bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redox‐Neutral Dual Functionalization of Electron‐Deficient Alkenes
Authors: Pettersson Fredrik , Bergonzini Giulia , Cassani Carlo , Wallentin Carl‐Johan
Published: April 2017

Visible‐light photoredox catalysis has been utilized in a new multicomponent reaction forming β‐functionalized δ‐diketones under mild conditions in an operationally convenient manner. Single‐electron reduction of in situ generated carboxylic acid derivatives forms acyl radicals that react further via 1,2‐acylalkylation of olefins in an intermolecular, three‐components cascade reaction, giving valuable synthetic entities from readily available starting materials. A diverse set of substrates has been used, demonstrating robust methodology with broad substrate scope.
Preparative chiral separation and absolute configuration of the synthetic pterocarpanquinone LQB‐118
Authors: Scatena Gabriel S. , Cassiano Neila M. , Netto Chaquip D. , Costa Paulo R.R. , Cass Quezia B. , Batista João M.
Published: April 2017

The racemic pterocarpanquinone LQB‐118 is active, in mice and hamsters, against tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis. This compound also presents antiinflammatory and antineoplastic activity in mice. The low level of toxicity observed in these studies makes LQB‐118 a promising drug candidate. In order to conduct further biological testing to investigate enantioselectivity in the above‐mentioned activities, a multimilligram amount of each enantiomer of LQB‐118 was produced. Furthermore, vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were used to determine unambiguously their absolute configurations. The comparison of experimental and calculated VCD data led to the assignment of (−)‐LQB‐118 as 7aR,12aR and, consequently, (+)‐LQB‐118 as 7aS12aS.
Königsblau statt krebserregend
Authors: Bertsche Ingo
Published: April 2017

In diesem Beitrag wird das Königsblau‐Reagenz als neues, ungefährliches und zuverlässiges Nachweisreagenz für Aldehyde vorgestellt. Mit Königsblau‐Reagenz lassen sich flüchtige Aldehyde mit hoher Empfindlichkeit in der Gasphase nachweisen. Die Wirksamkeit wird eindrucksvoll an klassischen Experimenten demonstriert.
An Integrin‐Targeting RGDK‐Tagged Nanocarrier: Anticancer Efficacy of Loaded Curcumin
Authors: Das Krishnendu , Nimushakavi Sahithi , Chaudhuri Arabinda , Das Prasanta Kumar
Published: April 2017

Herein we report the design and development of α5β1 integrin‐specific noncovalent RGDK–lipopeptide‐functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) that selectively deliver the anticancer drug curcumin to tumor cells. RGDK tetrapeptide‐tagged amphiphiles were synthesized that efficiently disperse SWNTs with a suspension stability index of >80 % in cell culture media. 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)‐ and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)‐based cell viability assays in tumor (B16F10 melanoma) and noncancerous (NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast) cells revealed the non‐cytotoxic nature of these RGDK–lipopeptide–SWNT conjugates. Cellular uptake experiments with monoclonal antibodies against αvβ3, αvβ5, and α5β1 integrins showed that these SWNT nanovectors deliver their cargo (Cy3‐labeled oligonucleotides, Cy3‐oligo) to B16F10 cells selectively via α5β1 integrin. Notably, the nanovectors failed to deliver the Cy3‐oligo to NIH3T3 cells. The RGDK–SWNT is capable of delivering the anticancer drug curcumin to B16F10 cells more efficiently than NIH3T3 cells, leading to selective killing of B16F10 cells. Results of Annexin V binding based flow cytometry experiments are consistent with selective killing of tumor cells through the late apoptotic pathway. Biodistribution studies in melanoma (B16F10)‐bearing C57BL/6J mice showed tumor‐selective accumulation of curcumin intravenously administered via RGDK–lipopeptide–SWNT nanovectors.
Multi‐decadal time series of remotely sensed vegetation improves prediction of soil carbon in a subtropical grassland
Authors: Wilson Chris H. , Caughlin T. Trevor , Rifai Sami W. , Boughton Elizabeth H. , Mack Michelle C. , Flory S. Luke
Published: April 2017

Soil carbon sequestration in agroecosystems could play a key role in climate change mitigation but will require accurate predictions of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks over spatial scales relevant to land management. Spatial variation in underlying drivers of SOC, such as plant productivity and soil mineralogy, complicates these predictions. Recent advances in the availability of remotely sensed data make it practical to generate multidecadal time series of vegetation indices with high spatial resolution and coverage. However, the utility of such data largely is unknown, only having been tested with shorter (e.g., 1–2 yr) data summaries. Across a 2,000 ha subtropical grassland, we found that a long time series (28 yr) of a vegetation index (Enhanced Vegetation Index; EVI) derived from the Landsat 5 satellite significantly enhanced prediction of spatially varying SOC pools, while a short summary (2 yr) was an ineffective predictor. EVI was the best predictor for surface SOC (0–5 cm depth) and total measured SOC stocks (0–15 cm). The optimum models for SOC in the upper soil layer combined EVI records with elevation and calcium concentration, while deeper SOC was more strongly associated with calcium availability. We demonstrate how data from the open access Landsat archive can predict SOC stocks, a key ecosystem metric, and illustrate the rich variety of analytical approaches that can be applied to long time series of remotely sensed greenness. Overall, our results showed that SOC pools were closely coupled to EVI in this ecosystem, demonstrating that maintenance of higher average green leaf area is correlated with higher SOC. The strong associations of vegetation greenness and calcium concentration with SOC suggest that the ability to sequester additional SOC likely will rely on strategic management of pasture vegetation and soil fertility.
Decadal declines in avian herbivore reproduction: density‐dependent nutrition and phenological mismatch in the Arctic
Authors: Ross Megan V. , Alisauskas Ray T. , Douglas David C. , Kellett Dana K.
Published: April 2017

