bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Kinetics of Growth of Metallo‐supramolecular Polyelectrolytes in Solution
Authors: Munzert Stefanie Martina , Stier Simon P. , Schwarz Guntram , Weissman Haim , Rybtchinski Boris , Kurth Dirk G.
Published: April 2017

Several transition metal ions, like Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ complex to the ditopic ligand 1,4‐bis(2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridin‐4′‐yl)benzene (L). Due to the high association constant, metal‐ion induced self‐assembly of Fe2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ leads to extended, rigid‐rod like metallo‐supramolecular coordination polyelectrolytes (MEPEs) even in aqueous solution. Here, we present the kinetics of growth of MEPEs. The species in solutions are analyzed by light scattering, viscometry and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM). At near‐stoichiometric amounts of the reactants, we obtained high molar masses, which follow the order Ni‐MEPE≈Co‐MEPE<Fe‐MEPE. The experiments indicate that the kinetics of MEPE growth follows a reversible step‐growth mechanism. The forward polymerization rate constants follow the order Co‐MEPE<Fe‐MEPE<Ni‐MEPE and the growth of MEPEs can be accelerated by adding potassium acetate.
A 1,2‐Addition Pathway for C(sp2)−H Activation at a Dinickel Imide
Authors: Powers Ian G. , Kiattisewee Cholpisit , Mullane Kimberly C. , Schelter Eric J. , Uyeda Christopher
Published: April 2017

A dinickel imido complex was synthesized using a redox‐active naphthyridine‐diimine supporting ligand. Upon coordination of an external ligand, the Ni2 core was disrupted, triggering an aromatic C−H activation reaction to generate a Ni2(μ‐NHAr)(Ar) species. This intermediate is capable of liberating free carbazole and phenanthridine products upon heating or treatment with excess tBuNC. Collectively, these studies establish a kinetically facile 1,2‐addition mechanism for C(sp2)−H activation, taking advantage of cooperative reactivity between two Ni centers.
A Numerical Research on Limits of the Dispersion Model
Authors: Song Feifei , Schmid Thomas , Häfeli Richard , von Rohr Philipp Rudolf
Published: April 2017

The axial dispersion in tubular reactors is frequently modeled by the dispersion model, which is an analytical solution under the assumption that the vessel dispersion number is sufficiently small. In this study, limits until which the analytical solution is valid are investigated by comparison with the numerical method. The results show that it is applied only if the vessel dispersion number is small enough and the entrance effect of the tracer is avoided. Therefore, an algorithm based on the numerical solution of the control equation of dispersion is proposed, which allows for higher vessel dispersion numbers.
Roles of Hydroxyl Groups During Side‐Chain Alkylation of Toluene with Methanol over Zeolite Na‐Y: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Li Xu , Lu Junran , Li Yi , Yu Jihong
Published: April 2017

The side‐chain alkylation of toluene with methanol over alkali‐cation‐containing zeolite Y is an important reaction for industrial production of styrene, but the exact mechanism of this reaction is still unclear. The most accepted opinion is that the Lewis acid–base sites in zeolite Y activate the transformation from methanol to formaldehyde, the side‐chain alkylation of toluene with formaldehyde, and the formation of 2‐phenylethanol and styrene afterwards. In this study, we investigate the roles of various types of hydroxyl groups that could possibly exist in zeolite Na‐Y during this reaction, including the Brönsted acid sites and the terminal Al—OH and Si—OH groups, respectively. Through density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we find that the Brönsted acid sites in Na‐Y may catalyze the ring alkylation of toluene and be responsible for the formation of xylene, a side product discovered in experiments. More importantly, we find, for the first time, a new reaction pathway from 2‐phenylethanol to styrene over various types of hydroxyl groups in Na‐Y, which is kinetically more favorable than the conventional pathway. According to our calculation results, the most possible mechanism for this styrene production process may involve reactions over both the Lewis acid–base sites and the hydroxyl groups in Na‐Y.
Chromatographic Resolution of α‐Amino Acids by (R)‐(3,3'‐Halogen Substituted‐1,1'‐binaphthyl)‐20‐crown‐6 Stationary Phase in HPLC
Authors: Wu Peng , Wu Yuping , Zhang Junhui , Lu Zhenyu , Zhang Mei , Chen Xuexian , Yuan Liming
Published: April 2017

Three new chiral stationary phases (CSPs) for high‐performance liquid chromatography were prepared from R‐(3,3'‐halogen substituted‐1,1'‐binaphthyl)‐20‐crown‐6 (halogen = Cl, Br and I). The experimental results showed that R‐(3,3'‐dibromo‐1,1'‐binaphthyl)‐20‐crown‐6 (CSP‐1) possesses more prominent enantioselectivity than the two other halogen‐substituted crown ether derivatives. All twenty‐one α‐amino acids have different degrees of separation on R‐(3,3'‐dibromo‐1,1'‐binaphthyl)‐20‐crown‐6‐based CSP‐1 at room temperature. The enantioselectivity of CSP‐1 is also better than those of some commercial R‐(1,1'‐binaphthyl)‐20‐crown‐6 derivatives. Both the separation factors (α) and the resolution (Rs) are better than those of commercial crown ether‐based CSPs [CROWNPAK CR(+) from Daicel] under the same conditions for asparagine, threonine, proline, arginine, serine, histidine and valine, which cannot be separated by commercial CR(+). This study proves the commercial usefulness of the R‐(3,3'‐dibromo‐1,1'‐binaphthyl)‐20‐crown‐6 chiral stationary phase.
Comparing outcomes of matched related donor and matched unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplants in adults with B‐Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Segal Eric , Martens Michael , Wang Hai‐Lin , Brazauskas Ruta , Weisdorf Daniel , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Khoury H. Jean , de Lima Marcos , Saber Wael
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–matched related donors (RDs) and allogeneic HCT using HLA‐matched unrelated donors (URDs) produce similar outcomes for patients with acute myelogenous leukemia, whereas the donor source has been reported to be a predictor of outcomes in myelodysplastic syndrome.

METHODS

Post‐HCT outcomes for 1458 acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients from 2000 to 2011 were analyzed, and RD and URD transplants were compared.

RESULTS

The median age was 37 years (range, 18‐69 years). In the multivariate analysis, HLA 8/8 allele–matched URD recipients had similar transplant‐related mortality (TRM) and all‐cause mortality in comparison with RD recipients (hazard ratios [HRs], 1.16 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.91‐1.48] and 1.01 [95% CI, 0.85‐1.19], respectively); 7/8 URD recipients had a greater risk of TRM and all‐cause mortality in comparison with RD recipients (HRs, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.47‐2.52] and 1.29 [95% CI, 1.05‐1.58], respectively). The risk of TRM and all‐cause mortality was also greater for 7/8 URD recipients versus 8/8 URD recipients. Compared with RD recipients, both 8/8 and 7/8 URD recipients had a lower risk of relapse (HRs, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.62‐0.97] and 0.75 [95% CI, 0.56‐1.00], respectively). Both 8/8 and 7/8 URD recipients had a greater risk of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD; HRs, 2.18 [95% CI, 1.76‐2.70] and 2.65 [95% CI, 2.06‐3.42], respectively) and chronic GVHD (HRs, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.06‐1.55] and 1.46 [95% CI, 1.14‐1.88], respectively) in comparison with RD recipients.

CONCLUSIONS

In the absence of RD transplantation, 8/8 URD transplantation is a viable alternative with similar survival outcomes, whereas 7/8 URD transplantation is associated with poorer overall survival. Cancer 2017;123:3346‐55. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Rational Hydrogel Formulation Leads to Reversible and Enhanced Photocontrolled Rigidity
Authors: Royes Mir Jorge , Coudret Christophe , Roux Clément , Benoit‐Marquié Florence , Cazalès Martine , Séverac Childerick , Lorenzo Corinne , Mingotaud Anne‐Françoise
Published: April 2017

Stimuli‐responsive hydrogels are essential for the future development of synthetic materials that could exchange information with living tissues. In this Article, we present the synthesis of biocompatible hydrogels with an unprecedented range of photocontrolled rigidity. The hydrogels are based on dual physical and chemical crosslinking. Chemical crosslinks are the result of thiol maleimide Michael addition; physical crosslinks are based on host–guest interactions between azobenzene and β‐cyclodextrin moieties. The final properties of the materials are tuned by a design‐of‐experiment approach. This strategy enables us to obtain a hydrogel with mechanical properties close to routinely used agarose gel while maintaining a low UV‐visible absorption. The Young's modulus is monitored in real time during AFM nanoindentation experiments under irradiation. Upon UV and visible irradiation cycles, the hydrogel exhibits a range of reversible evolution greater than 30 %, which is also associated with cycles of swelling/shrinking. A biocompatible hydrogel with predictable and phototunable stiffness and a high variation in mechanical properties has thus been obtained for the first time.
Optimizing the Near‐Infrared Performance of Photorefractive Composites by Chemical Modification of the Sensitizer
Authors: Koeber Sebastian , Seidenspinner Andreas , Meerholz Klaus , Krüger Hartmut , Janietz Silvia
Published: April 2017

The influence of structural changes of a naphthalene–bisimide sensitizer on the photorefractive behavior of the respective polymeric composites is reported. By increasing the number of attached thiophene units, the band gap of the sensitizer was gradually reduced, leading to an increased absorption cross‐section of the photorefractive materials. However, the electron‐accepting capabilities as well as the relative content of the sensitizer in the composites remained unchanged for the whole series. The increased absorption had a remarkably beneficial effect on both the steady‐state as well as the dynamic performance of the composites, leading to a material which is able to outperform the former fastest and most sensitive material at the utilized wavelength by a factor of two.
Design of robust digitally controlled DC–DC converters in the presence of strong interference
Authors: Hayes Brendan , Condon Marissa , Giaouris Damian
Published: April 2017

