bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organophotocatalytic Generation of N‐ and O‐Centred Radicals Enables Aerobic Oxyamination and Dioxygenation of Alkenes
Authors: Hu Xiao‐Qiang , Chen Jun , Chen Jia‐Rong , Yan Dong‐Mei , Xiao Wen‐Jing
Published: June 2016

A cooperative TEMPO and photoredox catalytic strategy was applied for the first time to the direct conversion of N−H and O−H bonds into N‐ and O‐centred radicals, enabling a general and selective oxidative radical oxyamination and dioxygenation of various β,γ‐unsaturated hydrazones and oximes. In the reaction, O2 was employed not only as a terminal oxidant but also as the oxygen source. This protocol provided efficient access to the synthesis of various synthetically and biologically important pyrazoline, pyridazine and isoxazoline derivatives under metal‐free and mild reaction conditions. Mechanistic studies revealed that the cooperative organophotocatalytic system functions through two single‐electron‐transfer (SET) processes.
Using surface geopolymerization reactions to strengthen Athabasca oil sands mature fine tailings
Authors: Nusri Saeed , Tan Xiaoli , Choi Phillip , Liu Qi
Published: June 2016

This paper describes a novel method to address the oil sands tailings reclamation problem using surface geopolymerization reactions. Geopolymerization involves dissolution of aluminosilicate minerals and re‐solidification reactions that result in the formation of three‐dimensional inorganic polymers of significant strengths. Since the fines present in oil sands mature fine tailings (MFT) mainly consist of aluminosilicate minerals, or clay minerals, it is hypothesized that by adding appropriate reagents, the surface of the clay minerals can be activated and go through geopolymerization reaction under ambient conditions. The resulting geopolymeric species formed on the clay minerals will bind the clay particles together and strengthen the tailings even without further dewatering.

Geopolymerization was tested on 0.51 g/g (51 wt%) solids centrifuged MFT and its shear strength was observed to increase from 115 to 4880 Pa in 90 days when treated with 40 kg of sodium hydroxide and 60 kg sodium silicate per tonne of dry MFT solids. Similarly, the shear strength of 0.48 g/g (48 wt%) solids polymer flocculated MFT increased from 395 to 3950 Pa 90 days after the addition of the same dosages of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. Tests conducted on a geopolymerized model kaolinite sample showed that under the test conditions, the geopolymerization reaction only occurs on the surface of the kaolinite at the indicated dosages. The surface geopolymers held the kaolinite particles together, leading to an increase in its shear strength.
How do you write and present research well? 13—Set axis titles to within 1 pt of article text
Authors: Boffito Daria C. , Patience Paul A. , Patience Gregory S.
Published: June 2016

Ideally, character heights in graphs vary between 2.5 % and 5 % of the y‐axis. In presentations and graphical abstracts, 5 % of the y‐axis is better.[1] Select an ideal Arial font size for a graph that spans one column width of The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering.

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Family history matters
Authors: Wood Marie E.
Published: June 2016

Targeting individuals at increased risk for colon cancer will ensure that those most at risk for the disease will benefit; a family history is an easily identifiable risk factor for colon cancer. The review by Lowery et al. in this issue of Cancer highlights both the importance of taking a family history for identifying those at risk for colorectal cancer and the barriers to effectively using family history information to manage individuals at risk.

See also pages 2633‐45.
Understanding the contribution of family history to colorectal cancer risk and its clinical implications: A state‐of‐the‐science review
Authors: Lowery Jan T. , Ahnen Dennis J. , Schroy Paul C. , Hampel Heather , Baxter Nancy , Boland C. Richard , Burt Randall W. , Butterly Lynn , Doerr Megan , Doroshenk Mary , Feero W. Gregory , Henrikson Nora , Ladabaum Uri , Lieberman David , McFarland Elizabeth G. , Peterson Susan K. , Raymond Martha , Samadder N. Jewel , Syngal Sapna , Weber Thomas K. , Zauber Ann G. , Smith Robert
Published: June 2016

Persons with a family history (FH) of colorectal cancer (CRC) or adenomas that are not due to known hereditary syndromes have an increased risk for CRC. An understanding of these risks, screening recommendations, and screening behaviors can inform strategies for reducing the CRC burden in these families. A comprehensive review of the literature published within the past 10 years has been performed to assess what is known about cancer risk, screening guidelines, adherence and barriers to screening, and effective interventions in persons with an FH of CRC and to identify FH tools used to identify these individuals and inform care. Existing data show that having 1 affected first‐degree relative (FDR) increases the CRC risk 2‐fold, and the risk increases with multiple affected FDRs and a younger age at diagnosis. There is variability in screening recommendations across consensus guidelines. Screening adherence is <50% and is lower in persons under the age of 50 years. A provider's recommendation, multiple affected relatives, and family encouragement facilitate screening; insufficient collection of FH, low knowledge of guidelines, and poor family communication are important barriers. Effective interventions incorporate strategies for overcoming barriers, but these have not been broadly tested in clinical settings. Four strategies for reducing CRC in persons with familial risk are suggested: 1) improving the collection and utilization of the FH of cancer, 2) establishing a consensus for screening guidelines by FH, 3) enhancing provider‐patient knowledge of guidelines and communication about CRC risk, and 4) encouraging survivors to promote screening within their families and partnering with existing screening programs to expand their reach to high‐risk groups. Cancer 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society. Cancer 2016;122:2633–2645. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Genetic testing for the risk of developing late effects among survivors of childhood cancer: Consumer understanding, acceptance, and willingness to pay
Authors: Georgiou Gabrielle , Wakefield Claire E. , McGill Brittany C. , Fardell Joanna E. , Signorelli Christina , Hanlon Lucy , Tucker Kathy , Patenaude Andrea F. , Cohn Richard J.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Genetic testing to determine cancer survivors' risk of developing late effects from their cancer treatment will be increasingly used in survivorship care. This 2‐stage study with 64 survivors of childhood cancer and their parents investigated the preferences and acceptability of testing among those who may be at risk of developing late effects.

