bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silicon Photoanodes Partially Covered by Ni@Ni(OH)2 Core–Shell Particles for Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Xu Guangzhou , Xu Zhe , Shi Zhan , Pei Lang , Yan Shicheng , Gu Zhengbin , Zou Zhigang
Published: June 2017

Two obstacles hindering solar energy conversion by photoelectrochemical (PEC) water‐splitting devices are the charge separation and the transport efficiency at the photoanode–electrolyte interface region. Herein, core–shell‐structured Ni@Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles were electrodeposited on the surface of an n‐type Si photoanode. The Schottky barrier between Ni and Si is sensitive to the thickness of the Ni(OH)2 shell. The photovoltage output of the photoanode increases with increasing thickness of the Ni(OH)2 shell, and is influenced by interactions between Ni and Ni(OH)2, the electrolyte screening effect, and the p‐type nature of the Ni(OH)2 layer. Ni@Ni(OH)2 core–shell nanoparticles with appropriate shell thicknesses coupled to n‐type Si photoanodes promote the separation of photogenerated carriers and improve the charge‐injection efficiency to nearly 100 %. An onset potential of 1.03 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a saturated current density of 36.4 mA cm−2 was obtained for the assembly.
Boosting the Supercapacitance of Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon by Tuning Surface Functionalities
Authors: Biemolt Jasper , Denekamp Ilse M. , Slot Thierry K. , Rothenberg Gadi , Eisenberg David
Published: June 2017

The specific capacitance of a highly porous, nitrogen‐doped carbon is nearly tripled by orthogonal optimization of the microstructure and surface chemistry. First, the carbons’ hierarchical pore structure and specific surface area were tweaked by controlling the temperature and sequence of the thermal treatments. The best process (pyrolysis at 900 °C, washing, and subsequent annealing at 1000 °C) yielded a carbon with a specific capacitance of 117 F g−1—nearly double that of a carbon made by a typical single‐step synthesis at 700 °C. Following the structural optimization, the surface chemistry of the carbons was enriched by applying an oxidation routine based on a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acid in a 1:4 ratio at two different treatment temperatures (0 and 20 °C) and different treatment times. The optimal treatment times were 4 h at 0 °C and only 1 h at 20 °C. Overall, the specific capacitance nearly tripled relative to the original carbon, reaching 168 F g−1. The inherent nitrogen doping of the carbon comes into interplay with the acid‐induced surface functionalization, creating a mixture of oxygen‐ and nitrogen‐oxygen functionalities. The evolution of the surface chemistry was carefully followed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and by N2 sorption porosimetry, revealing stepwise surface functionalization and simultaneous carbon etching. Overall, these processes are responsible for the peak‐shaped capacitance trends in the carbons.
An efficient EAP‐based proxy signature handover authentication scheme for WRANs over TV white space
Authors: Wang Cong , Ma Maode , Zhao Zenghua
Published: June 2017

The wireless regional area networks (WRANs) operates in the very high frequency and ultra high frequency television white space bands regulated by the IEEE 802.22 standard. The IEEE 802.22 standard supports Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)‐based authentication scheme. Due to the participation of a server and the information exchanged between a customer primes equipment and the secondary user base station, it takes around 50 ms to complete a complete EAP authentication that cannot be accepted in a handover procedure in WRANs. In this paper, we propose an EAP‐based proxy signature (EPS) handover authentication scheme for WRANs. The customer primes equipment and secondary user base station accomplish a handover authentication without entailing the server by using the proxy signature. Approved by the logic derivation by Burrows, Abadi, and Needham logic and formal verification by Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications, we can conclude that the proposed EPS scheme can obtain mutual authentication and hold the key secrecy with a strong antiattack ability. Additionally, the performance of the EPS scheme in terms of the authentication delay has been investigated by simulation experiments with the results showing that the EPS scheme is much more efficient in terms of low computation delay and less communication resources required than the security scheme regulated in IEEE 802.22 standard.
Intraspecific variation shapes community‐level behavioral responses to urbanization in spiders
Authors: Dahirel Maxime , Dierick Jasper , De Cock Maarten , Bonte Dries
Published: June 2017

Urban areas are an extreme example of human‐changed environments, exposing organisms to multiple and strong selection pressures. Adaptive behavioral responses are thought to play a major role in animals’ success or failure in such new environments. Approaches based on functional traits have proven especially valuable to understand how species communities respond to environmental gradients. Until recently, they have, however, often ignored the potential consequences of intraspecific trait variation (ITV). When ITV is prevalent, it may highly impact ecological processes and resilience against stressors. This may be especially relevant in animals, in which behavioral traits can be altered very flexibly at the individual level to track environmental changes. We investigated how species turnover and ITV influenced community‐level behavioral responses in a set of 62 sites of varying levels of urbanization, using orb web spiders and their webs as models of foraging behavior. ITV alone explained around one‐third of the total trait variation observed among communities. Spider web structure changed according to urbanization, in ways that increase the capture efficiency of webs in a context of smaller urban prey. These trait shifts were partly mediated by species turnover, but ITV increased their magnitude, potentially helping to buffer the effects of environmental changes on communities. The importance of ITV varied depending on traits and on the spatial scale at which urbanization was considered. Despite being neglected from community‐level analyses in animals, our results highlight the importance of accounting for intraspecific trait variation to fully understand trait responses to (human‐induced) environmental changes and their impact on ecosystem functioning.
Toward a community ecology of landscapes: predicting multiple predator–prey interactions across geographic space
Authors: Schmitz Oswald J. , Miller Jennifer R. B. , Trainor Anne M. , Abrahms Briana
Published: June 2017

Community ecology was traditionally an integrative science devoted to studying interactions between species and their abiotic environments in order to predict species’ geographic distributions and abundances. Yet for philosophical and methodological reasons, it has become divided into two enterprises: one devoted to local experimentation on species interactions to predict community dynamics; the other devoted to statistical analyses of abiotic and biotic information to describe geographic distribution. Our goal here is to instigate thinking about ways to reconnect the two enterprises and thereby return to a tradition to do integrative science. We focus specifically on the community ecology of predators and prey, which is ripe for integration. This is because there is active, simultaneous interest in experimentally resolving the nature and strength of predator–prey interactions as well as explaining patterns across landscapes and seascapes. We begin by describing a conceptual theory rooted in classical analyses of non‐spatial food web modules used to predict species interactions. We show how such modules can be extended to consideration of spatial context using the concept of habitat domain. Habitat domain describes the spatial extent of habitat space that predators and prey use while foraging, which differs from home range, the spatial extent used by an animal to meet all of its daily needs. This conceptual theory can be used to predict how different spatial relations of predators and prey could lead to different emergent multiple predator–prey interactions such as whether predator consumptive or non‐consumptive effects should dominate, and whether intraguild predation, predator interference or predator complementarity are expected. We then review the literature on studies of large predator–prey interactions that make conclusions about the nature of multiple predator–prey interactions. This analysis reveals that while many studies provide sufficient information about predator or prey spatial locations, and thus meet necessary conditions of the habitat domain conceptual theory for drawing conclusions about the nature of the predator–prey interactions, several studies do not. We therefore elaborate how modern technology and statistical approaches for animal movement analysis could be used to test the conceptual theory, using experimental or quasi‐experimental analyses at landscape scales.
Fyn kinase mediates cortical actin ring depolymerization required for mast cell migration in response to TGF‐β in mice
Authors: Ramírez‐Valadez Karla A. , Vázquez‐Victorio Genaro , Macías‐Silva Marina , González‐Espinosa Claudia
Published: June 2017

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is a potent mast cell (MC) chemoattractant able to modulate local inflammatory reactions. The molecular mechanism leading to TGF‐β‐directed MC migration is not fully described. Here we analyzed the role of the Src family protein kinase Fyn on the main TGF‐β‐induced cytoskeletal changes leading to MC migration. Utilizing bone marrow‐derived mast cells (BMMCs) from WT and Fyn‐deficient mice we found that BMMC migration to TGF‐β was impaired in the absence of the kinase. TGF‐β caused depolymerization of the cortical actin ring and changes on the phosphorylation of cofilin, LIMK and CAMKII only in WT cells. Defective cofilin activation and phosphorylation of regulatory proteins was detected in Fyn‐deficient BMMCs and this finding correlated with a lower activity of the catalytic subunit of the phosphatase PP2A. Diminished TGF‐β‐induced chemotaxis of Fyn‐deficient cells was also observed in an in vivo model of MC migration (bleomycin‐induced scleroderma). Our results show that Fyn kinase is an important positive effector of TGF‐β‐induced chemotaxis through the control of PP2A activity and this is relevant to pathological processes that are related to TGF‐β‐dependent mast cell migration.
Bcl6 promotes follicular helper T‐cell differentiation and PD‐1 expression in a Blimp1‐independent manner in mice
Authors: Xie Markus M. , Koh Byung‐Hee , Hollister Kristin , Wu Hao , Sun Jie , Kaplan Mark H. , Dent Alexander L.
Published: June 2017

The transcription factors Bcl6 and Blimp1 have opposing roles in the development of the follicular helper T (TFH) cells: Bcl6 promotes and Blimp1 inhibits TFH‐cell differentiation. Similarly, Bcl6 activates, while Blimp1 represses, expression of the TFH‐cell marker PD‐1. However, Bcl6 and Blimp1 repress each other's expression, complicating the interpretation of the regulatory network. Here we sought to clarify the extent to which Bcl6 and Blimp1 independently control TFH‐cell differentiation by generating mice with T‐cell specific deletion of both Bcl6 and Blimp1 (double conditional KO [dcKO] mice). Our data indicate that Blimp1 does not control TFH‐cell differentiation independently of Bcl6. However, a population of T follicular regulatory (TFR) cells developed independently of Bcl6 in dcKO mice. We have also analyzed regulation of IL‐10 and PD‐1, two genes controlled by both Bcl6 and Blimp1, and observed that Bcl6 regulates both genes independently of Blimp1. We found that Bcl6 positively regulates PD‐1 expression by inhibiting the ability of T‐bet/Tbx21 to repress Pdcd1 transcription. Our data provide a novel mechanism for positive control of gene expression by Bcl6, and illuminate how Bcl6 and Blimp1 control TFH‐cell differentiation.
Perfluoroalkylated Main‐Group Element Lewis Acids as Catalysts in Transfer Hydrogenation
Authors: Bader Julia , Maier Alexander F. G. , Paradies Jan , Hoge Berthold
Published: June 2017

