bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Breathing Zirconium Metal–Organic Framework with Reversible Loss of Crystallinity by Correlated Nanodomain Formation
Authors: Bueken Bart , Vermoortele Frederik , Cliffe Matthew J. , Wharmby Michael T. , Foucher Damien , Wieme Jelle , Vanduyfhuys Louis , Martineau Charlotte , Stock Norbert , Taulelle Francis , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Goodwin Andrew L. , De Vos Dirk
Published: February 2016

The isoreticular analogue of the metal–organic framework UiO‐66(Zr), synthesized with the flexible trans‐1,4‐cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid as linker, shows a peculiar breathing behavior by reversibly losing long‐range crystalline order upon evacuation. The underlying flexibility is attributed to a concerted conformational contraction of up to two thirds of the linkers, which breaks the local lattice symmetry. X‐ray scattering data are described well by a nanodomain model in which differently oriented tetragonal‐type distortions propagate over about 7–10 unit cells.
ChemInform Abstract: Reactivity of Dehydroacetic Acid in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Fadda Ahmed A. , Elattar Khaled M.
Published: February 2016

Review: 130 refs.
Identification and removal of nonoriginal layers in the 16th century paintings of funchal's Cathedral altarpiece
Authors: Gomes Sofia , Ferreira Carolina , Nascimento Glória , Piorro Luís , Cardoso Ana , Candeias António , Lorena Mercês
Published: February 2016

This article is an outcome of the study, decisions, and restoration work undertaken during the integrated conservation project of the 16th century paintings of Funchal's Cathedral main chapel's altarpiece, in Madeira Island, Portugal. After diagnostic research has allowed a complete understanding of the original material of the 12 Portuguese–Flemish paintings, it has been revealed the presence of other superimposed layers, whether actual overpaints or the accumulation of materials occurring in time over the old ones. Identification together with the cleaning and removal of these coatings was a delicate and a complex process. Conservators already suspected the existence of overpaints in some paintings, a close observation of the painted surface showed differences in terms of color, texture, and execution technique in specific areas. Chemical and stratigraphical research together with radiography and historical research on primary documental sources provided important clues about the paintings of the previous interventions and relevant and crucial information for the decision making. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 283–288, 2016
Effects of Age, Sex, and Obesity on the Single‐Dose Pharmacokinetics of Omarigliptin in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Addy Carol , Tatosian Daniel A. , Glasgow Xiaoli S. , III Isaias Noel Gendrano , Sisk Christine McCrary , Kauh Eunkyung A. , Stoch S. Aubrey , Wagner John A.
Published: February 2016

Omarigliptin is being developed as a potent, once‐weekly, oral dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study evaluated the effects of age, sex, and obesity on the pharmacokinetics of omarigliptin in healthy subjects. A single oral dose of omarigliptin 10 mg (n = 6/panel) or placebo (n = 2/panel) was administered in the fasted state to elderly nonobese men and women, young obese (30 ≤ body mass index [BMI] ≤ 35 kg/m2) men and women, and young nonobese women of nonchildbearing potential. Plasma was collected at selected postdose times for evaluation of omarigliptin concentrations. Pharmacokinetic parameters were compared with historical data from a previously‐conducted single‐dose study in young, healthy, nonobese men. There were no clinically significant differences in omarigliptin AUC0–∞, the primary pharmacokinetic parameter for assessing efficacy and safety, based on age, sex, or BMI (pooled nonobese elderly versus pooled nonobese young, young nonobese female versus young nonobese male, and pooled young obese versus pooled young nonobese). There were no serious adverse events or hypoglycemic events attributable to omarigliptin administration. Demographic factors and BMI had no meaningful effect on omarigliptin pharmacokinetics, suggesting that dose adjustment based on age, sex, or obesity is not required.
Selective and Stable Ethylbenzene Dehydrogenation to Styrene over Nanodiamonds under Oxygen‐lean Conditions
Authors: Diao Jiangyong , Feng Zhenbao , Huang Rui , Liu Hongyang , Hamid Sharifah Bee Abd , Su Dang Sheng
Published: February 2016

For the first time, significant improvement of the catalytic performance of nanodiamonds was achieved for the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene under oxygen‐lean conditions. We demonstrated that the combination of direct dehydrogenation and oxidative dehydrogenation indeed occurred on the nanodiamond surface throughout the reaction system. It was found that the active sp2–sp3 hybridized nanostructure was well maintained after the long‐term test and the active ketonic carbonyl groups could be generated in situ. A high reactivity with 40 % ethylbenzene conversion and 92 % styrene selectivity was obtained over the nanodiamond catalyst under oxygen‐lean conditions even after a 240 h test, demonstrating the potential of this procedure for application as a promising industrial process for the ethylbenzene dehydrogenation to styrene without steam protection.
In Situ Fluorine Doping of TiO2 Superstructures for Efficient Visible‐Light Driven Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Zhang Peng , Tachikawa Takashi , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Majima Tetsuro
Published: February 2016