METHODS

The first stage (Stage 1) identified the most commonly perceived benefits and concerns regarding genetic testing for the risk of late effects among 24 participants. In Stage 2, during interviews, 20 survivors (55% of whom were female; mean age, 26.0 years [range, 18‐39 years]; standard deviation [SD], 0.80) and 20 parents (55% of whom were male; mean age of child survivor, 14.2 years [range, 10‐19 years]; SD, 0.79) rated the 7 most common benefits and concerns from those identified in Stage 1. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed. Decisional balance ratios were calculated by dividing the participants' average concerns scores with the average benefits scores.

RESULTS

Genetic testing for late effects was highly acceptable: 95% of participants leaned toward testing, and the majority (65.9%) would pay up to Australian $5000. The majority (97.2%) reported it was acceptable to wait for up to 6 months to receive results, and to be offered testing immediately after treatment or when the survivor reached adulthood (62.9%). Survivors and parents had a highly positive decisional balance (Mean (M), 0.5 [SD, 0.38] and M, 0.5 [SD, 0.39], respectively), indicating that perceived benefits outweighed concerns.

CONCLUSIONS

Although to our knowledge clinical efficacy has yet to be clearly demonstrated, survivors and parents described positive interest in genetic testing for the risk of developing late effects. Perceived benefits outweighed harms, and the majority of participants would be willing to pay, and wait, for testing. Cancer 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society. Cancer 2016;122:2876–2885. © 2016 American Cancer Society
Evaluating the Free Energies of Solvation and Electronic Structures of Lithium‐Ion Battery Electrolytes
Authors: Shakourian‐Fard Mehdi , Kamath Ganesh , Sankaranarayanan Subramanian K. R. S.
Published: June 2016

Adaptive biasing force molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations were performed to understand the interaction of Li+with pure carbonates and ethylene carbonate (EC)‐based binary mixtures. The most favorable Li carbonate cluster configurations obtained from molecular dynamics simulations were subjected to detailed structural and thermochemistry calculations on the basis of the M06‐2X/6‐311++G(d,p) level of theory. We report the ranking of these electrolytes on the basis of the free energies of Li‐ion solvation in carbonates and EC‐based mixtures. A strong local tetrahedral order involving four carbonates around the Li+was seen in the first solvation shell. Thermochemistry calculations revealed that the enthalpy of solvation and the Gibbs free energy of solvation of the Li+ion with carbonates are negative and suggested the ion–carbonate complexation process to be exothermic and spontaneous. Natural bond orbital analysis indicated that Li+interacts with the lone pairs of electrons on the carbonyl oxygen atom in the primary solvation sphere. These interactions lead to an increase in the carbonyl (C=O) bond lengths, as evidenced by a redshift in the vibrational frequencies [ν(C=O)] and a decrease in the electron density values at the C=O bond critical points in the primary solvation sphere. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules, localized molecular orbital energy decomposition analysis (LMO‐EDA), and noncovalent interaction plots revealed the electrostatic nature of the Li+ion interactions with the carbonyl oxygen atoms in these complexes. On the basis of LMO‐EDA, the strongest attractive interaction in these complexes was found to be the electrostatic interaction followed by polarization, dispersion, and exchange interactions. Overall, our calculations predicted EC and a binary mixture of EC/dimethyl carbonate to be appropriate electrolytes for Li‐ion batteries, which complies with experiments and other theoretical results.
C‐C Bond Formation: Synthesis of C5 Substituted Pyrimidine and C8 Substituted Purine Nucleosides Using Water Soluble Pd‐imidate Complex
Authors: Gayakhe Vijay , Ardhapure Ajaykumar V. , Kapdi Anant R. , Sanghvi Yogesh S. , Serrano Jose Luis , Schulzke Carola
Published: June 2016

The synthesis of a highly efficient, water soluble [Pd(Sacc)2(TPA)2] complex for C‐C bond formation is described. Additionally, application of the [Pd(Sacc)2(TPA)2] complex for Suzuki‐Miyaura arylation of all four nucleosides (5‐iodo‐2′‐deoxyuridine [5‐IdU], 5‐iodo‐2′‐deoxycytidine [5‐IdC], 8‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyadenosine, and 8‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyguanosine) with various aryl/heteroaryl boronic acids in plain water under milder conditions is demonstrated. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Overview of regulation of dietary supplements in the USA and issues of adulteration with phenethylamines (PEAs)
Authors: Pawar Rahul S. , Grundel Erich
Published: June 2016

