as structural data indicate that the species reported here have a high degree of aromatic character.
Stereodivergent Aminocatalytic Synthesis of Z‐ and E‐Trisubstituted Double Bonds from Alkynals
Authors: Marzo Leyre , Luis‐Barrera Javier , Mas‐Ballesté Rubén , Ruano José Luis García , Alemán José
Published: October 2016

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of José Alemán at the University Autónoma of Madrid. The image depicts how the right temperature is important for organocatalytic processes and Spanish wine. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201603437.
Effect of interactions between spray jets on liquid distribution in a fluidized bed
Authors: Briens Cedric , Elkolaly Helal , Berruti Franco , McMillan Jennifer
Published: October 2016

In Fluid Cokers™, banks of spray nozzles are used to inject oil into a bed of hot coke particles. The purpose of this study is to determine whether interactions between spray jets could enhance liquid distribution on hot coke particles, which is crucial to improve the operability and performance of Fluid Cokers. A low temperature experimental model of Fluid Coking was used to measure the liquid distribution. Preliminary screening of nozzle positions employed conductance measurements. A binder solution was utilized to further investigate the most interesting nozzle interactions, by simulating at low temperature the formation of agglomerates during high temperature coking. Adding different dyes to the binder solutions injected by the different nozzles helped determine how nozzles interacted.

With two synchronized nozzles of the same size, the liquid distribution is greatly improved when the spray jets slightly merge due to the expansion time being significantly reduced. The merged spray jets result in an unstable single jet, which allows for bubbles to be released faster from the spray jet. Because the volume of the released bubble is about the same for individual and merged jets, the jets do not contract as much upon bubble release: this enhances the jets' ability to capture gas bubbles from the bed, accelerating their expansion. Fewer agglomerates are also produced due to the improved liquid distribution.
Cylindrical‐conical spouted bed dynamics: Laminar and turbulent flow predictions
Authors: Reza Md. Omar , Laugwitz Alexander , Nikrityuk Petr
Published: October 2016

This work numerically studies transient behaviour of particulate flows in a cylindrical‐conical spouted bed in terms of comparative analysis of different models’ predictions. Two approaches were used: a laminar flow model and a turbulent flow model. As a reference case, we consider experimental studies by He et al.,[14,15] where the profiles of vertical particle velocities and the void fraction in the spout and the fountain of a full‐column spout bed were measured. In this work we used the Euler‐Euler unsteady multiphase model with the Syamlal‐O'Brien, Gidaspow, and Wen‐Yu drag models available in commercial CFD software Fluent 14.0. Analysis of results obtained by the use of laminar and turbulent flow models revealed almost identical solid and gas phase velocities and phase fractions within the spouted bed region. We found that the turbulence plays a significant role only in the gas phase above the spouted bed and it does not have any influence on the solid phase. Comparing our simulation results in the form of time‐averaged vertical velocity of the solid phase against experimental data showed acceptable agreement in the spout and very good agreement in the fountain region. Numerical simulations with the Syamlal‐O'Brien drag model gave better agreement with experimental data than results obtained using the Gidaspow and Wen‐Yu drag models. To analyze the transient behaviour of the spouted bed, we use the volume‐averaged particle velocity and gas phase velocity. The analysis of their time histories showed that the start up time is 2–3 s. The developed unsteady regime is reached after 4–5 s. Additionally we studied numerically the influence of different discretization schemes for convective terms on the final results. We found that the use of 1st order upwind scheme gives a steady state solution for both models, laminar and turbulent. Finally, we investigated the influence of the restitution coefficient on the transient characteristics of a cylindrical‐conical spouted bed. A decrease in the value of the restitution coefficient leads to an increase in the period of oscillations of the volume‐averaged velocities of the gas and solid phases.
Phase 2 study of low‐dose clofarabine plus cytarabine for patients with higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome who have relapsed or are refractory to hypomethylating agents
Authors: Jabbour Elias , Faderl Stefan , Sasaki Koji , Kadia Tapan , Daver Naval , Pemmaraju Naveen , Patel Keyur , Khoury Joseph D. , Bueso‐Ramos Carlos , Bohannan Zachary , Ravandi Farhad , Borthakur Gautam , Verstovsek Srdan , Miller Darla , Maduike Rita , Hosing Chitra , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

The outcome of patients with higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) after hypomethylating agent (HMA) failure is poor. This study evaluated the safety and activity of a combination of low‐dose clofarabine and cytarabine for these patients.

