bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organolead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals: Branched Capping Ligands Control Crystal Size and Stability
Authors: Luo Binbin , Pu Ying‐Chih , Lindley Sarah A. , Yang Yi , Lu Liqiang , Li Yat , Li Xueming , Zhang Jin Z.
Published: June 2016

CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) of different sizes (ca. 2.5–100 nm) with high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY; ca. 15–55 %) and product yield have been synthesized using the branched molecules, APTES and NH2‐POSS, as capping ligands. These ligands are sterically hindered, resulting in a uniform size of PNCs. The different capping effects resulting from branched versus straight‐chain capping ligands were compared and a possible mechanism proposed to explain the dissolution–precipitation process, which affects the growth and aggregation of PNCs, and thereby their overall stability. Unlike conventional PNCs capped with straight‐chain ligands, APTES‐capped PNCs show high stability in protic solvents as a result of the strong steric hindrance and propensity for hydrolysis of APTES, which prevent such molecules from reaching and reacting with the core of PNCs.
Bacterial Alkaloids Prevent Amoebal Predation
Authors: Klapper Martin , Götze Sebastian , Barnett Robert , Willing Karsten , Stallforth Pierre
Published: June 2016

Bacterial defense mechanisms have evolved to protect bacteria against predation by nematodes, predatory bacteria, or amoebae. We identified novel bacterial alkaloids (pyreudiones A–D) that protect the producer, Pseudomonas fluorescens HKI0770, against amoebal predation. Isolation, structure elucidation, total synthesis, and a proposed biosynthetic pathway for these structures are presented. The generation of P. fluorescens gene‐deletion mutants unable to produce pyreudiones rendered the bacterium edible to a variety of soil‐dwelling amoebae.
Total Synthesis of Calophyline A
Authors: Li Guang , Xie Xiaoni , Zu Liansuo
Published: June 2016

Reported herein is the total synthesis of calophyline A, an indoline natural product possessing distinct ring connectivity which has not been synthesized previously. The synthetic route features several key transformations, including an aza‐pinacol rearrangement to construct the nitrogen‐containing bridged [3.2.2] bicycle, a Heck cyclization to assemble the fused 6/5/6/5 ring system, and a challenging late‐stage aldol reaction to generate both a neopentyl quaternary stereogenic center and an oxygen‐containing bridged [3.2.1] bicycle.
One‐pot synthesis of 1‐ and 5‐substituted 1H‐tetrazoles using 1,4‐dihydroxyanthraquinone–copper(II) supported on superparamagnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 magnetic porous nanospheres as a recyclable catalyst
Authors: Esmaeilpour Mohsen , Javidi Jaber , Zahmatkesh Saeed
Published: June 2016

An effective one‐pot, convenient process for the synthesis of 1‐ and 5‐substituted 1H‐tetrazoles from nitriles and amines is described using1,4‐dihydroxyanthraquinone–copper(II) supported on Fe3O4@SiO2 magnetic porous nanospheres as a novel recyclable catalyst. The application of this catalyst allows the synthesis of a variety of tetrazoles in good to excellent yields. The preparation of the magnetic nanocatalyst with core–shell structure is presented by using nano‐Fe3O4 as the core, tetraethoxysilane as the silica source and poly(vinyl alcohol) as the surfactant, and then Fe3O4@SiO2 was coated with 1,4‐dihydroxyanthraquinone–copper(II) nanoparticles. The new catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, thermogravimetric analysis, vibration sample magnetometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm analysis and inductively coupled plasma analysis. This new procedure offers several advantages such as short reaction times, excellent yields, operational simplicity, practicability and applicability to various substrates and absence of any tedious workup or purification. In addition, the excellent catalytic performance, thermal stability and separation of the catalyst make it a good heterogeneous system and a useful alternative to other heterogeneous catalysts. Also, the catalyst could be magnetically separated and reused six times without significant loss of catalytic activity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First report of a nano‐Cu2O‐catalyzed protocol for homo‐coupling reaction of terminal alkynes in water/ionic liquid medium
Authors: Tang Bo‐Xiao , Fang Xiao‐Niu , Kuang Ren‐Yun , Wu Jian‐Hong , Chen Qiao , Hu Shao‐Jun , Liu Yi‐Lin
Published: June 2016

A new, efficient and green protocol for the nano‐Cu2O‐catalyzed homo‐coupling reaction of terminal alkynes has been developed, using water/ionic liquid as an environmentally friendly solvent. Moreover, the system also allows the synthesis of unsymmetric 1,3‐diynes by cross‐coupling of two different terminal alkynes. It is noteworthy that the nano‐Cu2O‐catalyzed methodology is a good supplement to copper catalyst for the Glaser‐type homo‐coupling reaction. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reciprocating (More) Specifically to You: The Role of Benefactor's Identifiability on Direct and Upstream Reciprocity
Authors: Halali Eliran , Kogut Tehila , Ritov Ilana
Published: June 2016

Research suggests that benefiting from someone's voluntary, intentional, costly effort encourages reciprocal prosocial behavior, as well as promoting upstream reciprocity, that is, increases reciprocal actions by the recipient for the benefit of an unrelated third party. The current study examines the role of the identifiability of the benefactor in determining the extent to which people engage in direct and upstream reciprocity. Results of three studies reveal that while an identified benefactor tends to engender greater direct reciprocal reactions than an unidentified one, this strong reaction toward the identified benefactor does not hold to the same extent when upstream reciprocity is considered (regardless of identification of the third party). On the other hand, when the benefactor is unidentified, levels of direct and upstream reciprocity remain similar. Moderated‐mediation analysis suggests that ethical commitment associated with the universal norm of reciprocity explains the decrease in prosociality between reactions toward the benefactor himself or herself and toward a third party under the identified condition. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute alcohol exposure during mouse gastrulation alters lipid metabolism in placental and heart development: Folate prevention
Authors: Linask Kersti K. , Han Mingda
Published: June 2016

Background

Embryonic acute exposure to ethanol (EtOH), lithium, and homocysteine (HCy) induces cardiac defects at the time of exposure; folic acid (FA) supplementation protects normal cardiogenesis (Han et al., , ; Serrano et al., ). Our hypothesis is that EtOH exposure and FA protection relate to lipid and FA metabolism during mouse cardiogenesis and placentation.

Methods

On the morning of conception, pregnant C57BL/6J mice were placed on either of two FA‐containing diets: a 3.3 mg health maintenance diet or a high FA diet of 10.5 mg/kg. Mice were injected a binge level of EtOH, HCy, or saline on embryonic day (E) 6.75, targeting gastrulation. On E15.5, cardiac and umbilical blood flow were examined by ultrasound. Embryonic cardiac tissues were processed for gene expression of lipid and FA metabolism; the placenta and heart tissues for neutral lipid droplets, or for medium chain acyl‐dehydrogenase (MCAD) protein.

Results

EtOH exposure altered lipid‐related gene expression on E7.5 in comparison to control or FA‐supplemented groups and remained altered on E15.5 similarly to changes with HCy, signifying FA deficiency. In comparison to control tissues, the lipid‐related acyl CoA dehydrogenase medium length chain gene and its protein MCAD were altered with EtOH exposure, as were neutral lipid droplet localization in the heart and placenta.

Conclusion

EtOH altered gene expression associated with lipid and folate metabolism, as well as neutral lipids, in the E15.5 abnormally functioning heart and placenta. In comparison to controls, the high FA diet protected the embryo and placenta from these effects allowing normal development. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:749–760, 2016. © 2016 The Authors Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ribosome biogenesis in replicating cells: Integration of experiment and theory
Authors: Earnest Tyler M. , Cole John A. , Peterson Joseph R. , Hallock Michael J. , Kuhlman Thomas E. , Luthey‐Schulten Zaida
Published: June 2016

Ribosomes—the primary macromolecular machines responsible for translating the genetic code into proteins—are complexes of precisely folded RNA and proteins. The ways in which their production and assembly are managed by the living cell is of deep biological importance. Here we extend a recent spatially resolved whole‐cell model of ribosome biogenesis in a fixed volume [Earnest et al., Biophys J 2015, 109, 1117–1135] to include the effects of growth, DNA replication, and cell division. All biological processes are described in terms of reaction‐diffusion master equations and solved stochastically using the Lattice Microbes simulation software. In order to determine the replication parameters, we construct and analyze a series of Escherichia coli strains with fluorescently labeled genes distributed evenly throughout their chromosomes. By measuring these cells’ lengths and number of gene copies at the single‐cell level, we could fit a statistical model of the initiation and duration of chromosome replication. We found that for our slow‐growing (120 min doubling time) E. coli cells, replication was initiated 42 min into the cell cycle and completed after an additional 42 min. While simulations of the biogenesis model produce the correct ribosome and mRNA counts over the cell cycle, the kinetic parameters for transcription and degradation are lower than anticipated from a recent analytical time dependent model of in vivo mRNA production. Describing expression in terms of a simple chemical master equation, we show that the discrepancies are due to the lack of nonribosomal genes in the extended biogenesis model which effects the competition of mRNA for ribosome binding, and suggest corrections to parameters to be used in the whole‐cell model when modeling expression of the entire transcriptome. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 735–751, 2016.
Promoting convergence: The integrated graduate program in physical and engineering biology at Yale University, a new model for graduate education
Authors: Noble Dorottya B. , Mochrie Simon G. J. , O'Hern Corey S. , Pollard Thomas D. , Regan Lynne
Published: June 2016

In 2008, we established the Integrated Graduate Program in Physical and Engineering Biology (IGPPEB) at Yale University. Our goal was to create a comprehensive graduate program to train a new generation of scientists who possess a sophisticated understanding of biology and who are capable of applying physical and quantitative methodologies to solve biological problems. Here we describe the framework of the training program, report on its effectiveness, and also share the insights we gained during its development and implementation. The program features co‐teaching by faculty with complementary specializations, student peer learning, and novel hands‐on courses that facilitate the seamless blending of interdisciplinary research and teaching. It also incorporates enrichment activities to improve communication skills, engage students in science outreach, and foster a cohesive program cohort, all of which promote the development of transferable skills applicable in a variety of careers. The curriculum of the graduate program is integrated with the curricular requirements of several Ph.D.‐granting home programs in the physical, engineering, and biological sciences. Moreover, the wide‐ranging recruiting activities of the IGPPEB serve to enhance the quality and diversity of students entering graduate school at Yale. We also discuss some of the challenges we encountered in establishing and optimizing the program, and describe the institution‐level changes that were catalyzed by the introduction of the new graduate program. The goal of this article is to serve as both an inspiration and as a practical “how to” manual for those who seek to establish similar programs at their own institutions. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44(6):537–549, 2016.
An Examination of Juveniles' Miranda Abilities: Investigating Differences in Miranda Recall and Reasoning
Authors: Rogers Richard , Steadham Jennifer A. , Carter Rachel M. , Henry Sarah A. , Drogin Eric Y. , Robinson Emily V.
Published: June 2016

Juvenile suspects are routinely expected to possess an accurate recall of written or oral Miranda warnings. This study addresses the Miranda‐related comprehension recall and reasoning of legally involved juveniles. It is the first juvenile research to compare systematically two levels of complexity for Miranda warnings with the three modalities (oral, written, or combined) of administration. Unexpectedly, easily read written warnings marginally outperformed the combined modality. In order to examine Miranda reasoning, three juvenile groups were operationalized: impaired, questionable, and likely adequate. Predictably, the impaired and questionable groups possessed significantly lower verbal abilities than the likely‐adequate reasoning group. In addition, the likely‐adequate group exhibited the strongest appreciation of the adversarial context in which Miranda waiver decisions are rendered. The discussion addresses the marked disparities in Miranda recall from a total recall versus component‐by‐component understanding of Miranda rights. It also considers more generally how crucially important Miranda misconceptions might be remedied. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ginsenoside Rg1 inhibits angiotensin II‐induced podocyte autophagy via AMPK/mTOR/PI3K pathway
Authors: Mao Nan , Tan Rui‐Zhi , Wang Shao‐Qing , Wei Cong , Shi Xin‐Li , Fan Jun‐Ming , Wang Li
Published: June 2016

Recent researches have reported the extensive pharmacological activities of Ginsenoside Rg1 including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Furthermore Rg1 was also shown to protect various kinds of cells from self‐digestion by its anti‐autophagy activity. In previous studies, angiotensin II (Ang II), a key mediator of renin–angiotensin system, has been demonstrated to contribute to the progression of renal injury including abnormal autophagy. However, whether Rg1 can relieve Ang II‐induced autophagy in podocyte as well as the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated. Here, we employed Ang II‐treated podocyte as a model to investigate the effect of Rg1 on autophagy and the involved signal pathways. In the present study, we found that Ang II strongly promoted autophagy in immortalized mouse podocyte cells by observing the formation of autophagosomes and detecting the expression of autophagic marker, for example, LC3‐II. Notably, compared to the Ang II‐treated cells, treatment with Rg1 significantly inhibited the formation of autophagosomes and expression of autophagy‐related proteins in Ang II pre‐treated podocyte. Meanwhile, Rg1 downregulated the activity of AMPK and GSK‐3β and upregulated the activity of P70S6K in Ang II‐treated podocyte. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that Ang II promotes autophagy in podocyte, and Rg1 effectively attenuates this process through AMPK/mTOR/PI3K pathway, suggesting that Rg1 may be beneficial to alleviate podocyte injury.
Reaction‐Kinetics‐Tuned Synthesis of Platinum Nanorods and Nanodendrites with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Performance for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Xiong Xiaoli , Liao Yuxiang , Du Cheng , Luo Wei , Chen Shengli
Published: June 2016

We report a facile strategy to tune the growth behavior and surface structures of Pt nanocrystallites by varying the concentration of oleylamine (OAm) in mixed solutions of OAm and octadecene (ODE); the resulting Pt nanorods (NRs) and nanodendrites (NDs) show superior electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Long wormlike NRs with uniformly small diameters and NDs branched with NRs were obtained at low and medium concentrations of OAm, respectively. Time‐dependent morphology measurements showed that small Pt nanoparticles (NPs) were initially formed, which evolved into NRs or NDs depending on the reaction kinetics for Pt atom formation. Benefiting from the selective exposure of the ORR‐active (111) facet, the wormlike Pt NRs exhibited significantly higher ORR activity and electrochemical stability than state‐of‐the‐art Pt NP catalysts, which are enclosed with both the (111) and (100) facets. The ORR activity and stability of these catalysts were further enhanced by forming Pt NDs, probably as a result of the fact that the NR‐interconnected architectures produce more‐active high‐index facets in the junction areas.
Linear Optical and Third‐Order Nonlinear Optical Properties of Some Fluorenyl‐ and Triarylamine‐Containing Tetracyanobutadiene Derivatives
Authors: Pokladek Ziemowit , Ripoche Nicolas , Betou Marie , Trolez Yann , Mongin Olivier , Olesiak‐Banska Joanna , Matczyszyn Katarzyna , Samoc Marek , Humphrey Mark G. , Blanchard‐Desce Mireille , Paul Frédéric
Published: June 2016

The synthesis and characterization of four new tetracyanobutadiene (TCBD) derivatives (1–3 and 2′) incorporating 2‐ or 2,7‐fluorenyl and diphenylamino moieties are reported. The electroactivity of 1–3 and 2′ was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV), while the linear optical and (third‐order) nonlinear optical (NLO) properties were investigated by electronic spectroscopy and Z‐scan studies, respectively. All experimental investigations were rationalized by DFT computations, providing an insight into the electronic structure of these derivatives and on their application potential. We show that these derivatives are nonluminescent in solution at ambient temperatures, but become fluorescent in solvent glasses. This finding constitutes an unprecedented observation for TCBD derivatives. Also, we show by Z‐scan studies that these derivatives behave as two‐photon absorbers in the near‐IR range (800–1050 nm). These third‐order NLO properties are discussed and compared with those of their alkynyl precursors (4–6), which have been investigated by two‐photon excited fluorescence (TPEF).
Triptycene‐Based Chiral and meso‐N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands and Metal Complexes
Authors: Savka Roman , Bergmann Marvin , Kanai Yuki , Foro Sabine , Plenio Herbert
Published: June 2016

Based on 1‐amino‐4‐hydroxy‐triptycene, new saturated and unsaturated triptycene‐NHC (N‐heterocyclic carbene) ligands were synthesized from glyoxal‐derived diimines. The respective carbenes were converted into metal complexes [(NHC)MX] (M=Cu, Ag, Au; X=Cl, Br) and [(NHC)MCl(cod)] (M=Rh, Ir; cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene) in good yields. The new azolium salts and metal complexes suffer from limited solubility in common organic solvents. Consequently, the introduction of solubilizing groups (such as 2‐ethylhexyl or 1‐hexyl by O‐alkylation) is essential to render the complexes soluble. The triptycene unit infers special steric properties onto the metal complexes that enable the steric shielding of selected areas close to the metal center. Next, chiral and meso‐triptycene based N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands were prepared. The key step in the synthesis of the chiral ligand is the Buchwald–Hartwig amination of 1‐bromo‐4‐butoxy‐triptycene with (1S,2S)‐1,2‐diphenyl‐1,2‐diaminoethane, followed by cyclization to the azolinium salt with HC(OEt)3. The analogous reaction with meso‐1,2‐diphenyl‐1,2‐diaminoethane provides the respective meso‐azolinium salt. Both the chiral and meso‐azolinium salts were converted into metal complexes including [(NHC)AuCl], [(NHC)RhCl(cod)], [(NHC)IrCl(cod)], and [(NHC)PdCl(allyl)]. An in situ prepared chiral copper complex was tested in the enantioselective borylation of α,β‐unsaturated esters and found to give an excellent enantiomeric ratio (er close to 90:10).
Specific Design of Titanium(IV) Phenolato Chelates Yields Stable and Accessible, Effective and Selective Anticancer Agents
Authors: Meker Sigalit , Braitbard Ori , Hall Matthew D. , Hochman Jacob , Tshuva Edit Y.
Published: June 2016

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Edit Y. Tshuva at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and co‐workers. The image depicts a phenolato titanium(IV) complex as the Joker that combines four qualities essential for an anticancer drug: stability, efficacy, accessibility and selectivity. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201601389.
Hippocampal‐like circuitry in the pallium of an electric fish: Possible substrates for recursive pattern separation and completion
Authors: Elliott S. Benjamin , Harvey‐Girard Erik , Giassi Ana C.C. , Maler Leonard
Published: June 2016

Teleost fish are capable of complex behaviors, including social and spatial learning; lesion studies show that these abilities require dorsal telencephalon (pallium). The teleost telencephalon has subpallial and pallial components. The subpallium is well described and highly conserved. In contrast, the teleost pallium is not well understood and its relation to that of other vertebrates remains controversial. Here we analyze the connectivity of the subdivisions of dorsal pallium (DD) of an electric gymnotiform fish, Apteronotus leptorhynchus: superficial (DDs), intermediate (DDi) and magnocellular (DDmg) components. The major pathways are recursive: the dorsolateral pallium (DL) projects strongly to DDi, with lesser inputs to DDs and DDmg. DDi in turn projects strongly to DDmg, which then feeds back diffusely to DL. Our quantitative analysis of DDi connectivity demonstrates that it is a global recurrent network. In addition, we show that the DD subnuclei have complex reciprocal connections with subpallial regions. Specifically, both DDi and DDmg are reciprocally connected to pallial interneurons within the misnamed rostral entopeduncular nucleus (Er). Based on DD connectivity, we illustrate the close similarity, and possible homology, between hippocampal and DD/DL circuitry. We hypothesize that DD/DL circuitry can implement the same pattern separation and completion computations ascribed to the hippocampal dentate gyrus and CA3 fields. We further contend that the DL to DDi to DDmg to DL feedback loop makes the pattern separation/completion operations recursive. We discuss our results with respect to recent studies on fear avoidance conditioning in zebrafish and attention and spatial learning in a pulse gymnotiform fish. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:8–46, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Boundary Value Problems for Second‐Order Elliptic Operators Satisfying a Carleson Condition
Authors: Dindoš Martin , Pipher Jill , Rule David
Published: June 2016

Let Ω be a Lipschitz domain in , and be a second‐order elliptic operator in divergence form. We establish the solvability of the Dirichlet regularity problem with boundary data in and of the Neumann problem with data for the operator L on Lipschitz domains with small Lipschitz constant. We allow the coefficients of the operator L to be rough, obeying a certain Carleson condition with small norm. These results complete the results of Dindoš, Petermichl, and Pipher (2007), where the Dirichlet problem was considered under the same assumptions, and Dindoš and Rule (2010), where the regularity and Neumann problems were considered on two‐dimensional domains.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Antinociceptive Effects of Tramadol and/or Gabapentin on Rat Neuropathic Pain Induced by a Chronic Constriction Injury
Authors: Corona‐Ramos Janette Nallely , De la O‐Arciniega Minarda , Déciga‐Campos Myrna , Medina‐López José Raúl , Domínguez‐Ramírez Adriana Miriam , Jaramillo‐Morales Osmar Antonio , Espinosa‐Juárez Josué Vidal , López‐Muñoz Francisco Javier
Published: June 2016

Preclinical Research

The current work evaluates the interaction between two commonly used drugs, tramadol (Tra) and gabapentin (Gbp). Dose‐response curves (DRC) and isobolographic analysis were used to confirm their synergistic antihyperalgesic and anti‐allodynic responses in a rat neuropathic pain model involving chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve and in von Frey and acetone tests. Tra and Gbp produced dose‐dependent antihyperalgesic and anti‐allodynic effects. Dose‐response studies of combinations of Tra and Gbp in combination showed the DRC was leftward‐shifted compared to the DRCs for each compound alone. One combination demonstrated both antihyperalgesic and anti‐allodynic effects greater than those observed after individual administration. The remaining combinations demonstrated an additive effect. The Tra+Gbp combination demonstrated a potentiative effect with smaller doses of Tra. Additionally, it was determined lethal dose 50 (LD50) of Tra alone and tramadol + Gbp 10 using mice to 48 h post administration. The DRC (death) were similar for Tra alone and in Tra in combination, despite the improved effectiveness of Tra in the presence of GBP, 10 mg/kg. A combination of these drugs could be effective in neuropathic pain therapy because they can produce potentiative (at a low dose) or additive effects. Drug Dev Res 77 : 217–226, 2016.   © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dietary choice for a balanced nutrient intake increases the mean and reduces the variance in the reproductive performance of male and female cockroaches
Authors: Bunning Harriet , Bassett Lee , Clowser Christina , Rapkin James , Jensen Kim , House Clarissa M. , Archer Catharine R. , Hunt John
Published: June 2016

Sexual selection may cause dietary requirements for reproduction to diverge across the sexes and promote the evolution of different foraging strategies in males and females. However, our understanding of how the sexes regulate their nutrition and the effects that this has on sex‐specific fitness is limited. We quantified how protein (P) and carbohydrate (C) intakes affect reproductive traits in male (pheromone expression) and female (clutch size and gestation time) cockroaches (Nauphoeta cinerea). We then determined how the sexes regulate their intake of nutrients when restricted to a single diet and when given dietary choice and how this affected expression of these important reproductive traits. Pheromone levels that improve male attractiveness, female clutch size and gestation time all peaked at a high daily intake of P:C in a 1:8 ratio. This is surprising because female insects typically require more P than males to maximize reproduction. The relatively low P requirement of females may reflect the action of cockroach endosymbionts that help recycle stored nitrogen for protein synthesis. When constrained to a single diet, both sexes prioritized regulating their daily intake of P over C, although this prioritization was stronger in females than males. When given the choice between diets, both sexes actively regulated their intake of nutrients at a 1:4.8 P:C ratio. The P:C ratio did not overlap exactly with the intake of nutrients that optimized reproductive trait expression. Despite this, cockroaches of both sexes that were given dietary choice generally improved the mean and reduced the variance in all reproductive traits we measured relative to animals fed a single diet from the diet choice pair. This pattern was not as strong when compared to the single best diet in our geometric array, suggesting that the relationship between nutrient balancing and reproduction is complex in this species.
Identification of Linear Time‐Invariant Systems under Periodic Disturbance with Its Estimation
Authors: KANEKO OSAMU , OHMURA KAZUKI , HAYASHI YUUKI , YAMAMOTO SHIGERU
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we propose a new method for identification of linear time‐invariant systems and estimation of unknown periodic disturbances. We assume that a disturbance to be considered here is unknown except its period. In this method, by stacking not only the unknown coefficients of a mathematical model but also the unknown disturbance as a parameter vector, we modify the equation error method so as to treat the unknown disturbance in the identification scheme. In particular, we also explain how the periodicity of the disturbance is utilized. In order to show the validity of this method, we give an illustrative numerical example.
Myocardial recovery with mechanical circulatory support
Authors: Chaggar Parminder S. , Williams Simon G. , Yonan Nizar , Fildes James , Venkateswaran Rajamiyer , Shaw Steven M.
Published: June 2016

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is instituted in patients with advanced heart failure, some of who may experience sufficient recovery in cardiac function to allow withdrawal of mechanical support. The incidence of left ventricular recovery with MCS is unclear as reported series in the literature demonstrate widely divergent rates. A number of clinical parameters (including echocardiographic, haemodynamic and physiological) are used to indicate likely left ventricular recovery during pump speed reduction but no internationally agreed definition exists. Withdrawal of MCS is not without risk and so robust clinical and biochemical definitions are important to minimize patient morbidity and mortality. Here we review our current understanding of left ventricular recovery with MCS.
Cleavage of the Carbon–Carbon Triple Bonds of Arylacetylenes for the Synthesis of Arylnitriles without a Metal Catalyst
Authors: Lin Yuanguang , Song Qiuling
Published: June 2016

Cleavage of the carbon–carbon triple bonds of alkynes was achieved, which led to the synthesis of arylnitriles under transition‐metal‐free conditions. A vast range of terminal alkyne substrates underwent this reaction to provide the corresponding nitriles in moderate to good yields with good functional group tolerance.
On the Configurational Stability and Reactivity of Tertiary Silyloxy Carbanions Derived from Stereoselective Brook Rearrangement
Authors: Collados Juan F. , Ortiz Pablo , Harutyunyan Syuzanna R.
Published: June 2016

Here we report a stereospecific Brook rearrangement/trapping sequence, initiated by the formation of a zinc alkoxide from an enantioenriched (hydroxyallyl)silane. The chiral carbanion resulting from the Brook rearrangement is trapped intermolecularly by carbonyl electrophiles with complete transfer of chirality. A concerted mechanism is proposed to rationalize the stereospecificity observed in the reaction sequence.
Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles using green roof species Portulaca grandiflora and their cytotoxic effects against C6 glioma human cancer cells
Authors: Ashokkumar T. , Arockiaraj Jesu , Vijayaraghavan K.
Published: June 2016

Leaf and stem extracts of popular green roof vegetation, Portulaca grandiflora, were used for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles. The synthesized gold nanoparticles were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. FTIR results indicated the presence of proteins and polyphenols in plant extracts which were responsible for the reduction and stabilization of gold nanoparticles. SEM and TEM images confirmed the formation of spherical, rhombus, triangular, tetragonal, pentagonal, rods and hexagonal shaped gold nanoparticles. The size of the particles was in the range of 8 and 72 nm. The antiproliferative effects of synthesized gold nanoparticles were assessed using C6 glioma human cancer cells. Results indicated that gold nanoparticles synthesized using leaf extracts (150 µg/mL) and stem extracts (200 µg/mL) of P. grandiflora decreased the viability of C6 glioma cell lines up to 50%. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1732–1740, 2016
Study on Determinants of Chinese Managers’ Crisis Intention under Financial Turbulence: An Empirical Study Based on Chinese Listed Companies
Authors: Sheng Zhonglin , He Weida
Published: June 2016

This article presents a study on determinants of Chinese managers’ crisis intention under the global financial turbulence from a resource‐based view. It draws three important findings through an empirical analysis of 91 Chinese listed companies. First, there is a significant negative relationship between slack resources and crisis intention. Second, there is a significant positive relationship between diversification and crisis intention. Finally, diversification positively moderates the linkage between slack resources and crisis intention. This study extends the resource‐based view to the area of crisis
management and provides important guidance on how to effectively deal with the current
economic crisis.
Developmental, Remedial, and Basic Skills: Diverse Programs and Approaches at Community Colleges
Authors: Hagedorn Linda Serra , Kuznetsova Inna
Published: June 2016

Community colleges have been challenged to increase their graduation, transfer, and general success rates. Because they serve the largest proportion of nontraditional students and students of color, their participation in programs to enhance the number of college graduates contributes to social equity and justice. One of the biggest obstacles has been students who enter the developmental pipeline and never emerge to the college level, and hence cannot qualify to graduate or transfer. This chapter speaks to several governmental and nongovernmental initiatives to assist developmental education students achieve academic success.
Characterization of a Relatively Malignant Form of Osteopetrosis Caused by a Novel Mutation in the PLEKHM1 Gene
Authors: Bo Tao , Yan Fang , Guo Jun , Lin Xiaoyan , Zhang Haiqing , Guan Qingbo , Wang Hai , Fang Li , Gao Ling , Zhao Jiajun , Xu Chao
Published: June 2016

Osteopetrosis (OMIM: 611497), literally “stone bone,” is a group of inherited bone disorders characterized by increased skeletal mass due to defective osteoclast function. A patient who reported a history of frequent fractures, weakness and fatigue was admitted to our hospital in 2011. The patient presented with the typical features of osteopetrosis: fractures after minor trauma, early tooth loss, anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, and a generalized increase in bone mineral density (BMD). Aside from his father's complaint of excessive tooth loss, his mother, two sisters, son, and daughter were healthy. Blood samples of the family members were drawn for genetic analyses. The entire coding region and adjacent splice sites of the pleckstrin homology domain–containing family M (with RUN domain) member 1 (PLEKHM1) gene were sequenced. One mutation, a heterozygous deletion mutation in exon 11 (c.3051_3052delCA), was identified in the patient but not in his relatives. The mutation leads to a translation product with a highly impaired Rubicon homology domain. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analyses using HEK293 cells showed that overexpression of a PLEKHM1 CA-deletion mutant resulted in a dramatic decrease in the interaction between PLEKHM1 and the small GTPase Rab7 compared to wild-type PLEKHM1. The normal processes of endocytosis and autophagy were disturbed in cells expressing the mutant (transfected HEK293 and U937 cells), as indicated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) degradation and an altered LC3-I/II ratio, respectively, which may lead to a defect in osteoclast function. A four-year follow-up study of the patient showed that the PLEKHM1-dependent osteopetrosis was relatively malignant, with significant symptoms of pancytopenia and hepatosplenomegaly. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Suppression of Spleen Tyrosine Kinase (Syk) by Histone Deacetylation Promotes, Whereas BAY61‐3606, a Synthetic Syk Inhibitor Abrogates Colonocyte Apoptosis by ERK Activation
Authors: Dasgupta Nirmalya , Thakur Bhupesh Kumar , Ta Atri , Dutta Pujarini , Das Santasabuj
Published: June 2016

Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), a non‐receptor tyrosine kinase, regulates tumor progression, either negatively or positively, depending on the tissue lineage. Information about the role of Syk in colorectal cancers (CRC) is limited, and conflicting reports have been published. We studied Syk expression and its role in differentiation and apoptosis of the colonocytes. Here, we reported for the first time that expression of two transcript variants of Syk is suppressed in colonocytes during butyrate‐induced differentiation, which mediates apoptosis of HT‐29 cells. Despite being a known HDAC inhibitor, butyrate deacetylates histone3/4 around the transcription start site (TSS) of Syk. Histone deacetylation precludes the binding of RNA Polymerase II to the promoter and inhibits transcription. Since butyrate is a colonic metabolite derived from undigested fibers, our study offers a plausible explanation of the underlying mechanisms of the protective role of butyrate as well as the dietary fibers against CRC through the regulation of Syk. We also report that combined use of butyrate and highly specific Syk inhibitor BAY61‐3606 does not enhance differentiation and apoptosis of colonocytes. Instead, BAY completely abolishes butyrate‐induced differentiation and apoptosis in a Syk‐ and ERK1/2‐dependent manner. While butyrate dephosphorylates ERK1/2 in HT‐29 cells, BAY re‐phosphorylates it, leading to its activation. This study describes a novel mechanism of butyrate action in CRC and explores the role of Syk in butyrate‐induced differentiation and apoptosis. In addition, our study highlights those commercial small molecule inhibitors, although attractive drug candidates should be used with concern because of their frequent off‐target effects. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 191–203, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cluster analysis of molecular simulation trajectories for systems where both conformation and orientation of the sampled states are important
Authors: Abramyan Tigran M. , Snyder James A. , Thyparambil Aby A. , Stuart Steven J. , Latour Robert A.
Published: June 2016

Clustering methods have been widely used to group together similar conformational states from molecular simulations of biomolecules in solution. For applications such as the interaction of a protein with a surface, the orientation of the protein relative to the surface is also an important clustering parameter because of its potential effect on adsorbed‐state bioactivity. This study presents cluster analysis methods that are specifically designed for systems where both molecular orientation and conformation are important, and the methods are demonstrated using test cases of adsorbed proteins for validation. Additionally, because cluster analysis can be a very subjective process, an objective procedure for identifying both the optimal number of clusters and the best clustering algorithm to be applied to analyze a given dataset is presented. The method is demonstrated for several agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithms used in conjunction with three cluster validation techniques. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A polarizable, charge transfer model of water using the drude oscillator
Authors: Rick Steven W.
Published: June 2016

The transfer of small amounts of charge between neighboring particles can be a significant part of interactions among particles. A model is developed for treating charge transfer (CT) combined with the Drude model for polarizability to create an efficient model for liquid water which includes both CT and polarizability. The model is shown to be accurate for a variety of liquid properties, including the density as a function of temperature and the dielectric constant. A new model for water with CT and polarization is developed and applied to the liquid. The inclusion of CT increases the accuracy of many properties, like the density as a function of temperature, indicating the importance of charge redistribution as induced by other particles. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Even Embeddings of the Complete Graphs and Their Cycle Parities
Authors: Noguchi Kenta
Published: June 2016

The complete graph on n vertices can be quadrangularly embedded on an orientable (resp. nonorientable) closed surface F2 with Euler characteristic if and only if (resp. and ). In this article, we shall show that if quadrangulates a closed surface F2, then has a quadrangular embedding on F2 so that the length of each closed walk in the embedding has the parity specified by any given homomorphism , called the cycle parity.
Matching Extension Missing Vertices and Edges in Triangulations of Surfaces
Authors: Kawarabayashi Ken‐ichi , Ozeki Kenta , Plummer Michael D.
Published: June 2016

Let G be a 5‐connected triangulation of a surface Σ different from the sphere, and let be the Euler characteristic of Σ. Suppose that with even and M and N are two matchings in of sizes m and n respectively such that . It is shown that if the pairwise distance between any two elements of is at least five and the face‐width of the embedding of G in Σ is at least , then there is a perfect matching M0 in containing M such that .
Revelation from the Reaction of 1,4‐Diazabutadiene with Perchloric Acid: An Approach to the Synthesis of Imidazolium Perchlorates
Authors: Xin Hongxing , Zhu Xiaohe , Yan Hong , Song Xiuqing
Published: June 2016

The reactions of 1,4‐diazabutadienes 1 with HClO4 were studied in detail. The final products obtained were not the hydroperchlorates of 1 but imidazolium perchlorates 2 or 3. A possible reaction process is postulated on the basis of the isolation of the intermediate 2‐iminomethylimidazolium salt 4. The factors influencing the conversion of 4 to the imidazolium perchlorates 2 and 3 were discussed with regard to the electronic and steric effects of the N‐substituents. This reaction can serve as an approach for the synthesis of imidazolium derivatives.
One‐Pot Three‐Component Synthesis of Pyrido[2,3‐c]carbazole Derivatives in EtOH under Catalyst‐Free Conditions
Authors: Zhang Mei‐Mei , Wang Jie , Wang Xiang‐Shan
Published: June 2016