A full understanding of population dynamics depends not only on estimation of mechanistic contributions of recruitment and survival, but also knowledge about the ecological processes that drive each of these vital rates. The process of recruitment in particular may be protracted over several years, and can depend on numerous ecological complexities until sexually mature adulthood is attained. We addressed long‐term declines (23 breeding seasons, 1992–2014) in the per capita production of young by both Ross's Geese (Chen rossii) and Lesser Snow Geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) nesting at Karrak Lake in Canada's central Arctic. During this period, there was a contemporaneous increase from 0.4 to 1.1 million adults nesting at this colony. We evaluated whether (1) density‐dependent nutritional deficiencies of pre‐breeding females or (2) phenological mismatch between peak gosling hatch and peak forage quality, inferred fromNDVIon the brood‐rearing areas, may have been behind decadal declines in the per capita production of goslings. We found that, in years when pre‐breeding females arrived to the nesting grounds with diminished nutrient reserves, the proportional composition of young during brood‐rearing was reduced for both species. Furthermore, increased mismatch between peak gosling hatch and peak forage quality contributed additively to further declines in gosling production, in addition to declines caused by delayed nesting with associated subsequent negative effects on clutch size and nest success. The degree of mismatch increased over the course of our study because of advanced vegetation phenology without a corresponding advance in Goose nesting phenology. Vegetation phenology was significantly earlier in years with warm surface air temperatures measured in spring (i.e., 25 May–30 June). We suggest that both increased phenological mismatch and reduced nutritional condition of arriving females were behind declines in population‐level recruitment, leading to the recent attenuation in population growth of Snow Geese.
Shifts in community size structure drive temperature invariance of secondary production in a stream‐warming experiment
Authors: Nelson Daniel , Benstead Jonathan P. , Huryn Alexander D. , Cross Wyatt F. , Hood James M. , Johnson Philip W. , Junker James R. , Gíslason Gísli M. , Ólafsson Jón S.
Published: April 2017

A central question at the interface of food‐web and climate change research is how secondary production, or the formation of heterotroph biomass over time, will respond to rising temperatures. The metabolic theory of ecology (MTE) hypothesizes the temperature‐invariance of secondary production, driven by matched and opposed forces that reduce biomass of heterotrophs while increasing their biomass turnover rate (production : biomass, or P:B) with warming. To test this prediction at the whole community level, we used a geothermal heat exchanger to experimentally warm a stream in southwest Iceland by 3.8°C for two years. We quantified invertebrate community biomass, production, and P : B in the experimental stream and a reference stream for one year prior to warming and two years during warming. As predicted, warming had a neutral effect on community production, but this result was not driven by opposing effects on community biomass and P:B. Instead, warming had a positive effect on both the biomass and production of larger‐bodied, slower‐growing taxa (e.g., larval black flies, dipteran predators, snails) and a negative effect on small‐bodied taxa with relatively high growth rates (e.g., ostracods, larval chironomids). We attribute these divergent responses to differences in thermal preference between small‐ vs. large‐bodied taxa. Although metabolic demand vs. resource supply must ultimately constrain community production, our results highlight the potential for idiosyncratic community responses to warming, driven by variation in thermal preference and body size within regional species pools.
Seasonal fecundity and costs to λ are more strongly affected by direct than indirect predation effects across species
Authors: LaManna Joseph A. , Martin Thomas E.
Published: April 2017

Increased perceived predation risk can cause behavioral and physiological responses to reduce direct predation mortality, but these responses can also cause demographic costs through reduced reproductive output. Such indirect costs of predation risk have received increased attention in recent years, but the relative importance of direct vs. indirect predation costs to population growth (λ) across species remains unclear. We measured direct nest predation rates as well as indirect benefits (i.e., reduced predation rates) and costs (i.e., decreased reproductive output) arising from parental responses to perceived offspring predation risk for 10 songbird species breeding along natural gradients in nest predation risk. We show that reductions in seasonal fecundity from behavioral responses to perceived predation risk represent significant demographic costs for six of the 10 species. However, demographic costs from these indirect predation effects on seasonal fecundity comprised only 12% of cumulative predation costs averaged across species. In contrast, costs from direct predation mortality comprised 88% of cumulative predation costs averaged across species. Demographic costs from direct offspring predation were relatively more important for species with higher within‐season residual‐reproductive value (i.e., multiple‐brooded species) than for species with lower residual‐reproductive value (i.e., single‐brooded species). Costs from indirect predation effects were significant across single‐ but not multiple‐brooded species. Ultimately, demographic costs from behavioral responses to offspring predation risk differed among species as a function of their life‐history strategies. Yet direct predation mortality generally wielded a stronger influence than indirect effects on seasonal fecundity and projected λ across species.
Phase behavior of binary mixtures of three different 1,3‐diacylglycerols
Authors: Xu Yayuan , Dong Cao
Published: April 2017

