bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Murine pluripotent stem cells that escape differentiation inside teratomas maintain pluripotency
Authors: Pei Yangli , Yue Liang , Zhang Wei , Xiang Jinzhu , Ma Zhu , Han Jianyong
Published: December 2017

Background. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) offer immense potential as a source for regenerative therapies. The teratoma assay is widely used in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine, but the cell composition of teratoma is still elusive.

Methods. We utilized PSCs expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the control of the Pou5f1 promoter to study the persistence of potential pluripotent cells during teratoma formation in vivo. OCT4-MES (mouse embryonic stem cells) were isolated from the blastocysts of 3.5-day OCT4-EGFP mice (transgenic mice express EGFP cDNA under the control of the Pou5f1 promoter) embryos, and TG iPS 1-7 (induced pluripotent stem cells) were generated from mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from 13.5-day OCT4-EGFP mice embryos by infecting them with a virus carrying OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and c-MYC. These pluripotent cells were characterized according to their morphology and expression of pluripotency markers. Their differentiation ability was studied with in vivo teratoma formation assays. Further differences between pluripotent cells were examined by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR).

Results. The results showed that s everal OCT4-expressing PSCs escaped differentiation inside of teratomas, and these escaped cells (MES-FT, GFP-positive cells separated from OCT4-MES-derived teratomas; and iPS-FT, GFP-positive cells obtained from teratomas formed by TG iPS 1-7) retained their pluripotency. Interestingly, a small number of GFP-positive cells in teratomas formed by MES-FT and iPS-FT ( MES-ST, GFP-positive cells isolated from MES-FT-derived teratomas; iPS-ST, GFP-positive cells obtained from teratomas formed by iPS-FT ) were still pluripotent, as shown by alkaline phosphatase (AP) staining, immunofluorescent staining and PCR. MES-FT, iPS-FT, MES-ST and iPS-ST cells also expressed several markers associated with germ cell formation, such as Dazl, Stella and Stra8.

Conclusions. In summary, a small number of PSCs escaped differentiation inside of teratomas , and these cells maintained pluripotency and partially developed towards germ cells. Both escaped PSCs and germ cells present a risk of tumor formation. Therefore, medical workers must be careful in preventing tumor formation when stem cells are used to treat specific diseases.
Fallibility in science: Responding to errors in the work of oneself and others
Authors: Bishop Dorothy V
Published: December 2017

Fallibility in science cuts both ways: it poses dilemmas for the scientist who discovers errors in their own work, and for those who discover errors in the work of others. The ethical response to finding errors in one's own work is clear: they should be claimed and corrected as rapidly as possible. Yet people are often reluctant to 'do the right thing' because of a perception this could lead to reputational damage. I argue that the best defence against such outcomes is adoption of open science practices, which help avoid errors and also leads to recognition that mistakes are part of normal science. Indeed, a reputation for scientific integrity can be enhanced by admitting to errors. The second part of the paper focuses on situations where errors are discovered in the work of others; in the case of honest errors, action must be taken to put things right, but this should be done in a collegial way that offers the researcher the opportunity to deal with the problem themselves. Difficulties arise if those who commit errors are unresponsive or reluctant to make changes, when there is disagreement about whether a dataset or analysis is problematic, or where deliberate manipulation of findings or outright fraud is suspected. I offer some guidelines about how to approach such cases. My key message is that for science to progress, we have to accept the inevitability of error. In the long run, scientists will not be judged on whether or not they make mistakes, but on how they respond when those mistakes are detected.
The effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and root interaction on the competition between Trifolium repens and Lolium perenne
Authors: Ren Haiyan , Gao Tao , Hu Jian , Yang Gaowen
Published: December 2017

Understanding the factors that alter competitive interactions and coexistence between plants is a key issue in ecological research. A pot experiment was conducted to test the effects of root interaction and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on the interspecies competition between Trifolium repens and Lolium perenne under different proportions of mixed sowing by the combination treatment of two levels of AMF inoculation (inoculation and non-inoculation) and two levels of root interaction (root interaction and non-root interaction). Overall, the aboveground and belowground biomass of T. repens and L. perenne were not altered by AMF inoculation across planting ratios, probably because the fertile soil reduced the positive effect of AMF on plant growth. Both inter- and intraspecies root interaction significantly decreased the aboveground biomass of T. repens, but tended to increase the aboveground biomass of L. perenne across planting ratios, and thus peaked at the 4:4 polyculture. These results showed that T. repens competed poorly with L. perenne because of inter and intraspecies root interaction. Our results indicate that interspecies root interaction regulates the competitive ability of grass L. perenne and legume T. repens in mixtures and further makes great contribution for overyielding. Furthermore, AMF may not be involved in plant–plant interaction in fertile condition.
Transition From Collisional to Subduction‐Related Regimes: An Example From Neogene Panama‐Nazca‐South America Interactions
Authors: León Santiago , Cardona Agustín , Parra Mauricio , Sobel Edward R. , Jaramillo Juan S. , Glodny Johannes , Valencia Víctor A. , Chew David , Montes Camilo , Posada Gustavo , Monsalve Gaspar , Pardo‐Trujillo Andrés
Published: December 2017

A geological transect across the suture separating northwestern South America from the Panama Arc helps document the provenance and thermal history of both crustal domains and the suture zone. During middle Miocene, strata were being accumulated over the suture zone between the Panama Arc and the continental margin. Integrated provenance analyses of those middle Miocene strata show the presence of mixed sources that includes material derived from the two major crustal domains: the old northwestern South American orogens and the younger Panama Arc. Coeval moderately rapid exhumation of Upper Cretaceous to Paleogene sediments forming the reference continental margin is suggested from our inverse thermal modeling. Strata within the suture zone are intruded by ~12 Ma magmatic arc‐related plutons, marking the transition from a collisional orogen to a subduction‐related one. Renewed late Miocene to Pliocene acceleration of the exhumation rates is the consequence of a second tectonic pulse, which is likely to be triggered by the onset of a flat‐slab subduction of the Nazca plate underneath the northernmost Andes of Colombia, suggesting that late Miocene to Pliocene orogeny in the Northern Andes is controlled by at least two different tectonic mechanisms.
Biometric Functions
Authors: Yang Grace L.
Published: December 2017

Biometric functions are life‐table functions in their applications to studies in demography, epidemiology, actuarial science, and biomedical sciences.

We focus on nonparametric estimation of two of the basic biometric functions, survival probability and life expectancy function, with censored or biased data. Invertible relations between any two of the hazard rate function, survival probability, and its cumulative hazard function reveal the product limit form for estimators of survival probability; the resulting estimator can be the Kaplan–Meier estimator for right‐censored data or the Lynden–Bell estimator for randomly truncated data. Presenting censoring and biased sampling models in a unifying view, some of the results on nonparametric estimators of the survival probability and life expectancy function are highlighted. Generalizations from the basic right censoring model to multiple decrement model to multistate competing risk models are noted. An illustrative example of constructing a length‐biased model for population studies is given, which helps to compare with other available length‐biased models.
Spatial Distribution
Authors: Waller Lance A.
Published: December 2017

We review the role of the distribution of random quantities across space in inference. Different data structures often define different questions of interest and we review these for geostatistical, point process, and lattice data structures.
Dynamic Treatment Regimes
Authors: Moodie Erica E. M. , Stephens David A.
Published: December 2017

Dynamic treatment regimes describe a class of treatments or interventions, often given sequentially, that are tailored to the characteristics of an individual at the time the treatment decision is made. In this article, we introduce dynamic treatment regimes and sequential multiple assignment randomized trial designs, which give rise to the data that can be used to estimate the impact of such personalized treatment strategies.
Ramanathan (Ram)Gnanadesikan
Authors: Kettenring Jon R. , Landwehr James M. , Strawderman William E.
Published: December 2017

Ram Gnanadesikan was one of the foremost industrial statisticians of the twentieth century. After completing his PhD at the University of North Carolina, he spent 2 years at Procter & Gamble before joining Bell Labs in 1959, where he rose to be the head of the statistics and data analysis research department. (Bell Labs was the research and development arm of the nationwide Bell System in the United States before its breakup in 1984.) At the breakup Ram joined Bellcore as division manager of information sciences research. In 1986, he was promoted to assistant vice president of information sciences and technologies research. In 1991, He joined the Rutgers University department of statistics as a professor, where he remained until his retirement in 1998. The goal of this article is to highlight some of Ram's many accomplishments during his career as a leader, researcher, and educator.
Multiscale Phase Separations for Hierarchically Ordered Macro/Mesostructured Metal Oxides
Authors: Jo Changshin , Hwang Jongkook , Lim Won‐Gwang , Lim Jun , Hur Kahyun , Lee Jinwoo
Published: December 2017

Porous architectures play an important role in various applications of inorganic materials. Several attempts to develop mesoporous materials with controlled macrostructures have been reported, but they usually require complicated multiple‐step procedures, which limits their versatility and suitability for mass production. Here, a simple approach for controlling the macrostructures of mesoporous materials, without templates for the macropores, is reported. The controlled solvent evaporation induces both macrophase separation via spinodal decomposition and mesophase separation via block copolymer self‐assembly, leading to the formation of hierarchically porous metal oxides with periodic macro/mesostructures. In addition, using this method, macrostructures of mesoporous metal oxides are controlled into spheres and mesoporous powders containing isolated macropores. Nanocomputed tomography, focused ion beam milling, and electron microscopy confirm well‐defined macrostructures containing mesopores. Among the various porous structures, hierarchically macro/mesoporous metal oxide is employed as an anode material in lithium‐ion batteries. The present approach could provide a broad and easily accessible platform for the manufacturing of mesoporous inorganic materials with different macrostructures.
An Unfused‐Core‐Based Nonfullerene Acceptor Enables High‐Efficiency Organic Solar Cells with Excellent Morphological Stability at High Temperatures
Authors: Li Shuixing , Zhan Lingling , Liu Feng , Ren Jie , Shi Minmin , Li Chang‐Zhi , Russell Thomas P. , Chen Hongzheng
Published: December 2017

Most nonfullerene acceptors developed so far for high‐performance organic solar cells (OSCs) are designed in planar molecular geometry containing a fused‐ring core. In this work, a new nonfullerene acceptor of DF‐PCIC is synthesized with an unfused‐ring core containing two cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT) moieties and one 2,5‐difluorobenzene (DFB) group. A nearly planar geometry is realized through the F···H noncovalent interaction between CPDT and DFB for DF‐PCIC. After proper optimizations, the OSCs with DF‐PCIC as the acceptor and the polymer PBDB‐T as the donor yield the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.14% with a high fill factor of 0.72. To the best of our knowledge, this efficiency is among the highest values for the OSCs with nonfullerene acceptors owning unfused‐ring cores. Furthermore, no obvious morphological changes are observed for the thermally treated PBDB‐T:DF‐PCIC blended films, and the relevant devices can keep ≈70% of the original PCEs upon thermal treatment at 180 °C for 12 h. This tolerance of such a high temperature for so long time is rarely reported for fullerene‐free OSCs, which might be due to the unique unfused‐ring core of DF‐PCIC. Therefore, the work provides new idea for the design of new nonfullerene acceptors applicable in commercial OSCs in the future.
Perovskite Quantum Dots with Near Unity Solution and Neat‐Film Photoluminescent Quantum Yield by Novel Spray Synthesis
Authors: Dai Shu‐Wen , Hsu Bo‐Wei , Chen Chien‐Yu , Lee Chia‐An , Liu Hsiao‐Yun , Wang Hsiao‐Fang , Huang Yu‐Ching , Wu Tien‐Lin , Manikandan Arumugam , Ho Rong‐Ming , Tsao Cheng‐Si , Cheng Chien‐Hong , Chueh Yu‐Lun , Lin Hao‐Wu
Published: December 2017

In this study, a novel perovskite quantum dot (QD) spray‐synthesis method is developed by combining traditional perovskite QD synthesis with the technique of spray pyrolysis. By utilizing this new technique, the synthesis of cubic‐shaped perovskite QDs with a homogeneous size of 14 nm is demonstrated, which shows an unprecedented stable absolute photoluminescence quantum yield ≈100% in the solution and even in the solid‐state neat film. The highly emissive thin films are integrated with light emission devices (LEDs) and organic light emission displays (OLEDs). The color conversion type QD‐LED (ccQD‐LED) hybrid devices exhibit an extremely saturated green emission, excellent external quantum efficiency of 28.1%, power efficiency of 121 lm W−1, and extraordinary forward‐direction luminescence of 8 500 000 cd m−2. The conceptual ccQD‐OLED hybrid display also successfully demonstrates high‐definition still images and moving pictures with a 119% National Television System Committee 1931 color gamut and 123% Digital Cinema Initiatives‐P3 color gamut. These very‐stable, ultra‐bright perovskite QDs have the properties necessary for a variety of useful applications in optoelectronics.
Reflecting on Participatory, Action‐Oriented Research Methods in Community Psychology: Progress, Problems, and Paths Forward
Authors: Kidd Sean , Davidson Larry , Frederick Tyler , Kral Michael J.
Published: December 2017

Highlights

Participatory action research (PAR) remains an underutilized methodology in community mental health.

PAR embodies the type of approach needed to improve the system‐level impacts of community psychology.

The contexts of PAR are changing and how PAR is understood and taught need to change with them.
Carbohydrate‐Responsive Surface Adhesion Based on the Dynamic Covalent Chemistry of Phenylboronic Acid‐ and Catechol‐Containing Polymer Brushes
Authors: Lamping Sebastian , Otremba Tobias , Ravoo Bart Jan
Published: December 2017

A glue, based on dynamic covalent chemistry, with a strong adhesion (2.38 kg cm−2), water resistance and carbohydrate responsive reversibility is presented. Using surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP), glass and silicon surfaces were coated with copolymers functionalized with phenylboronic acids and catechols. In combination with microcontact printing (μCP) these polymer brushes give access to a carbohydrate responsive “supramolecular Velcro”.
Synthesis of gold nanoparticles decorated on sulfonated three‐dimensional graphene nanocomposite and application as a highly efficient and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for Ullmann homocoupling of aryl iodides and reduction of p‐nitrophenol
Authors: Dabiri Minoo , Kashi Seyede Razie Banifatemi , Lehi Noushin Farajinia , Bashiribod Sahareh
Published: December 2017

Gold nanoparticles were decorated onto sulfonated three‐dimensional graphene (3DG‐SO3H) through spontaneous chemical reduction of HAuCl4 by 3DG‐SO3H. This nanocomposite exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the synthesis of symmetric biaryls via the Ullmann homocoupling of aryl iodides in an aqueous medium. Additionally, this nanocomposite was used as a catalyst for the reduction of p‐nitrophenol to p‐aminophenol. The catalyst could be used more than six times successively without significant deactivation.
Solution electrospinning with a pulsed electric field
Authors: Li Kaili , Wang Ying , Xie Gai , Kang Jingxin , He Hong , Wang Kejian , Liu Yong
Published: December 2017

