bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WAITING FOR THE LORD: THE FULFILMENT OF THE PROMISE OF LAND IN THE OLD TESTAMENT AS A SOURCE OF HOPE
Authors: Cezula Ntozakhe Simon
Published: August 2017

This article examines the fulfilment of the land promise in the OT as a source of hope. This is particularly significant in our contemporary context in which land has become a contested issue. The question this article asks is whether the fulfilment of the land promise in the OT can be a source of hope for communities in (South) Africa. In the process of dealing with the question, the article observes that there are different theological interpretations to the Abrahamic promise within the Bible. Premising its line of thought on this observation, the hypothesis is advanced that some theological interpretations render the fulfilment of the land promise a source of despair for some communities in South Africa while others make it a source of hope. Specifically, Ezra-Nehemiah represents the former and the Isaiah tradition, the latter. Keywords: Exclusivity, Hope, Inclusivity, Land, Particularism, Promise, Universalism
Analysis framework for systematically studying ionospheric response to impulsive events from below
Authors: Haaser Robert A. , Lay Erin H. , Junor William
Published: August 2017

Impulsive phenomena in the Earth's atmosphere produce acoustic and gravity waves which perturb the ionosphere. Such perturbations are often measured using total electron content fluctuations (TEC), derived from ground‐based Global Positioning System data. Using TEC data from the Japanese GEONET ground network after the Tōhoku earthquake on 11 March 2011, we demonstrate capabilities of a new framework of methodologies for analyzing ionospheric perturbations. The framework consists of several new techniques: calculating velocity along a single direction to reduce error due to anisotropic propagation, producing normalized bidirectional band‐pass spectra that preserve relative timing between various frequencies and allowing a more systematic determination of broadband pulses, and utilizing a wavelet‐based technique that considers instantaneous wave phase changes, rather than best fit time differences, to evaluate wave characteristics (speed, direction, and wavelength) within spectral ranges of interest. Using these techniques together decreases subjectivity and reduces errors in attributing fluctuations to given sources. In validating this framework using the Tōhoku case, we consistently identify three kinds of waves: a broad‐band pulse (speed: >2000 m/s, max range: >1400 km) arriving in the ionosphere 10–15 min after the quake, acoustic waves following the pulse (period: 3–5 min, speed: 700–1000 m/s, max range: <500 km), and gravity waves (period: 10–15 min, speed: 150–500 m/s, max range: >1400 km) propagating away from the epicenter, consistent with theory and demonstrated in previous studies. This framework also can be applied to other impulsive events in the atmosphere that are more difficult to detect and attribute to sources.
Record temperature streak bears anthropogenic fingerprint
Authors: Mann Michael E. , Miller Sonya K. , Rahmstorf Stefan , Steinman Byron A. , Tingley Martin
Published: August 2017

We use a previously developed semiempirical approach to assess the likelihood of the sequence of consecutive record‐breaking temperatures in 2014–2016. This approach combines information from historical temperature data and state‐of‐the‐art historical climate model simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). We find that this sequence of record‐breaking temperatures had a negligible (<0.03%) likelihood of occurrence in the absence of anthropogenic warming. It was still a rare but not implausible event (roughly 1–3% likelihood) taking anthropogenic warming into effect. The probability that three consecutive records would have been observed at some point since 2000 is estimated as ~30–50% given anthropogenic warming and <0.7% in its absence. The likelihood of observing the specific level of record warmth recorded during 2016 is no more than ~one‐in‐a‐million neglecting anthropogenic warming, but as high as 27%, i.e., a nearly one‐in‐three chance of occurrence taking anthropogenic warming into account.
Partitioning of oblique convergence coupled to the fault locking behavior of fold‐and‐thrust belts: Evidence from the Qilian Shan, northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Allen Mark B. , Walters Richard J. , Song Shuguang , Saville Christopher , De Paola Nicola , Ford Jonathan , Hu Zhenxing , Sun Wenli
Published: August 2017

Oblique plate convergence is common, but it is not clear how the obliquity is achieved by continental fold‐and‐thrust belts. We address this problem in the Qilian Shan, northeastern Tibetan Plateau, using fieldwork observations, geomorphic analysis, and elastic dislocation modeling of published geodetic data. A thrust dips SSW from the northern range front and underlies steeper thrusts in the interior. Cenozoic thrust‐related shortening across the Qilian Shan is ~155–175 km, based on two transects. Elastic dislocation modeling indicates that horizontal strain in the interseismic period is consistent with oblique slip on a single low‐angle detachment thrust below ~26 km depth, dipping SSW at ~17°. We suggest that this detachment is located above North China Block crust, originally underthrust during Paleozoic orogeny. Horizontal shear strain is localized directly above the updip limit of creep on the detachment and is coincident with the left‐lateral Haiyuan Fault. This configuration implies that oblique slip on the detachment below seismogenic depths is partitioned in the shallow crust onto separate strike‐slip and thrust faults. This is consistent with strain partitioning in oceanic subduction zones but has not previously been found by dislocation models of continental interiors. The marginal, strike‐slip, Altyn Tagh Fault influences thrusting within the Qilian Shan for 100–200 km from the fault but does not control the regional structure, where Paleozoic basement faults have been reactivated. The Qilian Shan resembles the main Tibetan Plateau in nascent form: active thrusts are marginal to an interior that is developing plateau characteristics, involving low relief, and low seismicity.
The ~2730 Ma onset of the Neoarchean Yilgarn Orogeny
Authors: Zibra I. , Clos F. , Weinberg R. F. , Peternell M.
Published: August 2017

The timing of the onset of an orogeny is commonly constrained indirectly, because early orogenic structures are rarely exposed or are overprinted. Establishing the onset of an Archean orogeny is considerably more challenging, because of the more fragmented geological record and the general lack of consensus about Archean geodynamics. We combine existing tectonostratigraphic data with new structural and geophysical data sets to establish the onset of the Neoarchean Yilgarn Orogeny (Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia). We show that the surface of the ~2960–2750 Ma deep‐marine Yilgarn greenstone sequence was uplifted, eroded, and unconformably overlain by an ~2730 Ma, syntectonic clastic sequence, deposited in shallow marine to subaerial conditions, and derived from the erosion of the underlying greenstones. This ~2730 Ma regional unconformity predates the oldest known Yilgarn structures; therefore, its tectonic significance is so far unknown. At around the same time, at deeper crustal levels, the ~2728 Ma Yarraquin pluton was being emplaced along an active, large‐scale shear zone network. Our mesostructural and microstructural analysis shows that the bulk of the fabric in the granite and its country rocks developed during pluton emplacement and was largely assisted by magma‐present shearing. Overall, these structures reflect an important event of synemplacement crustal shortening. The regional unconformity and the syndeformational emplacement of the Yarraquin pluton are both expressions of an ~2730 Ma regional deformation event associated with significant crustal thickening, marking the onset of the Neoarchean Yilgarn Orogeny.
Controls of inherited lithospheric heterogeneity on rift linkage: Numerical and analog models of interaction between the Kenyan and Ethiopian rifts across the Turkana depression
Authors: Brune Sascha , Corti Giacomo , Ranalli Giorgio
Published: August 2017

Inherited rheological structures in the lithosphere are expected to have large impact on the architecture of continental rifts. The Turkana depression in the East African Rift connects the Main Ethiopian Rift to the north with the Kenya rift in the south. This region is characterized by a NW‐SE trending band of thinned crust inherited from a Mesozoic rifting event, which is cutting the present‐day N‐S rift trend at high angle. In striking contrast to the narrow rifts in Ethiopia and Kenya, extension in the Turkana region is accommodated in subparallel deformation domains that are laterally distributed over several hundred kilometers. We present both analog experiments and numerical models that reproduce the along‐axis transition from narrow rifting in Ethiopia and Kenya to a distributed deformation within the Turkana depression. Similarly to natural observations, our models show that the Ethiopian and Kenyan rifts bend away from each other within the Turkana region, thus forming a right‐lateral step over and avoiding a direct link to form a continuous N‐S depression. The models reveal five potential types of rift linkage across the preexisting basin: three types where rifts bend away from the inherited structure connecting via a (1) wide or (2) narrow rift or by (3) forming a rotating microplate, (4) a type where rifts bend towards it, and (5) straight rift linkage. The fact that linkage type 1 is realized in the Turkana region provides new insights on the rheological configuration of the Mesozoic rift system at the onset of the recent rift episode.
Membrane dynamics of resting and internalin B‐bound MET receptor tyrosine kinase studied by single‐molecule tracking
Authors: Harwardt Marie‐Lena I. E. , Young Phoebe , Bleymüller Willem M. , Meyer Timo , Karathanasis Christos , Niemann Hartmut H. , Heilemann Mike , Dietz Marina S.
Published: August 2017

The human MET receptor tyrosine kinase contributes to vertebrate development and cell proliferation. As a proto‐oncogene, it is a target in cancer therapies. MET is also relevant for bacterial infection by Listeria monocytogenes and is activated by the bacterial protein internalin B. The processes of ligand binding, receptor activation, and the diffusion behavior of MET within the plasma membrane as well as its interconnections with various cell components are not fully understood. We investigated the receptor diffusion dynamics using single‐particle tracking and imaging fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and elucidated mobility states of resting and internalin B‐bound MET. We show that internalin B‐bound MET exhibits lower diffusion coefficients and diffuses in a more confined area in the membrane. We report that the fraction of immobile receptors is larger for internalin B‐bound receptors than for resting MET. Results of single‐particle tracking in cells treated with various cytotoxins depleting cholesterol from the membrane and disrupting the actin cytoskeleton and microtubules suggest that cholesterol and actin influence MET diffusion dynamics, while microtubules do not have any effect.
MSP22.8 is a protease inhibitor‐like protein involved in shell mineralization in the edible mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis
Authors: Calvo‐Iglesias Juan , Pérez‐Estévez Daniel , González‐Fernández África
Published: August 2017