Compared to triacylglycerol compositions, 1,3‐diacylglycerols (1,3‐DAG) have gained far less concern. Consequently, studying the mixing behavior of representative 1,3‐DAG components in palm‐based DAG oils such as 1,3‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycerol (1,3‐PP), 1‐palmitoyl‐3‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycerol (1,3‐PO), and 1,3‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycerol (1,3‐OO) is of critical interest. This study focused on the phase behavior of binary mixtures for 1,3‐PO/1,3‐OO, 1,3‐PP/1,3‐OO, and 1,3‐PO/1,3‐PP through polarized light microscopy (PLM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at 1 and 10°C/min cooling and melting rates. The kinetic phase diagrams of 1,3‐PO/1,3‐OO, 1,3‐PP/1,3‐OO, and 1,3‐PO/1,3‐PP constructed using melting DSC thermograms indicated that obvious eutectic behaviors were detected for 1,3‐PO/1,3‐OO and 1,3‐PO/1,3‐PP with eutectic composition at 0.2 × 1,3‐PO and 0.1 × 1,3‐PP, respectively, while 1,3‐PP/1,3‐OO showed an monotectic behavior. The simulation of the liquidus boundaries for two eutectic binary systems of 1,3‐PO/1,3‐OO and 1,3‐PO/1,3‐PP produced negative ρ values for all their segments apart from the region of 0 ≤ X1,3‐PP ≤ Xe at both cooling rates, which indicated that the molecular interactions between 1,3‐PO and 1,3‐OO or 1,3‐PO and 1,3‐PP in region of Xe ≤ X1,3‐PP ≤ 1 were inclined to favor the formation of mixed‐pairs. The PLM results exhibited that the variations in the microstructure were strongly affected by the adding components, especially apparent at compositions in proximity of the eutectic composition.

Practical application: Palm‐based DAG oils have attracted much interest because of the unique properties. 1‐palmitoyl‐3‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycerol, 1,3‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycerol, and 1,3‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycerol are representative 1,3‐DAG components in palm‐based DAG oils. The study of the phase behaviors of these representative 1,3‐diacylglycerols will contribute to exploring the fractionation, phase development and crystallization of palm‐based DAG oils, which makes DAG oils even more interesting as functional oils with distinct physicochemical characteristics and nutritional advantages.

DSC melting profiles of 1,3‐PO/1,3‐OO binary mixtures obtained at (a) 10°C/min and (b) 1°C/min heating rate and the corresponding binary phase diagrams. The result exhibits that the differing rates have an influence on the melting thermograms including the peak shapes, melting onset, and offset. Nevertheless, these differences are not to the degree of altering the sequence of phase transition of 1,3‐PO/1,3‐OO binary mixtures.
Ionophoric Properties of [14]Tetraazaannulene Derivatives and Substituent Effect on the Cation‐selectivity
Authors: Kawakami T. M. , Obita M. , Tsujinaka T. , Higashikado A. , Moriuchi T.
Published: April 2017

[14]Tetraazaannulene derivatives 1–4 with various substituents were synthesized as ion recognition compounds. All solvent polymeric membrane electrodes incorporating [14]tetraazaannulene derivatives 1–4 showed rapid response for the Cu2+ ion and exhibited excellent selectivity over other mono‐ and divalent cations such as Ag+ and Ni2+ ions. The solvent polymeric membrane electrode based on [14]tetraazaannulene derivative 1 has a linear response to the Cu2+ ion from 5.01 × 10−7 – 2.63 × 10−4 M with a slope of 29.56 mV per decade. DFT calculations showed that the selectivities for the Cu2+ ion of the ISEs based on [14]tetraazaannulene derivatives 1–4 depended on both their topological and electrostatic properties caused by the introduced substituents.
Poly(Methyl Red) Modified Glassy Carbon Electrodes: Electrosynthesis, Characterization, and Sensor Behavior
Authors: Kul Dilek , Öztürk Gökçe
Published: April 2017

Poly(methyl red), PMR, was electropolymerized on glassy carbon electrodes by potential cycling in 50 mM phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.0 and 8.0 and Britton Robinson buffer solution in the pH range 7.0‐11.0. The electrochemical behavior of PMR modified electrodes was investigated by cyclic voltammetry in Britton Robinson buffer solution at different pHs from 5.0 to 10.0 and found that the best PMR film formation was obtained at pH 9.0. Uric acid was quantitatively determined at PMR modified electrodes by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry in Britton Robinson buffer at pH 5.0. Both methods presented a linear dependence between the anodic peak current and the concentration of uric acid in the range of 0.4 to 60 μM and 0.08 to 100 μM with the limits of detection of 0.038 and 0.009 μM for cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry, respectively. Poly(methyl red) as redox mediator allowed the determination of uric acid without any interferences from the substances in serum samples.
Phenytoin as a last‐resort treatment in SCN8A encephalopathy
Authors: Braakman Hilde M. , Verhoeven Judith S. , Erasmus Corrie E. , Haaxma Charlotte A. , Willemsen Marjolein H. , Schelhaas H. Jurgen
Published: April 2017