The multi‐billion dollar dietary supplement industry is global in reach. The industry has been criticized for problems related to poor quality control, safety, misbranding, and adulteration. In this review, we describe how the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements within the framework of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), which amended the FD&C Act, gave the FDA the authority to promulgate Good Manufacturing Practices for dietary supplements and required that manufacturers provide the FDA information supporting a conclusion that the ingredients are reasonably expected to be safe if the dietary ingredients were not marketed in the USA before 15 October 1994. Recent amendments to the FD&C Act require that serious dietary‐supplement‐related adverse events be reported to the FDA and provide the agency with mandatory recall authority. We discuss the presence of naturally occurring (e.g. Ephedra, Citrus aurantium, Acacia) and synthetic (e.g. β‐methylphenethylamines, methylsynephrine, α‐ethyl‐phenethylamine) biologically active phenethylamines (PEAs) in dietary supplements and of PEA drugs (e.g. clenbuterol, fenfluramine, sibutramine, lorcaserin) in weight‐loss products. Regulatory actions against manufacturers of products labelled as dietary supplements that contain the aliphatic amines 1,3‐dimethylamine and 1,3‐dimethylbutylamine, and PEAs such as β‐methylphenethylamine, aegeline, and Dendrobium illustrate the FDA's use of its authority under the FD&C Act to promote dietary supplement safety. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
The effect of terrain and female density on survival of neonatal white‐tailed deer and mule deer fawns
Authors: Bonar Maegwin , Manseau Micheline , Geisheimer Justin , Bannatyne Travis , Lingle Susan
Published: June 2016

Juvenile survival is a highly variable life‐history trait that is critical to population growth. Antipredator tactics, including an animal's use of its physical and social environment, are critical to juvenile survival. Here, we tested the hypothesis that habitat and social characteristics influence coyote (Canis latrans) predation on white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and mule deer (O. hemionus) fawns in similar ways during the neonatal period. This would contrast to winter when the habitat and social characteristics that provide the most safety for each species differ. We monitored seven cohorts of white‐tailed deer and mule deer fawns at a grassland study site in Alberta, Canada. We used logistic regression and a model selection procedure to determine how habitat characteristics, climatic conditions, and female density influenced fawn survival during the first 8 weeks of life. Fawn survival improved after springs with productive vegetation (high integrated Normalized Difference Vegetation Index values). Fawns that used steeper terrain were more likely to survive. Fawns of both species had improved survival in years with higher densities of mule deer females, but not with higher densities of white‐tailed deer females, as predicted if they benefit from protection by mule deer. Our results suggest that topographical variation is a critical resource for neonates of many ungulate species, even species like white‐tailed deer that use more gentle terrain when older. Further, our results raise the possibility that neonatal white‐tailed fawns may benefit from associating with mule deer females, which may contribute to the expansion of white‐tailed deer into areas occupied by mule deer.
Assessment of Solar‐to‐Fuels Strategies: Photocatalysis and Electrocatalytic Reduction
Authors: Herron Jeffrey A. , Maravelias Christos T.
Published: June 2016

The production of fuels in a solar refinery by the nonbiological conversion of CO2 and water is a potential sustainable solution to meet our future energy needs. We develop a general process model for a solar refinery that allows us to assess the energetic and economic feasibility of a specific process. We demonstrate the utility of this model by analyzing two specific cases: 1) the photocatalytic conversion and 2) the photovoltaic‐powered electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to yield a methanol product. From the analysis, we posit specific catalytic, reaction engineering, process engineering, and solar utilities targets to compete with industrial methanol production. For the photocatalytic process, the most important challenge is to improve the solar‐to‐fuels efficiency to at least 15 %, whereas for the electrocatalytic reduction process, even with much improved current density, cell potential, and reaction selectivity, the process will be ultimately limited by the price of solar (or other renewable) electricity.
Origin of transform faults in back‐arc basins: examples from Western Pacific marginal seas
Authors: Zhang Y. , Li S. Z. , Suo Y. H. , Guo L. L. , Yu S. , Zhao S. J. , Somerville I. D. , Guo R. H. , Zang Y. B. , Zheng Q. L. , Mu D. L.
Published: June 2016