Transfer hydrogenation plays an important part in organic chemistry. Recently, strong Lewis acids like B(C6F5)3 have been introduced as a catalyst for these reactions. We successfully employed the Lewis acid (C2F5)3PF2 as a catalyst in the transfer hydrogenation between 1,3,5‐trimethylcyclohexa‐1,4‐diene and 1,1‐diphenylethylene. Surprisingly, the treatment of the diene alone with a catalytic amount of (C2F5)3PF2 led to a quantitative dismutation to mesitylene and 1,3,5‐trimethylcyclohexane. With B(C6F5)3, there was a solvent‐dependency: in CH2Cl2 mainly the dismutation products were obtained, while in toluene the evolution of H2 was observed. Additionally, the catalytic activity of various perfluoroalkylated germanes and silanes was tested.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bert.) extracts during preservation of refrigerated salmon paste
Authors: Ortiz‐Viedma Jaime , Romero Nalda , Puente Luís , Burgos Katherine , Toro María , Ramirez Leslie , Rodriguez Alicia , Barros‐Velazquez Jorge , Aubourg Santiago P.
Published: June 2017

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bert.) is a relevant source of natural phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of crude stevia extracts on the quality and shelf‐life of salmon (Salmo salar) paste. For this, polyphenol extracts obtained by water extraction, ethanol/water extraction and supercritical CO2 with ethanol extraction were evaluated in preserving salmon paste. Salmon paste was stored under refrigerated conditions (5°C) for 21 days, being primary, secondary, and total lipid oxidations monitored along storage by means of peroxide, p‐anisidine, and TOTOX indices, respectively. In addition, ω3/ω6 ratio, polyene index, and α‐tocopherol were monitored. Microbiological analysis comprised the investigation of aerobic mesophiles and psychrotrophes. Salmon paste samples treated with ethanol/water and supercritical CO2‐ethanol stevia extracts exhibited the highest (p < 0.05) ω3/ω6 ratio and α‐tocopherol content. Besides, partial inhibition of both primary and secondary lipid oxidation events and aerobes and psychrotroph growth was also observed in both samples. These results correlated with the fact that ethanol/water and supercritical CO2‐ethanol extracts provided the highest DPPH and FRAP values. These results open the way to the utilization of bioactive compounds from stevia leaves for the preservation of foods derived from salmon.

Practical applications: The results obtained in this research show the possibility of using stevia and/or its derivatives of the sweetener industry as an alternative source of natural antioxidants in refrigerated fatty fish paste. The results indicate that it is possible to obtain advantages in the refrigerated salmon paste, based on the use of some extracts of stevia, which can help to inhibit lipid oxidation and development of pathogenic microorganisms. Further studies on the use of stevia and its derivatives should focus on the application of clean separation technologies such as supercritical fluid extraction.

Stevia extracts obtained by extraction with water (W), ethanol‐water mixture (E/W, 50:50 v/v) and extraction with supercritical CO2 and ethanol (SCE; scCO2/E, 95: 5 v/v) previously elimination of the steviosides demonstrates a conservative effect of refrigerated salmon paste. The SCE and E/W extracts provides better control of primary and secondary lipid oxidation compounds and moderate inhibition of aerobes and psychrotrophs.
Feasibility Study of Biosensors Based on Polymelamine‐modified Screen‐printed Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Tsai Hweiyan , Chang Che‐Wei , Wu Luo‐Xian , Hsieh Chih‐Chung , Chiou Ming‐Da , Fuh Chwan Bor
Published: June 2017

We herein report the use of melamine and a low‐cost screen‐printed carbon electrode (SPCE) as the base matrices for the preparation of an electrochemical biosensor. Following the electrochemical polymerization of melamine, the resulting polymelamine was deposited on the SPCE surface to give layers bearing –NH2 functional groups, which allowed the attachment of anti‐IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies. The resulting anti‐IgE‐labeled SPCEs were then incubated with IgE solutions of various concentrations prior to analysis by chronoamperometry using Ru(NH3)63+ as an electrochemical mediator. A logarithmic relationship was observed between the chronoamperometric current and the IgE concentration between 5.3 and 530 fM (i. e. over 2 orders of magnitude). In addition, a detection limit of 0.64 fM was achieved in addition to a recovery of 114 ± 14 % for a fetal bovine serum sample spiked with 16 fM IgE. Furthermore, only a small quantity of sample was required for analysis, and the IgE assay was suitable for use in a complex serum matrix without interference. We therefore expect that this novel system will be useful for monitoring the changes in blood IgE levels during the clinical treatment of allergic asthma and rhinitis.
Electroanalytical Study of Macluraxanthone: A Natural Product with a Strong Antioxidant and Antimalarial Activity
Authors: Teixeira Jorge Ginja , Veiga Alfredina , Dias Cristina Barrocas , Teixeira Dora Martins
Published: June 2017

The electrochemical behaviour of macluraxanthone (McX), a natural compound with significant antioxidant and anti‐malarial properties, is reported here for the first time. The anodic behaviour of McX is related with its chemical reducing power, and both redox properties are compared with the ones of osajaxanthone (OjX), a similar molecule with non‐antioxidant activity. Based on cyclic voltammetric technique, it was observed that the electrooxidation of McX at a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) is quasireversible and pH dependent, occurring easily at pH ≥ 7. The anodic behaviour of McX correlates well with its antioxidant/reducing activity (evaluated by the DPPH method), being both redox processes attributed to the oxidation of the catechol moiety of McX. The electron transfer processes between the catechol/o‐quinone redox function of McX and the GCE are simultaneously diffusion‐ and adsorption‐controlled and blocked by the adsorption of some inactive products. The achieved results are very useful for understanding and predicting the oxidative behaviour of other xanthones with biological properties. The main anodic process of McX at GCE yields a well‐defined and sensitive DPV response, which can be easily used for the analytical determination of this natural xanthone in real samples, namely in physiological infusions to be used in biological and clinical trials.
Artificial consortium that produces riboflavin regulates distribution of acetoin and 2,3‐butanediol by Paenibacillus polymyxa CJX518
Authors: Liu Lei , Xu Qiu‐Man , Chen Tao , Cheng Jing‐Sheng , Yuan Ying‐Jin
Published: June 2017

The introduction of an NADH/NAD+ regeneration system can regulate the distribution between acetoin and 2,3‐butanediol. NADH regeneration can also enhance butanol production in coculture fermentation. In this work, a novel artificial consortium of Paenibacillus polymyxa CJX518 and recombinant Escherichia coli LS02T that produces riboflavin (VB2) was used to regulate the NADH/NAD+ ratio and, consequently, the distribution of acetoin and 2,3‐butanediol by P. polymyxa. Compared with a pure culture of P. polymyxa, the level of acetoin was increased 76.7% in the P. polymyxa and recombinant E. coli coculture. Meanwhile, the maximum production and yield of acetoin in an artificial consortium with fed‐batch fermentation were 57.2 g/L and 0.4 g/g glucose, respectively. Additionally, the VB2 production of recombinant E. coli could maintain a relatively low NADH/NAD+ ratio by changing NADH dehydrogenase activity. It was also found that 2,3‐butanediol dehydrogenase activity was enhanced and improved acetoin production by the addition of exogenous VB2 or by being in the artificial consortium that produces VB2. These results illustrate that the coculture of P. polymyxa and recombinant E. coli has enormous potential to improve acetoin production. It was also a novel strategy to regulate the NADH/NAD+ ratio to improve the acetoin production of P. polymyxa.
Global proteome response of Escherichia coli BL21 to production of human basic fibroblast growth factor in complex and defined medium
Authors: Li Zhaopeng , Nimtz Manfred , Rinas Ursula
Published: June 2017

The global proteome response toward recombinant protein production in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) grown in complex and defined medium was analyzed. Overproduction of human basic fibroblast growth factor (hFGF‐2), a difficult‐to‐fold protein, led to a reconstruction of the bacterial proteome. For example, heat shock chaperones were highly upregulated, especially when production occurred during fast growth in complex medium. Although heat shock chaperones increased to higher levels in complex medium more hFGF‐2 accumulated within inclusion bodies indicating that the capacity to chaperone protein folding was not sufficient for high speed production. In both types of media, cellular proteins from substrate transport systems, central metabolic pathways, and by‐product uptake (e.g. acetate) were downregulated. This downregulation was connected to growth inhibition and metabolic perturbations. For example, during production in complex and defined medium acetate reassimilation and glucose uptake, respectively, were severely hampered. Cellular proteins for degradation of less favorable substrates, elimination of reactive oxygen species, and DNA protection were also downregulated in response to hFGF‐2 production. The decrease of proteins involved in transport, central metabolic pathways, and general cell protection was more pronounced in the fast producing culture in complex medium than in the slow producing culture in defined medium. In general, production of hFGF‐2 seems to interfere with the adaptation process to changing growth conditions, in this case the adaptation from exponential growth to stationary phase.
Daily Changes in Composition and Diversity of the Intestinal Microbiota in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa: A Series of Three Cases
Authors: Kleiman Susan C. , Glenny Elaine M. , Bulik‐Sullivan Emily C. , Huh Eun Young , Tsilimigras Matthew C.B. , Fodor Anthony A. , Bulik Cynthia M. , Carroll Ian M.
Published: June 2017

Anorexia nervosa, a severe psychiatric illness, is associated with an intestinal microbial dysbiosis. Individual microbial signatures dominate in healthy samples, even over time and under controlled conditions, but whether microbial markers of the disorder overcome inter‐individual variation during the acute stage of illness or renourishment is unknown. We characterized daily changes in the intestinal microbiota in three acutely ill patients with anorexia nervosa over the entire course of hospital‐based renourishment and found significant, patient‐specific changes in microbial composition and diversity. This preliminary case series suggests that even in a state of pathology, individual microbial signatures persist in accounting for the majority of intestinal microbial variation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
The Abrams geriatric self‐neglect scale: introduction, validation and psychometric properties
Authors: Abrams Robert C. , Reid M. Carrington , Lien Cynthia , Pavlou Maria , Rosen Anthony , Needell Nancy , Eimicke Joseph , Teresi Jeanne
Published: June 2017

Objective

Self‐neglect is an imprecisely defined entity with multiple clinical expressions and adverse health consequences, especially in the elderly. However, research has been limited by the absence of a measurement instrument that is both inclusive and specific. Our goal was to establish the psychometric properties of a quantitative instrument, the Abrams Geriatric Self‐Neglect Scale (AGSS).