SCN8A encodes Nav1.6, one of the main voltage‐gated sodium channel subunits in the brain, and SCN8A mutations lead to epileptic encephalopathy. Particular mutations render the mutant channel more susceptible to inhibition by phenytoin. Yet, the potentially severe side effects of phenytoin maintenance therapy, especially cognitive impairment, are undesirable in these already cognitively impaired patients. We describe a 5‐year‐old patient with SCN8A encephalopathy in whom phenytoin proved successful as emergency treatment to prevent clustering of seizures and status epilepticus, thus hospital stays. The ketogenic diet, levetiracetam, zonisamide, topiramate, and phenytoin maintenance therapy resulted in adverse reactions not previously documented in SCN8A encephalopathy.
Altered Reward Reactivity as a Behavioural Endophenotype in Eating Disorders: A Pilot Investigation in Twins
Authors: Kanakam Natalie , Krug Isabel , Collier David , Treasure Janet
Published: April 2017

Altered reward reactivity is a potential risk endophenotype for eating disorders (EDs). The aim of this study was to examine reward reactivity in female twins with EDs and compare it with a twin control group. A sample of 112 twins [n = 51 met lifetime DSM‐IV ED criteria (anorexia nervosa n = 26; bulimic disorders n = 24), n = 19 unaffected cotwins and n = 42 control twins] was administered measures assessing reward reactivity, including the Game of Dice Task, the Behavioural Inhibition/Activation (BIS/BAS) Scales and the Appetitive Motivation Scale (AMS). Within pair, correlations for monozygotic and dizygotic twins were calculated and generalised estimating equations compared probands with non‐ED cotwins and controls. The BAS and the AMS were reduced in EDs and negatively associated with restrictive symptoms. In addition, monozygotic twins pairs demonstrated significant within pair similarity for the BAS and AMS. Conversely, there was less evidence to support the BIS or risky decision‐making as measured by the Game of Dice Task as an endophenotype in EDs. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Emission sources and mitigation of fluorinated Non‐CO2 greenhouse gas in registered CDM projects
Authors: Lee Seung‐Jae , Ryu In‐Soo , Jeon Sang‐Goo , Moon Seung‐Hyun
Published: April 2017

Typical non‐CO2 greenhouse gases in clean development mechanism (CDM) projects include methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases (F‐gases). The use of F‐gases, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), has increased sharply in the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing industries. The global warming potential of F‐gases is very high, ranging from 140 to 23 900. Therefore, there has been considerable interest in the reduction of F‐gas emissions. This paper examines the emission sources, methodology, and reduction technologies of F‐gases, using the project design documents of CDM projects registered in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In comparison to other non‐CO2 gases, CDM projects have significantly reduced annual F‐gas emissions. CDM projects achieved reductions of HFCs using thermal oxidation technology, mostly involving the chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC‐22) production process; conversely, PFC reductions targeted the aluminum smelting process to reduce the anode effect. The extent of SF6 reduction in CDM projects was relatively high in the liquid crystal display (LCD) manufacturing process using thermal and catalytic oxidation, although SF6 recovery technology was much more effective in terms of capital and annual costs. Overall, large amounts of F‐gases could be alleviated using thermal or catalytic oxidation. However, the economical reduction of F‐gas emissions would be possible using recovery technology. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of beach slope breaks on nearshore groundwater dynamics
Authors: Zhang Ying , Li Ling , Erler Dirk V. , Santos Isaac , Lockington David
Published: April 2017

Interactions between fresh groundwater and seawater affect significantly the nearshore pore water flow, which in turn influences the fate of nutrients and contaminants in coastal aquifers prior to discharge to the marine environment. Field investigations and numerical simulations were carried out to examine the groundwater dynamics in the intertidal zone of a carbonate sandy aquifer on the tropical island of Rarotonga, Cook Islands. The study site was featured by distinct cross‐shore slope breaks on the beach surface. Measured pore water salinities revealed different distributions under the influences of different beach profiles, inland heads, and tidal oscillations. Fresh groundwater was found to discharge around a beach slope break located in the middle area of the intertidal zone. The results indicate a strong interplay between the slope break beach morphology and tidal force in controlling the nearshore groundwater flow and solute transport. The fresh groundwater discharge location was largely determined by the beach morphology in combination with the tidal force. The nearshore groundwater flow can be very sensitive to beach slope breaks, which induce local circulation and flow instabilities. As slope breaks are a common feature of beaches around the world, these results have important, general implications for future studies of nutrients transport and transformations in nearshore aquifers and associated fluxes via submarine groundwater discharge.
Promoting Cancer Control in Africa With “Ubuntu”: A Report of the African Organization for Research and Training in Africa (AORTIC) 10th Conference, 2015 in Marrakech, Morocco
Authors: Simbiri Kenneth O. , Williams Christopher K. , Macaluso Marcella , Giordano Antonio
Published: April 2017

