bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted genomic enrichment and sequencing of CyHV-3 from carp tissues confirms low nucleotide diversity and mixed genotype infections
Authors: Hammoumi Saliha , Vallaeys Tatiana , Santika Ayi , Leleux Philippe , Borzym Ewa , Klopp Christophe , Avarre Jean-Christophe
Published: September 2016

Koi herpesvirus disease (KHVD) is an emerging disease that causes mass mortality in koi and common carp,Cyprinus carpioL. Its causative agent is Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3), also known as koi herpesvirus (KHV). Although data on the pathogenesis of this deadly virus is relatively abundant in the literature, still little is known about its genomic diversity and about the molecular mechanisms that lead to such a high virulence. In this context, we developed a new strategy for sequencing full-length CyHV-3 genomes directly from infected fish tissues. Total genomic DNA extracted from carp gill tissue was specifically enriched with CyHV-3 sequences through hybridization to a set of nearly 2 million overlapping probes designed to cover the entire genome length, using KHV-J sequence (GenBank accession numberAP008984) as reference. Applied to 7 CyHV-3 specimens from Poland and Indonesia, this targeted genomic enrichment enabled recovery of the full genomes with >99.9% reference coverage. The enrichment rate was directly correlated to the estimated number of viral copies contained in the DNA extracts used for library preparation, which varied between ∼5000 and ∼2×107. The average sequencing depth was >200 for all samples, thus allowing the search for variants with high confidence. Sequence analyses highlighted a significant proportion of intra-specimen sequence heterogeneity, suggesting the presence of mixed infections in all investigated fish. They also showed that inter-specimen genetic diversity at the genome scale was very low (>99.95% of sequence identity). By enabling full genome comparisons directly from infected fish tissues, this new method will be valuable to trace outbreaks rapidly and at a reasonable cost, and in turn to understand the transmission routes of CyHV-3.
Torpor‐responsive expression of novel microRNA regulating metabolism and other cellular pathways in the thirteen‐lined ground squirrel, Ictidomys tridecemlineatus
Authors: Luu Bryan E. , Biggar Kyle K. , Wu Cheng‐Wei , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: September 2016

Research has demonstrated the importance of microRNA in cold‐tolerant animals, including their dynamic regulation throughout mammalian hibernation. In this study, we used small RNA sequencing and bioinformatic methods to identify novel microRNA regulating gene expression during hibernation in thirteen‐lined ground squirrels, Ictidomys tridecemlineatus. A group of 17 novel microRNA was identified, and their relative expression was quantitated using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in liver, skeletal muscle, and heart tissues over four experimental conditions that represent the torpor‐arousal cycle. Predicted mRNA targets of these novel microRNA were found to be enriched in biological processes known to be regulated during hibernation, such as lipid metabolism, ion‐transport ATPases, and various cellular signaling cascades. This study provides an analysis of several novel microRNA that may be crucial to adaptation during hibernation.
Geodynamics of paleo‐Pacific plate subduction constrained by the source lithologies of Late Mesozoic basalts in southeastern China
Authors: Zeng Gang , He Zhen‐Yu , Li Zhen , Xu Xi‐Sheng , Chen Li‐Hui
Published: September 2016

Widespread Late Mesozoic volcanic magmatism in southeastern China is generally thought to represent products in response to the subduction of paleo‐Pacific plate; however, it remains unclear when this process began to affect the mantle and the related magmatism. Here we present a systematic study on the source lithology of Late Mesozoic basalts in this area to highlight a link between lithological variations of mantle and subduction process of paleo‐Pacific plate. Late Mesozoic basalts can be subdivided into four groups based on their erupted ages: 178~172 Ma, approximately 150 Ma, 137~123 Ma, and 109~64 Ma. The primary source lithology of these rocks is pyroxenite rather than peridotite, and this mafic lithology can be formed by either ancient or young recycled crustal components. Notably, the source lithology of the approximately 150 Ma and 137~123 Ma basalts is primarily SiO2‐rich pyroxenite, and the former is carbonated. The discovery of carbonated, SiO2‐rich pyroxenite reflects the influence of a recently recycling event in the mantle. The subduction of paleo‐Pacific plate is the most appropriate candidate and can be responsible for the mantle‐derived magmatism after approximately 150 Ma in southeastern China. Therefore, we suggest a paleo‐Pacific slab rollback with increased dip angle as a possible model to control the lithological variations of Late Mesozoic mantle beneath southeastern China.
Facets of Arctic energy accumulation based on observations and reanalyses 2000–2015
Authors: Mayer Michael , Haimberger Leopold , Pietschnig Marianne , Storto Andrea
Published: September 2016

Various observation‐ and reanalysis‐based estimates of sea ice mass and ocean heat content trends imply that the energy imbalance of the Arctic climate system was similar [1.0 (0.9,1.2) Wm−2] to the global ocean average during the 2000–2015 period. Most of this extra heat warmed the ocean, and a comparatively small fraction went into sea ice melt. Poleward energy transports and radiation contributed to this energy increase at varying strengths. On a seasonal scale, stronger radiative energy input during summer associated with the ice‐albedo feedback enhances seasonal oceanic heat uptake and sea ice melt. In return, lower sea ice extent and higher sea surface temperatures lead to enhanced heat release from the ocean during fall. This weakens meridional temperature gradients, consequently reducing atmospheric energy transports into the polar cap. The seasonal cycle of the Arctic energy budget is thus amplified, whereas the Arctic's long‐term energy imbalance is close to the global mean.
On the origin of the dawn‐dusk asymmetry of toroidal Pc5 waves
Authors: Takahashi Kazue , Lee Dong‐Hun , Merkin Viacheslav G. , Lyon John G. , Hartinger Michael D.
Published: September 2016

Observations in space and on the ground have shown that azimuthally polarized (toroidal) magnetospheric Pc5 waves (frequency = 1.7–6.7 mHz) are more prominent on the dawnside than on the duskside, but the origin of this dawn‐dusk asymmetry is unknown. To determine the origin, we conducted a statistical analysis of toroidal Pc5 waves at the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) D spacecraft using ion bulk velocity measured during 2008–2014. We found that both the detection rate of narrowband Pc5 waves, which are attributed to fundamental toroidal‐mode standing Alfvén waves, and the amplitude of velocity oscillations in the fixed Pc5 band exhibit a dawn‐dusk asymmetry consistent with previous studies regardless of whether the interplanetary magnetic field is directed along the Parker spiral or orthogonal to it. These results imply that the asymmetry originates within the magnetosphere, not from a dawn‐dusk asymmetry of the Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability on the magnetopause. Based on theoretical studies published previously and a global magnetohydrodynamic simulation, we propose that the asymmetry originates from the local time dependence of the radial mass density variation and the associated gradient of the frequency of standing Alfvén waves. The THEMIS data indicate that in the L range 8–12 the average gradient is smaller in the dusk sector than in the dawn sector. This will result in weaker field line resonance (FLR), and thus weaker toroidal Pc5 waves, in the dusk sector. Density structures associated with drainage plumes may also suppress FLR in the dusk sector.
Sampling variability effects in drop‐resolving disdrometer observations
Authors: Larsen Michael L. , O'Dell Katelyn A.
Published: September 2016

Rain events are often studied with raindrop disdrometers—instruments designed to measure and record individual drop properties. Data from these instruments reveal that the instantaneous raindrop arrival rate is highly variable, with drop counts in consecutive time intervals occasionally changing by an order of magnitude or more. These drop count fluctuations result from some unknown combination of real physical changes in the underlying rainfall in conjunction with statistical fluctuations due to instrumental imperfections, limited sampling area, and the correlated nature of drop arrivals. Here empirical observations are used to drive a simulation that explores the degree to which observed variability in bulk rainfall observations might be produced by statistical fluctuations. It is shown that meaningful conclusions about true underlying rain properties require more drops than previously thought. Revisions to the interpretation of disdrometer data are discussed.
Breaching the Hyaluronan Barrier with PH20‐Fc Facilitates Intratumoral Permeation and Enhances Antitumor Efficiency: A Comparative Investigation of Typical Therapeutic Agents in Different Nanoscales
Authors: Liu Shan , Wei Wei , Xie Bo , Yue Hua , Ni Dezhi , Bao Yali , Ma Guanghui , Su Zhiguo G.
Published: September 2016

In contrast to traditional strategies based on external driving forces, an internal path for intratumoral delivery is explored by degrading the tumor microenvironment component hyaluronan. Natural hyaluronidase PH20 and constructed long‐acting PH20‐Fc have been used to achieve this objective. It has been then evaluated how these agents facilitate the diffusion of the following typical therapeutic agents varying in nanoscales: doxorubicin (≈1.5 × 1.0 × 0.7 nm) chemotherapy, trastuzumab (10–15 nm) biotherapy, and gold nanorod (≈100 × 35 nm) thermotherapy. In traditional 2D cultures, PH20 and PH20‐Fc have little influence on cytotoxicity due to lack of a tumor microenvironment. However, the cytotoxicities of the three therapeutic agents in 3D tumor spheroids are all enhanced by PH20 or PH20‐Fc because hyaluronan degradation facilitates therapeutic penetration and accumulation. Furthermore, in vivo evaluations reveal that the significantly prolonged circulation time of PH20‐Fc leads to accumulation in the tumor and subsequent hyaluronan degradation. Consequently, PH20‐Fc coadministration further inhibits tumor growth. The performance of PH20‐Fc varies for the three therapeutic agents due to their different nanoscales. Trastuzumab benefits most from combination with PH20‐Fc. The results provide here novel insights that can aid in the development of more effective hyaluronidase‐based therapeutic systems.
Reengineered BI‐DIME Ligand Core Based on Computer Modeling to Increase Selectivity in Asymmetric Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling for the Challenging Axially Chiral HIV Integrase Inhibitor
Authors: Haddad Nizar , Mangunuru Hari P. R. , Fandrick Keith R. , Qu Bo , Sieber Joshua D. , Rodriguez Sonia , Desrosiers Jean‐Nicolas , Patel Nitinchandra D. , Lee Heewon , Kurouski Dmitry , Grinberg Nelu , Yee Nathan K. , Song Jinhua J. , Senanayake Chris H.
Published: September 2016

Through a computer‐guided approach, new series of monophosphine ligands were designed and developed for asymmetric Suzuki–Miyaura couplings of challenging heterocyclic substrates. Computer modeling pointed to a tunable, yet unexplored quadrant in BI‐DIME, leading to the discovery of the 3′,5′‐dimethyl‐substituted ligand which improved the atropisomeric selectivity of the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction from the previously reported 5:1 dr to 15:1 dr for the synthesis of a challenging HIV integrase intermediate, and up to 24:1 dr with various other quinoline substrates.

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Three‐dimensional modeling of porosity development during the gasification of a char particle
Authors: Wittig Kay , Nikrityuk Petr A. , Schulze Sebastian , Richter Andreas
Published: September 2016

This work is devoted to the three‐dimensional, direct modeling of porosity and specific surface development during the gasification of a char particle. The model was developed for heterogeneous reactions occurring inside a char particle in a kinetically controlled regime. The main goal of this work is to analyze the impact of different pore size distributions on the particle carbon conversion rate. In particular, it is shown that under certain conditions the outer particle surface can influence the specific surface area. In this context the possible adaptation of the parameter ψ from the random pore model (RPM) developed by Bhatia and Perlmutter is explained. The results of simulations are compared against the RPM and discussed. Additionally, based on the results of simulations, the physics behind several input parameters used by the RPM are explored. Finally, the possible fragmentation of a chemically reacting char particle during its gasification in dependence of instantaneous porosity was investigated numerically. It was shown that the earliest fragmentation occurs at a carbon conversion of about 0.5–0.6 due to the disaggregation of the pore walls. The results are discussed and compared implicitly with data published in the literature. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 1638–1647, 2017
Fludarabine and cytarabine versus high‐dose cytarabine in consolidation treatment of t(8; 21) acute myeloid leukemia: A prospective, randomized study
Authors: Li Ruiqi , Hu Xiaoxia , Wang Libing , Cheng Hui , Lv Shuqing , Zhang Weiping , Wang Jianmin , Yang Jianmin , Song Xianmin
Published: September 2016

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with t(8;21) aberration often have favorable outcomes, however, relapse still occurs in 30–40% patients, with only 50–60% of patients with t(8;21) AML cured with regimens containing high‐dose cytarabine (HD‐Ara‐C). To evaluate the effects of fludarabine and cytarabine (FA) consolidation therapy for t(8;21) AML patients, a prospective randomized study was performed. A total of 45 patients with t(8;21) AML after achieving complete remission (CR) were randomly assigned to receive four course consolidation with FA (n = 23) or HD‐Ara‐C (n = 22). Our study showed that at 36‐months, relapse‐free survival (RFS) was 81.73% in the FA arm and 50.73% in the HD‐Ara‐C arm (P = 0.04), overall survival (OS) was 91.1% and 48.4% (P = 0.01) in the FA arm and in the HD‐Ara‐C arm respectively; whereas cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) was 18.27% and 47.39%, in the FA arm and in the HD‐Ara‐C arm respectively (P = 0.05). In our study, treatment with FA, MRD2 status (reduction ≥ 3‐log) and absence of c‐kit mutations were identified as independent prognostic factors for lower risk of relapse, improved RFS and OS. We also found RFS for patients without c‐kit mutations was 100% in FA arm, and 57.8% in HD‐Ara‐C arm at 36 months (P = 0.005); OS of both groups at 36 months was 100% and 51.4%, respectively (P = 0.004), suggesting a benefit of consolidation therapy with FA for t(8;21) AML patients, especially, those without c‐kit mutations (Clinicaltrials.org ID NCT# 02024308). Am. J. Hematol. 92:12–17, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sequential N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Reactions of Enals and Cyclic Aryldiene‐1,3‐Diones: Synthesis of Tricyclic Chromenones and Related Compounds
Authors: Krishnan Jagadeesh , Mathew Sneha , Jayaprakash P. Anjana , Sasidhar B. S. , Mayadevi T. S. , Suresh E. , Nair Vijay
Published: September 2016

N‐Heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed synthesis of highly functionalized pyrano[3,2‐c]chromene‐2,5‐dione derivatives, pyrano[3,2‐c]quinoline‐2,5(6 H)‐dione derivatives, and pyrano[4,3‐b]pyran‐2,5‐dione derivatives with potential biological activities is reported. The reaction occurs through a Knoevenagel condensation and NHC‐catalyzed enolate addition in one pot.
Perikymata distribution on anterior teeth of Miocene Lufengpithecus lufengensis from Yunnan, Southern China
Authors: Wang Cuibin , Zhao Lingxia
Published: September 2016

Objectives

The present study investigated the distribution of perikymata on anterior teeth of Miocene Lufengpithecus lufengensis so as to broaden the comparative data of developmental variation within and among hominoids. We also compared perikymata‐spacing pattern of Lufengpithecus lufengensis with hominins and extant African great apes to understand the implication of dental development.

Materials and methods

A total of 30 anterior teeth (including 6 I1, 10 I2, and 14 C) of Lufengpithecus lufengensis were examined using a scanning electron microscope and Keyence VHX‐600EOS digital microscope to document the number and distribution of perikymata on their labial surfaces. The labial crown height of each tooth was divided into 10 equal deciles and the total perikymata number in each decile was recorded. The mean number of perikymata per millimeter was then calculated for each decile. SPSS statistical software was used to perform analyses of these data, including t‐tests for sexual dimorphism and plots showing the perikymata distribution in Lufengpithecus lufengensis.

Results

Perikymata counts of Lufengpithecus lufengensis in the first three deciles are fewer than the remaining deciles, and with perikymata becoming increasingly more closely packed as growth progresses from cusp to cervix, but decrease in density in the cervical decile. Besides, total labial perikymata counts of canines tend to display very significant sexual dimorphism.

Discussion

Lufengpithecus lufengensis anterior teeth are more similar in their distribution of labial perikymata to those of Australopithecus than those of other hominins and extant African great apes from previous studies.
Role of the type I tumor necrosis factor receptor in inflammation‐associated olfactory dysfunction
Authors: Sousa Garcia Davi , Chen Mengfei , Smith Amy K. , Lazarini Paulo Roberto , Lane Andrew P.
Published: September 2016

Background

To understand mechanisms of human olfactory dysfunction in chronic rhinosinusitis, an inducible olfactory inflammation (IOI) model has been utilized to chronically express inflammatory cytokines locally, resulting in neuronal loss, diminished odorant responses, and repressed olfactory regeneration. Knockout of the minor tumor necrosis factor α receptor 2 (TNFR2) was previously shown to partially rescue these olfactory changes. The purpose of current study was to investigate the role of the major TNF receptor, TNFR1, in chronic olfactory inflammation.

Methods

Two experimental groups of mice were studied: TNFR1 knockout in IOI background and TNFR1 knockout with allergen‐induced inflammation. Olfactory function was assayed by electro‐olfactogram (EOG), and olfactory tissue was processed for histology and immunohistochemical staining.

Results

TNF‐α was dramatically induced in IOI‐TNFR1 knockout mice, but the olfactory epithelium did not show inflammation. EOG responses were normal after either 2 or 8 weeks of TNF‐α expression. Ovalbumin‐sensitized TNFR1 knockout mice developed markedly diminished eosinophilic inflammatory infiltration.

Conclusion

Genetic deletion of TNFR1 completely blocks TNF‐α–induced inflammation and reduces allergen‐induced inflammation. Preserved EOG responses suggest a TNFR1‐dependent mechanism of TNF‐α–induced olfactory neuron dysfunction.
Sleep quality outcomes after medical and surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Alt Jeremiah A. , Ramakrishnan Vijay R. , Platt Michael P. , Kohli Preeti , Storck Kristina A. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Soler Zachary M.
Published: September 2016

Background

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has been shown to improve sleep in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, it is unknown how this improvement compares with non‐CRS control subjects’ sleep, and medically treated CRS patients.

Methods

Patients meeting diagnostic criteria for CRS and controls from the same reference population were recruited from 4 academic centers. Patients chose either medical or surgical treatment. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was administered to patients before treatment and after 6 months, whereas controls received the PSQI at enrollment.

Results

The study population consisted of 187 cases (64 medical and 123 surgical) and 101 controls. Baseline PSQI scores for CRS patients (9.27 ± 4.76) were worse than for controls (5.78 ± 3.25), even after controlling for potential confounding factors such as asthma and allergy (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in baseline PSQI between patients choosing medical vs surgical treatment. The PSQI score in surgical patients improved from 8.36 ± 5.05 to 7.44 ± 5.09 (p = 0.020). The PSQI score in medical patients demonstrated a nonsignificant increase with treatment from 8.71 ± 4.48 to 9.06 ± 4.80 (p = 0.640). After controlling for allergy and asthma, 6‐month PSQI scores in medical patients remained significantly higher than in controls (p = 0.001), whereas a significant difference could not be demonstrated between surgical patients and controls (p > 0.05). PSQI subdomain analysis mirrored the overall findings.

Conclusion

Patients with CRS report worse sleep compared with controls. Surgically treated CRS patients show significant improvement in PSQI scores, whereas those continuing with medical management fail to improve and remain worse than controls.
Controlling Proton Delivery through Catalyst Structural Dynamics
Authors: Cardenas Allan Jay P. , Ginovska Bojana , Kumar Neeraj , Hou Jianbo , Raugei Simone , Helm Monte L. , Appel Aaron M. , Bullock R. Morris , O'Hagan Molly
Published: September 2016

The fastest synthetic molecular catalysts for H2 production and oxidation emulate components of the active site of hydrogenases. The critical role of controlled structural dynamics is recognized for many enzymes, including hydrogenases, but is largely neglected in designing synthetic catalysts. Our results demonstrate the impact of controlling structural dynamics on H2 production rates for [Ni(PPh2NC6H4R2)2]2+ catalysts (R=n‐hexyl, n‐decyl, n‐tetradecyl, n‐octadecyl, phenyl, or cyclohexyl). The turnover frequencies correlate inversely with the rates of chair–boat ring inversion of the ligand, since this dynamic process governs protonation at either catalytically productive or non‐productive sites. These results demonstrate that the dynamic processes involved in proton delivery can be controlled through modification of the outer coordination sphere, in a manner similar to the role of the protein architecture in many enzymes. As a design parameter, controlling structural dynamics can increase H2 production rates by three orders of magnitude with a minimal increase in overpotential.
The Interplay between a Multifunctional Dehydratase Domain and a C‐Methyltransferase Effects Olefin Shift in Ambruticin Biosynthesis
Authors: Berkhan Gesche , Merten Christian , Holec Claudia , Hahn Frank
Published: September 2016

The olefin shift is an important modification during polyketide biosynthesis. Particularly for type I cis‐AT PKS, little information has been gained on the enzymatic mechanisms involved. We present our in vitro investigations on the olefin shift occurring during ambruticin biosynthesis. The unique, multifunctional domain AmbDH4 catalyzes consecutive dehydration, epimerization, and enoyl isomerization. The resulting 3‐enethioate is removed from the equilibrium by α‐methylation catalyzed by the highly specific C‐methyltransferase AmbM. This thermodynamically unfavorable overall process is enabled by the high, concerted substrate specificity of the involved enzymes. AmbDH4 shows close relationship to DH domains and initial mechanistic studies suggest that the olefin shift occurs via a similar proton‐shuttling mechanism as previously described for EI domains from trans‐AT‐PKS.
Immobilization of Carbonylcobalt Catalyst by Poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) through N→Co Coordination Bonds: The Promotional Effect of Pyridine and the Reusability of Polymer Catalyst
Authors: Liu Yu‐Bing , Wang Yi‐Ning , Lu Hai‐Meng , Liang Shuang , Xu Bo‐Lian , Fan Yi‐Ning
Published: September 2016

A carbonylcobalt catalyst, immobilized by poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) through N→Co coordination bonds, has been prepared by solvothermal method. It has been revealed that the pyridine fragments in the polymer catalyst act not only as promoters to improve the catalytic performance of the carbonylcobalt catalyst for alkoxycarbonylation of ethylene oxide to methyl 3‐hydroxypropanoate but also as stabilizers to enhance the reusability of the polymer catalyst. Furthermore, the polymer catalyst could be easily separated by filtration and reused with only a slight loss of catalytic efficiency.
Algebraic Connectivity Estimation Based on Decentralized Inverse Power Iteration
Authors: Wei Yue , Fang Hao , Chen Jie , Xin Bin
Published: September 2016

In this work, we propose a new scheme to estimate the algebraic connectivity of the graph describing the network topology of a multi‐agent system. We consider network topologies modeled by undirected graphs. The main idea is to propose a new decentralized conjugate gradient algorithm and a decentralized compound inverse power iteration scheme. The matrix inversion computation in this scheme is replaced by solving the non‐homogeneous linear equations relying on the proposed decentralized conjugate gradient algorithm. With this scheme, we can achieve a fast convergence rate in estimating the algebraic connectivity by setting the parameter μ properly. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Comparative techno‐economic analysis and process design for indirect liquefaction pathways to distillate‐range fuels via biomass‐derived oxygenated intermediates upgrading
Authors: Tan Eric C. D. , Snowden‐Swan Lesley J. , Talmadge Michael , Dutta Abhijit , Jones Susanne , Ramasamy Karthikeyan K. , Gray Michel , Dagle Robert , Padmaperuma Asanga , Gerber Mark , Sahir Asad H. , Tao Ling , Zhang Yanan
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a comparative techno‐economic analysis (TEA) of five conversion pathways from biomass to gasoline‐, jet‐, and diesel‐range hydrocarbons via indirect liquefaction with a specific focus on pathways utilizing oxygenated intermediates. The four emerging pathways of interest are compared with one conventional pathway (Fischer‐Tropsch) for the production of the hydrocarbon blendstocks. The processing steps of the four emerging pathways include biomass‐to‐syngas via indirect gasification, syngas clean‐up, conversion of syngas to alcohols/oxygenates followed by conversion of alcohols/oxygenates to hydrocarbon blendstocks via dehydration, oligomerization, and hydrogenation. Conversion of biomass‐derived syngas to oxygenated intermediates occurs via three different pathways, producing: (i) mixed alcohols over a MoS2 catalyst, (ii) mixed oxygenates (a mixture of C2+ oxygenated compounds, predominantly ethanol, acetic acid, acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate) using an Rh‐based catalyst, and (iii) ethanol from syngas fermentation. This is followed by the conversion of oxygenates/alcohols to fuel‐range olefins in two approaches: (i) mixed alcohols/ethanol to 1‐butanol rich mixture via Guerbet reaction, followed by alcohol dehydration, oligomerization, and hydrogenation, and (ii) mixed oxygenates/ethanol to isobutene rich mixture and followed by oligomerization and hydrogenation. The design features a processing capacity of 2000 tonnes/day (2205 short tons) of dry biomass. The minimum fuel selling prices (MFSPs) for the four developing pathways range from $3.40 to $5.04 per gasoline‐gallon equivalent (GGE), in 2011 US dollars. Sensitivity studies show that MFSPs can be improved with co‐product credits and are comparable to the commercial Fischer‐Tropsch benchmark ($3.58/GGE). Overall, this comparative TEA study documents potential economics for the developmental biofuel pathways via mixed oxygenates. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Improved production of propionic acid using genome shuffling
Authors: Luna‐Flores Carlos H , Palfreyman Robin W , Krömer Jens O , Nielsen Lars K , Marcellin Esteban
Published: September 2016

Traditionally derived from fossil fuels, biological production of propionic acid has recently gained interest. Propionibacterium species produce propionic acid as their main fermentation product. Production of other organic acids reduces propionic acid yield and productivity, pointing to by‐products gene‐knockout strategies as a logical solution to increase yield. However, removing by‐product formation has seen limited success due to our inability to genetically engineer the best producing strains (i.e. Propionibacterium acidipropionici). To overcome this limitation, random mutagenesis continues to be the best path towards improving strains for biological propionic acid production. Recent advances in next generation sequencing opened new avenues to understand improved strains. In this work, we use genome shuffling on two wild type strains to generate a better propionic acid producing strain. Using next generation sequencing, we mapped the genomic changes leading to the improved phenotype. The best strain produced 25% more propionic acid than the wild type strain. Sequencing of the strains showed that genomic changes were restricted to single point mutations and gene duplications in well‐conserved regions in the genomes. Such results confirm the involvement of gene conversion in genome shuffling as opposed to long genomic insertions.
Methodological Moderators in Prevalence Studies on Child Maltreatment: Review of a Series of Meta‐Analyses
Authors: Prevoo Mariëlle J. L. , Stoltenborgh Marije , Alink Lenneke R. A. , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H.
Published: September 2016

Insight into the effects of methodological characteristics on reported child maltreatment prevalence rates can facilitate the interpretation of results of previous studies and improve the design of future prevalence studies. We reviewed findings from four previous meta‐analyses (Stoltenborgh et al., , , , ) on methodological moderators in self‐report prevalence studies on child sexual (k = 323, N = 410,951), physical (k = 157, N = 250,167) and emotional abuse (k = 42, N = 76,586), and physical (k = 13, N = 59 406) and emotional neglect (k = 16, N = 59 655). We provide an overview of the moderating effects of participant characteristics (e.g. age), the sampling method and measurement characteristics (e.g. validation). No characteristic was without influence, but specific characteristics were significant moderators for certain types of abuse and not for others. This implies that the wide range of lifetime prevalence rates reported in the literature can partly be explained by methodological differences. Our best‐evidence synthesis (sexual abuse: k = 4, N = 52 749; physical abuse: k = 2, N = 40 341; emotional abuse: k = 6, N = 4029; emotional neglect: k = 3, N = 3226) suggests that depending on the methodological characteristic under consideration a certain prevalence rate can be an over‐ or underestimation of the actual prevalence. Taking methodological characteristics' influence into consideration and choosing a sound methodology can help to get as close as possible to the actual child maltreatment prevalence. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘We reviewed findings from four previous meta‐analyses on methodological moderators in self‐report prevalence studies on child sexual, physical and emotional abuse, and physical and emotional neglect’

Key Practitioner Messages

The methodological quality of studies affects the reported lifetime prevalence rates of child maltreatment, but the direction of this effect depends on the indicator of methodological quality.

A higher response rate is related to a higher reported lifetime prevalence of child maltreatment for all maltreatment types except physical abuse.

A sound study design and methodology can help researchers to get as close as possible to the actual lifetime prevalence of child maltreatment.
Who is more ethical? Cross‐cultural comparison of consumer ethics between religious and non‐religious consumers
Authors: Arli Denni , Pekerti Andre
Published: September 2016

Religion is a significant part of daily life that affects consumers' decisions and behaviors. Religious consumers are predicted to be more ethical than non‐religious consumers. Nonetheless, past research suggests mixed results. Hence, the present study has two main objectives: (1) to examine differences in moral ideologies and ethical beliefs among religious and non‐religious consumers in Indonesia and Australia and (2) to investigate the impact of moral ideologies and religiosity on consumer ethical beliefs. This is one of the first cross‐cultural studies to compare consumer moral ideology (specifically, idealism and relativism) and consumer ethical beliefs between religious and non‐religious consumers. The results show that religious consumers tend more toward idealism than relativism and have stronger ethical beliefs regarding negative consumer ethical behaviors compared with non‐religious consumers. However, for ethical beliefs regarding specific consumer behaviors, namely, recycling and software piracy/buying counterfeit, the effect of religion was overshadowed by cultural differences between the two countries. This study contributes to the debate on the impact of moral ideologies and religiosity on consumer ethical beliefs. The findings may assist managers and public policymakers in their efforts to mitigate unethical consumer activities. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrimination of Axial and Central Stereogenic Elements in Chiral Bis(oxazolines) Based on Atropisomeric 3,3′‐Bithiophene Scaffolds Through Chiroptical Spectroscopies
Authors: Gabrieli Sara , Mazzeo Giuseppe , Longhi Giovanna , Abbate Sergio , Benincori Tiziana
Published: September 2016

Two diastereoisomeric pairs of bis‐oxazolines, provided with a stereogenic center at carbon 4 and based on the 3,3′‐bithiophene atropisomeric scaffold, were synthesized and structurally characterized. They differ in the substituents at positions 2 and 5 of the thiophene rings, which are functionalized with methyl (1) or phenyl (2) groups, respectively. In vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra, recorded in CCl4 solutions, it is possible to distinctly recognize the characteristic features of axial and central stereogenic elements. In tandem with Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, the absolute configuration (AC) of the diastereoisomers was safely established. In this case, VCD was shown to be superior to ECD (electronic circular dichroism) in the assignment of AC. The normal modes, evaluated from DFT calculations, show that the VCD signals in correspondence with the stereogenic axis of the bithiophene unit are different for 1 and 2. The VCD spectra of a molecular analog of 1, the (S)‐2,2′,5,5′‐tetramethyl‐4,4′‐bis‐(diphenylphosphino)‐3,3′‐bithiophene oxide (3), characterized by the same 3,3′‐bithiophene scaffold, but devoid of stereogenic centers, exhibits signals similar to those observed in the case of diastereoisomer (aS,R,R)‐1a, associated with almost identical normal modes. Chirality 28:686–695, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Should we redefine the classic lateral pallium?
Authors: Wullimann Mario F.
Published: September 2016

The quadripartite model of the telencephalic pallium of amniotes offered by the Puelles school includes a medial, dorsal, lateral, and ventral pallium. Watson and Puelles ([2016] J. Comp. Neurol. this issue) now newly propose that the mammalian ventral pallium gives rise not only to all of the pallial amygdala but also to the olfactory cortex, which hitherto was considered to arise from the lateral pallium. Thus, the region of the lateral pallium was misidentified in the quadripartite model, as the designated histogenetic unit gives rise to the insular cortex/claustrum and should therefore be considered a most ventrolateral part of the dorsal pallium (its ventrolateral subdivision). The mesopallium of birds then is the homologue of this ventrolateral dorsal pallial part, not of the classic lateral pallium. The region designated as the ventral pallium in the initial quadripartite model should therefore be divided in the new Watson/Puelles model into a smaller ventral pallium and a lateral pallium. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:1509–1513, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix with sarcomatoid differentiation: Report of a case with cytohistological correlation
Authors: Akhtar Israh , Flowers Rhyne , Nuttli Theresa , Nath Vikas , Baliga Mithra
Published: September 2016

Sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma (SSCC) of the uterine cervix is a rare malignancy with uncertain pathogenesis and aggressive clinical behavior. The diagnosis of this tumor poses a challenge to the cytopathologist since accurate diagnosis is based on identification of two malignant components, that is, epithelial and sarcomatoid. Most cases usually lack the sarcomatoid component on Papanicolaou test (Pap test). Therefore, a poorly differentiated carcinoma or malignant neoplasm is the most often rendered diagnosis. To date, less than 20 cases have been reported. Most of these cases were diagnosed by histopathologic findings. To our knowledge, cytomorphologic findings of SSCC on a liquid‐based Pap test, with utility of cell block sections, in recognition of the two components of tumor, with follow‐up histopathologic correlation have not been described. A case of SSCC occurring in a 57‐year‐old postmenopausal woman, describing the cytologic features on a liquid‐based Pap‐test, histopathologic findings of subsequent cervical biopsy, differential diagnosis, and role of ancillary studies are illustrated and discussed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:137–142. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantification of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in equine plasma and urine using HILIC‐MS/MS
Authors: Salomonsson Matilda L. , Bondesson Ulf , Hedeland Mikael
Published: September 2016

This paper describes quantitative methods for the determination of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in equine plasma and urine based on simple precipitation and dilution followed by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC‐MS/MS). DMSO is a polar solvent with analgesic and anti‐inflammatory properties. Its pharmacological features make it prohibited in horse racing. However, since DMSO is naturally present in the horses’ environment, international threshold values have been implemented for plasma and urine (1 and 15 µg/mL, respectively). Previously presented quantitative methods for the determination of DMSO are based on gas chromatography, thus demanding a tedious extraction step to transfer the analyte from the aqueous bodily fluid to an injectable organic solvent. The column used in the presented method was an Acquity BEH HILIC and the mobile phase was a mixture of ammonium acetate buffer and acetonitrile delivered as a gradient. Hexadeuterated DMSO (2H6‐DMSO) was used as the internal standard. Validation was performed in the range of the international thresholds concerning selectivity, carry‐over, linearity, precision, accuracy, stability and inter‐individual matrix variation. The results fulfilled the predefined criteria and the methods were considered fit for purpose. Successful applications on real equine doping control samples were carried out with determined DMSO concentrations exceeding the international thresholds. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adding to the Arsenal of Zirconium‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks: the Topology as a Platform for Solvent‐Assisted Metal Incorporation
Authors: Liu Tian‐Fu , Vermeulen Nicolaas A. , Howarth Ashlee J. , Li Peng , Sarjeant Amy A. , Hupp Joseph T. , Farha Omar K.
Published: September 2016

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Omar K. Farha and Joseph T. Hupp from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA. The cover image shows the structure of the zirconium‐based metal–organic framework, NU‐1200, and the principles we use to develop new materials.
Photochemical Reductive C–C Coupling with a Guanidine Electron Donor
Authors: Wiesner Sven , Walter Petra , Wagner Arne , Kaifer Elisabeth , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: September 2016

The metal‐free photoinduced reductive C–C coupling reactions of a number of substituted benzyl halides (15 examples) with the organic electron‐donor 2,3,5,6‐tetrakis(tetramethylguanidino)pyridine are evaluated. Depending on the substituents at the benzyl group, a C–C coupling product yield in the range 50–95 % is achieved. The photochemical benzyl‐radical formation by homolytic N–C bond cleavage of the initially formed benzyl‐pyridinium salts is the rate‐determining step of these reactions. Electron‐withdrawing as well as ‐donating substituents at the phenyl group increase the reaction rate. Quantum chemical computations did not reveal any correlation between either the enthalpy or Gibbs free energy of the N–C bond cleavage step and the experimentally determined first‐order rate constants. Instead, the structural difference between the excited state generated by irradiation and the electronic ground state of the pyridinium ions could be used to rationalize the differences in the reaction rates.
Effects of occupational exposure to carbon black on peripheral white blood cell counts and lymphocyte subsets
Authors: Dai Yufei , Niu Yong , Duan Huawei , Bassig Bryan A. , Ye Meng , Zhang Xiao , Meng Tao , Bin Ping , Jia Xiaowei , Shen Meili , Zhang Rong , Hu Wei , Yang Xiaofa , Vermeulen Roel , Silverman Debra , Rothman Nathaniel , Lan Qing , Yu Shanfa , Zheng Yuxin
Published: September 2016

