bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scorpionates of the “Tetrahedral Enforcer” Variety as Ancillary Ligands for Dinitrogen Complexes of First Row Transition Metals (Cr–Co)
Authors: Cummins Daniel C. , Yap Glenn P. A. , Theopold Klaus H.
Published: February 2016

Dinitrogen complexes of the first row transition metals Cr–Co supported by 2nd generation hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate (TpR,R′) ligands were characterized by structure and reactivity. Compounds of the type (TpR,R′M)n(N2) (n = 1,2) were prepared and evaluated as precursors for small molecule activation, with specific application to reactions of O2.
Synthesis and Structure of Vanadium Halide Complexes Containing Diphosphine Ligands with Pendant Amines
Authors: Egbert Jonathan D. , Labios Liezel A. , Darmon Jonathan M. , Piro Nicholas A. , Scott Kassel W. , Mock Michael T.
Published: February 2016

A series of vanadium(III) diiodide complexes of the formula CpV(PRNR′PR)I2 [Cp = η5‐C5H5; PRNR′PR = (R2PCH2)2N(R′); R = Et, R′ = Me (1a); R = Et, R′ = Ph (1b); R = Ph, R′ = Me (1c)] is reported. The corresponding vanadium(II) monoiodide complexes of the formula CpV(PRNR′PR)I [R = Et, R′ = Me (2a); R = Et, R′ = Ph (2b); R = Ph, R′ = Me (2c)] were prepared in THF by reduction of 1a–c with Zn powder. We report the preparation of the vanadium(II) complexes CpV(PPh2NPh2)I (3) (PPh2NPh2 = 1,3,5,7‐tetraphenyl‐1,5‐diaza‐3,7‐diphosphacyclooctane) as well as trans‐[VCl2(PEtNMePEt)2] (4a) and trans‐[VCl2(PEtNPhPEt)2] (4b). These paramagnetic complexes are characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry for 2a, 2b, 3 and 4b. Complexes 1c, 2a–c, 3, and 4b were also characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. These complexes represent initial examples for the coordination chemistry of vanadium with PRNR′PR and PPh2NPh2 diphosphine ligands, which contain a pendant amino groups in the second coordination sphere.
Enantioselective Total Syntheses of (R)‐ and (S)‐Naphthotectone, and Stereochemical Assignment of the Natural Product
Authors: Guerrero‐Vásquez Guillermo A. , Galarza Flávia A. D. , Molinillo José M. G. , Andrade Carlos Kleber Z. , Macías Francisco A.
Published: February 2016

Both isomers of naphthotectone, an isoprenoid quinone from Verbenaceae Tectona grandis possessing interesting biological activities, were enantioselectively obtained by two different synthetic routes in which the carbon side‐chain of the naphthoquinone core was introduced using either a Sonogashira or a Heck coupling reaction. In both cases, the naphthoquinone core of the final products was obtained by a late‐stage anodic treatment. (R)‐Naphthotectone was obtained in six steps from leuconaphthazarin with an overall yield of 38 % and an enantiomeric excess of 86 %. This compound was found to have the same absolute configuration as the natural product at its C‐3′ stereogenic center. (S)‐Naphthotectone was obtained in five steps from leuconaphthazarin with an overall yield of 36 % and an enantiomeric excess of 80 %.
Stereoselective Enzymatic Reduction of Ethyl Secodione: Preparation of a Key Intermediate for the Total Synthesis of Steroids
Authors: Contente Martina Letizia , Molinari Francesco , Serra Immacolata , Pinto Andrea , Romano Diego
Published: February 2016

Ethyl secodione (1) has been enantioselectively reduced by using different biocatalysts for the preparation of ethyl secol (13R, 17S)‐2a. The recombinant ketoreductase KRED1‐Pglu converted the substrate with the highest reaction rate and stereoselectivity (ee > 98 %), whereas whole cells of Pichia minuta CBS 1708 showed the highest productivity. Stereoselective reduction of 1 provides the key chiral precursor for the synthesis of a number of hormonal contraceptives (i.e., desogestrel, norgestrel, gestodene).
Protecting Group Dependence of Stereochemical Outcome of Glycosylation of 2‐O‐(Thiophen‐2‐yl)methyl Ether Protected Glycosyl Donors
Authors: Watson Andrew J. A. , Alexander Stewart R. , Cox Daniel J. , Fairbanks Antony J.
Published: February 2016

A series of glycosyl donors possessing a (thiophen‐2‐yl)methyl ether protecting group at position 2 were synthesised and the effect of the protecting group pattern of other hydroxyls on the stereochemical outcome of glycosylation was investigated. Studies revealed optimal α‐selectivity for glycosylation using a fully armed tri‐benzylated donor, whilst other protecting group patterns were significantly less effective. Low‐temperature NMR studies of both fully armed and fully disarmed donors revealed the intermediacy of cyclised sulfonium ion intermediates. Reaction conditions were developed which allowed removal of the (thiophen‐2‐yl)methyl ether protecting group either selectively, or together with benzyl ethers.
Fabrication of High‐aspect Ratio (HAR) Palladium Nanorod‐modified Electrodes for Raman Spectroelectrochemical Studies of Thiolate Desorption from HAR Nanomaterials
Authors: Pomfret Michael B. , Pietron Jeremy J.
Published: February 2016

We describe a method to fabricate electrodes modified with high‐aspect ratio (HAR) palladium (Pd) nanorods derived from the electrochemical reduction of Pd salts in polycarbonate track‐etched membranes. The HAR Pd nanorod‐modified electrode platform enables direct spectroscopic observation of electrochemical processes particular to HAR forms of nano‐Pd using Raman spectroelectrochemistry. In the present study, we use this platform to observe an anomalous mechanism of oxidative electrochemical desorption of the probe molecule benzenethiol (BT) from the HAR Pd surface. At HAR Pd, the Pd−S bond between the Pd nanorods and BT severs upon oxidation of the Pd surface, whereas on the surface of spherical nano‐Pd, the C−S bond in BT is broken, as is more typically observed for sulfur‐containing organic molecules adsorbed to Pd surfaces. Using this probe reaction, we demonstrate the suitability of this HAR nanorod‐modified electrode platform for the investigation of anomalous electrochemical phenomena observed at HAR Pd for reactions that involve adsorbed intermediates in general – including not only adsorbed sulfur – but in principle also for the electrochemical oxidation of alternative fuels such as ethanol and methanol.
Procedures for calibration of linear models for damage limitation in design of masonry‐infilled RC frames
Authors: Ricci Paolo , De Risi Maria Teresa , Verderame Gerardo Mario , Manfredi Gaetano
Published: February 2016

Recent earthquakes have confirmed the role played by infills in the seismic response of reinforced concrete buildings. The control and limitation of damage to such nonstructural elements is a key issue in performance‐based earthquake engineering. The present work is focused on modeling and analysis of damage to infill panels, and, in particular, it is aimed towards linear analysis procedures for assessing the damage limitation limit state of infilled reinforced concrete frames.

First, code provisions on infill modeling and acceptance criteria at the damage limitation limit state are reviewed. Literature contributions on damage to unreinforced masonry infill panels and corresponding displacement capacity are reported and discussed.

Two procedures are then proposed aiming at a twofold goal: (i) the determination of ‘equivalent’ interstory drift ratio limits for a bare frame model and (ii) the estimation of the stiffness of equivalent struts representing infill walls in a linear model. These two quantities are determined such that a linear model ensures a reliable estimation of seismic capacity at the damage limitation limit state, providing the same intensity level as that obtained from nonlinear analyses carried out on structural models with infills.

Finally, the proposed procedures are applied to four‐story and eight‐story case study‐infilled frames, designed for seismic loads according to current technical codes. The results of these application examples are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐directional response of unreinforced masonry walls: experimental and computational investigations
Authors: Dolatshahi Kiarash M. , Aref Amjad J.
Published: February 2016

This paper describes the results of an experimental and numerical study that focused on multi‐directional behavior of unreinforced masonry walls and established the requisite of the related proposed design equations. The tests were conducted following several sets of multi‐directional loading combinations imposed on the top plane of the wall along with considering monotonic and cyclic quasi‐static loading protocols. Various boundary conditions, representing possible wall–roof connections, were also considered for different walls to investigate the influence of rotation of the top plane of the wall on the failure modes. The results of the tests were recorded with a host of high precision data acquisition systems, showing three‐dimensional displacements of a grid on the surface of the wall. Finite element models of the walls are developed using the commercial software package ABAQUS/Explicit compiled with a FORTRAN subroutine (VUMAT) written by the authors. The experimental results were then used to validate the finite element models and the developed user‐defined material models. With the utility of validated models, a parametric study was performed on a set of parameters with dominant influence on the behavior of the wall system under in‐plane and out‐of‐plane loading combinations. The experimental and numerical results are finally used to investigate the adequacy of ASCE 41 empirical equations, and some insights and recommendations are made. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prednisolone impairs embryonic and posthatching development and shell formation of the freshwater snail, Physa acuta
Authors: Bal Navdeep , Kumar Anu , Du Jun , Nugegoda Dayanthi
Published: February 2016

The aim of the present study was to investigate the lethal and sublethal effects of prednisolone exposure on the embryonic and posthatching stage of the freshwater snail, Physa acuta. The egg masses were exposed for 14 d to prednisolone concentrations ranging from 15.6 μg/L to 1000 μg/L. Treatment with prednisolone at 125 μg/L to 1000 μg/L resulted in significant decline in growth, survival, and heart rate, as well as notable abnormalities in embryonic development. Premature embryonic hatching was observed at lower concentrations of 31.25 μg/L and 62.5 μg/L, whereas delayed hatching was seen at concentrations from 125 μg/L to 1000 μg/L. To assess impacts of prednisolone exposure on the hatched juveniles, the drug exposure was extended for another 28 d. Impairment of shell development was noted in juveniles exposed to concentrations from 62.5 μg/L to 1000 μg/L at the end of 42 d, which resulted in thin and fragile shells. The thickness of shells in snails exposed to 1000 μg/L was significantly lower in comparison to those in the 15.6-μg/L and control treatments. In addition, lower calcium concentration in shells of the exposed juvenile snails at treatments of 62.5 μg/L to 1000 μg/L consequently reduced their growth. The present study confirms that continuous exposure to prednisolone can result in deleterious effects on calcium deposition, resulting in shell thinning in the freshwater snail P. acuta. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2339–2348. © 2016 SETAC
On the formulation of environmental fugacity models and their numerical solutions
Authors: Bates Michael L. , Bigot Marie , Cropp Roger A. , Engwirda Darren , Friedman Carey L. , Hawker Darryl W.
Published: February 2016

Multimedia models based on chemical fugacity, solved numerically, play an important role in investigating and quantifying the environmental fate of chemicals such as persistent organic pollutants. These models have been used extensively in studying the local and global distribution of chemicals in the environment. The present study describes potential sources of error that may arise from the formulation and numerical solution of environmental fugacity models. The authors derive a general fugacity equation for the rate of change of mass in an arbitrary volume (e.g., an environmental phase). Deriving this general equation makes clear several assumptions that are often not articulated but can be important for successfully applying multimedia fugacity models. It shows that the homogeneity of fugacity and fugacity capacity in a volume (the homogeneity assumption) is fundamental to formulating discretized fugacity models. It also shows that when using the fugacity rather than mass as the state-variable, correction terms may be necessary to accommodate environmental factors such as varying phase temperatures and volume. Neglecting these can lead to conservation errors. The authors illustrate the manifestation of these errors using heuristic multimedia fugacity models. The authors also show that there are easily avoided errors that can arise in mass state-variable models if variables are not updated appropriately in the numerical integration scheme. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2182–2191. © 2016 SETAC
Self‐interference suppression for the full‐duplex wireless communication with large‐scale antenna
Authors: Xing Pengbo , Liu Ju , Zhai Chao , Wang Xinhua , Zheng Lina
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we proposed a shared‐antenna full‐duplex framework for the multiuser multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) system with a large‐scale antenna array exploited at the base station to transmit and receive signals simultaneously. It has the merits of both the full‐duplex system and the time‐division duplex massive MIMO system, that is, the high spectral efficiency and the channel reciprocity. We focus on the zero‐forcing and the maximal‐ratio transmission/maximal‐ratio combining linear processing methods, which are commonly used in the massive MIMO system. As the main finding, we prove that the direct‐path and reflected‐path self‐interferences can both be suppressed by the large‐scale antenna array in the entirely dependent channels as well as independent channels. Monte‐Carlo simulations show that the self‐interference decreases below the white noise level if the scale of antenna array is large enough, and our full‐duplex large‐scale antenna system significantly outperforms the half‐duplex system in terms of spectral efficiency. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factor‐Augmented Bridge Models (FABM) and Soft Indicators to Forecast Italian Industrial Production
Authors: Girardi Alessandro , Guardabascio Barbara , Ventura Marco
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a new forecasting approach straddling the conventional methods applied to the Italian industrial production index. Specifically, the proposed method treats factor models and bridge models as complementary ingredients feeding a unique model specification. We document that the proposed approach improves upon traditional bridge models by making efficient use of the information conveyed by a large amount of survey data on manufacturing activity. Different factor algorithms are compared and, under the provision that a large estimation window is used, partial least squares outperform principal component‐based alternatives. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality changes in cocoyam flours during storage
Authors: Obadina Adewale , Ashimolowo Hannah , Olotu Ifeoluwa
Published: February 2016

Cocoyam tubers were subjected to two processing methods (fermentation and parboiling) and milled into flour. The samples were stored at 25°C, 35°C, and 45°C and analyzed at 2 weeks interval for 8 weeks for their nutritional, functional, and pasting properties. Data obtained were subjected to multiple analysis of variance. Storage period and its interactive effect with the processing methods had significant (P < 0.05) effects on all the nutritional composition of the flour except for the fat content. Water absorption index, wettability, and bulk density ranged from 1.94–2.72%, 25.30–135.50 sec, and 0.48–0.71 g/cm3, respectively. The entire pasting properties were significantly affected by the storage period while the interaction between storage temperature, processing methods, and storage period affected all the pasting properties except the peak time, peak, and breakdown viscosity. This study showed that processing methods storage periods and storage temperatures produced cocoyam flour with different quality characteristics.
Tectonic units and proto‐basin of the East China Sea Shelf Basin: correlation to Mesozoic subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate
Authors: Yang C. S. , Li S. Z. , Li G. , Yang C. Q. , Yang Y. Q. , Dai L. M. , Suo Y. H. , Li Q. , Jiang Y. B.
Published: February 2016

The East China Sea Shelf Basin (ECSSB) is a typical Meso‐Cenozoic superimposed basin characterized by different tectonic frameworks, suffering multi‐stage tectonism (e.g. the Indosinian, the Yanshanian and the Himalayan) since the Mesozoic. The Mesozoic ECSSB is a key place to our understanding of the tectonic evolution and dynamic mechanism in eastern South China and the subduction of the Izanagi Plate. Based on geological and geophysical results acquired over the last 10 years, this paper provides a summary of the distribution of Mesozoic strata, ascertains boundaries of the Mesozoic basin and proposes the division of the Mesozoic tectonic units in the ECSSB. The Mesozoic ECSSB was subdivided into the Western Fault Depression (WFD) characterized by dispersed Cretaceous half‐grabens and the East Depression (ED) characterized by depressions at the early stage and grabens at the later stage. The WFD is composed of half‐grabens formed under transtension, and the ED is composed of depression zones on the pre‐Mesozoic basement under regional compression, indicating different dynamic mechanisms from the Cenozoic basins. Formation of the Mesozoic tectonic framework was controlled by the collision, compression and subduction of the Izanagi Plate and the Pacific Plate and also affected by the Indian Plate at a later stage. By comparison, this paper preliminarily proposes that the northern South China Sea and the ED of the ECSSB were originally a unified basin and jointly constituted a huge Mesozoic proto‐basin in the East Asian continental margin. The Mesozoic tectonic unit division is helpful not only to discuss and resolve problems of ocean–continent differences and boundaries in southeastern South China but also to understand the tectonic nature of the East Asian continental margin, the dynamic mechanism of the Mesozoic basins and the transition of continental margin types. It also provides scientific support for petroleum exploration of the Mesozoic strata in the East China Sea. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cervical metastases of oral maxillary squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Wen‐Bo , Peng Xin
Published: February 2016

Cervical treatment of oral maxillary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remains controversial. We determined the metastases incidence and evaluated its predictive factors. Systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted of 23 Chinese and English‐language articles retrieved from PubMed, Ovid, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Scientific and Technological Journal databases. Total cervical metastases and occult metastases rate was 32% and 21%, respectively. Positive lymph node detection was likeliest from levels I to III. The maxillary gingival metastases rate was higher than that of the hard palate. Advanced‐stage tumors had higher metastatic risk than early‐stage tumors. Well‐differentiated tumors had a significantly higher metastases rate than medium and poor‐differentiation tumors. N0 cases had survival benefit compared with N+ cases. Metastases rate of oral maxillary SCC correlates significantly with T classification and pathological stage. T and N classifications impact outcome significantly. Therefore, levels I to III selective neck dissection is recommended for patients with T3/4 cN0 disease. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2335–E2342, 2016
Induction docetaxel and S‐1 followed by concomitant radiotherapy with low‐dose daily cisplatin in locally advanced head and neck carcinoma
Authors: Kim Hye Ryun , Lee Chang Geol , Choi Eun Chang , Kim Joo Hang , Koh Yoon Woo , Cho Byoung Chul
Published: February 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of induction chemotherapy with docetaxel‐S‐1, and radiotherapy (RT) with concurrent daily cisplatin in locally advanced head and neck carcinoma.

Method

Fifty patients received 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy with induction chemotherapy with docetaxel and S‐1, followed by 7 cycles of RT with concurrent daily cisplatin.

Results

The most frequent grade 3 to 4 hematologic toxicity was neutropenia (14%). Forty of 50 patients who completed induction chemotherapy with docetaxel and S‐1 subsequently started RT with concurrent daily cisplatin, all within 3 to 4 weeks after the start of the second cycle of induction chemotherapy with docetaxel and S‐1. The best response to induction chemotherapy with docetaxel and S‐1 and after completion of RT with concurrent daily cisplatin was partial response (PR) in 52.5% and complete response in 47.5%, respectively. With a median follow‐up of 61 months, 5‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 63.3% and 65.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

Administration of induction chemotherapy with docetaxel and S‐1 before RT with concurrent daily cisplatin chemoradiotherapy (CRT) resulted in a high response rate with good tolerability, and did not compromise subsequent CRT. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1653–E1659, 2016
The Influence of Various Seat Design Parameters: A Computational Analysis
Authors: Huang Mengjie , Hajizadeh Khatereh , Gibson Ian , Lee Taeyong
Published: February 2016

Nowadays, low back pain becomes a common healthcare problem. Poor or unsuitable seat design is related to the discomfort and other healthcare problems of users. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of seat design variables on the compressive loadings of lumbar joints. A basis that includes a musculoskeletal human body model and a chair model has been developed using LifeMOD Biomechanics Modeller. Inverse and forward dynamic simulations have been performed for various seat design parameters. The results show that the inclination of backrest and seat pan may or may not decrease the compressive spinal joint forces, depending on other conditions. The medium‐level height and depth of seat pan and the medium‐level and high‐level height of backrest are found to cause the minimum compressive loads on lumbar joints. This work contributes to a better understanding of sitting biomechanics and provides some useful guidelines for seat design.
The applicability of chemical alternatives assessment for engineered nanomaterials
Authors: Hjorth Rune , Hansen Steffen Foss , Jacobs Molly , Tickner Joel , Ellenbecker Michael , Baun Anders
Published: February 2016

The use of alternatives assessment to substitute hazardous chemicals with inherently safer options is gaining momentum worldwide as a legislative and corporate strategy to minimize consumer, occupational, and environmental risks. Engineered nanomaterials represent an interesting case for alternatives assessment approaches, because they can be considered both emerging “chemicals” of concern, as well as potentially safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals. However, comparing the hazards of nanomaterials to traditional chemicals or to other nanomaterials is challenging, and critical elements in chemical hazard and exposure assessment may have to be fundamentally altered to sufficiently address nanomaterials. The aim of this paper is to assess the overall applicability of alternatives assessment methods for nanomaterials and to outline recommendations to enhance their use in this context. The present paper focuses on the adaptability of existing hazard and exposure assessment approaches to engineered nanomaterials as well as strategies to design inherently safer nanomaterials. We argue that alternatives assessment for nanomaterials is complicated by the sheer number of nanomaterials possible. As a result, the inclusion of new data tools that can efficiently and effectively evaluate nanomaterials as substitutes is needed to strengthen the alternatives assessment process. However, we conclude that with additional tools to enhance traditional hazard and exposure assessment modules of alternatives assessment, such as the use of mechanistic toxicity screens and control banding tools, alternatives assessment can be adapted to evaluate engineered nanomaterials as potential substitutes for chemicals of concern and to ensure safer nanomaterials are incorporated in the design of new products. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:177–187. © 2016 SETAC

Key Points

We conclude that with additional tools, alternatives assessment can be adapted to evaluate engineered nanomaterials both as potential substitutes for chemicals of concern and to ensure safer nanomaterials are incorporated in the design of new products. While traditional chemical risk assessment still is infeasible for nanomaterials at large, alternatives assessment could drive near-term decision making about materials choices as well as incorporate mechanistic toxicity data to aid the selection of safer nanomaterials. We encourage case studies of alternatives assessments that evaluate nanomaterials in order to further develop the necessary methods and to identify additional methodological needs going forward.
Emotion regulation and psychopathological symptoms of Chinese school‐age children: A person‐centred and multi‐informant approach
Authors: Li Peipei , Han Zhuo Rachel
Published: February 2016

Emotion regulation (ER) is a critical component of children's development. Many previous studies have utilised a single‐assessment method to reflect child ER, which might result in losing important information regarding the unique contribution of each informant. With a person‐centred approach and multi‐informant reports (mother, teacher and child), the current study examined 196 children's (age M = 9.21, SD = 1.10, range = 7–11 years; 51% girls) ER patterns and their associations with psychopathological symptoms in a Chinese sample. A model‐based clustering procedure resulted in 3 ER groups: the poor family ER group (n = 36), poor school ER group (n = 120), and overall good ER group (n = 40). Significant differences were found among ER clusters on teacher‐reported child psychopathological symptoms compared on the levels of withdrawn depression, somatic complain, thought problems and attention problems. No significant differences were found on the mother‐reported psychopathological symptoms. Compared with children in the poor school or poor family ER clusters, children in the overall good ER group demonstrated fewer psychopathological symptoms at school. Our results confirmed the advantage of adopting multi‐informant assessments to fully capture children's emotional profiles and linked these profiles with children's emotional and behavioural functioning at school.
Transitions at Different Moments in Time: A Spatial Probit Approach
Authors: Elhorst J. Paul , Heijnen Pim , Samarina Anna , Jacobs Jan P. A. M.
Published: February 2016

This paper adopts a spatial probit approach to explain interaction effects among cross‐sectional units when the dependent variable takes the form of a binary response variable and transitions from state 0 to 1 occur at different moments in time. The model has two spatially lagged variables: one for units that are still in state 0 and one for units that had already transferred to state 1. The parameters are estimated on observations for those units that are still in state 0 at the start of the different time periods, whereas observations on units after they transferred to state 1 are discarded, just as in the literature on duration modeling. Furthermore, neighboring units that had not yet transferred may have a different impact from units that had already transferred. We illustrate our approach with an empirical study of the adoption of inflation targeting for a sample of 58 countries over the period 1985–2008. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CCL20/CCR6 Signaling Regulates Bone Mass Accrual in Mice
Authors: Doucet Michele , Jayaraman Swaathi , Swenson Emily , Tusing Brittany , Weber Kristy L , Kominsky Scott L
Published: February 2016

CCL20 is a member of the macrophage inflammatory protein family and is reported to signal monogamously through the receptor CCR6. Although studies have identified the genomic locations of both Ccl20 and Ccr6 as regions important for bone quality, the role of CCL20/CCR6 signaling in regulating bone mass is unknown. By micro–computed tomography (μCT) and histomorphometric analysis, we show that global loss of Ccr6 in mice significantly decreases trabecular bone mass coincident with reduced osteoblast numbers. Notably, CCL20 and CCR6 were co-expressed in osteoblast progenitors and levels increased during osteoblast differentiation, indicating the potential of CCL20/CCR6 signaling to influence osteoblasts through both autocrine and paracrine actions. With respect to autocrine effects, CCR6 was found to act as a functional G protein–coupled receptor in osteoblasts and although its loss did not appear to affect the number or proliferation rate of osteoblast progenitors, differentiation was significantly inhibited as evidenced by delays in osteoblast marker gene expression, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization. In addition, CCL20 promoted osteoblast survival concordant with activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway. Beyond these potential autocrine effects, osteoblast-derived CCL20 stimulated the recruitment of macrophages and T cells, known facilitators of osteoblast differentiation and survival. Finally, we generated mice harboring a global deletion of Ccl20 and found that Ccl20-/- mice exhibit a reduction in bone mass similar to that observed in Ccr6-/- mice, confirming that this phenomenon is regulated by CCL20 rather than alternate CCR6 ligands. Collectively, these data indicate that CCL20/CCR6 signaling may play an important role in regulating bone mass accrual, potentially by modulating osteoblast maturation, survival, and the recruitment of osteoblast-supporting cells. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Small Players Ruling the Hard Game: siRNA in Bone Regeneration
Authors: Ghadakzadeh Saber , Mekhail Mina , Aoude Ahmed , Hamdy Reggie , Tabrizian Maryam
Published: February 2016

Silencing gene expression through a sequence-specific manner can be achieved by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). The discovery of this process has opened the doors to the development of siRNA therapeutics. Although several preclinical and clinical studies have shown great promise in the treatment of neurological disorders, cancers, dominant disorders, and viral infections with siRNA, siRNA therapy is still gaining ground in musculoskeletal tissue repair and bone regeneration. Here we present a comprehensive review of the literature to summarize different siRNA delivery strategies utilized to enhance bone regeneration. With advancement in understanding the targetable biological pathways involved in bone regeneration and also the rapid progress in siRNA technologies, application of siRNA for bone regeneration has great therapeutic potential. High rates of musculoskeletal injuries and diseases, and their inevitable consequences, impose a huge financial burden on individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Modeling and optimization of struvite recovery from wastewater and reusing for heavy metals immobilization in contaminated soil
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Xue‐jiang , Wang Wei‐shi , Yan Xiang‐bo , Xia Peng , Chen Jie , Zhao Jian‐fu
Published: February 2016

BACKROUND

Few studies have been carried out to connect nutrients recovery from wastewater and heavy metals immobilization in contaminated soil. To achieve the goal, ammonia nitrogen (AN) and phosphorus (P) were recovered from rare‐earth wastewater by using the formation of struvite, which was used as the amendment with plant ash for copper, lead and chromium immobilization.

RESULTS

AN removal efficiency and residual P reached 95.32 ± 0.73% and 6.14 ± 1.72 mg L−1 under optimal conditions: pH=9.0, n(Mg): n(N): n(P) = 1.2:1:1.1, which were obtained using response surface methodology (RSM). The minimum available concentrations of Cu, Pb and Cr (CPC) separately reduced to 320.82 mg kg−1, 190.77 mg kg−1 and 121.46 mg kg−1 with increasing immobilization time at the mass ratio of phosphate precipitate (PP)/plant ash (PA) of 1:3. Humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) were beneficial to immobilize Cu, both of which showed no effect or even a negative effect on Pb and Cr immobilization.

CONCLUSION

Building up a suitable ‘bridge’ to connect and achieve recovery of nutrients and reuse of struvite. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
A Streptomyces lividans SipY deficient strain as a host for protein production: standardization of operational alternatives for model proteins
Authors: Gabarró Marcel·la V , Gullón Sonia , Vicente Rebeca L , Caminal Glòria , Mellado Rafael P , López‐Santín Josep
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Extracellular protein production by Gram‐positive bacteria, such as Streptomyces, may be complementary to current established protein production processes. The performance of a Streptomyces lividans mutant strain, deficient in the major signal peptidase (SipY) is investigated for the production of proteins secreted via the secondary Tat pathway.

RESULTS

The SipY deficient strain has shown advantages over the wild type strain, in terms of extracellular productivity, specific activity and rheological behaviour. Two operational modes, batch and fed‐batch, have been studied using mannitol as carbon source. The results showed that two successive mannitol additions in fed‐batch mode led to improved secretory protein production using Streptomyces agarase as a model protein. This production process was also explored for the Tat secretory protein S. lividans laccase. The predicted sequence for the pre‐laccase coding sequence has been cloned into the mutant strain under the control of the agarase promoter. Batch and fed‐batch laccase production, using either mannitol or glucose as carbon source, have been developed and quantified.

CONCLUSIONS

The usefulness of a Streptomyces lividans SipY deficient strain as protein producer has been demonstrated. A proposed operating mode with substrate additions has been employed for the optimisation of Tat proteins production, although some adjustments might be necessary depending on the secretory protein. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Interrater reliability of emergency physician‐performed ultrasonography for diagnosing femoral, popliteal, and great saphenous vein thromboses compared to the criterion standard study by radiology
Authors: Mulcare Mary R. , Lee Randall W. , Pologe Jonas I. , Clark Sunday , Borda Tomas , Sohn Youdong , Sacco Dana L. , Riley David C.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To assess the interrater reliability and test characteristics of lower limb sonographic examination for the diagnosis of deep venous and proximal great saphenous vein thrombosis when performed by Emergency Physicians (EPs) as compared to that by the Department of Radiology (Radiology). The secondary objective was to assess the effects of patient body mass index and EP satisfaction with bedside ultrasound on sensitivity and specificity.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted for patients with clinical suspicion for lower extremity thrombus. EPs evaluated for venous thrombosis in the common femoral vein, femoral vein of the thigh, popliteal vein, and proximal great saphenous vein. Subsequently, all patients received ultrasounds by Radiology, the criterion standard.