Transform faults in back‐arc basins are the key to revealing the evolution of marginal seas. Four marginal basins in the Western Pacific, i.e. the South China Sea (SCS), Okinawa Trough (OT), West Philippine Basin (WPB) and Shikoku‐Parece Vela Basin (SPVB), were studied to redefine the strikes and spatial distribution of transform faults or fracture zones. Based on high‐resolution tectonomorphology, gravity and magnetic anomalies, pattern of magnetic lineations, seismic profiles, geometry of basins and palaeomagnetic data, together with analyses of regional geological setting, plate reconstruction and geodynamic analysis, this paper suggests that all the transform faults in the four marginal basins are in general NNE‐trending. Moreover, by comparing with the contemporary structural framework of the East Asian Continental Margin, we propose new models concerning marginal seas spreading and have revised the previous Cenozoic plate reconstruction models related to the East Asian Continental Margin and the Western Pacific marginal seas. There are three possible origins of these NNE‐trending transform faults. 1. Inheriting the orientation of the strike‐slip faults at the rifting continental margin (e.g. the SCS and OT). The real strike of transform faults should not be NW but NNE. The large‐scale NNE‐trending dextral strike‐slip faults distributed in the continental shelf of the SCS control a series of pull‐apart basins of the SCS. Due to a higher degree of pull‐apart, oceanic crust began to open. Then they evolved into the NNE‐trending transform faults in the SCS and could also be regarded as a natural extension of the NNE‐trending strike‐slip faults in the South China Block (SCB). The geodynamic mechanism of the OT is similar to that of the SCS. Consequently, transform faults of the OT should also be NNE‐trending, which is not perpendicular to the spreading axis but instead displays oblique spreading. 2. Izu‐Bonin‐Mariana (IBM) Trench retreat to the NNE and NE. Subduction rollback to the NE and NNE produced the NE‐ and NNE‐striking horizontal tensile stress, resulting in the rifting of the Kyushu‐Palau Ridge (KPR), controlling the spreading of the SPVB and forming the NE‐ and NNE‐trending transform faults. This also involves oblique spreading. 3. The later overall rotation of the Philippine Sea Plate (PSP). Since 25 Ma, the WPB has rotated clockwise about 40°. Therefore the NW‐ and NNW‐trending transform faults that formed at the later spreading stage have rotated to be the near‐N–S‐ or NNE‐striking faults. These transform faults are almost perpendicular to the spreading axis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sub‐clinical orthostatic hypotension is associated with greater subjective memory impairment in older adults
Authors: O'Hare Celia , McCrory Cathal , O'Connell Matthew DL , Kenny Rose Anne
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Orthostatic blood pressure (BP) is a measure of cardiovascular autonomic function. Orthostatic BP dysregulation may lie on the causal pathway to dementia. Subjective memory impairment (SMI) is commonly reported by older people some of whom may progress to dementia. We hypothesised that sub‐clinical orthostatic hypotension would be associated with SMI and explored these associations according to sex.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis of data from 4340 participants aged 50 and over collected during the first wave (2009–2011) of the cohort study, The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Subjective memory was rated according to a 5‐point scale ranging from ‘poor’ to ‘excellent’. BP was measured during orthostatic stress using continuous non‐invasive beat‐to‐beat recording over 2 min.

Results

2% reported ‘poor’ subjective memory, 12.3% ‘fair’ , 38% ‘good’, 33% ‘very good’ and 14.6% ‘excellent’. After controlling for several potential confounding factors including cardiovascular risk, objective cognition, and depressive symptoms mean systolic orthostatic BP was lowest in those with poor subjective memory: 92.2 mmHg (CI95% = 87.1, 97.3) versus excellent 99.3 mmHg (CI95% = 97.4, 101.2); p = 0.011. Further adjustment for supine systolic BP suggested that men with poor subjective memory reached the lowest average systolic orthostatic BP and had the greatest impairment in systolic orthostatic BP stabilisation to baseline levels at 10 s post‐stand (−6.64 mmHg; CI95% = −11.49, −1.79; p = 0.007).

Conclusions

Sub‐clinical orthostatic hypotension is associated with SMI, and there are sex‐specific relationships evident in this population‐based cohort. Subtle cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction may represent a modifiable risk marker at an early stage of cognitive decline in older adults. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alterations in regional shape on ipsilateral and contralateral cortex contrast in children with unilateral cerebral palsy and are predictive of multiple outcomes
Authors: Pagnozzi Alex M. , Dowson Nicholas , Fiori Simona , Doecke James , Bradley Andrew P. , Boyd Roslyn N. , Rose Stephen
Published: June 2016

Congenital brain lesions result in a wide range of cerebral tissue alterations observed in children with cerebral palsy (CP) that are associated with a range of functional impairments. The relationship between injury severity and functional outcomes, however, remains poorly understood. This research investigates the differences in cortical shape between children with congenital brain lesions and typically developing children (TDC) and investigates the correlations between cortical shape and functional outcome in a large cohort of patients diagnosed with unilateral CP. Using 139 structural magnetic resonance images, including 95 patients with clinically diagnosed CP and 44 TDC, cortical segmentations were obtained using a modified expectation maximization algorithm. Three shape characteristics (cortical thickness, curvature, and sulcal depth) were computed within a number of cortical regions. Significant differences in these shape measures compared to the TDC were observed on both the injured hemisphere of children with CP (P < 0.004), as well as on the apparently uninjured hemisphere, illustrating potential compensatory mechanisms in these children. Furthermore, these shape measures were significantly correlated with several functional outcomes, including motor, cognition, vision, and communication (P < 0.012), with three out of these four models performing well on test set validation. This study highlights that cortical neuroplastic effects may be quantified using MR imaging, allowing morphological changes to be studied longitudinally, including any influence of treatment. Ultimately, such approaches could be used for the long term prediction of outcomes and the tailoring of treatment to individuals.Hum Brain Mapp 37:3588–3603, 2016. ©2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk and prognostic factors of transplantation‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a nested case control study
Authors: Ye Yishan , Zheng Weiyan , Wang Jiasheng , Hu Yongxian , Luo Yi , Tan Yamin , Shi Jimin , Zhang Mingming , Huang He
Published: June 2016