The objectives of the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), includes bringing products of decades of advances in cancer research to African populations through local and international collaboration. The consistent and huge growth in participation in the conferences and the diversity of the nations is a witness to the success of the organization thus far. The theme for the Tenth AORTIC International Conference on Cancer in Africa in Morocco in 2015 was “Road map to Cancer Control in Africa” and topics of discussion of paramount importance for low‐ and middle‐income African countries included childhood cancers such as BL, cancers of the cervix, breast, and prostate; cancers associated with HIV‐infection such as cervical, vulvar, and anal; as well as cancer care challenges associated with palliative care. The role of environmental factors that underlie some epigenetic changes in some of the cancers was emphasized. Oral and poster presentations from various parts of the continent indicate the growth of basic and translational science of cancer in the region, with studies revealing regional diversity in the frequencies of the triple‐negative breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, HCC, and Burkitt's lymphoma. There was a sign that Africa is trying to keep pace with the paradigm shift and focusing on translational medicine. This was shown by suggestions for application of genome‐wide association studies, new generation sequencing, as well as the evaluation of single nucleotide polymorphisms that may be responsible for variable susceptibility in some of the prevalent cancers in people of African descent. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2287–2295, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Novel 7‐methylene‐6,7‐dihyrobenzo[f]Benzo[4,5]Imidazo[1,2‐d][1,4]Oxazepines via Base‐mediated Regioselective Intramolecular Hydroamination
Authors: Yavari Hossein , Alinezhad Heshmatollah , Shafiee Abbas
Published: April 2017

A versatile and transition metal‐free approach for the synthesis of new 7‐methylene‐6,7‐dihyrobenzo[f]benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2‐d][1,4]oxazepines were developed by an efficient 7‐exo‐dig regioselective hydroamination of 2‐(2‐(prop‐2‐yn‐1‐yloxy)phenyl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole in the presence of potassium carbonate in DMF at 90°C.
One‐pot Method for Reduction of Pyrazolo[5,1‐c][1,2,4]Triazine‐7‐diazonium Tetrafluoroborate to 7‐Hydrazinyl Derivatives
Authors: Ivanov Sergey M. , Shestopalov Anatoliy M. , Mironovich Lyudmila M. , Rodinovskaya Lyudmila A.
Published: April 2017

New convenient one‐pot method for reduction of hetarenediazonim tetrafluoroborates to the hetarylhydrazine derivatives was developed. Interaction of 8‐carboxyethyl‐3‐(tert‐butyl)‐4‐oxo‐4,6‐dihydropyrazolo[5,1‐c][1,2,4]triazine‐7‐diazonium tetrafluoroborate with anhydrous SnCl2 in anhydrous CF3CO2H, and further sequence of one‐pot operations led to formation of various derivatives of the unstable ethyl 3‐(tert‐butyl)‐7‐hydrazinyl‐4‐oxo‐4,6‐dihydropyrazolo[5,1‐c][1,2,4]triazine‐8‐carboxylate (hydrochloride, hydrazides, hydrazones, and pyrazoles), which were isolated in high yields. The anhydrous conditions were first used with SnCl2 and allowed to exclude hydrolysis of the ester group and formation of the by‐products.
Low‐dose BMP‐2 and MSC dual delivery onto coral scaffold for critical‐size bone defect regeneration in sheep
Authors: Decambron Adeline , Fournet Alexandre , Bensidhoum Morad , Manassero Mathieu , Sailhan Frédéric , Petite Hervé , Logeart‐Avramoglou Delphine , Viateau Véronique
Published: April 2017

Tissue‐engineered constructs (TECs) combining resorbable calcium‐based scaffolds and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the capability to regenerate large bone defects. Inconsistent results have, however, been observed, with a lack of osteoinductivity as a possible cause of failure. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the addition of low‐dose bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) to MSC‐coral‐TECs on the healing of clinically relevant segmental bone defects in sheep. Coral granules were either seeded with autologous MSCs (bone marrow‐derived) or loaded with BMP‐2. A 25‐mm‐long metatarsal bone defect was created and stabilized with a plate in 18 sheep. Defects were filled with one of the following TECs: (i) BMP (n = 5); (ii) MSC (n = 7); or (iii) MSC‐BMP (n = 6). Radiographic follow‐up was performed until animal sacrifice at 4 months. Bone formation and scaffold resorption were assessed by micro‐CT and histological analysis. Bone union with nearly complete scaffold resorption was observed in 1/5, 2/7, and 3/6 animals, when BMP‐, MSC‐, and MSC‐BMP‐TECs were implanted, respectively. The amount of newly formed bone was not statistically different between groups: 1074 mm3 [970–2478 mm3], 1155 mm3 [970–2595 mm3], and 2343 mm3 [931–3276 mm3] for BMP‐, MSC‐, and MSC‐BMP‐TECs, respectively. Increased scaffold resorption rate using BMP‐TECs was the only potential side effect observed. In conclusion, although the dual delivery of MSCs and BMP‐2 onto a coral scaffold further increased bone formation and bone union when compared to single treatment, results were non‐significant. Only 50% of the defects healed, demonstrating the need for further refinement of this strategy before clinical use. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2637–2645, 2017.
Persistence of greater sage‐grouse in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Shirk Andrew J. , Schroeder Michael A. , Robb Leslie A. , Cushman Samuel A.
Published: April 2017