With the aid of breakthroughs in nanoscience and nanotechnology, it is imperative to develop metal oxide semiconductors through visible light‐driven hydrogen generation. In this study, TiOF2 was incorporated as an n‐type F‐dopant source to TiO2 mesocrystals (TMCs) with visible‐light absorption during the topotactic transformation. The crystal growth, structural change, and dynamic morphological evolution, from the initial intermediate NH4TiOF3 to HTiOF3, TiOF2, and F‐doped TMCs, were verified through in situ temperature‐dependent techniques to elucidate the doping mechanism from intermediate TiOF2. The visible‐light efficiencies of photocatalytic hydrogen were dependent on the contents of the dopant as compared with the pure TMC and a controled reference. Using femtosecond time‐resolved diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, the charge‐transfer dynamics were monitored to confirm the improvement of charge separation after doping.
Direct Conversion of Greenhouse Gas CO2 into Graphene via Molten Salts Electrolysis
Authors: Hu Liwen , Song Yang , Jiao Shuqiang , Liu Yingjun , Ge Jianbang , Jiao Handong , Zhu Jun , Wang Junxiang , Zhu Hongmin , Fray Derek J.
Published: February 2016

Producing graphene through the electrochemical reduction of CO2 remains a great challenge, which requires precise control of the reaction kinetics, such as diffusivities of multiple ions, solubility of various gases, and the nucleation/growth of carbon on a surface. Here, graphene was successfully created from the greenhouse gas CO2 using molten salts. The results showed that CO2 could be effectively fixed by oxygen ions in CaCl2–NaCl–CaO melts to form carbonate ions, and subsequently electrochemically split into graphene on a stainless steel cathode; O2 gas was produced at the RuO2–TiO2 inert anode. The formation of graphene in this manner can be ascribed to the catalysis of active Fe, Ni, and Cu atoms at the surface of the cathode and the microexplosion effect through evolution of CO in between graphite layers. This finding may lead to a new generation of proceedures for the synthesis of high value‐added products from CO2, which may also contribute to the establishment of a low‐carbon and sustainable world.
Design for testability of high‐order OTA‐C filters
Authors: Hasan Masood‐ul , Zhu Yanqing , Sun Yichuang
Published: February 2016

A study of oscillation‐based test for high‐order Operational Transconductance Amplifier‐C (OTA‐C) filters is presented. The method is based on partition of a high‐order filter into second‐order filter functions. The opening Q‐loop and adding positive feedback techniques are developed to convert the second‐order filter section into a quadrature oscillator. These techniques are based on an open‐loop configuration and an additional positive feedback configuration. Implementation of the two testability design methods for nth‐order cascade, IFLF and leapfrog (LF) filters is presented, and the area overhead of the modified circuits is also discussed. The performances of the presented techniques are investigated. Fourth‐order cascade, inverse follow‐the‐leader feedback (IFLF) and LF OTA‐C filters were designed and simulated for analysis of fault coverage using the adding positive feedback method based on an analogue multiplexer. Simulation results show that the oscillation‐based test method using positive feedback provides high fault coverage of around 97%, 96% and 95% for the cascade, IFLF and LF OTA‐C filters, respectively. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type of the uterine cervix: A case report
Authors: Omori Makiko , Oishi Naoki , Nakazawa Tadao , Nakazawa Kumiko , Mitsumori Toru , Yuminamochi Tsutomu , Kirito Keita , Hirata Shuji
Published: February 2016

We report a rare case of extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type of the uterine cervix that showed cytologic features mimicking cervical cancer. A 65‐year‐old woman presented with vaginal bleeding. Gynecological examination revealed a bulky tumor of the cervix. A conventional Papanicolaou‐stained cervical smear showed hypercellularity consisting of numerous variably sized cohesive clusters that mimicked epithelial tumors, with a necrotic and inflammatory background. A small number of individually scattered cells were also identified. These scattered cells showed pleomorphic, often cleaved, or horseshoe‐shaped nuclei and pale cytoplasm. Biopsy specimens revealed a diffuse growth of atypical cells with an angiocentric pattern. Extensive necrosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells were present. There were numerous mitotic figures. The tumor cells were positive for CD45RO, CD3ε, CD56, granzyme B, TIA‐1, CD7, and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐encoded small RNA (EBER) by in situ hybridization, and negative for cytokeratin, chromogranin A, synaptophysin, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD20, and CD30. Based on these findings, this tumor was diagnosed as extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type of the uterine cervix. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:430–433. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High genetic diversity of common toad (Bufo bufo) populations under strong natural fragmentation on aNorthern archipelago
Authors: Roth Steffen , Jehle Robert
Published: February 2016

The last decades have shown a surge in studies focusing on the interplay between fragmented habitats, genetic variation, and conservation. In the present study, we consider the case of a temperate pond‐breeding anuran (the common toadBufo bufo) inhabiting a naturally strongly fragmented habitat at the Northern fringe of the species’ range: islands offshore the Norwegian coast. A total of 475 individuals from 19 populations (three mainland populations and 16 populations on seven adjacent islands) were genetically characterized using nine microsatellite markers. As expected for a highly fragmented habitat, genetic distances between populations were high (pairwiseFstvalues ranging between 0.06 and 0.33), with however little differences between populations separated by ocean and populations separated by terrestrial habitat (mainland and on islands). Despite a distinct cline in genetic variation from mainland populations to peripheral islands, the study populations were characterized by overall high genetic variation, in line with effective population sizes derived from single‐sample estimators which were on average about 20 individuals. Taken together, our results reinforce the notion that spatial and temporal scales of fragmentation need to be considered when studying the interplay between landscape fragmentation and genetic erosion.
Sleep‐disordered breathing in heart failure
Authors: Pearse Simon G. , Cowie Martin R.
Published: February 2016

Sleep‐disordered breathing—comprising obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), central sleep apnoea (CSA), or a combination of the two—is found in over half of heart failure (HF) patients and may have harmful effects on cardiac function, with swings in intrathoracic pressure (and therefore preload and afterload), blood pressure, sympathetic activity, and repetitive hypoxaemia. It is associated with reduced health‐related quality of life, higher healthcare utilization, and a poor prognosis. Whilst continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for patients with daytime sleepiness due to OSA, the optimal management of CSA remains uncertain. There is much circumstantial evidence that the treatment of OSA in HF patients with CPAP can improve symptoms, cardiac function, biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, and quality of life, but the quality of evidence for an improvement in mortality is weak. For systolic HF patients with CSA, the CANPAP trial did not demonstrate an overall survival or hospitalization advantage for CPAP. A minute ventilation‐targeted positive airway therapy, adaptive servoventilation (ASV), can control CSA and improves several surrogate markers of cardiovascular outcome, but in the recently published SERVE‐HF randomized trial, ASV was associated with significantly increased mortality and no improvement in HF hospitalization or quality of life. Further research is needed to clarify the therapeutic rationale for the treatment of CSA in HF. Cardiologists should have a high index of suspicion for sleep‐disordered breathing in those with HF, and work closely with sleep physicians to optimize patient management.
Switchable Polymerization of Norbornene Derivatives by a Ferrocene‐Palladium(II) Heteroscorpionate Complex
Authors: Abubekerov Mark , Shepard Scott M. , Diaconescu Paula L.
Published: February 2016

The ferrocene‐chelating heteroscorpionate complex [(fc(PPh2){BH{(3,5‐Me)2pz}2})PdMe] {(fcP,B)PdMe, fc = 1,1′‐ferrocenediyl, pz = pyrazole} catalyzes the addition polymerization of norbornene and norbornene derivatives upon oxidation with [AcFc][BArF] {acetyl ferrocenium tetrakis(3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate}. In situ reduction of [(fcP,B)PdMe][BArF] in the presence of a substituted norbornene results in significant decrease of catalytic activity. Addition of one equivalent of oxidant restores the activity.
The Route to Phosphabenzene and Beyond
Authors: Ashe Arthur J.
Published: February 2016

This article presents the background of the author's synthesis of phosphabenzene in 1971. It also expands to tell the story behind the syntheses of the heavier group 15 heterobenzenes: arsabenzene, stibabenzene, and bismabenzene, which were prepared nearly at the same time and by a largely similar route.
Electrochemical Biosensors for Cancer Biomarkers Detection: Recent Advances and Challenges
Authors: Topkaya Seda Nur , Azimzadeh Mostafa , Ozsoz Mehmet
Published: February 2016

Biomarkers are described as characteristics that provide information about biological conditions whether normal or pathological. Detection of biomarkers at the earliest stage of the cancer is of utmost importance for clinical diagnosis. Electrochemical biosensors allow detecting the low levels of specific analytes in blood, urine or saliva and providing a sensitive approach for direct measurement for cancer biomarker detection. Moreover, the integration of electrochemical devices with nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, gold and magnetic particles offer amplification and multiplexing capabilities for simultaneous measurements of cancer biomarkers very sensitively. This review summarizes the recent developments of electrochemical biosensors systems for the detection of cancer biomarkers with emphasis on voltammetric, amperometric and impedimetric biosensors. A special attention is paid to aptamers and miRNAs that are very promising for the ultra‐sensitive and specific cancer biomarker detection.
Development and validation of a cyclodextrin‐modified capillary electrophoresis method for the enantiomeric separation of vildagliptin enantiomers
Authors: Kazsoki Adrienn , Fejős Ida , Sohajda Tamás , Zhou Wei , Hu Wenhui , Szente Lajos , Béni Szabolcs
Published: February 2016

The enantiomers of vildagliptin, an orally available and selective dipeptidyl‐peptidase‐4 inhibitor used for the treatment of type II diabetes, have been separated by CD‐modified CZE, using uncoated fused‐silica capillary. After screening 13 negatively charged CD derivatives as potential chiral selectors, sulfobutyl‐ether‐α‐CD (SBE‐α‐CD) was selected for the enantioseparation. For the optimization, a factorial analysis study was performed by orthogonal experimental design. Six experimental factors were chosen as variable parameters: temperature, applied voltage, chiral selector and BGE concentrations, pH, and the parameters of the hydrodynamic injection. The optimized system still was not considered final as the second peak (S‐enantiomer) migrated too close to the EOF, resulting in a potential inaccuracy during the determination of the chiral impurity. To fine‐tune the method “one factor at a time” variation approach was applied. The final method (applying 15°C capillary temperature, 40 mbar × 4 s hydrodynamic injection, 25 kV voltage in 75 mM acetate‐Tris buffer [pH 4.75] containing 20 mM SBE‐α‐CD as chiral selector) was validated according to the ICH guideline. RSD percentage of the resolution value, migration times, and corrected peak areas were below 5% during testing repeatability and intermediate precision. LOD and LOQ values were found to be 2.5 and 7.5 μg/mL, respectively. The method is considered linear in the 7.5–180 μg/mL range for the R‐enantiomer. The robustness of the method was justified using Plackett–Burmann statistical experimental design.
Nepheline‐based water‐permeable bricks from coal gangue and aluminum hydroxide
Authors: Wu Xiu‐Wen , Ma Hong‐Wen , Wu Nan , Shi Chun‐Qing , Zheng Zhi‐Yuan , Wang Ya‐Fang
Published: February 2016

Nepheline‐based water‐permeable bricks are prepared with coal gangue and aluminum hydroxide by raw material pretreating, mixing, isostatic molding, roasting, and self‐curing. These bricks exhibit balance between their mechanical and water‐permeable properties. In this study, two main factors, the raw material ratio and the molding pressure, are studied. The mineral phase, porous structure, and mechanical properties of the samples are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and mercury injection, respectively. The compressive strength and water permeability of the bricks meet Chinese industry standard JC/T945‐2005 for water‐permeable bricks. The compressive strengths of the samples are between 30.6 and 34.3 MPa. The permeability coefficients range from 1.37
cm s−1 to 1.55
cm s−1. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 779–785, 2016
Integrated genomic profiling identifies microRNA‐92a regulation of IQGAP2 in locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Pelossof Raphael , Chow Oliver S. , Fairchild Lauren , Smith J. Joshua , Setty Manu , Chen Chin‐Tung , Chen Zhenbin , Egawa Fumiko , Avila Karin , Leslie Christina S. , Garcia‐Aguilar Julio
Published: February 2016

Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is treated with chemoradiation prior to surgical excision, leaving residual tumors altered or completely absent. Integrating layers of genomic profiling might identify regulatory pathways relevant to rectal tumorigenesis and inform therapeutic decisions and further research. We utilized formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded pre‐treatment LARC biopsies (n=138) and compared copy number, mRNA, and miRNA expression with matched normal rectal mucosa. An integrative model was used to predict regulatory interactions to explain gene expression changes. These predictions were evaluated in vitro using multiple colorectal cancer cell lines. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was also used as an external cohort to validate our genomic profiling and predictions. We found differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs that characterize LARC. Our integrative model predicted the upregulation of miR‐92a, miR‐182, and miR‐221 expression to be associated with downregulation of their target genes after adjusting for the effect of copy number alterations. Cell line studies using miR‐92a mimics and inhibitors demonstrate that miR‐92a expression regulates IQGAP2 expression. We show that endogenous miR‐92a expression is inversely associated with endogenous KLF4 expression in multiple cell lines, and that this relationship is also present in rectal cancers of TCGA. Our integrative model predicted regulators of gene expression change in LARC using pre‐treatment FFPE tissues. Our methodology implicated multiple regulatory interactions, some of which are corroborated by independent lines of study, while others indicate new opportunities for investigation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Doing a Good Job—the Effect of Primary Task Quality on Well‐Being and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Sasser Maja , Sørensen Ole H.
Published: February 2016

This paper investigates whether employees’ assessment of their primary task quality has a significant impact on their well‐being and job satisfaction, respectively. Furthermore, the paper hypothesizes that professional values and norms affect employees’ quality expectations on their work tasks and thus their assessment of primary task quality. The paper proposes a measure for primary task quality and uses it in the analyses of responses from 1,247 preschool teachers and teaching assistants in 94 public daycare centers in Denmark. The results indicate that an important factor for employees is their experience of quality in the job they perform. Moreover, quality expectations can differ between employees performing the same task due to, for example, difference in professional training. This leads us to propose a new research direction for job design theory that addresses employees’ assessment of the quality of their primary task job performance.
Synthesis of 1,3,5‐Triazepineselone Derivatives from Acyl Isoselenocyanates and Benzene‐1,2‐diamine
Authors: Yavari Issa , Mosaferi Shabnam
Published: February 2016

Tandem reaction between acyl isoselenocyanates, generated from acyl chlorides and KSeCN, and benzene‐1,2‐diamine in acetone at room temperature, gave 1,3,5‐triazepineselone derivatives in moderate to good yields.
Vinmajorines C – E, Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids from Vinca major
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Jun , Du Ru‐Nan , He Juan , Wu Xing‐De , Li Yan , Li Rong‐Tao , Zhao Qin‐Shi
Published: February 2016

Three new monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, vinmajorines C–E (1–3), along with 18 known analogues (4–21), were isolated from the whole plants of Vinca major. The new structures were elucidated as (5α,15β,16R,17α,19β,20α,21β)‐10,17‐dimethoxy‐21‐methyl‐18‐oxa‐5,16‐cycloyohimban‐19‐ol (1), (5α,15β,16R,17α,20α,21β)‐10‐methoxy‐21‐methyl‐18‐oxa‐5,16‐cycloyohimban‐17‐ol (2), and (5α,15β,16R,17α,20α,21β)‐10‐methoxy‐21‐methyl‐18‐oxa‐5,16‐cycloyohimban‐17‐yl acetate (3), respectively, by extensive NMR and MS analysis and comparison with known compounds. Compounds 1–3 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against five human cancer cell lines, compounds 1 and 3 showing moderate cytotoxic activities.
Two New Retigerane‐Type Sesterterpenoids from the Lichen Leprocaulon microscopicum
Authors: Millot Marion , Martin‐de‐Lassalle Marie , Chollet‐Krugler Marylène , Champavier Yves , Mambu Lengo , Chulia José‐Albert , Lacaille‐Dubois Marie‐Aleth
Published: February 2016

Two new sesterterpenes, 1 and 2, have been isolated from the lichen Leprocaulon microscopicum. In addition to classic chromatographic methods, a liquid‐liquid chromatography technique, namely centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) was applied for the purification of compound 2. The structures were determined by analyses of mass spectrometry and 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR data. The relative configuration of the isolated compounds was assigned on the basis of 2D‐NOESY experiments. The two compounds possess a rare pentacyclic carbon skeleton typical for lichen metabolism, and quite unusual in the vegetal kingdom.
Route Scouting towards a Methyl Jasmonate Precursor
Authors: Chapuis Christian , Walther Eric , Robvieux Fabrice , Richard Claude‐Alain , Goumaz Laurent , de Saint Laumer Jean‐Yves
Published: February 2016

For the synthesis of methyl jasmonate (1), via the strategic intermediates 3, 4, and 6a, we constructed a synthetic network via the diverse intermediates 7–10, 13, 14, 17, and 18. This allowed us to compare the efficiency of more than 20 novel routes. The most productive pathway with a total yield of 38% is represented by the sequence→5a→5m→13b→13a→6a→4 and proceeds via sequential bromination, basic elimination, decarbomethoxylation, isomerization, and finally Lindlar hydrogenation. The shortest selective way, 2a→[(E,E)‐12b]→3→4, is a two‐pot sequence using a modification of Naef's method, based on an aldol condensation between inexpensive cyclopentanone (2a) and crotonaldehyde, with in situ CoreyChaykovsky cyclopropanation under phase transfer conditions. The key intermediate 3 was then simply pyrolyzed to afford 4 in 27% total yield. The alternative isomerization method via the six‐step deviation→5a→5c→8c→13a→6a→4 was longer, although more efficient, with a total yield of 32%. Alternatively, a yield of 34% was obtained via the five‐step sequence→5a→5c→2h→2i→4. Another favored six‐step pathway,→5a→5c→2h→17a→14a→4 afforded the target compound in 35% total yield.
Model parameters for simulation of physiological lipids
Authors: Hills Ronald D. , McGlinchey Nicholas
Published: February 2016

Coarse grain simulation of proteins in their physiological membrane environment can offer insight across timescales, but requires a comprehensive force field. Parameters are explored for multicomponent bilayers composed of unsaturated lipids DOPC and DOPE, mixed‐chain saturation POPC and POPE, and anionic lipids found in bacteria: POPG and cardiolipin. A nonbond representation obtained from multiscale force matching is adapted for these lipids and combined with an improved bonding description of cholesterol. Equilibrating the area per lipid yields robust bilayer simulations and properties for common lipid mixtures with the exception of pure DOPE, which has a known tendency to form nonlamellar phase. The models maintain consistency with an existing lipid–protein interaction model, making the force field of general utility for studying membrane proteins in physiologically representative bilayers. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Computational Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flag‐Transitive Point‐Primitive Automorphism Groups of Nonsymmetric Designs
Authors: Liang Hongxue , Zhou Shenglin
Published: February 2016

In this article, we show that if is a nontrivial nonsymmetric design admitting a flag‐transitive point‐primitive automorphism group G, then G must be an affine or almost simple group. Moreover, if the socle of G is sporadic, then is the unique 2 − (176, 8, 2) design with , the Higman–Sims simple group.
Seroprevalence of antibodies against GII.4 norovirus among children in Pune, India
Authors: Kulkarni Ruta , Lole Kavita , Chitambar Shobha D.
Published: February 2016

This study reports the seroprevalence of antibodies against GII.4 norovirus among children (≤5 years) in Pune, India. Of 191 serum specimens, 98 (51.3%) tested positive with 61, 34 and 3 having IgG, IgG‐IgA and IgG‐IgA‐IgM, respectively. Histoblood group antigen (HBGA)‐blocking antibodies were detected in 33 of the 54 tested positive specimens. IgG and blocking antibody prevalence and titer varied with age and was lowest among children aged 6–23 months. Antibody‐positive children, suggesting past norovirus exposure, showed significantly lower faecal norovirus RNA detection rate than antibody‐negative children. Further investigation of the seroepidemiology of norovirus infections in India is warranted. J. Med. Virol. 88:1636–1640, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo knockdown of basal forebrain p75 neurotrophin receptor stimulates choline acetyltransferase activity in the mature hippocampus
Authors: Barrett Graham L. , Naim Timur , Trieu Jennifer , Huang Mengjie
Published: February 2016

This study seeks to determine whether knockdown of basal forebrain p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) expression elicits increased hippocampal choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in mature animals. Antisense (AS) oligonucleotides (oligos) targeting p75NTR were infused into the medial septal area of mature rats continuously for 4 weeks. In all rats, the cannula outlet was placed equidistant between the left and the right sides of the vertical diagonal band of Broca. We tested phosphorothioate (PS), morpholino (Mo), and gapmer (mixed PS/RNA) oligos. Gapmer AS infusions of 7.5 and 22 μg/day decreased septal p75NTR mRNA by 34% and 48%, respectively. The same infusions increased hippocampal ChAT activity by 41% and 55%. Increased hippocampal ChAT activity correlated strongly with septal p75NTR downregulation in individual rats. Infusions of PS and Mo AS oligos did not downregulate p75NTR mRNA or stimulate ChAT activity. These results demonstrate that p75NTR can dynamically regulate hippocampal ChAT activity in the mature CNS. They also reveal the different efficacies of three diverse AS oligo chemistries when infused intracerebrally. Among the three types, gapmer oligos worked best. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Location, location, location: Contextualizing workplace commitment
Authors: Wasti S. Arzu , Peterson Mark F. , Breitsohl Heiko , Cohen Aaron , Jørgensen Frances , de Aguiar Rodrigues Ana Carolina , Weng Qingxiong , Xu Xiaohong
Published: February 2016

The purpose of the present commentary is to discuss the nature and correlates of workplace commitment across cultures. We asked six organizational behavior scholars, who are intimately familiar with Brazil, China, Denmark, Germany, or Israel as their country of origin or extended residence, to “contextualize” workplace commitment. They did so by explicating institutional and cultural characteristics of their context on the emergence, meaning, and evolution of commitment by reference to their own research and extant local research. Their responses not only supported the utility of three‐component model of commitment but also revealed the differential salience of various commitment constructs (e.g., components and foci of commitment) as well as possible contextual moderators on the development and outcomes of commitment. The commentators also described changes including the growing prevalence of multicultural workforces within national borders and changes in employment relationships and cultural values in their national contexts and considered future research directions in culture and commitment research. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nutlin‐3 treatment spares cisplatin‐induced inhibition of bone healing while maintaining osteosarcoma toxicity
Authors: Stine Kimo C. , Wahl Elizabeth C. , Liu Lichu , Skinner Robert A. , VanderSchilden Jaclyn , Bunn Robert C. , Montgomery Corey O. , Aronson James , Becton David L. , Nicholas Richard W. , Swearingen Christopher J. , Suva Larry J. , Lumpkin Charles K.
Published: February 2016

The majority of Osteosarcoma (OS) patients are treated with a combination of chemotherapy, resection, and limb salvage protocols. These protocols include distraction osteogenesis (DO), which is characterized by direct new bone formation. Cisplatin (CDP) is extensively used for OS chemotherapy and recent studies, using a mouse DO model, have demonstrated that CDP has profound negative effects on bone repair. Recent oncological therapeutic strategies are based on the use of standard cytotoxic drugs plus an assortment of biologic agents. Here we demonstrate that the previously reported CDP‐associated inhibition of bone repair can be modulated by the administration of a small molecule p53 inducer (nutlin‐3). The effects of nutlin‐3 on CDP osteotoxicity were studied using both pre‐ and post‐operative treatment models. In both cases the addition of nutlin‐3, bracketing CDP exposure, demonstrated robust and significant bone sparing activity (p < 0.01–0.001). In addition the combination of nutlin‐3 and CDP induced equivalent OS tumor killing in a xenograft model. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the induction of p53 peri‐operatively protects bone healing from the toxic effects of CDP, while maintaining OS toxicity. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1716–1724, 2016.
Metal, nutrient and biomass accumulation during the growing cycle of Miscanthus established on metal‐contaminated soils
Authors: Nsanganwimana Florien , Waterlot Christophe , Louvel Brice , Pourrut Bertrand , Douay Francis
Published: February 2016

The energy crop Miscanthus presents high potentials for phytomanagement. Its shoot yield and nutrient accumulation has been extensively characterized in uncontaminated agricultural soils, while very little is known for metal‐contaminated conditions. This study aimed at assessing potential differences in dry matter and metal and nutrient accumulation of the standing aerial biomass in Miscanthus (M. × giganteus) growing in situ on agricultural plots presenting different soil Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations. Plant samplings were conducted monthly along the growing period from May to December. Cadmium, Pb, Zn, and the concentrations of the nutrients N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na were determined in leaves and stems separately. During the growing phase, the maximum dry matter was reached in early in autumn. Whatever the organ, Cd and Zn concentrations were higher on contaminated than on uncontaminated plots. During summer and autumn, Zn and Pb concentrations were higher in leaves than in stems whereas Cd concentrations did not significantly differ between the organs. Concentrations of N, P, K, and Mg decreased across the study period whereas those of Ca and Na increased. Overall, metal and nutrient concentrations depended on plant organ and its development stage. The dry matter and nutrient accumulation patterns were not different between contaminated and uncontaminated plots. The significance of these findings is discussed in light of best phytomanagement practices and potential uses of Miscanthus biomass.
Analysis of amino acid uptake and translocation in Arabidopsis with a low‐cost hydroponic system
Authors: Pratelli Réjane , Boyd Shelton , Pilot Guillaume
Published: February 2016

In soils, amino acids may be an important source of nitrogen for plants, at least in those where organic matter is not quickly degraded. The physiology of uptake of amino acids by roots was mainly studied in the 70's and 80's, before genes encoding amino acid importers were cloned in the 90's. While two families of amino acid transporters have been identified, yielding a total of about 100 genes, the role of each member is yet to be elucidated. As a tool for studying the role of amino acid transporters from Arabidopsis we set up a new hydroponic system suitable for radioisotope use. This system enables reproducible amino acid uptake by roots and estimation of the transport to the shoots of the amino acid taken up. We show that the rates of glutamine (Gln) uptake by wild‐type roots and transfer to the shoots were linear, and that other tested amino acids were translocated to the shoots with lower efficiency than Gln. A T‐DNA insertion mutant for a Gln exporter was compared to the wild‐type plants. Gln uptake and transfer were similar in both genotypes, showing that the suppression of the exporter did not affect uptake or transfer of amino acids to the shoots. The main advantage of the hydroponic system presented here is that all the materials used to grow Arabidopsis are virtually free and can therefore be discarded, a useful feature when working with radioactivity.
Effect on tomato plant and fruit of the application of biopolymer–oregano essential oil coatings
Authors: Perdones Ángela , Tur Núria , Chiralt Amparo , Vargas Maria
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Oregano essential oil (EO) was incorporated into film‐forming dispersions (FFDs) based on biopolymers (chitosan and/or methylcellulose) at two different concentrations. The effect of the application of the FFDs was evaluated on tomato plants (cultivar Micro‐Tom) at three different stages of development, and on pre‐harvest and postharvest applications on tomato fruit.

RESULTS

The application of the FFDs at ‘3 Leaves’ stage caused phytotoxic problems, which were lethal when the EO was applied without biopolymers. Even though plant growth and development were delayed, the total biomass and the crop yield were not affected by biopolymer–EO treatments. When the FFDs were applied in the ‘Fruit’ stage the pre‐harvest application of FFDs had no negative effects. All FFDs containing EO significantly reduced the respiration rate of tomato fruit and diminished weight loss during storage. Moreover, biopolymer–EO FFDs led to a decrease in the fungal decay of tomato fruit inoculated with Rhizopus stolonifer spores, as compared with non‐treated tomato fruit and those coated with FFDs without EO.

CONCLUSION

The application of biopolymer–oregano essential oil coatings has been proven to be an effective treatment to control R. stolonifer in tomato fruit. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Supra‐nutritional levels of α‐tocopherol maintain the oxidative stability of n‐3 long‐chain fatty acid enriched subcutaneous fat and frozen loin, but not of dry fermented sausage
Authors: Vossen Els , Claeys Erik , Raes Katleen , van Mullem Danny , De Smet Stefaan
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Meat products enriched with n‐3 fatty acids are more prone to oxidation. The aim was to investigate whether supra‐nutritional levels of α‐tocopherol can enhance the colour and lipid oxidative stability of n‐3 fatty acids enriched dry fermented sausages, frozen loins and subcutaneous fat. Pigs were fed a diet supplemented with 18 g kg−1 fish oil and 50, 150 or 300 mg kg−1 α‐tocopheryl acetate. The control group received 12 g kg−1 soy oil and 150 mg kg−1 α‐tocopheryl acetate.

RESULTS

α‐Tocopherol levels of the frozen loin, dry fermented sausage and subcutaneous fat were elevated as a result of the dietary α‐tocopherol supplementation. Lipid oxidation occurred to the same extend in the n‐3 fatty acid enriched frozen loins when compared to the control group. In the subcutaneous fat enriched with n‐3 fatty acids reduced lipid oxidation was found when comparing 50 mg kg−1 versus 150 and 300 mg kg−1. However, in the dry fermented sausages no such effect was observed and higher TBARS values were found in the n‐3 fatty acid enriched sausages compared to the control group. Colour parameters of the loin and subcutaneous fat were not affected, whereas some significant differences in the dry fermented sausages were found. The colour stability of the frozen loins was not affected by the dietary treatments.

CONCLUSION

Supra‐nutritional levels of α‐tocopherol maintain the oxidative stability of n‐3 fatty acid enriched frozen loins and subcutaneous fat, but not of dry fermented sausages. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
The antimicrobial action of resveratrol against Listeria monocytogenes in food‐based models and its antibiofilm properties
Authors: Ferreira Susana , Domingues Fernanda
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Resveratrol (3,5,4′‐trihydroxy‐trans‐stilbene) is a natural phytoalexin synthesized by plants in response to stress. This compound has several beneficial documented properties, namely anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective and antimicrobial activities. In this study the antimicrobial activity of resveratrol against Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua was investigated.

RESULTS

Resveratrol had a minimum inhibitory concentration of 200 µg mL−1 for the tested strains, with time‐kill curves demonstrating bacteriostatic activity. Inhibition of biofilm formation was also assessed, with resveratrol strongly inhibiting biofilm formation by both species even at subinhibitory concentrations. Overall, resveratrol showed antimicrobial properties on planktonic cells and on biofilm formation ability. Considering the potential use of resveratrol as a food preservative, the antimicrobial efficacy of resveratrol in food was studied in milk, lettuce leaf model and chicken juice. Resveratrol retained greater efficacy in both lettuce leaf model and chicken juice, but milk had a negative impact on its antilisterial activity, indicating a possible reduction of resveratrol availability in milk.

CONCLUSION

This study reinforces resveratrol as an antimicrobial agent, pointing out its antibiofilm activity and its potential use as preservative in some food matrices. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
The role of particle associated microbes in remineralization of fecal pellets in the upper mesopelagic of the Scotia Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Belcher Anna , Iversen Morten , Manno Clara , Henson Stephanie A. , Tarling Geraint A. , Sanders Richard
Published: February 2016

Fecal pellets (FP) are a key component of the biological carbon pump, as they can, under some circumstances, efficiently transfer carbon to depth. Like other forms of particulate organic carbon (POC), they can be remineralized in the ocean interior (particularly in the upper 200 m), or alternatively they can be preserved in the sediments. The controls on the attenuation of FP flux with depth are not fully understood, in particular, the relative contributions of zooplankton fragmentation and microbial/zooplankton respiration to FP loss. Collection of sinking particles using Marine Snow Catchers at three ecologically contrasting sites in the Scotia Sea, Antarctica, revealed large differences in POC flux composition (5–96% FP) and flux attenuation despite similar temperatures. To determine the importance of microbial respiration on FP loss in the upper mesopelagic, we made the first ever measurements of small scale oxygen gradients through the boundary layer at the interface of krill FP collected from the Scotia Sea. Estimated carbon‐specific respiration rates of microbes within FP (0.010–0.065 d−1) were too low to account for the observed large decreases in FP flux over the upper 200 m. Therefore, the observed rapid declines in downward FP flux in the upper mesopelagic are more likely to be caused by zooplankton, through coprophagy, coprorhexy, and coprochaly. Microbial respiration is likely to be more important in regions of higher temperatures, and at times of the year, or in depths of the ocean, where zooplankton abundances are low and therefore grazing and fragmentation processes are reduced.
Focal Muscle Vibration Improves Gait in Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Camerota Filippo , Celletti Claudia , Suppa Antonio , Galli Manuela , Cimolin Veronica , Filippi Guido Maria , La Torre Giuseppe , Albertini Giorgio , Stocchi Fabrizio , De Pandis Maria Francesca
Published: February 2016

Background

In Parkinson's disease (PD), gait disorders lead to increased risk of falls and patients' reduced participation and independence. Several observations suggest that a single session of focal muscle vibration (fMV) applied to trunk or lower limb muscles during gait may improve several gait variables in patients with PD. The possible long‐term beneficial effects of repetitive sessions of fMV (r‐fMV) on gait of patients with PD have been investigated.

Methods

A randomized, controlled trial study has been conducted in an outpatient rehabilitation department. Twenty patients with PD diagnosis have been randomized in two groups: “real” or “sham” r‐fMV application to quadriceps and paraspinal muscles in patients with PD. Gait was evaluated with objective gait analysis, and a number of variables, including velocity, step length, stride length, percentage of stance, double support duration, cadence, swing velocity, and step width, have been measured. Gait analysis was performed before and 24 hours and 1 and 3 weeks after r‐fMV.

Results

After real, but not sham, r‐fMV, patients with PD had significant gait improvement as a result of increased walking velocity and stride length. The r‐fMV‐induced beneficial after effects lasted at least 1 week after the end of stimulation.

Conclusions

Data emerging from our pilot randomized, controlled trial study suggest that r‐fMV may improve gait disorders in patients with PD. r‐fMV might be a feasible, safe approach for possibly improving gait disorders in patients with PD and might enhance the impact of specific rehabilitation programs in PD.
Three‐dimensional printing of MRI‐visible phantoms and MR image‐guided therapy simulation
Authors: Mitsouras Dimitris , Lee Thomas C. , Liacouras Peter , Ionita Ciprian N. , Pietilla Todd , Maier Stephan E. , Mulkern Robert V.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To demonstrate the use of anatomic MRI‐visible three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed phantoms and to assess process accuracy and material MR signal properties.

Methods

A cervical spine model was generated from computed tomography (CT) data and 3D‐printed using an MR signal‐generating material. Printed phantom accuracy and signal characteristics were assessed using 120 kVp CT and 3 Tesla (T) MR imaging. The MR relaxation rates and diffusion coefficient of the fabricated phantom were measured and 1H spectra were acquired to provide insight into the nature of the proton signal. Finally, T2‐weighted imaging was performed during cryoablation of the model.

Results

The printed model produced a CT signal of 102 ± 8 Hounsfield unit, and an MR signal roughly 1/3rd that of saline in short echo time/short repetition time GRE MRI (456 ± 36 versus 1526 ± 121 arbitrary signal units). Compared with the model designed from the in vivo CT scan, the printed model differed by 0.13 ± 0.11 mm in CT, and 0.62 ± 0.28 mm in MR. The printed material had T2∼32 ms,
∼7 ms, T1∼193 ms, and a very small diffusion coefficient less than olive oil. MRI monitoring of the cryoablation demonstrated iceball formation similar to an in vivo procedure.

Conclusion

Current 3D printing technology can be used to print anatomically accurate phantoms that can be imaged by both CT and MRI. Such models can be used to simulate MRI‐guided interventions such as cryosurgeries. Future development of the proposed technique can potentially lead to printed models that depict different tissues and anatomical structures with different MR signal characteristics. Magn Reson Med 77:613–622, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine