bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of multiple cytochrome P450 activities in metabolically inactivated human liver microsomes and roles of P450 2C isoforms in reaction phenotyping studies
Authors: Murayama Norie , Yajima Kanako , Hikawa Mikiko , Shimura Kanami , Ishii Yu , Takada Masaki , Uno Yasuhiro , Utoh Masahiro , Iwasaki Kazuhide , Yamazaki Hiroshi
Published: November 2017

The fraction of substrate metabolized (fm) can be used to estimate drug interactions and can be determined by comparison of the intrinsic clearances (CLint) of victim drugs obtained from inhibited and uninhibited hepatic enzymes. Commercially available human liver microsomes were recently developed in which one cytochrome P450 (P450) isoform is selectively inactivated. These inactivated liver microsomes were used to evaluate the roles of P450 2C isoforms in the depletion and oxidation of probe substrates. Determination of CLint with sets of control and P450 2C9‐inactivated liver microsomes yielded fm,P450 2C9 values of 0.69–1.0 for celecoxib, diclofenac and warfarin. Apparent minor contributions of P450 1A2/2C8/3A4 were seen in depletion assays, yielding ~1 for the sum of the fm values. Selectively inactivated liver microsomes were thereby shown to be potentially useful for determining the in vitro fm values for major P450 2C9 contributions to substrate oxidations. Metabolite formations from diclofenac and warfarin were suppressed by 62–84% by the replacement of control liver microsomes with P450 2C9‐inactivated liver microsomes. R‐, S‐ and racemic omeprazole and troglitazone oxidation activities by liver microsomes at multiple substrate concentrations were suppressed by 26–36% and 22–50%, respectively, when P450 2C19‐ and 2C8‐inactivated liver microsomes were used in place of control liver microsomes. This study provides important information to help elucidate the different roles of P450 isoforms in metabolite formation at different substrate concentrations. The data obtained allow the fractions metabolized to be calculated for victim drugs.
Investigation of dominant and recessive inheritance models in genome‐wide association studies data of nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate
Authors: Böhmer Anne C. , Gölz Lina , Kreusch Thomas , Kramer Franz‐Josef , Pötzsch Bernd , Nöthen Markus M. , Jäger Andreas , Mangold Elisabeth , Knapp Michael , Ludwig Kerstin U.
Published: November 2017

Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (nsCL/P) is one of the most common congenital malformation worldwide, and its etiology involves both genetic and environmental factors. Recent genome‐wide and targeted genetic studies of nsCL/P have identified numerous genetic risk loci, under the hypothesis of a multiplicative mode of inheritance. The present study investigated whether novel nsCL/P risk loci could be identified by analyzing dominant/recessive genetic effects in single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from genome‐wide association studies. For this purpose, a genome‐wide investigation of dominant/recessive common SNP effects was performed in our previously published meta‐analysis data set. Twenty‐four loci were identified as candidate regions. In a subsequent association analysis in an independent study cohort of 224 nsCL/P patients and 986 controls of European descent, none of the loci could be replicated. Therefore, our strategy of identifying novel loci by applying different genetic models did not yield any novel findings, suggesting that recessive/dominant common variation only make a limited contribution to nsCL/P in Europeans. However, we cannot rule out that such effects are present at some of the loci that have previously been identified, or are present in different populations.
Improving the Thermostability and Catalytic Efficiency of the Subunit‐Fused Nitrile Hydratase by Semi‐Rational Engineering
Authors: Xia Yuanyuan , Cui Wenjing , Cheng Zhongyi , Peplowski Lukasz , Liu Zhongmei , Kobayashi Michihiko , Zhou Zhemin
Published: November 2017

Nitrile hydratase (NHase, EC 4.2.1.84) is a key enzyme in the hydration of nitriles to their corresponding amides and is widely used in the industrial production of highly purified acrylamide and nicotinamide. However, the poor thermostability of NHase is the major factor preventing its extensive industrial application. Here, a semi‐rational design approach based on the pmut scan application of Rosetta 3.4 and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations was used to improve the thermostability of a subunit‐fused nitrile hydratase from Pseudomonas putida NRRL‐18668 (Fus‐NHase). A small mutant library was constructed, and three mutants, B‐M150C, B‐T173Y, and B‐S189E, with half‐life increases at 50 °C of 32 %, 7 %, and 107 %, respectively, were obtained. Additionally, the kcat/Km values of B‐M150C, B‐T173Y, and B‐S189E were 1.1‐, 1.5‐, and 2.2‐fold higher, respectively, than that of Fus‐NHase. This study provides an effective strategy for improving protein thermostability and catalytic efficiency.
Proton Transfer Reaction Dynamics of Pyranine in DMSO/Water Mixtures
Authors: Awasthi Ankur A. , Singh Prabhat K.
Published: November 2017

Photoinduced intermolecular excited‐state proton transfer (ESPT) reactions are ubiquitous in chemistry and biology. ESPT reactions are extremely sensitive to the nature of water molecules in its microenvironment and thus serve as a sensitive reporter for the water structure and dynamics in a system. Herein, the photoinduced intermolecular ESPT reaction of 8‐hydroxypyrene‐1,3,5‐trisulfonic acid (HPTS, also known as pyranine) has been investigated in various DMSO/water mixtures by using steady‐state and time‐resolved emission spectroscopy. The DMSO/water binary mixture yields an interesting and anomalous behavior for the proton transfer reaction dynamics of HPTS at a mole fraction of DMSO (XDMSO) of 0.41–0.51, which has also been previously investigated and projected as an anomalous region by molecular dynamics simulation and other experimental techniques. The extreme slowdown of the proton transfer reaction observed at XDMSO=0.41–0.51 has been attributed to the slow solvation dynamics, as well as the non‐availability of free water molecules at this composition, which are required to solvate the newly generated proton. These observations have been also corroborated by time‐resolved area‐normalized emission spectra. The dimensionality of the proton diffusion process has been investigated by analyzing the geminate recombination process, and is found to be significantly different in DMSO/water mixtures (XDMSO=0.41–0.51) compared with three‐dimensional proton diffusion in neat water.
The Pharmacogene Variation (PharmVar) Consortium: Incorporation of the Human Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Allele Nomenclature Database
Authors: Gaedigk Andrea , Ingelman‐Sundberg Magnus , Miller Neil A. , Leeder J. Steven , Whirl‐Carrillo Michelle , Klein Teri E. ,   the PharmVar Steering Committee
Published: November 2017

The Human Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Allele Nomenclature Database, a critical resource for the pharmacogenetics and genomics communities, has transitioned to the Pharmacogene Variation (PharmVar) Consortium. In this report we provide a summary of the current database, provide an overview of the PharmVar consortium, and highlight the PharmVar database which will serve as the new home for pharmacogene nomenclature.
Production of Jet Fuel‐Range Hydrocarbons from Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin over Super Lewis Acid Combined with Metal Catalysts
Authors: Wang Hongliang , Wang Huamin , Kuhn Eric , Tucker Melvin P. , Yang Bin
Published: November 2017

Super Lewis acids containing the triflate anion [e.g., Hf(OTf)4, Ln(OTf)3, In(OTf)3, Al(OTf)3] and noble metal catalysts (e.g., Ru/C, Ru/Al2O3) formed efficient catalytic systems to generate saturated hydrocarbons from lignin in high yields. In such catalytic systems, the metal triflates mediated rapid ether bond cleavage through selective bonding to etheric oxygens while the noble metal catalyzed subsequent hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reactions. Near theoretical yields of hydrocarbons were produced from lignin model compounds by the combined catalysis of Hf(OTf)4 and ruthenium‐based catalysts. When a technical lignin derived from a pilot‐scale biorefinery was used, more than 30 wt % of the hydrocarbons produced with this catalytic system were cyclohexane and alkylcyclohexanes in the jet fuel range. Super Lewis acids are postulated to strongly interact with lignin substrates by protonating hydroxyl groups and ether linkages, forming intermediate species that enhance hydrogenation catalysis by supported noble metal catalysts. Meanwhile, the hydrogenation of aromatic rings by the noble metal catalysts can promote deoxygenation reactions catalyzed by super Lewis acids.
A novel analog switch for high‐precision switched‐capacitor applications
Authors: Naghavi Saeed , Sharifi Niloofar , Abrishamifar Adib
Published: November 2017

The performance of a switched‐capacitor circuit strongly depends on its analog switches. This paper introduces a new technique to design a high‐precision analog metal‐oxide‐semiconductor switch for switched‐capacitor applications. The accuracy of analog switches is a critical parameter to determine overall performance of the discrete‐time analog systems. To satisfy the accuracy requirements of the switch, a novel technique to minimize the charge injection and clock feedthrough errors by using a very simple structure is proposed. Moreover, an innovative approach to increase the OFF resistance of the switch and consequently minimizing its leakage current is presented. To evaluate the performance of the proposed switch, simulations are done in TSMC 0.18μm standard complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor technology with BSIM3V3 device models. The ON and OFF resistances of the switch are one of the most important factors that should be considered while investigating analog switches. The ON resistance of the proposed switch is less than 560Ω over entire input signal range which completely satisfies the tracking bandwidth requirements. In addition, since the proposed switch provides an ultrahigh OFF resistance in the range of several GΩs, the leakage current of the proposed switch is negligible. Simulation results also show that switch‐induced errors are significantly eliminated by using the proposed cancellation technique. The output error charge due to charge injection and clock feedthrough over a wide range of input signal variation is very low (less than 1.6 fC). Moreover, simulation results show that the proposed switch achieves signal to noise plus distortion ratio of 80.55 dB, effective number of bits of 13.08, total harmonic distortion of −81.41 dB, and spurious‐free dynamic range of 87.7 dB for a 2.5‐MHz sinusoidal input of 800‐mV peak‐to‐peak amplitude at 200‐MHz sampling rate with a 1.8‐V supply voltage. Consequently, the simulation results verify that the proposed switch can significantly improve the dynamic and static performances of a switched‐capacitor circuit.
The axonal endoplasmic reticulum: One organelle—many functions in development, maintenance, and plasticity
Authors: Luarte Alejandro , Cornejo Víctor Hugo , Bertin Francisca , Gallardo Javiera , Couve Andrés
Published: November 2017