Local extirpations influence species’ range contractions and are often precursors of range‐wide extinction. Understanding extinction dynamics is important for devising effective management strategies to protect threatened and endangered species. The greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is an example of a species undergoing range contraction, and has been extirpated from nearly half its historically occupied habitat. We used species distribution modeling to quantify environmental variables constraining a threatened sage‐grouse population inhabiting an agricultural landscape in Washington, USA. Fields planted to perennial vegetation as part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) were important in providing year‐round habitat for sage‐grouse but only when intermixed with native sagebrush‐steppe vegetation. Without the CRP, we estimate 66% of sage‐grouse habitat in the study area would become unsuitable. Conversely, if CRP allotments were concentrated near occupied native sagebrush‐steppe, we estimate the area of sage‐grouse habitat could be increased by up to 63%. In addition to the area of native sagebrush‐steppe and CRP lands, we also found that climate variability, the patch configuration of sagebrush‐steppe, and proximity to major roads and transmission lines constrain the distribution of occupied habitat within the study area. Our study demonstrates how conservation programs such as CRP may be used as a management tool to reduce the risk of extirpation in agricultural areas, and to facilitate species range shifts in response to climatic changes in the sagebrush biome. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Functional Surfaces by Laser Interference
Authors: Dyck Tobias
Published: April 2017

Today, various laser processes are used in industrial applications to ablate, clean and pre‐treat surfaces for contacting, coating or bonding. Usually, layers with a thickness of several hundred micrometers are removed, or microscopic changes are made to the surfaces for improved bonding properties of paints or adhesives. Entirely new areas of application can be accessed by innovative methods for creating much smaller structures: 4jet has developed NanoDirect — a method for producing periodic textures in the micrometer and sub‐micrometer range. With NanoDirect, completely new types of applications are opened up for surface functionalization.
From Lab to Fab — High‐Precision 3D Printing
Authors: Stender Benedikt , Mantei Willi , Houbertz Ruth
Published: April 2017

The demand of sophisticated components is continuously increasing, driven by big data, IoT, and Industry 4.0. Reducing process cost is impacting all levels in a vast majority of products. 3D printing is typically restricted to additive fabrication within one material class, structures are limited in size, shape, surface finish, requiring supporting structures. This prevents high quality photonic components. High precision 3D printing is utilizing a multiphoton process which is a powerful tool for prototyping of miniaturized designs in automated, scalable processes for products in photonic or medical packaging. While most of the 3D systems are still working rather on a lab than on an industrial scale with typically very long fabrication times ranging from minutes to hours for a single microlens, the process can be boosted significantly to a fabrication time in the range of seconds per lens using different fabrication strategies, resulting in microlenses with high optical quality. This saves more than 90 % of the fabrication time compared to standard fabrication, and 1 cm2 lens arrays with high filling factors can be fabricated within only a few hours — a big step towards high throughput and industrial scalability.
Auditory processing in the human cortex: An intracranial electrophysiology perspective
Authors: Nourski Kirill V.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Direct electrophysiological recordings in epilepsy patients offer an opportunity to study human auditory cortical processing with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. This review highlights recent intracranial studies of human auditory cortex and focuses on its basic response properties as well as modulation of cortical activity during the performance of active behavioral tasks.

Data Sources: Literature review.

Review Methods: A review of the literature was conducted to summarize the functional organization of human auditory and auditory‐related cortex as revealed using intracranial recordings.

Results

The tonotopically organized core auditory cortex within the posteromedial portion of Heschl's gyrus represents spectrotemporal features of sounds with high temporal precision and short response latencies. At this level of processing, high gamma (70–150 Hz) activity is minimally modulated by task demands. Non‐core cortex on the lateral surface of the superior temporal gyrus also maintains representation of stimulus acoustic features and, for speech, subserves transformation of acoustic inputs into phonemic representations. High gamma responses in this region are modulated by task requirements. Prefrontal cortex exhibits complex response patterns, related to stimulus intelligibility and task relevance. At this level of auditory processing, activity is strongly modulated by task requirements and reflects behavioral performance.

Conclusions

Direct recordings from the human brain reveal hierarchical organization of sound processing within auditory and auditory‐related cortex.

Level of Evidence

Level V
A 1,470 nm diode laser in stapedotomy: Mechanical, thermal, and acoustic effects
Authors: Koenraads Simone P. C. , de Boorder Tjeerd , Grolman Wilko , Kamalski Digna M. A.
Published: April 2017

Background and Objectives

Multiple laser systems have been investigated for their use in stapes surgery in patients with otosclerosis. The diode 1,470 nm laser used in this study is an attractive laser system because it is easily transported and relatively inexpensive in use. This wavelength has relative high absorption in water. This study aimed to investigate the mechanical, thermal, and acoustic effects of the diode 1,470 nm laser on a stapes in an inner ear model.

Materials and Methods

Experiments were performed in an inner ear model including fresh frozen human stapes. High‐speed imaging with frame rates up to 2,000 frames per second (f/s) was used to visualize the effects in the vestibule during fenestration of the footplate. A special high‐speed color Schlieren technique was used to study thermal effects. The sound produced by perforation was recorded by a hydrophone. Single pulse settings of the diode 1,470 nm laser were 100 ms, 3 W.

Results

Diode 1,470 nm laser fenestration showed mechanical effects with small vapor bubbles and pressure waves pushed into the vestibule. Thermal imaging visualized an increase temperature underneath the stapes footplate. Acoustic effects were limited, but larger sounds levels were reached when vaporization bubbles arise and explode in the vestibule.