METHODS

Seventy patients with higher‐risk MDS who had no response, progressed, or relapsed after at least 4 cycles of HMA therapy were treated.

RESULTS

The median age was 72 years. Thirty‐nine percent of the patients had high‐risk disease according to the International Prognostic Scoring System, and 50% of the patients had poor‐risk cytogenetics. Twenty‐three percent of the patients had therapy‐related MDS. The median number of prior cycles of HMA was 6 (range, 4‐45). The overall response rate was 44%. The 6‐week mortality rate was 9%. Grade 3 and higher nonhematologic toxicities were rare, but infections occurred in 52% of the patients, and fever of unknown origin occurred in 33%. The median overall survival (OS) was 10 months (95% confidence interval, 1‐37 months). Thirteen percent of the patients underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The responding patients had a median OS of 22 months, whereas the nonresponding patients had a median OS of 4 months. A complex karyotype was associated with worse response rates and OS.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of low‐dose clofarabine and cytarabine is clinically active in these patients with few treatment options.Cancer2017;123:629–637.©2016 American Cancer Society.
Patterns and Distribution of Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Elements Within Serial Electron Microscopic Reconstructions of Neuronal Arbors From the Medicinal Leech Hirudo verbana
Authors: Pipkin Jason E. , Bushong Eric A. , Ellisman Mark H. , Kristan Jr. William B.
Published: October 2016

Microscale connectomics involves the large‐scale acquisition of high‐resolution serial electron micrographs from which neuronal arbors can be reconstructed and synapses can be detected. In addition to connectivity information, these data sets are also rich with structural information, including vesicle types, number of postsynaptic partners at a given presynaptic site, and spatial distribution of synaptic inputs and outputs. This study uses serial block‐face scanning electron microscopy (EM) to collect two volumes of serial EM data from ganglia of the medicinal leech. For the first volume, we sampled a small fraction of the neuropil belonging to an adult ganglion. From this data set we measured the proportion of arbors that contained vesicles and the types of vesicles contained and developed criteria to identify synapses and to measure the number of apparent postsynaptic partners in apposition to presynaptic boutons. For the second data set, we sampled an entire juvenile ganglion, which included the somata and arbors of all the neurons. We used this data set to placd our findings from mature tissue in the context of fully reconstructed arbors and to explore the spatial distribution of synaptic inputs and outputs on these arbors. We observed that some neurons segregated their arbors into input only and mixed input/output zones, that other neurons contained exclusively mixed input/output zones, and that still others contained only input zones. These results provide the groundwork for future behavioral studies. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:1–1, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Amine‐Directed Hydrogen‐Bonded Two‐Dimensional Supramolecular Structures
Authors: Afsari Sepideh , Li Zhihai , Borguet Eric
Published: October 2016

Utilizing pure amine hydrogen bonding is a novel approach for constructing two‐dimensional (2D) networks. Further, such systems are capable of undergoing structural modifications due to changes in pH. In this study, we designed a 2D network of triaminobenzene (TAB) molecules that by varying the pH from neutral to acidic, form either ordered or disordered structures on Au(111) surface as revealed in scanning tunneling microscopy images. In near‐neutral solution (pH ≈5.5), protonation of TAB generates charged species capable of forming H‐bonds between amine groups of neighboring molecules resulting in the formation of a 2D supramolecular structure on the electrified surface. At lower pH, due to the protonation of the amine groups, intermolecular hydrogen bonding is no longer possible and no ordered structure is observed on the surface. This opens the possibility to employ pH as a chemical trigger to induce a phase transition in the 2D molecular network of triaminobenzene molecules.
Linear electrooptic effect of the monoclinic polar bismuth triborate, BiB3O6
Authors: Bohatý Ladislav , Ochrombel René , Liebertz Josef , Becker Petra
Published: October 2016

For the monoclinic (point group 2) nonlinear optical crystal BiB3O6 the linear electrooptic properties (Pockels effect), i.e. the 8 independent coefficients of the linear electrooptic tensor [] (at constant stress σ) at the wavelength λ = 632.8 nm are determined by a method based on Michelson interferometry. The electrooptic tensor is analysed with respect to the longitudinal and transverse effects and a classification of BiB3O6 as electrooptic material is given.
New Method for the Deposition of Nickel Oxide in Porous Scaffolds for Electrodes in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers
Authors: Ruiz‐Trejo Enrique , Puolamaa Milla , Sum Brian , Tariq Farid , Yufit Vladimir , Brandon Nigel P.
Published: October 2016

A simple chemical bath deposition is used to coat a complex porous ceramic scaffold with a conformal Ni layer. The resulting composite is used as a solid oxide fuel cell electrode, and its electrochemical response is measured in humidified hydrogen. X‐ray tomography is used to determine the microstructural characteristics of the uncoated and Ni‐coated porous structure, which include the surface area to total volume, the radial pore size, and the size of the necks between the pores.
Anionically Stabilized Cellulose Nanofibrils through Succinylation Pretreatment in Urea–Lithium Chloride Deep Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Selkälä Tuula , Sirviö Juho Antti , Lorite Gabriela S. , Liimatainen Henrikki
Published: October 2016

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are green chemicals that have the potential to replace traditional solvents in chemical reactions. In this study, urea–LiCl DES was used successfully as a reaction medium in the anionic functionalization of wood cellulose with succinic anhydride. The effects of reaction temperature and time on the carboxyl content and yield were evaluated. The analyses of the degree of polymerization and crystallinity revealed that the DES was a nondegrading and nondissolving reaction medium. Three samples with the highest carboxyl contents were further nanofibrillated with a microfluidizer to diameters of 2–7 nm, as observed by atomic force microscopy. Samples treated at 70–80 °C for 2 h gave the best outcome and resulted in highly viscose and transparent gels. The sample treated at 90 °C contained larger nanoparticles and larger aggregates owing to the occurrence of possible side reactions but resulted in better thermal stability.
Efficient resource provisioning using traffic balancing in multidomain optical networks
Authors: Batham Deepak , Yadav Dharmendra Singh , Prakash Shashi
Published: October 2016

In multidomain optical networks (MDONs) the emerging multimedia, multivendor applications–based scheduled traffic (ST) is periodic and repeated day by day. The traffic is heavy during the working hours and slack during the non‐office hours. This results in the scarcity of network resources during the working hours, leading to the increased blocking of requests, even though there remains relatively large underused capacity during the non‐office hours. To use the network resources uniformly and efficiently, the demands may be slided within or shifted along the time zones/windows. In this paper, we first propose a heuristic algorithm, time‐aware routing and wavelength assignment (TA‐RWA), which allocates resources without traffic balancing (TB) for the ST in MDON. Time‐aware routing and wavelength assignment policy is then used as a benchmark for comparison with the 3 different TB solutions (named as P1‐TB, P2‐TB, and P3‐TB), in which the network load is redistributed by rescheduling the intradomain and interdomain demands. We performed extensive simulation experiments in MATLAB environment and compared the proposed policies with the existing ordering policies. From the results, it can be inferred that the proposed TB policies outperform the TA‐RWA, and the existing strategies of the blocking probability, resource utilization ratio (RUR), and percentage of intradomain and interdomain connections established. The best performance is achieved using P3‐TB strategy, in which requests are slided within, and shifted, along different time windows. The strategy shows about 70% reduction in the percentage blocking probability with respect to the TA‐RWA and the existing strategies.
Progesterone from maternal circulation binds to progestin receptors in fetal brain
Authors: Wagner Christine K. , Quadros‐Mennella Princy
Published: October 2016

