bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chiral bidentate [N,S]-ferrocene ligands based on a thiazoline framework. Synthesis and use in palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation
Authors: Sánchez-Rodríguez E. P. , Hochberger-Roa F. , Corona-Sánchez R. , Barquera-Lozada J. E. , Toscano R. A. , Urrutigoïty M. , Gouygou M. , Ortega-Alfaro M. C. , López-Cortés J. G.
Published: January 2017

New chiral 1,2-disubstituted ferrocenyl ligands were synthesized using (S)-4-methyl-2-thiazoline as DMG. Their ability to act in Pd-catalyzed AAA has been demonstrated.
The effect of substituents on the stability of triply bonded galliumantimony molecules: a new target for synthesis
Authors: Lu Jia-Syun , Yang Ming-Chung , Su Ming-Der
Published: January 2017

The M06-2X, B3PW91 and B3LYP computational results show that, from the kinetic viewpoint, only bulkier substituents have a significant stabilizing effect on the triply bonded RGaSbR compounds.
Immune enhancement effects and extraction optimization of polysaccharides from Citrus aurantium L. var. amara Engl.
Authors: Shen Chun-Yan , Yang Li , Jiang Jian-Guo , Zheng Chao-Yang , Zhu Wei
Published: January 2017

The crude polysaccharides ofCitrus aurantiumL. var.amaraEngl (CAVAPs) were extracted and their bioactivities including DPPH radical scavenging activity, cytotoxicity to human breast cancer cells, MCF-7, as well as lung cancer cells, HCC827, and their immune-enhancement activity were evaluated.
A facile and simple method for synthesis of graphene oxide quantum dots from black carbon
Authors: Lu Qiujun , Wu Cuiyan , Liu Dan , Wang Haiyan , Su Wei , Li Haitao , Zhang Youyu , Yao Shouzhuo
Published: January 2017

We developed a simple and facile one-pot hydrothermal methods for synthesis of GO-dots without the need to use strong concentrated acid and the entire synthetic process only took 90 min.
Metal-free radical C–H methylation of pyrimidinones and pyridinones with dicumyl peroxide
Authors: Zhang Pei-Zhi , Li Jian-An , Zhang Ling , Shoberu Adedamola , Zou Jian-Ping , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2017

A method for free radical methylation of pyrimidinones and pyridinones with dicumyl peroxide under metal-free conditions is introduced. A 50 g-scale reaction could be performed safely. The product was separated by crystallization and the byproducts were recovery by distillation.
Aerobic radical-cascade cycloaddition of isocyanides, selenium and imidamides: facile access to 1,2,4-selenadiazoles under metal-free conditions
Authors: Fang Yi , Zhu Zheng-Lin , Xu Pei , Wang Shun-Yi , Ji Shun-Jun
Published: January 2017

A facile and novel method for the synthesis of functionalized 1,2,4-selenadiazoles through aerobic radical-cascade cyclization of isocyanides, selenium and imidamides is established.
Unprecedented β-manno type thiodisaccharides with a C-glycosylic function by photoinitiated hydrothiolation of 1-C-substituted glycals
Authors: Lázár László , Juhász László , Batta Gyula , Borbás Anikó , Somsák László
Published: January 2017

Unique thiodisaccharides of β-manno type featuring C-glycosylic structure with an anomeric functional group for further elaboration were obtained by radical-mediated hydrothiolation of 1-C-acceptor-substituted glycals.
Chitosan gel incorporated peptide-modified AuNPs for sustained drug delivery with smart pH responsiveness
Authors: Hu Yuanyuan , Xu Mengxin , Liu Yiran , Xie Xiaoyu , Bao Wenda , Song Aixin , Hao Jingcheng
Published: January 2017

Peptide-stabilized AuNPs incorporated into a CS hydrogel showed smart pH responsiveness in sustained drug delivery.
Modeling dust emission in the Magellanic Clouds with Spitzer and Herschel
Authors: Chastenet Jérémy , Bot Caroline , Gordon Karl D. , Bocchio Marco , Roman-Duval Julia , Jones Anthony P. , Ysard Nathalie
Published: January 2017

Context. Dust modeling is crucial to infer dust properties and budget for galaxy studies. However, there are systematic disparities between dust grain models that result in corresponding systematic differences in the inferred dust properties of galaxies. Quantifying these systematics requires a consistent fitting analysis.

Aims. We compare the output dust parameters and assess the differences between two dust grain models, the DustEM model and THEMIS. In this study, we use a single fitting method applied to all the models to extract a coherent and unique statistical analysis.

Methods. We fit the models to the dust emission seen by Spitzer and Herschel in the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds (SMC and LMC). The observations cover the infrared (IR) spectrum from a few microns to the sub-millimeter range. For each fitted pixel, we calculate the full n-D likelihood based on a previously described method. The free parameters are both environmental (U, the interstellar radiation field strength; αISRF, power-law coefficient for a multi-U environment; Ω∗, the starlight strength) and intrinsic to the model (Yi: abundances of the grain species i; αsCM20, coefficient in the small carbon grain size distribution).