Conclusion

The diode 1,470 nm laser highly absorbs in perilymph and is capable of forming a clear fenestration in the stapes. An overlapping laser pulse will increase the risk of vapor bubbles, pressure waves, and heating the vestibule. As long as we do not know the possible damage of these effects to the inner ear function, it seems advisable to use the laser with less potential harm. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:619–624, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of Semiconducting Polymer Nanoparticles for Photoacoustic Imaging
Authors: Cui Dong , Xie Chen , Pu Kanyi
Published: April 2017

Semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs) have evolved into a new class of photonic materials with great potential for biomedical applications. Depending on the polymer structures, SPNs can be developed into optical agents for fluorescence and chemiluminescence imaging, photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy, and heat converters for photothermal therapy. In this feature article, recent work is summarized on the development of SPNs for in vivo photoacoustic (PA) imaging, a state‐of‐the‐art imaging modality that converts light energy into mechanical acoustic waves to provide deep tissue penetration. The structure–property relationship and doping approaches are discussed to reveal the importance of promoting nonradiative decay in amplifying the PA brightness of SPNs. Moreover, their imaging applications, including lymph node mapping, tumor imaging, and monitoring of pathological indexes, are highlighted. These studies demonstrate that SPNs can serve as versatile PA agents for advanced molecular imaging applications.

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High resolution air temperature climatology for Greece for the period 1971–2000
Authors: Mamara A. , Anadranistakis M. , Argiriou A. A. , Szentimrey T. , Kovacs T. , Bezes A. , Bihari Z.
Published: April 2017

Climate atlases provide an excellent overview of a region's climate in the form of maps and disclose information about climate change. They constitute a valuable tool for easy access and management of climate information for a wide range of users including scientists, policymakers, resource managers and urban planners.

The main aim of this work was the production of high resolution monthly mean air temperature climatology for Greece, determined from a high resolution homogeneous mean temperature dataset. Temperature data were obtained from 52 meteorological stations of the Hellenic National Meteorological Service. High resolution temperature maps were obtained by interpolating the homogenized data. MISH (Meteorological Interpolation based on Surface Homogenized Data), an interpolation method developed for meteorological purposes, was applied twice, once using as topographic model variables the elevation derived from a 90 m digital elevation model (DEM) and the first 15 AURELHY (Analyse Utilisant le Relief pour les Bésoins de l'Hydrométéorologie) principal components, and then using some additional model variables besides the elevation and the 15 AURELHY principal components: latitude, incoming solar irradiance, Euclidean distance from the coastline and land to sea percentage. The spatial interpolation of monthly mean temperature was performed with a 0.5′ resolution (∼730 m at 38 ° N). The results showed that modelling with only the AURELHY variables is not sufficient and the use of additional model variables is necessary.
Estimating potential wind energy from sparsely located stations in a mountainous coastal region
Authors: Um Myoung‐Jin , Kim Yeonjoo
Published: April 2017

For the spatial planning of a potential wind power plant (WPP) site, the efficient assessment of the wind power potential is important. However, observations are lacking for most potential sites. Here, a statistical three‐step approach is presented to estimate the spatial distribution of potential wind power in a region in which observational stations are sparsely located. First, multiple linear regression is used to fill the gaps in the wind data collected at the stations. Second, spatial interpolation with hybridKriging is used to construct the grid‐based data based on the station‐based, gap‐filled data. Third, the wind power potential is estimated according to the theoretical relationship between wind speed and power. As a case study, the spatial distribution of wind power potential is estimated overJejuIsland, whereWPPscurrently exist. Initially, the selected regression model in this case study showed correlation co‐efficients ranging from 0.48 to 0.82. In a second step, the spatially interpolated data with the gap‐filled data reasonably captured the expected spatial distribution of wind speed than those with the observed data. Finally, the results showed that the coastal region might be the best region forWPPsrather than the high elevation region far from the coast and that all the existingWPPsare located in regions with high potential wind power. The proposed statistical approach is simple and efficient for preliminary spatial planning. Furthermore, it can be applied to other regions with sparsely distributed wind speed data, including mountainous coastal regions.
Improving access to better care for people with knee and/or hip pain: service evaluation of allied health professional‐led primary care
Authors: Walker A. , Williams R. , Sibley F. , Stamp D. , Carter A. , Hurley M.
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Chronic knee and hip pain is prevalent, impairing mobility, function and quality of life. Allied health professions (AHPs) are better trained and have more time than general practitioners in primary care to advise and support people to adopt healthier lifestyles (maintain healthy weight, increase physical activity) that reduce joint pain. We evaluated whether AHP‐led primary care delivering person‐centred, practical lifestyle coaching was a feasible, effective way to manage chronic knee and/or hip pain.

Methods

At initial assessment the ‘Joint Pain Advisor’ assessed pain, function, quality of life, physical activity, waist circumference and body mass, taught simple self‐management strategies and used behaviour change techniques (motivational interviewing, goal setting, action/coping planning) to alter participants' lifestyles. Participants were invited for 6‐week and 6‐month reviews, when the Advisor reassessed clinical outcomes, fed back progress and reinforced health messages. Feasibility and effectiveness of the service was evaluated using quantitative and qualitative methods.

Results

Uptake of the service was good: 498 people used the service. Between initial assessment and reviews, participants' pain, function, quality of life, weight, waist circumference and physical activity improved (p < 0.005). Service user satisfaction was high; they reported easier access to advice and support tailored to their needs that translated into clinical benefits and a more efficient pathway reducing unnecessary consultations and investigations. Relatively few people returned for a 6‐month review as they considered they had received sufficient advice.

Conclusions

AHP‐led care is a popular, effective, efficient and sustainable way to manage joint pain, without compromising safety or quality of care.
Rod‐Shaped Drug Particles for Cancer Therapy: The Importance of Particle Size and Participation of Caveolae Pathway
Authors: He Wei , Xin Xiaofei , Li Yongji , Han Xiaopeng , Qin Chao , Yin Lifang
Published: April 2017

It is disclosed how the sizes of rod‐shaped paclitaxel‐nanosuspensions (PTX‐Ns) that are less than 500 nm affect their in vitro and in vivo performances. A size reduction from 500 to 160 nm enhances the cellular uptake and subsequent cytotoxicity, due to the participation of caveolae‐mediated endocytosis; moreover, the ability of the PTX‐Ns to penetrate tumors is well correlated with the extent to which the caveolae pathway participates in cellular uptake, as their ability to target caveolae is markedly promoted as their size decreased to 160 nm. Also, the size reduction markedly alters the in vivo performance and tumor targeting. It is disclosed that via enhanced tumor penetration and retention but not simply increased tumor accumulation, size reduction of PTX‐Ns results in significant improvement in antitumor activities. Overall, this study highlights the importance of the size of the PTX‐Ns and the participation of caveolae‐mediated endocytosis in controlling their biological functions and will assist in the design and optimization of new nanosuspension formulations for disease therapy.
Influence of Localized Melting on Dynamic Fracture Behaviours of Metallic Shell
Authors: Shen Zheng‐xiang , Yang Hui , Li Ya‐zhe , Wang Fang , Zhou Chun‐hua , Zhou Ke
Published: April 2017

The dynamic fracture behaviour of cylindrical shell preformed by localized melting technology was studied experimentally, and the microstructure and performance of melted layers were also analyzed in this paper. The results reveal that the microstructure of melted layer is predominantly needle type and refined martensite by the melted‐solidification process. With the increase of hardness and decrease of impact energy absorbed, the embrittlement tendency of localized melting sample is obviously. Compared with natural fragmentation, the fragments of shell after melting are more regular, and the proportion of effective fragments is high. Due to the sensitivity of shear bands of melted layers, fracture can easily take place along the melting trajectory subjected to internal explosive loading.
Examining robustness of model selection with half‐normal and LASSO plots for unreplicated factorial designs
Authors: Jang Dae‐Heung , Anderson‐Cook Christine M.
Published: April 2017

When there are constraints on resources, an unreplicated factorial or fractional factorial design can allow efficient exploration of numerous factor and interaction effects. A half‐normal plot is a common graphical tool used to compare the relative magnitude of effects and to identify important effects from these experiments when no estimate of error from the experiment is available. An alternative is to use a least absolute shrinkage and selection operation plot to examine the pattern of model selection terms from an experiment. We examine how both the half‐normal and least absolute shrinkage and selection operation plots are impacted by the absence of individual observations or an outlier, and the robustness of conclusions obtained from these 2 techniques for identifying important effects from factorial experiments. The methods are illustrated with 2 examples from the literature.
Potential of zygotes to produce live births can be identified by the size of the male and female pronuclei just before their membranes break down
Authors: Otsuki Junko , Iwasaki Toshiroh , Tsuji Yuta , Katada Yuya , Sato Haruka , Tsutsumi Yukari , Hatano Kanae , Furuhashi Kohyu , Matsumoto Yukiko , Kokeguchi Shoji , Shiotani Masahide
Published: April 2017

Aim

To determine whether there are differences in size between the male and female pronuclei immediately before the pronuclear membrane breakdown (PNMBD) and to evaluate whether pronuclear size differences influence normal birth rates.

Methods

Time‐lapse photography was used to measure the size of each pronucleus, while the outcome of 71 frozen‐thawed single blastocyst transfers in patients receiving hormone therapy was analyzed retrospectively. The pronuclear measurements were made 4 hours before the PNMBD, corresponding to 16‐20 hours after insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and immediately before the PNMBD. The differences in the areas between the pronuclei in the zygotes that were associated with the live births were compared with those that were associated with the failed pregnancies.

Results

The average difference in the area between the pronuclei 4 hours before and immediately before the PNMBD in the patients with a live birth was significantly smaller than in the patients with a failed birth. In addition, the average area difference in the patients with a successful birth was significantly smaller when the measurements were made immediately before the PNMBD, compared with the measurements 4 hours before the PNMBD. Such differences were not detected among the patients who did not achieve a birth.

Conclusion

The birth of healthy babies resulted from zygotes that contained pronuclei of similar size when the measurements were made immediately before the PNMBD. Evaluating the size of each pronucleus immediately before the PNMBD provides an effective indicator of the embryo's potential at an early stage of development.