bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heart‐specific expression of laminopathic mutations in transgenic zebrafish
Authors: Verma Ajay D. , Parnaik Veena K.
Published: May 2017

Lamins are key determinants of nuclear organization and function in the metazoan nucleus. Mutations in human lamin A cause a spectrum of genetic diseases that affect cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle as well as other tissues. A few laminopathies have been modeled using the mouse. As zebrafish is a well established model for the study of cardiac development and disease, we have investigated the effects of heart‐specific lamin A mutations in transgenic zebrafish. We have developed transgenic lines of zebrafish expressing conserved lamin A mutations that cause cardiac dysfunction in humans. Expression of zlamin A mutations Q291P and M368K in the heart was driven by the zebrafish cardiac troponin T2 promoter. Homozygous mutant embryos displayed nuclear abnormalities in cardiomyocyte nuclei. Expression analysis showed the upregulation of genes involved in heart regeneration in transgenic mutant embryos and a cell proliferation marker was increased in adult heart tissue. At the physiological level, there was deviation of up to 20% from normal heart rate in transgenic embryos expressing mutant lamins. Adult homozygous zebrafish were fertile and did not show signs of early mortality. Our results suggest that transgenic zebrafish models of heart‐specific laminopathies show cardiac regeneration and moderate deviations in heart rate during embryonic development.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Ethylene/Methyl Acrylate Co‐Oligomerization: The Effect of a New Nonsymmetrical α‐Diimine with the 1,4‐Diazabutadiene Skeleton
Authors: Rosar Vera , Montini Tiziano , Balducci Gabriele , Zangrando Ennio , Fornasiero Paolo , Milani Barbara
Published: May 2017

PdII complexes with a nonsymmetrical bis(aryl‐imino)diazabutadiene ligand (ArDAB) have been synthesized and characterized. The new ligand features one aryl ring substituted in the ortho positions with a methyl group and the other ring that bears a trifluoromethyl group on the meta positions, which leads to subtle steric and electronic differences at the two N donor atoms. This peculiar substitution makes the direct synthesis of the ligand unfeasible, and the relevant PdII complex, [Pd(CH3)Cl(ArDAB)], is obtained directly through a template reaction. The corresponding cationic complexes with either acetonitrile or DMSO were synthesized and characterized. The X‐ray crystal structure of a Pd complex with an α‐diimine and DMSO is reported. The monocationic complexes were tested as precatalysts in ethylene/methyl acrylate co‐oligomerization under mild reaction temperature and pressure conditions. A comparison of the catalytic behavior of the precatalysts with the corresponding nonsymmetrical aryl α‐diimines with an acenaphthene skeleton indicated that the active species with the new ligand is more productive and leads to the formation of ethylene oligomers and ethylene/methyl acrylate co‐oligomers.
Understanding the Role of Designed Solid Acid Sites in the Low‐Temperature Production of ϵ‐Caprolactam
Authors: Potter Matthew E. , Chapman Stephanie , O'Malley Alexander J. , Levy Alan , Carravetta Marina , Mezza Thomas M. , Parker Stewart F. , Raja Robert
Published: May 2017

Modern society is placing increasing demands on commodity chemicals, driven by the ever‐growing global population and the desire for improved standards of living. As the polymer industry grows, a sustainable route to ϵ‐caprolactam, the precursor to the recyclable nylon‐6 polymer, is becoming increasingly important. To this end, we have designed and characterized a recyclable SAPO catalyst using a range of characterization techniques, to achieve near quantitative yields of ϵ‐caprolactam from cyclohexanone oxime. The catalytic process operates under significantly less energetically demanding conditions than other widely practiced industrial processes.
Probing the Influence of SSZ‐13 Zeolite Pore Hierarchy in Methanol‐to‐Olefins Catalysis by Using Nanometer Accuracy by Stochastic Chemical Reactions Fluorescence Microscopy and Positron Emission Profiling
Authors: Zhu Xiaochun , Kosinov Nikolay , Kubarev Alexey V. , Bolshakov Alexey , Mezari Brahim , Valastyan Ivan , Hofmann Jan P. , Roeffaers Maarten B. J. , Sarkadi‐Pribóczki Eva , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: May 2017

An understanding of the role of the hierarchical pore architecture of SSZ‐13 zeolites on the catalytic performance in the methanol‐to‐olefins (MTO) reaction is crucial to guide the design of better catalysts. We investigated the influence of the space velocity on the performance of a microporous SSZ‐13 zeolite and several hierarchically structured SSZ‐13 zeolites. Single catalytic turnovers, as recorded by nanometer accuracy by using stochastic chemical reactions (NASCA) fluorescence microscopy verified that the hierarchical zeolites contain pores larger than the 0.38 nm apertures native to SSZ‐13 zeolite. The amount of fluorescent events correlated well with the additional pore volume available because of the hierarchical structuring of the zeolite. Positron emission tomography (PET) using 11C‐labeled methanol was used to map the 2 D spatial distribution of the deposits formed during the MTO reaction in the catalyst bed. We used PET imaging to demonstrate that hierarchical structuring not only improves the utilization of the available microporous cages of SSZ‐13 but also that the aromatic hydrocarbon pool species are involved in more turnovers before they condense into larger multiring structures that deactivate the catalyst.
Facile Assembly of 3D Porous Reduced Graphene Oxide/Ultrathin MnO2 Nanosheets‐S Aerogels as Efficient Polysulfide Adsorption Sites for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhao Xiaojun , Wang Hui , Zhai Gaohong , Wang Gang
Published: May 2017

Rechargeable lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are receiving much attention due to their high specific capacity, low cost, and environmental friendliness. Nonetheless, fast capacity decay and low specific capacity still limit their practical implementation. Herein, we report a facile strategy to overcome these challenges by the design and fabrication of 3D porous reduced graphene oxide/ultrathin MnO2 nanosheets‐S aerogel (rGM‐SA) composites for Li–S batteries. By a simple solvothermal reaction process, nanosized S atoms are homogeneously decorated into the 3D scaffold formed by reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and MnO2 nanosheets, which can form the homogeneous rGM‐SA composites. In this porous network architecture, rGO serves as an electron and ion transfer pathway, a physical adsorption site for polysulfides, and provides structural stability. The ultrathin MnO2 nanosheets provide strong binding sites for trapping polysulfide intermediates. The 3D porous rGO/MnO2 architecture enables rapid ion transport and buffers volume expansion of sulfur during discharge. The rGM‐SA composites can be directly used as lithium–sulfur battery cathodes without using binder and conductive additive. As a result of this multifunctional arrangement, the rGM‐SA composites exhibit high and stable‐specific capacities over 200 cycles and excellent high‐rate performances.
Non‐classical S‐Heteroacenes with o‐Quinoidal Conjugation and Open‐Shell Diradical Character
Authors: Shi Xueliang , Gopalakrishna Tullimilli Y. , Wang Qing , Chi Chunyan
Published: May 2017

A series of non‐classical S‐heteroacenes were synthesized and exhibited intriguing physical properties and chemical reactivities that are very different from classical acenes. X‐ray crystallographic analyses revealed that all acenothiophene derivatives Ph‐AT‐1–Ph‐AT‐3 had an o‐quinoidal π‐conjugation with large bond‐length alternation, whereas the acenodithiophene derivative Ph‐ADT‐3 easily dimerized or reacted with oxygen to form a peroxy‐bridged dimer. The long acenothiophene Ph‐AT‐4 was also highly reactive. The origin of these unique properties was investigated carefully by both experiments and theoretical calculations. The high reactivity of the long non‐classical S‐heteroacenes can be explained by their intrinsic open‐shell diradical character as well as the o‐quinoidal conjugation.
Continuous Synthesis of Nanostructured Co3O4@SiO2 Core‐Shell Particles in a Laminar‐Flow Reactor
Authors: Straß Angela , Maier Roland , Güttel Robert
Published: May 2017

The application of a microreactor system for the continuous synthesis of nanostructured Co3O4@SiO2 core‐shell particles was investigated and compared to the standard lab experiment in batch operation. TEM images reveal that the synthesis of nanostructured core‐shell particles in a laminar‐flow reactor is generally possible. However, the particle size distribution for both SiO2 and core‐shell particles synthesized continuously in a microreactor is broader, probably due to axial dispersion under laminar‐flow conditions.
Running the marathon of chronic myeloid leukemia with no shoes (or without the right shoes)!
Authors: Mauro Michael J.
Published: May 2017

Optimal outcomes with chronic myeloid leukemia treatment may not be attainable for those without health insurance or with Medicaid. Running the marathon journey of chronic myeloid leukemia requires the key element of adequate health insurance, in addition to proper monitoring and decision making, for the best results and the potential for treatment‐free remission.

See also pages 2561‐9.
Osteoclast inhibition in postmenopausal breast cancer: Is the evidence too strong to ignore?
Authors: Stopeck Alison T.
Published: May 2017

Bone‐targeted agents should be considered for all postmenopausal women with high‐risk, early‐stage breast cancer. Targeting the microenvironment and normal host cells is a viable strategy for preventing cancer recurrences.

See also pages 2444‐51.
Osteoporosis therapy and outcomes for postmenopausal patients with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer: NCIC CTG MA.27
Authors: Lipton Allan , Chapman Judith‐Anne W. , Leitzel Kim , Garg Ashwani , Pritchard Kathleen I. , Ingle James N. , Budd G. Thomas , Ellis Matthew J. , Sledge George W. , Rabaglio Manuela , Han Lei , Elliott Catherine R. , Shepherd Lois E. , Goss Paul E. , Ali Suhail M.
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer patients in the MA.27 trial had similar outcomes with steroidal aromatase inhibitor (AI) exemestane and nonsteroidal anastrozole. AIs increase the risk of osteoporosis. This study examined the effects of self‐reported osteoporosis and osteoporosis therapy (OPT) on outcomes.

METHODS

The MA.27 phase 3 adjuvant trial enrolled 7576 postmenopausal women. The primary outcome was event‐free survival (EFS), and the secondary outcome was distant disease–free survival (DDFS). Patients were permitted bisphosphonates to prevent or treat osteopenia/osteoporosis. In a multivariate, stratified Cox regression, factors were significant with a 2‐sided Wald test P value ≤ .05.

RESULTS

Osteoporosis was reported at the baseline by 654 of the 7576 women (8.6%) and in total by 1294 patients. Oral OPT was received at the baseline by 815 of the 7576 women (10.8%) and in total by 2711 patients (36%). With a median follow‐up of 4.1 years, 693 EFS events (9.15%) and 321 DDFS events (4.2%) occurred. Osteoporosis was not associated with EFS or DDFS. Few EFS events occurred before the initiation of OPT, with no substantive evidence of a time‐differing effect on outcomes (nonproportional hazards). OPT (yes vs no) was significantly associated with improved EFS (hazard ratio [HR] for yes vs no, 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57‐0.80; P < .001) and DDFS (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.44‐0.73; P <. 001). Time‐differing (time‐dependent) OPT was not (EFS; P = .45). OPT did not alter the incidence of visceral‐only metastasis (P = .31).

CONCLUSIONS

Oral OPT, administered to postmenopausal breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant AI therapy, was associated with improved EFS and DDFS; the time of OPT initiation (a time‐dependent effect) did not affect the outcome. OPT did not alter the risk of visceral metastasis. Cancer 2017;123:2444–51. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Prognostic modeling in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in the era of immunochemotherapy: Where do we go from here?
Authors: Koff Jean L. , Flowers Christopher R.
Published: May 2017

The model and approach described by Howlader et al could form a foundation for future risk‐prediction models that incorporate data on known differences in demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, and biological factors. Data from large diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patient cohorts that capture host and tumor genomics and known clinical prognostic factors will be necessary to provide the resources for constructing meaningful prognostic models and to establish prediction models that will allow us to limit therapy and therapy‐related toxicity for favorable subsets of patients while optimizing directed approaches for poor‐risk subsets.

See also pages 3326‐34.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability Following Single and Multiple Doses of Pibrentasvir in a First‐in‐Human Study
Authors: Lin Chih‐Wei , Dutta Sandeep , Asatryan Armen , Wang Haoyu , Clifton Jack , Campbell Andrew , Liu Wei
Published: May 2017

This first‐in‐human dose‐ascending study investigated pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of pibrentasvir following single and multiple doses in healthy volunteers. Additionally, the effects of food and ritonavir on pibrentasvir were assessed in a crossover study design. The starting dose of pibrentasvir was selected based on the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect‐level exposure from preclinical studies. Dose escalations of subsequent cohorts were dependent on reviews of the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic data from previous dose cohorts. Pibrentasvir exposures increased in a greater than dose‐proportional manner across the 1.5‐ to 120‐mg dose range and became linear across the 120‐ to 600‐mg dose range. Following multiple dosing, pibrentasvir steady state was attained by day 5 with an accumulation ratio of 25% to 35%. Pibrentasvir harmonic mean terminal half‐life ranged from 20 to 22 hours. Food had minimal effect (<14%) on pibrentasvir bioavailability, but ritonavir increased pibrentasvir peak concentration and area under the concentration‐time curve by 60% and 89%, respectively. All adverse events were assessed by the investigator as mild, and no clinically significant vital signs, electrocardiogram, or clinical laboratory values were observed. The pharmacokinetic results from this study support once‐daily dosing and administration of pibrentasvir without regard to food. A maximum tolerated dose was not attained in the single‐ and multiple‐ascending‐dose assessments for pibrentasvir.
Beyond Simple Homology Searches: Multiple Sequence Alignments and Phylogenetic Trees
Authors: Zufall Rebecca A.
Published: May 2017

Phylogenetic trees represent hypotheses about evolutionary relationships between organisms or nucleotide or amino acid sequences. Because the best BLAST hit often does not represent the most closely related sequence, phylogenetic analyses are an essential extension of inquiry into any new protein or gene. In this unit, the reader will first learn how to create a multiple sequence alignment and then will learn how to use that alignment to build a neighbor‐joining phylogeny using the software program MEGA. Finally, the user will learn how to interpret a phylogeny in light of the research questions. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evaluating Solvent Effects at the Aqueous/Pt(111) Interface
Authors: Iyemperumal Satish Kumar , Deskins N. Aaron
Published: May 2017

Liquid–metal interfaces occur in a number of surface processes, and it is fundamentally important to accurately model them. Herein, it is systematically determined how the presence of water affects several processes by using density functional theory with implicit solvation models. Adsorption of 41 common adsorbates and four catalytic reactions in both vacuum and water over the Pt(111) surface were modeled. The results show that adsorption energies for some species can change significantly in the presence of water (by up to 0.44 eV). It is further shown that solvation effects can be explained and predicted by analyzing simple chemical descriptors such as dipole moment and adsorbate charge. Models from artificial neural networks involving several potential descriptors, including gas‐phase solvation energy, adsorbate charge, dipole moment, and surface area, are also reported. When water is present, reaction energies change by up to 0.23 eV, although it appears that water solvent negligibly affects several elementary reaction steps. The results show that hydrogen bonding can be important for a number of reactions, but is largely absent in the implicit solvation models. Furthermore, other solvents besides water were also modeled, and if a solvent has a small dielectric constant, then small solvation effects occur. This work provides guidelines on when solvation effects may be important for surface chemistry, and also provides valuable insights into modeling such effects.
The Role of the DNA Backbone in Minor‐Groove Ligand Binding
Authors: Díaz‐Gómez Dalia G. , Galindo‐Murillo Rodrigo , Cortés‐Guzmán Fernando
Published: May 2017

Molecular recognition between ligands and nucleic acids plays a key role in therapeutic activity. Some molecules interact with DNA in a nonbonded manner through intercalation or through the DNA grooves. The recognition of minor‐groove binders is attributed to a set of hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the binders and the hydrogen‐bond‐acceptor groups on the groove floor and walls. It is commonly considered that interactions with the sugar groups of the DNA backbone are insignificant and do not contribute to the binding affinity or the specificity. However, our group has found that the deoxyribose rings have a central function in the recognition and the intercalation of metal complexes into DNA. Herein, we determined the specific interactions between the binder CGP 40215A and the minor‐groove atoms, based on the local properties of electron density. We found that specific interactions between the deoxyribose moiety within the backbone of DNA and the binder are essential for molecular recognition, and they are responsible for one third of the interaction energy.
Annual climate variation modifies nitrogen induced carbon accumulation ofPinus sylvestrisforests
Authors: Lim Hyungwoo , Oren Ram , Linder Sune , From Fredrik , Nordin Annika , Fahlvik Nils , Lundmark Tomas , Näsholm Torgny
Published: May 2017

We report results from long‐term simulated external nitrogen (N) input experiments in three northernPinus sylvestrisforests, two of moderately high and one of moderately low productivity, assessing effects on annual net primary production (NPP) of woody mass and its interannual variation in response to variability in weather conditions. A sigmoidal response of woodNPPto external N inputs was observed in the both higher and lower productivity stands, reaching a maximum of ~65% enhancement regardless of the native site productivity, saturating at an external N input of 4–5 g N·m−2·yr−1. The rate of increase in woodNPPand the N response efficiency (REN, increase in woodNPPper external N input) were maximized at an external N input of ~3 g N·m−2·yr−1, regardless of site productivity. The maximumRENwas greater in the higher productivity than the lower productivity stand (~20 vs. ~14 g C/g N). The N‐induced enhancement of woodNPPand itsRENwere, however, markedly contingent on climatic variables. In both of the higher and lower productivity stands, woodNPPincreased with growing season precipitation (P), but only up to ~400 mm. The sensitivity of the response toPincreased with increasing external N inputs. Increasing growing season temperature (T) somewhat increased the N‐induced drought effect, whereas decreasingTreduced the drought effect. These responses of woodNPPinfused a large temporal variation toREN, making the use of a fixed value unadvisable. Based on these results, we suggest that regional climate conditions and future climate scenarios should be considered when modeling carbon sequestration in response to N deposition in borealP. sylvestris, and possibly other forests.
Novel approach to heritability detection suggests robustness to paternal genotype in a complex morphological trait
Authors: Winston Max E. , Thompson Andrea , Trujillo Gabriel , Burchill Andrew T. , Moreau Corrie S.
Published: May 2017

Heritable variation is essential for evolution by natural selection. In Neotropical army ants, the ecological role of a given species is linked intimately to the morphological variation within the sterile worker caste. Furthermore, the army ant Eciton burchellii is highly polyandrous, presenting a unique opportunity to explore heritability of morphological traits among related workers sharing the same colonial environment. In order to exploit the features of this organismal system, we generated a large genetic and morphological dataset and applied our new method that employs geometric morphometrics (GM) to detect the heritability of complex morphological traits. After validating our approach with an existing dataset of known heritability, we simulated our ability to detect heritable variation given our sampled genotypes, demonstrating the method can robustly recover heritable variation of small effect size. Using this method, we tested for genetic caste determination and heritable morphological variation using genetic and morphological data on 216 individuals of E. burchellii. Results reveal this ant lineage (1) has the highest mating frequency known in ants, (2) demonstrates no paternal genetic caste determination, and (3) suggests a lack of heritable morphological variation in this complex trait associated with paternal genotype. We recommend this method for leveraging the increased resolution of GM data to explore and understand heritable morphological variation in nonmodel organisms.
Behavioral evidence of hunting and foraging techniques by a top predator suggests the importance of scavenging for preadults
Authors: Margalida Antoni , Colomer MªÀngels , Sánchez Roberto , Sánchez Francisco Javier , Oria Javier , González Luis Mariano
Published: May 2017

Scavenging may be a regular feeding behavior for some facultative raptor species occupying low quality habitats and/or with little experience in hunting techniques. However, its importance has been largely underestimated due to methodological limitations in identifying the real proportion in the diet. Here, through direct observations, we assessed the hunting and foraging success of the threatened Spanish imperial eagleAquila adalbertidetermining the influence of age, sex, breeding status, habitat quality, prey type, and landscape characteristics. From 465 observations, Spanish imperial eagles used hunting inflight(42%),scavenging(30%), hunting from aperch(16%) andkleptoparasitism(12%). Our model suggests thatPrey sizeandPrey typebest explain hunting success, followed byLandscapeandSex. Our findings suggest that Spanish imperial eagles increase hunting success with age, with scavenging and kleptoparasitism regularly used as juveniles. The absence of relationships with any of the variables considered suggests that kleptoparasitism is an opportunistic behavior used sporadically. Scavenging is also independent of habitat quality and landscape characteristics. Accordingly, low prey density is not a driver of carrion use for preadult individuals, suggesting that a lack of hunting ability obliges this age‐class to use this alternative feeding technique regularly. As a result, the threatened Spanish imperial eagle population is also prone to mortality related to the illegal use of poison baits and, potentially, veterinary drugs (i.e., diclofenac).
Predator‐mediated negative effects of overabundant snow geese on arctic‐nesting shorebirds
Authors: Lamarre Jean‐François , Legagneux Pierre , Gauthier Gilles , Reed Eric T. , Bêty Joël
Published: May 2017

Overabundant species can strongly impact ecosystem functioning through trophic cascades. The strong increase in several arctic geese populations, primarily due to changes in agricultural practices in temperate regions, can have severe direct impacts on tundra ecosystems through vegetation degradation. However, predator‐mediated negative effects of goose overabundance on other tundra species can also be significant but are poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that goose abundance negatively affects arctic‐nesting shorebirds by increasing nest predation pressure. We used six years of data collected within and near a greater snow goose colony (Chen caerulescens atlantica) to evaluate the effect of geese on the spatial variation in (1) the occurrence of shorebird nest predators, (2) the nest predation risk (with artificial shorebird nests), and (3) the occurrence of nesting shorebirds. We found that the goose colony had a strong influence on the spatial distribution of nest predators and nesting shorebirds. Occurrence of predators decreased, while occurrence of nesting shorebirds increased with distance from the centroid of the colony. The strength of these effects was modulated by lemming density, the preferred prey for predators. Shorebird nest predation risk also decreased with distance from the colony. Overall, these results indicate that goose abundance negatively affects arctic‐nesting shorebirds through shared predators. Therefore, we show that the current decline of some arctic shorebird populations may be in part mediated by a negative effect of an overabundant species.
Factors influencing fire severity under moderate burning conditions in the Klamath Mountains, northern California,USA
Authors: Estes Becky L. , Knapp Eric E. , Skinner Carl N. , Miller Jay D. , Preisler Haiganoush K.
Published: May 2017

Topography, weather, and fuels are known factors driving fire behavior, but the degree to which each contributes to the spatial pattern of fire severity under different conditions remains poorly understood. The variability in severity within the boundaries of the 2006 wildfires that burned in the Klamath Mountains, northern California, along with data on burn conditions and new analytical tools, presented an opportunity to evaluate factors influencing fire severity under burning conditions representative of those where management of wildfire for resource benefit is most likely. Fire severity was estimated as the percent change in canopy cover (0–100%) classified from the Relativized differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (RdNBR), and spatial data layers were compiled to determine strength of associations with topography, weather, and variables directly or indirectly linked to fuels, such as vegetation type, number of previous fires, and time since last fire. Detailed fire progressions were used to estimate weather (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, temperature inversions, and solar radiation) at the time of burning. A generalized additive regression model with random effects and an additional spatial term to account for autocorrelation between adjacent locations was fitted to fire severity. In this fire year characterized by the relative absence of extreme fire weather, topographical complexity most strongly influenced severity. Upper‐ and mid‐slopes tended to burn at higher fire severity than lower‐slopes. East‐ and southeast‐facing aspects tended to burn at higher severity than other aspects. Vegetation type and fire history were also important predictors of fire severity. Shrub vegetation was more likely to burn at higher severity than mixed hardwood/conifer or hardwood vegetation. As expected, fire severity was positively associated with time since previous fire, but the relationship was non‐linear. Of the weather variables analyzed, temperature inversions, common in the complex topography of the Klamath Mountains, showed the strongest association with fire severity. Inversions trapped smoke and had a dampening effect on severity within the landscape underneath the inversion. Understanding the spatial controls on mixed‐severity fires allows managers to better plan for future wildfires and aide in the decision making when managing lightning ignitions for resource benefit might be appropriate.
The interacting roles of climate, soils, and plant production on soil microbial communities at a continental scale
Authors: Waldrop M. P. , Holloway J. M. , Smith D. B. , Goldhaber M. B. , Drenovsky R. E. , Scow K. M. , Dick R. , Howard D. , Wylie B. , Grace J. B.
Published: May 2017

Soil microbial communities control critical ecosystem processes such as decomposition, nutrient cycling, and soil organic matter formation. Continental scale patterns in the composition and functioning of microbial communities are related to climatic, biotic, and edaphic factors such as temperature and precipitation, plant community composition, and soil carbon, nitrogen, and pH. Although these relationships have been well explored individually, the examination of the factors that may act directly on microbial communities vs. those that may act indirectly through other ecosystem properties has not been well developed. To further such understanding, we utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate a set of hypotheses about the direct and indirect effects of climatic, biotic, and edaphic variables on microbial communities across the continental United States. The primary goals of this work were to test our current understanding of the interactions among climate, soils, and plants in affecting microbial community composition, and to examine whether variation in the composition of the microbial community affects potential rates of soil enzymatic activities. A model of interacting factors created through SEM shows several expected patterns. Distal factors such as climate had indirect effects on microbial communities by influencing plant productivity, soil mineralogy, and soil pH, but factors related to soil organic matter chemistry had the most direct influence on community composition. We observed that both plant productivity and soil mineral composition were important indirect influences on community composition at the continental scale, both interacting to affect organic matter content and microbial biomass and ultimately community composition. Although soil hydrolytic enzymes were related to the moisture regime and soil carbon, oxidative enzymes were also affected by community composition, reflected in the abundance of soil fungi. These results highlight that soil microbial communities can be modeled within the context of multiple interacting ecosystem properties acting both directly and indirectly on their composition and function, and this provides a rich and informative context with which to examine communities. This work also highlights that variation in climate, microbial biomass, and microbial community composition can affect maximum rates of soil enzyme activities, potentially influencing rates of decomposition and nutrient mineralization in soils.
Protocol update and preliminary results of EACVI/HFA Cardiac Oncology Toxicity (COT) Registry of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Lancellotti Patrizio , Galderisi Maurizio , Donal Erwan , Edvardsen Thor , Popescu Bogdan A. , Farmakis Dimitrios , Filippatos Gerasimos , Habib Gilbert , Lestuzzi Chiara , Santoro Ciro , Moonen Marie , Jerusalem Guy , Andarala Maryna , Anker Stefan D. ,   on behalf of the ESC Cardiac Oncology Toxicity Long‐Term Registry Investigators
Published: May 2017

Aims

European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging/Heart Failure Association Cardiac Oncology Toxicity Registry was launched in October 2014 as a European Society of Cardiology multicentre registry of breast cancer patients referred to imaging laboratories for routine surveillance, suspected, or confirmed anticancer drug‐related cardiotoxicity (ADRC). After a pilot phase (1 year recruitment and 1 year follow‐up), some changes have been made to the protocol (version 1.0) and electronic case report form.

Methods and results

Main changes of the version 2.0 concerned exclusion criteria, registry duration, and clarification of the population characteristics. Breast cancer radiotherapy has been removed as an exclusion criterion, which involves now only history of a pre‐chemotherapy left ventricular dysfunction. The period for long‐term registry recruitment has been reduced (December 2017), but the target study population was extended to 3000 patients. The characteristics of the population are now better defined: patients seen in an imaging lab, which will include patients undergoing chemotherapy with associated targeted therapy or no targeted therapy, at increased risk of ADRC. In total, 1294 breast cancer patients have been enrolled, and 783 case report forms locked from October 2014 to November 2016. Of these, 481 (61.4%) were seen at first evaluation and 302 (38.6%) while on oncologic treatment with anticancer drugs. Fifty‐two patients (17.2%) were not in targeted therapies, 191 (63.3%) were ongoing targeted therapy, and 59 (19.5%) had completed it. Twenty‐three (2.9%) patients had a suspected diagnosis and 35 (4.5%) a confirmed diagnosis of ADRC. Arterial hypertension was the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor (29.2%) followed by diabetes (6.1%). Previous history of heart failure accounted for 0.5%, whereas previous cardiac disease was identified in 6.3% of population.

Conclusion

The changes of the original protocol of the COT Registry and first update allow a first glance to the panorama of cardiovascular characteristics of breast cancer patients enrolled.
Physicians' guideline adherence is associated with better prognosis in outpatients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: the QUALIFY international registry
Authors: Komajda Michel , Cowie Martin R. , Tavazzi Luigi , Ponikowski Piotr , Anker Stefan D. , Filippatos Gerasimos S. ,   on behalf of the QUALIFY Investigators
Published: May 2017

Aims

To evaluate the impact of physicians' adherence to guideline‐recommended medications for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), including ≥50% prescription of recommended doses, on clinical outcomes at 6‐month follow‐up.

Methods and results

In QUALIFY, an international, prospective, observational, longitudinal survey, 6669 outpatients with HFrEF were recruited 1–15 months after heart failure (HF) hospitalization from September 2013 to December 2014 in 36 countries and followed up at 6 months. A global adherence to guidelines score was developed for prescription of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), beta‐blockers (BBs), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) and ivabradine and their dosages. Baseline global adherence score was good in 23% of patients, moderate in 55%, and poor in 22%. At 6‐month follow‐up, poor adherence was associated with significantly higher overall mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 2.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42–3.44, P=0.001], cardiovascular mortality (HR 2.27, 95% CI 1.36–3.77, P=0.003), HF mortality (HR 2.26, 95% CI 1.21–4.2, P=0.032), combined HF hospitalization or HF death (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.08–1.71, P=0.024) and cardiovascular hospitalization or cardiovascular death (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.08–1.69, P=0.013). There was a strong trend between poor adherence and HF hospitalization (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.04–1.68, P=0.069).

Conclusion

Good adherence to pharmacologic treatment guidelines for ACEIs, ARBs, BBs, MRAs and ivabradine, with prescription of at least 50% of recommended dosages, was associated with better clinical outcomes during 6‐month follow‐up. Continuing global educational initiatives are needed to emphasise the importance of guideline recommendations for optimising drug therapy and prescribing evidence‐based doses in clinical practice.
The Effect of trans Ligands in the NO‐Linkage Reverse Isomerization for Ruthenium–Nitrosyl–Tetraammine Complexes: A DFT Study
Authors: Yamaletdinov Ruslan D. , Zilberberg Igor L.
Published: May 2017

The rearrangement of the NO ligand in ruthenium–nitrosyl–tetraammine complexes trans‐[Ru(NO)(NH3)4X]2+ (X = F–, Cl–, OH–, SH–) has been studied for metastable oxygen‐coordinated NO complexes by means of DFT. On the basis of obtained data, this rearrangement is concluded to be caused by ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer of the p(X)→π*(Ru–ON) type. The excitation energy for electron transfer from p‐orbital of ligand to LUMO correlates perfectly with the activation energy of isomerization. Found correlations are explained in terms of electronegativity of the trans ligand X.
Solution Behaviour and Catalytic Potential towards Oxidation of Dopamine by Oxidovanadium(V) Complexes of Tripodal Tetradentate Ligands
Authors: Maurya Mannar R. , Uprety Bhawna , Avecilla Fernando , Adão Pedro , Kuznetsov Maxim L. , Costa Pessoa J.
Published: May 2017

The reaction of dibasic tripodal tetradentate ligands H2L1–4 (I–IV) (prepared by the reaction of 4‐(2‐aminoethyl)morpholine and 2,4‐disubstituted phenols) with [VIVO(acac)2] or VIVOSO4·5H2O in a 1:1 molar ratio in ethanol gave the corresponding mononuclear oxidoethoxidovanadium(V) complexes [VVO(OEt)(L1–4)] (1–4) in good yields. Similar reactions with H2L2 (II) and H2L4 (IV) in acetonitrile resulted in the formation of the corresponding dinuclear complexes [{VVO(L2)}2µ‐O] (5) and [{VVO(L4)}2µ‐O] (6). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis of 1, 2 and 4 confirmed the formulation of the mononuclear compounds as VVO complexes, with the ligands behaving in a tetradentate manner, overall yielding a distorted octahedral geometry. The molecular structures of 1, 2 and 5 were calculated by DFT, as well as the corresponding 51V NMR chemical shifts (in methanol and chloroform) and IR frequencies. The V compounds depict time‐dependent solution behaviour, which was studied and rationalised through the combined interpretation of data from spectroscopic techniques (mainly UV/Vis and 51V NMR), mass spectrometry and DFT calculations. They exhibit distinct speciation in different solvents, and it was confirmed that in acetonitrile, they form µ‐O oxido dinuclear species. The alkoxido ligands of complexes [VVO(OR)(L)] in CDCl3 are exchanged upon addition of alcohols; namely the 51V NMR chemical‐shift values of [VVO(OR)(L2)] depict an increasing shielding effect of the OR moiety in the order: OMe < OEt < OiPr < OtBu. Compounds 1–4 were employed as catalyst precursors in the oxidation of dopamine to aminochrome in MeOH using dioxygen (air) as the primary oxidant.
Alkyl caffeates as antioxidants in O/W emulsions: Impact of emulsifier type and endogenous tocopherols
Authors: Sørensen Ann‐Dorit Moltke , Villeneuve Pierre , Jacobsen Charlotte
Published: May 2017

Antioxidant addition can be one strategy to limit lipid oxidation in emulsions. Research has proven that an important factor regarding the efficacy of antioxidants is their localization in the emulsion; however, other factors such as interactions with other components can also have an impact. Thus, the aim was to evaluate the impact of emulsifiers (Citrem and Tween80) and presence of endogenous tocopherols on the efficacies of caffeic acid and caffeates (C1–C20) as antioxidants in emulsions. Lipid oxidation was evaluated during storage and partitioning of caffeic acid and caffeates was estimated by measuring their concentrations in the aqueous phase. Partitioning of caffeic acid and caffeates was influenced by emulsifier type and the presence of endogenous tocopherols. Caffeic acid was the most efficient antioxidant in Citrem and Tween stabilized emulsions in the presence of endogenous tocopherol. In contrast, for Tween stabilized emulsions, caffeic acid acted as a prooxidant and the evaluated caffeates acted as strong antioxidants in the absence of endogenous tocopherol. Thus, when endogenous tocopherol was present lipophilization of caffeic acid did not increase its efficacy as an antioxidant. It is suggested that the differences observed in antioxidant efficiency with different emulsifiers and with and without endogenous tocopherols is due to emulsifier–antioxidant interactions and antioxidant–antioxidant interactions in the emulsions.

Practical applications: Food emulsions contain endogenous tocopherols, thus, the impact of endogenous tocopherols on the efficacy of applied antioxidants is of interest to the industry. So far the hypotheses about antioxidant in emulsions are based on simple emulsions systems without the presence of tocopherols. The finding in this study revealed that both emulsifier type and the presence of endogenous tocopherol had an impact on the efficacy of caffeic acid and caffeates due to emulsifier–antioxidant and antioxidant–antioxidant interactions. This highlights the importance of evaluating the antioxidant in each emulsion system before selecting antioxidants for optimal protection against lipid oxidation.

CAT value determined in oil‐in‐water micro emulsions with caffeic acid and caffeates (100 μM) and with and without endogenous tocopherol and lipid oxidation is initiated with the water soluble radical AAPH.
First anti‐Selective Direct Michael Addition of α‐Alkoxy Ketones to Enones by Cooperative Catalysis of Samarium(III) Trifluoromethanesulfonate and Tributyltin Methoxide
Authors: Esumi Naoto , Nishimoto Yoshihiro , Yasuda Makoto
Published: May 2017

A new highly anti‐diastereoselective Michael addition of α‐alkoxy ketones to α,β‐unsaturated ketones was achieved. This method features a dual‐catalyst protocol that combines samarium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate and Bu3SnOMe. The combination of these two catalysts effectively allowed the generation of enolate species from α‐alkoxy ketones and produced Michael adducts in high yields with high anti diastereoselectivity. A variety of enones and α‐alkoxy ketones were applied to this system to give the anti products. One‐pot domino Michael/aldol reactions effectively afforded cyclic enones with a defined configuration.
Effects of a self‐guided, web‐based activity programme for patients with persistent musculoskeletal pain in primary healthcare: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Calner T. , Nordin C. , Eriksson M.K. , Nyberg L. , Gard G. , Michaelson P.
Published: May 2017

Background

Web‐based interventions for pain management are increasingly used with possible benefits, but never used in addition to multimodal rehabilitation (MMR). MMR is recommended treatment for persistent pain in Sweden. The aim was to evaluate the effects of a self‐guided, web‐based programme added to MMR for work ability, pain, disability and health‐related quality of life.

Methods

We included 99 participants with persistent musculoskeletal pain in a randomized study with two intervention arms: (1) MMR and web‐based intervention, and (2) MMR. Data was collected at baseline, 4 and 12 months. Outcome measures were work ability, working percentage, average pain intensity, pain‐related disability, and health‐related quality of life.

Results

There were no significant effects of adding the web‐based intervention to MMR regarding any of the outcome variables.

Conclusions

This trial provides no support for adding a self‐guided, web‐based activity programme to MMR for patients with persistent musculoskeletal pain.

Significance

The comprehensive self‐guided, web‐based programme for activity, Web‐BCPA, added to multimodal treatment in primary health care had no effect on work ability, pain, disability or health‐related quality of life. Future web‐based interventions should be tailored to patients’ individual needs and expectations.
Preschoolers' Executive Function: Importance, Contributors, Research Needs and Assessment Options
Authors: Ackerman Debra J. , Friedman‐Krauss Allison H.
Published: May 2017

The early education field increasingly is recognizing the key role played by young children's executive function (EF) skills, generally defined as the cognitive abilities that consciously support goal‐directed behaviors. To provide the field with an overview of research conducted on this topic over the past 15 years, we review research on the traits and skills that fall under the broader umbrella of preschool EF and the role it plays in young children's developmental and academic outcomes. Also addressed are the child, environmental, activity‐related, and curricular factors potentially impacting the development of EF and some EF‐related topics for which additional research is needed. Finally, we provide practical and psychometric information regarding six examples of measures that focus on assessing preschoolers' EF skills. This report can serve as a resource for early childhood researchers and practitioners who are interested in understanding EF development during the early years. By highlighting some topics for which additional research is needed and providing information regarding examples of valid and reliable measures to assess EF in children ages 3–5 years, we hope this report also will serve as a springboard for future studies related to preschool EF.
Relationship between white matter connectivity loss and cortical thinning in cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Reijmer Yael D. , Fotiadis Panagiotis , Charidimou Andreas , van Veluw Susanne J. , Xiong Li , Riley Grace A. , Martinez‐Ramirez Sergi , Schwab Kristin , Viswanathan Anand , Gurol M. Edip , Greenberg Steven M.
Published: May 2017

Patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) show loss of white matter connectivity and cortical thinning on MRI, primarily in posterior brain regions. Here we examined whether a potential causal relationship exists between these markers of subcortical and cortical brain injury by examining whether changes in cortical thickness progress in tandem with changes in their underlying connections. Thirty‐one patients with probable CAA with brain MRI at two time points were included (follow‐up time: 1.3 ± 0.4 years). Brain networks were reconstructed using diffusion MRI‐based fiber tractography. Of each network node, we calculated the change in fractional anisotropy‐weighted connectivity strength over time and the change in cortical thickness. The association between change in connectivity strength and cortical thickness was assessed with (hierarchical) linear regression models. Our results showed that decline in posterior network connectivity over time was strongly related to thinning of the occipital cortex (β = 0.65 (0.35–0.94), P < 0.001), but not to thinning of the other posterior or frontal cortices. However, at the level of individual network nodes, we found no association between connectivity strength and cortical thinning of the corresponding node (β = 0.009 ± 0.04, P = 0.80). Associations were independent of age, sex, and other brain MRI markers of CAA. To conclude, CAA patients with greater progressive loss of posterior white matter connectivity also have greater progression of occipital cortical thinning, but our results do not support a direct causal relationship between them. The association can be better explained by a shared underlying mechanism, which may form a potential target for future treatments. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3723–3731, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.