bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methylacrylat [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2017]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: May 2017

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) of 5 ml/m
3
for methyl acrylate [96‐33‐3] considering the endpoints local and developmental toxicity as well as genotoxicity. Available publications and unpublished study reports are described in detail. The critical effect in a two‐year inhalation study with rats was reserve cell hyperplasia with loss of ciliated and olfactory cells in the transitional nasal epithelium at the lowest concentration of 15 ml/m
3
. In a two‐generation reproduction toxicity study with a NOAEC of 5 ml/m
3
, degeneration with regeneration of the olfactory epithelium, hyperplasia of the transitional epithelium as well as hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the goblet cells were observed. A lower confidence limit of the benchmark dose for an extra risk of 5% increase of the critical effect incidence (BMDL
05
) of 6.8 ml/m
3
as a substitute for a NOAEC was calculated from the data of the two‐year inhalation study. Since 2014, the Commission uses an empirical approach to set MAK values for substances with critical effects on the upper respiratory tract or the eyes. According to this approach, the MAK value for methyl acrylate has been lowered to 2 ml/m
3
. As local effects are critical, the assignment to Peak Limitation Category I and the excursion factor of 2 are confirmed, in analogy to ethyl acrylate. The NOAECs for developmental toxicity in rats and rabbits are sufficiently high so that damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely when the MAK value is not exceeded. Thus, methyl acrylate is classified in Pregnancy Risk Group C. The substance is clastogenic in vitro but not in vivo and was not carcinogenic in a 2‐year inhalation study in rats. There are only a few cases of contact sensitization in humans but there is a positive result in a local lymph node assay. Data on airway sensitization are still not available. Methyl acrylate remains designated with “Sh”. Skin absorption was calculated to contribute significantly to the systemic toxicity and methyl acrylate is designated with an “H”.
InfraredLIDARApplications in Atmospheric Monitoring
Authors: Orr Brian J.
Published: May 2017

The acronym LIDAR stands for LIght Detection And Ranging, an optical analog of RADAR (RAdio Detection And Ranging). The conventional version of LIDAR requires a laser transmitter to launch short pulses of coherent light, which are scattered from atmospheric targets of interest back to an optical receiver, with a time delay that is determined by the range of the target. Optical phenomena in the Earth's atmosphere (e.g. Rayleigh scattering, Raman scattering, Mie scattering, refraction, and resonant absorption) contribute to the amplitude of optical signals returning to the receiver and their characteristic wavelength dependence allows us to measure the concentration and velocity distributions of different atmospheric molecules and aerosol particles. LIDAR backscattering in the infrared (IR) region, on which this article concentrates, is well suited to detecting aerosols (as in clouds or industrial particulate emissions). IR DIAL (DIfferential Absorption Lidar), a variant in which two or more wavelengths are used simultaneously to separate resonant molecular signals from background, enables many molecular species to be monitored by means of their IR absorption spectra. Closely related approaches comprise long‐path IR laser absorption and IPDA (Integrated Path Differential Absorption), with retroreflection from a topographic target (e.g. a strategically located mirror or a hard target, such as the ground in air‐borne applications); these approaches sacrifice optical range information but gain sensitivity because they integrate over all molecules in the optical column between the transmitter/receiver and the reflector or hard target. All of these techniques are vitally dependent on pulsed IR laser technology.
Optimization of the dosimetric leaf gap for use in planning VMAT treatments of spine SABR cases
Authors: Middlebrook Nigel D , Sutherland Bess , Kairn Tanya
Published: June 2017

The dosimetric leaf gap (DLG) is a beam configuration parameter used in the Varian Eclipse treatment planning system, to model the effects of rounded MLC leaf ends. Measuring the DLG using the conventional sliding‐slit technique has been shown to be produce questionable results for some volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatments. This study therefore investigated the use of radiochromic film measurements to optimize the DLG specifically for the purpose of producing accurate VMAT plans using a flattening‐filter‐free (FFF) beam, for use in treating vertebral targets using a stereotactic (SABR, also known as SBRT) fractionation schedule. Four test treatments were planned using a VMAT technique, to deliver a prescription of 24 Gy in 3 fractions to four different spine SABR treatment sites. Measurements of the doses delivered by these treatments were acquired using an ionization chamber and radiographic film. These measurements were compared with the doses calculated by the treatment planning system using a range of DLG values, including a DLG identified using the conventional sliding‐slit method (1.1 mm). An optimal DLG value was identified, as the value that produced the closest agreement between the planned and measured doses (1.9 mm). The accuracy of the dose calculations produced using the optimized DLG value was verified using additional radiochromic film measurements in a heterogeneous phantom. This study provided a specific initial DLG (1.9 mm) as well as a film‐based optimization method, which may be used by radiotherapy centers when attempting to commission or improve an FFF VMAT‐based SABR treatment programme.
Gas Selective Ultrathin Organic Covalent Networks Synthesized by iPECVD: Does the Central Metal Ion Matter?
Authors: Wang Minghui , Boscher Nicolas D. , Heinze Katja , Gleason Karen K.
Published: May 2017

The potential of porphyrin‐derived metal organic covalent networks (OCN) thin films on light gas separations has been recently demonstrated. However, whether or not the central metal ion of the porphyrin plays a key role on separation performance has yet to be elucidated. Here, one metal‐free and three metal‐containing (zinc(II), manganese(III), and cobalt(II)) porphyrin‐derived OCN thin films are successfully deposited on various substrates via an easily scalable initiated plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition approach. Among these four porphyrin‐derived OCN thin films exhibiting superior light gas separation performances, three of them are synthesized for the first time. The gas permeation properties of these four OCN thin films suggest that the central metal ions neither significantly alter the packing structure of resulting OCN thin films, nor introduce facilitated transport phenomena favoring oxygen transmission. This observation is further validated by density functional theory calculations. Additional aging tests are also carried out to evaluate the physical aging behavior of the OCN thin films.
Crystallization Kinetics and Morphology Control of Formamidinium–Cesium Mixed‐Cation Lead Mixed‐Halide Perovskite via Tunability of the Colloidal Precursor Solution
Authors: McMeekin David P. , Wang Zhiping , Rehman Waqaas , Pulvirenti Federico , Patel Jay B. , Noel Nakita K. , Johnston Michael B. , Marder Seth R. , Herz Laura M. , Snaith Henry J.
Published: May 2017

The meteoric rise of the field of perovskite solar cells has been fueled by the ease with which a wide range of high‐quality materials can be fabricated via simple solution processing methods. However, to date, little effort has been devoted to understanding the precursor solutions, and the role of additives such as hydrohalic acids upon film crystallization and final optoelectronic quality. Here, a direct link between the colloids concentration present in the [HC(NH2)2]0.83Cs0.17Pb(Br0.2I0.8)3 precursor solution and the nucleation and growth stages of the thin film formation is established. Using dynamic light scattering analysis, the dissolution of colloids over a time span triggered by the addition of hydrohalic acids is monitored. These colloids appear to provide nucleation sites for the perovskite crystallization, which critically impacts morphology, crystal quality, and optoelectronic properties. Via 2D X‐ray diffraction, highly ordered and textured crystals for films prepared from solutions with lower colloidal concentrations are observed. This increase in material quality allows for a reduction in microstrain along with a twofold increase in charge‐carrier mobilities leading to values exceeding 20 cm2 V−1 s−1. Using a solution with an optimized colloidal concentration, devices that reach current–voltage measured power conversion efficiency of 18.8% and stabilized efficiency of 17.9% are fabricated.
High‐Contrast Fluorescence Detection of Metastatic Breast Cancer Including Bone and Liver Micrometastases via Size‐Controlled pH‐Activatable Water‐Soluble Probes
Authors: Xiong Hu , Zuo Hao , Yan Yunfeng , Occhialini Gino , Zhou Kejin , Wan Yihong , Siegwart Daniel J.
Published: May 2017

Breast cancer metastasis is the major cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Early detection would save many lives, but current fluorescence imaging probes are limited in their detection ability, particularly of bone and liver micrometastases. Herein, probes that are capable of imaging tiny (<1 mm) micrometastases in the liver, lung, pancreas, kidneys, and bone, that have disseminated from the primary site, are reported. The influence of the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chain length on the performance of water‐soluble, pH‐responsive, near‐infrared 4,4′‐diﬂuoro‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene (BODIPY) probes is systematically investigated to demonstrate that PEG tuning can provide control over micrometastasis tracking with high tumor‐to‐background contrast (up to 12/1). Optimized probes can effectively visualize tumor boundaries and successfully detect micrometastases with diameters <1 mm. The bone‐metastasis‐targeting ability of these probes is further enhanced by covalent functionalization with bisphosphonate. This improved detection of both bone and liver micrometastases (<2 mm) with excellent tumor‐to‐normal contrast (5.2/1). A versatile method is thus introduced to directly synthesize modular water‐soluble probes with broad potential utility. Through a single intravenous injection, these materials can image micrometastases in multiple organs with spatiotemporal resolution. They thus hold promise for metastasis diagnosis, image‐guided surgery, and theranostic PEGylated drug therapies.
Graphene and Related Materials for Resistive Random Access Memories
Authors: Hui Fei , Grustan‐Gutierrez Enric , Long Shibing , Liu Qi , Ott Anna K. , Ferrari Andrea C. , Lanza Mario
Published: May 2017

Graphene and related materials (GRMs) are promising candidates for the fabrication of resistive random access memories (RRAMs). Here, this emerging field is analyzed, classified, and evaluated, and the performance of a number of RRAM prototypes using GRMs is summarized. Graphene oxide, amorphous carbon films, transition metal dichalcogenides, hexagonal boron nitride and black phosphorous can be used as resistive switching media, in which the switching can be governed either by the migration of intrinsic species or penetration of metallic ions from adjacent layers. Graphene can be used as an electrode to provide flexibility and transparency, as well as an interface layer between the electrode and dielectric to block atomic diffusion, reduce power consumption, suppress surface effects, limit the number of conductive filaments in the dielectric, and improve device integration. GRM‐based RRAMs fit some non‐volatile memory technological requirements, such as low operating voltages (<1V) and switching times (<10 ns), but others, like retention >10 years, endurance >109 cycles and power consumption ≈10 pJ per transition still remain a challenge. More technology‐oriented studies including reliability and variability analyses may lead to the development of GRMs‐based RRAMs with realistic possibilities of commercialization.
A novel mutation in GMPPA in siblings with apparent intellectual disability, epilepsy, dysmorphism, and autonomic dysfunction
Authors: Gold Wendy A. , Sobreira Nara , Wiame Elsa , Marbaix Alexandre , Van Schaftingen Emile , Franzka Patricia , Riley Lisa G. , Worgan Lisa , Hübner Christian A. , Christodoulou John , Adès Lesley C.
Published: June 2017

GMPPA encodes the GDP‐mannose pyrophosphorylase A protein (GMPPA). The function of GMPPA is not well defined, however it is a homolog of GMPPB which catalyzes the reaction that converts mannose‐1‐phosphate and guanosine‐5′‐triphosphate to GDP‐mannose. Previously, biallelic mutations in GMPPA were reported to cause a disorder characterized by achalasia, alacrima, neurological deficits, and intellectual disability. In this study, we report a female proband with achalasia, alacrima, hypohydrosis, apparent intellectual disability, seizures, microcephaly, esotropia, and craniofacial dysmorphism. Exome sequencing identified a previously unreported homozygous c.853+1G>A variant in GMPPA in the proband and her affected sister. Their unaffected parents were heterozygous, and unaffected brother homozygous wild type for this variant. Lymphoblast cells from the affected sisters showed complete loss of the GMPPA protein by Western blotting, and increased levels of GDP‐mannose in lymphoblasts on high performance liquid chromatography. Based on our findings and the previous report describing patients with an overlapping phenotype, we conclude that this novel variant in GMPPA, identified by exome sequencing in the proband and her affected sister, is the genetic cause of their phenotype and may expand the known phenotype of this recently described glycosylation disorder.
Anthropometric charts and congenital anomalies in newborns with Down syndrome
Authors: Mircher Clotilde , Toulas Jeanne , Cieuta‐Walti Cécile , Marey Isabelle , Conte Martine , González Briceño Laura , Tanguy Marie‐Laure , Rethore Marie‐Odile , Ravel Aime
Published: June 2017

The objectives of this study were to obtain updated neonatal measurements in French newborns with Down Syndrome (DS) according to their gestational age, and to assess the frequency and distribution of congenital anomalies. Data on congenital malformations, birth weight, birth length and birth occipito‐frontal circumference (OFC) according to the gestational age was gathered from 1,030 babies, born between 1980 and 2010. The mean gestational age was 38 weeks from the date of the last menstrual period (LMP) (range: 29–42 weeks). Repartition of complications was found to be similar to previous studies, with no difference according to the date of birth. For girls born after 37 weeks, the mean birth weight was 3,012 ± 430 g, the mean birth length was 47.7 ± 2 cm, and the mean birth OFC was 33 ± 1.4 cm. For boys born after 37 weeks, the mean birth weight was 3,103 ± 459, the mean birth length was 48.4 ± 2.2 cm, and the mean birth OFC was 33.2 ± 1.4 cm. We did not find any difference in these measurements when we compared children born before 1997 and after 2007. When compared to the general population (French data and WHO charts), newborns with DS have a more pronounced difference in their birth length and their birth OFC (15–25th) than in their birth weight (25–50th). The shape of the growth curves shows that growth velocity decreases during the last weeks of gestation in all measurements, which suggests that the modal age for delivery could be earlier in DS newborns than in the general population.
Selective Recognition of Acidic Amino Acids in Water by Calixpyridinium
Authors: Wang Kui , Cui Jian‐Hua , Xing Si‐Yang , Ren Xiao‐Wei
Published: May 2017

Highly selective recognition of acidic amino acids, such as glutamic acid and aspartic acid, by a positively charged calixpyridinium is reported. The complexation behavior of the calixpyridinium host towards a dipeptide containing the glutamic acid residue and a glutamic acid metabolite is also described.
Prediction of Extremely Strong Antiferromagnetic Superexchange in Silver(II) Fluorides: Challenging the Oxocuprates(II)
Authors: Kurzydłowski Dominik , Grochala Wojciech
Published: May 2017

Strong magnetic coupling between the spins of unpaired electrons is an essential ingredient of many fascinating physical phenomena. Here we report calculations using the hybrid HSE06 functional of magnetic superexchange constants, J, for a series of low‐dimensional CuII and AgII binary and ternary systems with fluoride and oxide ligands. The calculations correctly reproduce the sign and size of the magnetic superexchange constants for prototypical antiferromagnetic (AFM) 1D (J1D) and 2D (J2D) systems, while overestimating the absolute values of J by about 11 %. We find that [AgF][BF4], a quasi‐1D system with linear infinite [AgIIF+] chains, is predicted to exhibit an unprecedented strong AFM superexchange via one atom (F), with J1D about −300 meV. Compression of [AgF][BF4] to 10 GPa should lead to a further increase in AFM interactions with J1D reaching −360 meV at 10 GPa.
Specific Enhancement of Catalytic Activity by a Dicopper Core: Selective Hydroxylation of Benzene to Phenol with Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Tsuji Tomokazu , Zaoputra Antonius Andre , Hitomi Yutaka , Mieda Kaoru , Ogura Takashi , Shiota Yoshihito , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Sato Hiroyasu , Kodera Masahito
Published: May 2017

A dicopper(II) complex, stabilized by the bis(tpa) ligand 1,2‐bis[2‐[bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl]‐6‐pyridyl]ethane (6‐hpa), [Cu2(μ‐OH)(6‐hpa)]3+, was synthesized and structurally characterized. This complex catalyzed selective hydroxylation of benzene to phenol using H2O2, thus attaining large turnover numbers (TONs) and high H2O2 efficiency. The TON after 40 hours for the phenol production exceeded 12000 in MeCN at 50 °C under N2, the highest value reported for benzene hydroxylation with H2O2 catalyzed by homogeneous complexes. At 22 % benzene conversion, phenol (95.2 %) and p‐benzoquinone (4.8 %) were produced. The mechanism of H2O2 activation and benzene hydroxylation is proposed.
Structurally Diverse Boron–Nitrogen Heterocycles from an N2O23− Formazanate Ligand
Authors: Barbon Stephanie M. , Staroverov Viktor N. , Gilroy Joe B.
Published: May 2017

Five new compounds comprised of unprecedented boron–nitrogen heterocycles have been isolated from a single reaction of a potentially tetradentate N2O23− formazanate ligand with BF3⋅OEt2 and NEt3. Optimized yields for each product were obtained through variation of experimental conditions and rationalized in terms of relative Gibbs free energies of the products as determined by electronic structure calculations. Chemical reduction of two of these compounds resulted in the formation of a stable anion, radical anion, and diradical dianion. Structural and electronic properties of this new family of redox‐active heterocycles were characterized using UV/vis absorption spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and X‐ray crystallography.
Iron‐Catalyzed Cyclotrimerization of Terminal Alkynes by Dual Catalyst Activation in the Absence of Reductants
Authors: Brenna Davide , Villa Matteo , Gieshoff Tim N. , Fischer Fabian , Hapke Marko , Jacobi von Wangelin Axel
Published: May 2017

Catalyzing C−C bond‐forming reactions with earth‐abundant metals under mild conditions is at the heart of sustainable synthesis. The cyclotrimerization of alkynes is a valuable atom‐efficient reaction in organic synthesis that is enabled by several metal catalysts, including iron. This study reports an effective iron‐catalyzed cyclotrimerization for the regioselective synthesis of 1,2,4‐substituted arenes (1 mol % catalyst, toluene, 20 °C, 5 min). A dual activation mechanism (substrate deprotonation, reductive elimination) renders the simple FeII precatalyst highly active in the absence of any reductant.
Optical Communication among Oscillatory Reactions and Photo‐Excitable Systems: UV and Visible Radiation Can Synchronize Artificial Neuron Models
Authors: Gentili Pier Luigi , Giubila Maria Sole , Germani Raimondo , Romani Aldo , Nicoziani Andrea , Spalletti Anna , Heron B. Mark
Published: May 2017

Neuromorphic engineering promises to have a revolutionary impact in our societies. A strategy to develop artificial neurons (ANs) is to use oscillatory and excitable chemical systems. Herein, we use UV and visible radiation as both excitatory and inhibitory signals for the communication among oscillatory reactions, such as the Belousov–Zhabotinsky and the chemiluminescent Orban transformations, and photo‐excitable photochromic and fluorescent species. We present the experimental results and the simulations regarding pairs of ANs communicating by either one or two optical signals, and triads of ANs arranged in both feed‐forward and recurrent networks. We find that the ANs, powered chemically and/or by the energy of electromagnetic radiation, can give rise to the emergent properties of in‐phase, out‐of‐phase, anti‐phase synchronizations and phase‐locking, dynamically mimicking the communication among real neurons.
Chemoselective Modification of Vinyl DNA by Triazolinediones
Authors: Naik Anu , Alzeer Jawad , Triemer Therese , Bujalska Anna , Luedtke Nathan W.
Published: May 2017

A new method for the post‐synthetic modification of nucleic acids was developed that involves mixing a phenyl triazolinedione (PTAD) derivative with DNA containing a vinyl nucleobase. The resulting reactions proceeded through step‐wise mechanisms, giving either a formal [4+2] cycloaddition product, or, depending on the context of nucleobase, PTAD addition along with solvent trapping to give a secondary alcohol in water. Catalyst‐free addition between PTAD and the terminal alkene of 5‐vinyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (VdU) was exceptionally fast, with a second‐order rate constant of 2×103 m−1 s−1. PTAD derivatives selectively reacted with VdU‐containing oligonucleotides in a conformation‐selective manner, with higher yields observed for G‐quadruplex versus duplex DNA. These results demonstrate a new strategy for copper‐free bioconjugation of DNA that can potentially be used to probe nucleic acid conformations in cells.
A Rapid Total Synthesis of Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride in Continuous Flow
Authors: Lin Hongkun , Dai Chunhui , Jamison Timothy F. , Jensen Klavs F.
Published: May 2017

Within a total residence time of 9 min, the sodium salt of ciprofloxacin was prepared from simple building blocks via a linear sequence of six chemical reactions in five flow reactors. Sequential offline acidifications and filtrations afforded ciprofloxacin and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride. The overall yield of the eight‐step sequence was 60 %. No separation of intermediates was required throughout the synthesis when a single acylation reaction was applied to remove the main byproduct, dimethylamine.
Facile synthesis of PEG‐coated magnetite (Fe3O4) and embedment of gold nanoparticle as a nontoxic antimicrobial agent
Authors: Keihan Amir Homayoun , Veisi Hamed , Biabri Parsia Mohammadi
Published: June 2017

In the present study, we carried out a chemical synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4@PEG‐Au as a core/shell nanocomposite in an aqueous solution by the chemical co‐precipitation of Fe3+ and Fe2+ ions and encapsulated it by polyethylene glycol (PEG) in order to enhance hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of gold ions and immobilize them in the presence of NaBH4 as a reducing agent. The nanostructures were characterized with FT‐IR, FESEM, EDS, WDX, VSM, ICP‐MS, and TEM. The antimicrobial activities of the nanostructures were tested against pathogenic microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans by broth microdilution method according to the methods of the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). The toxicity of the nanostructures was tested against animal cell line based on MTT assay. The synthesized core/shell nanostructures had a good activity against the representative microorganisms of public health concern and revealed an insignificant toxicity against animal cell line.
Magnetic GO‐PANI decorated with Au NPs: A highly efficient and reusable catalyst for reduction of dyes and nitro aromatic compounds
Authors: Pourjavadi Ali , Doroudian Mohadeseh , Abedin‐Moghanaki Azardokht , Bennett Craig
Published: June 2017

Due to the high activity of Au nanoparticles (NPs) for various reactions, many researchers have tried to develop heterogeneous catalysts in order to prevent irreversible agglomeration of Au NPs. Herein, magnetic graphene oxide modified with polyaniline (PANI) was used as a support for Au NPs that brings together advantages including: uniform dispersal of the catalyst in water,alarge surface area related to the graphene oxide; easy electron transfer in chemical reactions and good attachment of Au NPs to the support associated with PANI; and finally facile recovery in the presence of a magnetic field. Catalytic reduction of different analytes (Congo red, methylene blue, rhodamine B and 4‐nitro phenol) was evaluated in the presence of NaBH4 and the results show high catalytic activity of the catalyst. The catalyst was thoroughly characterized using various methods including FTIR, XRD, XPS, FE‐SEM and HRTEM analyses while its catalytic activity was evaluated via reduction of different analytes.
A new azo‐Schiff base: Synthesis, characterization, biological activity and theoretical studies of its complexes
Authors: Al Zoubi Wail , Al‐Hamdani Abbas Ali Salih , Ahmed Susan Duraid , Ko Young Gun
Published: June 2017

A new Azo‐Schiff base ligand L was prepared by reaction of m‐hydroxy benzoic acid with (Schiff base B) of 3‐[2‐(1H–indol‐3‐yl)‐ethylimino]‐1.5‐dimethyl‐2‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐ylamine. This synthesized ligand was used for complexation with different metal ions like Ni(II), Co(II), Pd(II) and Pt(IV) by using a molar ratio of ligand: metal as 1:1. Resulted compounds were characterized by NMR (1H and 13C), UV–vis spectroscopy, TGA, FT‐IR, MS, elemental analysis, magnetic moment and molar conductivity studies. The activation thermodynamic parameters, such as ΔE*, ΔH*, ΔS*, ΔG*and K are calculated from the TGA curves using Coats‐Redfern method. Hyper Chem‐8 program has been used to predict structural geometries of compounds in gas phase. The biological activities of Schiff base and its complexes had been tested in vitro against, two Gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtillis and Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruguinosa).
Decreasing population trend in coastal bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) from the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador
Authors: Félix Fernando , Calderón Andrea , Vintimilla Michelle , Bayas‐Rea Rosa A.
Published: June 2017

The population status of the coastal bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting the inner estuary of the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador (3°S, 81°W) was assessed. Evaluated aspects included social organization, abundance and spatial distribution.

Surveys focused on the western part of the estuary (Posorja and Estero Salado) but other areas in the central and eastern inner estuary were also surveyed.

Effort included 68 trips, 5001 km of survey and 288.8 h at sea. Between 735 and 793 dolphins in 92 groups were recorded during the study.

Dolphins are not evenly distributed but concentrated their activities in the mouths of large channels.

A cluster analyses indicated that dolphins organize in partially discrete subunits referred to as communities.

Abundance estimations were obtained using mark–recapture modelling for two communities: Posorja and Estero Salado (43 dolphins, 95% CI 37–49 and 65 dolphins, 95% CI 52–82 respectively).

Four demographic parameters: average size of communities, average group size, average encounter rate and average density were compared with information obtained during the 1990s. In all cases the current values were between 39 and 54% lower; in the last three cases the difference was statistically significant.

Possible causes of this apparent decline include bycatch, ship strikes, pollution and habitat degradation; however, none of these have been assessed in depth. Most probably, different stressors are affecting dolphin communities to different extents.

A comprehensive assessment of the whole population inside the gulf is needed. Identifying major threats is a priority to define concrete actions to prevent further population decline.
Enhanced Inflammasome Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Is Mediated via Type I Interferon–Induced Up‐Regulation of Interferon Regulatory Factor 1
Authors: Liu Jianhua , Berthier Celine C. , Kahlenberg J. Michelle
Published: May 2017

Objective

The inflammasome complex is a driver of organ damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although type I interferons (IFNs) are well established as mediators of SLE pathogenesis, their role in inflammasome activation in SLE has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to examine type I IFNs as regulators of the inflammasome.

Methods

SLE patients fulfilled ≥4 American College of Rheumatology criteria and were recruited from the University of Michigan Lupus Cohort. Primary monocytes were isolated from SLE patients or healthy controls by negative selection, treated with inflammasome activators in the presence or absence of IFNα, and IL‐1β secretion was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Expression levels of IFN and inflammasome‐related molecules were assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF‐1) expression was specifically down‐regulated by small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection and a chemical inhibitor.

Results

Monocytes from patients with SLE exhibited increased expression and enhanced activation of the inflammasome by ATP when compared with control monocytes. Expression of inflammasome and IFN‐regulated genes was significantly correlated in monocytes from SLE patients but not in control monocytes. Inflammasome activity was increased after prolonged exposure to IFNα. Reduction of IRF‐1 expression via siRNA blocked caspase 1 up‐regulation after treatment with IFNα. Importantly, hyperactivity of the inflammasome in the monocytes of SLE patients was significantly reduced after knockdown or inhibition of IRF‐1.

Conclusion

Prolonged type I IFN exposure, as seen in SLE patients, primes monocytes for robust inflammasome activation in an IRF‐1–dependent manner. IRF‐1 inhibition may serve as a novel target for treatment of SLE‐associated inflammation and organ damage.
Myeloperoxidase/HLA Class II Complexes Recognized by Autoantibodies in Microscopic Polyangiitis
Authors: Hiwa Ryosuke , Ohmura Koichiro , Arase Noriko , Jin Hui , Hirayasu Kouyuki , Kohyama Masako , Suenaga Tadahiro , Saito Fumiji , Terao Chikashi , Atsumi Tatsuya , Iwatani Hirotsugu , Mimori Tsuneyo , Arase Hisashi
Published: June 2017

Objective

Autoantibodies against myeloperoxidase (MPO) that are expressed in neutrophils play an important role in the pathogenesis of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). We recently observed that misfolded cellular proteins are transported to the cell surface by HLA class II molecules and are targeted by autoantibodies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or antiphospholipid syndrome, suggesting that HLA class II molecules play an important role in autoantibody recognition. The aim of this study was to address the role of HLA class II molecules in the cell surface expression of MPO in patients with MPA.

Methods

The association of MPO with HLA–DR was analyzed using MPO and HLA–DR transfectants as well as neutrophils from healthy donors and patients with MPA. Autoantibody binding to the MPO/HLA–DR complex was analyzed by flow cytometry. The association of MPO with HLA–DR was assessed using the immunoprecipitation technique. The function of MPO–antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) was assessed using a neutrophil‐like cell line expressing HLA–DR and MPO.

Results

MPO protein was detected on the cell surface in the presence of HLA–DR, and the MPO/HLA–DR complex was recognized by MPO‐ANCA. A competitive inhibition assay suggested that MPO associated with HLA–DR expresses cryptic autoantibody epitopes for MPO‐ANCA. Autoantibody binding to the MPO/HLA–DR complex was correlated with disease susceptibility conferred by each HLA–DR allele, suggesting that the MPO/HLA–DR complex is involved in the pathogenicity of MPA. Indeed, MPO–HLA class II complexes were detected in neutrophils from a patient with MPA as well as in cytokine‐stimulated neutrophils from healthy donors. Moreover, MPO‐ANCA stimulated MPO/HLA–DR complex–expressing HL‐60 cells.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that MPO complexed with HLA class II molecules is involved in the pathogenesis of MPA as a target for MPO‐ANCA.
Trifocal constructive approach in developing coders, simulated, and hardware implemented, for the introduction of coding theory
Authors: Pecanin Emir , Mekic Edis , Spalević Petar , Mohamed Himar Swhli Khaled M.
Published: June 2017

Constructive approach (CA) for increased efficiency of engineering education has been receiving growing attention and wider application in engineering education in recent years. New approach combining CA and Unified Process Model (UPM) for developing of software simulation packages and hardware is developed and proposed, on this way novel trifocal approach to engineering is proposed and discussed. Through this approach students developed virtual simulators as software prototype for hardware implementation of coders. This approach increased learning and understanding of mathematical and theoretical basics of coding theory, which is integral part of digital communication systems. For implementing construction of software simulator and hardware coders in the curricula we developed multidisciplinary approach. Joint and interconnected lectures were developed for the courses of digital communication and software engineering. For validation of developed software packages and constructed hardware coders used laboratory facilities for digital electronics. Trends of the level of understanding and result achieved on the exams showed that implementation of this approach provided better results in solving mathematical problems in the field of coding theory.
Long‐term quality of life after definitive treatment for prostate cancer: patient‐reported outcomes in the second posttreatment decade
Authors: Jang Joanne W. , Drumm Michael R. , Efstathiou Jason A. , Paly Jonathan J. , Niemierko Andrzej , Ancukiewicz Marek , Talcott James A. , Clark Jack A. , Zietman Anthony L.
Published: May 2017

Definitive treatment for prostate cancer includes radical prostatectomy (RP), external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), and brachytherapy (BT). The different side effect profiles of these options are crucial factors for patients and clinicians when deciding between treatments. This study reports long‐term health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) for patients in their second decade after treatment for prostate cancer. We used a validated survey to assess urinary, bowel, and sexual function and HRQOL in a prospective cohort of patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer 14–18 years previously. We report and compare the outcomes of patients who were initially treated with RP, EBRT, or BT. Of 230 eligible patients, the response rate was 92% (n = 211) and median follow‐up was 14.6 years. Compared to baseline, RP patients had significantly worse urinary incontinence and sexual function, EBRT patients had worse scores in all domains, and BT patients had worse urinary incontinence, urinary irritation/obstruction, and sexual function. When comparing treatment groups, RP patients underwent larger declines in urinary continence than did BT patients, and EBRT and BT patients experienced larger changes in urinary irritation/obstruction. Baseline functional status was significantly associated with long‐term function for urinary obstruction and bowel function domains. This is one of the few prospective reports on quality of life for prostate cancer patients beyond 10 years, and adds information about the late consequences of treatment choices. These data may help patients make informed decisions regarding treatment choice based on symptoms they may experience in the decades ahead.
Biomarker release after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients without established myocardial infarction as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance with late gadolinium enhancement
Authors: Vieira de Melo Rodrigo Morel , Hueb Whady , Nomura Cesar Higa , Ribeiro da Silva Expedito Eustáquio , Villa Alexandre Volney , Oikawa Fernando Teiichi Costa , da Costa Leandro Menezes Alves , Rezende Paulo Cury , Garzillo Cibele Larrosa , Lima Eduardo Gomes , Franchini Ramires Jose Antonio , Kalil Filho Roberto
Published: June 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the amount and pattern of cardiac biomarker release after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients without evidence of a new myocardial infarction (MI) after the procedure as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE).

Background

The release of myocardial necrosis biomarkers after PCI frequently occurs. However, the correlation between biomarker release and the diagnosis of procedure‐related MI type 4a has been controversial.

Methods

Patients with normal baseline cardiac biomarkers who were referred for elective PCI were prospectively included. CMR with LGE was performed in all of the patients before and after the intervention. Measurements of troponin I (TnI) and creatine kinase MB fraction (CK‐MB) were systematically performed before and after the procedure. Patients with a new LGE on the post‐procedure CMR were excluded.

Results

Of the 56 patients with no evidence of a procedure‐related MI as assessed by CMR after the PCI, 48 (85.1%) exhibited an elevation of TnI above the 99th percentile. In 32 patients (57.1%), the peak was greater than five times this limit. Additionally, 17 patients (30.4%) had a CK‐MB peak above the 99th percentile limit, but this peak was greater than five times the 99th percentile in only two patients (3.6%). The median peak release of TnI was 0.290 (0.061–1.09) ng/mL, which was 7.25‐fold higher than the 99th percentile.

Conclusions

In contrast to CK‐MB, an abnormal release of TnI often occurs after an elective PCI procedure, despite the absence of a new LGE on CMR.
Surgically cured paraneoplastic hypoglycemia associated with solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura: report of two cases
Authors: Fukai Ryuta , Irie Yoshihito , Watanabe Hiroyoshi
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical Message

Hypoglycemia is seldom seen in association with insulinomas, rare autoimmune diseases, and paraneoplastic situations. Paraneoplastic hypoglycemia is known as nonislet cell tumor‐induced hypoglycemia (NICTH). It is also known that a solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura can cause NICTH and that surgical resection is crucial to the success of NICTH treatment.
Catalytic Materials Based on Surface Coating with Poly(ethyleneimine)‐Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Ortega‐Muñoz Mariano , Blanco Victor , Hernandez‐Mateo Fernando , Lopez‐Jaramillo F. Javier , Santoyo‐Gonzalez Francisco
Published: June 2017

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can be obtained from HAuCl4 by using poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) as both reductant and stabilizing agent. However, the known affinity of PEI for different materials has not been exploited to coat them and turn their surface catalytic. We demonstrate that the irradiation of a solution of HAuCl4 and branched PEI 1800 (bPEI2K) with microwave (MW) yields PEI‐stabilized AuNPs (MW‐PEI@AuNPs) with an average size of 7.6 nm that are catalytically active in the reduction with NaBH4 of different nitroarenes functionalized with a variety of functional groups. Moreover, the as‐prepared MW‐PE@‐AuNPs show affinity for different materials such as polystyrene (standard spectrophotometry disposal cuvettes), polypropylene (Falcon‐type tubes), and silica (Silica gel 60), turning their surface catalytic without any additional synthetic step. This feature was exploited to transform standard tubing (Tygon, poly(ether ether ketone), and stainless steel) into flow reactors by simple passage of a solution of MW‐PEI@AuNPs. This straightforward functionalization is especially appealing in the case of the stainless‐steel tubing, one of the materials more widely used in HPLC, which is of interest for flow nanocatalysis.
Photoactivation of Anticancer Ru Complexes in Deep Tissue: How Deep Can We Go?
Authors: Sun Wen , Thiramanas Raweewan , Slep Leonardo D. , Zeng Xiaolong , Mailänder Volker , Wu Si
Published: May 2017

Activation of anticancer therapeutics such as ruthenium (Ru) complexes is currently a topic of intense investigation. The success of phototherapy relies on photoactivation of therapeutics after the light passes through skin and tissue. In this paper, the photoactivation of anticancer Ru complexes with 671‐nm red light through tissue of different thicknesses was studied. Four photoactivatable Ru complexes with different absorption wavelengths were synthesized. Two of them (Ru3 and Ru4) were responsive to wavelengths in the “therapeutic window” (650–900 nm) and could be activated using 671‐nm red light after passing through tissue up to 16‐mm‐thick. The other two (Ru1 and Ru2) could not be activated using red light. Additionally, activated Ru4 caused inhibition of cancer cells. These results suggest that photoactivatable Ru complexes are promising for applications in deep‐tissue phototherapy.
Reductive Coupling of CO2, Primary Amine, and Aldehyde at Room Temperature: A Versatile Approach to Unsymmetrically N,N‐Disubstituted Formamides
Authors: Ke Zhengang , Hao Leiduan , Gao Xiang , Zhang Hongye , Zhao Yanfei , Yu Bo , Yang Zhenzhen , Chen Yu , Liu Zhimin
Published: June 2017

We present a simple, metal‐free, and versatile route to synthesize unsymmetrically N,N‐disubstituted formamides (NNFAs) from CO2, primary amine, and aldehyde promoted by an ionic liquid (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride) at room temperature. This approach features wide scopes of amines and aldehydes, and various unsymmetrical NNFAs could be obtained in good to excellent yields. The ionic liquid can be reused for at least five runs without obvious activity loss.
Sustainable, Oxidative, and Metal‐Free Annulation
Authors: Bering Luis , Manna Srimanta , Antonchick Andrey P.
Published: May 2017

Annulation has received steadily growing interest in the interplay with the increasing emphasis towards selective C−H bond functionalization reactions. Metal‐free oxidative annulation through functionalization of inert and abundant C−H bonds offers great improvements in terms of atom‐ and step‐economics as well as reduced waste production under mild reaction conditions. Annulation is considered to be a highly efficient strategy for the construction of cyclic molecules because at least two new bonds are formed within a single reaction step. The combination of annulation and direct C−H bond functionalization allows the efficient and straightforward synthesis of carbo‐ and heterocyclic molecules using simple and non‐prefunctionalized precursors. This Concept highlights novel strategies and recent breakthroughs for metal‐free annulation through C−H bond functionalization giving access to a variety of important structural motifs.
Diversity in gender stereotypes? A comparison of heterosexual, gay and lesbian perspectives
Authors: Clarke Heather M. , Arnold Kara A.
Published: June 2017

Research on gender stereotypes has not examined whether gay men and lesbians hold the same gender stereotypes as heterosexual individuals. To address this gap, we asked participants to indicate how likely they believed it was for a typical gay man, lesbian, heterosexual man, or heterosexual woman to exhibit stereotypical personality traits and engage in stereotypical activities and occupations. Ratings of heterosexual male and female targets' masculinity and femininity were significantly different in the expected direction. However, the difference between the gay man and lesbian target ratings on masculinity and femininity was not statistically significant. Our findings further suggest that gay men and lesbians hold the same gender stereotypes as heterosexuals about both homosexual and heterosexual targets. Copyright © 2017 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lipid Internal Dynamics Probed in Nanodiscs
Authors: Martinez Denis , Decossas Marion , Kowal Julia , Frey Lukas , Stahlberg Henning , Dufourc Erick J. , Riek Roland , Habenstein Birgit , Bibow Stefan , Loquet Antoine
Published: June 2017

Nanodiscs offer a very promising tool to incorporate membrane proteins into native‐like lipid bilayers and an alternative to liposomes to maintain protein functions and protein–lipid interactions in a soluble nanoscale object. The activity of the incorporated membrane protein appears to be correlated to its dynamics in the lipid bilayer and by protein–lipid interactions. These two parameters depend on the lipid internal dynamics surrounded by the lipid‐encircling discoidal scaffold protein that might differ from more unrestricted lipid bilayers observed in vesicles or cellular extracts. A solid‐state NMR spectroscopy investigation of lipid internal dynamics and thermotropism in nanodiscs is reported. The gel‐to‐fluid phase transition is almost abolished for nanodiscs, which maintain lipid fluid properties for a large temperature range. The addition of cholesterol allows fine‐tuning of the internal bilayer dynamics by increasing chain ordering. Increased site‐specific order parameters along the acyl chain reflect a higher internal ordering in nanodiscs compared with liposomes at room temperature; this is induced by the scaffold protein, which restricts lipid diffusion in the nanodisc area.
The more, the better? Behavioral and neural correlates of frequent and infrequent vowel exposure
Authors: Tsuji Sho , Fikkert Paula , Minagawa Yasuyo , Dupoux Emmanuel , Filippin Luca , Versteegh Maarten , Hagoort Peter , Cristia Alejandrina
Published: May 2017

A central assumption in the perceptual attunement literature holds that exposure to a speech sound contrast leads to improvement in native speech sound processing. However, whether the amount of exposure matters for this process has not been put to a direct test. We elucidated indicators of frequency‐dependent perceptual attunement by comparing 5–8‐month‐old Dutch infants’ discrimination of tokens containing a highly frequent [hɪt‐he:t] and a highly infrequent [hʏt‐hø:t] native vowel contrast as well as a non‐native [hɛt‐hæt] vowel contrast in a behavioral visual habituation paradigm (Experiment 1). Infants discriminated both native contrasts similarly well, but did not discriminate the non‐native contrast. We sought further evidence for subtle differences in the processing of the two native contrasts using near‐infrared spectroscopy and a within‐participant design (Experiment 2). The neuroimaging data did not provide additional evidence that responses to native contrasts are modulated by frequency of exposure. These results suggest that even large differences in exposure to a native contrast may not directly translate to behavioral and neural indicators of perceptual attunement, raising the possibility that frequency of exposure does not influence improvements in discriminating native contrasts.