The mussel shell protein 22.8 (MSP22.8) is recognized by a monoclonal antibody (M22.8) directed against larvae of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. After being secreted by cells of the mantle‐edge epithelium into the extrapallial (EP) space (the gap between the mantle and the shell), the protein is detected in the extrapallial fluid (EPF) and EP hemocytes and finally becomes part of the shell matrix framework in adult specimens of M. galloprovincialis. In the work described here, we show how MSP22.8 is detected in EPF samples from different species of mussels (M. galloprovincialis, Mytilus edulis, and Xenostrobus securis), and also as a shell matrix protein in M. galloprovincialis, Mytilus chilensis, and Perna canaliculus. A multistep purification strategy was employed to isolate the protein from the EPF, which was then analyzed by mass spectrometry in order to identify it. The results indicate that MSP22.8 is a serpin‐like protein that has great similarity with the protease inhibitor‐like protein‐B1, reported previously for Mytilus coruscus. We suggest that MSP22.8 is part of a system offering protection from proteolysis during biomineralization and is also part of the innate immune system in mussels.
Vitronectin as a Micromanager of Cell Response in Material‐Driven Fibronectin Nanonetworks
Authors: Cantini Marco , Gomide Karina , Moulisova Vladimira , González‐García Cristina , Salmerón‐Sánchez Manuel
Published: August 2017

Surface functionalization strategies of synthetic materials for regenerative medicine applications comprise the development of microenvironments that recapitulate the physical and biochemical cues of physiological extracellular matrices. In this context, material‐driven fibronectin (FN) nanonetworks obtained from the adsorption of the protein on poly(ethyl acrylate) provide a robust system to control cell behavior, particularly to enhance differentiation. This study aims at augmenting the complexity of these fibrillar matrices by introducing vitronectin, a lower‐molecular‐weight multifunctional glycoprotein and main adhesive component of serum. A cooperative effect during co‐adsorption of the proteins is observed, as the addition of vitronectin leads to increased fibronectin adsorption, improved fibril formation, and enhanced vitronectin exposure. The mobility of the protein at the material interface increases, and this, in turn, facilitates the reorganization of the adsorbed FN by cells. Furthermore, the interplay between interface mobility and engagement of vitronectin receptors controls the level of cell fusion and the degree of cell differentiation. Ultimately, this work reveals that substrate‐induced protein interfaces resulting from the cooperative adsorption of fibronectin and vitronectin fine‐tune cell behavior, as vitronectin micromanages the local properties of the microenvironment and consequently short‐term cell response to the protein interface and higher order cellular functions such as differentiation.
Multiplexed Optogenetic Stimulation of Neurons with Spectrum‐Selective Upconversion Nanoparticles
Authors: Lin Xudong , Wang Ying , Chen Xian , Yang Runhuai , Wang Zixun , Feng Jingyu , Wang Haitao , Lai King W. C. , He Jufang , Wang Feng , Shi Peng
Published: August 2017

Optical modulation of nervous system becomes increasingly popular as the wide adoption of optogenetics. For these applications, upconversion materials hold great promise as novel photonic elements. This study describes an upconversion based strategy for combinatorial neural stimulation both in vitro and in vivo by using spectrum‐selective upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). NaYF4 based UCNPs are used to absorb near‐infrared (NIR) energy and to emit visible light for stimulating neurons expressing different channelrhodopsin (ChR) proteins. The emission spectrum of the UCNPs is selectively tuned by different doping strategy (Tm3+ or Er3+) to match the responsive wavelength of ChR2 or C1V1. When the UCNPs are packaged into a glass microoptrode, and placed close to or in direct contact with neurons expressing ChR2 or C1V1, the cells can be reliably activated by NIR illumination at single cell level as well as network level, which is characterized by patch‐clamping and multielectrode‐array recording in culture primary neurons. Furthermore, the UCNP‐based optrode is implanted into the brain of live rodents to achieve all‐optical remote activation of brain tissues in mammalian animals. It is believed that this proof‐of‐concept study opens up completely new applications of upconversion materials for regulating physiological functions, especially in neuroscience research.
Nepenthes Inspired Design of Self‐Repairing Omniphobic Slippery Liquid Infused Porous Surface (SLIPS) by Femtosecond Laser Direct Writing
Authors: Yong Jiale , Chen Feng , Yang Qing , Fang Yao , Huo Jinglan , Zhang Jingzhou , Hou Xun
Published: August 2017

In this Communication, femtosecond laser is first used to successfully fabricate a slippery liquid infused porous surface (SLIPS). A kind of 3D porous network microstructure can be directly created on polyamide‐6 (PA6) substrate by a one‐step femtosecond laser direct writing method. The preparation process of SLIPS mainly includes three steps: femtosecond laser ablation, fluoroalkyl layer modification, and infusion of lubricating liquid. The porous layer and the substrate layer of this as‐prepared SLIPS are inherent one material. Such SLIPS has many advantages over the most reported SLIPS fabricated based on “deposition/coating” methods whose porous layers are foreign materials against the substrates. A broad range of liquids including water, hexadecane, lake water, ink, glycerol, coffee, milk, egg white, and egg yolk can easily slide down the 10° tilted SLIPS, revealing that the resultant SLIPS has excellent liquid‐repellent ability. Even though the SLIPS suffers from heavily physical damage, the surface can rapidly self‐repair without any additional treatment and obtain slippery property again. The developed SLIPS promises to contribute to the achievement of omniphobic materials in self‐cleaning, antifouling, biomedical devices, and fuel transport.
Laser Forming for Complex 3D Folding
Authors: Lazarus Nathan , Smith Gabriel L.
Published: August 2017

Laser heating to generate plastic strains for controlled bending, known as laser forming, is a promising technique for creating 3D structures based on origami‐inspired principles. Here, for the first time, laser cutting and forming are used to go from flat unpatterned metal sheet to final folded part, including up and down folds, all without manual handling. Folding direction is controlled by adjusting laser travel speed to create either a lateral or a vertical thermal gradient in the workpiece. Numerical modeling followed by experimental verification is used to determine the transition point between bending toward and away from the laser, followed by demonstration of a variety of complex 3D folded parts. Using this approach, laser forming is then used to precisely align two components, demonstrating the positioning of an optical reflector to guide the laser and pattern a portion of the sheeting originally inaccessible on the underside. All work here is done with a commercially available 20 W marking laser without modification.
Conducting melt blending of polystyrene and EVA copolymer with carbon nanotube assisted by phosphonium‐based ionic liquid
Authors: Soares Bluma G. , Calheiros Loan F. , Silva Adriana A. , Indrusiak Tamara , Barra Guilherme M. O. , Livi Sebastien
Published: August 2017

Conducting composite materials, with electrical percolation threshold as low as 0.05–0.08 wt %, are prepared by incorporating multiwall carbon nanotube (CNT) in melt‐mixed co‐continuous polystyrene (PS)/ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer (70:30 wt/wt) blend. CNT is found to be preferentially localized within the EVA phase, characterizing a double percolation phenomenon, which accounts for outstanding electrical conductivity (around 0.5 S/m with the addition of 1 wt % of CNT). The noncovalent functionalization of CNT with alkylphosphonium‐based ionic liquid results in composites with improved electrical conductivity (2.5 S/m with 1 wt % of CNT) and better electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness. Both nonfunctionalized CNT (n‐CNT) or CNT with alkylphosphonium‐based ionic liquid contribute for a refinement of the co‐continuous structure, as indicated by scanning electron microscopy. The dispersion of CNTs and their physical networked structure within the polymer matrix are suggested by transmission electron microscopy and melt rheological experiments. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45564.
Adhesion control of interface between cellulose and polypropylene by vapor‐phase assisted surface copolymerization
Authors: Gomi Satoshi , Nishida Haruo
Published: August 2017

In order to achieve the effective interface bonding between biomass microfiller and commodity plastics, consecutive copolymerization of hydrophilic acrylic acid (AA) and hydrophobic butyl acrylate (BA) using vapor‐phase assisted surface polymerization (VASP) technology was applied to prepare microcomposites consisting of cellulose microcrystal (CμC) and polypropylene (PP). After the copolymerization by VASP, CμC surfaces were covered by accumulated polymers: P(AA‐co‐BA) including block‐type copolymer and homopolymers of 6.2–25.3 wt % versus CμC. Although structures of the products were unspecified, it was expected to be mixtures of block copolymers and homopolymers. Subsequently prepared P(AA‐co‐BA) on CμC/PP (5/95 wt/wt) composites expressed a superior mechanical toughness, which had increased threefold when compared to intact CμC/PP composite. This increase in toughness was mainly based on an increase in elongation rate, reflecting improvement of the adhesion strength at the interface between CμC surface and PP. The trace amounts: 0.31 wt % of accumulated P(AA‐co‐BA) on CμC surface must function as an effective adhesive/compatibilizer at the interface. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 45647.
Efficient Synthesis and Characterization of Solvatochromic Fluorophore
Authors: Adnan Muhammad , Kim Hyeong Seok , Jeong Hanbin , Ko Haye Min , Woo Sang Kook , Lee Jae Kwan
Published: August 2017

A highly efficient designing and synthesis of an aryl‐substituted carbazole‐based fluorescent material (MeOCbzBP) has been carried out via tandem carbon–carbon (C–C)/carbon–nitrogen (C–N) bond formation by multiple Suzuki couplings and Cadogan cyclization followed by C–N cross‐couplings. Various organic solvents have been used to investigate photophysical, solvatofluorochromism, and photoluminescence characteristics of MeOCbzBP. The MeOCbzBP showed a reasonable redshifted absorption in UV region and photoluminescence enhancements in tetrahydrofuran/water mixtures. Furthermore, we also employed various theoretical functions to optimize the molecule both in the ground and excited states. A well‐known density functional theory was employed in a solvent phase with B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level of theories. We believe that the MeOCbzBP will provide a better platform to investigate the novel applications in the field of medicinal chemistry and chemical biology.
Variation on Composition and Bioactivity of Essential Oils of Four Common Curcuma Herbs
Authors: Zhang Lanyue , Yang Zhiwen , Chen Dingkang , Huang Zebin , Li Yongliang , Lan Xinzi , Su Ping , Pan Wanyi , Zhou Wei , Zheng Xi , Du Zhiyun
Published: August 2017

Chemical compositions, antioxidative, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of essential oils extracted from four common Curcuma species (Curcuma longa, Curcuma phaeocaulis, Curcuma wenyujin, and Curcuma kwangsiensis) rhizomes in P. R. China are comparatively studied. In total, 47, 49, 35, and 30 compounds are identified in C. longa, C. phaeocaulis, C. wenyujin, and C. kwangsiensis essential oils by GC/MS, and their richest compounds are ar‐turmerone (21.67%), elemenone (19.41%), curdione (40.23%) and (36.47%), respectively. Moreover, C. kwangsiensis essential oils display the strongest DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) radical‐scavenging activity (IC50, 3.47 μg/ml), much higher than ascorbic acid (6.50 μg/ml). C. phaeocaulis oils show the best antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli (MIC, 235.54 μg/ml), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (391.31 μg/ml) and Staphylococcus aureus (378.36 μg/ml), while C. wenyujin and C. kwangsiensis oils show optimum activities against Candida albicans (208.61 μg/ml) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (193.27 μg/ml), respectively. C. phaeocaulis (IC50, 4.63 μg/ml) and C. longa essential oils (73.05 μg/ml) have the best cytotoxicity against LNCaP and HepG2, respectively. C. kwangsiensis oils also exhibit the strongest anti‐inflammatory activities by remarkably down‐regulating expression of COX‐2 and TNF‐α. Therefore, due to their different chemical compositions and bioactivities, traditional Chinese Curcuma herbs should be differentially served as natural additives for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic.
Coronary dominance and prognosis in patients with chronic total occlusion treated with percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Gebhard Cathérine , Gick Michael , Ferenc Miroslaw , Stähli Barbara E. , Ademaj Fadil , Mashayekhi Kambis , Buettner Heinz Joachim , Neumann Franz‐Josef , Toma Aurel
Published: August 2017

Aim

The prognostic value of coronary artery dominance pattern in patients with chronic total occlusions (CTO) is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of coronary vessel dominance on short and long‐term outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for CTO.

Methods and results

Our study population consisted of 2002 consecutive patients (17% females, mean age 65.2 ± 10.7 years) who underwent PCI of at least one coronary CTO lesion at our center between 01/2005 and 12/2013. Based on the origin of the posterior descending coronary artery, coronary circulation was categorised into left, right, and balanced coronary dominance. Right coronary dominance (RD) was present in 88% (n = 1759), left coronary dominance (LD) in 7% (n = 136), and balanced coronary dominance (BD) in 5% (n = 107) of the study population. After a median follow‐up duration of 2.6 years [interquartile range 1.1–3.1 years] all‐cause mortality was significantly higher in patients with LD as compared with RD and BD (log rank = 0.001). Accordingly, the presence of a LD system was identified as a significant predictor for all‐cause mortality (adjusted HR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2‐2.6, P = .007) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (adjusted HR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1‐1.8, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that LD is an independent predictor of increased all‐cause death and MACE in patients with CTO. Therefore, assessment of coronary vessel dominance by angiography may contribute to risk stratification in these patients.
Anion‐π Catalysts with Axial Chirality
Authors: Wang Chao , Matile Stefan
Published: August 2017

The idea of anion‐π catalysis is to stabilize anionic transition states by anion‐π interactions on aromatic surfaces. For asymmetric anion‐π catalysis, π‐acidic surfaces have been surrounded with stereogenic centers. This manuscript introduces the first anion‐π catalysts that operate with axial chirality. Bifunctional catalysts with tertiary amine bases next to π‐acidic naphthalenediimide planes are equipped with a bulky aromatic substituent in the imide position to produce separable atropisomers. The addition of malonic acid half thioesters to enolate acceptors is used for evaluation. In the presence of a chiral axis, the selective acceleration of the disfavored but relevant enolate addition was much better than with point chirality, and enantioselectivity could be observed for the first time for this reaction with small‐molecule anion‐π catalysts. Enantioselectivity increased with the π acidity of the π surface, whereas the addition of stereogenic centers around the aromatic plane did not cause further improvements. These results identify axial chirality of the active aromatic plane generated by atropisomerism as an attractive strategy for asymmetric anion‐π catalysis.
Solid‐Phase Extraction of Hemoglobin from Human Whole Blood with a Coordination‐Polymer‐Derived Composite Material Based on ZnO and Mesoporous Carbon
Authors: Jia Yuan , Xu Xinxin , Ou Jinzhao , Liu Xiaoxia
Published: August 2017

A composite material, ZnO@MC, has been synthesized successfully by calcination using a one‐dimensional zinc‐based coordination polymer as the precursor. In ZnO@MC, ZnO particles with a size of about 5–8 nm are dispersed evenly in a mesoporous carbon matrix. Adsorption experiments at pH 6.8 with 2 mg ZnO@MC as adsorbent illustrated an adsorption efficiency of 92.3 % in 5 mL hemoglobin (Hb) solution with a concentration of 100 mg L−1. In contrast, the adsorption of bovine serum albumin can almost be ignored under the same conditions. The selectivity originates from a strong ZnII–histidine interaction between ZnO@MC and hemoglobin. The adsorption behavior of hemoglobin on ZnO@MC fits the Temkin model perfectly with a capacity as high as 11646 mg g−1. The hemoglobin adsorbed on the composite material can be eluted easily with sodium dodecyl sulfate stripping reagent with an extraction efficiency of 87.7 %. Circular dichroism spectra and protein activity studies suggest the structure and biological activity of hemoglobin is the same before and after the adsorption/desorption experiment. Finally, the ZnO@MC composite material was employed to extract hemoglobin from human whole blood without any pretreatment, and gave a very satisfactory result.
C−H Insertion as a Key Step to Spiro‐Oxetanes, Scaffolds for Drug Discovery
Authors: Nicolle Simon M. , Nortcliffe Andrew , Bartrum Hannah E. , Lewis William , Hayes Christopher J. , Moody Christopher J.
Published: August 2017

A new route to spiro‐oxetanes, potential scaffolds for drug discovery, is described. The route is based on the selective 1,4‐C−H insertion reactions of metallocarbenes, generated from simple carbonyl precursors in flow or batch mode, to give spiro‐β‐lactones that are rapidly converted into spiro‐oxetanes. The three‐dimensional and lead‐like properties of spiro‐oxetanes are illustrated by the conversion of the 1‐oxa‐7‐azaspiro[3,5]nonane scaffold into a range of functionalized derivatives.
Direct Carbonation of Glycerol with CO2 Catalyzed by Metal Oxides
Authors: Ozorio Leonardo P. , Mota Claudio J. A.
Published: August 2017

Five metal oxides (ZnO, SnO2, Fe2O3, CeO2, La2O3) were produced by the sol–gel method and tested in the direct carbonation of glycerol with CO2. Initial tests with Fe2O3 showed that the best reaction condition was 180 °C, 150 bar, and 12 h. The other oxides were evaluated at these conditions and were all active to the formation of glycerol carbonate. Zinc oxide was the most active catalyst, with a yield of 8.1 % in the organic carbonate. The catalytic activity decreased upon washing and drying the ZnO catalyst between the runs. Nevertheless, the activity is maintained if the ZnO is washed and calcined at 450 °C between the runs. FTIR and TGA results indicated the formation of ZnCO3 as the main cause of catalyst deactivation, which may be decomposed upon calcination of the material. No appreciable leaching of Zn was observed, indicating a truly heterogeneous catalysis.
New Pharmacogenomics Research Network: An Open Community Catalyzing Research and Translation in Precision Medicine
Authors: Relling MV , Krauss RM , Roden DM , Klein TE , Fowler DM , Terada N , Lin L , Riel‐Mehan M , Do TP , Kubo M , Yee SW , Johnson GT , Giacomini KM
Published: August 2017

The goal of pharmacogenomics research is to discover genetic polymorphisms that underlie variation in drug response. Increasingly, pharmacogenomics research involves large numbers of patients and the application of new technologies and methodologies to enable discovery. The Pharmacogenomics Research Network (PGRN) has become a community‐driven network of investigators spanning scientific and clinical disciplines. Here, we highlight the activities and types of resources that enable PGRN members to enhance and drive basic and translational research in pharmacogenomics.
Zebrafish models of orofacial clefts
Authors: Duncan Kaylia M. , Mukherjee Kusumika , Cornell Robert A. , Liao Eric C.
Published: August 2017

Zebrafish is a model organism that affords experimental advantages toward investigating the normal function of genes associated with congenital birth defects. Here we summarize zebrafish studies of genes implicated in orofacial cleft (OFC). The most common use of zebrafish in this context has been to explore the normal function an OFC‐associated gene product in craniofacial morphogenesis by inhibiting expression of its zebrafish ortholog. The most frequently deployed method has been to inject embryos with antisense morpholino oligonucleotides targeting the desired transcript. However, improvements in targeted mutagenesis strategies have led to widespread adoption of CRISPR/Cas9 technology. A second application of zebrafish has been for functional assays of gene variants found in OFC patients; such in vivo assays are valuable because the success of in silico methods for testing allele severity has been mixed. Finally, zebrafish have been used to test the tissue specificity of enhancers that harbor single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with risk for OFC. We review examples of each of these approaches in the context of genes that are implicated in syndromic and non‐syndromic OFC. Developmental Dynamics 246:897–914, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term spatial and temporal variations of vegetative drought based on vegetation condition index in China
Authors: Liang Liang , Sun Qin , Luo Xiang , Wang Jiahui , Zhang Lianpeng , Deng Meixia , Di Liping , Liu Zhixiao
Published: August 2017

Information concerning the spatial and temporal characteristics of vegetative drought is essential for decision‐making and for many environmental and agricultural applications. This study presents a comprehensive spatio‐temporal analysis of vegetative drought conditions that used the vegetation condition index (VCI) data product obtained from NOAA/AVHRR (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) to reveal the vegetative drought patterns across China from 1981 to 2015. Considering the characteristics of VCI as drought indicators, multiple methods were designed for these analyses, including drought frequency analysis, trend analysis, anomaly index analysis, and Mann‐Kendall testing. The results show that China is a country with high vegetative drought frequency, but that most areas experienced only slight or moderate periods of drought. In addition, drought has obvious seasonal and geographical differences and occurs with greater frequencies in regions that are highly affected by monsoons such as the northern and southern regions—particularly in the spring and autumn. In contrast, vegetative drought frequencies in regions less affected by monsoons such as the Tibetan Plateau and the northwestern regions were much lower except in northern Sinkiang, eastern Inner Mongolia, and southern Tibet. During 1981–2015, the VCI had an increasing trend in most areas of China (except in the southern region, where it decreased), indicating a reduced frequency of vegetative drought throughout the country. Moreover, the trend was wavelike rather than a one‐way change and could be divided into four phases: (1) a slowly increasing phase from 1981 to 1990, (2) an intensively fluctuating phase from 1991 to 2000, (3) a steadily increasing phase from 2001 to 2010, and (4) a slowly decreasing phase after 2010. Mann‐Kendall analysis further suggested that upward trends of the VCI were more evident in spring and autumn than in summer and that both trends mutated in 1997. Specifically, the trend reached the 0.05 level of significance in the spring.
Mononuclear Dysprosium Thiocyanate Complexes with 2,2′‐Bipyridine and 1,10‐Phenanthroline: Synthesis, Crystal Structures, SIM Behavior, and Solid‐Phase Transformations
Authors: Petrosyants Svetlana P. , Dobrokhotova Zhanna V. , Ilyukhin Andrey B. , Efimov Nikolay N. , Gavrikov Andrey V. , Vasilyev Pavel N. , Novotortsev Vladimir M.
Published: August 2017

Five new dysprosium complexes were synthesized and characterized: neutral Dy(NCS)3·6(H2O) (1), [Dy(NCS)3(H2O)(bpy)2]·0.5(bpy)·H2O (2), and [Dy(NCS)3(H2O)(phen)2]·phen·0.5H2O (3), as well as ionic [Hbpy][Dy(NCS)4(bpy)2]·H2O (4) and [Hphen][Dy(NCS)4(phen)2] (5). In all complexes, the metal coordination number (CN) is 8. All complexes exhibit single‐ion magnet behavior. The influence of the structural features on ΔE/kB values is discussed. The thermal behavior of the new compounds was studied under an inert atmosphere in the temperature range of 30–550 °C. The thermal stability of the complexes is determined by the presence of solvate molecules.
The Magnetocaloric Effect in the Thin Film of a Prussian Blue Analogue
Authors: Fitta Magdalena , Szuwarzyński Michał , Czaja Paweł , Lewińska Gabriela , Bałanda Maria
Published: August 2017

Investigation of the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in the thin film of nickel hexacyanochromate obtained by “layer‐by‐layer” deposition is reported. This compound shows a sharp phase transition to a long‐range ferromagnetically ordered state at Tc = 66 K. In order to check the shape anisotropy effect, the properties of the thin film were investigated for the sample aligned parallel and perpendicular to the direction of an applied magnetic field. The demagnetizing field was smaller than the fields used to observe the MCE. For the fields higher than 1 T, values of the magnetic entropy change obtained for both film orientations are similar reaching 7.43 J kg–1 K–1 and 7.07 J kg–1 K–1 at µ0H = 5 T for parallel and perpendicular orientations, respectively. The n exponent characterizing the field dependence of the entropy change is the same and equals 0.72 ± 0.02 at Tc. Scaling analysis to obtain the master curves of the entropy temperature dependence was performed for both film orientations.
Decakis(arylthio)corannulenes: Transferable Photochemical and Redox Parameters and Photovoltaic Device Performance
Authors: Deng Yanan , Xu Bokai , Castro Edison , Fernandez‐Delgado Olivia , Echegoyen Luis , Baldridge Kim K , Siegel Jay S.
Published: August 2017

Absorption and redox properties of seven decakis(phenylthio)corannulene derivatives 3a–3g lead to a model for estimating material properties in persulfurated aromatic compounds. The same series is evaluated for performance in bulk heterojunction and perovskite photovoltaic devices.
On the treatment of uncertainty in seismic vulnerability and portfolio risk assessment
Authors: Sousa Luis , Silva Vitor , Marques Mário , Crowley Helen
Published: August 2017

In a related study developed by the authors, building fragility is represented by intensity‐specific distributions of damage exceedance probability of various damage states. The contribution of the latter has been demonstrated in the context of loss estimation of building portfolios, where it is shown that the proposed concept of conditional fragility functions provides the link between seismic intensity and the uncertainty in damage exceedance probabilities. In the present study, this methodology is extended to the definition of building vulnerability, whereby vulnerability functions are characterized by hazard‐consistent distributions of damage ratio per level of primary seismic intensity parameter—Sa(T1). The latter is further included in a loss assessment framework, in which the impact of variability and spatial correlation of damage ratio in the probabilistic evaluation of seismic loss is accounted for, using test‐bed portfolios of 2, 5, and 8‐story precode reinforced concrete buildings located in the district of Lisbon, Portugal. This methodology is evaluated in comparison with current state‐of‐the‐art methods of vulnerability and loss calculation, highlighting the discrepancies that can arise in loss estimates when the variability and spatial distributions of damage ratio, influenced by ground motion properties other than the considered primary intensity measure, are not taken into account.
Ecotoxicological properties of ketoprofen and the S(+)-enantiomer (dexketoprofen): Bioassays in freshwater model species and biomarkers in fish PLHC-1 cell line
Authors: Mennillo Elvira , Arukwe Augustine , Monni Gianfranca , Meucci Valentina , Intorre Luigi , Pretti Carlo
Published: August 2017

The increased use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has resulted in their ubiquitous presence in the environment. The toxicological properties of these 2 widely prescribed NSAIDs, namely racemic ketoprofen and its enantiomer S(+)-ketoprofen (dexketoprofen), were evaluated, firstly, by acute and chronic toxicity tests using 3 representative model organisms (Vibrio fischeri, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, and Ceriodaphnia dubia) and, secondly, by evaluating the responses of biotransformation systems and multidrug resistance–associated proteins (MRP1/MRP2) using the Poeciliopsis lucida hepatocellular carcinoma 1 (PLHC-1) fish hepatic cell line. Toxicity data from both acute and chronic dexketoprofen exposure indicated higher sensitivity through inhibition of bioluminescence and algal growth and through increased mortality/immobilization compared to racemic ketoprofen exposure. The growth inhibition test showed that racemic ketoprofen and dexketoprofen exhibited different effect concentration values (240.2 and 65.6 μg/L, respectively). Furthermore, racemic ketoprofen and dexketoprofen did not exert cytotoxic effects in PLHC-1 cells and produced compound-, time-, and concentration-specific differential effects on cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) and glutathione S-transferase levels. For CYP1A, the effects of racemic ketoprofen and dexketoprofen differed at the transcriptional and catalytic levels. Exposure to racemic ketoprofen and dexketoprofen modulated MRP1 and MRP2 mRNA levels, and these effects were also dependent on compound, exposure time, and concentration of the individual drug. The present study revealed for the first time the interactions between these NSAIDs and key detoxification systems and different sensitivity to the racemic mixture compared to its enantiomer. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:201–212. © 2017 SETAC
Silver (nano)materials cause genotoxicity in Enchytraeus crypticus, as determined by the comet assay
Authors: Maria Vera L. , Ribeiro Maria João , Guilherme Sofia , Soares Amadeu M.V.M. , Scott-Fordsmand Janeck J. , Amorim Mónica J.B.
Published: August 2017

Enchytraeids have been used in standard ecotoxicity testing for approximately 20 yr. Since adopting the standard test for survival and reproduction, a number of additional tools have been developed, including transcriptomics and enzymatic biomarkers. So far, a genotoxicity tool and endpoint have not been used; hence, the goals of the present study included optimization of the in vivo alkaline comet assay in Enchytraeus crypticus. Further, the effect of silver nanomaterial (Ag NM300K, dispersed, 15 nm) was tested and compared with silver nitrate. Hydrogen peroxide was used as a positive control. The various steps were optimized. The fully detailed standard operating procedure is presented. Silver materials caused genotoxicity, this being differentiated for the nano and non-nano forms. Silver nitrate caused genotoxicity after 3 d of exposure in a dose-related manner, although after 7 d the effects were either reduced or repaired. Ag NM300K caused higher genotoxicity after 7 d for the lowest concentration, highlighting a potential nonmonotonic dose–response effect. Overall, the comet assay showed the power to discriminate effects between materials and also toxicity at low relevant doses. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:184–191. © 2017 SETAC
Environmental behavior, potential phytotoxicity, and accumulation of copper oxide nanoparticles and arsenic in rice plants
Authors: Liu Jing , Dhungana Birendra , Cobb George P.
Published: August 2017

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are widely used in many industries. The increasing release of CuO NPs from both intentional and unintentional sources into the environment may pose risks to rice plants, thereby reducing the quality or quantity of this staple grain in the human diet. Not only has arsenic (As) contamination decreased rice yield, but As accumulation in rice has also been a great human health concern for a few decades. New technologies have succeeded in removing As from water by nanomaterials. By all accounts, few studies have addressed CuO NP phytotoxicity to rice, and the interactions of CuO NPs with As are poorly described. The present study 1) reviews studies about the environmental behavior and phytotoxicity of CuO NPs and As and research about the interaction of CuO NPs with As in the environment, 2) discusses critically the potential mechanisms of CuO NP and As toxicity in plants and their interaction, and 3) proposes future research directions for solving the As problem in rice. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:11–20. © 2017 SETAC
Comparison of the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system, hysterectomy, and endometrial ablation for heavy menstrual bleeding in a decision analysis model
Authors: Louie Michelle , Spencer Jennifer , Wheeler Stephanie , Ellis Victoria , Toubia Tarek , Schiff Lauren D. , Siedhoff Matthew T. , Moulder Janelle K.
Published: August 2017

Background

A better understanding of the relative risks and benefits of common treatment options for abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) can help providers and patients to make balanced, evidence‐based decisions.

Objectives

To provide comparative estimates of clinical outcomes after placement of levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS), ablation, or hysterectomy for AUB.

Search strategy

A PubMED search was done using combinations of search terms related to abnormal uterine bleeding, LNG‐IUS, hysterectomy, endometrial ablation, cost‐benefit analysis, cost‐effectiveness, and quality‐adjusted life years.

Selection criteria

Full articles published in 2006–2016 available in English comparing at least two treatment modalities of interest among women of reproductive age with AUB were included.

Data collection and analysis

A decision tree was generated to compare clinical outcomes in a hypothetical cohort of 100 000 premenopausal women with nonmalignant AUB. We evaluated complications, mortality, and treatment outcomes over a 5‐year period, calculated cumulative quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), and conducted probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Main results

Levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system had the highest number of QALYs (406 920), followed by hysterectomy (403 466), non‐resectoscopic ablation (399 244), and resectoscopic ablation (395 827). Ablation had more treatment failures and complications than LNG‐IUS and hysterectomy. Findings were robust in probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

Levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system and hysterectomy outperformed endometrial ablation for treatment of AUB.