Results. Fractional residuals of five different sets of parameters show that fitting THEMIS brings a more accurate reproduction of the observations than the DustEM model. However, independent variations of the dust species show strong model-dependencies. We find that the abundance of silicates can only be constrained to an upper-limit and that the silicate/carbon ratio is different than that seen in our Galaxy. In the LMC, our fits result in dust masses slightly lower than those found in the literature, by a factor lower than 2. In the SMC, we find dust masses in agreement with previous studies.
Land-based observations of cetaceans and a review of recent strandings at subantarctic Macquarie Island
Authors: Clarke Rohan H. , Gales Rosemary , Schulz Martin
Published: January 2017

The occurrence of cetaceans around subantarctic Macquarie Island is poorly known. The current study provides the first quantitative assessment of the occurrence of various cetacean species in inshore waters during 391 systematic, one-hour observation periods over 59 weeks, in 2002 and 2003. Nine species of cetacean were identified during these surveys. Killer whales, long-finned pilot whales and sperm whales were all detected with some frequency. All other species were detected on single occasions. Eight previously unpublished stranding records are also summarised. These results support the notion that most cetacean species are relatively uncommon in the inshore waters of Macquarie Island. Routine archiving of cetacean sightings obtained during shipping activities in surrounding waters is encouraged as this will further contribute to our understanding of the region’s marine megafauna.
New ley legumes increase nitrogen fixation and availability and grain crop yields in subtropical cropping systems
Authors: Bell Lindsay W. , Lawrence John , Johnson Brian , Peoples Mark B.
Published: January 2017

Several new and existing short-term forage legumes could be used to provide nitrogen (N) inputs for grain crops in subtropical farming systems. The fixed-N inputs from summer-growing forage legumes lablab (Lablab purpureus), burgundy bean (Macroptilium bracteatum) and lucerne (Medicago sativa) and winter-growing legume species snail medic (Medicago scutellata), sulla (Hedysarum coronarium) and purple vetch (Vicia benghalensis) were compared over several growing seasons at four locations in southern Queensland, Australia. Available soil mineral N and grain yield of a following cereal crop were compared among summer-growing legumes and forage sorghum (Sorghum spp. hybrid) and among winter-growing legumes and forage oats (Avena sativa). In the first year at all sites, legumes utilised the high initial soil mineral N, with <30% of the legume N estimated to have been derived from atmospheric N2 (%Ndfa) and legume-fixed N <30 kg/ha. In subsequent years, once soil mineral N had been depleted, %Ndfa increased to 50–70% in the summer-growing legumes and to 60–80% in winter-growing legumes. However, because forage shoot N was removed, rarely did fixed N provide a positive N balance. Both lablab and burgundy bean fixed up to 150 kg N/ha, which was more than lucerne in all seasons. Prior to sowing cereal grain crops, soil nitrate was 30–50 kg/ha higher after summer legumes than after forage sorghum. At one site, lablab and lucerne increased the growth and yield of a subsequent grain sorghum crop by 1.4 t/ha compared with growth after forage sorghum or burgundy bean. Of the winter-growing legumes, sulla had the highest total N2 fixation (up to 150 kg N/ha.year) and inputs of fixed N (up to 75 kg N/ha), and resulted in the highest concentrations of soil N (80–100 kg N/ha more than oats) before sowing of the following crop. Wheat protein was increased after winter legumes, but there was no observed yield benefit for wheat or grain sorghum crops.
New forage legume options, lablab, burgundy bean and sulla, showed potential to increase N supply in crop rotations in subtropical farming systems, contributing significant fixed N (75–150 kg/ha) and increasing available soil N for subsequent crops compared to non-legume forage crops. However, high soil mineral N (>50 kg N/ha) greatly reduced N2 fixation by forage legumes, and significant N2 fixation only occurred once legume shoot N uptake exceeded soil mineral N at the start of the growing season. Further work is required to explore the impact of different management strategies, such as livestock grazing rather than harvesting for hay, on the long-term implications for nutrient supply for subsequent crops.
Vermiculite as efficient sorbent of CeIII and CeIV
Authors: Klika Zdeněk , Seidlerová Jana , Kolomazník Ivan , Hundáková Marianna
Published: January 2017

Environmental contextCerium, a Technology Critical Element with many technical, agricultural, and medicinal applications, is increasingly being discharged to the environment. One of the best ways to remove cerium from wastes is its fixation into inexpensive bulk material such as vermiculite. This paper investigates the mechanism of CeIII and CeIV uptake and capture by vermiculite in neutral and acidic aqueous solutions.
AbstractThis study focussed on the mechanism of CeIII and CeIV uptake on vermiculite (Ver), which has been studied sporadically. Chemical equilibrium and leaching experiments in acid solutions were evaluated using batch experiments and changes of mineral composition were monitored by X-ray powder diffraction analysis. The concentrations of Ce, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al and Si were determined by atomic emission spectroscopy coupled with inductively coupled plasma (AES-ICP). The data for CeIII uptake on Ver in neutral aqueous solution were fitted both with adsorption and ion-exchange models. The latter, with a calculated selectivity constant =14.30 (L mmol–1)k–1, showed a better fit with experimental data than adsorption models. The uptake of CeIII on Ver at pH 2 was also controlled by intensive leaching of cations from 2:1 layers and therefore these data were not fitted. A much higher uptake of CeIV on Ver (~6 mequiv. g–1, i.e. ~210mgg–1) at pH 2 and 6 in comparison with the cation-exchange capacity of original vermiculite (1.28 mequiv. g–1) was found and explained. With regard to the different rate of CeIV species fixation on Ver, their different CeIV solubility in NaCl solution, aqueous acid solution (pH 2), and 3M H2SO4, three species of CeIV bonded on vermiculite are proposed. They are ion-exchanged CeIV, CeIV–complex 1 and CeIV–complex 2. The CeIV species uptake on Ver was quantitatively determined both for pH 2 and 6. The new findings show a very effective method of cerium uptake, especially from acidic aqueous solutions.
Noncanonical WNT-5A signaling impairs endogenous lung repair in COPD
Authors: Baarsma Hoeke A. , Skronska-Wasek Wioletta , Mutze Kathrin , Ciolek Florian , Wagner Darcy E. , John-Schuster Gerrit , Heinzelmann Katharina , Günther Andreas , Bracke Ken R. , Dagouassat Maylis , Boczkowski Jorge , Brusselle Guy G. , Smits Ron , Eickelberg Oliver , Yildirim Ali Ö. , Königshoff Melanie
Published: January 2017

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. One main pathological feature of COPD is the loss of functional alveolar tissue without adequate repair (emphysema), yet the underlying mechanisms are poorly defined. Reduced WNT–β-catenin signaling is linked to impaired lung repair in COPD; however, the factors responsible for attenuating this pathway remain to be elucidated. Here, we identify a canonical to noncanonical WNT signaling shift contributing to COPD pathogenesis. We demonstrate enhanced expression of noncanonical WNT-5A in two experimental models of COPD and increased posttranslationally modified WNT-5A in human COPD tissue specimens. WNT-5A was increased in primary lung fibroblasts from COPD patients and induced by COPD-related stimuli, such as TGF-β, cigarette smoke (CS), and cellular senescence. Functionally, mature WNT-5A attenuated canonical WNT-driven alveolar epithelial cell wound healing and transdifferentiation in vitro. Lung-specific WNT-5A overexpression exacerbated airspace enlargement in elastase-induced emphysema in vivo. Accordingly, inhibition of WNT-5A in vivo attenuated lung tissue destruction, improved lung function, and restored expression of β-catenin–driven target genes and alveolar epithelial cell markers in the elastase, as well as in CS-induced models of COPD. We thus identify a novel essential mechanism involved in impaired mesenchymal–epithelial cross talk in COPD pathogenesis, which is amenable to therapy.
Intrinsic transcriptional heterogeneity in B cells controls early class switching to IgE
Authors: Wu Yee Ling , Stubbington Michael J.T. , Daly Maria , Teichmann Sarah A. , Rada Cristina
Published: January 2017

Noncoding transcripts originating upstream of the immunoglobulin constant region (I transcripts) are required to direct activation-induced deaminase to initiate class switching in B cells. Differential regulation of Iε and Iγ1 transcription in response to interleukin 4 (IL-4), hence class switching to IgE and IgG1, is not fully understood. In this study, we combine novel mouse reporters and single-cell RNA sequencing to reveal the heterogeneity in IL-4–induced I transcription. We identify an early population of cells expressing Iε but not Iγ1 and demonstrate that early Iε transcription leads to switching to IgE and occurs at lower activation levels than Iγ1. Our results reveal how probabilistic transcription with a lower activation threshold for Iε directs the early choice of IgE versus IgG1, a key physiological response against parasitic infestations and a mediator of allergy and asthma.
The cell cycle restricts activation-induced cytidine deaminase activity to early G1
Authors: Wang Qiao , Kieffer-Kwon Kyong-Rim , Oliveira Thiago Y. , Mayer Christian T. , Yao Kaihui , Pai Joy , Cao Zhen , Dose Marei , Casellas Rafael , Jankovic Mila , Nussenzweig Michel C. , Robbiani Davide F.
Published: January 2017

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) converts cytosine into uracil to initiate somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR) of antibody genes. In addition, this enzyme produces DNA lesions at off-target sites that lead to mutations and chromosome translocations. However, AID is mostly cytoplasmic, and how and exactly when it accesses nuclear DNA remains enigmatic. Here, we show that AID is transiently in spatial contact with genomic DNA from the time the nuclear membrane breaks down in prometaphase until early G1, when it is actively exported into the cytoplasm. Consistent with this observation, the immunoglobulin (Igh) gene deamination as measured by uracil accumulation occurs primarily in early G1 after chromosomes decondense. Altering the timing of cell cycle–regulated AID nuclear residence increases DNA damage at off-target sites. Thus, the cell cycle–controlled breakdown and reassembly of the nuclear membrane and the restoration of transcription after mitosis constitute an essential time window for AID-induced deamination, and provide a novel DNA damage mechanism restricted to early G1.
A time of change
Authors: Nathan Carl F. , Nussenzweig Michel C. , Pulvirenti Teodoro
Published: January 2017