Steroid hormones activate nuclear receptors which, as transcription factors, can regulate critical aspects of neural development. Many regions of the rat forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain express progestin receptors (PR) during perinatal life, suggesting that progesterone may play an important role in the development of the brain. An immunohistochemical approach using two antibodies with differential recognition of ligand‐bound PR was used to examine whether fetuses are exposed to maternal progesterone during pregnancy and whether progesterone from maternal circulation can bind to PR within the fetal brain. Findings demonstrate that maternal and fetal serum progesterone levels are positively correlated at the end of gestation, suggesting a common source of progesterone in mothers and fetuses (e.g., the maternal ovary). Additional findings suggest that administration of exogenous progesterone to mothers not only increases fetal serum progesterone levels within 2 h, but appears to increase ligand‐bound PR in fetal brain. These findings suggest that progesterone of maternal origin may play a previously overlooked role in neural development. In addition, there are implications for the ongoing prophylactic use of synthetic progestins in pregnant women for the prevention of premature birth. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 767–774, 2017
Experimentally comparing the attractiveness of domestic lights to insects: Do LEDs attract fewer insects than conventional light types?
Authors: Wakefield Andrew , Broyles Moth , Stone Emma L. , Jones Gareth , Harris Stephen
Published: October 2016

LED lighting is predicted to constitute 70% of the outdoor and residential lighting markets by 2020. While the use of LEDs promotes energy and cost savings relative to traditional lighting technologies, little is known about the effects these broad‐spectrum “white” lights will have on wildlife, human health, animal welfare, and disease transmission. We conducted field experiments to compare the relative attractiveness of four commercially available “domestic” lights, one traditional (tungsten filament) and three modern (compact fluorescent, “cool‐white” LED and “warm‐white” LED), to aerial insects, particularly Diptera. We found that LEDs attracted significantly fewer insects than other light sources, but found no significant difference in attraction between the “cool‐” and “warm‐white” LEDs. Fewer flies were attracted to LEDs than alternate light sources, including fewer Culicoides midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Use of LEDs has the potential to mitigate disturbances to wildlife and occurrences of insect‐borne diseases relative to competing lighting technologies. However, we discuss the risks associated with broad‐spectrum lighting and net increases in lighting resulting from reduced costs of LED technology.
Importance of regional variation in conservation planning: a rangewide example of the Greater Sage‐Grouse
Authors: Doherty Kevin E. , Evans Jeffrey S. , Coates Peter S. , Juliusson Lara M. , Fedy Bradley C.
Published: October 2016

We developed rangewide population and habitat models for Greater Sage‐Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) that account for regional variation in habitat selection and relative densities of birds for use in conservation planning and risk assessments. We developed a probabilistic model of occupied breeding habitat by statistically linking habitat characteristics within 4 miles of an occupied lek using a nonlinear machine learning technique (Random Forests). Habitat characteristics used were quantified inGISand represent standard abiotic and biotic variables related to sage‐grouse biology. Statistical model fit was high (mean correctly classified = 82.0%, range = 75.4–88.0%) as were cross‐validation statistics (mean = 80.9%, range = 75.1–85.8%). We also developed a spatially explicit model to quantify the relative density of breeding birds across each Greater Sage‐Grouse management zone. The models demonstrate distinct clustering of relative abundance of sage‐grouse populations across all management zones. On average, approximately half of the breeding population is predicted to be within 10% of the occupied range. We also found that 80% of sage‐grouse populations were contained in 25–34% of the occupied range within each management zone. Our rangewide population and habitat models account for regional variation in habitat selection and the relative densities of birds, and thus, they can serve as a consistent and common currency to assess how sage‐grouse habitat and populations overlap with conservation actions or threats over the entire sage‐grouse range. We also quantified differences in functional habitat responses and disturbance thresholds across the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) management zones using statistical relationships identified during habitat modeling. Even for a species as specialized as Greater Sage‐Grouse, our results show that ecological context matters in both the strength of habitat selection (i.e., functional response curves) and response to disturbance.
Informing coral reef management decisions at four U.S. National Parks in the Pacific using long‐term monitoring data
Authors: Brown Eric K. , McKenna Sheila A. , Beavers Sallie C. , Clark Tim , Gawel Michael , Raikow David F.
Published: October 2016

Effective management of coral reefs is challenging because of local and global stressors. Robust monitoring data are critical to managing these resources. Between 2006 and 2008, the Pacific Island Network Inventory and Monitoring Program of the U.S. National Park Service implemented monitoring protocols at four national parks in Hawai'i (Kaloko‐Honokōhau National Historical Park [KAHO], Kalaupapa National Historical Park [KALA]), Guam (War in the Pacific National Historical Park [WAPA]), and American Samoa (National Park of American Samoa [NPSA]). Benthic marine community, marine fish, and land‐based surface and groundwater quality monitoring protocols used a split‐panel sampling design to collect data on ecosystem “vital signs” and processes. Vital signs included coral species richness, percent coverage of benthic community types, fish abundance and biomass, rugosity, and a suite of surface and groundwater quality parameters. Data on key processes included top‐down (e.g., fish trophic structure, bleaching, and disease) and bottom‐up (e.g., coral larval settlement, turbidity, pH, temperature, nitrogen, phosphorus, salinity, groundwater levels) controls. The importance of these monitoring data is highlighted in four case studies that described how the information was used to manage a diverse array of issues at the parks. First, coral reef areas vulnerable to Acanthaster planci (crown‐of‐thorns sea star) outbreaks at NPSA and WAPA were identified to determine whether, and where, to focus culling efforts. Second, data were used at KALA to delineate zones with high fish biomass that were sensitive to fishing activities and warranted increased management. Third, coral settlement data at KALA identified sensitive regions within the park. Fourth, land‐based surface water quality and groundwater dynamics monitoring data at KAHO were used to support management actions that mitigate land‐based threats to park coral reefs. Advantages of the monitoring program included the split‐panel sampling design, which provided a more complete picture of the resources with statistically robust data, and the efficacy of colocating and covisiting sites for multiple protocols. The case studies demonstrated the usefulness of these data in the short term. In the long term, these data will continue to yield significant information about ecosystem responses to anthropogenic impacts and natural events, vital to park planning processes.
Molecular Switching of Copper Complexes with Quaterpyridine
Authors: Adamski Ariel , Osińska Małgorzata , Kubicki Maciej , Hnatejko Zbigniew , Consiglio Giuseppe , Patroniak Violetta
Published: October 2016

Chemically and electrochemically induced interconversion between five one‐stranded complexes of copper(II) and the respective double‐stranded helicates of copper(I) bearing the ligand 6,6′′′‐dimethyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′:6′′,2′′′‐quaterpyridine (L) culminated in different luminescence properties. Five new mononuclear complexes of copper(II) bearing the ligand L {[CuIILCl2] (1), [CuIIL(ClO4)2] (2), [CuIIL(NO3)2] (3), [CuIIL(CF3SO3)2] (4), and [CuIIL(BF4)2] (5)} have been reduced in two different ways: The first, by using metallic copper, gave [CuI2L2][CuIICl4] (1a), [CuI2L2][CuII(ClO4)4] (2a), and [CuI2L2][CuII(NO3)4] (3a), and the second, by using ascorbic acid, led to [CuI2L2(CF3SO3)2] (4a) and [CuI2L2(BF4)2] (5a). The conversion of the helicates into mononuclear complexes can be implemented by oxidation with hydrogen peroxide or by the displacement of CuI by CuII ions.
Determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in milk samples. Development of green extraction coupled techniques for sample preparation
Authors: Berton Paula , Mammana Sabrina B. , Locatelli Daniela A. , Lana Nerina B. , Hapon María B. , Camargo Alejandra B. , Altamirano Jorgelina C.
Published: October 2016

Ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE), cloud point extraction (CPE), and ultrasound back‐extraction (UABE) techniques have been coupled for lixiviation, preconcentration, and cleanup of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) from milk samples for determination by gas chromatography‐electron capture detection (GC‐ECD). Physicochemical parameters that affect the efficiency of the extraction system were investigated using a design of experiments based on multivariate statistical tools, and considering the sample matrix along the development. The coupling of the leaching step, UAE, enhanced ca. 3.5 times the extraction efficiency of the former sample preparation methodology (CPE‐UABE) leading to cleaner sample extracts suitable for GC analysis. Under optimum conditions, the proposed methodology exhibits successful performance in terms of linearity and precision, with recoveries in the range of 68–70% and LODs within the range 0.05–0.5 ng/g dry weight (d.w.). The proposed sample preparation methodology coupled three green analytical techniques. It expands the application frontiers of CPE for the analysis of biological samples by GC. The optimized methodology was used for determination of PBDEs in powder milk samples, from both commercial and human sources.