A three‐component reaction of aromatic aldehydes, 9‐ethyl‐9H‐carbazol‐3‐amine, and cyclopentane‐1,3‐dione or tetronic acid was carried out in EtOH at refluxing and gave two series of 2,3,7,12‐tetrahydrocyclopenta[5,6]pyrido[2,3‐c]carbazol‐1(4H)‐one and 3,4,7,12‐tetrahydro‐1H‐furo[3′,4′:5,6]pyrido[2,3‐c]carbazol‐1‐one derivatives, respectively. This procedure approach to pyrido[2,3‐c]carbazoles has the advantages of milder reaction conditions, one‐pot, catalyst free, and high yields.
Pricing and utilisation of proton pump inhibitors in South Australian public hospitals and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Authors: Thai Loc P. , Vitry Agnes I. , Moss John R.
Published: June 2016

Background

The Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) reforms have been effective in reducing the price paid for medicines. South Australian public hospitals purchase medicines through competitive tendering, whereas the PBS purchases via reference pricing. There is currently little known about the price differences and relative utilisation patterns that exist for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) between South Australian public hospitals and the PBS.

Aim

To compare the prices and relative utilisation patterns of PPIs between South Australian public hospitals and the PBS.

Method

A retrospective price and relative utilisation comparison was conducted on five PBS‐listed PPIs. Average weighted prices and total PBS expenditure were calculated under various scenarios derived from prices and/or relative utilisation in South Australian public hospitals.

Results

The average weighted price of PPIs in South Australian public hospitals was almost 70% cheaper than for the equivalent medicines on the PBS. Savings of $AUD440 million from 2011 to 2012 would have been achieved if the PBS price and relative utilisation of PPIs had been similar to that of South Australian public hospitals. Increased utilisation of cheaper off‐patent PPIs in the South Australian public hospitals had a greater impact on total expenditure than the price differences between the PBS and the South Australian public hospitals in 2012.

Conclusions

Prices of PPIs in the PBS are more expensive than those purchased by South Australian public hospitals. Further savings to total PBS expenditure could be achieved by reducing prices further and promoting the use of off‐patent medicines.
Serious adverse drug reactions to zolpidem: does impaired metabolic clearance and concurrent SSRI/SNRI use increase risk?
Authors: Polasek Thomas M. , Perera Vidya , Lucire Yolande
Published: June 2016

Zolpidem is one of the most commonly used drugs for insomnia but it has been associated with adverse neuropsychiatric effects and complex sleep‐related behaviours. In this report, the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and putative serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to zolpidem are briefly described. Nine ‘hypothesis generating’ cases from a psychiatry practice are presented to suggest that in cytochrome P450 poor metabolisers, inhibitory metabolic drug–drug interactions and pharmacodynamic synergies with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor/serotonin‐noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor antidepressants may increase the risk of serious ADRs to zolpidem.
Evaluation of a clozapine decision support tool in a mental health facility
Authors: Ally Bashir A. S. , Stallman Helen M.
Published: June 2016

The prescribing and administration of clozapine as well as monitoring requisites for patients on clozapine therapy is distinctly different from other antipsychotic drugs. This study evaluated a Clozapine Decision Support Tool (CDST) to improve patient outcomes. The CDST was developed, using current clozapine guidelines and published literature. The study was conducted at a long‐stay mental health facility and included all 67 patients who were on clozapine therapy during the study period. The study comprised of a pre‐ and post‐intervention audit of clozapine prescribing, with the introduction of the CDST as the intervention, to assess the level of clinician adherence to the clozapine guidelines. There was an overall improvement in clinician adherence to the clozapine guidelines with statistically significant improvements in monthly physical health monitoring and 6‐monthly electrocardiography. The results of this study suggest that using the CDST may improve clinician adherence to current guidelines and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Effects of long‐term intake of Antarctic krill oils on artery blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Zhou Da‐Yong , Liu Yu‐Xin , Xu Zhi‐Li , Yin Fa‐Wen , Song Liang , Wan Xiu‐Lin , Song Yu‐Kun , Zhu Bei‐Wei
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in research on krill oil (KO) for its health benefits. However, the action of KO in lowering blood pressure (BP) has not been studied yet. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess the ability of long‐term KO supplementation to lower systolic BP (SBP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats.

RESULTS

Compared with the blank control (BC) SHRs administered edible soybean oil, the high‐dose (500 mg kg−1 body weight (BW)) KO‐supplemented SHRs in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th weeks following oral administration, the mid‐dose (100 mg kg−1 BW) KO‐supplemented SHRs in the 4th and 5th weeks following oral administration and the low‐dose (20 mg kg−1 BW) KO‐supplemented SHRs in the 5th week following oral administration showed significantly lower SBP (P < 0.05). However, supplementation of KO had no significant effect on the SBP of healthy SD rats. Meanwhile, 5 weeks of KO administration significantly increased the serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) and total NO synthase of SHRs (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

KO has an antihypertensive effect in SHRs that is associated with an NO‐related mechanism. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry