bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel mode of capping protein-regulation by twinfilin
Authors: Johnston Adam B , Hilton Denise M , McConnell Patrick , Johnson Britney , Harris Meghan T , Simone Avital , Amarasinghe Gaya K , Cooper John A , Goode Bruce L
Published: October 2018

Cellular actin assembly is controlled at the barbed ends of actin filaments, where capping protein (CP) limits polymerization. Twinfilin is a conserved in vivo binding partner of CP, yet the significance of this interaction has remained a mystery. Here, we discover that the C-terminal tail of Twinfilin harbors a CP-interacting (CPI) motif, identifying it as a novel CPI-motif protein. Twinfilin and the CPI-motif protein CARMIL have overlapping binding sites on CP. Further, Twinfilin binds competitively with CARMIL to CP, protecting CP from barbed-end displacement by CARMIL. Twinfilin also accelerates dissociation of the CP inhibitor V-1, restoring CP to an active capping state. Knockdowns of Twinfilin and CP each cause similar defects in cell morphology, and elevated Twinfilin expression rescues defects caused by CARMIL hyperactivity. Together, these observations define Twinfilin as the first ‘pro-capping’ ligand of CP and lead us to propose important revisions to our understanding of the CP regulatory cycle.
The central role of serotonin
Authors: Mouradian Gary C , Hodges Matthew R
Published: October 2018

The neurotransmitter serotonin helps to co-ordinate the respiratory and cardiovascular responses of newborns to oxygen deprivation.
Non-visual exploration of novel objects increases the levels of plasticity factors in the rat primary visual cortex
Authors: Pereira Catia M. , Freire Marco Aurelio M. , Santos José R. , Guimarães Joanilson S. , Dias-Florencio Gabriella , Santos Sharlene , Pereira Antonio , Ribeiro Sidarta
Published: October 2018

Background

Historically, the primary sensory areas of the cerebral cortex have been exclusively associated with the processing of a single sensory modality. Yet the presence of tactile responses in the primary visual (V1) cortex has challenged this view, leading to the notion that primary sensory areas engage in cross-modal processing, and that the associated circuitry is modifiable by such activity. To explore this notion, here we assessed whether the exploration of novel objects in the dark induces the activation of plasticity markers in the V1 cortex of rats.

Methods

Adult rats were allowed to freely explore for 20 min a completely dark box with four novel objects of different shapes and textures. Animals were euthanized either 1 (n = 5) or 3 h (n = 5) after exploration. A control group (n = 5) was placed for 20 min in the same environment, but without the objects. Frontal sections of the brains were submitted to immunohistochemistry to measure protein levels of egr-1 and c-fos, and phosphorylated calcium-dependent kinase (pCaKMII) in V1 cortex.

Results

The amount of neurons labeled with monoclonal antibodies against c-fos, egr-1 or pCaKMII increased significantly in V1 cortex after one hour of exploration in the dark. Three hours after exploration, the number of labeled neurons decreased to basal levels.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that non-visual exploration induces the activation of immediate-early genes in V1 cortex, which is suggestive of cross-modal processing in this area. Besides, the increase in the number of neurons labeled with pCaKMII may signal a condition promoting synaptic plasticity.
The influence of Neanderthal alleles on cytotoxic response
Authors: Akhtari Farida S. , Havener Tammy M. , Fukudo Masahide , Jack John R. , McLeod Howard L. , Wiltshire Tim , Motsinger-Reif Alison A.
Published: October 2018

Various studies have shown that people of Eurasian origin contain traces of DNA inherited from interbreeding with Neanderthals. Recent studies have demonstrated that these Neanderthal variants influence a range of clinically important traits and diseases. Thus, understanding the genetic factors responsible for the variability in individual response to drug or chemical exposure is a key goal of pharmacogenomics and toxicogenomics, as dose responses are clinically and epidemiologically important traits. It is well established that ethnic and racial differences are important in dose response traits, but to our knowledge the influence of Neanderthal ancestry on response to xenobiotics is unknown. Towards this aim, we examined if Neanderthal ancestry plays a role in cytotoxic response to anti-cancer drugs and toxic environmental chemicals. We identified common Neanderthal variants in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) derived from the globally diverse 1000 Genomes Project and Caucasian cell lines from the Children’s Hospital of Oakland Research Institute. We analyzed the effects of these Neanderthal alleles on cytotoxic response to 29 anti-cancer drugs and 179 environmental chemicals at varying concentrations using genome-wide data. We identified and replicated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from these association results, including a SNP in the SNORD-113 cluster. Our results also show that the Neanderthal alleles cumulatively lead to increased sensitivity to both the anti-cancer drugs and the environmental chemicals. Our results demonstrate the influence of Neanderthal ancestry-informative markers on cytotoxic response. These results could be important in identifying biomarkers for personalized medicine or in dissecting the underlying etiology of dose response traits.
Exploring nutrient limitation for polyhydroxyalkanoates synthesis by newly isolated strains ofAeromonassp. using biodiesel-derived glycerol as a substrate
Authors: Możejko-Ciesielska Justyna , Pokoj Tomasz
Published: October 2018

Aeromonasspp. strains isolated from activated sludge in a municipal wastewater treatment plant were found to be able to synthesize polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) utilizing pure and crude glycerol. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolates exhibited similarity toAeromonas hydrophila,A. aquatica, andA. salmonicida. Our results confirmed that the adequate supply of nitrogen and phosphorus during culture in 250-ml shake flasks did not stimulate the synthesis of PHAs. The results indicate that the PHA content of cells was higher under a phosphorus-limiting environment compared to nitrogen starvation. In the two-stage cultivation using glucose (in the first step) and crude glycerol from biodiesel industry (in the second step) as a component of the growth medium, the analyzed strains grew to 3.06 g/l of cell dry weight containing up to 22% of PHAs. Furthermore, during the same culture strategy up to 42% of PHAs were extracted, when in the second step of the process,Aeromonassp. AC_03 was grown on pure glycerol under phosphorus limitation. The purified biopolymer was confirmed to be polyhydroxybutyrate.Aeromonassp. AC_02 was also capable to accumulate the poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) copolymer when pure glycerol was added as a substrate under nitrogen-deficiency one-step bioprocess. Our results confirm that due to the biopolymer productivity, newly isolated strains could be exploited for obtaining valuable biopolymers using wastes generated from biodiesel industry.
Iron(III)‐Promoted Synthesis of 3‐(Organoselanyl)‐1,2‐Dihydroquinolines from Diorganyl Diselenides and N‐Arylpropargylamines by Sequential Carbon‐Carbon and Carbon‐Selenium Bond Formation
Authors: Goulart Tales A. C. , Kazmirski João A. G. , Back Davi F. , Zeni Gilson
Published: October 2018

The iron‐promoted tandem cyclization‐functionalization reaction of N‐arylpropargylamines with diorganyl diselenides was developed for the preparation of 3‐(organoselanyl)‐1,2‐dihydroquinolines. The best result was obtained when the reaction of N‐arylpropargylamines was carried out by the combination of diorganyl diselenides with FeCl3 ⋅ 6H2O in nitromethane at 70 °C. The control experiments strongly support the cooperative relation between the iron salts and diorganyl diselenides and their high reactivity not only to promote the cyclization but also to introduce a functionalization at the 3‐position of dihydroquinolines. The results indicate the existence of an iron/diorganyl diselenide complex, which forms both a cation and an anion of organoselenyl. In an attempt to prove the synthetic application of 3‐(organoselanyl)‐1,2‐dihydroquinolines prepared, we evaluated their use as substrates in the transition metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions with nucleophiles, such as boronic acids.

magnified image
Pd‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Insertion Reaction of Cyclic C‐Acylimines into Carbon‐Carbon σ‐Bonds for the Synthesis of Polyfunctional Indolin‐3‐ones from 2‐Alkynyl Arylazides and Aryl Ketones
Authors: Li Ping , Yong Wanxiong , Sheng Rong , Rao Weidong , Zhu Xinbao , Zhang Xiaoxiang
Published: October 2018

A method to prepare polyfunctional indolin‐3‐ones by Pd‐catalyzed one‐pot insertion reaction of cyclic C‐acylimines into carbon‐carbon σ‐bonds is described. The reaction was accomplished in good to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions.

magnified image
Thermoplasmonic Response of Semiconductor Nanoparticles: A Comparison with Metals
Authors: Thakore Vaibhav , Tang Janika , Conley Kevin , Ala‐Nissila Tapio , Karttunen Mikko
Published: October 2018

A number of applications in nanoplasmonics utilize noble metals, gold (Au) and silver (Ag), as the materials of choice. However, these materials suffer from problems of poor thermal and chemical stability with significant dissipative losses under high‐temperature conditions. In this regard, semiconductor nanoparticles have attracted attention with their promising characteristics of highly tunable plasmonic resonances, low ohmic losses, and greater thermochemical stability. Here, the size‐dependent thermoplasmonic properties of semiconducting silicon and gallium arsenide nanoparticles are investigated to compare them with Au nanoparticles using Mie theory. To this end, experimentally estimated models of dielectric permittivity are employed. Among the various permittivity models for Au, the Drude–Lorentz (DL) and the Drude and critical points (DCP) models are further compared. Results show a redshift in the scattering and absorption resonances for the DL model while the DCP model presents a blueshift. A massive Drude broadening contributes strongly to the damping of resonances in Au nanoparticles at elevated temperatures. In contrast, the semiconductor nanoparticles do not exhibit significant deterioration in their scattering and absorption resonances at high temperatures. In combination with low dissipative damping, this makes the semiconductor nanoparticles better suited for high‐temperature applications in nanoplasmonics wherein the noble metals suffer from excessive heating.
A Nickel(II)‐Containing Vitamin B12 Derivative with a Cofactor‐F430‐type π‐System
Authors: Brenig Christopher , Prieto Lucas , Oetterli René , Zelder Felix
Published: October 2018

F430 is a unique enzymatic cofactor in the production and oxidation of methane by strictly anaerobic bacteria. The key enzyme methyl coenzyme M reductase (MCR) contains a hydroporphinoid nickel complex with a characteristic absorption maximum at around 430 nm in its active site. Herein, the three‐step semisynthesis of a hybrid NiII‐containing corrinoid that partly resembles F430 in its structural and spectroscopic features from vitamin B12 is presented. A key step of the route is the simultaneous demetalation and ring closure reaction of a 5,6‐secocobalamin to metal‐free 5,6‐dihydroxy‐5,6‐dihydrohydrogenobalamin with cobaltocene and KCN under reductive conditions. Studies on the coordination chemistry of the novel compound support an earlier hypothesis why nature carefully selected a corphin over a corrin ligand in F430 for challenging nickel‐catalyzed biochemical reactions.
Palladium nanoparticles immobilized on Schiff base‐functionalized mesoporous silica as a highly efficient and magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst for Heck coupling reaction
Authors: Khodaei Mohammad Mehdi , Dehghan Mahsa
Published: October 2018

A new magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst was prepared by functionalization of mesoporous silica (SBA‐15) with a Schiff base ligand, and then immobilization of palladium nanoparticles on it using a simple procedure. This heterogeneous catalyst was fully characterized using appropriate analyses and its catalytic efficiency was investigated in Heck reaction using iodo‐, bromo‐ and chlorobenzene derivatives and styrene, with the aim of synthesizing stilbene derivatives, a class of compounds with a variety of pharmacological properties. Some of the characteristics of this nanocatalyst include good dispersion of palladium nanoparticles on the SBA‐15 support, easy separation, catalyses the production of stilbene derivatives in a short time with excellent yields even for bromo‐ and chlorobenzene, and preservation of its catalytic activity after eight reaction cycles.
Improvement on physical properties of polyethersulfone membranes modified by poly(1‐vinylpyrrolidone) grafted magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Mosaffa Elias , Ghafuri Hossein , Esmaili Zand Hamid Reza
Published: October 2018

Polyethersulfone (PES) and poly(1‐vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) were used to prepare ultrafiltration membranes with grafted Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (PVP‐g‐Fe3O4@SiO2). The structure of synthesized PVP‐g‐Fe3O4@SiO2 was confirmed by FT‐IR and SEM analysis. Physical properties of blend membranes such as thermal resistance, Tensile strength, water uptake, and hydrophilicity were also investigated. Blended membranes of PES/PVP‐g‐Fe3O4@SiO2 have exhibited higher thermal resistance due to increasing the modified nanoparticle content. The hydrophilicity of the synthesized PES/PVP‐g‐Fe3O4@SiO2 membranes also improved by increasing the PVP‐g‐Fe3O4@SiO2 content. As expected, increasing the hydrophilicity of blended membrane, caused enhancement of fouling resistance in membranes. Results showed that the content of PVP‐g‐Fe3O4@SiO2 has different effects on the properties of synthesized composite membranes. Despite increasing the content of PVP‐g‐Fe3O4@SiO2 has a negative effect on elongation, positive effects on maximum stress was observed. Moreover, the water uptake of synthesized membranes was significantly enhanced in comparison to other similar studies.
Identification and development of microsatellite markers in Hamamelis mollis (Hamamelidaceae)
Authors: Yin Qianyi , Huang Cuiying , Huang Yanshuang , Chen Sufang , Ye Huagu , Fan Qiang , Liao Wenbo
Published: October 2018

Premise of the Study

Hamamelis mollis (Hamamelidaceae) is a Tertiary relict species endemic to southern China. Polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed to reveal the genetic diversity of this species.

Methods and Results

The genome of H. mollis was sequenced and de novo assembled into 642,351 contigs. A total of 72,097 paired primers were successfully designed from 80,282 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers identified in 63,419 contigs. PCR amplification showed that 96 of the 136 synthesized primers could be successfully amplified, and 22 demonstrated polymorphism. The mean number of alleles, levels of observed heterozygosity, and levels of expected heterozygosity were 4.602 ± 0.140, 0.632 ± 0.020, and 0.696 ± 0.010, respectively. The majority of the 96 primer pairs could be amplified in at least one other Hamamelidaceae species, including Distylium myricoides (60), Loropetalum chinense (39), Exbucklandia populnea (24), and E. tonkinensis (24).

Conclusions

These microsatellite loci provide abundant genomic SSR markers to evaluate genetic diversity of this woody ornamental plant.
Nerve Repair With Fibrin Nerve Conduit and Modified Suture Placement
Authors: Wang Wenjin , Degrugillier Lucas , Tremp Mathias , Prautsch Katharina , Sottaz Lima , Schaefer Dirk J. , Madduri Srinivas , Kalbermatten Daniel
Published: October 2018

Sutureless nerve repair has been regarded as a promising technique for nerve repair as the suture materials often results in neuroma formation and scar tissue that impede nerve regeneration. The aim of this study was to analyze the mechanical stability and morphological outcome of sutureless repair using fibrin glue conduit and an alternative approach of modified suture placement. Using rat sciatic nerve, we tested the following experimental conditions: conventional suture repair; single suture combined with fibrin glue repair, and fibrin conduit reinforced with modified suture or fibrin glue. Nerve detachment anatomical measures such as axon density, myelin, and fiber caliber were analyzed for evaluation of nerve regeneration. Muscle atrophy were evaluated by muscle wet weight and H&E staining. All animals in sutureless repair group exhibited complete detachment or elongation by two or four weeks after repair. No detachment was found in any other groups. Animals treated with fibrin conduit reinforced with modified suture showed better axonal regeneration with good alignment. There were no significant differences in axon caliber among the groups. Muscle atrophy was found in all groups and there was no significant difference in muscle wet‐weight among the groups. In summary, sutureless nerve repair with fibrin glue was mechanically unstable for resistance of mechanical stretches, fibrin glue conduit with modified suture placement is mechanically stable and resulted in better morphological outcome. Anat Rec, 301:1690–1696, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimized Continuous Multicolumn Chromatography Enables Increased Productivities and Cost Savings by Employing More Columns
Authors: Pagkaliwangan Mark , Hummel Jonathan , Gjoka Xhorxhi , Bisschops Marc , Schofield Mark
Published: October 2018

The advantages of continuous chromatography with respect to increased capacity are well established. However, the impact of different loading scenarios and total number of columns on the process economics has not been addressed. Here four different continuous multicolumn chromatography (MCC) loading scenarios are evaluated for process performance and economics in the context of a Protein A mAb capture step. To do so, a computational chromatography model is validated experimentally. The model is then used to predict process performance for each of the loading methods. A wide range of feed concentrations and residence times are considered, and the responses of operating binding capacity, specific productivity, and the number of process columns are calculated. Processes that are able to add more columns proved to be up to 65% more productive, especially at feed concentrations above 5 g L−1. An investigation of the operating costs shows that discrete column sizing and process performance metrics do not always correlate and that the most productive process is not necessarily the most cost effective. However, adding more columns for the non‐load steps at higher feed concentrations allows for overall cost savings of up to 32%.
Design of a touch sensation application including surface tension sample using a haptic device in engineering education
Authors: Ustunel Hakan , Keles Fatih
Published: October 2018

This paper illustrates the effects of force feedback haptic applications as an educational material on the attitudes of students in engineering education. For this purpose, a simulation design has been carried out on a surface tension subject from physical chemistry. The availability of haptic devices in educational environments has accelerated. Although surface tension occurs at the atomic and molecular levels, the effects can be seen and the results are noticeable in daily life. These and similar applications make it necessary for this to be used as educational material by modeling and simulating small scale events such as surface. The aim of this study is to reach the conclusion that the haptic simulations that take place outside the scale of our daily lives (micro & macro) have a positive effect on the attitudes of students. It is also one of the expected results that the measurement values related to the research subject are proportionally transferred to the haptic device, consistently. In this application, a haptic device and its supporting application programming interfaces (API) for render operations have been used. A sample consisting of 48 engineering students has been divided into survey and control groups. While the survey group was working with the haptic application, the control group worked with conventional teaching methods. The data obtained from the sample have been analysed statistically, and the results have been evaluated. The findings of the research show that the survey group had a more positive attitude towards the haptic applications than the control group.
Long term explant culture for harvesting homogeneous population of human dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Patil Vikrant R. , Kharat Avinash H. , Kulkarni Deepak G. , Kheur Supriya M. , Bhonde Ramesh R.
Published: October 2018

Dental pulp stem cells have emerged as a preferred source of mesenchymal stem cells, because of its easy availability and high stem cell content. Dental pulp is a specific fibrous tissue that contains heterogeneous populations of odontoblasts, fibroblasts, pericytes, progenitors, stem cells, leukocytes and neuronal cells. In this study, we propose sustained explant culture as a simple, economical and efficient process to isolate dental pulp stem cells from human Dental pulp Tissue. Historically explant cultures were used to get fibroblast cells from embryonic chick heart using plasma clot cultures. The subculture was performed by lifting mother explant (original explant) and grafting it in a new plasma clot. We modified this age old technique to suit the modern times. Here we demonstrate for the first time that the mother explant (E0) of human dental pulp tissue could be sub‐cultured consecutively seven times (E7) without displacement. This technique is highly reproducible and permits growth and proliferation of dental pulp stem cells yielding an enriched homogeneous mesenchymal stem cells population in the first passage itself as revealed by surface marker expression. These dental pulp stem cells exhibit differentiation into adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic lineage revealing their mesenchymal stem cell nature. We propose that dental pulp stem cells isolated by sustained explant culture are phenotypically and functionally comparable to those obtained by enzymatic method. It is a simple, inexpensive and gentle method, which may be preferred over the conventional techniques for obtaining stem cells from other tissue sources as well especially in cases of limited starting material.
Dehydrogenative Silylation of Alcohols Under Pd‐Nanoparticle Catalysis
Authors: Pramanik Suman , Fernandes Anthony , Liautard Virginie , Pucheault Mathieu , Robert Frederic , Landais Yannick
Published: October 2018

Pd‐nanoparticle‐catalyzed dehydrogenative coupling between various hydrosilanes and alcohols was shown to provide silyl ethers in good and reproducible yields. The synthetic methodology is effective for a wide range of simple and bulky silanes and secondary alcohols, while keeping various other functional groups intact. The procedure also exhibits high selectivity for the silylation of primary versus secondary alcohols in 1,2‐diols, and allows the successive silylation of alkynols and hydrogenation of the triple bond to afford Z‐alkenols in good yields.
A Versatile Self‐Detoxifying Material Based on Immobilized Polyoxoniobate for Decontamination of Chemical Warfare Agent Simulants
Authors: Dong Jing , Lv Hongjin , Sun Xiangrong , Wang Yin , Ni Yuanman , Zou Bo , Zhang Nan , Yin Anxiang , Chi Yingnan , Hu Changwen
Published: October 2018

A decontaminating composite, Mg3Al‐LDH‐Nb6, has been successfully prepared by immobilizing Lindqvist [H3Nb6O19]5− (Nb6) into a Mg3Al‐based layered double hydroxide (Mg3Al‐LDH). To our knowledge, this represents the first successful approach to the immobilization of polyoxoniobate. As a versatile catalyst, Mg3Al‐LDH‐Nb6 can effectively catalyze the degradation of both vesicant and nerve agent simulants by multiple pathways under mild conditions. Specifically, the sulfur mustard simulant, 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), is converted into the corresponding nontoxic 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfoxide (CEESO) by selective oxidation, whereas the Tabun (G‐type nerve agent) simulant, diethyl cyanophosphonate (DECP), and the VX (V‐type nerve agent) simulant, O,S‐diethyl methylphosphonothioate (OSDEMP), are detoxified through hydrolysis and perhydrolysis, respectively. A possible mechanism is proposed on the basis of control experiments and spectroscopic studies. The Mg3Al‐LDH‐Nb6 composite exhibits remarkable robustness and can be readily reused for up to ten cycles with negligible loss of its catalytic activity. More importantly, a protective “self‐detoxifying” material has easily been constructed by integrating Mg3Al‐LDH‐Nb6 into textiles. In this way, the flexible and permeable properties of textiles have been combined with the catalytic activity of polyoxoniobate to remove 94 % of CEES in 1 h by using nearly stoichiometric dilute H2O2 (3 %) as oxidant with 96 % selectivity.
Scalable Synthesis of Fe/N‐Doped Porous Carbon Nanotube Frameworks for Aqueous Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Li Fuyun , Li Heng , Liu Xiaoxiao , Wang Libin , Lu Yue , Hu Xianluo
Published: October 2018

Aqueous Zn–air batteries are emerging to be ideal next‐generation energy‐storage devices with high safety and high energy/power densities. However, the rational design and fabrication of low‐cost, highly efficient, and durable electrocatalysts on the cathode side remain highly desired. Herein, template‐assisted, scalable Fe‐implanted N‐doped porous carbon nanotube networks (Fe–N–CNNs) have been synthesized based on an environmentally friendly template hydroxyapatite nanowires (HAP NWs). Thanks to the hierarchical meso/micropores, high specific surface area, and abundant active sites, the optimized Fe–N–CNNs exhibit excellent oxygen reduction activity. Furthermore, the Zn–air batteries based on the Fe–N–CNNs cathode deliver a high discharge voltage of 1.27 V at a current density of 20 mA cm−2 and a large peak power density of 202.2 mW cm−2. More far‐reaching, this HAP‐based template strategy opens a new avenue toward the mass production of efficient, cost‐effective electrocatalysts, and the Fe–N–CNNs with hollow interiors are expected to extend their other potential uses in energy storage, molecular sieves, adsorbents, and biomedical engineering.
Regiocontrolled and Stereoselective Syntheses of Tetrahydrophthalazine Derivatives using Radical Cyclizations
Authors: Zhang Wei , Mo Jia Yi , He Weiying , Kennepohl Pierre , Sammis Glenn M.
Published: October 2018

Tetrahydrophthalazine derivatives have found important applications in pharmaceutical research, but existing synthetic methods are unable to access them regio‐ and stereoselectively. Here, a new approach is presented that addresses these challenges by utilizing a 6‐endo‐trig radical cyclization in the key step. The desired tetrahydrophthalazines can be accessed in high yields (55–98 %) and high diastereoselectivities for the trans‐product (>95:5) starting either from readily accessible hydrazones, or from the corresponding aldehydes and substituted Boc‐hydrazides in a one‐pot process. The synthetic versatility of the tetrahydrophthalazine core was demonstrated by its straightforward conversion to dihydro‐phthalazines, phthalazines, or pyrazolo dione derivatives. Furthermore, the N−N bond was reduced to afford a new route to 1,4‐diamines.
Predictors of cardiorespiratory fitness improvement in phase II cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Abu‐Haniyeh Ahmed , Shah Nishant P. , Wu Yuping , Cho Leslie , Ahmed Haitham M.
Published: October 2018

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and has been shown to reduce cardiovascular events and death. However, data about predictors of fitness improvement during CR are limited and conflicting. The objective of this study was to determine predictors of improvement in metabolic equivalents of task (METs) based on formal exercise testing throughout phase II CR.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 20 671 patients enrolled in phase II CR at our center from 2006 to 2016. Patients who completed 36 sessions and had entry and exit exercise stress tests were included for study. The short form‐36 (SF‐36) questionnaire was used to assess quality‐of‐life. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of METs improvement.

Results

Of the full cohort, 827 patients completed 36 sessions and had entry/exit stress test data. The majority of patients (N = 647, 78.2%) had improvement in METs (mean Δ 2.0 ± 1.2 METs), including patients ≥65 and < 65 years old (77% vs 79%, P = 0.46 for difference). METs improvement was negatively associated with body mass index, diabetes, left ventricular dysfunction, and poor baseline fitness; and positively associated with SF‐36 score (P < 0.05 for all). After multivariable adjustment, improvement was no longer affected by age, ejection fraction, or baseline fitness. Patients with poor fitness (≤5 METS) and adequate fitness (> 5 METS) both had improvement, with no statistical difference between the groups (P = 0.36).

Conclusions

In a large cohort of phase II CR patients, improvement in CRF was seen in the majority of patients across all ages, genders, and levels of baseline fitness.
Association between tobacco use, pain expression, and coping strategies among patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Dev Rony , Kim Yu Jung , Reddy Akhila , Hui David , Tanco Kimberson , Liu Diane , Park Minjeong , Williams Janet , Carmack Cindy , Bruera Eduardo
Published: October 2018

Background

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the association between tobacco use, symptom expression, and coping strategies in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods

The authors prospectively enrolled patients with advanced cancer and collected data regarding patient demographics, cancer diagnosis, morphine equivalent daily dose, cigarette smoking status using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, symptom expression as measured by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, the Cut down/Annoyed/Guilty/Eye opener alcoholism questionnaire, the Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain–short form survey, and the Brief COPE Questionnaire.

Results

Among 399 patients, 195 (49%) were never‐smokers, 158 (40%) were former smokers, and 46 (11%) were current smokers. The most common malignancies were gastrointestinal (21%) and breast (19%). Current smokers demonstrated significantly higher pain scores at the time of consultation compared with former or never‐smokers (mean 6.4 vs 5.9 vs 5.1, respectively; P = .015), demonstrated increased morphine equivalent daily dose (median 90 mg/day vs 60 mg/day vs 50 mg/day, respectively; P = .002), were more likely to screen as positive on the Cut down/Annoyed/Guilty/Eye opener questionnaire (33% vs 24% vs 8.7%, respectively; P < .0001) and were more likely to screen as positive (≥4) on the Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain–short form survey (74% vs 13% vs 9.3%, respectively; P < .0001). Compared with former and never‐smokers, current smokers were significantly more likely to cope maladaptively with substance use (P = .02), denial (P = .007), and self‐blame (P < .0001).

Conclusions

Among patients with advanced cancer, current and former smokers appear to be significantly more likely to have higher pain expression and thus require higher opioid doses, and to have more risk factors for using opioids in a nonprescribed manner. The results of the current study highlight the need to provide closer monitoring and increased psychosocial support for patients with cancer who smoke while receiving chronic opioid therapy.
A Markov‐based model for predicting the development trend of soil microbial communities in saline‐alkali land in Wudi County
Authors: Wu Chong , Yin Yanlei , Yang Xuemei , Feng Lijuan , Tang Haixia , Tao Jihan
Published: October 2018

In October 2015, different salinity soils were collected in the coastal area of Wudi, Shandong, China. The soil microbial community composition, soil catalase, urease activity, and soil physicochemical properties were studied. The results showed that Nitrospira was dominant in the bacterial community, and it was the most related to total potassium. Cladosporium and Fusarium accounted for the dominant fungal community, and urease, total nitrogen, and Cladosporium were the most relevant. At the same time, urease and Fusarium are the most relevant. The species composition of bacterial and fungal communities in the top soil of each saline‐alkali soil is the most abundant, and the degree of homogeneity is high. The activities of catalase in soils with heavy, moderate, and light salinity were 3.52 to 4.56, 3.08 to 4.61, and 5.81 to 6.91 mL•g‐1, respectively. Catalase activity all of them are characterized by gradual increase with soil depth; soil total potassium is directly related to catalase, pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus are indirectly related to catalase by total potassium. The urease activities of the saline‐alkalinity soils were 0.04‐0.52, 0.08‐1.07, and 0.27‐8.21 mg•g‐1, respectively, and the urease activity gradually decreased as the soil depth increased. Small trend; soil total nitrogen is directly related to urease, pH, organic matter and total potassium are indirectly related to urease through total nitrogen. The CCA ranking showed that total phosphorus had the greatest impact on bacterial communities, while urease had the greatest impact on the fungal community.
Fundamental Basis for Distinctive Sensing of H2 in Humid Environment
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Deng Mengjie , Xia Xiaohong , Gao Yun , Shao Guosheng
Published: October 2018

Accurate sensing of trace amount of hydrogen without interference from environment is highly desirable in timely detection of possible leakage when using hydrogen as a clean energy source. Humidity in air is usually considered as the main challenge to the performance of room temperature hydrogen sensors. In this work, we have demonstrated distinctive sensing of H2 in humid environment at room temperature, using (002) oriented TiO2 thin film as active sensing material. Through first‐principle calculations in the framework of density functional theory, we have clarified the interaction between H2O and rutile TiO2 (002) surface. It was found that H2O can be easily split into –H and –OH with a negligible activation energy below 0.07 eV on the TiO2 (002) surface. Catalytic splitting of water has rather little effect on the height of Schottky barrier between Pt and the TiO2 (002) surface, thus resulting in ignorable impact on hydrogen sensing property. The (002) oriented TiO2 thin film hydrogen sensor could be utilized in various humid environment at room temperature.
Aryl Oligogermanes as Ligands for Transition Metal Complexes
Authors: Zaitsev Kirill V. , Lam Kevin , Tafeenko Viktor A. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Poleshchuk Oleg Kh.
Published: October 2018

The ligand properties of a series of aryl oligogermanes R3Ge‐GeAr3, 3–7 [Me3Ge‐GePh3 (3), Me3Ge‐Ge(pTol)3 (4), Ph3Ge‐GePh3 (5), (C6F5)3Ge‐GePh3 (6), Ph3Ge‐GeMe2GePh3 (7)] for the synthesis of transition metal carbonyl complexes such as R3Ge‐GeAr2(R′C6H4‐η6)M(CO)3 (M = Cr, 3a–7a; M = Mo, 3b; M = W, 3c) were investigated. The target complexes were obtained in moderate yields using several different synthetic approaches. The physicochemical properties of these new derivatives were investigated by IR, UV/Vis, NMR spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and DFT calculations. The molecular structures of 3c, 4a, and 5a were studied by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. A comparative analysis of donor and acceptor properties of aryl oligogermanes as ligands for transition metal carbonyl complexes is reported.
Food Genomics for the Characterization of PDO and PGI Virgin Olive Oils
Authors: Agrimonti Caterina , Marmiroli Nelson
Published: October 2018

Prized virgin olive oils are protected by the certification brands PDO (protected designation of origin) and PGI (protected geographical indication) introduced by European Union in 1992. These brands rely on a known geographical origin, olive varieties, and production methods. Because branded oils are relatively expensive for the consumer, they have been targeted by fraudulent practices, such as addition/substitution with low quality oils, or non‐conformity with the discipline of production. Food genomics is a discipline that, before the analysis of residual DNA in food, allows for the identification of species or varieties of raw materials in order to establish if a product complies or not with the label. After invention of product category rules (PCR) that allow for the amplification of a few and degraded DNA molecules, food genomics has been applied in the traceability of different foods. Olive oil represents a real challenge, due to its characteristics, including the difficulty of extracting DNA in sufficient amount and of quality for PCR. Several studies have reported methods of DNA extraction from virgin olive oil that have led to satisfactory analysis with PCR. This review is a perspective study in this direction.

Practical Applications: Virgin olive oil production is an important sector of Mediterranean countries and methods for controlling their origin and quality are of great interest to producers and consumers. Food genomics may be an alternative or complementary platform to the traditional analytical methods based on the determination of chemical composition.

In this review, the molecular tools to trace the varietal composition of virgin olive oil and to detect the adulterant oils from other botanical species are summarized.
NMR Studies on Italian PDO Olive Oils and their Potential in Olive‐Tree‐Derived Products Characterization
Authors: Consonni Roberto , Cagliani Laura R.
Published: October 2018

In Italy, 42 PDO extra virgin olive oil (EVOOs) are present to date, with the chronologically first one registered in late 1996. PDO EVOOs are broadly distributed along Italy with a higher concentration in the central and southern regions due to the optimal pedoclimatic conditions for olive growth (Olea europaea L.). In this review, NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) studies focused on Italian PDO EVOOs and the application of NMR spectroscopy in the analysis of other olive‐tree‐derived products are reported. NMR is historically known as the principal analytical technique useful for structural characterization of single molecule in solution. In the past few years, NMR evolved to cover a pivotal role for the analysis of different chemical compounds present in a mixture, without the need of any chemical derivatization of sample. Concerning the 1H NMR spectrum of a typical EVOO sample, the dominant signals due to acylglycerols, together with other minor components like aldehydes, sterols, and terpens, can be characterized within a single experiment in the organic extract of olive oil. The minor component content is particularly interesting because it allows for geographical origin discrimination and cultivar discrimination. Other products derived from the olive tree and investigated by NMR have also been discussed, specifically, table olives, pomace, and olive paste.

Practical Applications: The studies here highlight the capability of NMR in discriminating Italian PDO EVOOs from EVOOs of other countries, Italian PDO EVOOs of different restricted area within the same Italian region, and EVOOs obtained from different cultivars. In addition, NMR spectroscopy allows the evaluation of chemical constituents in olive‐tree‐derived products like olive paste, pomace, and wastewater, detecting bioactive compounds. Therefore the NMR approach could be practically applied in the study of EVOO and olive‐tree‐derived products by control agencies, regulatory authorities, for the disclosure of new fraud practices and to protect PDO products. Practical applications could also involve the search of olive‐tree‐based bioactive compounds for their potential use as nutraceuticals.

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) is used to discriminate Italian Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) extra‐virgin olive oils (EVOOs) from EVOOs of other countries, Italian PDO EVOOs of different restricted area within the same Italian region, and EVOOs obtained from different cultivars. The chemical constituents of olive‐tree‐derived products are also determined. Results strongly support the use of NMR by control agencies and regulatory authorities.
Impact of the Extraction Technique and Genotype on the Oil Yield and Composition of Lipophilic Compounds in the Oil Recovered from Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica) Seeds
Authors: Górnaś Paweł , Siger Aleksander , Rudzińska Magdalena , Grygier Anna , Marszałkiewicz Sylwia , Ying Qian , Sobieszczańska Natalia , Segliņa Dalija
Published: October 2018

The impact of the extraction technique and genotype on the oil yield and profile/concentration of fatty acids, tocopherols, sterols, and squalene in oil obtained from the seeds of three Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) cultivars (“Rondo,” “Darius,” and “Rasa”) are studied. The oil recovery from Japanese quince seeds is affected by two factors; extraction technique, and genotype. The lowest oil recovery is recorded for the cold‐press method and cv. “Rondo,” and the highest for ultrasonic extractions and cv. “Rasa.” The profile of fatty acids in Japanese quince seed oil is dominated by three fatty acids C18:2, C18:1, and C16:0. The extraction method does not impact fatty acid and tocopherol composition as well as squalene content, as opposed to genotype, which has a statistically significant impact. The composition of tocopherols in the Japanese quince seed oil is dominated by the α‐T (97%), while the β‐T and γ‐T constituted only minor level (below 2% of each). The extraction type and genotype have a significant impact on the composition of the most of sterols. Regardless of the type of extraction and genotype, the β‐sitosterol consists of over 80% of total sterols in Japanese quince seed oil. The plant genotype is the key factor, which determines the profile of the fatty acids and the concentration of bioactive compounds in the extracted oil from Japanese quince seed, while the extraction technique plays a secondary role.

Practical Applications: The agro‐industrial by‐products generated by the fruit industry, for example, seeds, continue to rise year to year. One of the more popular processed fruit crop is Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica). This study demonstrates the impact of the extraction technique (four methods of extractions: cold‐pressing, supercritical CO2 fluid, ultrasound‐assisted, and Soxhlet) and genotype (three cultivars “Rondo,” “Darius,” and “Rasa”) on oil yield, fatty acid profile, and concentration of tocopherols, sterols, and squalene. Provided information can help with more efficient utilization of the tonnes of seeds generated by the fruit industry and consequently contributing to the more effective use of harvested plant material as well as health, economic, and environmental benefits.

The impact of the extraction technique and genotype on the oil yield and profile/concentration of fatty acids, tocopherols, sterols and squalene in oil obtained from the seeds of three Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) cultivars (“Rondo,” “Darius,” and “Rasa”) are studied. The plant genotype is the key factor which determines the profile of the fatty acids and the concentration of bioactive compounds in the extracted oil from Japanese quince seed, while the extraction technique plays a secondary role.
Food addiction distinguishes an overweight phenotype that can be reversed by low calorie diet
Authors: Guzzardi Maria Angela , Garelli Silvia , Agostini Alessandro , Filidei Elena , Fanelli Flaminia , Giorgetti Assuero , Mezzullo Marco , Fucci Sabrina , Mazza Roberta , Vicennati Valentina , Iozzo Patricia , Pagotto Uberto
Published: October 2018

Similarities in neural activation patterns in obese and substance‐dependent subjects led to the food addiction concept, but studies exploiting this issue for obesity stratification are missing. We assessed brain activation in response to food cues using 18F‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐glucose‐PET in 36 overweight women, stratified by low or high food addiction groups according to the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS). Assessments were repeated after a 3‐month diet. We found greater activation in thalamus, hypothalamus, midbrain, putamen, and occipital cortex (reward), but not in prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortices (control/reward receipt) in the high‐YFAS versus low‐YFAS group. In high‐YFAS subjects, orbitofrontal responsiveness was inversely related to YFAS severity and hunger rating, and positive associations were observed between regional brain activation and lipid intake. A 3‐month diet abolished group differences in brain activation. Our data suggest that food addiction distinguishes an overweight phenotype that can be reversed by diet, opening to personalized strategies in obesity treatment.
Variance components genetic association test for zero‐inflated count outcomes
Authors: Goodman Matthew O. , Chibnik Lori , Cai Tianxi
Published: October 2018

Commonly in biomedical research, studies collect data in which an outcome measure contains informative excess zeros; for example, when observing the burden of neuritic plaques (NPs) in brain pathology studies, those who show none contribute to our understanding of neurodegenerative disease. The outcome may be characterized by a mixture distribution with one component being the “structural zero” and the other component being a Poisson distribution. We propose a novel variance components score test of genetic association between a set of genetic markers and a zero‐inflated count outcome from a mixture distribution. This test shares advantageous properties with single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐set tests which have been previously devised for standard continuous or binary outcomes, such as the sequence kernel association test. In particular, our method has superior statistical power compared to competing methods, especially when there is correlation within the group of markers, and when the SNPs are associated with both the mixing proportion and the rate of the Poisson distribution. We apply the method to Alzheimer’s data from the Rush University Religious Orders Study and Memory and Aging Project, where as proof of principle we find highly significant associations with the APOE gene, in both the “structural zero” and “count” parameters, when applied to a zero‐inflated NPs count outcome.