bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The masquerade game: marine mimicry adaptation between egg-cowries and octocorals
Authors: Sánchez Juan A. , Fuentes-Pardo Angela P. , Ní Almhain Íde , Ardila-Espitia Néstor E. , Cantera-Kintz Jaime , Forero-Shelton Manu
Published: September 2016

Background.Background matching, as a camouflage strategy, is one of the most outstanding examples of adaptation, where little error or mismatch means high vulnerability to predation. It is assumed that the interplay of natural selection and adaptation are the main evolutionary forces shaping the great diversity of phenotypes observed in mimicry; however, there may be other significant processes that intervene in the development of mimicry such as phenotypic plasticity. Based on observations of background mismatching during reproduction events of egg-cowries, sea snails of the family Ovulidae that mimic the octocoral where they inhabit, we wondered if they match the host species diversity. Using observations in the field and molecular systematics, we set out to establish whether the different egg-cowrie color/shape polymorphisms correspond to distinct lineages restricted to specific octocoral species.

Methods.Collection and observations of egg-cowries and their octocoral hosts were done using SCUBA diving between 2009 and 2012 at two localities in the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP), Malpelo Island and Cabo Corrientes (Colombia). Detailed host preference observations were done bi-annually at Malpelo Island. We analyzed the DNA sequence of the mitochondrial genesCOIand16S rDNA, extensively used in phylogenetic and DNA barcoding studies, to assess the evolutionary relationship among different egg-cowrie colorations and morphologies.

Results.No genetic divergence among egg-cowries associated to different species of the same octocoral genus was observed based on the two mitochondrial genes analyzed. For instance, all egg-cowrie individuals from the two sampled localities observed on 8 differentPacifigorgia-Eugorgiaspecies showed negligible mitochondrial divergence yet large morphologic divergence, which suggests that morphologies belonging to at least two sea snail species,Simnia avena(=S. aequalis) andSimnialena rufa, can cross-fertilize.

Discussion.Our study system comprised background-matching mimicry, of the masquerade type, between egg-cowries (Simnia/Simnialena) and octocorals (Pacifigorgia/Eugorgia/Leptogorgia). We observed mimicry mismatches related to fitness trade-offs, such as reproductive aggregations vs. vulnerability against predators. Despite the general assumption that coevolution of mimicry involves speciation, egg-cowries with different hosts and colorations comprise the same lineages. Consequently, we infer that there would be significant tradeoffs between mimicry and the pursuit of reproductive aggregations in egg-cowries. The findings of this study not only contribute to the understanding of the evolution of mimicry in egg-cowries, a poorly studied group of marine gastropods, but also to the development of a new biologically meaningful board game that could be implemented as a learning tool.
Preferred temperature and thermal breadth of birds wintering in peninsular Spain: the limited effect of temperature on species distribution
Authors: Carrascal Luis M. , Villén-Pérez Sara , Palomino David
Published: September 2016

Background.The availability of environmental energy, as measured by temperature, is expected to limit the abundance and distribution of endotherms wintering at temperate latitudes. A prediction of this hypothesis is that birds should attain their highest abundances in warmer areas. However, there may be a spatial mismatch between species preferred habitats and species preferred temperatures, so some species might end-up wintering in sub-optimal thermal environments.

Methods.We model the influence of minimum winter temperature on the relative abundance of 106 terrestrial bird species wintering in peninsular Spain, at 10 ×10 km2resolution, using 95%-quantile regressions. We analyze general trends across species on the shape of the response curves, the environmental preferred temperature (at which the species abundance is maximized), the mean temperature in the area of distribution and the thermal breadth (area under the abundance-temperature curve).

Results.Temperature explains a low proportion of variation in abundance. The most significant effect is on limiting the maximum potential abundance of species. Considering this upper-limit response, there is a large interspecific variability on the thermal preferences and specialization of species. Overall, there is a preponderance of positive relationships between species abundance and temperature; on average, species attain their maximum abundances in areas 1.9 °C warmer than the average temperature available in peninsular Spain. The mean temperature in the area of distribution is lower than the thermal preferences of the species.

Discussion.Many species prefer the warmest areas to overwinter, which suggests that temperature imposes important restrictions to birds wintering in the Iberian Peninsula. However, one third of species overwinter in locations colder than their thermal preferences, probably reflecting the interaction between habitat and thermal requirements. There is a high inter-specific variation in the versatility of species using the available thermal space, and the limited effect of temperature highlights the role of other environmental factors determining species abundance.
Data mining in conservation research using Latin and vernacular species names
Authors: Jarić Ivan , Courchamp Franck , Gessner Jörn , Roberts David L.
Published: September 2016

In conservation science, assessments of trends and priorities for actions often focus on species as the management unit. Studies on species coverage in online media are commonly conducted by using species vernacular names. However, the use of species vernacular names for web-based data search is problematic due to the high risk of mismatches in results. While the use of Latin names may produce more consistent results, it is uncertain whether a search using Latin names will produce unbiased results as compared to vernacular names. We assessed the potential of Latin names to be used as an alternative to vernacular names for the data mining within the field of conservation science. By using Latin and vernacular names, we searched for species from four species groups: diurnal birds of prey, Carnivora, Primates and marine mammals. We assessed the relationship of the results obtained within different online sources, such as Internet pages, newspapers and social media networks. Results indicated that the search results based on Latin and vernacular names were highly correlated, and confirmed that one may be used as an alternative for the other. We also demonstrated the potential of the number of images posted on the Internet to be used as an indication of the public attention towards different species.
fluff: exploratory analysis and visualization of high-throughput sequencing data
Authors: Georgiou Georgios , van Heeringen Simon J.
Published: September 2016

Summary.In this article we describe fluff, a software package that allows for simple exploration, clustering and visualization of high-throughput sequencing data mapped to a reference genome. The package contains three command-line tools to generate publication-quality figures in an uncomplicated manner using sensible defaults. Genome-wide data can be aggregated, clustered and visualized in a heatmap, according to different clustering methods. This includes a predefined setting to identify dynamic clusters between different conditions or developmental stages. Alternatively, clustered data can be visualized in a bandplot. Finally, fluff includes a tool to generate genomic profiles. As command-line tools, the fluff programs can easily be integrated into standard analysis pipelines. The installation is straightforward and documentation is available athttp://fluff.readthedocs.org.

Availability.fluff is implemented in Python and runs on Linux. The source code is freely available for download athttps://github.com/simonvh/fluff.
ProbioticBacillus coagulansGBI-30, 6086 reduces exercise-induced muscle damage and increases recovery
Authors: Jäger Ralf , Shields Kevin A. , Lowery Ryan P. , De Souza Eduardo O. , Partl Jeremy M. , Hollmer Chase , Purpura Martin , Wilson Jacob M.
Published: September 2016

Objective.Probiotics have been reported to support healthy digestive and immune function, aid in protein absorption, and decrease inflammation. Further, a trend to increase vertical jump power has been observed following co-administration of protein and probiotics in resistance-trained subjects. However, to date the potential beneficial effect of probiotics on recovery from high intensity resistance exercise have yet to be explored. Therefore, this study examined the effect of co-administration of protein and probiotics on muscle damage, recovery and performance following a damaging exercise bout.

Design.Twenty nine (n= 29) recreationally-trained males (mean ± SD; 21.5 ± 2.8 years; 89.7 ± 28.2 kg; 177.4 ± 8.0 cm) were assigned to consume either 20 g of casein (PRO) or 20 g of casein plus probiotic (1 billion CFUBacillus coagulansGBI-30, 6086, PROBC) in a crossover, diet-controlled design. After two weeks of supplementation, perceptional measures, athletic performance, and muscle damage were analyzed following a damaging exercise bout.

Results.The damaging exercise bout significantly increased muscle soreness, and reduced perceived recovery; however, PROBC significantly increased recovery at 24 and 72 h, and decreased soreness at 72 h post exercise in comparison to PRO. Perceptual measures were confirmed by increases in CK (PRO: +266.8%,p= 0.0002; PROBC: +137.7%,p= 0.01), with PROBC showing a trend towards reduced muscle damage (p= 0.08). The muscle-damaging exercise resulted in significantly increased muscle swelling and Blood Urea Nitrogen levels in both conditions with no difference between groups. The strenuous exercise significantly reduced athletic performance in PRO (Wingate Peak Power; PRO: (−39.8 watts, −5.3%,p= 0.03)), whereas PROBC maintained performance (+10.1 watts, +1.7%).

Conclusions.The results provide evidence that probiotic supplementation in combination with protein tended to reduce indices of muscle damage, improves recovery, and maintains physical performance subsequent to damaging exercise.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase MARCH3 controls the endothelial barrier
Authors: Leclair Héloïse M. , André‐Grégoire Gwennan , Treps Lucas , Azzi Sandy , Bidère Nicolas , Gavard Julie
Published: September 2016

Cell–cell contacts coordinate the endothelial barrier function in response to external cues. To identify new mediators involved in cytokine‐promoted endothelial permeability, we screened a siRNA library targeting E3 ubiquitin ligases. Here, we report that silencing of the late endosome/lysosomal membrane‐associated RING‐CH‐3 (MARCH3) enzyme protects the endothelial barrier. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis unmasked the upregulation of the tight junction‐encoding gene occludin (OCLN) in MARCH3‐depleted cells. Indeed, MARCH3 silencing results in the strengthening of cell‐cell contacts, as evidenced by the accumulation of junctional proteins. From a molecular standpoint, the FoxO1 forkhead transcription repressor was inactivated in the absence of MARCH3. This provides a possible molecular link between MARCH3 and the signaling pathway involved in regulating the expression of junctional proteins and barrier integrity.
Atomistic‐scale investigation of effective stress principle of saturated porous materials by molecular dynamics
Authors: Zhang Chao , Liu Zhen , Deng Peng
Published: September 2016

The effective stress principle is one of the most fundamental concepts in the mechanics of porous materials. Several mathematical expressions have been proposed for this fundamental principle, leading to unsettled debates on the validity and applicability of the principle and its mathematical descriptions. Recent developments in atomistic modeling techniques make it possible to understand multiphase systems at the atomistic scale. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulation is explored as a tool to investigate the stress formulation in porous materials. A molecular dynamics framework, including molecular models of phases, interatomic potentials, initial configuration, and simulation procedure, is presented. Numerical simulations based on the framework preliminarily show the validity of the effective stress principle at the atomistic scale. Furthermore, the effectiveness of typical expressions for the principle is investigated.
Implications of RCP emissions on future PM2.5 air quality and direct radiative forcing over China
Authors: Li Ke , Liao Hong , Zhu Jia , Moch Jonathan M.
Published: September 2016

Severe PM2.5 air pollution in China and the First Grand National Standard (FGNS), implemented in 2016 (annual PM2.5 concentration target of less than 35 µg m−3), necessitate urgent reduction strategies. This study applied the nested‐grid version of the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) chemical transport model (GEOS‐Chem) to quantify 2000–2050 changes in PM2.5 air quality and related direct radiative forcing (DRF) in China, based on future emission changes under the representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios of RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5. In the near term (2000–2030), a projected maximum increase in PM2.5 concentrations of 10–15 µg m−3 is found over east China under RCP6.0 and RCP8.5 and less than 5 µg m−3 under RCP2.6 and RCP4.5. In the long term (2000–2050), PM2.5 pollution clearly improves, and the largest decrease in PM2.5 concentrations of 15–30 µg m−3 is over east China under all RCPs except RCP6.0. Focusing particularly on highly polluted regions, we find that Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei (BTH) wintertime PM2.5 concentrations meeting the FGNS occur after 2040 under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5, and summertime PM2.5 concentrations reach this goal by 2030 under RCP2.6 and RCP4.5. In Sichuan Basin (SCB), wintertime PM2.5 concentrations below the FGNS occur only in 2050 under RCP2.6 and RCP4.5, although future summertime PM2.5 will be well controlled. The difficulty in controlling future PM2.5 concentrations relates to unmitigated high levels of nitrate, although NOx and SO2 emissions show substantial reductions during 2020–2040. The changes in aerosol concentrations lead to positive aerosol DRF over east China (20°–45°N, 100°–125°E) by 1.22, 1.88, and 0.66 W m−2 in 2050 relative to 2000 under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5, respectively. When considering both health and climate effects of PM2.5 over China, for example, PM2.5 concentrations averaged over east China under RCP4.5 (RCP2.6) decrease by 54% (43%) in 2050 relative to 2000, but at the cost of warming with DRF of 1.88 (1.22) W m−2. Our results indicate that it will be possible to mitigate future PM2.5 pollution in China, but it will likely take two decades for polluted regions such as BTH and SCB to meet the FGNS, based on all RCP scenarios. At the same time, the consequent warming effects from reduced aerosols are also significant and inevitable.
Cooperative drought adaptation: Integrating infrastructure development, conservation, and water transfers into adaptive policy pathways
Authors: Zeff Harrison B. , Herman Jonathan D. , Reed Patrick M. , Characklis Gregory W.
Published: September 2016

A considerable fraction of urban water supply capacity serves primarily as a hedge against drought. Water utilities can reduce their dependence on firm capacity and forestall the development of new supplies using short‐term drought management actions, such as conservation and transfers. Nevertheless, new supplies will often be needed, especially as demands rise due to population growth and economic development. Planning decisions regarding when and how to integrate new supply projects are fundamentally shaped by the way in which short‐term adaptive drought management strategies are employed. To date, the challenges posed by long‐term infrastructure sequencing and adaptive short‐term drought management are treated independently, neglecting important feedbacks between planning and management actions. This work contributes a risk‐based framework that uses continuously updating risk‐of‐failure (ROF) triggers to capture the feedbacks between short‐term drought management actions (e.g., conservation and water transfers) and the selection and sequencing of a set of regional supply infrastructure options over the long term. Probabilistic regional water supply pathways are discovered for four water utilities in the “Research Triangle” region of North Carolina. Furthermore, this study distinguishes the status‐quo planning path of independent action (encompassing utility‐specific conservation and new supply infrastructure only) from two cooperative formulations: “weak” cooperation, which combines utility‐specific conservation and infrastructure development with regional transfers, and “strong” cooperation, which also includes jointly developed regional infrastructure to support transfers. Results suggest that strong cooperation aids utilities in meeting their individual objectives at substantially lower costs and with less overall development. These benefits demonstrate how an adaptive, rule‐based decision framework can coordinate integrated solutions that would not be identified using more traditional optimization methods.
Rapidly and Effectively Improving the Mechanical Properties of Polyelectrolyte Complex Nanofibers through Microwave Treatment
Authors: Cai Ning , Han Chao , Luo Xiaogang , Liu Shengpeng , Yu Faquan
Published: September 2016

A facile method for improving the mechanical properties of polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) nanofibers by microwave treatment is proposed and investigated in chitosan/gelatin (CG) PEC model system. The microwave treatment with 600 W for 120 s produces 1.3‐ and 2.6‐folds elevation on Young's modulus and tensile strength of nanofiber membranes, respectively, which is attributed to the enhanced intermolecular interactions and the increased crystallinity in CG composites. In addition, the microwave‐treated CG nanofibers are found still possessing excellent swelling and antibacterial capability, which are indispensable for wound dressing application. Therefore, the microwave treatment can be employed as an effective and rapid strategy to produce PEC nanofibers with ideal mechanical property.
Paper‐Based Hydrophobic/Lipophobic Surface for Sensing Applications Involving Aggressive Liquids
Authors: Zhang Yue , Ren Tingting , Li Tong , He Junhui , Fang Deyu
Published: September 2016

A paper‐based hydrophobic/lipophobic surface with high liquid drop adhesion capable of carrying out sensitive biochemical assays directly is reported. Hydrophobic sol‐gel derived fluoroalkyl‐silica is used to develop the hydrophobic/lipophobic surface, which demonstrates superior confining abilities. The reported hydrophobic/lipophobic surface could retain aggressive liquids such as organic solvents and surfactant solutions whereas the methyl‐silica based surface fails to function. Because of the superior confining abilities, this paper‐based hydrophobic/lipophobic surface is competent for sensitive heavy metal ions detection and bacteria assay where aggressive liquids are necessarily used. The condensing‐enrichment effect on the hydrophobic/lipophobic surface renders this paper‐based analytical device (PAD) high sensitivity, and the high adhesion of the surface offers the PAD robustness. Facile fabrication of such surface and ease of operation for subsequent sensing promise a great potential for the PAD.
Enantioselective One‐Pot Reaction: Organocatalyzed Synthesis of Fully Functionalized Oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octanes with Seven Contiguous Stereocenters
Authors: Xia Ai‐Bao , Pan Gong‐Jian , Wu Chao , Liu Xue‐Li , Zhang Xiao‐Long , Li Zhao‐Bo , Du Xiao‐Hua , Xu Dan‐Qian
Published: September 2016

An enantioselective one‐pot Michael/Michael/Henry/hemiacetalization reaction between α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes, α‐ketoamides, and nitroalkenes under mild conditions catalyzed by a diarylprolinol silyl ether has been developed. The sequential methodology provides a direct approach to a wide range of fully substituted chiral oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octanes with seven contiguous stereocenters in moderate to excellent yields (up to 99%), high to excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >25:1 dr), and high to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee).

magnified image
Manganese(II)‐Mediated Domino Annulation Reaction of Vinyl Azides and 4‐Hydroxycoumarin: A Stereoselective Synthesis of Spirobenzofuranone‐lactams
Authors: Guo Shanshan , Chen Binhui , Zhao Donghong , Chen Wenteng , Zhang Guolin
Published: September 2016

A manganese(II) acetate‐catalyzed domino reaction of vinyl azides and 4‐hydroxycoumarin has been developed for the synthesis of polyfunctionalized spirofuranone‐lactams. A wide range of vinyl azides are capable of providing the desired spirofuranone‐lactams in good to excellent yields. The reaction was achieved via thermal decomposition of vinyl azides to 2H‐azirines, followed by an intramolecular nucleophilic attack and stereoselective cyclization. The mild reaction conditions and easy operation make this reaction advantageous for the synthesis of spirofuranone‐lactams.

magnified image
Facile Hydrogenolysis of C(sp3)–C(sp3) σ Bonds
Authors: Fillion Eric , Beaton Eric , Nguyen Yen , Wilsily Ashraf , Bondarenko Ganna , Jacq Jérôme
Published: September 2016

The modification of benzylic quaternary, tertiary, and secondary carbon centers through palladium‐catalyzed hydrogenolysis of C(sp3)–C(sp3) σ bonds is presented. When benzyl Meldrum's acid derivatives bearing quaternary benzylic centers are treated under mild hydrogenolysis conditions – palladium on carbon and atmospheric pressure of hydrogen – aromatics substituted with tertiary benzylic centers and Meldrum's acid are obtained with good to excellent yield. Analogously, substrates containing tertiary or secondary benzylic centers yield aromatics substituted with secondary benzylic centers or toluene derivatives, respectively. Furthermore, this strategy is used for the high yielding synthesis of diarylmethanes. The scope of the reductive dealkylation reaction is explored and the limitations with respect to steric and electronic factors are determined. A mechanistic analysis of the reaction is described that consisted of deuterium labelling experiments and hydrogenolysis of enantioenriched derivatives. The investigation shows that the C(sp3)–C(sp3) σ bond‐cleaving events occur through a hybrid SN1/SN2 mechanism, in which the palladium center displaces a carbon‐based leaving group, namely Meldrum's acid, with inversion of configuration, followed by reductive elimination of palladium to furnish a C−H bond.

magnified image
Ligand‐Free Copper‐Manganese Spinel Oxide‐Catalyzed Tandem One‐Pot C–H Amidation and N‐Arylation of Benzylamines: A Facile Access to 2‐Arylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones
Authors: Sharma Rohit , Vishwakarma Ram A. , Bharate Sandip B.
Published: September 2016

An efficient ligand‐free copper‐manganese (Cu‐Mn) spinel oxide‐catalyzed direct tandem C−H oxygenation and N‐arylation of benzylamines has been developed. The method has been utilized for the synthesis of medicinally important 2‐arylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones. Salient features of this method include recyclable catalyst, no ligand, excellent product yields, shorter reaction times and a broad substrate scope.

magnified image
Aerobic Oxidative Intramolecular Aromatic Coupling via Heterogeneous Metal Catalysts
Authors: Fujimoto Shigenobu , Matsumoto Kenji , Shindo Mitsuru
Published: September 2016

An aerobic, heterogeneously catalyzed oxidative intramolecular coupling reaction of aromatic compounds is reported here. Using commercially available, recyclable heterogeneous metal catalysts, the coupling reactions of o‐terphenyls and 1,ω‐biarylalkanes proceeded quickly under mild conditions, i.e., at room temperature under oxygen as a co‐oxidant almost all within 1 h, to provide the corresponding coupled products like triphenylenes and phenanthrenes in good to excellent yields. This reaction is an easily handled, practical, and atom‐economical coupling method, which is of great importance in modern organic syntheses.

magnified image
Splitting CO2 with a ceria‐based redox cycle in a solar‐driven thermogravimetric analyzer
Authors: Takacs M. , Ackermann S. , Bonk A. , Neises‐von Puttkamer M. , Haueter Ph. , Scheffe J. R. , Vogt U. F. , Steinfeld A.
Published: September 2016

Thermochemical splitting of CO2 via a ceria‐based redox cycle was performed in a solar‐driven thermogravimetric analyzer. Overall reaction rates, including heat and mass transport, were determined under concentrated irradiation mimicking realistic operation of solar reactors. Reticulated porous ceramic (RPC) structures and fibers made of undoped and Zr4+‐doped CeO2, were endothermally reduced under radiative fluxes of 1280 suns in the temperature range 1200–1950 K and subsequently re‐oxidized with CO2 at 950–1400 K. Rapid and uniform heating was observed for 8 ppi ceria RPC with mm‐sized porosity due to its low optical thickness and volumetric radiative absorption, while ceria fibers with μm‐sized porosity performed poorly due to its opacity to incident irradiation. The 10 ppi RPC exhibited higher fuel yield because of its higher sample density. Zr4+‐doped ceria showed increasing reduction extents with dopant concentration but decreasing specific CO yield due to unfavorable oxidation thermodynamics and slower kinetics. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 1263–1271, 2017
Media Use and Exposure to Graphic Content in the Week Following the Boston Marathon Bombings
Authors: Jones Nickolas M. , Garfin Dana Rose , Holman E. Alison , Silver Roxane Cohen
Published: September 2016

Traditional and new media inform and expose the public to potentially distressing graphic content following disasters, but predictors of media use have received limited attention. We examine media‐use patterns after the Boston Marathon bombings (BMB) in a representative national U.S. sample (n = 2888), with representative oversamples from metropolitan Boston (n = 845) and New York City (n = 941). Respondents completed an Internet‐based survey 2–4 weeks post‐BMB. Use of traditional media was correlated with older age, prior indirect media‐based exposure to collective traumas, and direct BMB exposure. New media use was correlated with younger age and prior direct exposure to collective traumas. Increased television and online news viewing were associated with exposure to more graphic content. The relationship between traditional and new media was stronger for young adults than all other age groups. We offer insights about the relationship between prior collective trauma exposures and media use following subsequent disasters and identify media sources likely to expose people to graphic content.
Vitamin D pathway regulatory genes encoding 1α‐hydroxylase and 24‐hydroxylase are dysregulated in sinonasal tissue during chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Christensen Jenna M. , Cheng Jasmine , Earls Peter , Gunton Jenny , Sewell William , Sacks Raymond , Harvey Richard J.
Published: September 2016

Background

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with many inflammatory respiratory disease states. However, serum vitamin D concentrations may not reflect tissue‐specific availability. In this study we sought to assess the local expression of genes essential in vitamin D regulation in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of adult patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery was performed. Patients were defined as having CRS with polyps (CRSwNP) or without polyps (CRSsNP), or normal sinus mucosa. Sinus mucosal biopsies were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction to determine expression of genes encoding the vitamin D receptor (VDR), 25‐hydroxylase (CYP2R1), 1α‐hydroxylase (CYP27B1), and 24‐hydroxylase (CYP24A1). Expression levels correlated with serum 25(OH)D [sum 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3], the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), and Nasal Symptom Score (NSS). Separate analyses were performed for patients grouped by tissue eosinophilia.

Results

Thirty‐one patients were assessed (age 49.47 ± 18.14 years, 48.4% female), including 8 CRSsNP, 10 CRSwNP, and 13 controls. CRSsNP and CRSwNP mucosa exhibited decreased CYP27B1 compared with controls (0.0437 [Interquartile range (IQR) 0.0999] vs 0.3260 [IQR 2.9384] vs 0.6557 [IQR 1.1005], p = 0.039), whereas CYP24A1 was upregulated (0.8522 [IQR 1.3170] vs 1.2239 [IQR 4.4197] vs 0.1076 [IQR 0.1791], p = 0.025). CYP24A1 was upregulated in both non‐eosinophilic CRS and eosinophilic CRS (1.1337 [IQR 2.3790] vs 0.9555 [IQR 3.2811] vs 0.1076 [IQR 0.1791], p = 0.033). Significant correlations were observed between NSS and CYP2R1 (r = −0.432, p = 0.022), CYP24A1 (r = 0.420, P = 0.026), and VDR (r = 0.425, p = 0.024), although no correlations with serum 25(OH)D were observed.

Conclusions

The local regulation of vitamin D in sinonasal tissue during CRS may be independent of serum 25(OH)D levels. Vitamin D may be dysregulated at multiple levels, with decreased transcription of the metabolic gene CYP27B1 and increased transcription of the catabolic gene CYP24A1 observed.
Mikroplastik in aquatischen Ökosystemen
Authors: Ivleva Natalia P. , Wiesheu Alexandra C. , Niessner Reinhard
Published: September 2016

Die Verunreinigung von Salz‐ und Süßwassersystemen durch Kunststoffe und insbesondere Mikroplastik (MP) stellt ein weltweites ökologisches Problem dar. Zahlreiche Studien beschäftigten sich mit dem Vorkommen von MP, der Wechselwirkung mit Schadstoffen, der Aufnahme durch aquatische Organismen und den daraus resultierenden Wirkungen. Dieser Aufsatz behandelt die wichtigsten Fragen in Bezug auf MP in aquatischen Systemen. Der Schwerpunkt liegt hierbei auf: 1) der Beschreibung der analytischen Methoden zur Probenahme, Aufbereitung, Identifikation und Quantifizierung von MP sowie deren Anwendbarkeit, Zuverlässigkeit und den benötigten Verbesserungen; 2) einer Abschätzung des MP‐Vorkommens sowie möglicher Hindernisse bei der Vergleichbarkeit unterschiedlicher Studien; 3) einer Zusammenfassung der bekannten Literatur zur Aufnahme von MP durch Organismen. Anschließend werden vorhandene Wissenslücken aufgezeigt, mögliche Strategien zur Bewertung der Umweltgefährdung vorgeschlagen und Perspektiven zur Reduzierung von MP in aquatischen Ökosystemen diskutiert.
Synthesis of cis‐1,4‐polyisoprene with Al‐Ti catalysts modified by different electron donor reagent
Authors: Wang Zhaowei , Wen Zhixia , Li Xing , Yu Junwei , Liu Xiaoxuan
Published: September 2016

The preparation of the high cis−1,4‐polyisoprene by Ziegler‐Natta catalysis system was studied. The effect of Al‐Ti catalysts modified by ethers with different structures which are different electron donor reagent on polymerization of isoprene has been mainly investigated. By the measurement method of the monomer conversion, FTIR, and 1H NMR spectroscopy, the influence of, respectively, added diphenyl ether, anisole, dibutyl ether, or methyl tert‐butyl methyl ether as a third active component on the heterogeneous TiCl4‐Al(i‐Bu)3‐ether catalyst activity and microstructure of synthetic polyisoprene was analyzed. By the adding of diphenyl ether or dibutyl ether, the process of prefabricated heterogeneous catalyst is quickly and catalyst particle quantity is large. The polymerization conversion is high and the microstructure cis−1,4 content of the resulting polymer can reach 92%. But Al(i‐Bu)3 added anisole or methyl tert‐butyl methyl ether hard to cooperate with TiCl4. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44357.
Six‐arm star‐shaped polymer with cyclophosphazene core and poly(ε‐caprolactone) arms as modifier of epoxy thermosets
Authors: Ye Weitao , Wei Wei , Fei Xiaoma , Lu Rongjie , Liu Na , Luo Jing , Zhu Ye , Liu Xiaoya
Published: September 2016

A six‐arm star‐shaped poly(ε‐caprolactone) (s‐PCL) based on cyclophosphazene core was obtained by presynthesis of a hydroxy‐teminated cyclophosphazene derivative and subsequent initiation of the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone, and its use in different proportions as toughening modifier of diglycidylether of bisphenol A/anhydride thermosets was studied. The star‐shaped polymer was characterized to have approximately 30 caprolactone units per arm. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed a nonsignificant influence on the curing process of the epoxy‐anhydride formulation by the addition of s‐PCL. The s‐PCL‐modified epoxy thermosets exhibited a great improvement in both toughness and strength compared with the neat resin, as the result of a joint effort by the internal rigid core and the external ductile polyester chains of s‐PCL. When the addition of the modifier was 3 wt %, an optimal mechanical and thermomechanical performance was achieved. The impact resistance and tensile strength of the cured epoxy resin were enhanced by 150% and 30%, respectively. The glass transition temperature was also increased slightly. Moreover, the addition of the star‐shaped modifier had little harmful effect on the thermal stability of the material. Thus s‐PCL was proved to be a superior toughening agent without sacrificing thermal and mechanical properties of the thermosets. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44384.
A High Contrast Tri‐state Fluorescent Switch: Properties and Applications
Authors: Su Xing , Wang Yi , Fang Xiaofeng , Zhang Yu‐Mo , Zhang Ting , Li Minjie , Liu Yifei , Lin Tingting , Zhang Sean Xiao‐An
Published: September 2016

A high contrast tri‐state fluorescent switch (FSPTPE) with both emission color change and on/off switching is achieved in a single molecular system by fusing the aggregation‐induced emissive tetraphenylethene (TPE) with a molecular switch of spiropyran (SP). In contrast to most of the reported solid‐state fluorescent switches, FSPTPE only exists in the amorphous phase in the ring‐closed form owing to its highly asymmetric molecular geometry and weak intermolecular interactions, which leads to its grinding‐inert stable cyan emission in the solid state. Such an amorphous phase facilitates the fast response of FSPTPE to acidic gases and induces the structural transition from the ring‐closed form to ring‐open form, accompanied with the “Off” state of the fluorescence. The structural transition leads to a planar molecular conformation and high dipole moment, which further results in strong intermolecular interactions and good crystallinity, so when the acid is added together with a solvent, both the ring‐opening reaction and re‐crystallization can be triggered to result in an orange emissive state. The reversible control between any two of the three states (cyan/orange/dark) can be achieved with acid/base or mechanical force/solvent treatment. Because of the stable initial state and high color contrast (Δλ=120 nm for cyan/orange switch, dark state ΦF<0.01 %), the fluorescent switch is very promising for applications such as displays, chemical or mechanical sensing, and anti‐counterfeiting.
Intramolecular Oxidative O‐Demethylation of an Oxoferryl Porphyrin Complexed with a Per‐O‐methylated β‐Cyclodextrin Dimer
Authors: Kitagishi Hiroaki , Kurosawa Shun , Kano Koji
Published: September 2016

The intramolecular oxidation of ROCH3 to ROCH2OH, where the latter compound spontaneously decomposed to ROH and HCHO, was observed during the reaction of the supramolecular complex (met‐hemoCD3) with cumene hydroperoxide in aqueous solution. Met‐hemoCD3 is composed of meso‐tetrakis(4‐sulfonatophenyl)porphinatoiron(III) (FeIIITPPS) and a per‐O‐methylated β‐cyclodextrin dimer having an ‐OCH2PyCH2O‐ linker (Py=pyridine‐3,5‐diyl). The O=FeIVTPPS complex was formed by the reaction of met‐hemoCD3 with cumene hydroperoxide, and isolated by gel‐filtration chromatography. Although the isolated O=FeIVTPPS complex in the cyclodextrin cage was stable in aqueous solution at 25 °C, it was gradually converted to FeIITPPS (t1/2=7.6 h). This conversion was accompanied by oxidative O‐demethylation of an OCH3 group in the cyclodextrin dimer. The results indicated that hydrogen abstraction by O=FeIVTPPS from ROCH3 yields HO‐FeIIITPPS and ROCH2.. This was followed by radical coupling to afford FeIITPPS and ROCH2OH. The hemiacetal (ROCH2OH) immediately decomposed to ROH and HCHO. This study revealed the ability of oxoferryl porphyrin to induce two‐electron oxidation.
The use of critical thinking in higher education in relation to the international student: Shifting policy and practice
Authors: Hammersley‐Fletcher Linda , Hanley Christopher
Published: September 2016

Academic staff working within Western higher education institutions (HEIs), have a responsibility to encourage the continuous critique of knowledge and values, expressed both within the curriculum that they deliver and within society more widely. Critical thinking is often regarded as the hallmark of a good education. Atkinson however raised concerns, that such practices may possess an exclusive (and reductive) character, fraught with cultural issues. Consequently, international students may be at a disadvantage in understanding the underpinning principles of critical thinking. This article draws upon data from a small case‐study sample of international Masters level students, as a means to examine and refine notions of critical thinking in relation to practices within one United Kingdom university. We suggest that these data indicate that it is time to re‐evaluate and reconsider the ways in which we understand and promote critical thinking within academic work.
Dynamic changes of substrate reactivity and enzyme adsorption on partially hydrolyzed cellulose
Authors: Shi Jian , Wu Dong , Zhang Libing , Simmons Blake A. , Singh Seema , Yang Bin , Wyman Charles E.
Published: September 2016

The enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose is a thermodynamically challenging catalytic process that is influenced by both substrate‐related and enzyme‐related factors. In this study, a proteolysis approach was applied to recover and clean the partially converted cellulose at the different stages of enzymatic hydrolysis to monitor the hydrolysis rate as a function of substrate reactivity/accessibility and investigate surface characteristics of the partially converted cellulose. Enzyme‐substrate interactions between individual key cellulase components from wild‐type Trichoderma reesei and partially converted cellulose were followed and correlated to the enzyme adsorption capacity and dynamic sugar release. Results suggest that cellobiohydrolase CBH1 (Cel7A) and endoglucanases EG2 (Cel5A) adsorption capacities decreased as cellulose was progressively hydrolyzed, likely due to the “depletion” of binding sites. Furthermore, the degree of synergism between CBH1 and EG2 varied depending on the enzyme loading and the substrates. The results provide a better understanding of the relationship between dynamic change of substrate features and the functionality of various cellulase components during enzymatic hydrolysis. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 503–515. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fam60A plays a role for production stabilities of recombinant CHO cell lines
Authors: Ritter Anett , Nuciforo Sandro , Schulze Axel , Oertli Mevion , Rauschert Tatjana , Voedisch Bernd , Geisse Sabine , Jostock Thomas , Laux Holger
Published: September 2016

Recombinant CHO (Chinese hamster ovary) cell lines producing therapeutic proteins often lose their production capability during long‐term cultivation. To ensure that CHO production cell lines can be up‐scaled to high‐volume bioreactors, labor intensive stability studies of several months have to be performed to deselect clones that are losing productivity over time. The ability to predict whether clones will produce recombinant proteins at constant high levels, for example, through determination of biomarkers such as expression of specific genes, plasmid integration sites, or epigenetic patterns, or even to improve CHO host cell lines to increase the probability of the generation of stable clones would be highly beneficial. Previously, we reported that the lack of a telomeric region of chromosome 8 correlates with increased productivities and higher production stabilities of monoclonal antibody expressing CHO cell lines (Ritter A, Voedisch B, Wienberg J, Wilms B, Geisse S, Jostock T, Laux H. 2016a. Biotechnol Bioeng 113(5):1084–1093). Herein, we describe that the knock‐out of the gene Fam60A, which is one of the genes located within the telomeric region of chromosome 8, in CHO‐K1a cells leads to the isolation of significantly more clones with higher protein production stabilities of monoclonal antibodies during long‐term cultivation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 701–704. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between antiepileptic drugs and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with epilepsy: a population‐based case–control study
Authors: Hung Dong‐Zong , Lin Cheng‐Li , Li Yi‐Wen , Lin Yen‐Ning , Lee Ying‐Ray , Wang Charles‐C. N. , Chen Jih‐Jung , Lim Yun‐Ping
Published: September 2016

Background

This study explored whether antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) use increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We conducted a case–control study using data from the National Health Insurance system of Taiwan. The case group comprised 1,454 epilepsy patients with newly diagnosed HCC, and the control group comprised 1,448 epilepsy patients without HCC. Both groups had similar distributions of sex and age, and follow‐up duration. Possible associations with the AEDs in Taiwan were examined.

Results

After adjusted for AEDs (phenobarbital and primidone, clonazepam, clorazepate and diazepam, and other AEDs), and for the comorbidities of diabetes, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, hepatitis B and C virus infection, and alcoholism, the odds ratio (OR) of HCC was 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.47) for the group of phenytoin users compared with nonphenytoin users. An annual means of 61–120, 121–180, and >180 of defined daily doses (DDDs) of phenytoin (OR: 4.07, 95% CI: 2.03–8.18; OR: 7.51, 95% CI: 3.03–18.7, and OR: 14.6, 95% CI: 7.88–26.9, respectively) were significantly correlated with the risk of HCC but not with a DDD of ≤60. Compared with nonphenytoin users, HCC patients who had used phenytoin within 1 year of HCC diagnosis were at a greatest risk of HCC (adjusted OR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.71–3.08), followed by who had used phenytoin within 2 years of diagnosis (adjusted OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.44–2.56).

Conclusion

The results indicate that high dose of phenytoin was associated with a statistically significant increased OR for HCC, which was not demonstrated for low‐dose phenytoin.
Lewis Acid Induced Switch of Torquoselectivity in the Nazarov Cyclization of Activated Dienones Bearing a Chiral Sulfoxide
Authors: Grenet Erwann , Martínez Jean , Salom‐Roig Xavier J.
Published: September 2016

A Nazarov cyclization of activated dienones bearing a dihydropyran as an electron‐donating group (EDG) and a chiral sulfoxide group as an electron‐withdrawing group (EWG) and chiral inductor is described. The direction of the torquoselectivity depends highly on the nature of the Lewis acid promoter. This diastereodivergent strategy furnishes both trans stereoisomers from a common precursor. The potential of the Nazarov cyclization products was highlighted by further synthetic elaboration.
An Open‐Cage Fullerene That Mimics the C60H10 (5,5)‐Carbon Nanotube Endcap to Host Acetylene and Hydrogen Cyanide Molecules
Authors: Chen Chi‐Shian , Yeh Wen‐Yann
Published: September 2016

Treatment of the open‐cage fullerene C63H4NO2(Ph)2(Py)(N2C6H4) (1) with methanol at 150 °C results in an orifice‐enlargement reaction to give C69H8NO(CO2Me)(Ph)(Py)(N2C6H4) (2). The overall yield from C60 to isolated 2 is 6.1 % (four steps). Compound 2 contains a 24‐membered elliptic orifice that spans 8.45 Å along the major axis and 6.37 Å along the minor axis. The skeleton of 2 resembles the hypothetic C60H10 (5,5)‐carbon nanotube endcap. The cup‐shaped structure of 2 is able to include water, hydrogen cyanide, and acetylene, forming H2O@2, HCN@2, and C2H2@2, respectively. The molecular structures of H2O@2 and HCN@2 have been determined by X‐ray crystallography. The 1H NMR spectra reveal substantial upfield shifts for the endohedral species, such as δ=−10.30 (for H2O), −2.74 and −14.26 (for C2H2), and −1.22 ppm (for HCN), owing to the strong shielding effects of the fullerene cage.
Copper‐Catalyzed Hydrosulfonylation of Alkynes Employing Sulfonohydrazides toward the Synthesis of Vinyl Sulfones
Authors: Hu Deqing , Bai Feicheng , Liu Yunyun , Wan Jie‐Ping
Published: September 2016

The hydrosulfonylation of terminal alkynes employing sulfonohydrazides has been accomplished with copper‐catalysis in the presence of BPO (benzoic peroxyanhydride). Generally, excellent yield of the vinyl sulfone products has been acquired by heating the reaction at 70°C in DMSO.
Visible Light‐Induced Photocatalysis on Carbon Nitride Deposited Titanium Dioxide: Hydrogen Production from Sacrificial Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Higashimoto Shinya , Hikita Kohji , Azuma Masashi , Yamamoto Mari , Takahashi Masanari , Sakata Yoshihisa , Matsuoka Masaya , Kobayashi Hisayoshi
Published: September 2016

Carbon and nitrogen species‐involved TiO2 (CN‐TiO2) were systematically synthesized by thermal condensation of cyanuric acid on the TiO2 surface. And the photocatalytic reactions for H2 production from sacrificial aqueous solutions were performed on several CN‐TiO2 photocatalyst under visible‐light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of the CN‐TiO2 was influenced by total amounts of carbon and nitrogen species, and the preferable activity was ten times higher than that of pristine carbon nitride. Here, the states of the CN‐TiO2 photocatalyst were characterized by XPS, FT‐IR and UV–vis spectroscopy as well as DFT calculations. The photo‐electrochemical measurements confirmed that the enhancement of H2 production is associated with effective charge separation under photo‐ excitation of highly dispersed carbon nitride on the TiO2 surface.
Low rates of pregnancy screening in adolescents before teratogenic exposures in a national sample of children's hospitals
Authors: Rao Pooja , Li Yimei , Getz Kelly D. , Miller Tamara P. , Huang Yuan‐Shung , Wilkes Jennifer J. , Seif Alix E. , Bagatell Rochelle , Fisher Brian T. , Gracia Clarisa , Aplenc Richard
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Adolescents with cancer engage in sexual behaviors and are exposed to teratogenic chemotherapy. There are no data regarding pregnancy screening patterns for adolescents before chemotherapy exposure.

METHODS

A cross‐sectional study of leukemia and emergency room (ER) admissions in the Pediatric Health Information System from 1999 to 2011 was conducted. Females who were 10 to 18 years old and 1) had newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or 2) had ER visits with computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen/pelvis were included. The exposure was a hospital visit with either chemotherapy or an abdominal/pelvic CT scan. The main outcome was a pregnancy test billed on the same day or before the teratogenic exposure within the same index admission. Log‐binomial regressions were used to compute prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals comparing pregnancy screening in the leukemia and ER cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 35,650 admissions were identified. The proportion of visits with an appropriately timed pregnancy test was 35%, 64%, and 58% in the ALL (n = 889), AML (n = 127), and ER cohorts (n = 34,634), respectively. Patients with ALL were significantly less likely to have a pregnancy test than the ER cohort (adjusted prevalence ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.65‐0.78), but there was no significant difference between the AML and ER cohorts (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.99‐1.27). There was substantial hospital‐level variation in pregnancy screening patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents with acute leukemia and ER visits have low rates of pregnancy screening before teratogenic exposures. Standardized practice guidelines for pregnancy screening among adolescents may improve screening rates. Cancer 2016;122:3394–3400. © 2016 American Cancer Society.