bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dependency relationships within the fission yeast polarity network
Authors: Johnson Matthew , Mulvihill Daniel P.
Published: July 2018

The ability to regulate polarised cell growth is crucial to maintain the viability of cells. Growth is modulated to facilitate essential cell functions and respond to the external environment. Failure to do so can lead to numerous developmental and disease states, including cancer. We have undertaken a detailed analysis of the regulatory interplay between molecules involved in the regulation and maintenance of polarised cell growth within fission yeast. Internally controlled live cell imaging was used to examine interactions between 10 key polarity proteins. Analysis reveals interplay between the microtubule and actin cytoskeletons, as well as multiple novel dependency pathways and feedback networks between groups of proteins. This study provides important insights into the conserved regulation of polarised cell growth within eukaryotes.
The translational regulation of maternal mRNAs in time and space
Authors: Winata Cecilia Lanny , Korzh Vladimir
Published: July 2018

Since their discovery, the study of maternal mRNAs has led to the identification of mechanisms underlying their spatiotemporal regulation within the context of oogenesis and early embryogenesis. Following synthesis in the oocyte, maternal mRNAs are translationally silenced and sequestered into storage in cytoplasmic granules. At the same time, their unique distribution patterns throughout the oocyte and embryo are tightly controlled and connected to their functions in downstream embryonic processes. At certain points in oogenesis and early embryogenesis, maternal mRNAs are translationally activated to perform their functions in a timely manner. The cytoplasmic polyadenylation machinery is responsible for the translational activation of maternal mRNAs, and its role in initiating the maternal to zygotic transition events has recently come to light. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on maternal mRNA regulation, with particular focus on cytoplasmic polyadenylation as a mechanism for translational regulation.
Review on Recent Advancements in Severe Plastic Deformation of Oxides by High‐Pressure Torsion (HPT)
Authors: Edalati Kaveh
Published: July 2018

Severe plastic deformation (SPD) of oxides has been of interest in mineralogy and geology for many decades, but oxides have ionic or covalent bonds with brittle nature and can hardly be deformed at ambient temperature. SPD processing of oxides is first realized in 1930s, when Percy W. Bridgman introduce the principles of high‐pressure torsion (HPT) method. Although the method is widely used nowadays to produce ultrafine‐grained (UFG) metals, the application of method for SPD processing of oxides is quite limited. This article reviews some of the recent publications on the application of HPT method to oxide ceramics (Al2O3, ZrO2, TiO2, Y2O3, ZnO, and BaTiO3) and summarizes their major findings: powder compaction and partial consolidation, nanograin formation, formation of different kinds of lattice defects such as dislocations and oxygen vacancies, strain and grain size dependence of phase transformations, and improvement of functional properties such as bandgap narrowing, photoluminescence, photocatalytic activity, and dielectricity.
Silver Atomic Quantum Clusters of Three Atoms for Cancer Therapy: Targeting Chromatin Compaction to Increase the Therapeutic Index of Chemotherapy
Authors: Porto Vanesa , Borrajo Erea , Buceta David , Carneiro Carmen , Huseyinova Shahana , Domínguez Blanca , Borgman Kyra J. E. , Lakadamyali Melike , Garcia‐Parajo Maria F. , Neissa José , García‐Caballero Tomás , Barone Giampaolo , Blanco M. Carmen , Busto Natalia , García Begoña , Leal José Maria , Blanco José , Rivas José , López‐Quintela M. Arturo , Domínguez Fernando
Published: July 2018

Nanomaterials with very low atomicity deserve consideration as potential pharmacological agents owing to their very small size and to their properties that can be precisely tuned with minor modifications to their size. Here, it is shown that silver clusters of three atoms (Ag3‐AQCs)—developed by an ad hoc method—augment chromatin accessibility. This effect only occurs during DNA replication. Coadministration of Ag3‐AQCs increases the cytotoxic effect of DNA‐acting drugs on human lung carcinoma cells. In mice with orthotopic lung tumors, the coadministration of Ag3‐AQCs increases the amount of cisplatin (CDDP) bound to the tumor DNA by fivefold without modifying CDDP levels in normal tissues. As a result, CDDP coadministered with Ag3‐AQCs more strongly reduces the tumor burden. Evidence of the significance of targeting chromatin compaction to increase the therapeutic index of chemotherapy is now provided.
Hexagonal Boron Nitride–Metal Junction: Removing the Schottky Barriers by Grain Boundary
Authors: Ding Junfei , Ahmed Dildar , Sun Huasheng , Chen Shanbao , Yao Qiushi , Huang Chengxi , Deng Kaiming , Kan Erjun
Published: July 2018

Atomically thin hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) layers have been used as an ultra‐thin spacer layer for metal–insulator–metal (MIM) structures, which enables a wide range of applications such as nanocapacitors and field‐effect tunneling transistors. Although pristine h‐BN layers, produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods, are always with ubiquitous grain boundaries (GBs), the contact of such layers with transition metal (TM) has not been explored. Here, we studied h‐BN monolayer with GBs on Ni(111) and Cu(111) surfaces through a comprehensively first‐principles calculation. Our results show that for the free‐standing h‐BN monolayer with GBs, it presents a moiré pattern characteristic and its energy gap is narrowed by about 38%. When h‐BN with GBs is deposited on Ni(111) and Cu(111) surfaces, the GBs containing B‐B pairs are attracted to the TM surface while the GBs with N‐N pairs(GBs‐N) parts are repelled from the surfaces. Interestingly, the calculated Schottky barriers (SBs) for electrons between the h‐BN layer and the TM surfaces almost disappear due to the existence of GB structures. Thus, our results predicted that h‐BN with GBs may form ohmic contact with TM surfaces, which can be used in real electric devices.
Letting Go: Conceptualizing Intervention De‐implementation in Public Health and Social Service Settings
Authors: McKay Virginia R. , Morshed Alexandra B. , Brownson Ross C. , Proctor Enola K. , Prusaczyk Beth
Published: July 2018

Highlights

Thinking through when to let go: theory for identifying interventions that may not add value.

Examples of interventions ideal for discontinuation in public health and social service settings.

De‐implementation of interventions in the context of dissemination and implementation science.
On the Mechanism of Gold/NHC Compounds Binding to DNA G‐Quadruplexes: Combined Metadynamics and Biophysical Methods
Authors: Wragg Darren , de Almeida Andreia , Bonsignore Riccardo , Kühn Fritz E. , Leoni Stefano , Casini Angela
Published: July 2018

The binding modes and free‐energy landscape of two AuI/N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes interacting with G‐quadruplexes, namely a human telomeric (hTelo) and a promoter sequence (C‐KIT1), are studied here for the first time by metadynamics. The theoretical results are validated by FRET DNA melting assays and provide an accurate estimate of the absolute gold complex/DNA binding free energy. This advanced in silico approach is valuable to achieve rational drug design of selective G4 binders.
Plastics of the Future? The Impact of Biodegradable Polymers on the Environment and on Society
Authors: Haider Tobias P. , Völker Carolin , Kramm Johanna , Landfester Katharina , Wurm Frederik R.
Published: July 2018

In recent years the littering of plastics and the problems related to their persistence in the environment have become a major focus in both research and the news. Biodegradable polymers like poly(lactic acid) are seen as a suitable alternative to commodity plastics. However, poly(lactic acid) is basically non‐degradable in seawater. Similarly, the degradation rate of other biodegradable polymers also crucially depends on the environments they end up in, such as soil or marine water, or when used in biomedical devices. In this Minireview, we show that biodegradation tests carried out in artificial environments lack transferability to real conditions and, therefore, highlight the necessity of environmentally authentic and relevant field‐testing conditions. In addition, we focus on ecotoxicological implications of biodegradable polymers. We also consider the social aspects and ask how biodegradable polymers influence consumer behavior and municipal waste management. Taken together, this study is intended as a contribution towards evaluating the potential of biodegradable polymers as alternative materials to commodity plastics.
Construction of three types of lanthanide complexes based on 3,4‐dimethylbenzoic acid and 5,5′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine: Syntheses, Structures, Thermodynamic properties, Luminescence, and Bacteriostatic activities
Authors: Zhu Min‐Min , Ren Ning , Zhang Jian‐Jun , Wang Da‐Qi
Published: July 2018

Three novel lanthanide complexes [Er (3,4‐DMBA)3(5,5′‐DM‐2,2′‐bipy)(H2O)] (1); [Tb2 (3,4‐DMBA)6(5,5′‐DM‐2,2′‐bipy)2(H2O)] (2); [Eu (3,4‐DMBA)3(3,4‐DMHBA)(5,5′‐DM‐2,2′‐bipy)]2 (3) (3,4‐DMHBA = 3,4‐dimethylbenzoic acid, 5,5′‐DM‐2,2′‐bipy =5,5′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) were successfully synthesized via conventional solution method at room temperature and structurally characterized by single crystal diffraction. The structures of the complexes 1–3 were confirmed on the basis of elemental analysis, coordination titration analysis, IR and XRD. The molecular structures of complexes 2 and 3 are very particular: complex 2 has two same central metal ions but each metal ion has different coordination environment; in structure of the complex 3, there are eight carboxylic acid ligands coordinated to the central metal ions, which have rarely been reported previously. The thermal decomposition mechanism of complexes 1–3 were investigated by the technology of simultaneous TG/DSC‐FTIR. The heat capacities of the complexes were recorded by means of DSC over the range of from 253.15 K to 345.15 K. The thermodynamic parameters, the smoothed values of heat capacities, enthalpy (HT‐H298.15K) and entropy (ST‐S298.15K) were also calculated. The bacteriostatic activities of the complexes were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. What's more, the luminescence properties of complexes 2 and 3 were discussed, and their fluorescence lifetimes as well as the quantum yield of the Eu (III) were measured. To elucidate the energy transfer process of complexes 2 and 3, the energy levels of the relevant electronic states have been estimated.
N‐Formylation of Amines with CO2 and H2 by Using NHC–Iridium Coordination Assemblies as Solid Molecular Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Jiaquan , Zhu Haibo , Tu Tao
Published: July 2018

One of the NHC–iridium coordination assemblies containing 1,5‐cyclooctadiene (COD) and iodide ion has been demonstrated as robust, efficient, recyclable solid molecular catalyst for N‐formylation of diverse primary and secondary amines with CO2 and H2 under mild reaction conditions. Remarkably, in the case of N,N‐dimethylformamide production, even at 0.1 mol % catalyst loading under solvent‐free conditions, the solid catalyst can be readily recovered by simply filtration and reused more than 10 runs without noticeable loss of activity.
Optimum Design of Fractional Order Pid Controller Using Chaotic Firefly Algorithms for a Control CSTR System
Authors: Alamdar Ravari Mahdieh , Yaghoobi Mahdi
Published: July 2018

A fractional‐order PID controller is a generalization of a standard PID controller using fractional calculus. Compared with the standard PID controller, two adjustable variables, “differential order” and “integral order”, are added to the PID controller. Fractional‐order PID is more flexible, has better responses, and the precise adjustment closed‐loop system stability region is larger than that of a classic PID controller. But the design and stability analysis is more complicated than for the PID controller. Therefore, the optimal setting of parameters is very important. A firefly algorithm in standard mode has only local optimization and accuracy is low. In order to fix this flaw an improved chaotic algorithm firefly is proposed for a design controller FOPID. To evaluate the performance of the proposed controller, it has been used in the control of a CSTR system with a variety of fitness functions. Simulations confirm the optimal performance of the proposed controller.
Stability and Stabilization of Fractional‐Order Systems with Different Derivative Orders: An LMI Approach
Authors: Badri Pouya , Sojoodi Mahdi
Published: July 2018

Stability and stabilization analysis of fractional‐order linear time‐invariant (FO‐LTI) systems with different derivative orders is studied in this paper. First, by using an appropriate linear matrix function, a single‐order equivalent system for the given different‐order system is introduced by which a new stability condition is obtained that is easier to check in practice than the conditions known up to now. Then the stabilization problem of fractional‐order linear systems with different fractional orders via a dynamic output feedback controller with a predetermined order is investigated, utilizing the proposed stability criterion. The proposed stability and stabilization theorems are applicable to FO‐LTI systems with different fractional orders in one or both of 0 < α < 1 and 1 ≤ α < 2 intervals. Finally, some numerical examples are presented to confirm the obtained analytical results.
Development of a new anti‐CD123 monoclonal antibody to target the human CD123 antigen as an acute myeloid leukemia cancer stem cell biomarker
Authors: Abdollahpour‐Alitappeh Meghdad , Razavi‐Vakhshourpour Sepand , Abolhassani Mohsen
Published: July 2018

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clonal hematologic malignancy arising from a small population of leukemic cells initiating the disease. CD123 is differentially expressed in AML blasts compared with normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The aim of this study was to develop specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against AML. Three BALB/c mice were immunized with the human CD123 antigen, and the immune spleen cells were fused with the SP2/0 myeloma cell line. Hybridomas were screened by indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the positive hybrids were cloned by limiting dilution. The mAb isotype was determined, ascitic fluids were produced, and antibodies were purified using Fast protein liquid chromatography (Sephacryl S‐200). The specificity of the hybridomas was examined by ELISA, cell‐based ELISA, and flow cytometry. After three rounds of cell cloning, four anti‐CD123 secreting hybridomas were obtained with the IgM isotype. Among them, one stable hybrid, designated sC1, exhibited the higher ability to recognize the CD123 antigen, as compared with the other hybridomas. Our results showed that sC1 has the ability to bind specifically to the CD123 antigen (41.36%) on the cell surface. The anti‐CD123 mAb produced in this study may be useful for the development of both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes for AML.
Isolation and characterization of a novel nicotinophilic bacterium, Arthrobacter sp. aRF‐1 and its metabolic pathway
Authors: Ruan Aidong , Gao Yuan , Fang Chao , Xu Yaofei
Published: July 2018

Nicotine is a potent parasympathomimetic stimulant and an important natural alkaloid mainly found in the Nicotiana genus of plants. It can directly threaten ecological security and human health in tobacco waste, wastewater, and other forms of tobacco production. Therefore, it is the basis of nicotine pollution prevention and of great application value to explore efficient and a wide range of nicotinophilic bacteria for tobacco industry and environmental protection. In this study, one nicotinophilic bacterium was isolated from the soil, which accumulated tobacco waste over 50 years at a Hefei cigarette factory. The strain was named aRF‐1, which was identified as Arthrobacter sp. by analysis. The nicotine degradation tests showed that the optimum temperature for cell growth and metabolism of nicotine of Arthrobacter sp. aRF‐1 was 30 °C, and the optimum initial pH value was about 7.0. Under the optimum experimented conditions, it can tolerance nicotine concentration as high as 8 g·L−1. The highest removal rate of nicotine was 93.8% in 72 H in nonsterilization contaminated soil by Arthrobacter sp. aRF‐1. LC‐MS/MS was used to analyze the nicotine metabolic intermediates of strain Arthrobacter sp. aRF‐1. A total of nine major metabolites that were detected were able to metabolize nicotine along a variant pathway of pyridine and pyrrolidine, and there may be more than two nicotine metabolic pathways for Arthrobacter sp. aRF‐1 through the analysis of the main intermediate products.
Meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy in diagnosing axillary lymph node metastasis
Authors: Balasubramanian I , Fleming C A , Corrigan M A , Redmond H P , Kerin M J , Lowery A J
Published: July 2018

Background

Axillary lymph node status remains a significant prognostic indicator in breast cancer. Here, the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA) and ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (US-CNB) in axillary staging was compared.

Methods

A comprehensive search was undertaken of all published studies comparing the diagnostic accuracy of US-CNB and US-FNA of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer. Studies were included if raw data were available on the diagnostic performance of both US-FNA and US-CNB, and compared with final histology results. Relevant data were extracted from each study for systematic review. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of US-FNA and US-CNB were obtained using a bivariable model. Summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) graphs were created to confirm diagnostic accuracy.

Results

Data on a total of 1353 patients from six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. US-CNB was superior to US-FNA in diagnosing axillary nodal metastases: sensitivity 88 (95 per cent c.i. 84 to 91) versus 74 (70 to 78) per cent respectively. Both US-CNB and US-FNA had a high specificity of 100 per cent. Reported complication rates were significantly higher for US-CNB compared with US-FNA (7·1 versus 1·3 per cent; P < 0·001). Conversely, the requirement for repeat diagnostic procedures was significantly greater for US-FNA (4·0 versus 0·5 per cent; P < 0·001).

Conclusion

US-CNB is a superior diagnostic technique to US-FNA for axillary staging in breast cancer.
Complementarity patterns in cognitive therapy for major depressive disorder
Authors: Thompson Katherine , Schwartzman Deborah , D'Iuso Debora , Dobson Keith S. , Drapeau Martin
Published: July 2018

Background

Interpersonal theories suggest that cohesion between two individuals can be described by the degree to which they communicate harmoniously or, the complementarity, of their interactions (Gurtman, 2001; Kiesler, 1996). Friendly complementarity within therapy dyads is linked to both alliance and treatment outcome (Kiesler & Watkins, 1989; von der Lippe, Monsen, Rønnestad & Eilertsen, 2008; Samstag et al., 2008; Tracey, Sherry & Albright, 1999).

Aim

The purpose of this study was to identify complementarity patterns that may help or hinder the effectiveness of cognitive therapy (CT) for depression.

Method

The Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (Benjamin, 1974) was used to code CT sessions for individuals with depression. Dyads (N = 16) were divided into high‐ and low‐change groups. Lag Sequential Analysis (Sackett, 1979) was used to analyse first order sequences in client and therapist interpersonal behaviour.

Findings

As expected, complementarity was better among high‐change dyads for affiliative behaviour. Low‐change dyads demonstrated stronger patterns of complementarity along the autonomy axis.

Conclusion

This preliminary investigation illustrates different communication patterns among high‐ and low‐change dyads. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.
Bcl6 knockdown aggravates hypoxia injury in cardiomyocytes via the P38 pathway
Authors: Gu Yang , Luo Man , Li Yong , Su Zhongping , Wang Yaqing , Chen Xiru , Zhang Siqi , Sun Wei , Kong Xiangqing
Published: July 2018

B‐cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl6) functions as a sequence‐specific transcriptional repressor and negative regulator of many signaling proteins. The effects of Bcl6 on cardiomyocyte injury are not clear. This study was designed to determine whether Bcl6 affects hypoxia‐induced cardiomyocyte injury and, if so, to identify the underlying mechanism. To meet this aim, cardiomyocytes were exposed to hypoxia and Bcl6 siRNA was used to silence Bcl6 in cardiomyocytes. Bcl6 knockdown under physiological conditions caused increased oxidative stress, apoptosis, and expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Increased inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were observed after cells were exposed to hypoxia for 24 h. Bcl6 knockdown aggravated cardiomyocyte injury when exposed to hypoxia. Bcl6 knockdown increased P38 activation without affecting JNK and ERK phosphorylation levels. Treatment with a P38 inhibitor reversed the Bcl6 silencing‐induced deteriorating phenotype, as evidenced by reduced inflammatory response, improved oxidative stress response, and increased cell viability. The results indicate that Bcl6 knockdown causes cardiomyocyte injury at baseline conditions and aggravates cardiomyocyte hypoxia injury via activating the P38 pathway.
An Organotin Vanadate with Sodalite Topology and Catalytic Versatility in Oxidative Transformations
Authors: Gomes Ana C. , Antunes Margarida M. , Abrantes Marta , Valente Anabela A. , Paz Filipe A. Almeida , Gonçalves Isabel S. , Pillinger Martyn
Published: July 2018

The new coordination polymer formulated as [Et3SnVO3] (1) has been synthesized and shown by a combined single‐crystal and synchrotron powder X‐ray diffraction structural analysis, supported by solid‐state NMR, to possess a three‐dimensional network structure with the sodalite topology, formed by tetravanadate polyanions, [V4O12]4−, that are linked by Et3Sn+spacers. The catalytic versatility of compound1for liquid phase organic reactions was demonstrated by applying it for the epoxidation of olefins, the oxidative dehydrogenation of alcohols, and the oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and benzoic acid, usingtert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant. Compound1acts a solid reservoir for soluble, catalytically active species, which promote high selectivities to the epoxide and carbonyl (aldehyde/ketone/acid) products. The epoxidation activity compares favorably with those reported for other organotin molybdate, tungstate and vanadate coordination polymers, and is superior to that displayed by the starting materials used for its synthesis (Et3SnBr and NH4VO3) and the metavanadate NBu4VO3.
Copper‐(II) Catalyzed N‐Formylation and N‐Acylation of Aromatic, Aliphatic, and Heterocyclic Amines and a Preventive Study in the C‐N Cross Coupling of Amines with Aryl Halides
Authors: Sonawane Rahul B. , Rasal Nishant K. , Bhange Dattatraya S. , Jagtap Sangeeta V.
Published: July 2018

A Cu‐(II) catalyzed N‐formylation and N‐acylation of amines with moderate to excellent yields, using N, N‐dimethyl formamide (DMF) and N, N‐dimethyl acetamide (DMA) as a formyl and acylating sources in the presence of 1,2,4‐triazole is reported. This novel, highly efficient and simple protocol shows broad substrate scope for aliphatic, aromatic, and heterocyclic amines. In addition, the conditions to prevent N‐formylation and N‐acylation impurities in the C−N cross coupling of amines and aryl halides are described typically when DMF and DMA are used as solvents, with various catalysts, ligands, and bases.
Synthesis of Industrial Primary Diamines via Intermediate Diols – Combining Hydroformylation, Hydrogenation and Amination
Authors: Fuchs Sarah , Lichte Dominik , Jolmes Tristan , Rösler Thorsten , Meier Gregor , Strutz Heinz , Behr Arno , J.Vorholt Andreas
Published: July 2018

A homogenous transition metal catalysis that combines hydroformylation, hydrogenation and direct amination presents an elegant multi‐step pathway for synthesising primary diamines from olefins and ammonia. The valuable intermediate TCD‐diamine is obtained, which has a wide range of industrial applications as a monomer building block. The rhodium‐catalysed hydrohydroxymethylation step converts non‐conjugated dienes to the intermediate diols. Ammonia is added in a second ruthenium‐catalysed amination step to obtain primary diamines. The conditions for both reactions were first optimised independently and combined to design a tandem reaction. For the amination reaction of the diol, excellent diamine yields of up to 88 % in toluene were achieved. An analysis of the interactions between the two catalytic systems demonstrated that the conditions of both single reaction steps counteract each other, meaning the presence of either rhodium or ruthenium blocks the other respective reaction. Using a two‐step approach, optimised reaction conditions were applied to achieve equally high diamine yields of 88 %.
Spectroscopy and Photodissociation of the Perfluorooctanoate Anion
Authors: Douix Suzie , Dossmann Héloïse , Nicol Edith , Duflot Denis , Giuliani Alexandre
Published: July 2018

Perfluorocarbons, a class of fully fluorinated compounds, are highly persistent and toxic pollutants that are receiving increasing attention due to their widespread environmental distribution. In this study, attention was focused on one compound in particular, namely, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The first investigation of the UV/VUV photochemistry of the PFOA anion in the gas phase by action spectroscopy of selected ions is reported. Two main relaxation channels were identified: photodissociation and photodetachment. Absolute cross sections for the individual observed processes were measured. DFT calculations and natural transition orbital analysis were carried out to help in the interpretation of the experimental results.
In vitro phase I metabolism of three phenethylamines 25D‐NBOMe, 25E‐NBOMe and 25N‐NBOMe using microsomal and microbial models
Authors: Grafinger Katharina Elisabeth , Stahl Katja , Wilke Andreas , König Stefan , Weinmann Wolfgang
Published: July 2018

Numerous 2,5‐dimethoxy‐N‐benzylphenethylamines (NBOMe), carrying a variety of lipophilic substituents at the 4‐position, are potent agonists at 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5HT2A) receptors and show hallucinogenic effects. The present study investigated the metabolism of 25D‐NBOMe, 25E‐NBOMe, and 25N‐NBOMe using the microsomal model of pooled human liver microsomes (pHLM) and the microbial model of the fungi Cunninghamella elegans (C. elegans). Identification of metabolites was performed using liquid chromatography–high resolution–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–HR–MS/MS) with a quadrupole time‐of‐flight (QqToF) instrument. In total, 36 25D‐NBOMe phase I metabolites, 26 25E‐NBOMe phase I metabolites and 24 25N‐NBOMe phase I metabolites were detected and identified in pHLM. Furthermore, 14 metabolites of 25D‐NBOMe, 11 25E‐NBOMe metabolites, and nine 25N‐NBOMe metabolites could be found in C. elegans. The main biotransformation steps observed were oxidative deamination, oxidative N‐dealkylation also in combination with hydroxylation, oxidative O‐demethylation possibly combined with hydroxylation, oxidation of secondary alcohols, mono‐ and dihydroxylation, oxidation of primary alcohols, and carboxylation of primary alcohols. Additionally, oxidative di‐O‐demethylation for 25E‐NBOMe and reduction of the aromatic nitro group and N‐acetylation of the primary aromatic amine for 25N‐NBOMe took place. The resulting 25N‐NBOMe metabolites were unique for NBOMe compounds. For all NBOMes investigated, the corresponding 2,5‐dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C‐X) metabolite was detected. This study reports for the first time 25X‐NBOMe N‐oxide metabolites and hydroxylamine metabolites, which were identified for 25D‐NBOMe and 25N‐NBOMe and all three investigated NBOMes, respectively. C. elegans was capable of generating all main biotransformation steps observed in pHLM and might therefore be an interesting model for further studies of new psychoactive substances (NPS) metabolism.
Polyvinyl Alcohol/Polypyrrole/Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanocomposite as Highly Selective Chemiresistor Sensor for 2,4‐DNT Vapor Recognition
Authors: Koudehi Masoumeh Foroutan , Pourmortazavi Seied Mahdi
Published: July 2018

In this research, a chemiresistor sensor coated with the polyvinyl alcohol/polypyrrole/molecularly imprinted polymer (PVA/PPy/MIP) nanocomposite was designed and fabricated to detect the vapor of 2,4‐DNT as a nitroaromatic explosive material. The molecularly imprinted polymer was composed of molecular nanoparticles containing cavities compatible with DNT; while, the nanoparticles were synthesized using PVA and glutaraldehyde as functionalized polymer and cross‐linking agent, respectively. Composition and chemical properties of the synthesized MIP and PPy nanoparticles were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Results indicated that the nanoparticles of polypyrrole and the synthesized MIP have an average particle sizes of 56 nm and 45 nm, respectively. Afterwards, sensor surface was coated by a thin layer of nanocomposite composed of PVA, the PPy and MIP nanoparticles. The prepared sensors were calibrated and performance‐tested in a static setup. The developed sensor was used to measure different concentrations (0.1–150 ppm) of the explosive vapor. The coated sensor presented a linear range of response within the concentration range of 0.1–70 ppm. Also, selectivity tests were carried out in the presence of DNT and vapor of other organic matters and the results indicated that the designed sensor possesses high sensitivity and selectivity toward DNT.
Voltammetric Sensor with Replaceable Polyaniline‐DNA Layer for Doxorubicin Determination
Authors: Kulikova T. N. , Porfireva A. V. , Shamagsumova R. V. , Evtugyn G. A.
Published: July 2018

New voltammetric DNA sensor has been developed on the base of glassy carbon electrode covered with electropolymerized polyaniline with entrapped native DNA saturated with Methylene blue. The thickness and redox properties of the coating are easily regulated by the number of potential cycles and pH of the solution. Doxorubicin competes with Methylene blue for DNA binding sites and suppresses the electron transfer within the layer. The measurement of the decay of the cathodic peak current made it possible to determine down to 0.01 nM doxorubicin. After that, DNA can be replaced by consecutive treatment of the biosensor with concentrated HCl and fresh DNA solution. Second involvement of DNA was confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The DNA sensor developed was tested on artificial samples mimicking ionic content of human serum and on commercial drug formulation containing doxorubicin.
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle‐to‐Grid: Experimental Feasibility and Operational Performance as Balancing Power Plant
Authors: Oldenbroek V. , Hamoen V. , Alva S. , Robledo C. B. , Verhoef L. A. , van Wijk A. J. M.
Published: July 2018

The world's future energy supply will include intermittent renewable sources, such as solar and wind power. To guarantee reliability of supply, fast‐reacting, dispatchable and renewable back‐up power plants are required. One promising alternative is parked and grid‐connected hydrogen‐powered fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in “Vehicle‐to‐Grid“ systems. We modified a commercial FCEV and installed an external 9.5 kW three‐phase alternating current (AC) grid connection. Our experimental verification of this set‐up shows that FCEVs can be used for mobility as well as generating power when parked. Our experimental results demonstrate that present‐day grid‐connected FCEVs can respond to high load gradients in the range of –760 % s−1 to + 730 % s−1, due to the parallel connection of the high voltage battery and the fuel cell stack. Virtual power plants composed of multiple grid‐connected FCEVs could perform higher power gradients than existing fast‐reacting thermal power plants with typical power gradients of 1.67 % s−1. Hydrogen consumption in 9.5 kW AC grid‐connected mode was 0.55 kg h−1, resulting in a Tank‐To‐Grid‐AC efficiency of 43% on a higher heating value basis (51 % on a lower heating value basis). Direct current to alternating current efficiency was 95 %.
Jump risk and option liquidity in an incomplete market
Authors: Hsieh PeiLin , Zhang QinQin , Wang Yajun
Published: July 2018

This study investigates the effect of a jump risk on options’ bid–ask implied volatility (IMV) spreads. We introduce theoretical models assuming market makers encounter a Bernoulli‐type jump atnd optimize the mean‐variance utility by choosing the optimal hedging delta and price. We find, at a low jump arrival rate, the Black–Scholes–Merton dynamic hedging for diffusion volatility outperforms static hedging for both diffusion and jump risks. If dynamic hedging is implemented, the jump components nonlinearly affect bid–ask spreads. Our regression supports our theoretical conclusions, and for model‐free IMV, jump risk factors are characterized by t statistics above 7 with adjusted above 70%.
Ambiguity preferences for health
Authors: Attema Arthur E. , Bleichrodt Han , L'Haridon Olivier
Published: July 2018

In most medical decisions, probabilities are ambiguous and not objectively known. Empirical evidence suggests that people's preferences are affected by ambiguity. Health economic analyses generally ignore ambiguity preferences and assume that they are the same as preferences under risk. We show how health preferences can be measured under ambiguity, and we compare them with health preferences under risk. We assume a general ambiguity model that includes many of the ambiguity models that have been proposed in the literature. For health gains, ambiguity preferences and risk preferences were indeed the same. For health losses, they differed with subjects being more pessimistic in decision under ambiguity. Utility and loss aversion were the same for risk and ambiguity. Our results imply that reducing the clinical ambiguity of health losses has more impact than reducing the ambiguity of health gains, that utilities elicited with known probabilities may not carry over to an ambiguous setting, and that ambiguity aversion may impact value of information analyses if losses are involved. These findings are highly relevant for medical decision making, because most medical interventions involve losses.
miR‐134 targets PDCD7 to reduce E‐cadherin expression and enhance oral cancer progression
Authors: Peng Shih‐Yuan , Tu Hsi‐Feng , Yang Cheng‐Chieh , Wu Cheng‐Hsien , Liu Chung‐Ji , Chang Kuo‐Wei , Lin Shu‐Chun
Published: July 2018

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy worldwide. This study clarified the oncogenic role of miR‐134 in OSCC. Reporter assays, using both wild‐type and mutant constructs, confirmed that Programmed Cell Death 7 (PDCD7) gene was a potential target of miR‐134. The OSCC cells exogenously expressed miR‐134 exhibited reduced PDCD7 expression. As expected, exogenous miRZip‐134 expression increased PDCD7 expression in the OSCC cells; additionally, PDCD7 expression suppressed the oncogenicity of the OSCC cells. By contrast, PDCD7 knockout through gene editing increased in vitro oncogenicity and neck nodal metastasis in mice, and reduced E‐cadherin (E‐cad) expression. PDCD7 transactivated E‐cad expression via the GC‐box in the promoter. Moreover, miR‐134‐associated cellular transformation and E‐cad downregulation was attenuated by PDCD7. Downregulation of both PDCD7 and E‐cad and high levels miR‐134 expression was observed in OSCC tumor tissues. Activation of the miR‐134‐PDCD7‐E‐cad pathogenesis cascade occurred early during the human and murine oral carcinogenesis process. In conclusion, the oncogenic effect of miR‐134 in oral carcinoma is mediated by reducing PDCD7 and E‐cad expression.
Circulating isoflavone and lignan concentrations and prostate cancer risk: a meta‐analysis of individual participant data from seven prospective studies including 2,828 cases and 5,593 controls
Authors: Perez‐Cornago Aurora , Appleby Paul N. , Boeing Heiner , Gil Leire , Kyrø Cecilie , Ricceri Fulvio , Murphy Neil , Trichopoulou Antonia , Tsilidis Konstantinos K. , Khaw Kay‐Tee , Luben Robert N. , Gislefoss Randi E , Langseth Hilde , Drake Isabel , Sonestedt Emily , Wallström Peter , Stattin Pär , Johansson Anders , Landberg Rikard , Nilsson Lena Maria , Ozasa Kotaro , Tamakoshi Akiko , Mikami Kazuya , Kubo Tatsuhiko , Sawada Norie , Tsugane Shoichiro , Key Timothy J. , Allen Naomi E. , Travis Ruth C.
Published: July 2018

Phytoestrogens may influence prostate cancer development. This study aimed to examine the association between prediagnostic circulating concentrations of isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, equol) and lignans (enterolactone and enterodiol) and the risk of prostate cancer. Individual participant data were available from seven prospective studies (two studies from Japan with 241 cases and 503 controls and five studies from Europe with 2,828 cases and 5,593 controls). Because of the large difference in circulating isoflavone concentrations between Japan and Europe, analyses of the associations of isoflavone concentrations and prostate cancer risk were evaluated separately. Prostate cancer risk by study‐specific fourths of circulating concentrations of each phytoestrogen was estimated using multivariable‐adjusted conditional logistic regression. In men from Japan, those with high compared to low circulating equol concentrations had a lower risk of prostate cancer (multivariable‐adjusted OR for upper quartile [Q4] vs. Q1 = 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.39–0.97), although there was no significant trend (OR per 75 percentile increase = 0.69, 95 CI = 0.46–1.05, ptrend = 0.085); Genistein and daidzein concentrations were not significantly associated with risk (ORs for Q4 vs. Q1 = 0.70, 0.45–1.10 and 0.71, 0.45–1.12, respectively). In men from Europe, circulating concentrations of genistein, daidzein and equol were not associated with risk. Circulating lignan concentrations were not associated with the risk of prostate cancer, overall or by disease aggressiveness or time to diagnosis. There was no strong evidence that prediagnostic circulating concentrations of isoflavones or lignans are associated with prostate cancer risk, although further research is warranted in populations where isoflavone intakes are high.
Fountain of youth for squamous cell carcinomas? On the epigenetic age of non‐small cell lung cancer and corresponding tumor‐free lung tissues
Authors: Marwitz Sebastian , Heinbockel Lena , Scheufele Swetlana , Kugler Christian , Reck Martin , Rabe Klaus F. , Perner Sven , Goldmann Torsten , Ammerpohl Ole
Published: July 2018

Aging affects the core processes of almost every organism, and the functional decline at the cellular and tissue levels influences disease development. Recently, it was shown that the methylation of certain CpG dinucleotides correlates with chronological age and that this epigenetic clock can be applied to study aging‐related effects. We investigated these molecular age loci in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues from patients with adenocarcinomas (AC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SQC) as well as in matched tumor‐free lung tissue. In both NSCLC subtypes, the calculated epigenetic age did not correlate with the chronological age. In particular, SQC exhibited rejuvenation compared to the corresponding normal lung tissue as well as with the chronological age of the donor. Moreover, the younger epigenetic pattern was associated with a trend toward stem cell‐like gene expression patterns. These findings show deep phenotypic differences between the tumor entities AC and SQC, which might be useful for novel therapeutic and diagnostic approaches.
Alcohol consumption and risk of multiple myeloma in the NIH‐AARP Diet and Health Study
Authors: Santo Loredana , Liao Linda M. , Andreotti Gabriella , Purdue Mark P. , Hofmann Jonathan N.
Published: July 2018

The epidemiologic evidence regarding the relationship between alcohol consumption and multiple myeloma (MM) risk remains limited and inconsistent, although recent studies suggest a potential protective effect. We prospectively investigated the risk of MM in relation to alcohol consumption frequency among 499,292 participants enrolled in the National Institutes of Health (NIH)‐AARP Diet and Health Study in 1995–1996. A total of 1,312 MM cases were identified during follow‐up through December 2011. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for categories of alcohol consumption relative to those defined as light drinkers (<1 drink/week) were estimated using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. Overall, increasing frequency of alcohol consumption was inversely associated with MM (p‐trend = 0.01), with a statistically significant association among those who consumed 2 drinks per day (HR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.98); similar but not statistically significant associations were observed for greater frequency of alcohol consumption. Among women, risk of MM was reduced among those who consumed less than one drink per day (HR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.97) and associations with greater frequency of alcohol consumption were inverse although not statistically significant. The findings of this large prospective investigation suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with reduced future risk of MM.
Virtualization of government‐to‐citizen engagement process: Enablers and constraints
Authors: Ofoeda Joshua , Boateng Richard , Asmah Alexander
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that constrain or enable process virtualization in a government‐to‐citizen engagement process. Past research has established that most e‐government projects, especially in developing countries, are regarded as total failure or partial failure. Citizens' unwillingness to use government electronic services and lack of awareness are among some of the reasons why these electronic services fail. Using the process virtualization theory (PVT) as theoretical lens, the authors investigated the various activities within the driver license acquisition process at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority. The PVT helped in identifying factors which enable or inhibit the virtualization of the driver license acquisition process in Ghana. Based on a survey data of 317 participants, we report that process characteristics in the form of relationship requirements affect citizens' willingness toward the use of government virtualized processes. Situating the PVT within a developing country context, our findings reveal that some cultural and behavioral attributes such as socialization hinder the virtualization of some activities within the driver licensing process.
Teaching behavior technicians to create publication‐quality, single‐case design graphs in graphpad prism 7
Authors: Mitteer Daniel R. , Greer Brian D. , Fisher Wayne W. , Cohrs Victoria L.
Published: July 2018

In this investigation, we (a) define the desirable features of publication‐quality, single‐case design graphs based on recommendations in the scholarly literature, (b) suggest GraphPad Prism as a suitable graphing program for creating graphs with those features, and (c) develop and validate a video‐modeling tutorial designed to train behavior technicians to create such graphs. Our review identified nine commonly recommended features, and Prism facilitated the creation of graphs with those features. We evaluated the effects of a video‐modeling tutorial on graphing performance in Prism using a multiple‐baseline design. All four technicians showed mastery‐level graphing accuracy with accompanying increases in efficiency following training, which maintained at follow‐up without direct feedback from an expert behavior analyst. Social‐validity measures found the posttraining graphs to be significantly better than publication quality. We discuss these findings relative to challenges of developing efficient and effective staff‐training tutorials.
Lipase‐catalyzed hydrolysis of (+,‐)‐2‐(4‐methylphenyl) propionic methyl ester enhanced by hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Liu Guangyong , Zhang Panliang , Xu Weifeng , Wang Lujun , Tang Kewen
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Enzymatic kinetic resolution is an attractive technology for production of enantiomerically pure compounds. The objective of this research is to investigate the enantioselective hydrolysis of (+,‐)‐2‐(4‐methylphenyl) propionic methyl ester (2‐(4‐MP)PPAME) to (+)‐2‐(4‐methylphenyl) propionic acid ((+)‐2‐(4‐MP)PPA) catalyzed by enzyme in an aqueous medium.

RESULTS

Lipase AY from candida rugosa (CRL) was screened as the best lipase. Novozym 435 IM and lipopan S BG show higher catalytic activity but the enantioselectivity is very low. By addition of hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) to the aqueous system, an increased substrate conversion of 45.28% was obtained, the high enantiomeric excess remaining compared with the conversion of 28.05% without HP‐β‐CD. Response surface methodology and central composite design were employed to model and optimize the reaction system.

CONCLUSION

Under the optimal conditions including pH of 6.60, 12.5 mg mL−1 enzyme, 35 mmol L−1 HP‐β‐CD, 0.06 mmol substrate, temperature 39°C, agitation speed 400 rpm and 40 h reaction time, the substrate conversion was up to 40.32% and the optical purity of the product (+)‐2‐(4‐methylphenyl) propionic acid was up to 95.22%. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Incubation temperature induced phenotypic plasticity in oviparous reptiles: Where to next?
Authors: Booth David T.
Published: July 2018

It is now undisputable that incubation temperature induces different phenotypes (sex, body size, body shape, behavior, and locomotion performance) in many if not most oviparous reptiles. These incubation temperature induced differences in phenotype are assumed to result in differential fitness among hatchlings and therefore to play an important role in recruitment of hatchlings and persistence of reptile populations. However, the role of incubation temperature induced differences in hatchling phenotypes in determining hatchling fitness is still under explored and needs more empirical study. This information is especially needed when making predictions on how climate change and its associated nest warming may affect long term persistence of oviparous reptile populations. Curiously, the ontogenetic and physiological mechanisms responsible for incubation temperature induced differences in hatchling reptile locomotion performance are still unknown. In this article, I review the literature on incubation temperature induced differences in hatchling locomotion performance and summarize what is known about this phenomenon and its influence on hatchling fitness. I discuss how the anticipated detrimental effects on hatchling locomotion performance caused by increased nest temperature associated with climate warming could be ameliorated. I also explore the most likely physiological mechanisms underlying incubation temperature induced differences in hatchling locomotion performance and how these mechanisms might be induced. Finally, I highlight current knowledge gaps in our understanding of incubation temperature induced phenotypic plasticity and suggest directions for future research.