bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bach2 regulates AID‐mediated immunoglobulin gene conversion and somatic hypermutation in DT40 B cells
Authors: Budzyńska Paulina M , Kyläniemi Minna K , Kallonen Teemu , Soikkeli Anni I , Nera Kalle‐Pekka , Lassila Olli , Alinikula Jukka
Published: March 2017

The transcription factor Bach2 is required for germinal center formation, somatic hypermutation (SHM), and class‐switch recombination (CSR) of immunoglobulins. SHM and CSR are initiated by activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID) which has potential to induce human B cell lymphoma. To understand the role of Bach2 in AID‐mediated immunoglobulin gene diversification processes, we established a BACH2‐deficient DT40 B cell line. We show that in addition to allowing SHM, Bach2 drives immunoglobulin gene conversion (GCV), another AID‐dependent antibody gene diversification process. We demonstrate that Bach2 promotes GCV by increasing the expression of AID. Importantly, we found that the regulation of AID is independent of Blimp‐1 and that BACH2‐deficient cells have altered expression of several genes regulating AID expression, stability and function. Furthermore, re‐expression of BACH2 or AID in Bach2KO cells restored the SHM and GCV defects. These results demonstrate that Bach2 has a previously unappreciated role in the production of high‐affinity antibodies.
Toll‐like receptors elicit different recruitment kinetics of monocytes and neutrophils in mouse acute inflammation
Authors: Imhof Beat A , Jemelin Stephane , Emre Yalin
Published: March 2017

Leukocyte recruitment is an important process in combating pathogens. The largest class of circulating leukocytes are neutrophils, which rapidly invade inflamed tissue, followed by inflammatory Ly6C+ monocytes. Ly6Clow monocytes patrol the endothelial wall routinely in the steady state. We recently reported early luminal recruitment of Ly6Clow monocytes, which preceded and orchestrated neutrophil arrival and extravasation in response to TLR7/8‐mediated vascular inflammation. Here we dissected the kinetics of recruitment of monocytes and neutrophils and examined the dynamics of Ly6Clow monocytes in response to several other Toll‐like receptor (TLR) agonists, using intravital confocal microscopy. We observed two types of kinetics in mesenteric veins. TLR2, TLR5 and TLR9 agonists caused early monocyte and neutrophil influx whereas TLR3 and TLR4 agonists rapidly recruited neutrophils and caused Ly6Clow monocytes to arrive at low levels later on. All TLR agonists, except TLR9, led Ly6Clow monocytes to meticulously patrol the vascular wall. Finally, these monocytes released pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines implicated in neutrophil recruitment in response to TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9 stimulation but not to TLR3 and TLR5 agonists. These results refine our understanding of the early events in the leukocyte recruitment cascade, including the patrolling behavior of Ly6Clow monocytes, in TLR‐mediated acute vascular inflammation.
The Crystal Structure of Nitridomagnesogermanate Ba[Mg3GeN4]:Eu2+ and Theoretical Calculations of Its Electronic Properties
Authors: Poesl Christine , Niklaus Robin , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: March 2017

Nitridomagnesogermanate Ba[Mg3GeN4]:Eu2+ was synthesized by the NaN3 route in weld‐shut tantalum ampules by reaction of the elements in molten sodium with NaN3 as nitrogen source at 780 °C. The crystal structure was solved and refined on the basis of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. Ba[Mg3GeN4]:Eu2+ crystallizes in the UCr4C4 structure type [space group I4/m (no. 87), a = 8.3921(12), c = 3.4813(7) Å, Z = 2] and exhibits a highly condensed anionic network made up of statistically disordered (Mg/Ge)N4 tetrahedra, which are connected to each other by common vertices and edges to form vierer ring channels along [001]. Ba2+ is located in every second channel and has cubelike coordination by eight N atoms. Theoretical calculations of the electronic properties of Ba[Mg3GeN4]:Eu2+ are discussed to understand the absence of photoluminescence in the visible range and for comparison with other luminescent materials that are structurally related to Ba[Mg3GeN4]:Eu2+.
Dipole and multipole models of dielectrophoresis for a non‐negligible particle size: Simulations and experiments
Authors: Michálek Tomáš , Zemánek Jiří
Published: March 2017

Mathematical models of dielectrophoresis play an important role in the design of experiments, analysis of results, and even operation of some devices. In this paper, we test the accuracy of existing models in both simulations and laboratory experiments. We test the accuracy of the most common model that involves a point‐dipole approximation of the induced field, when the small‐particle assumption is broken. In simulations, comparisons against a model based on the Maxwell stress tensor show that even the point‐dipole approximation provides good results for a large particle close to the electrodes. In addition, we study a refinement of the model offered by multipole approximations (quadrupole, and octupole). We also show that the voltages on the electrodes influence the error of the model because they affect the positions of the field nulls and the nulls of the higher‐order derivatives. Experiments with a parallel electrode array and a polystyrene microbead reveal that the models predict the force with an error that cannot be eliminated even with the most accurate model. Nonetheless, it is acceptable for some purposes such as a model‐based control system design.
Assessing Early‐Stage CO2 utilization Technologies—Comparing Apples and Oranges?
Authors: Zimmermann Arno W. , Schomäcker Reinhard
Published: March 2017