One of the main advantages of digital control is the ability to design more sophisticated control strategies to enable high‐performance dc–dc converters. One such example is a buck converter operating with a digital state‐feedback controller. Previous works characterise the nonlinear dynamics of such systems under ideal operating conditions. However, in practical applications, these conditions cannot be guaranteed. The focus of this work is on the behaviour of such systems when they operate in the presence of strong interference signals. Previous works on the effect of noise have shown that intermittent operation is possible when the frequency of the noise signal is close to the switching frequency. Intermittent operation can be characterised by long periods of stable operation interspersed with periods of unstable or chaotic operation, which greatly downgrade the efficiency and performance of the converter and reduce its lifetime as for example increase the current ripple or add extra AC components at its output. Typically, such behaviour is avoided by modifying the circuit parameters. However, little or no work exists on developing design guidelines in order to effect its elimination. This is the focus of this research, that is, by utilising Filippov's theory on discontinuous differential equations, to set out a design procedure that can be applied to any dc–dc converter, to tune its controller in order to eliminate intermittent operation. As a case study, the digitally controlled buck converter with a state‐feedback control law is selected. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new parameterization for integrated population models to document amphibian reintroductions
Authors: Duarte Adam , Pearl Christopher A. , Adams Michael J. , Peterson James T.
Published: April 2017

Managers are increasingly implementing reintroduction programs as part of a global effort to alleviate amphibian declines. Given uncertainty in factors affecting populations and a need to make recurring decisions to achieve objectives, adaptive management is a useful component of these efforts. A major impediment to the estimation of demographic rates often used to parameterize and refine decision‐support models is that life‐stage‐specific monitoring data are frequently sparse for amphibians. We developed a new parameterization for integrated population models to match the ecology of amphibians and capitalize on relatively inexpensive monitoring data to document amphibian reintroductions. We evaluate the capability of this model by fitting it to Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) monitoring data collected from 2007 to 2014 following their reintroduction within the Klamath Basin, Oregon,USA. The number of egg masses encountered and the estimated adult and metamorph abundances generally increased following reintroduction. We found that survival probability from egg to metamorph ranged from 0.01 in 2008 to 0.09 in 2009 and was not related to minimum spring temperatures, metamorph survival probability ranged from 0.13 in 2010–2011 to 0.86 in 2012–2013 and was positively related to mean monthly temperatures (logit‐scale slope = 2.37), adult survival probability was lower for founders (0.40) than individuals recruited after reintroduction (0.56), and the mean number of egg masses per adult female was 0.74. Our study is the first to test hypotheses concerning Oregon spotted frog egg‐to‐metamorph and metamorph‐to‐adult transition probabilities in the wild and document their response at multiple life stages following reintroduction. Furthermore, we provide an example to illustrate how the structure of our integrated population model serves as a useful foundation for amphibian decision‐support models within adaptive management programs. The integration of multiple, but related, data sets has an advantage of being able to estimate complex ecological relationships across multiple life stages, offering a modeling framework that accommodates uncertainty, enforces parsimony, and ensures all model parameters can be confronted with monitoring data.
Characterizing ontogenetic habitat shifts in marine fishes: advancing nascent methods for marine spatial management
Authors: Galaiduk Ronen , Radford Ben T. , Saunders Benjamin J. , Newman Stephen J. , Harvey Euan S.
Published: April 2017

Niche requirements and habitat resource partitioning by conspecific fishes of different sizes are significant knowledge gaps in the species distribution modelling domain. Management actions and operations are typically concentrated on static habitats, or specific areas of interest, without considering movement patterns of species associated with ontogenetic shifts in habitat usage. Generalized additive models were used to model the body‐length–habitat relationships of six fish species. These models were used to identify subsets of environmental parameters that drive and explain the continuous length–habitat relationships for each of the study species, which vary in their degree of ecological and/or commercial importance. Continuous predictive maps of the length distributions for each of the six study species across approximately 200 km2 of the study area were created from these models. The spatial patterns in habitat partitioning by individuals of different body lengths for all six study species provide strong evidence for ontogenetic shifts. This highlights the importance of considering ontogenetic processes for marine spatial management. Importantly, predictive hotspot maps were created that identify potential areas that accumulate individuals of similar life stages of multiple species (e.g., multispecies nursery areas). In circumstances where limited resources are available for monitoring and management of fish resources, predictive modelling is a valuable tool for studying previously overlooked processes such as ontogenetic habitat shifts. Predictive modelling provides crucial information that elucidates spatial patterns in community composition across mosaics of benthic habitats. This novel technique can contribute to the spatial management of coastal fish and fisheries by identifying areas that are important for different life history stages of multiple fish species.
Influence of pollen limitation and inbreeding depression in the maintenance of incomplete dichogamy in Salvia elegans
Authors: Rosas‐Guerrero Víctor , Hernández Diego , Cuevas Eduardo
Published: April 2017

The widespread presence of incomplete dichogamy (i.e., partial separation in time between male and female phases) in flowering plants is a long‐standing question in floral evolution. In this study, we proposed four scenarios in which depending on the particular combination of pollen limitation and inbreeding depression, the presence of complete dichogamy, incomplete dichogamy, or adichogamy may be favored. Moreover, we evaluated the role of pollen limitation and inbreeding depression in a natural population of Salvia elegans to test the validity of our predicted scenarios. Our results indicate that S. elegans is partially protandrous as pollen viability and stigma receptivity overlap in the last days of life of the flower. Furthermore, through pollination treatments, we found no evidence of pollen limitation or inbreeding depression in any of the evaluated fitness components. As expected by one of the proposed scenarios, incomplete dichogamy seems to be favored in plants with absence of inbreeding depression and pollen limitation as a way to diminish interference between male and female functions.
Coevolution leaves a weak signal on ecological networks
Authors: Ponisio Lauren C. , M'Gonigle Leithen K.
Published: April 2017

One of the major challenges in evolutionary ecology is to understand how coevolution shapes species interaction networks. Important topological properties of networks such as nestedness and modularity are thought to be affected by coevolution. However, there has been no test whether coevolution does, in fact, lead to predictable network structure. Here, we investigate the structure of simulated bipartite networks generated under different modes of coevolution. We ask whether evolutionary processes influence network structure and, furthermore, whether any emergent trends are influenced by the strength or “intimacy” of the species interactions. We find that coevolution leaves a weak and variable signal on network topology, particularly nestedness and modularity, which was not strongly affected by the intimacy of interactions. Our findings indicate that network metrics, on their own, should not be used to make inferences about processes underlying the evolutionary history of communities. Instead, a more holistic approach that combines network approaches with traditional phylogenetic and biogeographic reconstructions is needed.
Serelaxin in addition to standard therapy in acute heart failure: rationale and design of the RELAX‐AHF‐2 study
Authors: Teerlink John R. , Voors Adriaan A. , Ponikowski Piotr , Pang Peter S. , Greenberg Barry H. , Filippatos Gerasimos , Felker G. Michael , Davison Beth A. , Cotter Gad , Gimpelewicz Claudio , Boer‐Martins Leandro , Wernsing Margaret , Hua Tsushung A. , Severin Thomas , Metra Marco
Published: April 2017

Patients admitted for acute heart failure (AHF) experience high rates of in‐hospital and post‐discharge morbidity and mortality despite current therapies. Serelaxin is recombinant human relaxin‐2, a hormone with vasodilatory and end‐organ protective effects believed to play a central role in the cardiovascular and renal adaptations of human pregnancy. In the phase 3 RELAX‐AHF trial, serelaxin met its primary endpoint of improving dyspnoea through day 5 in patients admitted for AHF. Compared to placebo, serelaxin also reduced worsening heart failure (WHF) by 47% through day 5 and both all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality by 37% through day 180. RELAX‐AHF‐2 (
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01870778) is designed to confirm serelaxin's effect on these clinical outcomes. RELAX‐AHF‐2 is a multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, event‐driven, phase 3 trial enrolling ∼6800 patients hospitalized for AHF with dyspnoea, congestion on chest radiograph, increased natriuretic peptide levels, mild‐to‐moderate renal insufficiency, and systolic blood pressure ≥125 mmHg. Patients are randomized within 16 h of presentation to 48 h intravenous infusions of serelaxin (30 µg/kg/day) or placebo, both in addition to standard of care treatments. The primary objectives are to demonstrate that serelaxin is superior to placebo in reducing: (i) 180 day cardiovascular death, and (ii) occurrence of WHF through day 5. Key secondary endpoints include 180 day all‐cause mortality, composite of 180 day combined cardiovascular mortality or heart failure/renal failure rehospitalization, and in‐hospital length of stay during index AHF. The results from RELAX‐AHF‐2 will provide data on the potential beneficial effect of serelaxin on cardiovascular mortality and WHF in selected patients with AHF.
Enhancement of Growth of MOF MIL‐68(Al) Thin Films on Porous Alumina Tubes Using Different Linking Agents
Authors: Perea‐Cachero Adelaida , Calvo Pablo , Romero Enrique , Téllez Carlos , Coronas Joaquín
Published: April 2017

The preparation of MIL‐68(Al) films on the inner surface of alumina tubes is reported. As the direct deposition of the MOF on bare alumina gives poor adhesion results, three different linking agents are employed to achieve a good MOF–support interaction. Colloidal silica LUDOX®, zeolite silicalite‐1, and natural polysaccharide chitosan are chosen as binders, because they contain potential functional groups (hydroxy, amino, ether), which can establish hydrogen bonds. While colloidal silica leads to noncontinuous MOF layers, silicalite‐1 and chitosan give rise to uniform and well‐anchored films, as confirmed by the different characterization techniques used to study the MOF layer. Single‐gas permeation experiments are carried out to determine the quality and ideal efficiency of the membranes prepared with silicalite‐1 and chitosan. The results for the MIL‐68(Al)/silicalite‐1 membranes evidence the existence of macrodefects. However, no cracks are found when chitosan is used as a linking agent, and the gas flow through the MIL‐68(Al)/chitosan membranes clearly follows Knudsen diffusion.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of trans‐2,3‐Diaryl(heteroaryl)‐3,6‐dihydropyrans by an Allylboration/Ring‐Closing‐Metathesis Sequence
Authors: Nocquet Pierre‐Antoine , Corbu Andrei , Meerpoel Lieven , Stansfield Ian , Berthelot Didier , Angibaud Patrick , Cossy Janine
Published: April 2017

trans‐2,3‐Diaryl(heteroaryl)‐dihydropyrans were synthesized by an allylboration/ring‐closing‐metathesis sequence, using allylboranes formed in situ from the corresponding allylic alcohols. Aryl(heteroaryl) substituents were thus installed diastereoselectively onto dihydropyran rings in a trans fashion. These disubstituted dihydropyrans were further transformed into monosaccharide‐like tetrahydropyrans.
In Pursuit of β‐Amino‐α‐nitro‐β‐(trifluoromethyl) Ketones: Nitro‐Mannich versus Mannich‐Type Reactions
Authors: Pelagalli Alessia , Pellacani Lucio , Fioravanti Stefania
Published: April 2017

The reactivity of α‐nitro ketones with trifluoromethyl aldimines has been studied for the first time. Whereas under nitro‐Mannich conditions only the facial stereoselectivity can be controlled, organocatalysed Mannich‐type reactions allowed complete control of the absolute and relative stereoselectivity, leading to highly functionalised β‐amino‐α‐nitro‐β‐(trifluoromethyl) compounds as diastereomerically pure compounds. The structures of the reactants play a key role in the geometrical and/or facial stereoselectivity.
Topographic forcing of tidal sandbar patterns for irregular estuary planforms
Authors: Leuven J. R. F. W. , de Haas T. , Braat L. , Kleinhans M. G.
Published: April 2017

Estuaries typically show converging planforms from the sea into the land. Nevertheless, their planform is rarely perfectly exponential and often shows curvature and the presence of embayments. Here we test the degree to which the shapes and dimensions of tidal sandbars depend on estuary planform. We assembled a dataset with 35 estuary planforms and properties of 190 tidal bars to induce broad‐brush but significant empirical relations between channel planform, hydraulic geometry and bar pattern, and tested a linear stability theory for bar pattern. We found that the location where bars form is largely controlled by the excess width of a channel, which is calculated as the observed channel width minus the width of an ideal exponentially widening estuary. In general, the summed width of bars approximates the excess width as measured in the along‐channel variation of three estuaries for which bathymetry was available as well as for the local measurements in the 35 investigated estuaries. Bar dimensions can be predicted by either the channel width or the tidal prism, because channel width also strongly depends on local tidal prism. Also braiding index was predicted within a factor of 2 from excess width divided by the predicted bar width. Our results imply that estuary planform shape, including mudflats and saltmarsh as well as bar pattern, depend on inherited Holocene topography and lithology and that eventually convergent channels will form if sufficient sediment is available. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analyzing the capacity of the Daphnia magna and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata bioavailability models to predict chronic zinc toxicity at high pH and low calcium concentrations and formulation of a generalized bioavailability model for D. magna
Authors: Van Regenmortel Tina , Berteloot Olivier , Janssen Colin R. , De Schamphelaere Karel A. C.
Published: April 2017

Risk assessment in the European Union implements Zn bioavailability models to derive predicted-no-effect concentrations for Zn. These models are validated within certain boundaries (i.e., pH ≤ 8 and Ca concentrations ≥ 5mg/L), but a substantial fraction of the European surface waters falls outside these boundaries. Therefore, we evaluated whether the chronic Zn biotic ligand model (BLM) for Daphnia magna and the chronic bioavailability model for Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata could be extrapolated to pH > 8 and Ca concentrations < 5 mg/L. Results from D. magna experiments suggested that the BLM is not able to reflect the pH effect over a broad pH range (5.5–8.5). In addition, because of Ca deficiency of D. magna in the soft water tests, we cannot conclude whether the BLM is applicable below its Ca boundary. Results for P. subcapitata experiments showed that the bioavailability model can accurately predict Zn toxicity for Ca concentrations down to 0.8 mg/L and pH values up to 8.5. Because the chronic Zn BLM for D. magna could not be extrapolated beyond its validity boundaries for pH, a generalized bioavailability model (gBAM) was developed. Of 4 gBAMs developed, we recommend the use of gBAM-D, which combines a log-linear relation between the 21-d median effective concentrations (expressed as free Zn2+ ion activity) and pH, with more conventional BLM-type competition constants for Na, Ca, and Mg. This model is a first step in further improving the accuracy of chronic toxicity predictions of Zn as a function of water chemistry, which can decrease the uncertainty in implementing the bioavailability-based predicted-no-effect concentration in the risk assessment of high-pH and low–Ca concentration regions in Europe. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2781–2798. © 2017 SETAC
Abandonment process for injection well of China's Shenhua carbon dioxide geological storage demonstration project
Authors: Li Qi , Li Xiaying , Kuang Dongqin , Niu Zhiyong , Li Xiaochun , Lu Xutao , Ma Jianli , Wei Xiaochen
Published: April 2017

The abandonment process is a highly important part of project management for CO2 capture and storage (CCS) projects. For the first full procedure of a CO2 geological storage demonstration project in a deep saline aquifer in China, this paper describes the abandonment process of a CO2 operating well. The key idea that we advance is that wellbore integrity tests should be conducted before the abandonment, and consideration must be given to the CO2 corrosion resistance materials, the design method of sealing the plugs, monitoring tests (such as pressure tests), and the use of a long‐term monitoring system (such as the original pressure test and a packer isolation test every year). According to Chinese regulations and related experience in the oil and gas industry, the factors chosen are the pressure factor, cap rock, potable water layer, unexploited resource layer, suspected leak path, perforated zone, productive hydrocarbon zone without perforation, and water‐injection and waste‐water treatment layers. We intuitively evaluate and quantify the plugged zones using the modified analytical hierarchy process (M‐AHP) method to determine the positions of the plugs. Next, referring to the Chinese regulations on Well abandonment and inactive well practices, the last plug located in the Quaternary strata is compulsorily ensured, and the length of all plugs is also determined. Finally, the paper summarizes the methodology and presents suggestions for the abandonment process of the Shenhua CCS project. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognostic survival value of retropharyngeal lymph node involvement in sinonasal tumors: A retrospective, descriptive, and exploratory study
Authors: Gangl Katharina , Nemec Stefan , Altorjai Gabriela , Pammer Johannes , Grasl Matthaeus Ch. , Erovic Boban M.
Published: April 2017

Background

Sinonasal carcinomas are rare. The purpose of this study was for us to present our assessment of the effects of retropharyngeal lymph node involvement at diagnosis on patient outcomes.

Methods

Retropharyngeal lymph node involvement in 36 patients with sinonasal carcinoma was determined by radiology at initial presentation. Clinical outcome, in particular, overall survival (OS) and locoregional control, was assessed by Kaplan‐Meier analysis and log‐rank testing.

Results

Retropharyngeal lymph node involvement was associated with statistically significant decreased OS (P = .0066) in the patient collective. In the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) subgroup (n = 23), decreased OS (P = .0046) and worse locoregional control (P = .0065) were observed. In these patients, decreased OS (P = .0423) and worse locoregional control (P = .0315) were also seen in the advanced tumor subgroup.

Conclusion

Retropharyngeal lymph node involvement at diagnosis is a significant prognostic factor for decreased OS and locoregional control in sinonasal carcinoma.
Differences and cause analysis of changes in lakes of different supply types in the north‐western Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Qiao Baojin , Zhu Liping
Published: April 2017

Most lakes of the Tibetan Plateau were experiencing quick expansion in recent decades; a detailed study on the changes in lakes of different supply types will help to understand the cause of the changes by analysing area change of 34 lakes and water level change of eight lakes in the north‐western Tibetan Plateau. All lakes are classified into three types: non‐glacier‐fed lakes, upstream lakes and glacier‐fed lakes. The glacier‐fed lakes are separated into glacier‐fed_P1 (quick expansion region) and glacier‐fed_P2 (slow expansion region). Combining the changes in precipitation, temperature and evaporation, less precipitation may be the main reason for lake shrinkage from 1976 to 1996 and quickly increasing precipitation led to the lakes' expansion from 1996 to 2000. However, after 2000, upstream lakes remained in a stable state with slight variation, non‐glacier‐fed lakes and glacier‐fed_P2 lakes exhibited a slightly increasing rate with high precipitation and high evaporation, and glacier‐fed_P1 lakes still expanded quickly. On the basis of the assumption of same precipitation and evaporation, glacial meltwater may make an important contribution (>52%) to the increase in water storage of Bangdag Co and Meima Co. The results suggest that glacial meltwater augments the increased rate of glacier‐fed_P2 lakes and plays a much more important role in the expansion of glacier‐fed_P1 lakes compared to other lakes.
Use of a geographic information system to assess accessibility to health facilities providing emergency obstetric and newborn care in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Mahbub E. , Biswas Taposh K. , Rahman Monjur , Pasha Kamal , Hossain Mollah A.
Published: April 2017

Objective

To use a geographic information system (GIS) to determine accessibility to health facilities for emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) and compare coverage with that stipulated by UN guidelines (5 EmONC facilities per 500 000 individuals, ≥1 comprehensive).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was undertaken of all public facilities providing EmONC in 24 districts of Bangladesh from March to October 2012. Accessibility to each facility was assessed by applying GIS to estimate the proportion of catchment population (comprehensive 500 000; basic 100 000) able to reach the nearest facility within 2 hours and 1 hour of travel time, respectively, by existing road networks.

Results

The minimum number of public facilities providing comprehensive and basic EmONC services (1 and 5 per 500 000 individuals, respectively) was reached in 16 and 3 districts, respectively. However, after applying GIS, in no district did 100% of the catchment population have access to these services. A minimum of 75% and 50% of the population had accessibility to comprehensive services in 11 and 5 districts, respectively. For basic services, accessibility was much lower.

Conclusion

Assessing only the number of EmONC facilities does not ensure universal coverage; accessibility should be assessed when planning health systems.
PGC‐1α in Melanoma: A Key Factor for Antioxidant Response and Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Torrens‐Mas Margalida , González‐Hedström Daniel , Abrisqueta Marta , Roca Pilar , Oliver Jordi , Sastre‐Serra Jorge
Published: April 2017

Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) and BRAF are common mutations in melanoma. Through different pathways, they each regulate the expression of PGC‐1α, which is a key factor in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and the antioxidant response. Our aim was to study the importance of the different regulatory characteristics of MC1R and BRAF on the pathways they regulate in melanoma. For this purpose, ROS production, levels of gene expression and enzymatic activities were analyzed in HBL and MeWo, with wild‐type MC1R and BRAF, and A375 cells with mutant MC1R and BRAF. HBL cells showed a functional MC1R‐PGC‐1α pathway and exhibited the lowest ROS production, probably because of a better mitochondrial pool and the presence of UCP2. On the other hand, MeWo cells showed elevated levels of PGC‐1α but also high ROS production, similar to the A375 cells, along with an activated antioxidant response and significantly low levels of UCP2. Finally, A375 cells are mutant for BRAF, and thus showed low levels of PGC‐1α. Consequently, A375 cells exhibited poor mitochondrial biogenesis and function, and no antioxidant response. These results show the importance of the activation of the MC1R‐PGC‐1α pathway for mitochondrial biogenesis and function in melanoma development, as well as BRAF for the antioxidant response regulated by PGC‐1α. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4404–4413, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of R279Q and C1562T polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinase 9 gene and increased risk for myocardial infarction in patients with premature coronary artery disease
Authors: Sheikhvatan Mehrdad , Boroumand Mohammad Ali , Behmanesh Mehrdad , Ziaee Shayan
Published: April 2017

Background

A number of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene polymorphisms has been identified which may be probably related to premature myocardial infarction (MI).

Objective

We assessed the relationship between the two polymorphisms of the MMP9 gene including R279Q and C1562T and occurrence of premature MI.

Methods

The study has two phases including a case‐control study as the first phase and cohort study as the second phase. Initially, 1000 patients with premature coronary artery disease were classified into MI and non‐MI groups. Genotyping of the polymorphism was conducted by PCRRFLP and high‐resolution melting techniques. Given the two conditions of patients residing in Tehran and faced with their first episode of MI, 640 of 1000 study samples previously followed up with a median follow‐up time of 45.74 months were assessed in a retrospective cohort phase regarding long‐term major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Results

The prevalence of wild, heterozygous, and mutant genotypes of R279Q polymorphism in MI group was 14.5%, 57.3%, and 28.2% and in non‐MI group was 36.9%, 38.4%, and 24.7%, respectively, with a considerable difference (P<.001). There was a significant difference in the prevalence of wild, heterozygous, and mutant genotypes of C1562T polymorphisms in MI group (12.4%, 41.2%, and 46.4%, respectively) and in non‐MI group (46.8%, 38.6%, and 14.7%, respectively; P<.001). No difference was found in total MACE‐free survival rate between genotypes of R279Q and C1562T polymorphisms.

Conclusion

C1562T and R279Q polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility to premature MI, but cannot predict long‐term cardiac events in these patients.
Anorexia of ageing: a key component in the pathogenesis of both sarcopenia and cachexia
Authors: Morley John E.
Published: April 2017

The anorexia of aging was first recognized as a physiological syndrome 30 years ago. Its major causes are an alteration in fundal compliance with an increase in antral stretch and enhanced cholecystokinin activity leading to increased satiation.This anorexia leads to weight loss in aging persons and is one of the component causes of the aging related sarcopenia. This physiological anorexia also increases the risk of more severe anorexia when an older person has an increase in inflammatory cytokines such as occurs when they have an illness. This results in an increase in the anorexia due to cachexia in older persons.
Identification and characterization of variants and a novel 4 bp deletion in the regulatory region of SIX6, a risk factor for primary open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Shah Mohd Hussain , Tabanera Noemi , Krishnadas Subbaiah Ramasamy , Pillai Manju R. , Bovolenta Paola , Sundaresan Periasamy
Published: April 2017

Background

Primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) is a complex disease of multigenic inheritance and the most common subtype of glaucoma. SIX6 encodes a transcription factor involved in retina, optic nerve, and pituitary development. Previous studies showed a genetic association between the SIX6 locus and POAG, identifying risk alleles. Whether these alleles are present also in the south Indian population is unclear.

Methods

To address this question, the SIX6 gene and an already characterized and highly conserved SIX6 enhancer (Ch14:60974427‐60974430) were sequenced in two south Indian cohorts, respectively, composed of 65/65 and 200/200 POAG cases/age‐matched controls. We next used Taqman‐based allelic discrimination assay to genotype a common variant (rs33912345: c.421A>C) and the rs1048372 SNP in two cohorts, respectively, composed of 557/387 and 590/448 POAG cases/age‐matched controls. An additional cohort of 153 POAG cases was subsequently recruited to assess the association of the rs33912345:c.421A>C and rs10483727 variants with more prominent changes in two POAG diagnostic parameters: retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and vertical cup/disc ratio, using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The activity of the newly identified enhancer variants was assessed by transgenesis in zebrafish and luciferase assays.

Results

We identified two known rare and two common variants in the SIX6 locus and a novel 4 bp deletion in the analyzed enhancer. Contrary to previous studies, we could not establish a significant association between the rs10483727 and rs33912345:c.421A>C variants and PAOG in the south Indian ethnicity but patients carrying the corresponding C or T risk alleles exhibited a dose‐dependent reduction of the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer and a significant increase in the vertical cup/disc ratio. Transgenesis in zebrafish and luciferase assays demonstrated that the newly identified 4 bp deletion significantly reduced reporter expression in cells of the retinal ganglion and amacrine layers, where human SIX6 is expressed.