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified carbon black (CB) as a possible (Group 2B) human carcinogen. Given that most CB manufacturing processes result in the emission of various types of chemicals, it is uncertain if the adverse health effects that have been observed in CB‐exposed workers are related to CB specifically or are due to other exposures. To address this issue, we conducted a cross‐sectional molecular epidemiology study in China of 106 male factory workers who were occupationally exposed to pure CB and 112 unexposed male workers frequency‐matched by age and smoking status from the same geographic region. Repeated personal exposure measurements were taken in workers before biological sample collection. Peripheral blood from all workers was used for the complete blood cell count and lymphocyte subsets analysis. Compared to unexposed workers, eosinophil counts in workers exposed to CB were increased by 30.8% (P = 0.07) after adjusting for potential confounders. When stratified by smoking status, statistically significant differences in eosinophils between CB exposed and unexposed workers were only present among never smokers (P = 0.040). Smoking is associated with alterations in various cell counts; however, no significant interaction between CB exposure and smoking status for any cell counts was observed. Given that inflammation, characterized in part by elevated eosinophils in peripheral blood, may be associated with increased cancer risk, our findings provide new biologic insights into the potential relationship between CB exposure and lung carcinogenesis. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:589–604, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
[TC2015] fast pyrolysis characteristics of biomass in a conical spouted bed reactor
Authors: Park Hoon Chae , Lee Byeong‐Kyu , Yoo Ho Seong , Choi Hang Seok
Published: September 2016

In this study, the hydrodynamics of the conical spouted bed reactor was examined to find out stable spouting regime and appropriate gas residence time. And the effects of pyrolysis reaction temperature for the production of the bio‐oil in a conical spouted bed reactor were scrutinized by fast pyrolysis experiment. Stable hydrodynamic operating ranges were identified by evaluation of the pressure drop curve and RMS analysis. The yield of the bio‐oil reached a maximum of 50.8 wt % at reaction temperature of 500°C, while the yield of the char decreased as the reaction temperature increased. Also, the yield of the non‐condensable gas increased when the reaction temperature increased. The water content of the bio‐oil was lowest, 26.1wt %, at 500°C, and the high heating value was highest, 18.4 MJ/kg, at 500°C. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 685–689, 2017
Sensory optimization of crackers developed from high‐quality cassava flour, starch, and prawn powder
Authors: Akonor Paa T. , Dziedzoave Nanam T. , Buckman Evelyn S. , Mireku Essel Edna , Lavoe Francis , Tomlins Keith I.
Published: September 2016

Crackers produced from high‐quality cassava flour (HQCF), cassava starch, and prawn powder were optimized based on sensory preference testing. Ten different formulations of crackers were produced using mixture design. These were subjected to sensory evaluation using attributes such as taste, crispiness, puffiness, and acceptability on a 7‐point hedonic scale. A mean score of 4.7, 5.6, 5.2, and 5.2 was obtained correspondingly for taste, crispiness, puffiness, and acceptability. Scores for these attributes indicated that the crackers were acceptable. Mixture regression models were used to generate contour plots for the sensory attributes and these were superimposed to obtain an optimal region, from where an optimum formulation was chosen. Verification of the optimal formulation with acceptability studies confirmed that the newly developed snack had a likeness score of 6.3 and was highly acceptable to consumers. The study demonstrates the suitability of HQCF in processing value added snack products.
Synthesis of Cryptochiral (R,R)‐2,3‐Dideuterooxirane as Stereochemical Reference Compound and Chemical Correlation with D‐(+)‐Glyceraldehyde
Authors: Trapp Oliver , Zawatzky Kerstin
Published: September 2016

Chirality plays a pivotal role in chemistry and biology, e.g., structure‐specific targeting in drug development or the lock‐and‐key theory of enzyme interactions. Determining absolute configurations of chiral molecules is essential to understanding such mechanisms and to developing chemical processes involving chiral compounds. In particular, this becomes obvious in the understanding of chemical reaction networks in the context of the origins of life. A stereochemical reference compound that can be correlated with sugars, amino acids, etc. is of great interest. Here, we present the synthesis of enantiopure (R,R)‐2,3‐dideuterooxirane, of which the absolute configuration has been unambiguously determined by foil‐induced Coulomb explosion imaging, and the correlation with the configuration of D‐(+)‐glyceraldehyde.
The function of the DegP (HtrA) protein: Protease versus chaperone
Authors: Chang Zengyi
Published: September 2016

The DegP (or HtrA) is a highly conserved family of proteins functioning in all living organisms. It was initially identified as a protease functioning in the periplasmic space of the Gram‐negative bacterial cells. It was later reported to also exhibit chaperone activity and thus has been designated as a bifunctional protein. However, recent studies demonstrated that in living cells it more likely functions only as a protease with hardly detectable chaperone activities. In this review, I will summarize the evidences clarifying that DegP more likely only functions as a protease rather than as a chaperone in cells. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(11):904–907, 2016
Confronting Price Endogeneity in a Duration Model of Residential Subdivision Development
Authors: Wrenn Douglas H. , Klaiber H. Allen , Newburn David A.
Published: September 2016

Spatial equilibrium implies that distant factors are correlated with local prices through market mechanisms. Using this logic, we develop a novel approach for handling price endogeneity in land use models. We combine a control function approach with a duration model to identify the impact of prices in influencing land conversion. We find that failure to control for endogeneity results in large differences in elasticities. Specifically, we find an elasticity of 2.06 compared to 0.67 in a model without instrumentation. This difference is significant as it suggests that price‐based policies, such as ‘green taxes’, are likely more effective in altering development patterns than would be expected from a naïve estimation that ignores price endogeneity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.