CO2 utilization involves many disciplines—fields as different as apples and oranges. Technology assessment is a common tool for evaluation. This article analyses its current state in CO2 utilization. First, the steps of chemical product development are matched with technology readiness levels (TRLs) for classification. Second, relevant literature is selected, and assessment methods and indicators are examined. The analysis shows that standardization in CO2 utilization technology assessment is low. Current research addresses some but not all assessment fields and tends to use a large range of indicators, making comparison difficult. Overall standard methods are needed as they could facilitate technology comparison and provide a better understanding of trade‐offs. Future assessments should be extended to the definition of a standard set of assessment indicators, the further adoption of social impact assessment for all TRLs, and the inclusion of environmental impact assessment at early stages.
The comet assay in Folsomia candida: A suitable approach to assess genotoxicity in collembolans
Authors: Cardoso Diogo N. , Silva Ana Rita R. , Cruz Andreia , Lourenço Joana , Neves Joana , Malheiro Catarina , Mendo Sónia , Soares Amadeu M.V.M. , Loureiro Susana
Published: March 2017

The present study shows the comet assay technique being successfully applied for the first time to one of the most widely used soil organisms in standardized ecotoxicological tests, Folsomia candida, providing a step forward in assessing the genotoxicity induced by xenobiotics. Because collembolans have a high content of chitin, a new methodology was developed in which the heads of the collembolans were separated from the rest of the body, allowing the hemolymph to leak out. This procedure allows the cells to be released, and after lysis the genetic material is available for the comet assay. Among other key procedures, the use of 30 organisms (20- to 22-d-old adults) per replicate and the correct amount of cells with genetic material (translated as 10 μL of suspension) applied on the agarose gel were determinants for the success of the results obtained. The methodology was validated by exposing F. candida to a representative metallic element (cadmium) and a representative of organophosphates, the insecticide dimethoate, for a shorter time period of 10 d, compared with the 28 d for the International Organization for Standardization 11267 method. Within this method, the relatively low percentage of DNA damage (30%) observed in controls and the significant increase in terms of percentage of DNA damage for almost all the concentrations of dimethoate and Cd (reaching 52% and 56% of damage in the highest concentrations, respectively) confirmed the genotoxic effect of both compounds and validated this technique. The comet assay proved to be a sensitive technique to detect DNA strand breaks in collembolans’ cells. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2514–2520. © 2017 SETAC
Stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes in sediments and biota from three tropical marine food webs: Application to chemical bioaccumulation assessment
Authors: Zhang Hui , Teng Yun , Doan Tra Thi Thanh , Yat Yun Wei , Chan Sheot Harn , Kelly Barry C.
Published: March 2017

Studies of trophodynamics and contaminant bioaccumulation in tropical marine ecosystems are limited. The present study employed stable isotope and trace contaminant analysis to assess sources of primary productivity, trophic interactions, and chemical bioaccumulation behavior in 2 mangrove food webs and 1 offshore coastal marine food web in Singapore. Samples of sediment, phytoplankton, mangrove leaves, clams, snails, crabs, worms, prawns, and fishes were analyzed for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values, as well as concentrations of persistent organic pollutants. In the mangrove food webs, consumers exhibited similar δ13C values, probably because of the well-mixed nature of these systems. However, the 2 primary consumers (common nerite and rodong snail) exhibited distinct δ13C values (–21.6‰ vs –17.7‰), indicating different carbon sources. Fish from Singapore Strait exhibited similar δ13C values, indicating common carbon sources in this offshore marine food web. The highest trophic level was found in glass perchlet (trophic level = 3.3) and tilapia (trophic level = 3.4) in the 2 mangrove food webs and grunter (trophic level = 3.7) in the Singapore Strait food web. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB 153) and p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE) concentrations ranged from 0.9 to 84.6 ng/g lipid weight and from <0.2 to 267.4 ng/g lipid weight, respectively. The trophic magnification factors of PCB 153 and p,p′-DDE ranged between 1.63 and 4.62, indicating biomagnification in these tropical marine food webs. The findings provide important information that will aid future chemical bioaccumulation assessment initiatives. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2521–2532. © 2017 SETAC
Infants' emotional expression: Differences in the expression of pleasure and discomfort between infants from Chile and the United States
Authors: Muzard Antonia , Kwon Alicia Yunjin , Espinosa Nancy , Vallotton Claire DeAnne , Farkas Chamarrita
Published: March 2017

Nonverbal cues have been fundamental to the survival of our species, and they remain a critical aspect of communication. Starting at the moment of birth, children's facial expressions and body gestures reflecting pleasure and discomfort elicit different responses from caregivers, which can shape the trajectory of child development. Although early expressions of emotion are universal, socialization of the intensity of expressions begins in infancy and may be influenced by the place the child is born, family characteristics, and other factors. The aim of this study is to describe the differences in the intensity of emotional expression between Chilean and U.S. infants at approximately 1 year of age. Infants' emotional expressions of pleasure and discomfort are described in terms of total intensity and specific facial and corporal intensities. The expressions were assessed by videotaping and coding the children's behaviours during a sequence of pleasurable and displeasing activities. The analyses revealed that the U.S. children expressed pleasure and discomfort with greater intensity compared with the Chilean children, specifically through corporal expressions.