Conclusion

Altogether, our data further support the implication of SIX6 variants as POAG risk factors and implicates SIX6 haploinsufficiency in POAG pathogenesis.
Studies on the Bioactivities of ACE‐inhibitory Peptides with Phenylalanine C‐terminus Using 3D‐QSAR, Molecular Docking and in vitro Evaluation
Authors: Qi Chunyan , Lin Guimei , Zhang Rong , Wu Wenjuan
Published: April 2017

3D‐QSAR, molecular docking and activity evaluation were used to study the bioactivities of ACE‐inhibitory peptides with phenylalanine C‐terminus. Both CoMFA (Q2=0.773, R2=0.992) and CoMSIA (Q2=0.664, R2=0.990) models were constructed. According to the established models, four novel potent ACE‐inhibitory tripeptides GEF, VEF, VRF, and VKF were synthesized. The IC50 values were respectively determined to be 13 μM, 23 μM, 5 μM, and 11 μM by in vitro evaluation. The results show good agreement with the predicted values. The established models play an important role in revealing the structure‐activity relationship of ACE‐inhibitory peptides and designing novel peptides with enhanced biological activity.
Understanding follicle growth in vitro: Are we getting closer to obtaining mature oocytes from in vitro‐grown follicles in human?
Authors: Guzel Yilmaz , Oktem Ozgur
Published: April 2017

Obtaining and fertilizing mature oocytes from immature follicles that were grown outside the body has conceptually attracted scientists for centuries, with initial attempts first documented in the 19th century. Significant progress has been made since then, due in part to a better understanding of folliculogenesis and improved techniques of in vitro follicle growth. Indeed, in vitro growth is now considered a reasonable approach to preserve or restore fertility when immature follicles and their oocytes need to be grown and matured outside the body. Certain patients would benefit from in vitro follicle growth, particularly those who carry a risk of cancer re‐seeding after grafting of frozen‐thawed ovarian tissue or who are at the risk of premature ovarian failure due to several intrinsic ovarian defects and genetic mutations that lead to accelerated follicle atresia and early exhaustion of the ovarian reserve. This review provides an update on the current status of in vitro growth of preantral human follicles, from initial efforts to the most recent achievements.
MicroRNA regulation of immune events at conception
Authors: Robertson Sarah A. , Zhang Bihong , Chan Honyueng , Sharkey David J. , Barry Simon C. , Fullston Tod , Schjenken John E.
Published: April 2017

The reproductive tract environment at conception programs the developmental trajectory of the embryo, sets the course of pregnancy, and impacts offspring phenotype and health. Despite the fundamental importance of this stage of reproduction, the rate‐limiting regulatory mechanisms operating locally to control fertility and fecundity are incompletely understood. Emerging studies highlight roles for microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating reproductive and developmental processes and in modulating the quality and strength of the female immune response. Since endometrial receptivity and robust placentation require specific adaptation of the immune response, we hypothesize that miRNAs participate in establishing pregnancy through effects on key gene networks in immune cells. Our recent studies investigated miRNAs that are induced in the peri‐conception environment, focusing on miRNAs that have immune‐regulatory roles—particularly miR‐223, miR‐155, and miR‐146a. Genetic mouse models deficient in individual miRNAs are proving informative in defining roles for these miRNAs in the generation and stabilization of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) that confer adaptive immune tolerance. Overlapping and redundant functions between miRNAs that target multiple genes, combined with multiple miRNAs targeting individual genes, indicate complex and sensitive regulatory networks. Although to date most data on miRNA regulation of reproductive events are from mice, conserved functions of miRNAs across species imply similar biological pathways operate in all mammals. Understanding the regulation and roles of miRNAs in the peri‐conception immune response will advance our knowledge of how environmental determinants act at conception, and could have practical applications for animal breeding as well as human fertility.
Results of an innovative bulking agent in patients with stress urinary incontinence who are not optimal candidates for mid‐urethral sling surgery
Authors: Kowalik Claudia R. , Casteleijn Fenne M. , van Eijndhoven Hugo W. F. , Zwolsman Sandra E. , Roovers Jan‐Paul W. R.
Published: April 2017

Aims

To assess the efficacy and safety of peri‐urethral bulking injections (PBI) with an innovative bulking material (PDMS‐U) in women with stress‐urinary incontinence (SUI) who are not optimal candidates for mid‐urethral sling surgery.

Methods

A prospective study was performed in women with SUI who, for several reasons, have a relative contraindication for a mid‐urethral sling procedure.

These reasons include: (i) recurrent SUI after a prior SUI surgical procedure; (ii) a history of oncologic gynaecological surgery; (iii) a history of neurologic disease resulting in voiding problems; (iv) a maximal flow rate of less than 15 mL per second or; (v) women with a contraindication for surgery with general or regional anaesthesia. All women were treated with PBI consisting of PDMS‐U, a bulking agent that polymerizes in situ. The primary outcome was subjective improvement, defined as “a little better” to “very much better” on the PGI‐I. Secondary outcomes included objective cure, disease specific quality of life and adverse events.

Results

Subjective improvement was reported by 18 (90%) of the 20 included patients. The subjective cure rate was 56% and the objective cure rate was 65%. There was a statistically significant improvement of all domain scores of the UDI‐6, IIQ‐7, and PISQ‐12 at 6 months follow up. Abnormal post voiding residual volume (>150 mL) was the most common adverse event (40%), but persisted in only one patient, based on the patient's preference for a catheter.

Conclusions

PBI with PDMS‐U is a viable treatment option in women with a relative contra‐indication for mid‐urethral sling surgery.