Results

One hundred ninety‐seven patients (257 individual legs) were evaluated. There was 90–95% agreement between EP and Radiology, moderate kappa agreement for common femoral vein, and femoral vein of the thigh and fair kappa agreement for great saphenous vein and popliteal vein. The sensitivity and specificity of EP ultrasounds compared with criterion standard were lower than previously reported. There was no trend in patient body mass index or provider satisfaction influencing the test characteristics.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that point‐of‐care sonography should not replace Radiology‐performed scans. The required amount of training for EPs to be competent in this examination needs further investigation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:360–367, 2016
Diagnostic value of echocardiography in isolated congenital unilateral lung agenesis combined with different anomalies: Two rare cases in children
Authors: He Huan , Sun Feifei , Ren Weidong , Wang Yonghuai , Xu Shu
Published: February 2016

Unilateral lung agenesis, a rare congenital deformity, is secondary to abnormal embryonic development, leading to a shift of the mediastinum and remaining lung. In our case reports, we describe the diagnostic courses of two pediatric patients with unilateral lung agenesis admitted to our hospital in 2014. We present and compare the findings in transthoracic echocardiography with that in CT. Echocardiography played a pivotal role in revealing pulmonary deformities and leading to the diagnosis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:514–517, 2016
Rapid identification of pesticides in human oral fluid for emergency management by thermal desorption electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry
Authors: Lee Chi‐Wei , Su Hung , Chen Peng‐Yu , Lin Shiang‐Jiun , Shiea Jentaie , Shin Shyi‐Jang , Chen Bai‐Hsiun
Published: February 2016

Self‐poisoning with pesticides accounts for approximately one‐third of all suicides worldwide. To expedite rescue in the emergency department, it is essential to develop a point‐of‐care analytical method for rapid identification of ingested pesticides. In this study, five of the most common pesticides ingested by self‐poisoning patients in Taiwan were analyzed from oral fluid samples. Pesticide‐oral fluid mixtures were applied on a cotton swab and then transferred into methanol. A metallic probe was used to sample the methanol solution for subsequent thermal desorption‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis. Altogether, pesticide sampling, transfer, desorption, ionization, and detection took less than 1 min. The reproducibility of this method (n = 6) was shown in the observed low‐relative standard deviation (<7%) in the detection of pesticide in oral fluid. The detection limits of the pesticides in oral fluid obtained from four human subjects by thermal desorption‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry were between 1–10 ppb with relative standard deviation 10.7%. Moreover, in this study, linear responses of five pesticides in oral fluid with concentrations between 1 ppb–1 ppm (R2 between 0.9938 and 0.9988) were observed. As the whole analytical process is extremely short, this technique allows for early non‐invasive point‐of‐care identification of pesticides in the oral fluid of self‐poisoning patients in the emergency room, providing important toxicological information for decision‐making during critical resuscitation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐pressure barrier discharge ion source using air as a carrier gas and its application to the analysis of drugs and explosives
Authors: Usmanov Dilshadbek T. , Yu Zhan , Chen Lee Chuin , Hiraoka Kenzo , Yamabe Shinichi
Published: February 2016

In this work, a low‐pressure air dielectric‐barrier discharge (DBD) ion source using a capillary with the inner diameter of 0.115 and 12 mm long applicable to miniaturized mass spectrometers was developed. The analytes, trinitrotoluene (TNT), 1,3,5‐trinitroperhydro‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX), 1,3,5,7‐tetranitroperhydro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocine (HMX), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), nitroglycerine (NG), hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD), caffeine, cocaine and morphine, introduced through the capillary, were ionized by a low‐pressure air DBD. The ion source pressures were changed by using various sizes of the ion sampling orifice. The signal intensities of those analytes showed marked pressure dependence. TNT was detected with higher sensitivity at lower pressure but vice versa for other analytes. For all analytes, a marked signal enhancement was observed when a grounded cylindrical mesh electrode was installed in the DBD ion source. Among nine analytes, RDX, HMX, NG and PETN could be detected as cluster ions [analyte + NO3]− even at low pressure and high temperature up to 180 °C. The detection indicates that these cluster ions are stable enough to survive under present experimental conditions. The unexpectedly high stabilities of these cluster ions were verified by density functional theory calculation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of uranium in industrial and mines samples by microwave plasma torch mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Yi , Yang Meiling , Sun Rong , Zhong Tao , Chen Huanwen
Published: February 2016

Microwave plasma torch (MPT), traditionally used as the light source for atomic emission spectrophotometry, has been employed as the ambient ionization source for sensitive detection of uranium in various ground water samples with widely available ion trap mass spectrometer. In the full‐scan mass spectra obtained in the negative ion detection mode, uranium signal was featured by the uranyl nitrate complexes (e.g. [UO2(NO3)3]−), which yielded characteristic fragments in the tandem mass spectrometry experiments, allowing confident detection of trace uranium in water samples without sample pretreatment. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the calibration curves were linearly responded within the concentration levels ranged in 10–1000 µg·l−1, with the limit of detection (LOD) of 31.03 ng·l−1. The relative standard deviations (RSD) values were 2.1–5.8% for the given samples at 100 µg·l−1. The newly established method has been applied to direct detection of uranium in practical mine water samples, providing reasonable recoveries 90.94–112.36% for all the samples tested. The analysis of a single sample was completed within 30 s, showing a promising potential of the method for sensitive detection of trace uranium with improved throughput. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors and sources of foodborne hepatitis E virus infection in the United States
Authors: Cossaboom Caitlin M. , Heffron Connie L. , Cao Dianjun , Yugo Danielle M. , Houk‐Miles Alice E. , Lindsay David S. , Zajac Anne M. , Bertke Andrea S. , Elvinger François , Meng Xiang‐Jin
Published: February 2016

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important human pathogen with pigs and other species serving as natural animal reservoirs. Ample evidence documents sporadic cases of hepatitis E acquired via consumption of undercooked meat. Chronic hepatitis E cases in immunosuppressed individuals are mostly caused by zoonotic HEV of swine origin. We report here the identification of genotype 3 HEV from non‐liver commercial pork from local grocery stores in southwest Virginia, and association of HEV seropositivity to the consumption of undercooked meat in healthy young adults at a university in the United States. These results raise concerns about foodborne HEV transmission in the United States. J. Med. Virol. 88:1641–1645, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MicroRNA profile analysis of host cells before and after wild human rotavirus infection
Authors: Zhou Yan , Wu Jinyuan , Geng Panpan , Kui Xiang , Xie Yuping , Zhang Lei , Liu Yaling , Yin Na , Zhang Guangming , Yi Shan , Li Hongjun , Sun Maosheng
Published: February 2016

Rotavirus infection is an important cause of acute gastroenteritis in children, but the interaction between rotavirus and host cells is not completely understood. We isolated a wildtype (wt) rotavirus strain, ZTR‐68(P [8] G1), which is derived from an infant with diarrhea in southwest China in 2010. In this study, we investigated host cellular miRNA expression profiles changes in response to ZTR‐68 in early stage of infection to investigate the role of miRNAs upon rotavirus infection. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified by deep sequencing and qRT‐PCR and the function of their targets predicted by Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway annotation. A total of 36 candidate miRNAs were identified. Comparative analysis indicated that 29 miRNAs were significantly down‐regulated and 7 were up‐regulated after infection. The data were provided contrasting the types of microRNAs in two different permissive cell lines (HT29 and MA104). The target assays results showed that mml‐miR‐7 and mml‐miR‐125a are involved in anti‐rotavirus and virus–host interaction in host cells. These results offer clues for identifying potential candidates in vector‐based antiviral strategies. J. Med. Virol. 88:1497–1510, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regulation of BMP2‐induced intracellular calcium increases in osteoblasts
Authors: Xu Wenfeng , Liu Bo , Liu Xue , Chiang Martin Y. M. , Li Bo , Xu Zichen , Liao Xiaoling
Published: February 2016

Although bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP2) is a well‐characterized regulator that stimulates osteoblast differentiation, little is known about how it regulates intracellular Ca2+ signaling. In this study, intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) upon BMP2 application, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src activities were measured in the MC3T3‐E1 osteoblast cell line using fluorescence resonance energy transfer‐based biosensors. Increase in [Ca2+]i, FAK, and Src activities were observed during BMP2 stimulation. The removal of extracellular calcium, the application of membrane channel inhibitors streptomycin or nifedipine, the FAK inhibitor PF‐573228 (PF228), and the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) siRNA all blocked the BMP2‐stimulated [Ca2+]i increase, while the Src inhibitor PP1 did not. In contrast, a gentle decrease of endoplasmic reticulum calcium concentration was found after BMP2 stimulation, which could be blocked by both streptomycin and PP1. Further experiments revealed that BMP2‐induced FAK activation could not be inhibited by PP1, ALP siRNA or the calcium channel inhibitor nifedipine. PF228, but not PP1 or calcium channel inhibitors, suppressed ALP elevation resulting from BMP2 stimulation. Therefore, our results suggest that BMP2 can increase [Ca2+]i through extracellular calcium influx regulated by FAK and ALP and can deplete ER calcium through Src signaling simultaneously. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1725–1733, 2016.
Influence of berry ripeness on accumulation, composition and extractability of skin and seed flavonoids in cv. Sangiovese (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Allegro Gianluca , Pastore Chiara , Valentini Gabriele , Muzzi Enrico , Filippetti Ilaria
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

The anthocyanin and tannin concentration and composition of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sangiovese berries were investigated from post‐veraison to harvest. Exhaustive extraction with methanol and acetone was performed to determine the total flavonoid concentration, while a model hydroalcoholic solution was used to prepare extracts representing the winemaking process. The aim of this study was to improve the knowledge of the phenolic maturity of Sangiovese grape.

RESULTS

The total anthocyanin concentration increased during ripening, but the quantity of extractable anthocyanins increased more rapidly than the total. The total skin tannin concentration declined from post‐veraison to harvest, whereas the extractable portion increased, with little difference in the composition of the fractions. Both the total and extractable seed tannin concentration diminished rapidly just after veraison, and only small fluctuations were detected until harvest.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the extractability of anthocyanins and skin tannins increases during ripening, whereas there is no clear trend for seed tannins during the same period. This is the first survey to study the behavior of phenolic compounds during different steps of ripening of Sangiovese grape. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry