bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review: What Is the Current Evidence for Disease Subsets in Giant Cell Arteritis?
Authors: van der Geest Kornelis S. M. , Sandovici Maria , van Sleen Yannick , Sanders Jan‐Stephan , Bos Nicolaas A. , Abdulahad Wayel H. , Stegeman Coen A. , Heeringa Peter , Rutgers Abraham , Kallenberg Cees G. M. , Boots Annemieke M. H. , Brouwer Elisabeth
Published: April 2018

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an autoimmune vasculitis affecting large and medium‐sized arteries. Ample evidence indicates that GCA is a heterogeneous disease in terms of symptoms, immune pathology, and response to treatment. In the current review, we discuss the evidence for disease subsets in GCA. We describe clinical and immunologic characteristics that may impact the risk of cranial ischemic symptoms, relapse rates, and long‐term glucocorticoid requirements in patients with GCA. In addition, we discuss both proven and putative immunologic targets for therapy in patients with GCA who have an unfavorable prognosis. Finally, we provide recommendations for further research on disease subsets in GCA.
Solvent‐Mediated Functionalization of Benzofuroxan on Electron‐Rich Ruthenium Complex Platform
Authors: Ghosh Prabir , Dey Sanchaita , Panda Sanjib , Lahiri Goutam Kumar
Published: April 2018

An unprecedented reactivity profile of biochemically relevant R‐benzofuroxan (R=H, Me, Cl), with high structural diversity and molecular complexity on a selective {Ru(acac)2} (acac=acetylacetonate) platform, in conjugation with EtOH solvent mediation, is revealed. This led to the development of monomeric [RuIII(acac)2(L1R)] (1 a–1 c; L1R=2‐nitrosoanilido derivatives) and dimeric [{RuII(acac)2}2(L2R)] (2 a–2 b; L2R=(1E,2E)‐N1,N2‐bis(2‐nitrosophenyl)ethane‐1,2‐diimine derivatives) complexes in one pot with a change in the metal redox conditions. The functionalization of benzofuroxan in 1 and 2 implied in situ reduction of N=O to NH− in the former and solvent‐assisted multiple N−C coupling in the latter. The aforesaid transformation processes were authenticated through structural elucidation of representative complexes, and evaluated by their spectroscopic/electrochemical features, along with C2D5OD labeling and monitoring of the impact of substituents (R) in the benzofuroxan framework on the product distribution process. The noninnocent potential of newly developed L1 and L2 in 1 and 2, respectively, was also probed by spectroelectrochemistry in combination with DFT calculations.
The profiling and identification of chemical components, prototypes and metabolites of Run‐zao‐zhi‐yang capsule in rat plasma, urine and bile by an UPLC‐Q‐TOF/MSE‐based high‐throughput strategy
Authors: Lin Shan , Yue Xinyi , Ouyang Danwei , Li Quan , Yang Peiming
Published: April 2018

Run‐zao‐zhi‐yang (RZZY) capsule, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is popularly used for the treatment of dermatitis and eczema. However, few studies have been carried out on RZZY and its metabolites. In this study, we developed a three‐step strategy to rapidly characterize the chemical constituents and metabolites of RZZY using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. A total of 41 chemical components were characterized from RZZY. Among these, there are 11 flavonoids, six alkaloids, six stilbene glycosides, five anthraquinones and 13 other compounds. In addition, 18 prototypes and 35 metabolites were detected in rat plasma, urine and bile. This study offers an applicable approach for high‐throughput profiling and identification of chemical components and metabolites derived from traditional Chinese medicine formula in vivo, and also provides essential data for exploring bioactive ingredients and action mechanisms of RZZY.
Construction of a Holliday Junction in Small Circular DNA Molecules for Stable Motifs and Two‐Dimensional Lattices
Authors: Guo Xin , Wang Xue‐Mei , Wei Shuai , Xiao Shou‐Jun
Published: April 2018

Design rules for DNA nanotechnology have been mostly learnt from using linear single‐stranded (ss) DNA as the source material. For example, the core structure of a typical DAO (double crossover, antiparallel, odd half‐turns) tile for assembling 2D lattices is constructed from only two linear ss‐oligonucleotide scaffold strands, similar to two ropes making a square knot. Herein, a new type of coupled DAO (cDAO) tile and 2D lattices of small circular ss‐oligonucleotides as scaffold strands and linear ss‐oligonucleotides as staple strands are reported. A cDAO tile of cDAO‐c64nt (c64nt: circular 64 nucleotides), shaped as a solid parallelogram, is constructed with a Holliday junction (HJ) at the center and two HJs at both poles of a c64nt; similarly, cDAO‐c84nt, shaped as a crossed quadrilateral composed of two congruent triangles, is formed with a HJ at the center and four three‐way junctions at the corners of a c84nt. Perfect 2D lattices were assembled from cDAO tiles: infinite nanostructures of nanoribbons, nanotubes, and nanorings, and finite nanostructures. The structural relationship between the visible lattices imaged by AFM and the corresponding invisible secondary and tertiary molecular structures of HJs, inclination angle of hydrogen bonds against the double‐helix axis, and the chirality of the tile can be interpreted very well. This work could shed new light on DNA nanotechnology with unique circular tiles.
CFD Simulation of a Drowning‐out Crystallizer for Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane
Authors: Oh Dong-Hoon , Jung Woo-Young , Jun Rak-Young , Lee Chang-Ha , Oh Min , Kim Kwang-Joo
Published: April 2018

Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW) is widely used for explosives, filling warheads, and solid propellants due to its high energy density and no halogen content. A pilot‐scale drowning‐out crystallizer is suggested to produce ε‐form HNIW and computational fluid dynamics simulation (CFD) was carried out. Acetone and isopropyl alcohols served as solvent and antisolvent, respectively. Population balance with quadratic method of moment was employed for the prediction of crystal size distribution and the results were compared with experimental data. The driving force of antisolvent crystallization includes impeller speed, ratio of antisolvent to solvent, and feed flow rate. A case study with various operating conditions was performed to identify the influence of such driving forces on crystal mean diameter. The aim was a scale‐up of the antisolvent crystallization process based on experimental results and CFD simulation.
Mesoporous MFI Zeolite with a 2D Square Structure Directed by Surfactants with an Azobenzene Tail Group
Authors: Shen Xuefeng , Mao Wenting , Ma Yanhang , Peng Honggen , Xu Dongdong , Wu Peng , Han Lu , Che Shunai
Published: April 2018

Mesoporous MFI zeolites (MMZs) have been constructed by using the surfactant‐containing azobenzene segment in the hydrophobic tail. The cylindrical π–π stacking of azeobenzene groups is considered to be the key factor to form the ordered mesostructure through cooperative structural matching and the rearrangement of MFI frameworks. The mesostructure has been tuned from a disordered hierarchical arrangement into an ordered 2D square p4mm structure by changing the length of the alkyl chain between the diquaternary ammonium head group and azobenzene group. The geometric matching between the MFI zeolitic framework and the alkyl chain length plays an important role in the construction of the crystallographically correlated mesostructure with 2D square ordering. A combination of X‐ray diffraction patterns and electron microscopy studies provides visible evidence for the mesostructural transformation from a short‐range hexagonal or lamellar ordering to 2D square mesostructure.
(2R,5S)‐Theaspirane Identified as the Kairomone for the Banana Weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus, from Attractive Senesced Leaves of the Host Banana, Musa spp.
Authors: Abagale Samson A. , Woodcock Christine M. , Hooper Antony M. , Caulfield John C. , Withall David , Chamberlain Keith , Acquaah Samuel O. , Van Emden Helmut , Braimah Haruna , Pickett John A. , Birkett Michael A.
Published: April 2018

The principal active component produced by highly attractive senesced host banana leaves, Musa spp., for the banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus, is shown by coupled gas chromatography‐electroantennography (GC‐EAG), coupled GC‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), chemical synthesis and coupled enantioselective (chiral) GC‐EAG to be (2R,5S)‐theaspirane. In laboratory behaviour tests, the synthetic compound is as attractive as natural host leaf material and presents a new opportunity for pest control.
Homogeneous Palladium‐Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenolysis of Benzylic Alcohols Using Formic Acid as Reductant
Authors: Ciszek Benjamin , Fleischer Ivana
Published: April 2018

We report the first homogeneous palladium‐based transfer hydrogenolysis of benzylic alcohols using an in situ formed palladium‐phosphine complex and formic acid as reducing agent. The reaction requires a catalyst loading as low as only 1 mol % of palladium and just a slight excess of reductant to obtain the deoxygenated alkylarenes in good to excellent yields. Besides demonstrating the broad applicability for primary, secondary and tertiary benzylic alcohols, a reaction intermediate could be identified. Additionally, it could be shown that partial oxidation of the applied phosphine ligand was beneficial for the course of the reaction, presumably by stabilizing the active catalyst. Reaction profiles and catalyst poisoning experiments were used to characterize the catalyst, the results of which indicate a homogeneous metal complex as the active species.
C(sp3)−H Cyanation Promoted by Visible‐Light Photoredox/Phosphate Hybrid Catalysis
Authors: Wakaki Takayuki , Sakai Kentaro , Enomoto Takafumi , Kondo Mio , Masaoka Shigeyuki , Oisaki Kounosuke , Kanai Motomu
Published: April 2018

Inspired by the reaction mechanism of photo‐induced DNA cleavage in nature, a C(sp3)−H cyanation reaction promoted by visible‐light photoredox/phosphate hybrid catalysis was developed. Phosphate radicals, generated by one‐electron photooxidation of phosphate salt, functioned as a hydrogen‐atom‐transfer catalyst to produce nucleophilic carbon radicals from C(sp3)−H bonds with a high bond‐dissociation energy. The resulting carbon radicals were trapped by a cyano radical source (TsCN) to produce the C−H cyanation products. Due to the high functional‐group tolerance and versatility of the cyano group, the reaction will be useful for realizing streamlined building block syntheses and late‐stage functionalization of drug‐like molecules.
Results of second salvage therapy in 673 adults with acute myelogenous leukemia treated at a single institution since 2000
Authors: Kantarjian Hagop M. , DiNardo Courtney D. , Nogueras‐Gonzalez Graciela M. , Kadia Tapan M. , Jabbour Elias , Bueso‐Ramos Carlos E. , O'Brien Susan M. , Konopleva Marina , Jain Nitin B. , Daver Naval G. , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Champlin Richard E. , Simkins Aron , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Keating Michael J. , Huang Xuelin , Cortes Jorge E. , Pierce Sherry A. , Ravandi Farhad , Freireich Emil J.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

The prognosis is poor for patients who have relapsed‐refractory acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Most published reports analyzed results from therapies in first‐salvage AML or in studies that were conducted before 2000. Several novel agents and strategies are being tested for potential approval as treatment for patients with relapsed‐refractory AML in second salvage. Therefore, it is important to establish the historic results of anti‐AML therapies in this setting in the modern era. The objective of the current study was to analyze the results from second salvage therapies in patients with AML since 2000 with regard to response and survival.

METHODS

In total, 673 patients who received second salvage therapies for AML since 2000 were analyzed. Their median age was 60 years (range, 18‐89 years). Salvage therapy consisted of cytarabine‐based regimens in 267 patients, noncytarabine combinations in 37, hypomethylating agent‐based regimens in 136, and phase 1 and 2 single agents in 233.

RESULTS

Eighty‐six of the 673 patients (13%) achieved a complete response (CR) or a CR with low platelet count (CRp). The median duration of CR‐CRp was 7.2 months. The median survival was 4.4 months (95% confidence interval, 4.0‐4.8 months), and the 1‐year survival rate was 16% (95% confidence interval, 14%‐19%). Multivariate analysis identified the following as independent adverse factors for achievement of CR‐CRp: platelets < 50 × 109/L (P < .001), complex karyotype with ≥3 chromosomal abnormalities (P = .02), regimens that did not include cytarabine or hypomethylating agents (P = .014), and no prior CR lasting ≥12 months with frontline or salvage 1 therapies (P < .001). The independent adverse factors associated with worse survival were age ≥60 years (P = .01), platelets < 50 × 109/L (P = .02), peripheral blasts ≥ 20% (P = .03), albumin ≤ 3 g/dL (P = .04), and complex karyotype (P = .003). The authors also applied and validated, in the current population, the 2 multivariate‐derived prognostic models for CR and survival developed in their previous study of 594 patients who received treatment for second salvage AML from the previous 2 decades.

CONCLUSIONS

This large‐scale analysis establishes the modern historic results of second salvage therapy in AML and validates the prognostic models associated with outcome. These data could be used to analyze the differential benefits of current or future investigational strategies under evaluation in this setting and for the purpose of potential approval of new agents in the United States and the world.Cancer2018;124:2534‐40.©2018 American Cancer Society.
Have we found the right patient population for transplantation in follicular lymphoma?
Authors: Lynch Ryan C. , Gopal Ajay K.
Published: April 2018

Autologous transplantation and allogeneic transplantation remain important treatment options to consider for appropriate follicular lymphoma patients with early treatment failure, but the high rates of relapse and nonrelapse mortality, respectively, should be recognized. Appropriate counseling of patients with these caveats is critical because we do not have a way to directly compare these results with those for a similar population of patients who have not received a transplant.

See also pages 2541‐51.
Surface Enrichment in Equimolar Mixtures of Non‐Functionalized and Functionalized Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Heller Bettina S. J. , Kolbeck Claudia , Niedermaier Inga , Dommer Sabine , Schatz Jürgen , Hunt Patricia , Maier Florian , Steinrück Hans‐Peter
Published: April 2018

For equimolar mixtures of ionic liquids with imidazolium‐based cations of very different electronic structure, we observe very pronounced surface enrichment effects by angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). For a mixture with the same anion, that is, 1‐methyl‐3‐octylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate+1,3‐di(methoxy)imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C8C1Im][PF6]+[(MeO)2Im][PF6]), we find a strong enrichment of the octyl chain‐containing [C8C1Im]+ cation and a corresponding depletion of the [(MeO)2Im]+ cation in the topmost layer. For a mixture with different cations and anions, that is, [C8C1Im][Tf2N]+[(MeO)2Im][PF6], we find both surface enrichment of the [C8C1Im]+ cation and the [Tf2N]− (bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide) anion, while [(MeO)2Im]+ and [PF6]− are depleted from the surface. We propose that the observed behavior in these mixtures is due to a lowering of the surface tension by the enriched components. Interestingly, we observe pronounced differences in the chemical shifts of the imidazolium ring signals of the [(MeO)2Im]+ cations as compared to the non‐functionalized cations. Calculations of the electronic structure and the intramolecular partial charge distribution of the cations contribute to interpreting these shifts for the two different cations.
Current and projected cumulative impacts of fire, drought, and insects on timber volumes across Canada
Authors: Boucher Dominique , Boulanger Yan , Aubin Isabelle , Bernier Pierre Y. , Beaudoin André , Guindon Luc , Gauthier Sylvie
Published: April 2018

Canada's forests are shaped by disturbances such as fire, insect outbreaks, and droughts that often overlap in time and space. The resulting cumulative disturbance risks and potential impacts on forests are generally not well accounted for by models used to predict future impacts of disturbances on forest. This study aims at projecting future cumulative effects of four main natural disturbances, fire, mountain pine beetle, spruce budworm and drought, on timber volumes across Canada's forests using an approach that accounts for potential overlap among disturbances. Available predictive models for the four natural disturbances were used to project timber volumes at risk under aggressive climate forcing up to 2100. Projections applied to the current vegetation suggest increases of volumes at risk related to fire, mountain pine beetle, and drought over time in many regions of Canada, but a decrease of the volume at risk related to spruce budworm. When disturbance effects are accumulated, important changes in volumes at risk are projected to occur as early as 2011–2041, particularly in central and eastern Canada. In our last simulation period covering 2071–2100, nearly all timber volumes in most of Canada's forest regions could be at risk of being affected by at least one of the four natural disturbances considered in our analysis, a six‐fold increase relative to the baseline period (1981–2010). Tree species particularly vulnerable to specific disturbances (e.g., trembling aspen to drought) could suffer disproportionate increases in their volume at risk with potential impacts on forest composition. By 2100, estimated wood volumes not considered to be at risk could be lower than current annual timber harvests in central and eastern Canada. Current level of harvesting could thus be difficult to maintain without the implementation of adaptation measures to cope with these disturbances.
Dangerous relationships: biases in freshwater bioassessment based on observed to expected ratios
Authors: Hämäläinen Heikki , Aroviita Jukka , Jyväsjärvi Jussi , Kärkkäinen Salme
Published: April 2018

The ecological assessment of freshwaters is currently primarily based on biological communities and the reference condition approach (RCA). In the RCA, the communities in streams and lakes disturbed by humans are compared with communities in reference conditions with no or minimal anthropogenic influence. The currently favored rationale is using selected community metrics for which the expected values (E) for each site are typically estimated from environmental variables using a predictive model based on the reference data. The proportional differences between the observed values (O) and E are then derived, and the decision rules for status assessment are based on fixed (typically 10th or 25th) percentiles of the O/E ratios among reference sites. Based on mathematical formulations, illustrations by simulated data and real case studies representing such an assessment approach, we demonstrate that the use of a common quantile of O/E ratios will, under certain conditions, cause severe bias in decision making even if the predictive model would be unbiased. This is because the variance of O/E under these conditions, which seem to be quite common among the published applications, varies systematically with E. We propose a correction method for the bias and compare the novel approach to the conventional one in our case studies, with data from both reference and impacted sites. The results highlight a conceptual issue of employing ratios in the status assessment. In some cases using the absolute deviations instead provides a simple solution for the bias identified and might also be more ecologically relevant and defensible.
Nitrogen enrichment suppresses other environmental drivers and homogenizes salt marsh leaf microbiome
Authors: Daleo Pedro , Alberti Juan , Jumpponen Ari , Veach Allison , Ialonardi Florencia , Iribarne Oscar , Silliman Brian
Published: April 2018

Microbial community assembly is affected by a combination of forces that act simultaneously, but the mechanisms underpinning their relative influences remain elusive. This gap strongly limits our ability to predict human impacts on microbial communities and the processes they regulate. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that increased salinity stress, food web alteration and nutrient loading interact to drive outcomes in salt marsh fungal leaf communities. Both salinity stress and food web alterations drove communities to deterministically diverge, resulting in distinct fungal communities. Increased nutrient loads, nevertheless, partially suppressed the influence of other factors as determinants of fungal assembly. Using a null model approach, we found that increased nutrient loads enhanced the relative importance of stochastic over deterministic divergent processes; without increased nutrient loads, samples from different treatments showed a relatively (deterministic) divergent community assembly whereas increased nutrient loads drove the system to more stochastic assemblies, suppressing the effect of other treatments. These results demonstrate that common anthropogenic modifications can interact to control fungal community assembly. Furthermore, our results suggest that when the environmental conditions are spatially heterogeneous (as in our case, caused by specific combinations of experimental treatments), increased stochasticity caused by greater nutrient inputs can reduce the importance of deterministic filters that otherwise caused divergence, thus driving to microbial community homogenization.
Leishmania amazonensis downregulates macrophage iNOS expression via Histone Deacetylase 1 (HDAC1): a novel parasite evasion mechanism
Authors: Calegari‐Silva Teresa C. , Vivarini Áislan C. , Pereira Renata de M. S. , Dias‐Teixeira Karina L. , Rath Carolina T. , Pacheco Amanda S. S. , Silva Gabrielle B. L. , Pinto Charlene A. S. , dos Santos José V. , Saliba Alessandra M. , Corbett Carlos E. P. , de Castro Gomes Claudia M. , Fasel Nicolas , Lopes Ulisses G.
Published: April 2018

The induced expression of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) controls the intracellular growth of Leishmania in infected macrophages. Histones deacetylases (HDACs) negatively regulate gene expression through the formation of complexes containing transcription factors such as NF‐κB p50/50. Herein, we demonstrated the occupancy of p50/p50_HDAC1 to iNOS promoter associated with reduced levels of H3K9Ac. Remarkably, we found increased levels of HDAC1 in L. amazonensis‐infected macrophages. HDAC1 upregulation was not found in L. major‐infected macrophages. The parasite intracellular load was reduced in HDAC1 knocked‐down macrophages, which presented increased nitric oxide levels. HDAC1 silencing led to the occupancy of CBP/p300 to iNOS promoter and the rise of H3K9Ac modification. Importantly, the immunostaining of skin samples from hiporeactive cutaneous leishmaniasis patients infected with L. amazonensis, revealed high levels of HDAC1. In brief, L. amazonensis induces HDAC1 in infected macrophages, which contribute to parasite survival and is associated to hiporeactive stage found in L. amazonensis infected patients.
A new Upper Ordovician aristocystitid diploporite genus (Echinodermata) from the Llanddowror district, South Wales
Authors: McDermott Patrick D. , Paul Christopher R. C.
Published: April 2018

Binocalix dichotomus gen. et sp. nov. is the first British Ordovician aristocystitid diploporite to be named. It is known from a single holotype that is partly disarticulated and incomplete. Nevertheless, it differs from all previously described aristocystitids in having a pair of relatively large ambulacral facets developed above a smooth ambulacral platform and on a single circum‐oral plate. When densely developed, the diplopores become polygonal and have a central tubercle. They closely resemble those of the sphaeronitid subgenus Sphaeronites (Peritaphros), but all species of Sphaeronites s.l. have narrow ambulacral grooves ending in small facets. The similarities in the diplopores are thought to be convergent. Among aristocystitids, only “Calix” inornatus and Triamara are known to have paired ambulacral facets developed on single circum‐oral plates. The former differs from Binocalix in having a smooth thecal surface and flush ambulacral facets. Triamara has raised ambulacral facets but lacks the distinctive ambulacral platforms found in Binocalix. Its diplopores always lack central tubercles, and currently it is only known from the Silurian.
Provenance inferred through modern beach sands from the Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico
Authors: Carranza‐Edwards Arturo , Kasper‐Zubillaga Juan José , Martínez‐Serrano Raymundo G. , Cabrera‐Ramírez Mayumy , Rosales Hoz Leticia , Alatorre Mendieta Miguel Angel , Márquez‐García Antonio Z. , Lozano‐Santa Cruz Rufino
Published: April 2018

Different parent rocks, climate, and relief control the provenance of beach sands on the coast of Mexico. This is the first paper to address the provenance problem of beach sands in south‐eastern Mexico considering a homogeneous climate and relative similarity in parental rocks but different relief. Two coastal areas are confined in this study: (a) the Western Gulf of Tehuantepec (WGT) and (b) the Eastern Gulf of Tehuantepec (EGT). The WGT beach sands are probably controlled by the denudation of orthogneisses, Eocene–Miocene basaltic–andesites–dacites–rhyolites from the Volcanic Belt of the Sierra Madre del Sur (VBSMS), and granites to diorites from the Coastal Plutonic Belt (CPB). The rocks exposed in the EGT are represented by orthogneisses and tonalite, granodiorite, and gabbro suites from the Palaeozoic–Mesozoic Chiapas Coastal Plutonic Belt (CHCPB). Quaternary andesites and dacites from the Tacaná Volcano are located in the eastern coastal area. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA) values indicate that the less weathered beach sands are in the WGT compared to the EGT coastal area. Plagioclase transport is preserved in a narrow coastal plain that contributes to a lower a weathering rate compared to the EGT sands deposited in a wider coastal plain. Geochemical analyses show that the WGT and EGT beach sands are admixtures of felsic, intermediate, metamorphic, and volcanic sources in their sands composition. Relief seems to play a major role in the composition of beach sand in both coastlines, since parental rocks are mostly similar in composition and climate remains homogeneous along the coast.
Geochemical and geological characteristics of the Jurassic continental black shale in the Southwestern Depression of Tarim Basin
Authors: Jiang Fujie , Hu Tao , Liu Luofu , Wang Qifeng , Gao Xiaoyue , Zhang Pengyuan , Li Hui , Ning Kangchao , Liu Ying , Zhu Chenxi
Published: April 2018

Although Jurassic continental black shale within the Southwestern Depression of Tarim Basin (SDT) have received renewed attention during the past few years due to their potential to be prospected for shale gas, studies on shale characteristics remain rare. In this study, 31 black shale core samples were collected from a well (Buya‐1) drilled recently in the Hetian Sag of the southern SDT, and their geochemical, petrographical, mineralogical, petrophysical, and pore structural characteristics were determined through a series of tests. The results indicate that the black shale has high and variable total organic carbon (TOC) contents ranging between 0.1% and 17.0% (average 3.2%), is dominated by Type III kerogen (gas‐prone), and is in a mature to high‐mature stage. The shale is mainly composed of quartz, clay, and feldspar with mean contents of 40.0% (range = 15.0–72.0%), 51.0% (range = 25–77%), and 5.5% (range = 1–13.0%), respectively. The pore spaces are composed of primary pores, secondary pores, and microfractures. The mean sorbed gas content of the shale is approximately 2.4 m3/t, and the TOC is significantly positively and linearly correlated with the adsorbed gas capacity. The results show that the Jurassic continental shale in the SDT is very favourable for the formation of a large shale gas play, and the middle segment of the Jurassic shale is the most favourable target layer for shale gas exploration due to its greater gas generation capacity, higher mineralogical brittleness, larger gas storage space, and greater gas sorption capacity. This study is significant in guiding subsequent shale gas exploration and development in the Jurassic, SDT, and also is a reference for identifying favourable exploration targets of shale gas resource in other continental basins.
Neutrophils alleviate fibrosis in the CCl4‐induced mouse chronic liver injury model
Authors: Saijou Eiko , Enomoto Yutaka , Matsuda Michitaka , Yuet‐Yin Kok Cindy , Akira Shizuo , Tanaka Minoru , Miyajima Atsushi
Published: April 2018

Tribbles pseudokinase 1 (Trib1) is a negative regulator of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) and is known to induce granulopoiesis while suppressing monocyte differentiation. Loss of Trib1 was previously shown to increase the neutrophil population in the spleen but lead to M2‐like macrophage reduction. Because M2 macrophages are anti‐inflammatory and promote tissue repair by producing fibrogenic factors, we investigated liver fibrosis in Trib1‐deficient mice. Interestingly, loss of Trib1 suppressed fibrosis in the CCl4‐induced chronic liver injury model. Trib1 knockout increased neutrophils but had a minimal effect on the macrophage population in the liver. Hepatic expressions of neutrophil matrix metalloproteinases (Mmp)8 and Mmp9 were increased, but the production of fibrogenic factors, including transforming growth factor β1, was not affected by loss of Trib1. These results suggest that neutrophils are responsible for the suppression of fibrosis in Trib1‐deficient liver. Consistently, transplantation of Trib1‐deficient bone marrow cells into wild‐type mice alleviated CCl4‐induced fibrosis. Furthermore, expression of chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 1 (Cxcl1) by adeno‐associated viral vector in the normal liver recruited neutrophils and suppressed CCl4‐induced fibrosis; infusion of wild‐type neutrophils in CCl4‐treated mice also ameliorated fibrosis. Using recombinant adeno‐associated virus‐mediated expression of Mmp8 and Mmp9 alleviated liver fibrosis. Finally, neutrophil depletion by infusion of Ly6G antibody significantly enhanced CCl4‐induced fibrosis. Conclusion: While neutrophils are well known to exacerbate acute liver injury, our results demonstrate a beneficial role of neutrophils in chronic liver injury by promoting fibrolysis. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:703‐717)
Effects of Maillard reaction products in a glucose–glycine alcoholic solution on antioxidative and antimutagenic activities
Authors: Ko Chih‐Yuan , Chen Xiao‐Yu , Chang Wen‐Chang , Zeng Yi‐Ming , Lin Ru‐Hai , Zhang Xiao‐Bin , Wu James Swi‐Bea , Shen Szu‐Chuan
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Marinating meat with alcohol, such as wine and beer, is a common culinary practice in cultures worldwide. In this study we use a model marination solution comprising 0.2  mol L−1 glucose–0.2  mol L−1 glycine buffered to pH 4.3 containing either 0 or 50% ethanol and mimicked the cooking process by heating for 12 h. Antioxidative and antimutagenic characteristics of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) were investigated. Reducing power, antioxidant activity (ferrous ion chelating ability), and free radical neutralization ability generated from 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐pichrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) were determined. Ames testing was performed.

RESULTS

Results indicate that MRPs from aqueous and alcoholic solution exhibit four antioxidative assays in a dose‐dependent manner from 0.16 to 10.00 mg mL−1. However, MRPs from the alcoholic model were superior. In Ames testing, MRPs from both models are neither toxic nor mutagenic at the test concentrations of 0.63–10.00 mg/plate. However, MRPs from the alcoholic model exhibited a higher inhibitory effect on the direct‐acting mutagen 4‐nitroquinoline‐N‐oxide compared with the aqueous model. This result is consistent with the observation that MRPs with higher antioxidative capacity exhibit superior antimutagenic activity, suggesting that there are more different products in the alcoholic model.

CONCLUSION

Our results add to the current knowledge about the antioxidative and antimutagenic properties of MRPs arising when food is cooked in the presence of ethanol. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Descender Devices are Promising Tools for Increasing Survival in Deepwater Groupers
Authors: Runde Brendan J. , Buckel Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2018

Discard survival of deepwater (>60 m) groupers (Serranidae; Epinephelinae) is often assumed to be 0% given the severity of barotrauma and the inability of fish to submerge. We used acoustic telemetry to study the activity of 19 deepwater grouper after a recompressed release with a descender device, achieved by rapidly returning fish to a depth where expanded gases can contract. The species tested were the Scamp Mycteroperca phenax (n = 8), Snowy Grouper Hyporthodus niveatus (n = 7), and Speckled Hind Epinephelus drummondhayi (n = 4). Individuals of all three species showed post-recompression variation in water depth and acceleration indicative of survival, whereas information from other tags indicated discard mortality. Nonparametric Kaplan–Meier survivorship procedures yielded a 14-d survival estimate of 0.50 (95% confidence interval = 0.10–0.91); although low, this estimate is higher than the currently assumed 0% survival. Additionally, our estimate of discard survival is likely biased low because we assumed that no individuals shed their tag, which is unlikely for our attachment method. A technique to increase discard survival of deepwater groupers may lead to better-constructed regulations for reef fishes in the southeastern USA and in other areas where these species are caught and released.
Business ethics and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Manasakis Constantine
Published: April 2018

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a mainstream business practice, attracting broad attention from business, consumers, academics, and policymakers, leading firms to account for the social and environmental footprints of their activities. The aim of this paper is to present recent advances on CSR, regarding its incentives and its market and societal effects. The analytical approaches surveyed highlight various ways through which CSR creates value for firms and stakeholders. The paper looks on the CSR of multinational enterprises as well and concludes with issues related to international initiatives for the inclusion of CSR in policy agendas towards sustainable development.
Epigenome‐Wide Association Study of Dietary Fiber Intake in African American Adolescents
Authors: Chen Li , Dong Yanbin , Wang Xiaoling , Hao Guang , Huang Ying , Gutin Bernard , Zhu Haidong
Published: April 2018

Scope

Low fiber intake is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Two hypotheses are tested: 1) dietary fiber would be associated with DNA methylation levels; 2) those DNA methylation changes would be associated with visceral adiposity and inflammation. Also the possibility that the associations between fiber and DNA methylation levels might be confounded with folic acid intake as sensitivity analysis are explored.

Methods and results

An epigenome‐wide association study is conducted using Illumina 450K Bead‐Chip on leukocyte DNA in 284 African American adolescents. Linear regression is performed to identify differentially methylated CpG sites associated with fiber. The methylation levels of 3 CpG sites (cg15200711, cg19462022, and cg07035602) in LPCAT1 and RASA3 genes are associated with fiber (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05) after adjustment for covariates including folic acid. The methylation levels of cg07035602 and cg19462022 are also associated with visceral adiposity and inflammation.

Conclusions

The data show that DNA methylation levels at LPCAT1 and RASA3 genes are associated with dietary fiber intake as well as with adiposity and inflammation. Future studies are warranted to determine whether epigenetic regulation may underlie the beneficial effects of fiber intake on adiposity and inflammation.
Quality control methods for linear accelerator radiation and mechanical axes alignment
Authors: Létourneau Daniel , Keller Harald , Becker Nathan , Amin Md Nurul , Norrlinger Bernhard , Jaffray David A.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The delivery accuracy of highly conformal dose distributions generated using intensity modulation and collimator, gantry, and couch degrees of freedom is directly affected by the quality of the alignment between the radiation beam and the mechanical axes of a linear accelerator. For this purpose, quality control (QC) guidelines recommend a tolerance of ±1 mm for the coincidence of the radiation and mechanical isocenters. Traditional QC methods for assessment of radiation and mechanical axes alignment (based on pointer alignment) are time consuming and complex tasks that provide limited accuracy. In this work, an automated test suite based on an analytical model of the linear accelerator motions was developed to streamline the QC of radiation and mechanical axes alignment.

Methods

The proposed method used the automated analysis of megavoltage images of two simple task‐specific phantoms acquired at different linear accelerator settings to determine the coincidence of the radiation and mechanical isocenters. The sensitivity and accuracy of the test suite were validated by introducing actual misalignments on a linear accelerator between the radiation axis and the mechanical axes using both beam steering and mechanical adjustments of the gantry and couch.

Results

The validation demonstrated that the new QC method can detect sub‐millimeter misalignment between the radiation axis and the three mechanical axes of rotation. A displacement of the radiation source of 0.2 mm using beam steering parameters was easily detectable with the proposed collimator rotation axis test. Mechanical misalignments of the gantry and couch rotation axes of the same magnitude (0.2 mm) were also detectable using the new gantry and couch rotation axis tests. For the couch rotation axis, the phantom and test design allow detection of both translational and tilt misalignments with the radiation beam axis. For the collimator rotation axis, the test can isolate the misalignment between the beam radiation axis and the mechanical collimator rotation axis from the impact of field size asymmetry. The test suite can be performed in a reasonable time (30–35 min) due to simple phantom setup, prescription‐based beam delivery, and automated image analysis. As well, it provides a clear description of the relationship between axes. After testing the sensitivity of the test suite to beam steering and mechanical errors, the results of the test suite were used to reduce the misalignment errors of the linac to less than 0.7‐mm radius for all axes.

Conclusions

The proposed test suite offers sub‐millimeter assessment of the coincidence of the radiation and mechanical isocenters and the test automation reduces complexity with improved efficiency. The test suite results can be used to optimize the linear accelerator's radiation to mechanical isocenter alignment by beam steering and mechanical adjustment of gantry and couch.
Identifying New Small Proteins in Escherichia coli
Authors: VanOrsdel Caitlin E. , Kelly John P. , Burke Brittany N. , Lein Christina D. , Oufiero Christopher E. , Sanchez Joseph F. , Wimmers Larry E. , Hearn David J. , Abuikhdair Fatimeh J. , Barnhart Kathryn R. , Duley Michelle L. , Ernst Sarah E. G. , Kenerson Briana A. , Serafin Aubrey J. , Hemm Matthew R.
Published: April 2018

The number of small proteins (SPs) encoded in the Escherichia coli genome is unknown, as current bioinformatics and biochemical techniques make short gene and small protein identification challenging. One method of small protein identification involves adding an epitope tag to the 3′ end of a short open reading frame (sORF) on the chromosome, with synthesis confirmed by immunoblot assays. In this study, this strategy was used to identify new E. coli small proteins, tagging 80 sORFs in the E. coli genome, and assayed for protein synthesis. The selected sORFs represent diverse sequence characteristics, including degrees of sORF conservation, predicted transmembrane domains, sORF direction with respect to flanking genes, ribosome binding site (RBS) prediction, and ribosome profiling results. Of 80 sORFs, 36 resulted in encoded synthesized proteins—a 45% success rate. Modeling of detected versus non‐detected small proteins analysis showed predictions based on RBS prediction, transcription data, and ribosome profiling had statistically‐significant correlation with protein synthesis; however, there was no correlation between current sORF annotation and protein synthesis. These results suggest substantial numbers of small proteins remain undiscovered in E. coli, and existing bioinformatics techniques must continue to improve to facilitate identification.
Support needs of couples with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer during reproductive decision making
Authors: Gietel‐Habets J.J.G. , de Die‐Smulders C.E.M. , Derks‐Smeets I.A.P. , Tibben A. , Tjan‐Heijnen V.C.G. , van Golde R. , Gomez‐Garcia E. , van Osch L.A.D.M.
Published: April 2018

Objective

Reproductive decision making for couples with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) is complex and can result in decisional conflict or regret. This study investigated couples' support needs and aimed to identify vulnerable couples. Ultimately, we should strive to develop a clear standard of care guideline regarding reproductive decision support.

Methods

Mixed methods were used for data collection. A focus group study was conducted among 18 couples (N = 35) with HBOC who had made a reproductive decision after reproductive counselling. Subsequently, 129 similar couples (N = 258) were invited to complete a cross‐sectional survey based on the focus group study.

Results

Clinical and practical aspects of reproductive counselling were positively evaluated in the focus group study, although couples indicated a need for additional support with emotional and social concerns in which their relationship, social environment, and the way they picture their desired family were key elements. The survey was completed by 86 participants. Making a reproductive choice was experienced as (very) difficult by 43%, and 69% showed a need for additional support during decision making. Younger participants and those who opted for a natural pregnancy experienced more difficulty with reproductive decision making, and partners showed a higher need for psychological support than carriers.

Conclusions

Couples with HBOC who need to make a reproductive decision have specific needs for guidance and support, of which the desired content and methods can vary. It is therefore important to identify vulnerable couples and to attune counselling to couples' needs.
Fear of recurrence among older breast, ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancer survivors: Findings from the WHI LILAC study
Authors: Krok‐Schoen Jessica L. , Naughton Michelle J. , Bernardo Brittany M. , Young Gregory S. , Paskett Electra D.
Published: April 2018

Objective

To examine the prevalence of and factors associated with fear of recurrence (FCR) following treatment for breast, ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancer among older women.

Methods

Participants were enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative Life and Longevity After Cancer study. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association of demographic, clinical, and quality of life variables with survivors' FCR, dichotomized as <14 (low) or ≥14 (high) using the Cancer Worry Scale.

Results

Out of the 4259 participants, 3124 (73.3%) were diagnosed with breast cancer, 559 (13.1%) with colorectal cancer, 493 (11.6%) with endometrial cancer, and 83 (2%) with ovarian cancer. There were no significant differences in FCR by cancer type (P = .75), with a mean scale score of 10.8 ± 2.87 for all participants combined. Approximately 16% (n = 679) were in the high FCR group. Multivariable analyses indicated that being younger at diagnosis, reporting a symptom score of ≥8, receipt of chemotherapy, and lower self‐rated health were significantly associated with high FCR. Women who were widowed or never married were less likely to report high FCR.

Conclusions

Fear of recurrence was experienced by a small but important proportion of older, long‐term cancer survivors and is associated with multiple demographic and clinical variables. These results will better inform researchers and clinicians regarding the individuals who are at risk of FCR.
A comparison of extraction systems for plant water stable isotope analysis
Authors: Millar Cody , Pratt Dyan , Schneider David J. , McDonnell Jeffrey J.
Published: April 2018

Rationale

The stable isotope ratios of water (δ2H and δ18O values) have been widely used to trace water in plants in a variety of physiological, ecohydrological, biogeochemical and hydrological studies. In such work, the analyte must first be extracted from samples, prior to isotopic analysis. While cryogenic vacuum distillation is currently the most widely used method reported in the literature, a variety of extraction‐collection‐analysis methods exist. A formal inter‐method comparison on plant tissues has yet to be carried out.

Methods

We performed an inter‐method comparison of six plant water extraction techniques: direct vapour equilibration, microwave extraction, two unique versions of cryogenic vacuum distillation, centrifugation, and high‐pressure mechanical squeezing. These methods were applied to four isotopically unique plant portions (head, stem, leaf, and root crown) of spring wheat (Triticum aestivumL.). Extracted plant water was analyzed via spectrometric (OA‐ICOS) and mass‐based (IRMS) analysis systems when possible. Spring wheat was grown under controlled conditions with irrigation inputs of a known isotopic composition.

Results

The tested methods of extraction yielded markedly different isotopic signatures. Centrifugation, microwave extraction, direct vapour equilibration, and high‐pressure mechanical squeezing produced water more enriched in2H and18O content. Both cryogenic vacuum distillation systems and the high‐pressure mechanical squeezing method produced water more depleted in2H and18O content, depending upon the plant portion extracted. The various methods also produced differing concentrations of co‐extracted organic compounds, depending on the mode of extraction. Overall, the direct vapor equilibration method outperformed all other methods.

Conclusions

Despite its popularity, cryogenic vacuum distillation was outperformed by the direct vapor equilibration method in terms of limited co‐extraction of volatile organic compounds, rapid sample throughput, and near instantaneous returned stable isotope results. More research is now needed with other plant species, especially woody plants, to see how far the findings from this study could be extended.