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is highly conserved in eukaryotes and neurons. Indeed, the localization of the organelle in axons has been known for nearly half a century. However, the relevance of the axonal ER is only beginning to emerge. In this review, we discuss the structure of the ER in axons, examining the role of ER‐shaping proteins and highlighting reticulons. We analyze the multiple functions of the ER and their potential contribution to axonal physiology. First, we examine the emerging roles of the axonal ER in lipid synthesis, protein translation, processing, quality control, and secretory trafficking of transmembrane proteins. We also review the impact of the ER on calcium dynamics, focusing on intracellular mechanisms and functions. We describe the interactions between the ER and endosomes, mitochondria, and synaptic vesicles. Finally, we analyze available proteomic data of axonal preparations to reveal the dynamic functionality of the ER in axons during development. We suggest that the dynamic proteome and a validated axonal interactome, together with state‐of‐the‐art methodologies, may provide interesting research avenues in axon physiology that may extend to pathology and regeneration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 78: 181–208, 2018
System Change Detection Method Using Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: HAYASHIDA TOMOHIRO , YAMAMOTO TORU , KINOSHITA TAKUYA , NISHIZAKI ICHIRO , SEKIZAKI SHINYA , HIRATSUKA NAOTO
Published: November 2017

A single or multiple kinds of internal or external environmental variations of the system often cause the property variation of any system under control, and the readjustment of controller parameters is required. To maintain high performance of controlling and minimize the total cost for readjustments of the controller parameters, determination of the appropriate timing for readjustment of the controller parameters is important. This paper proposes new procedure to determine the appropriate timing for the readjustments based on the time‐series data using the recurrent neural networks (RNNs). A well‐coordinated RNN with proper structure has high performance on the time‐series data forecasting with the assistance of its internal signal feedback structure. This paper conducts some numerical experiments to verify the availability of the proposed method to some systems. The experimental result indicates that the proposed method has higher performance than other existing method with the same aim.
Comparison of catalytic and non‐catalytic pyrolysis of ten typical biomass feedstocks to produce aromatics and olefins in a fluidized bed reactor
Authors: Likun Peter Keliona Wani , Zhang Huiyan , Ryabov Georgy , Vitidsant Tharapong , Reubroycharoen Prasert , Xiao Rui
Published: November 2017

Catalytic and non‐catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP and non‐CFP) conversion of the ten biomass species into olefins and aromatics compounds were conducted using a fluidized‐bed reactor over HZSM‐5 catalyst and sand as bed materials. The influence of biomass type and composition (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) on the yield and selectivity of pyrolysis products was investigated. There was a great difference between CFP and non‐CFP products yield. The highest aromatics carbon yield was only 1.34% (corncob) during non‐CFP tests. While a remarkable improvement in aromatics carbon yields were 12.12%, 12.52%, and 12.58% obtained from pinewood, corncob, and poplar biomass during CFP tests, respectively. The dominant aromatic compound was benzene with selectivities of 49.6% (bagasse), 46.8% (rice straw), 48.0% (nutshell), and 50.78% (corncob). Moreover, the highest CFP olefins carbon yields were 10.19% (pinewood), 10.69% (corncob), and 9.89% (poplar), compared to highest non‐CFP olefins carbon yields were low as 3.37% (bagasse), 2.85% (rice straw), and 2.82% (nutshell). While the higher carbon selectivities toward ethylene were 50.31%, 59.46%, 54.59%, and 51.67% in pinewood, bamboo, indus, and poplar, respectively. The biomass feedstock rich in cellulose and hemicellulose content produce higher hydrocarbon yields than those with higher lignin content. Thus, biomass composition can be used as markers for selecting biomass and predicting pyrolysis products distribution. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1371–1379, 2018
New residential construction building and composite post and beam structure toward global warming mitigation
Authors: Balasbaneh Ali Tighnavard , Bin Marsono Abdul Kadir
Published: November 2017

The construction industry has become one of the major sources of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, low carbon buildings have been assigned for reduction of human impact on the environment. The aim of this research is to decrease the CO2 effect from the building sector by eventually proposing a new structure for Malaysian construction with regard to the needs of this industry. Life cycle assessment (LCA) has been performed to analyze the CO2 emission for the Malaysian residential single family house. Seven different materials or structures have been assessed and the result shows that timber prefabricated post and beam is the best choice due to releasing less CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. However, timber has become almost forgotten as building material for house builders in Malaysia in the last four decades. The alternative building scheme has been made by reinforced steel plate into wooden beam and column and timber wall (S8) to improve the building structure deficiency and load bearing while releasing less CO2 emissions in comparison to other buildings. New structure has been designed by steel plate sandwiched between wood members and held together with bolts in beam and post toward decreasing the percentage of improper design and to improve accuracy in the execution of timber structure. Thus, new scheme (S8) could be advised to house maker and government as a new policy to promote the sustainability in construction sector. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1394–1402, 2018
Occurrence and distribution of organophosphorus flame retardants/plasticizers and synthetic musks in sediments from source water in the Pearl River Delta, China
Authors: Zeng Xiangying , Xu Liang , Liu Jing , Wu Yang , Yu Zhiqiang
Published: November 2017

The Pearl River (China) and its tributaries receive discharges of treated/untreated domestic sewage and industrial wastewater throughout the entire drainage basin. The river provides source water for many local inhabitants, and there is great concern over its pollution status. Fifteen sediment samples were collected from source water areas in the Pearl River Delta, and analyzed for the occurrence and distribution of 2 classes of emerging pollutants, organophosphorus flame retardants (OPs) and synthetic musks. In most sediments, 5 polycyclic musks and 2 nitro musks were detected, and galaxolide (1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta (g)-2-benzopyran [HHCB]) and tonalide (7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene [AHTN]) were the predominant components, with concentrations of 0.030 to 547 and 4.31 to 439 ng/g, respectively. Seven widely used OPs were found in most sediments, at varying total concentrations from 1.79 to 143 ng/g, with tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEOP), tris(2-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) being the main components. The results indicated that industrial discharge and domestic sewage played important roles for synthetic musk and OP distribution in sediments in the study area. In general, higher levels of OPs and synthetic musks were found in Guangzhou, Foshan, and Dongguan, suggesting a significant impact from industrial discharges and the dense population of these regions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:975–982. © 2017 SETAC
Superior colliculus resting state networks in post‐traumatic stress disorder and its dissociative subtype
Authors: Olivé Isadora , Densmore Maria , Harricharan Sherain , Théberge Jean , McKinnon Margaret C. , Lanius Ruth
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The innate alarm system (IAS) models the neurocircuitry involved in threat processing in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here, we investigate a primary subcortical structure of the IAS model, the superior colliculus (SC), where the SC is thought to contribute to the mechanisms underlying threat‐detection in PTSD. Critically, the functional connectivity between the SC and other nodes of the IAS remains unexplored.

Experimental design

We conducted a resting‐state fMRI study to investigate the functional architecture of the IAS, focusing on connectivity of the SC in PTSD (n = 67), its dissociative subtype (n = 41), and healthy controls (n = 50) using region‐of‐interest seed‐based analysis.

Principal observations

We observed group‐specific resting state functional connectivity between the SC for both PTSD and its dissociative subtype, indicative of dedicated IAS collicular pathways in each group of patients. When comparing PTSD to its dissociative subtype, we observed increased resting state functional connectivity between the left SC and the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in PTSD. The DLPFC is involved in modulation of emotional processes associated with active defensive responses characterising PTSD. Moreover, when comparing PTSD to its dissociative subtype, increased resting state functional connectivity was observed between the right SC and the right temporoparietal junction in the dissociative subtype. The temporoparietal junction is involved in depersonalization responses associated with passive defensive responses typical of the dissociative subtype.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that unique resting state functional connectivity of the SC parallels the unique symptom profile and defensive responses observed in PTSD and its dissociative subtype. Hum Brain Mapp 39:563–574, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brain networks of the imaginative mind: Dynamic functional connectivity of default and cognitive control networks relates to openness to experience
Authors: Beaty Roger E. , Chen Qunlin , Christensen Alexander P. , Qiu Jiang , Silvia Paul J. , Schacter Daniel L.
Published: November 2017

Imagination and creative cognition are often associated with the brain's default network (DN). Recent evidence has also linked cognitive control systems to performance on tasks involving imagination and creativity, with a growing number of studies reporting functional interactions between cognitive control and DN regions. We sought to extend the emerging literature on brain dynamics supporting imagination by examining individual differences in large‐scale network connectivity in relation to Openness to Experience, a personality trait typified by imagination and creativity. To this end, we obtained personality and resting‐state fMRI data from two large samples of participants recruited from the United States and China, and we examined contributions of Openness to temporal shifts in default and cognitive control network interactions using multivariate structural equation modeling and dynamic functional network connectivity analysis. In Study 1, we found that Openness was related to the proportion of scan time (i.e., “dwell time”) that participants spent in a brain state characterized by positive correlations among the default, executive, salience, and dorsal attention networks. Study 2 replicated and extended the effect of Openness on dwell time in a correlated brain state comparable to the state found in Study 1, and further demonstrated the robustness of this effect in latent variable models including fluid intelligence and other major personality factors. The findings suggest that Openness to Experience is associated with increased functional connectivity between default and cognitive control systems, a connectivity profile that may account for the enhanced imaginative and creative abilities of people high in Openness to Experience.
Serial profiling of circulating tumor DNA for optimization of anti‐VEGF chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Yamauchi Masami , Urabe Yuji , Ono Atsushi , Miki Daiki , Ochi Hidenori , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: November 2017

Understanding the molecular changes in tumors in response to anti‐VEGF chemotherapy is crucial for optimization of the treatment strategy for metastatic colorectal cancer. We prospectively investigated changes in the amount and constitution of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in serial peripheral blood samples during chemotherapy. Sixty‐one plasma samples taken at different time points (baseline, remission, and post‐progression) and pre‐treatment tumor samples were collected from 21 patients who received bevacizumab‐containing first‐line chemotherapy. Extracted DNA was sequenced by next‐generation sequencing using a panel of 90 oncogenes. Candidate ctDNAs in plasma were validated using mutational data from matching tumors. ctDNAs encoding one to six trunk mutations were found in all 21 cases, and the mutant allele frequency (MAF) was distributed over a wide range (1‐89%). Significant decreases in the MAF at remission and increases in the MAF after progression were observed (p < 0.001). Reduction in the MAF to below 2% in the remission period was strongly associated with better survival (16.6 vs. 32.5 months, p < 0.001). In two cases, mutations (in CREBBP and FBXW7 genes) were newly detected in ctDNA at a low frequency of around 1% in the post‐progression period. The use of ctDNA allows elucidation of the tumor clonal repertoire and tumor evolution during anti‐VEGF chemotherapy. Changes in ctDNA levels could be useful as predictive biomarkers for survival. Mutations newly detected in ctDNA in the late treatment period might reveal the rise of a minor tumor clone that may show resistance to anti‐VEGF therapy.
An overview of polyamine metabolism in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Phanstiel Otto
Published: November 2017

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest major cancers, with a five year survival rate of less than 8%. With current therapies only giving rise to modest life extension, new approaches are desperately needed. Even though targeting polyamine metabolism is a proven anticancer strategy, there are no reports, which thoroughly survey the literature describing the role of polyamine biosynthesis and transport in PDAC. This review seeks to fill this void by describing what is currently known about polyamine metabolism in PDAC and identifies new targets and opportunities to treat this disease. Due to the pleiotropic effects that polyamines play in cells, this review covers diverse areas ranging from polyamine metabolism (biosynthesis, catabolism and transport), as well as the potential role of polyamines in desmoplasia, autophagy and immune privilege. Understanding these diverse roles provides the opportunity to design new therapies to treat this deadly cancer via polyamine depletion.
Neutropenic fever during peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization is associated with decreased CD34+ cell collection and increased apheresis collection days
Authors: Khouri Jack , Rybicki Lisa , Majhail Navneet , Kalaycio Matt , Copelan Edward , Pohlman Brad , Hill Brian , Dean Robert , Lazaryan Aleksandr , Hamilton Betty , Andresen Steven , Sobecks Ronald , Bolwell Brian , Liu Hien
Published: November 2017

Background

Peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) mobilization with chemotherapy in addition to Granulocyte‐Colony Stimulating Factor (G‐CSF) improves cell collection compared to G‐CSF alone; however, it is associated with increased risk of neutropenic fever (NF).

Methods

We analyzed risk factors for post‐priming NF and NF association with autologous stem cell transplant outcomes. Between 1998 and 2008, 593 adult patients with lymphoma underwent PBPC mobilization with etoposide and G‐CSF.

Results

Median age was 51 years (range 18–77) and 372 (63%) were male. Diagnoses were 457 (77%) non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and 136 (23%) Hodgkin lymphoma. Of 554 (93%) transplanted patients, majority were in complete or partial remission at time of transplant (88%). Overall, 141 (24%) patients were hospitalized for NF. Nine patients (6%) had bacteremia, 4 (3%) had pneumonia, 2 (<1%) had herpes simplex viral infections, and the remaining 126 (90%) had no identified infection source. NF patients had lower likelihood of proceeding to transplant (86% vs. 96%, P < .001), lower CD34+ cell dose collection (median 7.23 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg vs. 8.98 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg, P = .002), and were more likely to require > 4 days of apheresis (48% vs. 37%, P < .001). NF was associated with a higher 30‐day readmission rate following transplant hospitalization (17% vs. 9%, P = .012).

Conclusion

NF during etoposide priming is associated with lower likelihood of proceeding to transplant, lower CD34+ cell dose collection, more apheresis days required for collection and a higher 30‐day readmission rate following transplant discharge.
Acrosomal alkalization triggers Ca2+ release and acrosome reaction in mammalian spermatozoa
Authors: Chávez Julio C. , De la Vega‐Beltrán José L. , José Omar , Torres Paulina , Nishigaki Takuya , Treviño Claudia L. , Darszon Alberto
Published: November 2017

The sperm acrosome reaction (AR), an essential event for mammalian fertilization, involves Ca2+ permeability changes leading to exocytosis of the acrosomal vesicle. The acrosome, an intracellular Ca2+ store whose luminal pH is acidic, contains hydrolytic enzymes. It is known that acrosomal pH (pHacr) increases during capacitation and this correlates with spontaneous AR. Some AR inducers increase intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) through Ca2+ release from internal stores, mainly the acrosome. Catsper, a sperm specific Ca2+ channel, has been suggested to participate in the AR. Curiously, Mibefradil and NNC55‐0396, two CatSper blockers, themselves elevate [Ca2+]i by unknown mechanisms. Here we show that these compounds, as other weak bases, can elevate pHacr, trigger Ca2+ release from the acrosome, and induce the AR in both mouse and human sperm. To our surprise, μM concentrations of NNC55‐0396 induced AR even in nominally Ca2+ free media. Our findings suggest that alkalization of the acrosome is critical step for Ca2+ release from the acrosome that leads to the acrosome reaction.
Promising abilities of mercapto‐degrading Staphylococcus capitis strain SH6 in both crude oil and waste motor oil as sole carbon and energy sources: its biosurfactant production and preliminary characterization
Authors: Chebbi Alif , Hentati Dorra , Cheffi Meriam , Bouabdallah Rihab , Choura Cyrine , Sayadi Sami , Chamkha Mohamed
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

It was shown previously that a Staphylococcus capitis strain SH6 was able to degrade several malodorous mercaptans and simultaneously reduce the surface tension.

RESULTS

This present work revealed the capacity of strain SH6 to grow on various hydrocarbons, used as the only carbon and energy sources. Based on GC–MS analyses, the substantial ability to degrade up to 45% and 64% of aliphatic hydrocarbons (n‐alkanes) of crude oil and waste motor oil, respectively, after 30 days of incubation at 37 °C and 180 rpm, was shown. The properties of biosurfactant produced by strain SH6 grown on different oil substrates (diesel oil and waste motor oil) were studied. Biosurfactants exhibited enhanced emulsification capacities and significant stabilities over a wide range of salinity (20–150 g L‐1), temperature (–20–100 °C), and pH , and also the ability to remove crude oil from contaminated soils. Their critical micelle concentrations (CMC) were of 800 mg L‐1. FTIR analyses suggested the lipopetide nature of biosurfactants.

CONCLUSION

The stabilities of biosurfactants over a wide pH range, high temperatures and variable concentrations of salt, as well as emulsifying properties, suggest potential applications in bioremediation processes. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Electrochemical recovery of copper complexed by DTPA and C12‐DTPA from aqueous solution using a membrane cell
Authors: Eivazihollagh Alireza , Bäckström Joakim , Norgren Magnus , Edlund Håkan
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

The electrochemical recovery of copper from diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and C12–DTPA (a surface‐active derivative of DTPA) complex solutions was investigated in a membrane flow cell. Electrolysis time, solution flow rate, applied current density, and solution pH were evaluated.

RESULTS

The chelating surfactant C12‐DTPA can promote the kinetics of copper electrodeposition more than DTPA depending on the experimental conditions. At a current density of 30 A m–2, a solution flow rate of 0.6 L min–1, and pH 10 after 180 min treatment, the copper recovery and current efficiency were 50% and 43.3%, respectively, in the Cu(II)‐DTPA system and about 65% and 53.6%, respectively, in the Cu(II)‐C12‐DTPA system. The differences in the amount of recovery could be explained in terms of differences in the diffusion of copper complexes with DTPA and C12‐DTPA to the cathode, as well as their solution behavior and pH‐dependent conditional stability constants (log10 K'CuDTPA3‐).

CONCLUSION

Electrochemical methods could be effectively combined with foam flotation for the chelating surfactant C12‐DTPA, to recover copper and C12‐DTPA. This makes the overall treatment more sustainable, and can be helpful in complying with the increasingly stringent environmental regulations. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Sulfonated poly(arylene ether nitrile)/polypyrrole core/shell nanofibrous mat: an efficient absorbent for the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution
Authors: Zhan Yingqing , Wan Xinyi , He Shuangjiang , He Yi
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Sulfonated poly(arylene ether nitrile)/polypyrrole core/shell nanofibrous mats were prepared by an electrospinning technique, followed by in situ polymerization of pyrrole monomer. Their removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) from aqueous solution was systematically investigated. The structure and composition of core/shell PEN/PPy nanofibrous mats were examined and confirmed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

RESULTS

The adsorption results revealed that the adsorption capacity of core/shell PEN/PPy nanofibrous mats increased with the decrease of initial solution pH and the adsorption process can be described by the pseudo‐second‐order model. These core/shell PEN/PPy nanofibrous mats showed high Cr (VI) adsorption capacity up to 165.3 mg g−1 at room temperature, which can largely be maintained after four adsorption/desorption cycles. Furthermore, the adsorption isotherms of PEN/PPy nanofibrous mats for Cr(VI) removal fitted the Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption mechanism of electrostatic attraction between PEN/PPy nanofibrous mats was also presented.

CONCLUSION

The core/shell PEN/PPy nanofibrous mats in the form of flexible membrane allowed easy handling during application, and can be considered a stable and effective adsorbent for removal of heavy metals and other anionic contaminants from wastewater. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Dominating sets inducing large components in maximal outerplanar graphs
Authors: Alvarado José D. , Dantas Simone , Rautenbach Dieter
Published: November 2017

For a maximal outerplanar graph G of order n at least three, Matheson and Tarjan showed that G has domination number at most . Similarly, for a maximal outerplanar graph G of order n at least five, Dorfling, Hattingh, and Jonck showed, by a completely different approach, that G has total domination number at most unless G is isomorphic to one of two exceptional graphs of order 12.

We present a unified proof of a common generalization of these two results. For every positive integer k, we specify a set of graphs of order at least and at most such that every maximal outerplanar graph G of order n at least that does not belong to has a dominating set D of order at most such that every component of the subgraph of G induced by D has order at least k.
Characterization and oxidative stability of purslane seed oil microencapsulated in yeast cells biocapsules
Authors: Kavosi Maryam , Mohammadi Abdorreza , Shojaee‐Aliabadi Saeedeh , Khaksar Ramin , Hosseini Seyede Marzieh
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Purslane seed oil, as a potential nutritious source of omega‐3 fatty acid, is susceptible to oxidation. Encapsulation in yeast cells is a possible approach for overcoming this problem. In the present study, purslane seed oil was encapsulated in non‐plasmolysed, plasmolysed and plasmolysed carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC)‐coated Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and measurements of oil loading capacity (LC), encapsulation efficiency (EE), oxidative stability and the fatty acid composition of oil‐loaded microcapsules were made. Furthermore, investigations of morphology and thermal behavior, as well as a Fourier transform‐infrared (FTIR) analyses of microcapsules, were performed.

RESULTS

The values of EE, LC were approximately 53–65% and 187–231 g kg–1, respectively. Studies found that the plasmolysis treatment increased EE and LC and decreased the mean peroxide value (PV) of microencapsulated oil. The presence of purslane seed oil in yeast microcapsules was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry analyses. The lowest rate of oxidation belonged to the oil‐loaded plasmolysed CMC‐coated microcapsules (16.73 meqvO2 kg–1), whereas the highest amount of oxidation regardless of native oil referred to the oil‐loaded in non‐plasmolysed cells (28.15 meqvO2 kg–1).

CONCLUSION

The encapsulation of purslane seed oil in the yeast cells of S. cerevisiae can be considered as an efficient approach for extending the oxidative stability of this nutritious oil and facilitating its application in food products. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of the clean‐up efficiency of the solid‐phase extraction of rosemary extracts: Application of full‐factorial design in hyphenation with Gaussian peak fit function
Authors: Meischl Florian , Kirchler Christian Günter , Jäger Michael Andreas , Huck Christian Wolfgang , Rainer Matthias
Published: November 2017

We present a novel method for the quantitative determination of the clean‐up efficiency to provide a calculated parameter for peak purity through iterative fitting in conjunction with design of experiments. Rosemary extracts were used and analyzed before and after solid‐phase extraction using a self‐fabricated mixed‐mode sorbent based on poly(N‐vinylimidazole/ethylene glycol dimethacrylate). Optimization was performed by variation of washing steps using a full three‐level factorial design and response surface methodology. Separation efficiency of rosmarinic acid from interfering compounds was calculated using an iterative fit of Gaussian‐like signals and quantifications were performed by the separate integration of the two interfering peak areas. Results and recoveries were analyzed using Design‐Expert® software and revealed significant differences between the washing steps. Optimized parameters were considered and used for all further experiments. Furthermore, the solid‐phase extraction procedure was tested and compared with commercial available sorbents. In contrast to generic protocols of the manufacturers, the optimized procedure showed excellent recoveries and clean‐up rates for the polymer with ion exchange properties. Finally, rosemary extracts from different manufacturing areas and application types were studied to verify the developed method for its applicability. The cleaned‐up extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry for detailed compound evaluation to exclude any interference from coeluting molecules.
Primary and salvage laser surgery of 341 glottic cancers—Comparison of treatment outcomes between University Head Neck Tertiary Referral Center and Local Head Neck Department
Authors: Winiarski Piotr , Lewandowski Artur , Greczka Grażyna , Banaszewski Jacek , Klimza Hanna , Wierzbicka Małgorzata
Published: November 2017

Objective

The main goal was to compare the clinical data of patients with T1 and T2 glottic cancer treated with CO2 transoral laser microlaryngoscopy (TLM) in the Tertiary Referral University Department of Otolaryngology, Head Neck Surgery, Poznan and the local Department of Otolaryngology, Oncology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Bydgoszcz.

Material and Methods

Unified databases for the 7‐year period January 2005–December 2011 were created to compare these two cohorts. The database contained 341 patients: 231 from the tertiary center and 110 from the local department, of which 298 (87%) were men, and 43 (13%) were women.

Results

Cordectomy type I–IV was performed in 250 (73%) patients, cordectomy type V–VI in 84 (25%) patients, and cordectomy enlarged to epiglottic petiole in 7 (2%) patients. Local recurrence was observed in 96 (28%) cases. Among these cases, 81 (87.5%) patients had salvage surgery: 43 re‐cordectomy, 10 open partial laryngectomy, and 28 total laryngectomy. The outcomes for the whole cohort, Tertiary Referral Center and Local Department respectively were as follows: larynx preservation rate was 91.8%, 93.6%, and 88%; 3‐year disease specific survival was 97.4%, 97.9%, and 93.3%; 3‐year overall survival was 93.5%, 96.6%, and 85.5%; 5‐year disease specific survival was 95.2%, 95.2%, and 96.3%; and 5‐year overall survival was 84.5%, 88.7%, and 76%, respectively.

Conclusion

Comparison of the cohorts showed that outcomes of primary treatment were similar but there were noticeable differences in salvage treatment efficacy, favoring patients from the Tertiary Referral Center. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:311–318, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resolving Inclusion Structure and Deformation Mechanisms in Polylactide Plasticized by Reactive Extrusion
Authors: Brüster Berit , Amozoqueño Camilo , Grysan Patrick , Peral Inma , Watts Benjamin , Raquez Jean‐Marie , Dubois Philippe , Addiego Frédéric
Published: November 2017

A multiscale characterization approach is developed to resolve the structure of inclusions in polylactide (PLA) plasticized with acrylated poly(ethylene glycol) (acrylPEG) by reactive extrusion. Scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy (STXM) coupled with near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) nanospectroscopy demonstrates that these inclusions have a core–shell morphology. This technique also proves that the inclusions consist of polymerized acrylPEG (poly(acrylPEG)), which is also confirmed by elastic modulus measurement using an atomic force microscope. The shell consists of poly(acrylPEG)‐rich domains, while the core is less rich in the polymerized plasticizer. Upon drawing, the density of the inclusion's core and shell markedly decreases as shown by microcomputed X‐ray tomography measurements, and no inclusion–matrix debonding is observed. At the same time, sub‐micrometer cracks are noted between inclusions by STXM/NEXAFS imaging, which may result from the presence of crosslinking points restricting the local chain mobility. Novel knowledge about the reactive extrusion‐induced PLA structure is released.
Effect of Draw Ratio on Physical, Release, and Antibacterial Properties of Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Loaded with Lysozyme
Authors: Bugatti Valeria , Acocella Maria Rosaria , Maggio Mario , Vigliotta Giovanni , Pantani Roberto , Gorrasi Giuliana
Published: November 2017

In this work, some films of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) containing lysozyme at 5% by weight are obtained. Lysozyme is a natural antimicrobial molecule. The films are submitted to cold drawing process at three different draw ratios, λ = 3, 4, and 5, where λ is the ratio between final and initial length. Morphology, physical and barrier properties of the drawn samples are studied and correlated to the release of lysozyme. Tests against Bacillus sp are performed and correlated to the material texture. The molecular orientation of uniaxially drawn lysozyme doped PCL films is demonstrated to be a significant parameter for controlled release monitoring of the active molecule and the antimicrobial activity.
Modified dixon‐based renal dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI facilitates automated registration and perfusion analysis
Authors: de Boer Anneloes , Leiner Tim , Vink Eva E. , Blankestijn Peter J. , van den Berg Cornelis A.T.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Renal dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI provides information on renal perfusion and filtration. However, clinical implementation is hampered by challenges in postprocessing as a result of misalignment of the kidneys due to respiration. We propose to perform automated image registration using the fat‐only images derived from a modified Dixon reconstruction of a dual‐echo acquisition because these provide consistent contrast over the dynamic series.

Methods

DCE data of 10 hypertensive patients was used. Dual‐echo images were acquired at 1.5 T with temporal resolution of 3.9 s during contrast agent injection. Dixon fat, water, and in‐phase and opposed‐phase (OP) images were reconstructed. Postprocessing was automated. Registration was performed both to fat images and OP images for comparison. Perfusion and filtration values were extracted from a two‐compartment model fit.

Results

Automatic registration to fat images performed better than automatic registration to OP images with visible contrast enhancement. Median vertical misalignment of the kidneys was 14 mm prior to registration, compared to 3 mm and 5 mm with registration to fat images and OP images, respectively (P = 0.03). Mean perfusion values and MR‐based glomerular filtration rates (GFR) were 233 ± 64 mL/100 mL/min and 60 ± 36 mL/minute, respectively, based on fat‐registered images. MR‐based GFR correlated with creatinine‐based GFR (P = 0.04) for fat‐registered images. For unregistered and OP‐registered images, this correlation was not significant.

Conclusion

Absence of contrast changes on Dixon fat images improves registration in renal DCE MRI and enables automated postprocessing, resulting in a more accurate estimation of GFR. Magn Reson Med 80:66–76, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
Innovativeness of social economy entities in Poland. An empirical study from the perspective of Positive Organizational Scholarship
Authors: Glińska‐Neweś Aldona , Karwacki Arkadiusz
Published: November 2017

The Polish system of tackling social exclusion is based on social economy entities, such as social integration centers and social cooperatives. The aim of the article is to define the essence and conditions of their innovativeness while answering the question to what extent the organizations can make use of management theories created for business entities. The empirical basis for the article are 3 focus group interviews with representatives of social integration centers and social cooperatives operating in Poland. The results suggest that low innovativeness of the entities is, among others, the effect of an authoritarian management style and a lack of care about positive relationships among employees.