As Co-Chairs and Executive Editor of The Journal of Experimental Medicine, we write to share some changes that will help us provide JEM authors with the best service we can.
Challenges in Identifying and Interpreting Organizational Modules in Morphology
Authors: Esteve-Altava Borja
Published: January 2017

Form is a rich concept that agglutinates information about the proportions and topological arrangement of body parts. Modularity is readily observable in both the variation of proportions (variational modules) and the organization of topology (organizational modules). The study of variational modularity and of organizational modularity faces similar challenges regarding the identification of meaningful modules and the validation of generative processes; however, most studies in morphology focus solely on variational modularity, while organizational modularity is much less understood. A possible cause for this bias is the successful development in the last twenty years of morphometrics, and specially geometric morphometrics, to study patters of variation. This contrasts with the lack of a similar mathematical framework to deal with patterns of organization. Recently, a new mathematical framework has been proposed to study the organization of anatomical parts using tools from Network Theory, so-called anatomical network analysis. This essay explores the potential use of this new framework – and the challenges it faces in identifying and validating biologically meaningful modules in morphological systems –, by providing an example of a complete analysis of modularity of the human skull and upper limb. Finally, we suggest further directions of research that may bridge the gap between variational and organizational modularity studies.
Complex interactions in legume/cereal intercropping system: role of root exudates in root-to-root communication
Authors: Jiao Yinshan , Wang Entao , Chen Wenfeng , Smith Donald L.
Published: January 2017

Dear Editor,

Legume/cereal intercropping systems have been regarded as the practical application of basic ecological principles such as diversity, competition and facilitation. In a recent PNAS paper, Li et al. (1) describe the novel finding that maize exudates promote faba bean nodulation and nitrogen fixation by upregulating genes involved in (iso)flavonoids synthesis (chalcone–flavanone isomerase) within faba bean, resulting in production of more genistein, a legume-to-rhizobia signal during establishment of the faba bean N2–fixing symbiosis. Although we salute the authors’ methodological efforts, there is another mechanism that could be responsible for the effect of corn root exudates on faba been nitrogen fixation observed in this article (1). The authors may misunderstand their data and the signalling role of maize exudates, thus got a defective model for the root interactions between faba bean and maize.
Theoretical principles of multiscale spatiotemporal control of neuronal networks: a complex systems perspective
Authors: Dehghani Nima
Published: January 2017

Success in the fine control of the nervous system depends on a deeper understanding of how neural circuits control behavior. There is, however, a wide gap between the components of neural circuits and behavior. We advance the idea that a suitable approach for narrowing this gap has to be based on a multiscale information-theoretic description of the system. We evaluate the possibility that brain-wide complex neural computations can be dissected into a hierarchy of computational motifs that rely on smaller circuit modules interacting at multiple scales. In doing so, we draw attention to the importance of formalizing the goals of stimulation in terms of neural computations so that the possible implementations are matched in scale to the underlying circuit modules.
The emetic activity of staphylococcal enterotoxins, SEK, SEL, SEM, SEN and SEO in a small emetic animal model, the house musk shrew
Authors: Ono Hisaya K. , Hirose Shouhei , Naito Ikunori , Sato'o Yusuke , Asano Krisana , Hu Dong‐Liang , Omoe Katsuhiko , Nakane Akio
Published: January 2017

Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) produced by Staphylococcus aureus are the most recognizable causative agents of emetic food poisoning in humans. New types of SEs and SE‐like (SEl) toxins have been reported. Several epidemiological investigations have shown that the SEs and SEl genes, particularly, SEK, SEL, SEM, SEN and SEO genes, are frequently detected in strains isolated from patients with food poisoning. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the emetic activity of recently identified SEs using a small emetic animal model, the house musk shrew. The emetic activity of these SEs in house musk shrews was evaluated by intraperitoneal administration and emetic responses, including the number of shrews that vomited, emetic frequency and latency of vomiting were documented. It was found that SEs induce emetic responses in these animals. This is the first time to demonstrate that SEK, SEL, SEM, SEN and SEO possess emetic activity in the house musk shrew.
Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella enterica isolated from broiler chickens, pigs and meat products in Thailand–Cambodia border provinces
Authors: Trongjit Suthathip , Angkititrakul Sunpetch , Tuttle R. Emerson , Poungseree Jiratchaya , Padungtod Pawin , Chuanchuen Rungtip
Published: January 2017

This study aimed to examine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Salmonella isolates from broiler chickens, pigs and their associated meat products in the Thailand–Cambodia border provinces. A total of 941 samples were collected from pigs and broiler chickens at slaughter houses and from carcasses at local fresh markets in Sa Kaeo, Thailand (n = 554) and Banteay Meanchey, Cambodia (n = 387) in 2014 and 2015. From these samples, 345 Salmonella isolates were collected from Sa Keao (n = 145; 23%) and Banteay Meanchey (n = 200; 47%) and assayed for antimicrobial susceptibility, class 1 integrons and extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL) genes. Serovars Typhimurium (29%) and Rissen (29%) were the most common serotypes found in Thai and Cambodian isolates, respectively. Multidrug resistance was detected in 34% and 52% of isolates from Sa Keao and Banteay Meanchey, respectively. The majority of the Thai isolates were resistant to ampicillin (72.4%), whereas most Cambodian isolates were resistant to sulfamethoxazole (71%). Eleven isolates from Sa Keao and 44 from Banteay Meanchey carried class 1 integrons comprising resistance gene cassettes. The most common gene cassette array was dfrA12‐aadA2 (61.1%). Six isolates were ESBL producers. The β‐lactamase genes found included blaTEM‐1, blaCTX‐M‐55 and blaCMY‐2. Some of these class 1 integrons and ESBL genes were located on conjugative plasmid. In conclusion, multidrug‐resistant Salmonella are common in pigs, chickens and their products in the Thailand–Cambodia border provinces. Our findings indicate that class 1 integrons play a role in spread of AMR in the strains in this study.
Pharmacokinetics of the antimicrobial drug Sulfanilamide is altered in a preclinical model of vascular calcification
Authors: Brandoni Anabel , Torres Adriana Mónica
Published: January 2017

In vascular smooth muscle, calcium overload is linked to advancing age. The pharmacokinetics of Sulfanilamide (SA), a compound with antibacterial properties, was evaluated in a preclinical model of vascular calcification. SA was used since it is useful to study possible modifications in the renal and hepatic management of drugs. Vascular calcification was induced by administration of a single high dose of vitamin D3 to rats (treated group) 10 days before the experiments. A parallel control group was processed. The decrease of renal blood flow due to calcification of the renal arteries explains, at least in part, the decrease in the renal clearance of SA observed in treated rats. The liver metabolic function increased in treated rats as demonstrated by increases in plasma appearance rate of acetylated‐Sulfanilamide (ASA), hepatic ASA content and hepatic N‐acetyltransferase activity. The decrease in renal excretion of SA was not completely compensated by the hepatic metabolism increase, since the elimination rate of SA from the central compartment (K1‐0) decreased in the treated group. In summary, in this experimental model with sustained arterial calcinosis induced by a single high dose of vitamin D3 10 days before the experiments, the pharmacokinetics of an aminobenzenesulfonamide is modified, at least in part, by the increase in the activity of hepatic N‐acetyltransferase and the decrease in renal blood flow. This study emphasizes the importance of considering the presence of vascular calcification when a drug dose scheme is performed, in order to optimize pharmacotherapeutic results.
Haplotyping RAD loci: an efficient method to filter paralogs and account for physical linkage
Authors: Willis Stuart C. , Hollenbeck Christopher M. , Puritz Jonathan B. , Gold John R. , Portnoy David S.
Published: January 2017

Next‐generation sequencing of reduced‐representation genomic libraries provides a powerful methodology for genotyping thousands of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among individuals of nonmodel species. Utilizing genotype data in the absence of a reference genome, however, presents a number of challenges. One major challenge is the trade‐off between splitting alleles at a single locus into separate clusters (loci), creating inflated homozygosity, and lumping multiple loci into a single contig (locus), creating artefacts and inflated heterozygosity. This issue has been addressed primarily through the use of similarity cut‐offs in sequence clustering. Here, two commonly employed, postclustering filtering methods (read depth and excess heterozygosity) used to identify incorrectly assembled loci are compared with haplotyping, another postclustering filtering approach. Simulated and empirical data sets were used to demonstrate that each of the three methods separately identified incorrectly assembled loci; more optimal results were achieved when the three methods were applied in combination. The results confirmed that including incorrectly assembled loci in population‐genetic data sets inflates estimates of heterozygosity and deflates estimates of population divergence. Additionally, at low levels of population divergence, physical linkage between SNPs within a locus created artificial clustering in analyses that assume markers are independent. Haplotyping SNPs within a locus effectively neutralized the physical linkage issue without having to thin data to a single SNP per locus. We introduce a Perl script that haplotypes polymorphisms, using data from single or paired‐end reads, and identifies potentially problematic loci.
Intraspecific variation in body size and sexual size dimorphism, and a test of Rensch's rule in bats
Authors: Ulian Carina M. V. , Rossi Marcelo N.
Published: January 2017

The magnitude and direction of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) may vary considerably within and among taxa, and the primary causes of such variation have not been thoroughly elucidated. For example, the effect of abiotic factors is frequently attributed to explain intra‐ and interspecific variation in SSD. Rensch's rule, which states that males vary more in size than females when body size increases, has rarely been tested in bats. Therefore, whether bats follow Rensch's rule remains unclear, particularly when females are larger than males. We investigated whether four bat species presented SSD, as well as whether their body sizes varied within each sex across localities, testing the hypothesis that intraspecific SSD varies substantially depending of sampling localities. We finally examined whether bats followed Rensch's rule by simultaneously using intraspecific and interspecific approaches. Although SSD was not observed for most bat species within each locality, the females of three of the four captured species exhibited differences in body size between particular localities. Usually the females varied more in size than did males across localities, mostly exhibiting a female‐biased SSD. Significant differences in SSD were observed (i.e. mean values of the sexual dimorphism index), even though Rensch's rule was not followed.
Effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on the pharmacokinetics and transplacental transfer of nifedipine in hypertensive pregnant women
Authors: Filgueira Gabriela Campos de Oliveira , Filgueira Osmany Alberto Silva , Carvalho Daniela Miarelli , Marques Maria Paula , Moisés Elaine Christine Dantas , Duarte Geraldo , Lanchote Vera Lucia , Cavalli Ricardo Carvalho
Published: January 2017

Aims

Diabetes mellitus can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4, an enzyme responsible for the metabolism of nifedipine, used for the treatment of hypertension in pregnant women. We aimed to assess the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on the pharmacokinetics, placental transfer and distribution of nifedipine in amniotic fluid in hypertensive pregnant women.

Methods

The study was conducted in 12 hypertensive pregnant women [control group (CG)] and 10 hypertensive pregnant women with T2DM taking slow‐release nifedipine (20 mg, 12/12 h). On the 34th week of gestation, serial blood samples were collected (0–12 h) after administration of the medication. At delivery, samples of maternal and fetal blood and amniotic fluid were collected for determination of nifedipine distribution in these compartments.

Results

The median pharmacokinetic parameters of CG were: peak plasma concentration (Cmax) 26.41 ng ml−1, time to reach Cmax (tmax) 1.79 h, area under the plasma concentration vs. time curve from 0–12 h (AUC0–12) 235.99 ng.h ml−1, half‐life (t½) 4.34 h, volume of distribution divided by bioavailability (Vd/F) 560.96 l, and ClT/F 84.77 l h−1. The parameters for T2DM group were: Cmax 23.52 ng ml−1, tmax 1.48 h, AUC0–12 202.23 ng.h ml−1, t½ 5.00 h, Vd/F 609.40 l, and apparent total clearance (ClT/F) 98.94 l h−1. The ratios of plasma concentrations of nifedipine in the umbilical vein, intervillous space and amniotic fluid to those in the maternal vein for CG and T2DM were 0.53 and 0.44, 0.78 and 0.87, respectively, with an amniotic fluid/maternal plasma ratio of 0.05 for both groups. The ratios of plasma concentrations in the umbilical artery to those in the umbilical vein were 0.82 for CG and 0.88 for T2DM.

Conclusions

There was no influence of T2DM on the pharmacokinetics or placental transfer of nifedipine in hypertensive women with controlled diabetes.
Ecology of active rock glaciers and surrounding landforms: climate, soil, plants and arthropods
Authors: Tampucci Duccio , Gobbi Mauro , Marano Giuseppe , Boracchi Patrizia , Boffa Giacomo , Ballarin Francesco , Pantini Paolo , Seppi Roberto , Compostella Chiara , Caccianiga Marco
Published: January 2017

Active rock glaciers are periglacial landforms consisting of coarse debris with interstitial ice or ice‐core. Recent studies showed that such landforms are able to support plant and arthropod life and could act as warm‐stage refugia for cold‐adapted species due to their microclimate features and thermal inertia. However, integrated research comparing active rock glaciers with surrounding landforms to outline their ecological peculiarities is still scarce. We analysed the abiotic (ground surface temperature and humidity, soil physical and chemical parameters) and biotic (plant and arthropod communities) features of two Alpine active rock glaciers with contrasting lithology (silicate and carbonate), and compared them with the surrounding iceless landforms as reference sites (stable slopes and active scree slopes). Our data show remarkable differences between stable slopes and unstable landforms as a whole, while few differences occur between active scree slopes and active rock glaciers: such landforms show similar soil features but different ground surface temperatures (lower on active rock glaciers) and different occurrence of cold‐adapted species (more frequent/abundant on active rock glaciers). Both plant and arthropod species distributions depend mainly on the geographical context as a function of soil pH and on the contrast between stable slopes and unstable landforms as a function of the coarse debris fraction and organic matter content, while the few differences between active scree slopes and active rock glaciers can probably be attributed to microclimate. The role of active rock glaciers as potential warm‐stage refugia for cold‐adapted species is supported by our data; however, at least in the European Alps, their role in this may be less important than that of debris‐covered glaciers, which are able to host cold‐adapted species even below the climatic tree line.
Breast tumor stroma: A driving force in the development of resistance to therapies
Authors: Majidinia Maryam , Yousefi Bahman
Published: January 2017

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer‐related death in women worldwide. In spite of huge advancements in early detection and ever‐increasing knowledge of breast cancer biology, approximately 30% of patients with early‐stage breast cancer experience disease recurrence. Most patients are chemosensitive and cancer free immediately after the treatment. About 50% to 70% of breast cancer patients, however, will relapse within 1 year. Such a relapse is usually concomitant with adenocarcinoma cells acquiring a chemoresistant phenotype. Both de novo and acquired chemoresistance are poorly understood and present a major burden in the treatment of breast cancer. Although, previously, chemoresistance was largely linked to genetic alterations within the cancer cells, recent investigations are indicating that chemoresistance can also be associated with the tumor microenvironment. Nowadays, it is widely believed that tumor microenvironment is a key player in tumor progression and response to treatment. In this study, we will review the interactions of breast tumor cells with their microenvironment, present the latest research on the resistance mediated by the stromal component in breast cancer, and discuss the potential therapeutic strategies that can be exploited to treat breast cancers by targeting tumor microenvironment.
Gender, entrepreneurship and development: which policies matter?
Authors: Marques Helena
Published: January 2017

Data for 40 developing countries in the period 2005 to 2010 are used to study the gendered impact of country‐level conditioning (financial environment, government quality and support, education quality and entrepreneurship know‐how, innovation environment and support, business infrastructure, entrepreneurial culture and society and gender roles) on the choice made by early‐stage entrepreneurs regarding the routine level of the sector of activity in which they are starting their business, with lower routine levels linked to higher economic growth. The business infrastructure of a country is a core factor for facilitating entry into medium‐low routine sectors, followed by education quality and entrepreneurship know‐how. Women entrepreneurs benefit to a larger extent from innovation environment and support, but gender roles may deter their entry into medium‐low routine sectors.
Development and testing of a medline search filter for identifying patient and public involvement in health research
Authors: Rogers Morwenna , Bethel Alison , Boddy Kate
Published: January 2017

Background

Research involving the public as partners often proves difficult to locate due to the variations in terms used to describe public involvement, and inability of medical databases to index this concept effectively.

Objective

To design a search filter to identify literature where patient and public involvement (PPI) was used in health research.

Methods

A reference standard of 172 PPI papers was formed. The references were divided into a development set and a test set. Search terms were identified from common words, phrases and synonyms in the development set. These terms were combined as a search strategy for medline via OvidSP, which was then tested for sensitivity against the test set. The resultant search filter was then assessed for sensitivity, specificity and precision using a previously published systematic review.

Results

The search filter was found to be highly sensitive 98.5% in initial testing. When tested against results generated by a ‘real‐life’ systematic review, the filter had a specificity of 81%. However, sensitivity dropped to 58%. Adjustments to the population group of terms increased the sensitivity to 73%.

Conclusion

The PPI filter designed for medline via OvidSP could aid information specialists and researchers trying to find literature specific to PPI.
Knowledge into action – supporting the implementation of evidence into practice in Scotland
Authors: Davies Sandra , Herbert Paul , Wales Ann , Ritchie Karen , Wilson Suzanne , Dobie Laura , Thain Annette
Published: January 2017

Background

The knowledge into action model for NHS Scotland provides a framework for librarians and health care staff to support getting evidence into practice. Central to this model is the development of a network of knowledge brokers to facilitate identification, use, creation and sharing of knowledge.

Objective

To translate the concepts described in the model into tangible activities with the intention of supporting better use of evidence in health care and subsequently improving patient outcomes.

Methods

Four areas of activity were addressed by small working groups comprising knowledge services staff in local and national boards. The areas of activity were as follows: defining existing and required capabilities and developing learning opportunities for the knowledge broker network; establishing national search and summarising services; developing actionable knowledge tools; and supporting person‐to‐person knowledge sharing.

Conclusion

This work presents the development of practical tools and support to translate a conceptual model for getting knowledge into action into a series of activities and outputs to support better use of evidence in health care and subsequently improved patient outcomes.
Negotiating concepts of evidence‐based practice in the provision of good service for nursing and allied health professionals
Authors: McTavish Jill
Published: January 2017

Objective

The principles of evidence‐based medicine have been critiqued by the ‘caring’ professions, such as nursing and social work, and evidence‐informed medicine has been proposed as a more client‐centred, integrative approach to practice. The purpose of this study was to explore how Canadian health science librarians who serve nurses and allied health professionals define good service and how they negotiate evidence‐based principles in their searching strategies.

Method

Twenty‐two librarians completed a 30 minute, semi‐structured phone interview about strategies for providing good service and supporting evidence‐based services. Participants were also asked to respond to three challenging search scenarios. Analysis of results used grounded theory methods.

Results

Participants’ definitions of good service and strategies for supporting evidence‐based practice involved discussions about types of services provided, aspects of the librarian providing the service and aspects of the information provided during the service. Analysis of search scenarios revealed four justifications librarians rely upon when providing evidence that is in opposition to what their patron hopes to receive (evidentiary, ethical, practice‐based and boundaries of the profession).

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that health science librarians are both constrained and enabled by the principles of evidence‐based medicine and especially by understandings of ‘best evidence’.
Characteristics and trends in global tea research: a Science Citation Index Expanded‐based analysis
Authors: Wambu Enos Wamalwa , Fu Hui‐Zhen , Ho Yuh‐Shan
Published: January 2017

A bibliometric approach to assess trends in global tea research using literature in the Science Citation Index Expanded database from 1991 to 2014 has been conducted. Articles were analysed by scientific output and research performances of countries and institutions. The distribution of keywords in the articles’ titles, author‐supplied keywords and KeyWords Plus as well as citation and publication trends of tea‐related articles was used to evaluate the research trends. The research output devoted to tea science increased greatly after the year 2002 indicating a paradigm shift that demonstrated that researchers became increasingly keen on biochemical relevance of active compounds in tea in mitigating emergent health challenges over classical tea research.
Anti‐inflammatory properties of high pressure‐assisted extracts of Grifola frondosa in lipopolysaccharide‐activated RAW 264.7 macrophages
Authors: Wu Sz‐Jie , Chen Ying‐Wei , Wang Chung‐Yi , Shyu Yuan‐Tay
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro anti‐inflammatory properties of the shake extract (SE) and the high pressure‐assisted extract (PE) of the mycelia of Grifola frondosa in a lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage model. The content of total polysaccharides and β‐glucans of PE at 600 MPa (PE‐600) was 41.2 and 6.2 mg g−1 dry weight, respectively, which were significantly higher than SE extracts. The results showed that treatment with 500 μg mL−1 of PE by 600 MPa (PE‐600) did not reduce RAW 264.7 cell viability but did significantly inhibit the production of LPS‐induced NO, PGE2 and intracellular ROS. The PE‐600 inhibited the activation of NF‐kB and then reduced the production of LPS‐induced TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β in a dose‐dependent manner. Thus, the PE could be used as an alternative extraction method for improving the extraction efficacy of G. frondosa and serve as an alternative source of anti‐inflammatory agents.
Preparing mental health professionals for new directions in mental health practice: Evaluating the sensory approaches e‐learning training package
Authors: Meredith Pamela , Yeates Harriet , Greaves Amanda , Taylor Michelle , Slattery Maddy , Charters Michelle , Hill Melissa
Published: January 2017

The application of sensory modulation approaches in mental health settings is growing in recognition internationally. However, a number of barriers have been identified as limiting the implementation of the approach, including workplace culture and a lack of accessible and effective sensory approaches training. The aim of this project was to investigate the efficacy of providing this training through a custom‐designed e‐learning package. Participants in the present study were predominately nurses and occupational therapists working in mental health settings in Queensland, Australia. Data were collected from 121 participants using an online survey. Significant improvements were found between pre‐ and post‐training in participants’ real and perceived levels of knowledge, their perceived levels of confidence, and their attitudes towards using sensory modulation approaches in mental health settings. The findings of the study suggest that the custom‐designed sensory approaches e‐learning package is an effective, accessible, acceptable, and usable method to train health professionals in sensory modulation approaches. As this study is the first to analyse the efficacy of an e‐learning sensory approaches package, the results are considered preliminary, and further investigation is required.
Stepping‐stones across space and time: repeated radiation of Pacific flightless broad‐nosed weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae: Rhyncogonus)
Authors: Claridge Elin M. , Gillespie Rosemary G. , Brewer Michael S. , Roderick George K.
Published: January 2017

Aim

We examine spatial and temporal patterns of diversification among flightless weevils in the genus Rhyncogonus (Curculionidae: Entiminae), with respect to their passive mode of dispersal by rafting or upon birds and the geological context of Pacific island archipelagos.

Location

Archipelagos and islands of the Pacific Ocean, especially the South Pacific and Hawaii.

Methods

Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence data were used in Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses to generate a phylogenetic hypothesis for all available species within the genus Rhyncogonus, plus representatives of other tribes in the subfamily Entiminae. Bayesian inference with molecular and geological calibration points was also used to estimate the age of major lineages of Rhyncogonus and infer the history of colonization.

Results

The genus Rhyncogonus has colonized all major archipelagos in the central Pacific, with multiple species occurring within nearly all archipelagos. The common ancestors of the genus were present in the central Pacific at least 15 Ma, probably first inhabiting islands now under water. Subsequent colonization and diversification across Oceania shows a pattern that is remarkably consistent with the geology of the region: the weevils, which likely disperse either by rafting on vegetation or on migratory birds, reached each island not long after its appearance.

Main conclusions

Though flightless, weevils in the genus Rhyncogonus have been remarkably effective at colonizing islands of the Pacific and appear to have colonized more remote islands via a series of less remote archipelagos. Although such a process of dispersal has been predicted, this study provides the first clear demonstration of the role of stepping‐stones in the diversification of a lineage with passive dispersal.
Glucose homeostasis abnormalities among Cameroon patients with newly diagnosed hypertension
Authors: Kamdem Félicité , Lemogoum Daniel , Doualla Marie‐Solange , Kemta Lepka Fernando , Temfack Elvis , Ngo Nouga Yvette , Kenmegne Caroline , Luma Henry , Hermans Michel P
Published: January 2017

The authors assessed the frequency of glucose homeostasis abnormalities among 839 Cameroonians with newly diagnosed hypertension (mean age: 50.8±11 years; 49.9% female) in a cross‐sectional survey conducted at the Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon. In all participants, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and lipids were recorded. Impaired fasting glycemia was described as an FPG level between 100 and 125 mg/dL and provisional diabetes as an FPG level ≥126 mg/dL. The FPG was 101±30 mg/dL. The overall proportion of abnormal glucose homeostasis was 38.3%, while 7.7% of patients (n=65) had known diabetes. A total of 23.7% (n=199) had impaired fasting glycemia and 6.8% (n=57) had provisional diabetes. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–2.06), age older than 55 years (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.15–2.09), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol >1 g/L (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.00–1.82) were independently associated with abnormal glucose homeostasis (all P<.05). Glucose homeostasis abnormalities are highly prevalent among Cameroonian patients with newly diagnosed hypertension.