Highlights

This study explores differences in the intensity of emotional expression of Chilean and U.S. infants around 1 year of age.

Assessment involved a sequence of videotaped tasks and showed U.S. infants expressed pleasure and discomfort with higher intensity than Chilean infants.

Differences between both samples at 1 year reveal the possibility that cultural emotion socialization shapes emotional expressions very early in development.
Triple‐branched stent graft for arch repair in a pregnant woman with acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection
Authors: Zhang Qian , Ma Xiaochun , Wang Zhengjun , Zou Chengwei
Published: March 2017

A triple‐branched stent graft was effective for the treatment of type I aortic dissection during pregnancy and could be considered a suitable treatment.
Altered expression of the Olr59, Ethe1, and Slc10a2 genes in the liver of F344 rats by neonatal thyroid hormone disruption
Authors: Matsubara Kana , Nakamura Naoki , Sanoh Seigo , Ohta Shigeru , Kitamura Shigeyuki , Uramaru Naoto , Miyagawa Shinichi , Iguchi Taisen , Fujimoto Nariaki
Published: March 2017

Many concerns have been expressed regarding the possible adverse effects of thyroid hormone‐disrupting chemicals in the environment. The disruption of thyroid hormones in the neonatal period may lead to permanent effects on thyroid hormone homeostasis as well as related developmental disorders, as thyroid hormones are essential for regulating the growth and differentiation of many tissues. To understand the long‐term alteration in gene expressions by neonatal administration of thyroid hormone‐like chemicals in general, we identified genes whose expression was altered in the liver, an important component of the thyroid hormone axis, by neonatal exposure to triiodothyronine (T3). T3 was administered to male F344 rats on postnatal days 1, 3, and 5 (week 0). At 8 weeks of age, cDNA microarray analysis was used to identify hepatic genes whose expression was altered by neonatal exposure to T3. Among the up‐regulated genes that were identified, the expression of Olr59, Ethe1, and Slc10a2 increased specifically in rats neonatally exposed to T3. Interestingly, altered hepatic expression of these genes indeed increased when a hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), OH‐BDE42, which is capable of binding to the TR, was given neonatally. Our data demonstrated that neonatal exposure to thyroid hormones could affect the long‐term expression of the genes, which could be useful markers for neonatal effects by thyroid hormone‐disrupting chemicals. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) With Incident Clinical and Radiographic Vertebral Fractures Adjusted for Lumbar Spine BMD in Older Men: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Schousboe John T , Vo Tien N , Langsetmo Lisa , Taylor Brent C , Cawthon Peggy M , Schwartz Ann V , Bauer Douglas C , Orwoll Eric S , Lane Nancy E , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Ensrud Kristine E ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study Research Group
Published: March 2017

The association of trabecular bone score (TBS) with incident clinical and radiographic vertebral fractures in older men is uncertain. TBS was estimated from baseline spine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans for 5831 older men (mean age 73.7 years) enrolled in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the association of TBS (per 1 SD decrease) with incident clinical vertebral fractures. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between TBS (per 1 SD decrease) and incident radiographic vertebral fracture among the subset of 4309 men with baseline and follow-up lateral spine radiographs (mean 4.6 years later). We also examined whether any associations varied by body mass index (BMI) category. TBS was associated with a 1.41-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23 to 1.63) higher aged-adjusted odds of incident radiographic fracture, and this relationship did not vary by BMI (p value = 0.22 for interaction term). This association was no longer significant with further adjustment for lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD; odds ratio [OR] = 1.11, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.30). In contrast, the age-adjusted association of TBS with incident clinical vertebral fracture was stronger in men with lower BMI (≤ median value of 26.8 kg/m2; hazard ratio [HR] = 2.28, 95% CI 1.82 to 2.87) than in men with higher BMI (> median; HR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.94; p value = 0.0002 for interaction term). With further adjustment for lumbar spine BMD, the association of TBS with incident clinical vertebral fracture was substantially attenuated in both groups (HR = 1.30 [95% CI 0.99 to 1.72] among men with lower BMI and 1.11 [95% CI 0.87 to 1.41] among men with higher BMI). In conclusion, TBS is not associated with incident clinical or radiographic vertebral fracture after consideration of age and lumbar spine BMD, with the possible exception of incident clinical vertebral fracture among men with lower BMI. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Skeletal Colonization by Breast Cancer Cells Is Stimulated by an Osteoblast and β2AR-Dependent Neo-Angiogenic Switch
Authors: Mulcrone Patrick L , Campbell J Preston , Clément-Demange Lise , Anbinder Ana Lia , Merkel Alyssa R , Brekken Rolf A , Sterling Julie A , Elefteriou Florent
Published: March 2017

The skeleton is a common site for breast cancer metastasis. Although significant progress has been made to manage osteolytic bone lesions, the mechanisms driving the early steps of the bone metastatic process are still not sufficiently understood to design efficacious strategies needed to inhibit this process and offer preventative therapeutic options. Progression and recurrence of breast cancer, as well as reduced survival of patients with breast cancer, are associated with chronic stress, a condition known to stimulate sympathetic nerve outflow. In this study, we show that stimulation of the beta 2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) by isoproterenol, used as a pharmacological surrogate of sympathetic nerve activation, led to increased blood vessel density and Vegf-a expression in bone. It also raised levels of secreted Vegf-a in osteoblast cultures, and accordingly, the conditioned media from isoproterenol-treated osteoblast cultures promoted new vessel formation in two ex vivo models of angiogenesis. Blocking the interaction between Vegf-a and its receptor, Vegfr2, blunted the increase in vessel density induced by isoproterenol. Genetic loss of the β2AR globally, or specifically in type 1 collagen-expressing osteoblasts, diminished the increase in Vegf-positive osteoblast number and bone vessel density induced by isoproterenol, and reduced the higher incidence of bone metastatic lesions induced by isoproterenol after intracardiac injection of an osteotropic variant of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Inhibition of the interaction between Vegf-a and Vegfr2 with the blocking antibody mcr84 also prevented the increase in bone vascular density and bone metastasis triggered by isoproterenol. Together, these results indicate that stimulation of the β2AR in osteoblasts triggers a Vegf-dependent neo-angiogenic switch that promotes bone vascular density and the colonization of the bone microenvironment by metastatic breast cancer cells. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Collegiate Sexual Addiction: Exploring Religious Coping and Attachment
Authors: Giordano Amanda L. , Cashwell Craig S. , Lankford Cody , King Kelly , Henson Robin K.
Published: March 2017

Sexual addiction is prevalent among college students and warrants continued examination. Using a descriptive discriminant analysis, the authors assessed differences in attachment style and religious coping between students in the clinical range of sexual addiction (n = 56) and those in the nonclinical range (n = 270). Results indicated significant differences between the 2 groups, with a large effect size. Specifically, attachment anxiety and negative religious coping were most responsible for the explained variance.
The Ways Paradigm: A Transtheoretical Model for Integrating Spirituality Into Counseling
Authors: Stewart‐Sicking Joseph A. , Deal Paul J. , Fox Jesse
Published: March 2017

Research suggests that an emphasis on spirituality and religion in counseling has increased awareness but not translated into changes in practice. The authors contend that part of this challenge is the lack of a broad, heuristic model for integration that seeks to embrace the complex, fluid, and negotiated nature of spirituality and religion. Cheston's () Ways Paradigm for teaching counseling theory provides such a model, leading to new perspectives on counselor education, research, and practice.
HX‐1171, a Novel Nrf2 Activator, Induces NQO1 and HMOX1 Expression
Authors: Kim Jimin , Shin Su‐Hyun , Ko Young‐Eun , Miki Tokutaro , Bae Heung‐Mo , Kang Jong‐Koo , Kim Jae Wha
Published: March 2017

HX‐1171 (1‐O‐hexyl‐2,3,5‐trimethylhydroquinone) is a novel synthesized vitamin E derivative, which reportedly has positive effects on various diseases and conditions, such as liver fibrosis, hepatic cirrhosis, and cancer. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptional activity induced by HX‐1171. Results from reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and promoter assays reveal that HX‐1171 increased the expression of NQO1 and HMOX1, encoding antioxidant‐related enzymes, in A549 human lung epithelial cells. The activity of nuclear factor‐E2‐related factor (Nrf2), a key transcriptional factor for antioxidative enzymes, was examined in HX‐1171‐treated cells. Confocal microscopy and Western blotting showed that HX‐1171 effectively induced the nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of Nrf2. We conclude that HX‐1171, a novel Nrf2 activator, may be a promising therapeutic agent for oxidative stress‐induced diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3372–3380, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rapamycin attenuates BAFF‐extended proliferation and survival via disruption of mTORC1/2 signaling in normal and neoplastic B‐lymphoid cells
Authors: Zeng Qingyu , Qin Shanshan , Zhang Hai , Liu Beibei , Qin Jiamin , Wang Xiaoxue , Zhang Ruijie , Liu Chunxiao , Dong Xiaoqing , Zhang Shuangquan , Huang Shile , Chen Long
Published: March 2017

B cell activating factor from the TNF family (BAFF) stimulates B‐cell proliferation and survival, but excessive BAFF promotes the development of aggressive B cells leading to malignant and autoimmune diseases. Recently, we have reported that rapamycin, a macrocyclic lactone, attenuates human soluble BAFF (hsBAFF)‐stimulated B‐cell proliferation/survival by suppressing mTOR‐mediated PP2A‐Erk1/2 signaling pathway. Here, we show that the inhibitory effect of rapamycin on hsBAFF‐promoted B cell proliferation/survival is also related to blocking hsBAFF‐stimulated phosphorylation of Akt, S6K1, and 4E‐BP1, as well as expression of survivin in normal and B‐lymphoid (Raji and Daudi) cells. It appeared that both mTORC1 and mTORC2 were involved in the inhibitory activity of rapamycin, as silencing raptor or rictor enhanced rapamycin's suppression of hsBAFF‐induced survivin expression and proliferation/viability in B cells. Also, PP242, an mTORC1/2 kinase inhibitor, repressed survivin expression, and cell proliferation/viability more potently than rapamycin (mTORC1 inhibitor) in B cells in response to hsBAFF. Of interest, ectopic expression of constitutively active Akt (myr‐Akt) or constitutively active S6K1 (S6K1‐ca), or downregulation of 4E‐BP1 conferred resistance to rapamycin's attenuation of hsBAFF‐induced survivin expression and B‐cell proliferation/viability, whereas overexpression of dominant negative Akt (dn‐Akt) or constitutively hypophosphorylated 4E‐BP1 (4EBP1‐5A), or downregulation of S6K1, or co‐treatment with Akt inhibitor potentiated the inhibitory effects of rapamycin. The findings indicate that rapamycin attenuates excessive hsBAFF‐induced cell proliferation/survival via blocking mTORC1/2 signaling in normal and neoplastic B‐lymphoid cells. Our data underscore that rapamycin may be a potential agent for preventing excessive BAFF‐evoked aggressive B‐cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases.
Dihydroxyacetone production by Gluconobacter frateurii in a minimum medium using fed‐batch fermentation
Authors: Poljungreed Issara , Boonyarattanakalin Siwarutt
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Glycerol, a major by‐product of biodiesel production, is used as a sole carbon source supplemented with only inorganic salts for dihydroxyacetone (DHA) production by Gluconobacter frateurii BCC36199 using fed‐batch fermentation (FBF). Such a FBF process that relies on only glycerol and inorganic salts as carbon and nitrogen sources have never been reported. The effects of dissolved oxygen (DO) and harvest time on DHA production were studied in bioreactor batch fermentation (BBF) and applied to practical FBF.

RESULTS

The highest DHA yield of 96.04% was obtained for culture conditions of 70% DO. The fastest DHA production rate and the highest biomass were obtained under fermentation conditions with 90% DO. FBF with 90% DO gave DHA that was significantly higher than BBF by 82.63%, and very high DHA yield of 96.77% was obtained.

CONCLUSION

DO positively affects the DHA production in bioreactor by G. frateurii BCC36199. High conversion yields of glycerol to DHA by G. frateurii BCC36199 in BBF and FBF are obtained. The developed FBF process is economical because the minimum medium contains only glycerol and inexpensive inorganic salts. The process is designed to be a simple FBF for a more plausible industrial application. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
FeOOH and Mn8O10Cl3 modified zeolites for As(V) removal in aqueous medium
Authors: Krauklis Andrejs , Ozola Ruta , Burlakovs Juris , Rugele Kristine , Kirillov Kirill , Trubaca‐Boginska Anna , Rubenis Kristaps , Stepanova Valentina , Klavins Maris
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Arsenic in drinking water poses serious potential health risks in more than 30 countries with total affected population of around 100 million people. The present study is devoted to the development of innovative sorbents based on zeolite materials for As(V) sorption by modifying raw materials with iron oxyhydroxide and manganese oxychloride. Natural clinoptilolite and synthetic zeolite A were modified in order to obtain improved sorption of As(V). Sorption properties of newly developed sorbents were studied. Zeolites containing natural clinoptilolite are chosen due to relatively low cost and their broad use in industrial production as well as characteristic large surface area.

RESULTS

Results obtained indicate that modification of zeolites with FeOOH and Mn8O10Cl3 significantly improves the As(V) sorption capacity of newly developed materials. As(V) sorption on FeOOH‐modified aluminosilicates follows the Langmuir model, while on unmodified aluminosilicates it is described by the Freundlich model. As(V) sorption kinetics on both modified and unmodified materials most precisely can be described by Lagergren's pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Elevated As(V) concentration on the surface of Mn8O10Cl3 crystals and amorphous FeOOH indicates these compounds as responsible for sorption increase.

CONCLUSION

Developed sorbents show improved performance in comparison with their unmodified counterparts, with a dramatic increase in As(V) sorption capacity up to 99.3 times in the case of FeOOH‐modified calcium zeolite A. These materials have great potential for As(V) removal in aqueous medium. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Unsupervised pharmacophore modeling combined with QSAR analyses revealed novel low micromolar SIRT2 inhibitors
Authors: Khanfar Mohammad A. , Taha Mutasem O.
Published: March 2017

Situin 2 (SIRT2) enzyme is a histone deacetylase that has important role in neuronal development. SIRT2 is clinically validated target for neurodegenerative diseases and some cancers. In this study, exhaustive unsupervised pharmacophore modeling was combined with quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) analysis to explore the structural requirements for potent SIRT2 inhibitors using 146 known SIRT2 ligands. A computational workflow that combines genetic function algorithm with k‐nearest neighbor or multiple linear regression was implemented to build self‐consistent and predictive QSAR models based on combinations of pharmacophores and physicochemical descriptors. Successful pharmacophores were complemented with exclusion spheres to optimize their receiver operating characteristic curve profiles. Optimal QSAR models and their associated pharmacophore hypotheses were experimentally validated by identification and in vitro evaluation of several new promising SIRT2 inhibitory leads retrieved from the National Cancer Institute structural database. The most potent hit illustrated IC50 value of 5.4μM. The chemical structures of active hits were validated by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy.
Comparison of four MRI protocols for detection of extrahepatic colorectal cancer metastases
Authors: Sivesgaard Kim , Jöhnk Maria Louise , Larsen Lars P. , Sørensen Michael , Kramer Stine , Løgager Vibeke Berg , Hansen Flemming , Pedersen Erik Morre
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To compare three magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols containing diffusion‐weighted imaging with background suppression (DWIBS) and one traditional protocol for detecting extrahepatic colorectal cancer metastases.

Materials and Methods

Thirty patients with extrahepatic colorectal cancer metastases were scanned in three stations from the skull base to the upper thighs using a 1.5T MRI system with six different MRI sequences; transverse and coronal T2‐weighted (T2W) turbo spin‐echo (TSE), coronal short tau inversion recovery (STIR), 3D T1W TSE, DWIBS, and a contrast‐enhanced T1W 3D gradient echo (GRE) sequence. The six sequences were used to build four hypothetical MRI interpretive sets which were read by two readers in consensus, blinded to prior imaging. Lesions were categorized into 13 anatomic regions. Fluorodeoxyglucose / positron emission tomography / computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) read with full access to prior imaging and clinical records was used as the reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, and false discovery rate (FDR) were calculated as appropriate and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed.

Results

In all, 177 malignant lesions were detected by FDG‐PET/CT and distributed in 92 out of 390 scanned anatomic regions. The sensitivity was statistically higher in two out of three sets incorporating DWIBS on a per‐lesion basis (66.7%, 63.3%, and 66.7% vs. 57.6%) (P = 0.01, P = 0.11, and P = 0.01, respectively) and in all sets incorporating DWIBS on a per‐region basis (75.0%, 75.0%, and 77.2 vs. 66.3%) (P = 0.04, P = 0.04, and P = 0.01, respectively). There was no difference in specificity, FDR, or AUCROC. There was no difference between sets containing DWIBS irrespective of the use of a contrast‐enhanced sequence.

Conclusion

MRI sets containing DWIBS had superior sensitivity. This sensitivity was retained when omitting a contrast‐enhanced sequence.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1619–1630.
Convenient and General Zinc‐Catalyzed Borylation of Aryl Diazonium Salts and Aryltriazenes under Mild Conditions
Authors: Qi Xinxin , Jiang Li‐Bing , Zhou Chao , Peng Jin‐Bao , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: March 2017

A convenient and general zinc‐catalyzed borylation of aryl diazonium salts and aryltriazenes has been developed. With bis‐ (pinacolato)diboron as the borylation reagent, aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborate salts and aryltriazenes were transformed into the corresponding arylboronates in moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions. As a convenient and practical methodology, no additional ligands, base, or any other additives are required here.
Experimental characterization of single ply out‐of‐plane permeability through gaseous flow
Authors: Fauster E. , Vierkötter C. , Appel L. , Lugo J. , Schijve W. , Heider D.
Published: March 2017

A new approach to measure out‐of‐plane permeability of single ply unidirectional fiber material under tensile load has been investigated. Single ply permeability is an important material parameter in prepreg fabrication processes where the polymer impregnates the fiber reinforcement. Fibers are processed under tension changing the flow behavior of the resin into the porous media. The experimental characterization cell developed for these processes is mounted to a universal testing machine allowing application and continuous variation of the tensile load applied to the fiber sample. The article outlines the setup including the sensing and data acquisition concept, and implements the data reduction procedure based on Darcy's flow in porous media to obtain the transverse permeability as a function of tension loading. Transverse permeability was determined for single glass and carbon fiber tows for a wide range of tensile loading. The smaller diameter carbon tow permeability showed an order smaller permeability compared to glass fibers. In addition, permeability for both materials changed up to two orders as tensile loading was applied. The results can be used to optimize the impregnation behavior of single ply infusion processes. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3247–3258, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Understanding the physico‐chemical and surface discharge properties of epoxy silicon carbide nanocomposites
Authors: Sahoo Animesh , Gautam Ribhu , Vinu R. , Jayaganthan R. , Sarathi R.
Published: March 2017

This study focuses on characterization of silicon carbide (SiC)‐epoxy nanocomposites with different mass loading of SiC using different techniques to evaluate the physicochemical, thermo‐physical and surface discharge activity of the insulating materials. A marginal increase in surface discharge inception voltage (SDIV) was observed with increase in wt% loading of SiC in the epoxy but not much variation is observed with increase in supply frequency. Surface discharge process radiates electromagnetic waves in the UHF signal frequency range of 0.5–1.5 GHz. The dielectric properties of the material get altered with the percentage of SiC material in epoxy resin. TEM analysis indicates uniformity of dispersion of nano particle in epoxy resin. Charge retention capability of the material is high when the deposited charges are unipolar. Optical emission studies indicate the presence of silicon peaks with SiC‐epoxy nanocomposites in wavelength range of 350‐400 nm. Oxygen peaks were observed for all samples. Using the spectral peak positions and intensities of the peaks obtained, the plasma temperature for SiC‐epoxy nanocomposites was estimated to be c.a. 2240 K low when compared to that for pure epoxy. LIBS spectra clearly indicate an increase in carbon intensity with corona damaged specimen. Also for the same level of fluency, the amount of damage is less with higher percentage of SiC included epoxy nanocomposites. Pyrolysis GC/MS study indicates that the presence of SiC in the epoxy matrix enhances the timescale of primary pyrolysis vapors such as bisphenol components to form more monomeric phenols via secondary cracking reactions. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3268–3279, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Tune the phase morphology to design conductive polymer composites: A review
Authors: Xie Lan , Zhu Yutian
Published: March 2017

Conductive polymer composites (CPCs) can endow the insulating polymer materials with conductive function via loading the conductive fillers into polymer matrices, which have received intensive attention from both the academy and industry. Since the electronic transmission is based on the conductive network in the polymer matrices, the electrical properties of the CPCs depend on not only the electrical qualities of the conductive fillers but also the phase morphologies of the composites. Though great progress has been made in designing the CPCs by tuning the phase morphology, only very limited reviews focused on this issue. In this article, recent developments in utilizing various phase morphologies such as the co‐continuous morphology and the segregated morphology to design CPCs with the controllable electrical properties are systematically reviewed. Finally, an overview of the current challenges and further developments of CPCs is discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2985–2996, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Experimental and numerical investigations of evaluation criteria and material parameters' coupling effect on polypropylene scratch
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Jiang Han , Jiang Chengkai , Kang Guozheng , Kan Qianhua , Li Yonghua
Published: March 2017

Nine PP systems were synthesized to investigate the coupling effect of elastic modulus and yield strength on its scratch behavior. Adopting an integrated approach of scratch test and finite element simulation, the tangential force, the residual scratch depth and the groove shoulder area are identified as the evaluation criteria of the scratch resistance of PP. With those identified criteria, the coupling effect of elastic modulus and yield strength on PP scratch is revealed that the PP with large yield strength and small elastic modulus owns a remarkable scratch resistance. The implication of the present work on designing the PP with good scratch resistant is also discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:118–122, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fatigue crack propagation in triblock copolymer toughened epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Klingler Andreas , Wetzel Bernd
Published: March 2017

This study systematically investigates the influence of a Polymethylmethacrylate‐block‐Polybutylacrylate‐block‐Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA‐b‐PBuA‐b‐PMMA) triblock copolymer (BCP) on the flexural properties, the static fracture toughness and especially the resistance to fatigue crack propagation (FCP) of a cycloaliphatic amine cured bisphenol A based epoxy resin (EP). The results show that already small concentrations of BCP can significantly improve fracture toughness and the resistance to fatigue crack propagation. Crack growth rate as well as the Paris' law exponent m were considerably reduced from m = 15.5 of the neat epoxy to m = 8.1 for the BCP toughened materials. Simultaneously, the resistance to fatigue crack propagation was found to increase drastically from a critical stress intensity factor range
of
to
. Fractography and structural analysis reveal that the improved resistance to fatigue crack propagation correlates to crack shielding and zone shielding mechanisms caused by the synergistic interaction of BCP‐rich domains and dispersed nanometer sized, presumably BCP‐rich particles in epoxy‐rich regions. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:579–587, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of the soft segment nature on the thermomechanical behavior of shape memory polyurethanes
Authors: Sáenz‐Pérez Míriam , Laza José Manuel , García‐Barrasa Jorge , Vilas José Luis , León Luis Manuel
Published: March 2017

Shape‐memory polyurethanes (SMPUs) represent a highly interesting class of materials due to their applications in different sectors such as biomedical, textile, and aerospace. Moreover, it is possible to synthesize a variety of polyurethanes with different molecular architectures just choosing properly the chemical structure of their components. In this work, it is described the influence of the soft segment on the thermomechanical properties and shape memory behavior of shape memory polyurethanes. The synthesis, based on two‐step polymerization, was prepared by two different soft segments: poly(oxytetramethylene) glycol (PTMG) or poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Depending on the molecular architecture achieved, the materials present different properties that were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Furthermore, the shape memory response of thermally activated SMPUs is determined qualitative and quantitatively by visually monitoring the shape recovery process and by thermomechanical analysis (TMA), respectively. All developed compositions have shown good shape memory behavior, with recovery ratios higher than 99.8%. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:238–244, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fosfomycin for the Treatment of Cystitis in the Abdominal Solid Organ Transplant Population
Authors: Loethen Ashley A. , Kerstenetzky Luiza , Descourouez Jillian L. , Leverson Glen E. , Smith Jeannina A. , Jorgenson Margaret R.
Published: March 2017

Study Objectives

To evaluate the use of fosfomycin (FOS) at the single‐dose regimen approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as well as off‐label multidose regimens for the treatment of cystitis after abdominal solid organ transplant (aSOT).

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Tertiary academic medical center.

Patients

Adult inpatients with history of aSOT receiving FOS between January 1, 2009, and April 30, 2015, for the treatment of cystitis.

Measurements and Main Results

Seventy‐six courses of FOS were identified in 64 patients. Overall treatment success was 85.5%, with 11 failed treatment courses. Enterococcus was isolated in 59.3% of courses, of which 72.2% were vancomycin‐resistant enterococci (VRE). Gram‐negative organisms comprised a quarter of isolated bacteria, with most resistant to three or more antimicrobial classes. In the 11 failed treatment courses, 90% were targeted against enterococcus, of which 82% were VRE. Six of these failures (54%) were successfully retreated with uroselective therapy (FOS or nitrofurantoin). No significant difference in the success rate of single‐dose versus multidose therapy was seen (80.6% vs 90%, p=0.33). Concomitant systemic antibiotics for other indications were present in 36.8% of courses, and they were significantly more frequent in the multidose group (67.5% vs 47.2%, p=0.04). However, multivariable logistic regression analysis found that after adjustment for broad‐spectrum antibiotic use, no statistically significant difference in failure rates was found between the two regimens (p=0.42).

Conclusion

FOS appears to be successful in the treatment of cystitis in aSOT recipients. Multidose therapy did not significantly improve success over a single‐dose regimen. Further prospective studies are needed to elucidate the true efficacy of FOS in the aSOT population.
Measured and estimated performance of a fleet of shaded photovoltaic systems with string and module‐level inverters
Authors: MacAlpine Sara , Deline Chris , Dobos Aron
Published: March 2017

Shade obstructions can significantly impact the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Although there are many models for partially shaded PV arrays, there is a lack of information available regarding their accuracy and uncertainty when compared with actual field performance. This work assesses the recorded performance of 46 residential PV systems, equipped with either string‐level or module‐level inverters, under a variety of shading conditions. We compare their energy production data to annual PV performance predictions, with a focus on the practical models developed here for National Renewable Energy Laboratory's system advisor model software. This includes assessment of shade extent on each PV system by using traditional onsite surveys and newer 3D obstruction modelling. The electrical impact of shade is modelled by either a nonlinear performance model or assumption of linear impact with shade extent, depending on the inverter type. When applied to the fleet of residential PV systems, performance is predicted with median annual bias errors of 2.5% or less, for systems with up to 20% estimated shading loss. The partial shade models are not found to add appreciable uncertainty to annual predictions of energy production for this fleet of systems but do introduce a monthly root‐mean‐square error of approximately 4%–9% due to seasonal effects. Use of a detailed 3D model results in similar or improved accuracy over site survey methods, indicating that, with proper description of shade obstructions, modelling of partially shaded PV arrays can be done completely remotely, potentially saving time and cost. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Enhancement of ferromagnetism in BaFeO3‐KTa0.47Nb0.53O3 multilayers compared to pseudo‐cubic BaFeO3 thin film grown by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Cianfrone Joe , Ghosh Siddhartha , Kim Seonhoo , Kim Kyeong‐Won , Hebard Arthur. F. , Norton David
Published: March 2017

Oxide multilayer hetero‐structure of BaFeO3‐KTa0.47Nb0.53O3 have been grown using the pulsed laser deposition and the ex situ annealed in a flowing oxygen atmosphere. The multilayer has been characterized using X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Magnetic properties have been studied via SQUID measurements. Magnetization in the multilayer structure shows significant improvement compared to previous measurements of bare BaFeO3. Measuring magnetization as a function of temperature and fitting the resulting M–T curves to Bloch's 3/2 law, yields an estimated Curie temperature (TC) of around 425 K and a P factor of around 1.5, consistent with magnetization from a three dimensional crystal structure. In spite of using a room temperature ferroelectric KTa0.47Nb0.53O3 composition, no evidence of ferroelectricity was observed in multi‐layer structure.
Approximate finite‐time control for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with dynamic compensation
Authors: Zhang Yongjun , Zhao Jianli , Zhang Fei , Wang Jing
Published: March 2017

In this work, a new robust nonlinear feedback control method with dynamic active compensation is proposed; the active control method has been applied to an integral series of finite‐time single‐input single‐output nonlinear system with uncertainty. In further tracking the closed‐loop stability and nonlinear uncertainty, an extended state observer has been employed to solve the immeasurability and nonlinear uncertainty within a nonlinear system. A singular perturbation theory has been used to solve for the finite‐time stability of the closed‐loop system; furthermore, numerical simulations showed that the robust nonlinear feedback controller tracked the uncertainty in a nonlinear Duffing‐type oscillator and has proven the effectiveness of the approximate finite‐time control strategy proposed. By using an approximate finite‐time control approach with active compensation, the uncertainty in a nonlinear system could be accurately estimated and controlled. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of the Stream Evolution Model to a Volcanically Disturbed River: The North Fork Toutle River, Washington State, USA
Authors: Zheng S. , Thorne C. R. , Wu B. S. , Han S. S.
Published: March 2017

In this study, a recently revised version of the channel evolution model, named the Stream Evolution Model (SEM), was applied to the upper North Fork Toutle River disrupted by the deposition of a 2.5‐km3 debris avalanche during the catastrophic eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. The results show that, in the first few years following the eruption, upstream channel reaches generally incised, evolving in SEM Stage 4 (i.e. degradation and widening), while downstream reaches aggraded, evolving in Stage 5 (i.e. aggradation and widening). However, starting in the late‐1980s, this simple pattern was disrupted by incision in the downstream reaches, which seemed to propagate upstream. Since the 1990s, lateral channel adjustments have become predominant as rates of vertical adjustment have slowed and river valley top widths relaxed to asymptotic values. Spatial and temporal sequences of channel evolution have tended to follow the sequences of stages expected according to the SEM, although these sequences have been frequently disrupted by renewed incision, secondary cycles of adjustment and the impacts of local geologic, geomorphic and hydraulic conditions. Within the quasi‐full SEM cycles, stages 4 and 5 were sometimes repeated, while stage 6 (quasi‐equilibrium) was sometimes omitted, and stage 8 (anabranching) only occurred in the downstream braided/anabranching reaches. According to the SEM, degradation, widening and lateral activity (stages 4 and 7) are forecast to continue until transverse valley profiles and channel planforms stabilize and floodplain and terrace surfaces are fully colonized by vegetation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.