Transplantation‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA‐TMA) is a significant complication of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, it remains controversial which clinical or laboratory markers are of evident risk and prognostic value. From 2006 to 2013, a nested case control study was carried out in our centre to study the risk and prognostic factors of TA‐TMA. A total of 654 consecutive patients who underwent allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation were studied. Twenty‐six (4.0%) patients matched the established diagnostic criteria. Subjects with TA‐TMA had significantly higher 3‐year none relapse mortality compared with those without (65.4% vs 15.4%, P < 0.0001). Grades 2 to 4 aGVHD and cytomegalovirus viremia were independent risk factors, and serum LDH level >500U/L as well as hypertension were early signs of TA‐TMA occurrence. Liver dysfunction and significant gastric bleeding were independent risk factors for TA‐TMA related mortality. Subjects with either liver dysfunction or significant gastric bleeding had significantly higher 3 year TA‐TMA related mortality cumulative incidence than subjects without. These observations lead to the conclusion that allo‐HSCT recipients with grades 2 to 4 aGVHD or cytomegalovirus viremia should be monitored for TA‐TMA. Liver dysfunction and significant gastric bleeding are prognostic factors for TA‐TMA. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Road to Reproducibility in Animal Research
Authors: Jilka Robert L
Published: June 2016

Reproducibility of research findings is the hallmark of scientific advance. However, the recently noted lack of reproducibility and transparency of published research using animal models of human biology and disease has alarmed funders, scientists, and the public. Improved reporting of methodology and better use of statistical tools are needed to enhance the quality and utility of published research. Reporting guidelines like Animal Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) have been devised to achieve these goals, but most biomedical research journals, including the JBMR, have not been able to obtain high compliance. Cooperative efforts among authors, reviewers and editors—empowered by increased awareness of their responsibilities, and enabled by user-friendly guidelines—are needed to solve this problem. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Protein a Immunoadsorption May Hamper the Decision to Transplant Due to Interference With CDC Crossmatch Results
Authors: Koefoed‐Nielsen Pernille , Bistrup Claus , Christiansen Mette
Published: June 2016

Transplanting immunized patients requires immunological monitoring in the pretransplant phase to follow reduction of donor specific HLA antibodies (DSA) after Staphylococcus aureus protein A (SPA) immunoadsorption (IA) or therapeutic plasma exchange followed by IVIG and Rituximab administration. Pretreatment aims to significantly reduce DSA strength. The Tissue Typing Lab at Aarhus University Hospital performs immunological monitoring of approximately 150 kidney transplantation patients per year from two transplant centers. From 2012 to 2013, we experienced seven patients desensitized using SPA IA, initially presenting negative cytotoxic complement dependent (CDC) T‐cell crossmatches but positive B and T cell flowcytometric crossmatch, who despite significant DSA reduction developed weakly positive CDC T‐cell crossmatch shortly prior to transplantation. We hypothesised that leached SPA during IA could be the cause, as the complication was not observed in patients who received plasma exchanges. We found that the positive CDC was not donor specific and SPA column material incubated with control serum reproduced a positive CDC T‐cell crossmatch. Finally, we detected leached SPA in one of the patient samples using a highly sensitive time‐resolved fluorescent assay. In conclusion, the results emphasize the importance of carefully considering CDC crossmatch results subsequent to IA, before a planned transplantation is either postponed or cancelled. J. Clin. Apheresis 32:163–169, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gating Modulation of the Tumor‐Related Kv10.1 Channel by Mibefradil
Authors: Gómez‐Lagunas Froylán , Carrillo Elisa , Pardo Luis A. , Stühmer Walter
Published: June 2016

Several reports credit mibefradil with tumor suppressing properties arising from its known inhibition of Ca2+ currents. Given that mibefradil (Mb) is also known to inhibit K+ channels, we decided to study the interaction between this organic compound and the tumor‐related Kv10.1 channel. Here we report that Mb modulates the gating of Kv10.1. Mb induces an apparent inactivation from both open and early closed states where the channels dwell at hyperpolarized potentials. Additionally, Mb accelerates the kinetics of current activation, in a manner that depends on initial conditions. Our observations suggest that Mb binds to the voltage sensor domain of Kv10.1 channels, thereby modifying the gating of the channels in a way that in some, but not all, aspects opposes to the gating effects exerted by divalent cations. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2019–2032, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Applying the Chaos Theory of Careers as a Framework for College Career Centers
Authors: Schlesinger Jon , Daley Lauren Pasquarella
Published: June 2016

The chaos theory of careers (CTC; Pryor & Bright,) has emerged as a career development theory to describe the reality of career development and account for the changing nature of work in the 21st century. Integrating CTC into a coherent framework accessible to practitioners is an ongoing process. In recent years, CTC has gained traction within some college career centers. Although techniques and interventions have been discussed to address some of the primary issues, no overarching framework has been conceptualized. This article proposes a model to conceptualize CTC in an accessible framework for college career centers, students, and beyond.
Chordoma‐derived cell line U‐CH1‐N recapitulates the biological properties of notochordal nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: Fujita Nobuyuki , Suzuki Satoshi , Watanabe Kota , Ishii Ken , Watanabe Ryuichi , Shimoda Masayuki , Takubo Keiyo , Tsuji Takashi , Toyama Yoshiaki , Miyamoto Takeshi , Horiuchi Keisuke , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio
Published: June 2016

Intervertebral disc degeneration proceeds with age and is one of the major causes of lumbar pain and degenerative lumbar spine diseases. However, studies in the field of intervertebral disc biology have been hampered by the lack of reliable cell lines that can be used for in vitro assays. In this study, we show that a chordoma‐derived cell line U‐CH1‐N cells highly express the nucleus pulposus (NP) marker genes, including T (encodes T brachyury transcription factor), KRT19, and CD24. These observations were further confirmed by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. Reporter analyses showed that transcriptional activity of T was enhanced in U‐CH1‐N cells. Chondrogenic capacity of U‐CH1‐N cells was verified by evaluating the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes and Alcian blue staining. Of note, we found that proliferation and synthesis of chondrogenic ECM proteins were largely dependent on T in U‐CH1‐N cells. In accordance, knockdown of the T transcripts suppressed the expression of PCNA, a gene essential for DNA replication, and SOX5 and SOX6, the master regulators of chondrogenesis. On the other hand, the CD24‐silenced cells showed no reduction in the mRNA expression level of the chondrogenic ECM genes. These results suggest that U‐CH1‐N shares important biological properties with notochordal NP cells and that T plays crucial roles in maintaining the notochordal NP cell‐like phenotype in this cell line. Taken together, our data indicate that U‐CH1‐N may serve as a useful tool in studying the biology of intervertebral disc. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 34:1341–1350, 2016.
Thiol‐modified gold‐coated glass as an efficient hydrophobic substrate for drop coating deposition Raman (DCDR) technique
Authors: Kočišová Eva , Procházka Marek , Šípová Hana
Published: June 2016

In this paper we report an easy and low‐cost way to prepare a hydrophobic substrate for drop coating deposition Raman (DCDR) spectroscopy. This substrate is formed by a thiol‐modified Au‐coated glass and provides the Raman spectra with the same quality as the commercial Teflon‐coated stainless steel substrate (SpectRIM™, Tienta Sciences, Inc.) for model molecular systems – albumin solution and liposome suspension. Gold layer, similarly to polished steel in the commercial substrate, served as a highly refractive layer strongly increasing the Raman signal. The main advantage of introduced substrate is that it is simple and a low‐cost preparation easily manageable in every standard laboratory. Thus, it represents a promising alternative to commercial Teflon‐coated stainless steel substrate. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unraveling the target genes of RIN transcription factor during tomato fruit ripening and softening
Authors: Li Ling , Wang Xiaoguang , Zhang Xinhua , Guo Mei , Liu Tieling
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

The RIN transcription factor is one of the MADS box family members and predominantly controls fruit ripening. In this study, effort was made to demonstrate the regulation network of RIN transcription factor during tomato fruit ripening and softening. Novel RIN target genes were identified by proteomics, electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis.

RESULTS

Over 700 protein spots were achieved by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, and 42 proteins were successfully identified. Among them, 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate oxidase (LeACO4, ethylene synthesis, spot 3) and α‐galactosidase‐like isoform 2 (α‐Gal, cell wall metabolism, spot 26) exhibited varied expression levels in different tomato fruits. Particularly high expression levels of LeACO4 and α‐Gal were observed in wild type but not in the rin mutant. Additionally, CArG box, a RIN‐binding site, was discovered in the promoter regions of both LeACO4 and α‐Gal genes, suggesting that RIN possibly directly regulates their transcriptions, and this assumption was further confirmed by EMSA and ChIP assay.

CONCLUSION

Functional annotations of RIN target genes demonstrated the specific role of RIN in the process of fruit ripening and softening, especially in cell wall degradation and ethylene biosynthesis. This study will further illuminate the mechanism of tomato ripening and softening. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Development and validation of a liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of isomangiferin in rat plasma with application to a preclinical pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Sun Fengjun , Liu Zhirui , Yang Bo , Xia Peiyuan
Published: June 2016

A sensitive and specific liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was firstly developed for the measurement of isomangiferin in rat plasma. Chloramphenicol was selected as the internal standard. Sample preparation was carried out through a simple one‐step protein precipitation procedure with methanol. Negative electrospray ionization was performed using multiple reaction monitoring mode with transitions of m/z 421.1/301.1 for isomangiferin, and 321.1/151.9 for chloramphenicol. The calibration curve was linear over the range of 0.1–600 ng/mL, with a lower limit of quantification at 0.1 ng/mL. The intra‐ and interday precisions (relative standard deviation) were no more than 8.2% and accuracies (relative error) were within the range of –8.4 to 2.2%. The recovery, matrix effect and stability under different conditions were all proved acceptable. The validated method has been successfully applied to a preclinical pharmacokinetic study of isomangiferin in rats for the first time.
The bactericidal activity of glutaraldehyde‐impregnated polyurethane
Authors: Sehmi Sandeep K. , Allan Elaine , MacRobert Alexander J. , Parkin Ivan
Published: June 2016

Although glutaraldehyde is known to be bactericidal in solution, its potential use to create novel antibacterial polymers suitable for use in healthcare environments has not been evaluated. Here, novel materials were prepared in which glutaraldehyde was either incorporated into polyurethane using a simple “swell‐encapsulation‐shrink” method (hereafter referred to as “glutaraldehyde‐impregnated polyurethane”), or simply applied to the polymer surface (hereafter referred to as “glutaraldehyde‐coated polyurethane”). The antibacterial activity of glutaraldehyde‐impregnated and glutaraldehyde‐coated polyurethane samples was tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Glutaraldehyde‐impregnated polyurethane resulted in a 99.9% reduction in the numbers of E. coli within 2 h and a similar reduction of S. aureus within 1 h, whereas only a minimal reduction in bacterial numbers was observed when the biocide was bound to the polymer surface. After 15 days, however, the bactericidal activity of the impregnated material was substantially reduced presumably due to polymerization of glutaraldehyde. Thus, although glutaraldehyde retains antibacterial activity when impregnated into polyurethane, activity is not maintained for extended periods of time. Future work should examine the potential of chemical modification of glutaraldehyde and/or polyurethane to improve the useful lifespan of this novel antibacterial polymer.
Optimization of the Preparation Temperature for the Novel (SiO2/MgO/MgCl2)⋅TiClx Ziegler–Natta Polyethylene Catalyst
Authors: Huang Fan , Wang Jingwen , Cheng Ruihua , He Xuelian , Liu Zhen , Zhao Ning , Liu Boping
Published: June 2016

A series of (SiO2/MgO/MgCl2)⋅TiClx Ziegler‐Natta polyethylene catalysts have been synthesized using water‐soluble Mg‐compounds such as magnesium acetate as Mg‐source at different TiCl4 treating temperatures. The catalyst shows the highest activity of homopolymerization when preparation temperature is 120 °C with only 1.25 of optimal Al/Ti molar ratio, which is much lower than industrial value, resulting in much lower catalyst preparation and poly­ethylene production cost. The operation condition is relatively moderate and the synthesized catalysts exhibit rather high activity, good hydrogen response, and copolymerization ability with high 1‐hexene incorporation. The polymers obtained from these catalysts have high molecular weight and medium molecular weight distribution. Compared with the conventional industrial Ti/Mg Ziegler‐Natta catalysts using the relatively expensive, anhydrous and moisture‐sensitive Mg‐sources, the most unique feature of our novel catalysts is the capability of utilization of any soluble Mg‐compounds under mild conditions and can achieve rather high activity with only a small amount of cocatalyst, hence show great potential for application in polyethylene industry.

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New Synthesis of Gold‐ and Silver‐Based Nano‐Tetracycline Composites
Authors: Djafari Jamila , Marinho Catarina , Santos Tiago , Igrejas Gilberto , Torres Carmen , Capelo José Luis , Poeta Patricia , Lodeiro Carlos , Fernández‐Lodeiro Javier
Published: June 2016

A new synthetic methodology of water‐soluble gold and silver nanoparticles (AuNPs@TC and AgNPs@TC), using the antibiotic tetracycline (TC) as co‐reducing and stabilizing agent, is reported. Both colloids exhibit high water stability. The average sizes obtained were 25±10 and 15±5 nm, respectively. Both composites were tested against TC‐resistant bacteria, presenting an increasing antibacterial effect in the case of AgNPs@TC. The sensing towards metal ions was also explored. An interesting and reversible affinity of AuNPs@TC towards AlIII cations in an aqueous system was also observed.
Effect of carbon nanotubes on electromagnetic interference shielding of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Gong Shen , Zhu Zheng H. , Arjmand Mohammad , Sundararaj Uttandaraman , Yeow John T.W. , Zheng Wanping
Published: June 2016

This paper investigated the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the electromagnetic interference shielding of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. The CNT/CFRP composites were fabricated by dry spray deposition of CNT on surfaces of carbon fiber prepregs and then out‐of‐autoclave curing process. The interlaminate shear strength of CNT/CFRP composites was first examined. It was found that the shear strength was strengthened if the CNT loading between prepregs was below 3.0 g/m2. Then, the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of CNT/CFRP composites was characterized as a function of CNT loadings over the X‐band frequency range (8.2–12.4 GHz). The tests revealed that the maximum and minimum EMI SE of CNT/CFRP composites increased by approximately 20%, from 62 to 74 dB and from 45 to 53 dB, respectively, by adding 2.5 g/m2 CNT at the interlaminate surfaces. The results unveiled that the shielding by absorption dominates in the overall EMI SE of CNT/CFRP composites, while the shielding by reflection is almost independent of CNT loadings. It was also observed that the overall EMI SE increased linearly with CNT loading. This study shows that the spray deposition of CNT is an efficient technique to improve the EMI shielding performance of CFRP composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E655–E663, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fast‐swelling oxidized starch phosphate–poly(acrylate/acrylamide/2‐acryloylamino‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid) superabsorbent composite
Authors: Qi Xiaohua , Liu Mingzhu , Chen Zhenbin
Published: June 2016

A fast‐swelling superabsorbent composite was prepared by solution polymerization of acrylate, acrylamide, 2‐acryloylamino‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid and oxidized starch phosphate. Ethanol, propyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, and sodium bicarbonate were used as foaming agents to produce fast‐swelling characteristics. The structure of the superabsorbent composite was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The influences of the amount of water, acrylamide, 2‐acryloylamino‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid, oxidized starch phosphate, initiator, and trihydroxymethyl propane glycidol ether, as well as the neutralization degree of acrylic acid on the equilibrium swelling degree and swelling rate of the superabsorbent composite, were investigated. The equilibrium swelling degree of the superabsorbent composite prepared in a 0.9 wt% NaCl aqueous solution was 52 g g−1, and the swelling rate reached 0.86 mL g−1 s−1. The swelling kinetics was also investigated, and the results indicate that swelling of the superabsorbent composites obeys Schott's pseudo second‐order kinetics model. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:1267–1274, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Macromolecular design of specialty polylactides by means of controlled copolymerization and stereocomplexation
Authors: Masutani Kazunari , Kimura Yoshiharu
Published: June 2016

Among the biobased polymers developed, poly‐l‐lactide (PLLA) has been the most widely used in many fields because of its excellent cost − property balance. However, the properties and functionalities ofPLLAcannot easily be controlled like the conventional petroleum‐based polymers, retarding the progress of its manufacturing on a large scale. One approach to obtain high‐performance and specialty polylactides is to use stereocomplex‐type polylactides (sc‐PLA) that can be obtained by mixingPLLAand its enantiomer poly‐d‐lactide. The other approach is to use copolymers consisting of polylactides (PLA) and other types of macromolecular chains. Here we demonstrate how such high‐performance and specialtyPLApolymers can be designed and synthesized. These macromolecular designs and synthetic methodologies are highly effective for controlling the structure and properties ofPLApolymers for use as biomedical and high‐end industrial materials. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Positioning solvolyses within the SN2‐SN1 and SN3‐SN2 spectrum of reaction mechanisms
Authors: Bentley T. W. , Choi Hojune , Koo In Sun , Kevill Dennis N.
Published: June 2016

A simple linear regression (Q equation) is devised to position solvolyses within the established SN2‐SN1 spectrum of solvolysis mechanisms. Using 2‐adamantyl tosylate as the SN1 model and methyl tosylate as the SN2 model, the equation is applied to solvolyses of ethyl, allyl, secondary alkyl and a range of substituted benzyl and benzoyl tosylates. Using 1‐adamantyl chloride as the SN1 model and methyl tosylate as the SN2 model, the equation is applied to solvolyses of substituted benzoyl chlorides in weakly nucleophilic media. In some instances, direct correlations with methyl tosylate were employed. Grunwald–Winstein l values and kinetic solvent isotope effects are also used to locate solvolyses within the spectrum of mechanisms. Product selectivities (S) for solvolyses at 50 °C of p‐nitrobenzyl tosylate in binary mixtures of alcohol–water and of alcohol–ethanol for five alcohols (methanol, ethanol, 1‐propanol and 2‐propanol and t‐butanol) are reported and show the expected order of solvent nucleophilicity (RCH2OH > R2CHOH > R3COH). The data support the original assignments establishing the NOTs scale of solvent nucleophilicity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and fabrication of a 1.2 kV GaN‐based MOS vertical transistor for single chip normally off operation
Authors: Li Wenwen , Chowdhury Srabanti
Published: June 2016

We report a novel design to achieve normally off, high voltage power switch using an “all‐GaN” vertical MOS‐gate transistor (MOSVFET). In this structure, two MOS gates were formed vertically on the sidewalls of the pillar, whose opposite ends were connected to the source and drain of the device. The design space and associated performance based on 2D drift‐diffusion model is discussed highlighting the trade‐off between blocking voltage (Vbl), on resistance (Ron), and threshold voltage (Vth). An optimized device structure was proposed with more than 1.2 kV blocking capability and normally off behavior. With proper design of the drift region thickness and doping, the corresponding Ron was as low as 2.8 mΩ cm2. The role of key parameters such as bulk GaN mobility, channel mobility, gate to gate distance (Lgtg) and gate length (Lg) on the Ron, Vbl, leakage current, and Vth were also examined. The effect of mobility on the device performance and the role of the bulk GaN material was analyzed utilizing the model to create a comprehensive design space for achieving low‐loss switching.
Comparison of mechanical and ultrasonic agitation methods for mono c‐Si texturing
Authors: Bilgen Sedat , Es Firat , Turan Rasit
Published: June 2016

Texturing of a mono crystalline Si wafer aims to create light trapping structures to reduce the reflection losses. Being a cheap and efficient process, alkaline texturing of Si wafers is commonly used in all industrial mono crystalline solar cell production lines. However, standard process with potassium hydroxide (KOH)‐based solutions with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) addition suffers from instability, high material consumption, and nonuniformities in the shape and the distribution of the pyramid structures formed on the Si surface. In this work, we studied the effect of ultrasonic agitation (UA) during the etching process on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of mono crystalline Si solar cell as a function of process parameters. We have shown that UA improves optical and electrical performance of the cells by forming uniform pyramid structures. In addition, it also helps to lower the material consumption and Si removal from the surface by enabling less process time and temperature. Ultrasonic agitation of the etching solution proves to be a good modification of the wet process steps for the mono crystalline silicon solar cell technology.