Getting finer fibers is one important goal of electrospinning. In this article, we introduce orthogonal experimental research of solution electrospinning with a pulsed electric field. The influences of the voltage, flow rate, frequency, and duty cycle on the mean diameter and diameter distribution of electrospun fibers were investigated. The phenomenon of electrospinning in a pulsed electric field was compared to that of electrospinning in an ordinary electric field. We found that the order of the factors that affected the fiber diameter was Duty cycle > Flow rate > Voltage > Frequency and the order of factors that affected the fiber diameter distribution was Duty cycle > Flow rate > Frequency > Voltage. In addition, compared with the ordinary electric field, the pulsed electric field apparently contributed to reductions in the mean fiber diameter and diameter distribution. In this article, we provide important evidence for the reduction of the fiber diameter with the pulsed electric field. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46130.
Trends and clinicopathological predictors of axillary evaluation in ductal carcinoma in situ patients treated with breast‐conserving therapy
Authors: Huang Nai‐si , Si Jing , Yang Ben‐long , Quan Chen‐lian , Chen Jia‐jian , Wu Jiong
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the trends of axillary lymph node evaluation in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) patients treated with breast‐conserving therapy (BCT) and to identify the clinicopathological predictors of axillary evaluation. DCIS patients treated with BCT in 2006–2015 at our institute were retrospectively included in the analysis. Patients were categorized into three groups: sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), and non‐evaluation. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors that predicted axillary evaluation. A total of 315 patients were identified, among whom 135 underwent SLNB, and 15 underwent ALND. The proportion of patients who underwent axillary evaluation increased from 33.0% in 2006–2010 to 53.8% in 2011–2015 (P < 0.001), however, no patients had lymph node metastasis based on final pathology. In multivariate analysis, high‐grade tumor favored axillary evaluation (OR = 4.376, 95% CI:1.410–13.586, P = 0.011); while excision biopsy favored no axillary evaluation compared with other biopsy methods (OR = 0.418, 95% CI: 0.192–0.909, P = 0.028). Subgroup analysis of patients treated in 2011–2015 revealed that high‐grade tumor (OR = 5.898, 95% CI: 1.626–21.390, P = 0.007) and palpable breast lump (OR = 2.497, 95% CI: 1.037–6.011, P = 0.041) were independent predictors of axillary lymph node evaluation. Despite the significant decrease in ALND and a concerning overuse of SLNB, we identified no axillary lymph node metastasis, which justified omitting axillary evaluation in these patients. High‐grade tumor, palpable lump, and biopsy method were independent predictors of axillary evaluations. Excision biopsy of suspicious DCIS lesions may potentially preclude the invasive component of the disease and help to avoid axillary surgery
Incidence and risk factors of postoperative pneumonia following cancer surgery in adult patients with selected solid cancer: results of “Cancer POP” study
Authors: Jung Jiwon , Moon Song Mi , Jang Hee‐Chang , Kang Cheol‐In , Jun Jae‐Bum , Cho Yong Kyun , Kang Seung‐Ji , Seo Bo‐Jeong , Kim Young‐Joo , Park Seong‐Beom , Lee Juneyoung , Yu Chang Sik , Kim Sung‐Han
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of postoperative pneumonia (POP) within 1 year after cancer surgery in patients with the five most common cancers (gastric, colorectal, lung, breast cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]) in South Korea. This was a multicenter and retrospective cohort study performed at five nationwide cancer centers. The number of cancer patients in each center was allocated by the proportion of cancer surgery. Adult patients were randomly selected according to the allocated number, among those who underwent cancer surgery from January to December 2014 within 6 months after diagnosis of cancer. One‐year cumulative incidence of POP was estimated using Kaplan–Meier analysis. An univariable Cox's proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for POP development. As a multivariable analysis, confounders were adjusted using multiple Cox's PH regression model. Among the total 2000 patients, the numbers of patients with gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and HCC were 497 (25%), 525 (26%), 277 (14%), 552 (28%), and 149 (7%), respectively. Overall, the 1‐year cumulative incidence of POP was 2.0% (95% CI, 1.4–2.6). The 1‐year cumulative incidences in each cancer were as follows: lung 8.0%, gastric 1.8%, colorectal 1.0%, HCC 0.7%, and breast 0.4%. In multivariable analysis, older age, higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score, ulcer disease, history of pneumonia, and smoking were related with POP development. In conclusions, the 1‐year cumulative incidence of POP in the five most common cancers was 2%. Older age, higher CCI scores, smoker, ulcer disease, and previous pneumonia history increased the risk of POP development in cancer patients.
The delta opioid peptide D‐Alanine 2, Leucine 5 Enkephaline (DADLE)‐induces neuroprotection through cross‐talk between the UPR and pro‐survival MAPK‐NGF‐Bcl2 signaling pathways via modulation of several micro‐RNAs in SH‐SY5Y cells subjected to ER stress
Authors: Moghal Erfath Thanjeem Begum , Venkatesh Katari , Sen Dwaipayan
Published: December 2017

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and accumulation of misfolded proteins in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leading to activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). In the present study, we aimed to determine the potential survival effect of the delta opioid neuro‐peptide D‐Alanine 2, Leucine 5 Enkephaline (DADLE), and its mechanism in dopaminergic SH‐SY5Y cells which were subjected to ER stress. In this cellular model of PD, enhanced cell survivability was observed on DADLE treatment (but not with μ and κ opioid agonists) along with concomitant down regulation of the UPR stress sensors and protein aggregates. The study found increased phosphorylation of MEK‐1, which leads to activation of MAP kinase as well as enhanced expression of the pro‐survival gene nerve growth factor and anti‐apoptotic marker Bcl2. DADLE treatment could also significantly inhibit expression of the pro‐apoptotic marker BIM. Next‐generation sequence analysis revealed 93 micro (mi) RNAs to be differentially regulated following DADLE treatment in cells subjected to ER stress. Pathway prediction and previously published reports revealed that out of these 93 miRNAs, 34 can play a role in promoting cell survival. Specific modulation of two such miRNAs, namely miR‐30c‐2‐3p and miR‐200c, could partially reverse the positive survival effect induced by DADLE. Apart from the known miRNAs, various novel miRNAs were also observed following DADLE treatment which could also play a role in enhancing the survival of SH‐SY5Y cells under ER stress.
Nitrogenated‐Graphite‐Encapsulated Carbon Black as a Metal‐Free Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Acid
Authors: Zhu Yansong , Zhang Tianran , Lee Jim Yang
Published: December 2017

No metal needed: A core‐shell‐like carbon catalyst consisting of a few layers of nitrogen‐doped graphite on a carbon black core was prepared by pyrolyzing an ionic liquid (IL) with carbon black (CB) particles. The catalyst has a noticeably improved OER performance of the nanocarbon in acid solution. The resilience of the catalyst in acid solution is due to the greater protection of the nitrogen‐containing OER active sites in a graphitic shell.

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acid solution is very challenging for metal‐free catalysts based only on heteroatom‐doped carbon nanomaterials which have thus far shown relatively low catalytic activity and poor stability. Herein, we report a core‐shell‐like carbon catalyst consisting of a few layers of nitrogen‐doped graphite on a carbon black core prepared by pyrolyzing an ionic liquid (IL) with carbon black (CB) particles. The catalyst prepared as such has a noticeably improved OER performance of the nanocarbon in acid solution (1.70 V at a current density of 10 mA cm−2) in comparison with the few metal‐free OER electrocatalysts reported to date. The experimental results suggest that the resilience of the catalyst in acid solution is due to the greater protection of the nitrogen‐containing OER active sites in a graphitic shell.
Gold(II) Trihalide Complexes from Organogold(III) Precursors
Authors: Baya Miguel , Pérez‐Bitrián Alberto , Martínez‐Salvador Sonia , Martín Antonio , Casas José M. , Menjón Babil , Orduna Jesús
Published: December 2017

The mononuclear gold(II) halide complexes [AuCl3]− and [AuBr3]− are formed in the gas phase by collision‐induced homolytic splitting of the only Au−C bond in the monoalkylgold(III) precursors [CF3AuX3]−. The geometries of the whole series of [AuX3]− complexes (X=F, Cl, Br, I) have been calculated by DFT methods. It has also been found that the neutral AuX2 molecules behave as unsaturated species, showing significant affinity for an additional X− ligand. Moreover, in the open‐shell [AuX3]− anions, homolytic splitting of one of the Au−X bonds and formation of the lower‐valent [AuX2]− anions is favored over non‐reducing halide dissociation. They should therefore be prone to disproportionation.
Tuning of Polyoxopalladate Macroanionic Hydration Shell via Countercation Interaction
Authors: He Jiazhi , Li Hui , Yang Peng , Haso Fadi , Wu Jiayingzi , Li Tao , Kortz Ulrich , Liu Tianbo
Published: December 2017

Three types of macroanion–countercation interactions in dilute solution, decided by the strength of electrostatic attraction and the change of hydration shells are reported: minor interaction between macroanions [MO8Pd12(SeO3)8]6− (M=Zn2+ or Ni2+) and monovalent cations (Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+), leaving their hydration shells intact (solvent‐separated ion‐pairs); strong binding between macroanions and divalent cations (Sr2+, Ba2+) to form solvent‐shared ion‐pairs with partial dehydration; very strong electrostatic attraction between macroanions and Y3+ ion with contact ion‐pairs formation by severely breaking their original hydration shells and forming new ones. In addition, divalent cations can help the macroanions self‐assemble into hollow spherical blackberry structures through counterion‐mediated attraction, whereas macroanions with mono‐ or trivalent cations only stay as discrete ions due to either weak interaction or a small number of bound countercations.
High‐performance liquid chromatographic enantioseparation of N‐aryl‐thioureidoalkylphosphonates and thiourylenedi(alkylphosphonates) on polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phases
Authors: Drabowicz Józef , Kudzin Marcin H. , Kudzin Zbigniew H. , Pokora‐Sobczak Patrycja
Published: December 2017

The first successful enantioseparation of representative O,O‐diphenyl‐N‐arylthioureidoalkylphosphonates, (±)‐Ptc‐ValP(OPh)2 & (±)‐Ptc‐LeuP(OPh)2 and thiourylenedi(isobutyl phosphonate), Tcm[ValP(OPh)2]2 on analytical and semipreparative scale was achieved by high‐performance liquid chromatography using polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phases (CPs). Atc‐AAP(OPh)2 was obtained using modified tricomponent condensations of the corresponding aldehydes, N‐arylthiourea and triphenyl phosphite whereas Tcm[ValP(OPh)2]2 by the condensations of aldehydes, thiourea, and triphenyl phosphite. The prepared, racemic (±)‐Atc‐AAP(OPh)2 [(±)‐Ptc‐ValP(OPh)2, (±)‐Ptc‐LeuP(OPh)2, (±)‐Ptc‐PglyP(OPh)2 and (±)‐Ntc‐PglyP(OPh)2] and racemic (±)‐Tcm[AAP(OPh)2]2 [(±)‐Tcm[NvaP(OPh)2]2 & (±)‐Tcm[ValP(OPh)2]2] were adequately characterized and used for chromatographic separations on high‐performance liquid chromatography–chiral stationary phases. The best results were obtained for (±)‐Ptc‐ValP(OPh)2, (±)‐Ptc‐LeuP(OPh)2 and (±)‐Tcm[ValP(OPh)2]2.
Lipase‐catalyzed kinetic resolution of novel antitubercular benzoxazole derivatives
Authors: Łukowska‐Chojnacka Edyta , Kowalkowska Anna , Napiórkowska Agnieszka
Published: December 2017

Novel benzoxazole derivatives were synthesized, and their antitubercular activity against sensitive and drug‐resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains (M. tuberculosis H37Rv, M. tuberculosis sp. 210, M. tuberculosis sp. 192, Mycobacterium scrofulaceum, Mycobacterium intracellulare, Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium avium, and Mycobacterium kansasii) was evaluated. The chemical step included preparation of ketones, alcohols, and esters bearing benzoxazole moiety. All racemic mixtures of alcohols and esters were separated in Novozyme SP 435‐catalyzed transesterification and hydrolysis, respectively. The transesterification reactions were carried out in various organic solvents (tert‐butyl methyl ether, toluene, diethyl ether, and diisopropyl ether), and depending on the solvent, the enantioselectivity of the reactions ranged from 4 to >100. The enzymatic hydrolysis of esters was performed in 2 phase tert‐butyl methyl ether/phosphate buffer (pH = 7.2) system and provided also enantiomerically enriched products (ee 88‐99%). The antitubercular activity assay has shown that synthesized compounds exhibit an interesting antitubercular activity. Racemic mixtures of alcohols, (±)‐4‐(1,3‐benzoxazol‐2‐ylsulfanyl)butan‐2‐ol ((±)‐3a), (±)‐4‐[(5‐bromo‐1,3‐benzoxazol‐2‐yl)sulfanyl]butan‐2‐ol ((±)‐3b), and (±)‐4‐[(5,7‐dibromo‐1,3‐benzoxazol‐2‐yl)sulfanyl]butan‐2‐ol ((±)‐3c), displayed as high activity against M. scrofulaceum, M. intracellulare, M. fortuitum, and M. kansasii as commercially available antituberculosis drug‐Isoniazid. Moreover, these compounds exhibited twice higher activity toward M. avium (MIC 12.5) compared with Isoniazid (MIC 50).
Retracted: Molecular Motions and Interactions in Aqueous Solutions of Thymosin‐β4, Stabilin C‐Terminal Domain (CTD) and Their 1:1 Complex Studied by 1H NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Bokor Mónika , Tantos Ágnes , Mészáros Attila , Jenei Bence , Haminda Réka , Tompa Péter , Tompa Kálmán
Published: December 2017

Wide‐line 1H NMR measurements were extended and all results were reinterpreted in a new thermodynamics‐based approach to study aqueous solutions of thymosin‐β4 (Tβ4), stabilin C‐terminal domain (CTD) and their 1:1 complex. The energy distributions of the potential barriers, which control motion of protein‐bound water molecules, were determined. Heterogeneous and homogeneous regions were found at the protein–water interface. The measure of heterogeneity gives a quantitative value for the portion of disordered parts in the protein. Ordered structural elements were found extending up to 20 % of the whole proteins. About 40 % of the binding sites of free Tβ4 become involved in bonds holding the complex together. The complex has the most heterogeneous solvent accessible surface (SAS) in terms of protein–water interactions. The complex is more disordered than Tβ4 or stabilin CTD. The greater SAS area of the complex is interpreted as a clear sign of its open structure.
Transporter‐Mediated Alterations in Patients With NASH Increase Systemic and Hepatic Exposure to an OATP and MRP2 Substrate
Authors: Ali Izna , Slizgi Jason R. , Kaullen Josh D. , Ivanovic Marija , Niemi Mikko , Stewart Paul W. , Barritt Alfred S. , Brouwer Kim L.R.
Published: December 2017

The expression of hepatic transporters, including organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) and multidrug resistance‐associated proteins (MRPs), is altered in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); however, functional data in humans are lacking. In this study, 99mTc‐mebrofenin (MEB) was used to evaluate OATP1B1/1B3 and MRP2 function in NASH patients. Healthy subjects (n = 14) and NASH patients (n = 7) were administered MEB (∼2.5 mCi). A population pharmacokinetic model was developed to describe systemic and hepatic MEB disposition. Study subjects were genotyped for SLCO1B1 variants. NASH increased systemic and hepatic exposure (median ± 2 SE, healthy vs. NASH) to MEB (AUC0‐300,blood: 1,780 ± 242 vs. 2,440 ± 775 μCi*min/L, P = 0.006; AUC0‐180,liver: 277 ± 36.9 vs. 433 ± 40.3 kcounts*min/sec, P < 0.0001) due to decreased biliary clearance (0.035 ± 0.008 vs. 0.017 ± 0.002 L/min, P = 0.0005) and decreased Vcentral (11.1 ± 0.57 vs. 6.32 ± 1.02 L, P < 0.0001). MEB hepatic CLuptake was reduced in NASH and also in healthy subjects with SLCO1B1 *15/*15 and *1A/*15 genotypes. The pharmacokinetics of drugs that are OATP1B1/1B3 and MRP2 substrates may be substantially altered in NASH.
Genotypic characterization and comparison of Streptococcus mutans in American Indian and Southeast Iowa children
Authors: Villhauer Alissa L. , Lynch David J. , Warren John J. , Dawson Deborah V. , Blanchette Derek R. , Drake David R.
Published: December 2017

Early childhood caries is a complex health care issue that has a multifactorial etiology. One aspect of this etiology is the colonization and propagation of acidogenic bacteria at an early age. There have been several bacterial species associated with caries but 1 common species is Streptococcus mutans. Here, we describe genotypic diversity and commonality of Streptococcus mutans recovered from children representing 2 groups with similar socioeconomic demographics: a Northern Plains American Indian Tribe and a Southeast Iowa population. Forty 36‐month‐old American Indian children were selected from a cohort of 239 mothers and children, and forty 2‐ to 5‐year‐old children from Southeast Iowa were selected to compare the genotypic profiles of Streptococcus mutans recovered from each child's plaque. S. mutans isolates were selected from whole mouth plaque samples; DNA was extracted and amplified via AP‐PCR to show specific genotype patterns. These patterns were compared with GelComparIIv6.5 gel analysis software. We found 18 distinct genotypes from 524 isolates; 13 of which were common between the 2 communities. Five genotypes were unique to only the American Indian children while the Southeast Iowa children harbored no unique genotypes. Although the American Indian children had some genotypes that were not present in the Southeast Iowa children, these were not widely distributed among the community. Furthermore, the levels of genotypic diversity and commonality were similar between the 2 populations. This study sets the groundwork for a comprehensive comparison of genotypes and caries among larger subsections of both populations.
Shifts in frog size and phenology: Testing predictions of climate change on a widespread anuran using data from prior to rapid climate warming
Authors: Sheridan Jennifer A. , Caruso Nicholas M. , Apodaca Joseph J. , Rissler Leslie J.
Published: December 2017

Changes in body size and breeding phenology have been identified as two major ecological consequences of climate change, yet it remains unclear whether climate acts directly or indirectly on these variables. To better understand the relationship between climate and ecological changes, it is necessary to determine environmental predictors of both size and phenology using data from prior to the onset of rapid climate warming, and then to examine spatially explicit changes in climate, size, and phenology, not just general spatial and temporal trends. We used 100 years of natural history collection data for the wood frog, Lithobates sylvaticus with a range >9 million km2, and spatially explicit environmental data to determine the best predictors of size and phenology prior to rapid climate warming (1901–1960). We then tested how closely size and phenology changes predicted by those environmental variables reflected actual changes from 1961 to 2000. Size, phenology, and climate all changed as expected (smaller, earlier, and warmer, respectively) at broad spatial scales across the entire study range. However, while spatially explicit changes in climate variables accurately predicted changes in phenology, they did not accurately predict size changes during recent climate change (1961–2000), contrary to expectations from numerous recent studies. Our results suggest that changes in climate are directly linked to observed phenological shifts. However, the mechanisms driving observed body size changes are yet to be determined, given the less straightforward relationship between size and climate factors examined in this study. We recommend that caution be used in “space‐for‐time” studies where measures of a species’ traits at lower latitudes or elevations are considered representative of those under future projected climate conditions. Future studies should aim to determine mechanisms driving trends in phenology and body size, as well as the impact of climate on population density, which may influence body size.
Evaluating the relationships of hypoglycaemia and HbA1c with screening‐detected diabetes distress in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Todd Peter J. , Edwards Faye , Spratling Laura , Patel Natasha H. , Amiel Stephanie A. , Sturt Jackie , Choudhary Pratik
Published: December 2017

Aims

To explore the relationship between diabetes distress, glucose control and awareness of hypoglycaemia in adults with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study using data collected from 280 consecutive type 1 diabetes patients who used a routine clinic consultation tool that recorded HbA1c, hypoglycaemia awareness (measured using the Gold score) and diabetes distress (measured using the Diabetes Distress Scale 2 [DDS2]). We assessed correlations between DDS2 and HbA1c and DDS2 and Gold score and performed an ordinal regression analysis to identify factors contributing to distress.

Results

Diabetes distress was significantly correlated with HbA1c (r = .319, P < .001) and Gold score (r = .258, P < .001) independently and with synergistic effect. Female gender was also associated with diabetes distress, while age, BMI, duration of diabetes, severity of complications and use of CSII pumps were not. Occurrence of severe hypoglycaemia (SH) episodes increased with Gold score in a linear manner throughout the scale.

Conclusions

This study has identified new evidence of a significant, independent relationship between diabetes distress measured by the DDS2 and reduced awareness of hypoglycaemia in people with type 1 diabetes. It also demonstrates that diabetes distress is significantly associated with HbA1c and female gender independently. The DDS2 identifies distress associated with both hypo‐ and hyperglycaemia and can be a useful creening tool. Additionally, the occurrence of SH increases with increasing Gold score.
Evolving concepts in dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Merlo Marco , Cannatà Antonio , Gobbo Marco , Stolfo Davide , Elliott Perry M. , Sinagra Gianfranco
Published: December 2017

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents a particular aetiology of systolic heart failure that frequently has a genetic background and usually affects young patients with few co‐morbidities. The prognosis of DCM has improved substantially during the last decades due to more accurate aetiological characterization, the red‐flag integrated approach to the disease, early diagnosis through systematic familial screening, and the concept of DCM as a dynamic disease requiring constant optimization of medical and non‐pharmacological evidence‐based treatments. However, some important issues in clinical management remain unresolved, including the role of cardiac magnetic resonance for diagnosis and risk categorization and the interaction between genotype and clinical phenotype, and arrhythmic risk stratification. This review offers a comprehensive survey of these and other emerging issues in the clinical management of DCM, providing where possible practical recommendations.
Adaptive immune response to Clostridium difficile infection: A perspective for prevention and therapy
Authors: Rees William D. , Steiner Theodore S.
Published: December 2017

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most important nosocomial illnesses and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. While initial treatment of CDI is usually successful, unprovoked relapses remain an important and frustrating problem. This review examines the literature describing the natural immune response to CDI, and to what extent it can explain the propensity for relapses. In particular, we discuss studies on antibody and, to a lesser extent, B cell and T cell responses in CDI. Despite years of study, there remains incomplete understanding of the natural antibody response to the major pathogenic toxins, TcdA and TcdB, and other bacterial antigens, in CDI. Recent literature suggests that a specific subset of neutralizing antibodies that target the putative carbohydrate‐binding domains of TcdB and possibly TcdA have the greatest protective ability. This is further supported by recent successful clinical trials of a humanized monoclonal antibody to the major toxin TcdB. A better understanding of how and why the most protective adaptive immune response develops may lead to improved vaccine and therapeutic targets for recurrent CDI.
The [Fe{(SePPh2)2N}2] Complex Revisited: X‐ray Crystallography, Magnetometry, High‐Frequency EPR, and Mössbauer Studies Reveal Its Tetrahedral FeIISe4 Coordination Sphere
Authors: Ferentinos Eleftherios , Chatziefthimiou Spyros , Boudalis Athanassios K. , Pissas Michael , Mathies Guinevere , Gast Peter , Groenen Edgar J. J. , Sanakis Yiannis , Kyritsis Panayotis
Published: December 2017

The synthesis and characterization of complex [Fe{(SePPh2)2N}2] (1) is described. X‐ray crystallography shows that this system contains a tetrahedral FeSe4 coordination sphere. The structural features of 1 are compared with those of similar first row transition element complexes, including a recently reported preparation of [Fe{(SePPh2)2N}2] (1SP) exhibiting a highly unusual square planar FeSe4 coordination sphere. The electronic structure of 1 was elucidated by magnetometry, high‐frequency EPR, and Mössbauer spectroscopic studies, which reveal zero‐field splitting (ZFS) parameters typical of high spin S = 2 tetrahedral FeII sites. Accurate ZFS parameters (D = +8.22 cm–1, E/D = 0.104) were obtained by analysis of the EPR spectra and compared with those of the analogous [Fe{(SPPh2)2N}2] complex.
Mixed Stacked Charge‐Transfer π‐Organic Materials Based on Anthracenyl Boronic Acid
Authors: Petroselli Manuel , Mosca Sara , Martí‐Rujas Javier , Comelli Daniela , Cametti Massimo
Published: December 2017

Anthracenyl boronic acid derivatives are used for the first time as hydrogen‐bond and π‐donors to obtain a series of novel 1:1 mixed stacked π‐organic materials with interesting structural, UV/Vis reflectance and emission properties by reaction with quinones in both solution and the solid. The underlying principles, which have led to hetero‐assembly, could be applied to construct a potentially large variety of mixed stacked π‐organic solid‐state materials for technological applications.
Alterations in CA1 hippocampal synapses in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome
Authors: Jawaid Safdar , Kidd Grahame J. , Wang Jing , Swetlik Carrie , Dutta Ranjan , Trapp Bruce D.
Published: December 2017

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the major cause of inherited mental retardation and the leading genetic cause of Autism spectrum disorders. FXS is caused by mutations in the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (Fmr1) gene, which results in transcriptional silencing of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). To elucidate cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of FXS, we compared dendritic spines in the hippocampal CA1 region of adult wild‐type (WT) and Fmr1 knockout (Fmr1‐KO) mice. Using diolistic labeling, confocal microscopy, and three‐dimensional electron microscopy, we show a significant increase in the diameter of secondary dendrites, an increase in dendritic spine density, and a decrease in mature dendritic spines in adult Fmr1‐KO mice. While WT and Fmr1‐KO mice had the same mean density of spines, the variance in spine density was three times greater in Fmr1‐KO mice. Reduced astrocyte participation in the tripartite synapse and less mature post‐synaptic densities were also found in Fmr1‐KO mice. We investigated whether the increase in synaptic spine density was associated with altered synaptic pruning during development. Our data are consistent with reduced microglia‐mediated synaptic pruning in the CA1 region of Fmr1‐KO hippocampi when compared with WT littermates at postnatal day 21, which is the peak period of synaptic pruning in the mouse hippocampus. Collectively, these results support abnormal synaptogenesis and synaptic remodeling in mice deficient in FMRP. Deficits in the maturation and distribution of synaptic spines on dendrites of CA1 hippocampal neurons may play a role in the intellectual disabilities associated with FXS.
Rare presentation of heterotopic ossification along a fibula free flap pedicle in a high‐volume microvascular reconstruction practice
Authors: Mays Ashley C. , Gillenwater Ann M. , Garvey Patrick B.
Published: December 2017

Background

Heterotopic ossification along free flap pedicles has been reported. Reports suggest that subperiosteal dissection of the pedicle from the bone during the harvest of the fibula free flap may predispose the pedicle to heterotopic ossification.

Methods

A 56‐year‐old man with history of a T2N1M0 squamous cell cancer of the left tonsil who was treated with chemoradiation developed osteoradionecrosis of the mandible requiring fibula free flap reconstruction. The patient presented with a firm submandibular mass 1 year after reconstruction.

Results

Imaging revealed bone along the mandible projecting to the floor of the mouth. Surgery revealed heterotopic bone along the submandibular triangle and vascular pedicle. The bone was removed and the periosteum fulgurated to prevent further proliferation.

Conclusion

Our practice includes a high‐volume head and neck extirpative and reconstruction practice. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first documented case of heterotopic ossification along a free flap pedicle despite routine subperiosteal elevation to free the peroneal artery from the proximal fibula.