Methods

We analyzed data from a 2007 case–control study of 71 cognitively intact community‐dwelling older self‐neglectors that had used the AGSS. The AGSS was validated against two “gold standards”: a categorical definition of self‐neglect developed by expert consensus; and the clinical judgment of a geriatric psychiatrist using chart review. Frequencies were examined for the six scale domains by source (Subject, Observer, and Overall Impression). Internal consistency was estimated for each source, and associations among the sources were evaluated.

Results

Internal consistency estimates for the AGSS were rated as “good,” with the Subject responses having the lowest alpha and omega (0.681 and 0.692) and the Observer responses the highest (0.758 and 0.765). Subject and Observer scores had the lowest association (0.578, p < 0.001). Using expert consensus criteria as the primary “gold standard,” the Observer and Overall Impression subscales were “good” at classifying self‐neglect, while the Subject subscale was “fair.”

Conclusions

The AGSS correctly classified and quantified self‐neglect against two “gold standards.” Sufficient correlations among multiple sources of information allow investigators and clinicians to choose flexibly from Subject, Observer, or Overall Impression. The lower internal consistency estimates for Subject responses are consistent with self‐neglectors' propensity to disavow symptoms. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“Let him speak:” a descriptive qualitative study of the roles and behaviors of family companions in primary care visits among older adults with cognitive impairment
Authors: Vick Judith B. , Amjad Halima , Smith Katherine C. , Boyd Cynthia M. , Gitlin Laura N. , Roth David L. , Roter Debra L. , Wolff Jennifer L.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Cognitive impairment poses communication challenges in primary care. Although family “companions” commonly attend primary care visits of older adults with cognitive impairment, little is known about how their involvement affects communication. Therefore, we sought to understand how companion involvement affects the quality of primary care visit communication for older adults with cognitive impairment.

Methods

Cross‐sectional, descriptive qualitative study participants were as follows: (1) English‐speaking adults age 65 or older with mild, moderate, or severe cognitive impairment; (2) family members or other unpaid companions who accompany older adults to primary care visits; and (3) primary care clinicians. Twenty semi‐structured and in‐depth qualitative interviews of older adults and their companions (N = 20 dyads) and two focus groups (N = 10 primary care clinicians) were conducted. Interviews and focus groups were transcribed and analyzed thematically.

Results

Family companions commonly facilitate communication by advocating for patients, ensuring the accuracy of information exchange and understanding, and preserving rapport. Significant communication challenges were also identified, including patient and companion role ambiguity, competing visit agendas, and primary care clinician confusion regarding the most accurate source of information. Patients, companions, and clinicians each identified strategies to improve communication, chief among them being to identify, differentiate, and respect both patient and companion priorities and perspectives.

Conclusions

Family companions actively participate in primary care visits of older adults with cognitive impairment in ways that promote and inhibit effective communication. Findings suggest the need for strategies that more effectively and purposefully involve family in the care of primary care patients with cognitive impairment. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved posttransplant mortality after share 35 for liver transplantation
Authors: Kwong Allison J. , Goel Aparna , Mannalithara Ajitha , Kim W. Ray
Published: June 2017

The Share 35 policy was implemented in June 2013 to improve equity in access to liver transplantation (LT) between patients with fulminant liver failure and those with cirrhosis and severe hepatic decompensation. The aim of this study was to assess post‐LT outcomes after Share 35. Relevant donor, procurement, and recipient data were extracted from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing database. All adult deceased donor LTs from January 1, 2010, to March 31, 2016, were included in the analysis. One‐year patient survival before and after Share 35 was assessed by multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis, with adjustment for variables known to affect graft survival. Of 34,975 adult LT recipients, 16,472 (47.1%) were transplanted after the implementation of Share 35, of whom 4,599 (27.9%) had a Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score ≥35. One‐year patient survival improved from 83.9% to 88.4% after Share 35 (P < 0.01) for patients with MELD ≥35. There was no significant impact on survival of patients with MELD <35 (P = 0.69). Quality of donor organs, as measured by a donor risk index without the regional share component, improved for patients with MELD ≥35 (P < 0.01) and worsened for patients with lower MELD (P < 0.01). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, Share 35 was associated with improved 1‐year patient survival (hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.60‐0.80) in recipients with MELD ≥35. Conclusion: Share 35 has had a positive impact on survival after transplantation in patients with MELD ≥35, without a reciprocal detriment in patients with lower acuity; this was in part a result of more favorable donor–recipient matching. (Hepatology 2018;67:273‐281).
Fecal microbiota transplant from a rational stool donor improves hepatic encephalopathy: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Bajaj Jasmohan S. , Kassam Zain , Fagan Andrew , Gavis Edith A. , Liu Eric , Cox I. Jane , Kheradman Raffi , Heuman Douglas , Wang Jessica , Gurry Thomas , Williams Roger , Sikaroodi Masoumeh , Fuchs Michael , Alm Eric , John Binu , Thacker Leroy R. , Riva Antonio , Smith Mark , Taylor‐Robinson Simon D. , Gillevet Patrick M
Published: June 2017

Recurrent hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a leading cause of readmission despite standard of care (SOC) associated with microbial dysbiosis. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may improve dysbiosis; however, it has not been studied in HE. We aimed to define whether FMT using a rationally derived stool donor is safe in recurrent HE compared to SOC alone. An open‐label, randomized clinical trial with a 5‐month follow‐up in outpatient men with cirrhosis with recurrent HE on SOC was conducted with 1:1 randomization. FMT‐randomized patients received 5 days of broad‐spectrum antibiotic pretreatment, then a single FMT enema from the same donor with the optimal microbiota deficient in HE. Follow‐up occurred on days 5, 6, 12, 35, and 150 postrandomization. The primary outcome was safety of FMT compared to SOC using FMT‐related serious adverse events (SAEs). Secondary outcomes were adverse events, cognition, microbiota, and metabolomic changes. Participants in both arms were similar on all baseline criteria and were followed until study end. FMT with antibiotic pretreatment was well tolerated. Eight (80%) SOC participants had a total of 11 SAEs compared to 2 (20%) FMT participants with SAEs (both FMT unrelated; P = 0.02). Five SOC and no FMT participants developed further HE (P = 0.03). Cognition improved in the FMT, but not the SOC, group. Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score transiently worsened postantibiotics, but reverted to baseline post‐FMT. Postantibiotics, beneficial taxa, and microbial diversity reduction occurred with Proteobacteria expansion. However, FMT increased diversity and beneficial taxa. SOC microbiota and MELD score remained similar throughout. Conclusion: FMT from a rationally selected donor reduced hospitalizations, improved cognition, and dysbiosis in cirrhosis with recurrent HE. (Hepatology 2017;66:1727–1738)
Comparison of complications associated with induction by misoprostol versus dilation and evacuation for second‐trimester abortion
Authors: Sonalkar Sarita , Ogden Shannon N. , Tran Linda K. , Chen Angela Y.
Published: June 2017

Objective

To compare the frequency of complications between medical induction with misoprostol and dilation and evacuation (D&E) for second‐trimester uterine evacuation.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study, records were reviewed from all women who underwent second‐trimester uterine evacuation between 14 and 24 weeks of pregnancy at an academic hospital in the USA from January 2007 to December 2008. Total complications and serious complications were compared between medical induction and D&E, and clinical covariates associated with complications were assessed.

Results

Overall, 465 women were included. At least one complication occurred in 28 (23.0%) of 122 women in the medical induction group, and 24 (7.0%) of 343 women in the D&E group (P<0.001). One or more serious complications occurred in 4 (3.3%) women undergoing medical induction and 5 (1.5%) undergoing D&E (P=0.251). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that increasing pregnancy length (P=0.003) and medical induction (as compared with D&E; P=0.004) were associated with complications.

Conclusion

Although D&E resulted in fewer overall complications as compared with medical induction, the rate of serious complications did not differ between the two procedures.
The RhoGAP Myo9b Promotes Bone Growth by Mediating Osteoblastic Responsiveness to IGF-1
Authors: McMichael Brooke K , Jeong Yong-Hoon , Auerbach Justin A , Han Cheol-Min , Sedlar Ryan , Shettigar Vikram , Bähler Martin , Agarwal Sudha , Kim Do-Gyoon , Lee Beth S
Published: June 2017

The Ras homolog A (RhoA) subfamily of Rho guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) regulates actin-based cellular functions in bone such as differentiation, migration, and mechanotransduction. Polymorphisms or genetic ablation of RHOA and some of its regulatory guanine exchange factors (GEFs) have been linked to poor bone health in humans and mice, but the effects of RhoA-specific GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) on bone quality have not yet been identified. Therefore, we examined the consequences of RhoGAP Myo9b gene knockout on bone growth, phenotype, and cellular activity. Male and female mice lacking both alleles demonstrated growth retardation and decreased bone formation rates during early puberty. These mice had smaller, weaker bones by 4 weeks of age, but only female KOs had altered cellular numbers, with fewer osteoblasts and more osteoclasts. By 12 weeks of age, bone quality in KOs worsened. In contrast, 4-week-old heterozygotes demonstrated bone defects that resolved by 12 weeks of age. Throughout, Myo9b ablation affected females more than males. Osteoclast activity appeared unaffected. In primary osteogenic cells, Myo9b was distributed in stress fibers and focal adhesions, and its absence resulted in poor spreading and eventual detachment from culture dishes. Similarly, MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts with transiently suppressed Myo9b levels spread poorly and contained decreased numbers of focal adhesions. These cells also demonstrated reduced ability to undergo IGF-1–induced spreading or chemotaxis toward IGF-1, though responses to PDGF and BMP-2 were unaffected. IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) activation was normal in cells with diminished Myo9b levels, but the activated receptor was redistributed from stress fibers and focal adhesions into nuclei, potentially affecting receptor accessibility and gene expression. These results demonstrate that Myo9b regulates a subset of RhoA-activated processes necessary for IGF-1 responsiveness in osteogenic cells, and is critical for normal bone formation in growing mice. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Therapeutic Potential of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibition in Breast Cancer
Authors: Radisky Evette S. , Raeeszadeh‐Sarmazdeh Maryam , Radisky Derek C.
Published: June 2017

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc endopeptidases that cleave nearly all components of the extracellular matrix as well as many other soluble and cell‐associated proteins. MMPs have been implicated in normal physiological processes, including development, and in the acquisition and progression of the malignant phenotype. Disappointing results from a series of clinical trials testing small molecule, broad spectrum MMP inhibitors as cancer therapeutics led to a re‐evaluation of how MMPs function in the tumor microenvironment, and ongoing research continues to reveal that these proteins play complex roles in cancer development and progression. It is now clear that effective targeting of MMPs for therapeutic benefit will require selective inhibition of specific MMPs. Here, we provide an overview of the MMP family and its biological regulators, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). We then summarize recent research from model systems that elucidate how specific MMPs drive the malignant phenotype of breast cancer cells, including acquisition of cancer stem cell features and induction of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and we also outline clinical studies that implicate specific MMPs in breast cancer outcomes. We conclude by discussing ongoing strategies for development of inhibitors with therapeutic potential that are capable of selectively targeting the MMPs most responsible for tumor promotion, with special consideration of the potential of biologics including antibodies and engineered proteins based on the TIMP scaffold. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3531–3548, 2017. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MiR‐19a Affects Hepatocyte Autophagy via Regulating lncRNA NBR2 and AMPK/PPARα in D‐GalN/Lipopolysaccharide‐Stimulated Hepatocytes
Authors: Liu Yan‐Min , Ma Jin‐Hui , Zeng Qing‐Lei , Lv Jun , Xie Xu‐Hua , Pan Ya‐Jie , Yu Zu‐Jiang
Published: June 2017

This study aims to evaluate the potential involvement and regulatory mechanism of miR‐19a in hepatocytes autophagy of acute liver failure (ALF). The in vitro hepatocytes injury model of primary hepatocyte and hepatocytes line HL‐7702 was established by D‐galactosamine (D‐GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) co‐treatment. Relative expression level of miR‐19a and NBR2 was determined by qRT‐PCR. Protein expression of AMPK/PPARα and autophagy‐related gene was determined by Western blot. In hepatic tissue of 20 ALF patients and D‐GalN/LPS‐stimulated hepatocytes, miR‐19a was upregulated and NBR2 was downregulated. D‐GalN/LPS stimulation caused the inactivation of AMPK/PPARα signaling and the decrease of autophagy‐related LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio and beclin‐1 expression in hepatocytes. The expression of both AMPK/PPARα and NBR2 were negatively controlled by miR‐19a overexpression or knockdown. Moreover, both NBR2 and PPARα were targeted regulated by miR‐19a according to luciferase reporter assay. In D‐GalN/LPS‐stimulated hepatocytes, AMPK activation promoted PPARα expression. AMPK inactivation inhibited the pro‐autophagy effect of miR‐19a and caused the decrease of LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio and beclin‐1 expression. PPARα activation abrogated the anti‐autophagy effect of miR‐19a mimic and caused the increase of LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio and beclin‐1 expression. NBR2 knockdown reversed the anti‐autophagy impact of miR‐19a inhibitor and caused the decrease of LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio and beclin‐1 expression. In summary, our data suggested that miR‐19a negatively controlled the autophagy of hepatocytes attenuated in D‐GalN/LPS‐stimulated hepatocytes via regulating NBR2 and AMPK/PPARα signaling. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 358–365, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lycopene Protects Keratinocytes Against UVB Radiation‐Induced Carcinogenesis via Negative Regulation of FOXO3a Through the mTORC2/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Ping , Xu Shina , Qu Jinlong
Published: June 2017

Lycopene, one of the most potent anti‐oxidants, has been reported to exhibit potent anti‐proliferative properties in a wide range of cancer cells through modulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis. Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3a) plays a pivotal role in modulating the expression of genes involved in cell death. Herein, we investigated the role of FOXO3a signaling in the anti‐cancer effects of lycopene. Results showed that lycopene pretreatment attenuated UVB‐induced cell hyper‐proliferation and promoted apoptosis, accompanied by decreased cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and CDK4 complex in both human keratinocytes and SKH‐1 hairless mice. FOXO3a is phosphorylated in response to UVB irradiation and sequestered in the cytoplasm, while lycopene pretreatment rescued this sensitization. Gene ablation of FOXO3a attenuated lycopene‐induced decrease in cell hyper‐proliferation, CDK2, and CDK4 complex, indicating a critical role of FOXO3a in the lycopene‐induced anti‐proliferative effect of keratinocytes during UVB irradiation. Transfection with FOXO3a siRNA inhibited the lycopene‐induced increase in cell apoptosis, BAX and cleaved PARP expression. Moreover, loss of AKT induced further accelerated lycopene‐induced FOXO3a dephosphorylation, while loss of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) by transfection with RICTOR siRNA induced levels of AKT phosphorylation comparable to those obtained with lycopene. In contrast, overexpression of AKT or mTORC2 decreased the effects of lycopene on the expression of FOXO3a as well as AKT phosphorylation, suggesting that lycopene depends on the negative modulation of mTORC2/AKT signaling. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the mTORC2/AKT/FOXO3a axis plays a critical role in the anti‐proliferative and pro‐apoptotic effects of lycopene in UVB‐induced photocarcinogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 366–377, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coping and Psychopathological Profile in Nonsuicidal Self‐Injurious Chilean Adolescents
Authors: Castro Karla , Kirchner Teresa
Published: June 2017

Objective

The aims of this study were to establish the roles of coping typologies and the psychological problems associated with nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) and to identify adolescents who are at greater risk of engaging in this practice.

Method

The total sample comprised 965 adolescents (57% girls, aged 12–18 years) from several Chilean schools who answered the Inventory of Statements About Self‐Injury questionnaire.

Results

Young people with and without NSSI present different coping patterns, especially when compared by gender. Adolescents with repetitive NSSI (R‐NSSI) report using escape, search for friendship, and venting feelings as coping strategies as well as a more avoidant style and less search for family support than those adolescents without NSSI. Adolescents who present avoidance coping typology are three times more likely (relative risk = 3.5) to engage in NSSI than adolescents who present approach coping typology. R‐NSSI adolescents present higher scores on psychological symptomatology (within clinical ranges) than their N‐NSSI counterparts. Girls were more likely to present psychological symptoms than boys.

Conclusion

The authors highlight the usefulness of coping typologies for the detection of high‐risk populations for NSSI as well as the need to consider the gender variable. Professionals who detect clinical levels of symptomatology should also assess the presence of NSSI.
Photocatalytic degradation of saccharin under UV‐LED and blacklight irradiation
Authors: Davididou Konstantina , McRitchie Calum , Antonopoulou Maria , Konstantinou Ioannis , Chatzisymeon Efthalia
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The photocatalytic treatment of the artificial sweetener saccharin (SAC), an emerging environmental contaminant, was investigated. UVA irradiation was provided by an environmentally friendly light‐emitting diode (UV‐LED), whose efficiency was compared with a conventional blacklight fluorescent lamp (UV‐BL).

RESULTS

The effect of the initial SAC concentration (2.5–10 mg L‐1), TiO2 concentration (0–500 mg L‐1), water matrix (absence/presence of humic acids), and treatment time on process efficiency was evaluated. Under the best conditions assayed ([SAC]0 = 2.5 mg L‐1, [TiO2] = 250 mg L‐1), SAC was degraded within 20 and 90 min under UV‐LED and UV‐BL irradiation, respectively. Liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐HR/MS) revealed that SAC degradation proceeds via hydroxylation of the phenyl ring, cleavage of C–N bond and further oxidation reactions. Finally, UV‐LED was found to be up to 16 times more energy efficient than UV‐BL.

CONCLUSIONS

In all cases, UV‐LED achieved higher photocatalytic efficiency, in terms of organic degradation, and was found to be significantly more energy and cost efficient than conventional UV‐BL irradiation source, thus rendering LED‐photocatalysis a sustainable technology for the treatment of persistent contaminants. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Weathering the storm at Beneteau USA: A proactive response to economic headwinds
Authors: Bukovinsky David M.
Published: June 2017

When demand fell for sailboats made by Beneteau USA of Marion, South Carolina, the North American arm of Groupe Beneteau of France, management could have ridden out the economic tempest by slashing its workforce and costs. Instead, the company's managers used the slowdown as an opportunity for growth. They teamed up with the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership to instruct workers in 6S lean manufacturing and value stream mapping to reduce waste and improve quality, reconfigured production so that eight processes were streamlined into one, and invested in new manufacturing technology, all while involving the bulk of their workers in the transformation of the facility. As a result, Beneteau USA has seen sales of its boats in North America grow to unprecedented levels and is well positioned to remain a leader in its market.
Strategic agility and persistence: HEM's entry into the Russian market of expendable materials for clinical laboratories
Authors: Gurkov Igor , Goldberg| Arcady , Saidov Zokirzhon
Published: June 2017

Strategic agility requires having a keen awareness of incipient trends, the ability to quickly make bold decisions, and knowing how to reconfigure business systems and redeploy resources. Strategic persistence is the ability to learn from an experiment, even if it takes a long time. Both are key features of HEM Ltd., a medium‐size company based in Moscow that produces instruments, equipment, and materials used in medical laboratories. When HEM moved into the emerging ready‐to‐use biological culture market, these qualities enabled the firm to change its market focus, adjust its marketing mix, and develop innovative products through cooperative international alliances. Companies from developed countries looking for partners in emerging markets may want to consider organizations with these same characteristics.
Meta‐analysis combining parallel and crossover trials using generalised estimating equation method
Authors: Curtin François
Published: June 2017

Clinical trials have different designs: In late stage drug development, the parallel trial design is the most frequent one; however, the crossover design is not rare; different techniques are used to analyse their results. Although both designs measure the same treatment effect, combining parallel and crossover trials in a meta‐analysis is not straightforward. We present here a meta‐analysis method based on generalised estimating equation (GEE) regression to combine aggregated results of crossover and parallel trials using a marginal estimation approach. This method is based on the fixed effects meta‐analytic model; it allows combining average outcomes belonging to the exponential distributions obtained from trials of different designs and in particular from crossover trials with more than 2 periods and 2 treatments. By extending the methods proposed so far to combine the 2 trial designs, the GEE regression allows for adjusting for bias, such as a carry‐over effect typical in crossover trials. In this paper, the GEE meta‐analysis method is compared to the classical weighted average method with examples of published and simulated meta‐analyses. Although the GEE can account for crossover specificities, it is limited by the availability of detailed trial information often encountered with reports of these trials.