bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incipient seafloor spreading segments: Insights from the Red Sea
Authors: Almalki K. A. , Betts P. G. , Ailleres L.
Published: March 2016

Crustal‐scale forward models of marine satellite potential field data suggest that the Red Sea comprises a single segment of ocean crust, which extends along ~60% of the Red Sea. The segment “tips” are bounded by continental crust, and there is no evidence for transforms at the segment terminations at the south. These observations indicate that ocean crust formation does not necessarily occur in response to wholesale tearing or “unzipping” of continental lithosphere nor is it necessarily controlled by preexisting transform faults. Ocean crust initiation occurs as a series of isolated segments that coalesce as the basin evolves. The recognition of this process in an orthogonal extension setting is comparable to spreading segmentation in modern ocean systems generated at a highly oblique convergent margin, suggesting that oceanic crust segmentation is not controlled by kinematic boundary conditions. The Red Sea may represent a combination of incipient type I and type II passive margins development.
European Union
Authors: Rumford Chris
Published: March 2016

Conventionally, discussion of the European Union's (EU) relation to globalization is framed by consideration of the ways in which EU integration has been a defensive response to aggressive forms of economic globalization. Recently, the Eurozone crisis has put into question both the EU's success as a buffer against global threats and the EU's capability as a global actor capable of giving shape to instruments of global governance and serving as a model for the development of other regions in the world. Despite their obvious differences, conventional frames of reference share a common viewpoint: that globalization should be seen from a European perspective. Accounts that view the EU from a global perspective are much rarer.
Indigenous peoples’ rights
Authors: Bellier Irène
Published: March 2016

Around the middle of the past century, indigenous peoples were identified by the United Nations (UN) as deserving special attention due to the marginalization and oppression they have endured within their respective countries, mainly, but not exclusively, as a result of European and other forms of colonization. In 1971, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) commissioned a Study of the Problem of Discrimination against Indigenous Populations from a special Rapporteur who had been appointed by the Sub‐Commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities of the UN Commission on Human Rights. The resultant five‐volume Martínez Cobo report (1986) includes a brief definition of indigenous peoples that has been widely used in international law (e.g. Convention 169 adopted in 1989 by the International Labor Organization).
Sub‐50 nm Nanoparticles with Biomimetic Surfaces to Sequentially Overcome the Mucosal Diffusion Barrier and the Epithelial Absorption Barrier
Authors: Zhu Xi , Wu Jun , Shan Wei , Zhou Zhou , Liu Min , Huang Yuan
Published: March 2016

Although nanoparticles (NPs) have been used for many drug delivery applications, oral absorption of NPs has remained a big challenge. NPs for oral delivery of biotherapeutics have to penetrate both the diffusion barrier of the mucus and the absorption barrier of the epithelium. This creates an obstacle for developing an effective NP platform for oral delivery because overcoming these two barriers requires different or even contradictory surface properties. Inspired by the features of some viruses, this study reports the development of a unique sub‐50 nm polymeric NP platform that possesses a large amount of targeting ligands anchored on the surface while being moderately concealed under a “muco‐inert” shield. NP library screening demonstrates a strong correlation between the relative lengths of the surface components and NP behavior on mucosal tissue. When a balance is obtained regarding optimal shielding of ligands, the NPs exhibit both excellent mucus permeation and transepithelial transport, and are efficiently absorbed into systemic circulation. Insulin‐loaded NPs as a model oral therapy for diabetes generates a hypoglycemic response on diabetic animals following oral administration. This study demonstrates the great potency of a NP platform that exhibits an affinity balance between mucus and epithelium in facilitating the oral delivery of biotherapeutics.
Cypate‐Conjugated Porous Upconversion Nanocomposites for Programmed Delivery of Heat Shock Protein 70 Small Interfering RNA for Gene Silencing and Photothermal Ablation
Authors: Wang Lu , Gao Chang , Liu Keyin , Liu Yuxin , Ma Liyi , Liu Lidong , Du Xiaoxia , Zhou Jing
Published: March 2016

Synergistic therapy is an accepted method of enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapies. In this study, cypate‐conjugated porous NaLuF4 doped with Yb3+, Er3+, and Gd3+ is synthesized and its potential for upconversion luminescence/magnetic resonance dual‐modality molecular imaging for guiding oncotherapy is tested. Loading cypate‐conjugated upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP‐cy) with small interfering RNA gene against heat shock protein 70 (UCNP‐cy‐siRNA) enhances the cell damage. UCNP‐cy‐siRNA exhibits remarkable antitumor efficacy in vivo as a result of the synergistic effects of gene silencing and photothermal therapy, with low drug dose and minimal side effects. This result thus provides an explicit strategy for developing next‐generation multifunctional nanoplatforms for multimodal imaging‐guided synergistic oncotherapy.
Development of Self‐Doped Conjugated Polyelectrolytes with Controlled Work Functions and Application to Hole Transport Layer Materials for High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Jo Jea Woong , Jung Jae Woong , Bae Seunghwan , Ko Min Jae , Kim Heesuk , Jo Won Ho , Jen Alex K.‐Y. , Son Hae Jung
Published: March 2016

A series of anionic self‐doped conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) by copolymerization of a 1,4‐bis(4‐sulfonatobutoxy)benzene moiety with different counter monomers of thiophene, bithiophene, and terthiophene is reported. The CPEs show high conductivity of ≈10−4 S cm−1 due to being self‐doped in a neutral state and exhibit excellent hole transporting property in the out‐of‐plane direction, compared with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene‐sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). Moreover, the CPE incorporating a less electron‐donating unit from terthiophene to thiophene exhibits a higher work function and therefore, PhNa‐1T incorporating thiophene shows a relatively high work function of 5.21 eV than 4.97 eV of PEDOT:PSS. This can induce a higher internal field in the solar cell device, facilitating efficient charge collection to the electrode. As a result, polymer solar cell devices incorporating the CPEs as a hole transporting layer achieve enhanced photovoltaic performances from those of the conventional PEDOT:PSS‐based devices. The solar cell efficiency reaches up to 9.89%, which is among the highest values demonstrated by PCE‐10‐based normal‐type organic solar cells.
Amorphous Alumina Barrier Coatings on Glass: MOCVD Process and Hydrothermal Aging
Authors: Etchepare Pierre‐Luc , Baggetto Loïc , Vergnes Hugues , Samélor Diane , Sadowski Daniel , Caussat Brigitte , Vahlas Constantin
Published: March 2016

Amorphous alumina coatings are applied on the inner surface of glass containers aiming at improving their hydrothermal ageing barrier properties. A direct liquid injection technology is implemented in a metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process to feed the reactor in a controlled and reproducible way with a solution of aluminum tri‐isopropoxide (ATI) in anhydrous cyclohexane. Amorphous alumina coatings are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and scratch‐test method. They are amorphous and hydroxylated at process temperatures between 360 and 420 °C and close to Al2O3 stoichiometry between 490 and 560 °C. Hydrothermal ageing simulated by a standard sterilization cycle results in the increase of the root mean square of the surface of the coatings from ≈17 to 61 nm and in the increase of the porosity without affecting the adhesion of the coatings on the glass substrates
Photovoltaic Materials and Devices Based on the Alloyed Kesterite Absorber (AgxCu1–x)2ZnSnSe4
Authors: Gershon Talia , Lee Yun Seog , Antunez Priscilla , Mankad Ravin , Singh Saurabh , Bishop Doug , Gunawan Oki , Hopstaken Marinus , Haight Richard
Published: March 2016

The photovoltaic absorber Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1–x)4 (CZTSSe) has attracted interest in recent years due to the earth‐abundance of its constituents and the realization of high performance (12.6% efficiency). The open‐circuit voltage in CZTSSe devices is believed to be limited by absorber band tailing caused by the exceptionally high density of Cu/Zn antisites. By replacing Cu in CZTSSe with Ag, whose covalent radius is ≈15% larger than that of Cu and Zn, the density of I–II antisite defects is predicted to drop. The fundamental properties of the mixed Ag‐Cu kesterite compound are reported as a function of the Ag/(Ag + Cu) ratio. The extent of band tailing is shown to decrease with increasing Ag. This is verified by comparing the optical band gap extrapolated from transmission data with the position of the room‐temperature photoluminescence peak; these values converge for the pure‐Ag compound. Additionally, the pinning of the Fermi level in CZTSSe, attributed to heavy defect compensation and band tailing, is not observed in the pure‐Ag compound, offering further evidence of improved electronic structure. Finally, a device efficiency of 10.2% is reported for a device containing 10% Ag (no antireflection coating); this compares to ≈9% (avg) efficiency for the baseline pure‐Cu CZTSe.
Striking differences in the loud calls of howler monkey sister species (Alouatta pigraandA. palliata)
Authors: Bergman Thore J. , Cortés‐Ortiz Liliana , Dias Pedro A.D. , Ho Lucy , Adams Dara , Canales‐Espinosa Domingo , Kitchen Dawn M.
Published: March 2016

Comparing vocalizations across species is useful for understanding acoustic variation at mechanistic and evolutionary levels. Here, we take advantage of the divergent vocalizations of two closely related howler monkey species (Alouatta pigraandA. palliata) to better understand vocal evolution. In addition to comparing multiple acoustic and temporal features of roars and the calling bouts in which they are produced, we tested several predictions. First,A. pigrashould have roars with lower fundamental frequency and lower formant dispersion because they are larger thanA. palliataand have a larger hyoid apparatus. Second,A. pigrashould have faster calling rates, longer roars, longer bouts, and exaggerated call features linked to vocal effort (e.g., nonlinear phenomena and emphasized frequencies) because they are the more aggressive species during intergroup encounters. We found significant interspecific differences supporting our predictions in every tested parameter of roars and bouts, except for roar duration and barking rate. Stepwise discriminant function analyses identified the best features for differentiating roars (acoustic features: formant dispersion followed by highest frequency; temporal features: longest syllable duration followed by number of syllables). Although resembling each other more than they resemble South American howler monkeys, our comparison revealed striking differences in the vocalizations of the two Mesoamerican species. While we cannot completely rule out the influence of body size or the environmental conditions in which the two species evolved, vocal differences were likely influenced by sexual selection. The exaggerated roars and intense calling patterns inA. pigraseem more suitable for intergroup competition, whereasA. palliatacalls may be better suited for mate attraction and competition within groups. With interspecific acoustic differences quantified, we will now be able to examine how vocalizations contribute to the evolutionary dynamics of theA. palliata × A. pigrahybrid zone in southern Mexico. Am. J. Primatol. 78:755–766, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure–Activity Studies of Cysteine‐Rich α‐Conotoxins that Inhibit High‐Voltage‐Activated Calcium Channels via GABAB Receptor Activation Reveal a Minimal Functional Motif
Authors: Carstens Bodil B. , Berecki Géza , Daniel James T. , Lee Han Siean , Jackson Kathryn A. V. , Tae Han‐Shen , Sadeghi Mahsa , Castro Joel , O'Donnell Tracy , Deiteren Annemie , Brierley Stuart M. , Craik David J. , Adams David J. , Clark Richard J.
Published: March 2016

α‐Conotoxins are disulfide‐rich peptides that target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Recently we identified several α‐conotoxins that also modulate voltage‐gated calcium channels by acting as G protein‐coupled GABAB receptor (GABABR) agonists. These α‐conotoxins are promising drug leads for the treatment of chronic pain. To elucidate the diversity of α‐conotoxins that act through this mechanism, we synthesized and characterized a set of peptides with homology to α‐conotoxins known to inhibit high voltage‐activated calcium channels via GABABR activation. Remarkably, all disulfide isomers of the active α‐conotoxins Pu1.2 and Pn1.2, and the previously studied Vc1.1 showed similar levels of biological activity. Structure determination by NMR spectroscopy helped us identify a simplified biologically active eight residue peptide motif containing a single disulfide bond that is an excellent lead molecule for developing a new generation of analgesic peptide drugs.
Conversion of Dinitrogen into Acetonitrile under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Klopsch Isabel , Kinauer Markus , Finger Markus , Würtele Christian , Schneider Sven
Published: March 2016

About 20 % of the ammonia production is used as the chemical feedstock for nitrogen‐containing chemicals. However, while synthetic nitrogen fixation at ambient conditions has had some groundbreaking contributions in recent years, progress for the direct conversion of N2 into organic products remains limited and catalytic reactions are unknown. Herein, the rhenium‐mediated synthesis of acetonitrile using dinitrogen and ethyl triflate is presented. A synthetic cycle in three reaction steps with high individual isolated yields and recovery of the rhenium pincer starting complex is shown. The cycle comprises alkylation of a nitride that arises from N2 splitting and subsequent imido ligand centered oxidation to nitrile via a 1‐azavinylidene (ketimido) intermediate. Different synthetic strategies for intra‐ and intermolecular imido ligand oxidation and associated metal reduction were evaluated that rely on simple proton, electron, and hydrogen‐atom transfer steps.
Stereoselective Construction of β‐Mannopyranosides by AnomericO‐Alkylation: Synthesis of the Trisaccharide Core ofN‐linked Glycans
Authors: Nguyen Hai , Zhu Danyang , Li Xiaohua , Zhu Jianglong
Published: March 2016

A new and efficient approach for direct and stereoselective synthesis of β‐mannopyranosides by anomeric O‐alkylation has been developed. This anomeric O‐alkylation of mannopyranose‐derived lactols is proposed to occur under synergistic control of a kinetic anomeric effect and metal chelation. The presence of a conformationally flexible C6 oxygen atom in the sugar‐derived lactol donors is required for this anomeric O‐alkylation to be efficient, probably because of its chelation with cesium ion. In contrast, the presence of a C2 oxygen atom plays a minor role. This glycosylation method has been successfully utilized for the synthesis of the trisaccharide core of complex N‐linked glycans.
l‐Arginine‐Triggered Self‐Assembly of CeO2 Nanosheaths on Palladium Nanoparticles in Water
Authors: Wang Xiao , Zhang Yibo , Song Shuyan , Yang Xiangguang , Wang Zhuo , Jin Rongchao , Zhang Hongjie
Published: March 2016

Pd@CeO2 core–shell nanostructures with a tunable Pd core size, shape, and nanostructure as well as a tunable CeO2 sheath thickness were obtained by a biomolecule‐assisted method. The synthetic process is simple and green, as it involves only the heating of a mixture of Ce(NO3)3, l‐arginine, and preformed Pd seeds in water without additives. Importantly, the synthesis is free of thiol groups and halide ions, thus providing a possible solution to the problem of secondary pollution by Pd nanoparticles in the sheath‐coating process. The Pd/CeO2 nanostructures can be composited well with γ‐Al2O3 to create a heterogeneous catalyst. In subsequent tests of catalytic NO reduction by CO, Pd@CeO2/Al2O3 samples based on Pd cubes (6, 10, and 18 nm), Pd octahedra (6 nm), and Pd cuboctahedra (9 nm) as well as a simply loaded Pd cube (6 nm)–CeO2/Al2O3 sample were used as catalysts to investigate the effects of the Pd core size and shape and the hybrid nanostructure on the catalytic performance.
Measuring technological distance for patent mapping
Authors: Yan Bowen , Luo Jianxi
Published: March 2016

Recent works in the information science literature have presented cases of using patent databases and patent classification information to construct network maps of technology fields, which aim to aid in competitive intelligence analysis and innovation decision making. Constructing such a patent network requires a proper measure of the distance between different classes of patents in the patent classification systems. Despite the existence of various distance measures in the literature, it is unclear how to consistently assess and compare them, and which ones to select for constructing patent technology network maps. This ambiguity has limited the development and applications of such technology maps. Herein, we propose to compare alternative distance measures and identify the superior ones by analyzing the differences and similarities in the structural properties of resulting patent network maps. Using United States patent data from 1976 to 2006 and the International Patent Classification (IPC) system, we compare 12 representative distance measures, which quantify interfield knowledge base proximity, field‐crossing diversification likelihood or frequency of innovation agents, and co‐occurrences of patent classes in the same patents. Our comparative analyses suggest the patent technology network maps based on normalized coreference and inventor diversification likelihood measures are the best representatives.
Development of an infusion bioreactor for the accelerated preparation of decellularized skeletal muscle scaffolds
Authors: Kasukonis Benjamin M. , Kim John T. , Washington Tyrone A. , Wolchok Jeffrey C.
Published: March 2016

The implantation of decellularized tissue has shown effectiveness as a strategy for the treatment of volumetric muscle loss (VML) injuries. The preparation of decellularized tissue typically relies on the diffusion driven removal of cellular debris. For bulky tissues like muscle, the process can be lengthy, which introduces opportunities for both tissue contamination and degradation of key ECM molecules. In this study we report on the accelerated preparation of decellularized skeletal muscle (DSM) scaffolds using a infusion system and examine scaffold performance for the repair of VML injuries. The preparation of DSM scaffolds using infusion was dramatically accelerated. As the infusion rate (1% SDS) was increased from 0.1 to 1 and 10ml/hr, the time needed to remove intracellular myoglobin and actin decreased from a maximum of 140 ± 3hrs to 45 ± 3hrs and 10 ± 2hrs respectively. Although infusion appeared to remove cellular debris more aggressively, it did not significantly decrease the collagen or glycosaminoglycan composition of DSM samples when compared to un‐infused controls. Infusion prepared DSM samples retained the aligned network structure and mechanical integrity of control samples. Infusion prepared DSM samples supported the attachment and in‐vitro proliferation of myoblast cells and was well tolerated by the host when examined in‐vivo. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:745–755, 2016
Astaxanthin preparation by fermentation of esters from Haematococcus pluvialis algal extracts with Stenotrophomonas species
Authors: Dong Hao , Li Xuemin , Xue Changhu , Mao Xiangzhao
Published: March 2016

Natural astaxanthin (Ax) is an additive that is widely used because of its beneficial biochemical functions. However, the methods used to produce free Ax have drawbacks. Chemical saponification methods produce several by‐products, and lipase‐catalyzed hydrolysis methods are not cost effective. In this study, a bacterial strain of Stenotrophomonas sp. was selected to enzymatically catalyze the saponification of Ax esters to produce free all‐trans‐Ax. Through single‐factor experiments and a Box–Behnken design, the optimal fermentation conditions were determined as follows: a seed culture age of 37.79 h, an inoculum concentration of 5.92%, and an initial broth pH of 6.80. Under these conditions, a fermentation curve was drawn, and the optimal fermentation time was shown to be 60 h. At 60 h, the degradation rate of the Ax esters was 98.08%, and the yield of free all‐trans‐Ax was 50.130 μg/mL. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:649–656, 2016
Comparison of the Composition and Antimicrobial Activities of the Essential Oils of Green Branches and Leaves of Egyptian Navel Orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck var. malesy)
Authors: Eldahshan Omayma A. , Halim Ahmed F.
Published: March 2016

The essential oils isolated from the leaves and green branches of the Egyptian navel orange trees were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. A total of 33 and 24 compounds were identified from the oils of the leaves and branches accounting for 96.0% and 97.9%, respectively, of the total detected constituents. The major ones were sabinene (36.5; 33.0%), terpinen‐4‐ol (8.2; 6.2%), δ‐3‐carene (7.0; 9.4%), limonene (6.8; 18.7%), trans‐ocimene (6.7; 6.1%), and β‐myrcene (4.5; 4.4%). The antimicrobial activities of both oils were evaluated using the agar‐well diffusion method toward three representatives for each of Gram‐positive bacteria, Gram‐negative bacteria, and fungi. The oil of leaves was more effective as antimicrobial agent than that of the branches. Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Aspergillus fumigatus were the most sensitive bacteria and fungi by the leaves oil.
The control of chaotic systems with unknown parameters and external disturbance via backstepping‐like scheme
Authors: Luo Runzi , Zeng Yanhui
Published: March 2016

This article addresses the adaptive control of chaotic systems with unknown parameters, model uncertainties, and external disturbance. We first investigate the control of a class of chaotic systems and then discuss the control of general chaotic systems. Based on the backstepping‐like procedure, some novel criteria are proposed via adaptive control scheme. As an example to illustrate the application of the proposed method, the control and synchronization of the modified Chua's chaotic system is also investigated via a single input. Some numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the robustness and efficiency of the proposed approach. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 573–583, 2016
Cell autonomous and nonautonomous requirements for Delltalike1 during early mouse retinal neurogenesis
Authors: Riesenberg Amy N. , Brown Nadean L.
Published: March 2016

Background: In the vertebrate retina, six neuronal and one glial cell class are produced from a common progenitor pool. During neurogenesis, adjacent retinal cells use Notch signaling to maintain a pool of progenitors by blocking particular cells from differentiating prematurely. In mice there are multiple Notch pathway ligands and receptors, but the role(s) of each paralogue during retinal histogenesis remains only partially defined. Results: Here we analyzed the cell autonomous and nonautonomous requirements for the Deltalike1(Dll1) ligand during prenatal retinogenesis. We used the α‐Cre driver to simultaneously delete a Dll1 conditional allele and activate the Z/EG reporter, then quantified Dll1 mutant phenotypes within and outside of this α‐Cre GFP‐marked lineage. We found that Dll1 activity is required for Hes1 expression, both autonomously and nonautonomously, but were surprised that retinal ganglion cell differentiation is only blocked cell autonomously. Moreover, Dll1 does not act during cone photoreceptor neurogenesis. Finally, Dll1 mutant adult retinas contained small retinal rosettes and RGC patterning defects but were otherwise normal. Conclusions: Although Dll1 participates in bidirectional (cis + trans) Notch signaling to regulate Hes1 expression, it only acts cell autonomously (in cis) to interpret inhibitory signals from other cells that block RGC neurogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 245:631–640, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nanoparticulate TiO2‐Supported Double Metal Cyanide Catalyst for the Copolymerization of CO2 with Propylene Oxide
Authors: Subhani Muhammad Afzal , Gürtler Christoph , Leitner Walter , Müller Thomas Ernst
Published: March 2016

A titanium oxide supported double metal cyanide (TiO2‐DMC) was found to be a highly active catalyst for the reaction of CO2 with propylene oxide to polyethercarbonates, which are useful polymer building blocks for polyurethane applications. The catalyst was prepared by coprecipitation of potassium hexacyanocobaltate(III) and titanium(IV) ethoxide with an excess amount of ZnCl2 under slightly acidic conditions. The TiO2‐DMC catalyst provided excellent selectivity to the polymer (>97 %) and outstanding productivity (>500 gpolymer/gcatalyst). The TiO2‐support enhanced the Lewis acidity of the DMC catalyst, which facilitated activation of the epoxide and adjusted the binding strength of the polymer chain to the surface of the catalyst.
Synthesis, Theoretical Study and Catalytic Application of Oxidometal (Mo or V) Complexes: Unexpected Coordination Due to Ligand Rearrangement through Metal‐Mediated C–C Bond Formation
Authors: Pasayat Sagarika , Böhme Michael , Dhaka Sarita , Dash Subhashree P. , Majumder Sudarshana , Maurya Mannar R. , Plass Winfried , Kaminsky Werner , Dinda Rupam
Published: March 2016

Two novel dioxidomolybdenum(VI) complexes [MoO2L′1] (1) and [MoO2L′2] (2) containing the MoO22+ motif with unexpected coordination motifs due to ligand rearrangement through Mo‐mediated interligand C–C bond formation are reported. The ligands (H2L′1–2) are tetradentate C–C‐coupled O2N2‐donor systems formed in situ during synthesis of the complexes by reaction of [MoVIO2(acac)2] with Schiff base ligands of 2‐aminophenol with 2‐pyridinecarbaldehyde (HL1) and 2‐quinolinecarbaldehyde (HL2). To confirm that the ligand rearrangement is assisted by molybdenum, the corresponding vanadium complexes [VO2L1] (3) and [VO2L2] (4) containing original Schiff base ligand (HL1,2) are also reported here. All complexes 1–4 are characterized by several physicochemical techniques and the structural features of 1 and 2 have been solved by X‐ray crystallography. The proposed mechanism of molybdenum‐mediated interligand C–C bond formation is supported by DFT calculations including the comparisons with the synthesized vanadium analogues. The catalytic potentials of 1–4 for the epoxidation of styrene and cyclohexene have also been explored.
Influence of bromide on the performance of the amphipod Hyalella azteca in reconstituted waters
Authors: Ivey Chris D. , Ingersoll Chris G.
Published: March 2016

Poor performance of the amphipod Hyalella azteca has been observed in exposures using reconstituted waters. Previous studies have reported success in H. azteca water-only exposures with the addition of relatively high concentrations of bromide. The present study evaluated the influence of lower environmentally representative concentrations of bromide on the response of H. azteca in 42-d water-only exposures. Improved performance of H. azteca was observed in reconstituted waters with >0.02 mg Br/L. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2425–2429. Published 2016 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
An analysis of lethal and sublethal interactions among type I and type II pyrethroid pesticide mixtures using standard Hyalella azteca water column toxicity tests
Authors: Hoffmann Krista Callinan , Deanovic Linda , Werner Inge , Stillway Marie , Fong Stephanie , Teh Swee
Published: March 2016

A novel 2-tiered analytical approach was used to characterize and quantify interactions between type I and type II pyrethroids in Hyalella azteca using standardized water column toxicity tests. Bifenthrin, permethrin, cyfluthrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin were tested in all possible binary combinations across 6 experiments. All mixtures were analyzed for 4-d lethality, and 2 of the 6 mixtures (permethrin–bifenthrin and permethrin–cyfluthrin) were tested for subchronic 10-d lethality and sublethal effects on swimming motility and growth. Mixtures were initially analyzed for interactions using regression analyses, and subsequently compared with the additive models of concentration addition and independent action to further characterize mixture responses. Negative interactions (antagonistic) were significant in 2 of the 6 mixtures tested, including cyfluthrin–bifenthrin and cyfluthrin–permethrin, but only on the acute 4-d lethality endpoint. In both cases mixture responses fell between the additive models of concentration addition and independent action. All other mixtures were additive across 4-d lethality, and bifenthrin–permethrin and cyfluthrin–permethrin were also additive in terms of subchronic 10-d lethality and sublethal responses. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2542–2549. © 2016 SETAC
The CROPROTECT project and wider opportunities to improve farm productivity through web‐based knowledge exchange
Authors: Bruce Toby J. A.
Published: March 2016

A key global 21st century challenge is to maximize agricultural production while minimizing use of resources such as land, water, and energy to meet rising demand for produce. To meet this challenge, while also adapting to climate change, agriculture will have to become more knowledge intensive and deploy smarter farming techniques. The intention of this study was to: (1) Highlight the opportunity for web‐based knowledge exchange to increase farm productivity and thus contribute to achieving food and energy security, (2) Give some examples of online farming information services such as the “CROPROTECT” tool I am developing in the UK, the CABI “Plantwise” Knowledge Bank and the IRRI “Rice Doctor,” and (3) Consider lessons learnt so far. There are huge opportunities to facilitate knowledge exchange through online systems for farmers and people who advise farmers. CROPROTECT is interacting with users to determine priorities in terms of the pests, weeds, and diseases covered and is providing key information to assist with their management. Knowledge is a critical input for farming systems. Crop protection in particular is becoming more difficult due to evolution of pest resistance and changes in legislation. Up to date information can be made rapidly available and shared online through websites and smartphone Apps. Agricultural extension no longer relies solely on physical meetings and printed documents. The capacity to share information via the Internet is tremendous with its potential to reach a wide audience in the farming community, to provide rapid updates and to interact more with the users. However, in an era of information deluge, accessing relevant information and ensuring reliability are essential considerations. There is also a need to bring science and farming communities together to turn information into relevant farming knowledge.
Assessing Social Cognition: A New Instrumental Paradigm Based on Contingent Feedback
Authors: Bertin Evelin , Wong Charlene , Striano Tricia
Published: March 2016

Seven‐ to 12‐month‐olds were trained to press levers that contingently activated lights. Infants had the choice of turning on either a light an adult interaction partner was looking at or a light that she turned away from. By 9 months, infants reliably turned on the light that the adult was looking at. In a second study, 9‐ and 12‐month‐old infants could see the adult's upper body but not her face during the test. Nine‐month‐old infants showed the same pattern of results as in Study 1. However, turning on the light that the adult looked at dropped to chance level for 12‐month‐olds. Results suggest that feedback from movement cues might influence infants' behaviour at 9 and 12 months of age but that shared visual attention with others may drive infants' behaviour by 12 months. The new paradigm provides a new method to assess the development of social cognitive skills among infants. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MRP1 expression in CTCs confers resistance to irinotecan‐based chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Abdallah Emne Ali , Fanelli Marcello Ferretti , Souza, e Silva Virgílio , Machado Netto Marcelo Calil , Gasparini Junior José Luiz , Araújo Daniel Vilarim , Ocea Luciana Menezes Mendonça , Buim Marcilei Eliza Cavicchioli , Tariki Milena Shizue , Alves Vanessa da Silva , Piana de Andrade Victor , Dettino Aldo Lourenço Abbade , Abdon Lopes de Mello Celso , Chinen Ludmilla Thomé Domingos
Published: March 2016

Circulating tumor cells are important markers of tumor progression and can reflect tumor behavior in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Identification of proteins that confer resistance to treatment is an important step to predict response and better selection of treatment for patients. Multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 (MRP1) and Multidrug resistance‐associated protein 4 (MRP4) play a role in irinotecan‐resistance, and Excision Repair Cross‐Complementation group 1 (ERCC1) expression can confer resistance to platinum compounds. Here, we included 34 patients with mCRC and most of them received FOLFIRI or FOLFOX chemotherapy (91.1%). CTCs were isolated by ISET® Technology and identified in 30 patients (88.2%), with a median of 2.0 CTCs/mL (0–31.0). We analyzed the immunocytochemical expression of MRP1, MRP4 and ERCC1 only in patients who had previously detectable CTCs, accordingly to treatment received (n = 19, 15 and 13 patients, respectively). Among patients treated with irinotecan‐based chemotherapy, 4 out of 19 cases with MRP1 positive CTCs showed a worse progression free survival (PFS) in comparison to those with MRP1 negative CTCs (2.1 months vs. 9.1 months; p = 0.003). None of the other proteins studied in CTCs had significant association with PFS. We analyzed also histological sections of primary tumors and metastases by immunohistochemistry, and found no association with clinicopathological characteristics or with PFS. Our results show MRP1 as a potential biomarker of resistance to treatment with irinotecan when found in CTCs from mCRC patients. This is a small proof‐of‐principle study and these early findings need to be validated in a larger cohort of patients.
The Effects of Age, Adiposity, and Physical Activity on the Risk of Seven Site-Specific Fractures in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Lacombe Jason , Cairns Benjamin J , Green Jane , Reeves Gillian K , Beral Valerie , Armstrong Miranda EG ,   for the Million Women Study collaborators
Published: March 2016

Risk factors for fracture of the neck of the femur are relatively well established, but those for fracture at other sites are little studied. In this large population study we explore the role of age, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity on the risk of fracture at seven sites in postmenopausal women. As part of the Million Women Study, 1,154,821 postmenopausal UK women with a mean age of 56.0 (SD 4.8) years provided health and lifestyle data at recruitment in 1996 to 2001. All participants were linked to National Health Service (NHS) hospital records for day-case or overnight admissions with a mean follow-up of 11 years per woman. Adjusted absolute and relative risks for seven site-specific incident fractures were calculated using Cox regression models. During follow-up, 4931 women had a fracture of the humerus; 2926 of the forearm; 15,883 of the wrist; 9887 of the neck of the femur; 1166 of the femur (not neck); 3199 a lower leg fracture; and 10,092 an ankle fracture. Age-specific incidence rates increased gradually with age for fractures of forearm, lower leg, ankle, and femur (not neck), and steeply with age for fractures of neck of femur, wrist, and humerus. When compared to women with desirable BMI (20.0 to 24.9 kg/m2), higher BMI was associated with a reduced risk of fracture of the neck of femur, forearm, and wrist, but an increased risk of humerus, femur (not neck), lower leg, and ankle fractures (p < 0.001 for all). Strenuous activity was significantly associated with a decreased risk of fracture of the humerus and femur (both neck and remainder of femur) (p < 0.001), but was not significantly associated with lower leg, ankle, wrist, and forearm fractures. Postmenopausal women are at a high lifetime risk of fracture. BMI and physical activity are modifiable risk factors for fracture, but their associations with fracture risk differ substantially across fracture sites. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)
Methodological Rigor in Journal of Counseling & Development Qualitative Research Articles: A 15‐Year Review
Authors: Hays Danica G. , Wood Chris , Dahl Heather , Kirk‐Jenkins Andrea
Published: March 2016

The authors conducted a content analysis on the type, frequency, and intensity of use of various indicators of rigor for 68 qualitative research articles published between 1999 and 2014 in the Journal of Counseling & Development. The authors identified the most frequently listed and implemented strategies for the research articles. The authors found a significant engagement in rigor strategies across time, variations in intensity in strategy use, and a significant positive relationship between intensity of strategy use across time.
Choosing Assessment Instruments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Screening and Outcome Research
Authors: Bardhoshi Gerta , Erford Bradley T. , Duncan Kelly , Dummett Beth , Falco Michelle , Deferio Katie , Kraft Jennifer
Published: March 2016

Effect‐size results from Erford et al.'s () meta‐analysis for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were used to compare 6 instruments' usefulness in measuring counseling treatment outcomes. Effect‐size comparisons indicated equivalent overall effect sizes using the Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale, the Impact of Event Scale–Revised, the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale, the PTSD Checklist, and the Structured Interview for PTSD. The Mississippi Scale for Combat‐Related PTSD yielded significantly more conservative (i.e., lower) effect‐size comparisons.
Resilience as a Mediator Between Parental Acceptance–Rejection and Depressive Symptoms Among University Students in Turkey
Authors: Sart Zeynep Hande , Börkan Bengü , Erkman Fatoş , Serbest Sevla
Published: March 2016

The authors investigated the mediational role of perceived resilience between perceived parental acceptance–rejection and occurrences of depressive symptoms among 384 undergraduate students in Turkey. Results indicated that resilience fully mediated the relationship between depressive symptoms and maternal rejection, whereas resilience partially mediated the relationship between depressive symptoms and paternal rejection for female undergraduates. Interventions that focus directly on the facilitation of psychosocial adaptation among emerging adults, especially those who experience feelings of rejection by their parents, are discussed.
Career Decision‐Making Self‐Efficacy Change in Italian High School Students
Authors: Chiesa Rita , Massei Fabio , Guglielmi Dina
Published: March 2016

The authors explored the effects of a structured‐group career intervention among 280 Italian high school students. Hierarchical linear models indicated the intervention's effectiveness in increasing career decision‐making self‐efficacy and, consequently, career exploration, but not in decreasing career choice anxiety. In addition, partial confirmation was found for the moderating effects of participants' expectations and motivation to change on the relationship between career decision‐making self‐efficacy and career choice anxiety. The findings support the development of a systematic vocational guidance program in Italian schools.
Sef Regulates Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: He Qing , Gong Yan , Gower Lindsey , Yang Xuehui , Friesel Robert E.
Published: March 2016

Sef (similar expression to fgf), also know as IL17RD, is a transmembrane protein shown to inhibit fibroblast growth factor signaling in developmental and cancer contexts; however, its role as a tumor suppressor remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we show that Sef regulates epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer cell lines. Sef expression was highest in the normal breast epithelial cell line MCF10A, intermediate expression in MCF‐7 cells and lowest in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Knockdown of Sef increased the expression of genes associated with EMT, and promoted cell migration, invasion, and a fibroblastic morphology of MCF‐7 cells. Overexpression of Sef inhibited the expression of EMT marker genes and inhibited cell migration and invasion in MCF‐7 cells. Induction of EMT in MCF10A cells by TGF‐β and TNF‐α resulted in downregulation of Sef expression concomitant with upregulation of EMT gene expression and loss of epithelial morphology. Overexpression of Sef in MCF10A cells partially blocked cytokine‐induced EMT. Sef was shown to block β‐catenin mediated luciferase reporter activity and to cause a decrease in the nuclear localization of active β‐catenin. Furthermore, Sef was shown to co‐immunoprecipitate with β‐catenin. In a mouse orthotopic xenograft model, Sef overexpression in MDA‐MB‐231 cells slowed tumor growth and reduced expression of EMT marker genes. Together, these data indicate that Sef plays a role in the negative regulation of EMT in a β‐catenin dependent manner and that reduced expression of Sef in breast tumor cells may be permissive for EMT and the acquisition of a more metastatic phenotype. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2346–2356, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biological and Mechanistic Characterization of Novel Prodrugs of Green Tea Polyphenol Epigallocatechin Gallate Analogs in Human Leiomyoma Cell Lines
Authors: Ahmed Reda Saber Ibrahim , Liu Gang , Renzetti Andrea , Farshi Pershang , Yang Huanjie , Soave Claire , Saed Ghassan , El‐Ghoneimy Ashraf Ahmed , El‐Banna Hossny Awad , Foldes Robert , Chan Tak‐Hang , Dou Q. Ping
Published: March 2016

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are very common benign tumors grown on the smooth muscle layer of the uterus, present in up to 75% of reproductive‐age women and causing significant morbidity in a subset of this population. Although the etiology and biology of uterine fibroids are unclear, strong evidence supports that cell proliferation, angiogenesis and fibrosis are involved in their formation and growth. Currently the only cure for uterine fibroids is hysterectomy; the available alternative therapies have limitations. Thus, there is an urgent need for developing a novel strategy for treating this condition. The green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) inhibits the growth of uterine leiomyoma cells in vitro and in vivo, and the use of a green tea extract (containing 45% EGCG) has demonstrated clinical activity without side effects in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. However, EGCG has a number of shortcomings, including low stability, poor bioavailability, and high metabolic transformations under physiological conditions, presenting challenges for its development as a therapeutic agent. We developed a prodrug of EGCG (Pro‐EGCG or 1) which shows increased stability, bioavailability and biological activity in vivo as compared to EGCG. We also synthesized prodrugs of EGCG analogs, compounds 2a and 4a, in order to potentially reduce their susceptibility to methylation/inhibition by catechol‐O‐methyltransferase. Here, we determined the effect of EGCG, Pro‐EGCG, and 2a and 4a on cultured human uterine leiomyoma cells, and found that 2a and 4a have potent antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and antifibrotic activities. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2357–2369, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving the removal efficiency of sulfuric acid droplets from flue gas using heterogeneous vapor condensation in a limestone‐gypsum desulfurization process
Authors: Wu Hao , Pan Danping , Bao Jingjing , Jiang Yezheng , Hong Guangxin , Yang Bing , Yang Linjun
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Emissions of sulfuric acid droplets have caused many problems. Improving the removal efficiency of sulfuric acid droplets is of great importance. A novel process based on heterogeneous vapor condensation was proposed in this paper to improve the removal efficiency of sulfuric acid droplets in a limestone–gypsum desulfurization process.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the sulfuric acid droplets were relatively easily activated in a supersaturated vapor environment and condensed into larger droplets. The removal efficiency of sulfuric acid droplets in a wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) system could be significantly improved. The improvements were mainly related to the inlet flue gas moisture content and temperature. A relatively higher moisture content and lower temperature of inlet flue gas improved the removal performance. Moreover, the liquid‐to‐gas ratio and the SO3 concentration also contributed to the improvement in removal efficiency. However, a higher temperature of the desulfurization slurry was unfavorable.

CONCLUSION

The novel process based on heterogeneous vapor condensation is suitable for industrial application. The removal efficiency of sulfuric acid droplets can be improved from 30 ∼ 40% to greater than 60%. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Tetracyanoethene and 1‐Amino‐1,2,2‐ethenetricarbonitrile in the Synthesis of Heterocycles of Prospective Antioxidant and Antibacterial
Authors: Aly Ashraf A , Malah Tamer El , Ishak Esam A. , Brown Alan B. , Elayat Wael M.
Published: March 2016

Reaction of 1,1,2,2‐ethenetetracarbonitrile (TCNE) with aroyl thioureas in dioxane catalyzed by few drops of piperidine, led to the corresponding 1,2,4‐oxathiazoles. Under the same reaction condition, thiosemicarbazide or thiosemicarbazone reacted with either TCNE or 1‐amino‐1,2,2‐ethene‐tricarbonitrile. The structures of the products were elucidated via NMR, IR, mass spectra, and elemental analyses. The mechanism of formation was discussed. Biological (against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria) and antioxidant activities were tested. Some of these heterocyclic compounds showed high activity as antioxidant and antibacterial compounds. The structure–activity relationship was investigated.