bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous enhancements of mechanical properties and hydrophilic properties of polypropylene via nano‐silicon dioxide modified by polydopamine
Authors: Qiu Zhoutong , Wang Jikui , Yang Kun , Guo Jiahong , Wang Wenqi , Pan Renjie , Wu Genhua
Published: March 2017

This study is focused on the development of high‐performance composite materials based on nano silicon dioxide (nano‐SiO2) modified by polydopamine (PDA). A facile one‐step method was developed to synthesize core–shell structured SiO2@polydopamine (PDA) nanospheres. During the synthesis, a PDA shell was simultaneously coated on the SiO2 nanospheres to form the core–shell nanostructure which was blended with polypropylene (PP) and β nucleating agent (β‐NA) to enhance both mechanical and hydrophilic properties. Nano‐SiO2 particles modified by PDA (SiO2@polydopamine) influence the crystallization of PP seriously. The results indicated that when 1%wt SiO2@polydopamine was added, the impact strength of composite reached the maximum value 12.60k J/m2 increasing 137% compared with PP, the bending strength and bending modulus decreased slightly reaching 41.85 MPa, and 2192 MPa, respectively, the composite possessed hydrophilic performance with the water contact angle of 88.32°. β nucleating agent was used in all formulations, the synergistic effect toward mechanical properties with SiO2@polydopamine was studied. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45004.
A hybrid scheme for real‐time prediction of bus trajectories
Authors: Fadaei Masoud , Cats Oded , Bhaskar Ashish
Published: March 2017

The uncertainty associated with public transport services can be partially counteracted by developing real‐time models to predict downstream service conditions. In this study, a hybrid approach for predicting bus trajectories by integrating multiple predictors is proposed. The prediction model combines schedule, instantaneous and historical data. The contribution of each predictor as well as values of respective parameters is estimated by minimizing the prediction error using a linear regression heuristic. The hybrid method was applied to five bus routes in Stockholm, Sweden, and Brisbane, Australia. The results indicate that the hybrid method consistently outperforms the timetable and delay conservation prediction method for different route layouts, passenger demands and operation practices. Model validation confirms model transferability and real‐time applicability. Generating more accurate predictions can help service users adjust their travel plans and service providers to deploy proactive management and control strategies to mitigate the negative effects of service disturbances. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glutathione and thioredoxin systems contribute to recombinant monoclonal antibody interchain disulfide bond reduction during bioprocessing
Authors: Handlogten Michael W. , Zhu Min , Ahuja Sanjeev
Published: March 2017

Antibody interchain disulfide bond reduction during biopharmaceutical manufacturing has received increased attention since it was first reported in 2010. Antibody reduction leads to loss of product and reduced product stability. It is therefore critical to understand the underlying mechanisms of reduction. To date, the thioredoxin system has been reported as the sole contributor to antibody reduction during bioprocessing. In this work, we show that the glutathione system, in addition to the thioredoxin system, is involved in reducing antibody molecules and the contributions of the two systems can vary depending upon the cell culture process. The roles of the glutathione and thioredoxin systems were evaluated for three molecules with different IgG subclass where reduction was observed during manufacturing: mAb A, mAb B, and mAb C representing an IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4, respectively. The expression of enzymes for both the thioredoxin and glutathione systems were confirmed in all three cell lines. Inhibitors were evaluated using purified mammalian reductases to evaluate their specificity. The optimized experimental conditions enabled both the determination of reductase activity contributed from as well as the amount of antibody reduced by each enzymatic system. Our results demonstrate that the underlying enzymatic mechanisms are different depending upon the cell culture process; one of the two systems may be the dominant mechanism, or both enzymatic systems may be involved. Specifically, the glutathione system was found to be the major contributor to mAb A reduction while the thioredoxin system was the major contributor to mAb C reduction. Intriguingly, mAb B experienced significant reduction from both enzymatic systems. In summary, we have demonstrated that in addition to the thioredoxin pathway, the glutathione system is a second major pathway contributing to antibody reduction and this knowledge can be leveraged to develop more specific antibody reduction mitigation strategies targeted at the dominant reduction mechanism. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1469–1477. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Global Rise of the U.S. Community College Model
Authors: Chase‐Mayoral Audree M.
Published: March 2017

This chapter explores the theoretical and conceptual history of the global rise of the U.S. community college model, focusing on the common missing ingredient that remains elusive among the increasing numbers of these community‐based institutions.
A Partnership for a Community College in Chile
Authors: McCrink Carmen L. , Whitford Heidi
Published: March 2017

This chapter describes the results of case study research on a partnership between a community college in the United States and a university in Chile that attempted to develop the first community college system in Chile.
Models of Community Colleges in Mainland China
Authors: Zhang Yi (Leaf)
Published: March 2017

This chapter provides an overview of community colleges in mainland China, addressing briefly the recent history of community college development, defining these institutions, detailing various models with examples, and discussing challenges faced by these institutions and recommendations for future development.
Global Postsecondary Education
Authors: Boggs George R. , Elsner Paul A. , Irwin Judith T.
Published: March 2017

This chapter describes the expansion of postsecondary or tertiary education throughout the world, the motivations for the expansion, and the commonalities and differences in the systems.
Paul of Aegina (ca 625‐690 AD): an early description of a rare basal cell carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Tsoucalas Gregory , Sgantzos Markos
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

Basal cell carcinoma of the breast is a rare type of skin cancer. A probable case reported c.650AD is described with very similar localized symptoms. Understanding its emergence and evolution could improve diagnosis and treatment.
Development and Application of a Microwave Reactor Radiating through a Leaky Coaxial Antenna
Authors: Lin Shengjie , Peng Yanqing , Hu Junjie , Wang Jiayi , Li Yu , Song Gonghua
Published: March 2017

A novel microwave (MW) reactor radiating through a leaky coaxial antenna with an impedance matching unit was developed. The MW energy could be effectively transmitted from the power source to the reactor with a uniform distribution of the electromagnetic field. Simulations of the MW radiating indicated the excellent radiation capacity of electromagnetic waves and a uniform axially extended cylinder MW field around the antenna. The simulation result was in accordance with the antenna efficiency measurements and the temperature distribution. Model reactions of benzoyl hydrazine preparations performed in an open vessel under atmospheric pressure and the preparation of 3‐acetylcoumarin in a sealed reactor under pressure proceeded smoothly on a scale of hundreds of grams.
Validation of Simulation and Mass Transfer Coefficient Prediction with Interfacial Convection
Authors: Liu Botong , Liu Botan , Ge Xiaolong , Yuan Xigang
Published: March 2017

Investigation of interfacial mass transfer by means of numerical simulation is a promising field. In the present work, the Rayleigh convection of the CO2‐ethanol absorption process was simulated using a random‐disturbance model based on the lattice Boltzmann method and the results were compared with the Schlieren observation for validation. It was found that the simulation method was superior for capturing the characteristics of the absorption process. A correlation was then proposed to predict the mass transfer coefficient based on Reynolds mass flux, scalar fluctuation variance, and its dissipation rate, and the correlation was found to be superior to existing methods in terms of phase difference. In this correlation, the mass transfer coefficient was linked with computational mass transfer for the first time.
Cobalt Oxide Catalysts on Commercial Supports for N2O Decomposition
Authors: Klegová Anna , Pacultová Kateřina , Fridrichová Dagmar , Volodarskaja Anastasia , Kovanda František , Jirátová Květa
Published: March 2017

Co3O4 oxide catalysts prepared on different commercial supports, namely, TiO2, Al2O3, and Mg‐Al mixed oxides with various Mg and Al concentrations, were characterized by atomic absorption spectrometry, Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller method, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and H2 temperature‐programmed reduction, tested for N2O decomposition, and compared with bulk Co3O4. In spite of the fact that Co3O4/70Mg30Al also contained hardly reducible compounds, it possessed the highest catalytic activity, probably due to the presence of active sites with easier reducibility and better dispersion of the active phase on the support contributing to a higher number of active sites. The conversion over Co3O4‐supported tablets is comparable with that of the same catalyst bed of bulk Co3O4 tableted catalyst.
Modulation of Antimalarial Activity at a Putative Bisquinoline Receptor In Vivo Using Fluorinated Bisquinolines
Authors: Fielding Alistair J. , Lukinović Valentina , Evans Philip G. , Alizadeh‐Shekalgourabi Said , Bisby Roger H. , Drew Michael G. B. , Male Verity , Del Casino Alessio , Dunn James F. , Randle Laura E. , Dempster Nicola M. , Nahar Lutfun , Sarker Satyajit D. , Cantú Reinhard Fabián G. , de Visser Sam P. , Dascombe Mike J. , Ismail Fyaz M. D.
Published: March 2017

Antimalarials can interact with heme covalently, by π⋅⋅⋅π interactions or by hydrogen bonding. Consequently, the prototropy of 4‐aminoquinolines and quinoline methanols was investigated by using quantum mechanics. Calculations showed mefloquine protonated preferentially at the piperidine and was impeded at the endocyclic nitrogen because of electronic rather than steric factors. In gas‐phase calculations, 7‐substituted mono‐ and bis‐4‐aminoquinolines were preferentially protonated at the endocyclic quinoline nitrogen. By contrast, compounds with a trifluoromethyl substituent on both the 2‐ and 8‐positions, reversed the order of protonation, which now favored the exocyclic secondary amine nitrogen at the 4‐position. Loss of antimalarial efficacy by CF3 groups simultaneously occupying the 2‐ and 8‐positions was recovered if the CF3 group occupied the 7‐position. Hence, trifluoromethyl groups buttressing the quinolinyl nitrogen shifted binding of antimalarials to hematin, enabling switching from endocyclic to the exocyclic N. Both theoretical calculations (DFT calculations: B3LYP/BS1) and crystal structure of (±)‐trans‐N1,N2‐bis‐(2,8‐ditrifluoromethylquinolin‐4‐yl)cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine were used to reveal the preferred mode(s) of interaction with hematin. The order of antimalarial activity in vivo followed the capacity for a redox change of the iron(III) state, which has important implications for the future rational design of 4‐aminoquinoline antimalarials.
Hypervalent Iodine(III)‐Mediated Cascade Cyclization of Propargylguanidines and Total Syntheses of Kealiinine B and C
Authors: Tian Guilong , Fedoseev Pavel , Van der Eycken Erik V.
Published: March 2017

An oxidative cascade cyclization of propargylguanidines promoted by phenyliodonium diacetate (PIDA) was developed. The protocol provides an efficient route for the synthesis of the alkaloids kealiinines B and C as well as homologues. The difference in the electronic nature of the acetylene substituent resulted in two ways of the cyclization. A plausible mechanism is proposed based on the experimental results.
Synthesis of a Dichlorosilaimine Coordinated by an N‐Heterocyclic Carbene from ArN(SiMe3)SiHCl2
Authors: Cui Haiyan , Teng Peng , Zhang Enbin , Lu Jiahao , Zhang Fan , Wu Meng
Published: March 2017

NHC‐stabilized dichlorosilaimine ArN=Si(IiPr)Cl2 (2) (Ar = 2,6‐iPr2C6H3, IiPr = 1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) and disilane LSiHCl‐SiCl2L (L=ArNSiMe3) (3) could be synthesized from the reaction of aminodichlorosilane ArN(SiMe3)SiHCl2 (1) with IiPr under different conditions. This represents the first route to the generation of donor‐stabilized dichlorosilaimine from substituted chlorosilane in the presence of an NHC via dehydrosilylation.
Direct Triflylation of Benzylic C—H Bonds with Pyridine as a Directing Group
Authors: Yang Jun , Hu Juanjuan , Huang Yangen , Xu Xiuhua , Qing Fengling
Published: March 2017

The first example of benzylic C—H triflylation was accomplished with pyridine as a directing group. The reaction of various 2‐benzylpyridines and (CF3SO2)2O in the presence of NEt3 in CH2Cl2 proceeded smoothly to afford the corresponding benzyl triflones in moderate to high yields.
Omics for Understanding the Gut‐Liver‐Microbiome Axis and Precision Medicine
Authors: Khalsa Jag , Duffy Linda C. , Riscuta Gabriela , Starke‐Reed Pamela , Hubbard Van S.
Published: March 2017

Human metabolic disease opens a new view to understanding the contribution of the intestinal microbiome to drug metabolism and drug‐induced toxicity in gut‐liver function. The gut microbiome, a key determinant of intestinal inflammation, also plays a direct role in chronic inflammation and liver disease. Gut bacterial communities directly metabolize certain drugs, reducing their bioavailability and influencing individual variation in drug response. In addition, some microbiome‐produced compounds may affect drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics via altered expression of metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters or genes coding for drug target proteins, drug response phenotypes, and disease states. Molecular‐based high‐throughput technologies are providing novel insight about host‐gut microbiome interactions, homeostasis, and xenobiotic effects associated with wide variation in efficacy or toxicity in humans. It is envisioned that future approaches to treating and preventing liver disease will benefit from in‐depth studies of the liver‐microbiome axis. Thus, the microbiome shares a fundamental role in human physiology with various organ systems, and its importance must be considered in the rapid evolution of precision medicine. A new emerging perspective of understanding the effect of the gut microbiome on human response to drugs would be indispensable for developing efficacious, safe, and cost‐effective precision therapies.
Intrahepatic Sampling for the Elucidation of Antiviral Clinical Pharmacology
Authors: Venuto Charles S. , Talal Andrew H.
Published: March 2017

Although the importance of the liver in clinical pharmacology is widely recognized, little is known in humans concerning its function in vivo at the hepatocyte level and how pharmacological functions are altered in the setting of advanced liver disease. Several recent proof‐of‐principle studies with first‐generation DAAs have demonstrated the feasibility of serial liver sampling for pharmacological studies. These studies have begun to describe the liver‐to‐plasma concentration ratio and how this ratio is altered in the setting of advanced liver disease. These data are particularly relevant to individuals with substance‐use disorders because many have advanced liver disease as a consequence of long‐standing viral hepatitis infection or continued use of hepatotoxins such as alcohol. Future research should attempt to develop standardized and reproducible methods to assess liver drug concentration, complex drug interactions, and pharmacogenomics in humans to permit elucidation of the clinical pharmacology within the liver.
Drug–Drug Interactions and Diagnostics for Drug Users With HIV and HIV/HCV Coinfections: Introduction
Authors: Khalsa Jag H. , Talal Andrew H. , Morse Gene
Published: March 2017

Substance use and pharmacologic treatment of co‐occurring infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are associated with many adverse consequences including pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug–drug interactions (DDIs). The National Institute on Drug Abuse sponsored a 2‐day conference on DDIs at which clinicians/scientists from government, academia, and the pharmaceutical industry presented the most current research findings to formulate a comprehensive overview of DDIs. Specific topics discussed included drug metabolism; drug interactions between medications used in the treatment of HIV, HCV, and substance use disorders; intrahepatic concentrations and methods of assessment of drugs in liver disease of varying etiologies and degrees of impairment; and minimally invasive sampling techniques for the assessment of intrahepatic drug concentrations, viral replication, and changes in gene expression in response to treatment. Finally, the speakers identified research targets and priorities on DDIs. Areas of emphasis included development of diagnostic assays for drug concentration assessment in different organs, an enhanced understanding of factors responsible for alterations in drug metabolism and excretion, and establishment of clinical trials and work groups to study DDIs. Our long‐term objective is to broaden investigation in the field of DDIs in substance users.
Current Concepts in Methadone Metabolism and Transport
Authors: Kharasch Evan D.
Published: March 2017

Methadone is a cornerstone therapy for opioid addiction and a public health strategy for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C reduction. Methadone is also used for acute and chronic pain. As use for chronic pain has grown, so too have adverse events. Constitutive and acquired (drug interactions) inter‐ and intraindividual variability in methadone pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics confounds reliable clinical use. Identification of enzymes and transporters responsible for methadone disposition has been a long‐sought ideal. Initial in vitro studies identified CYP3A4 as metabolizing methadone. Subsequently, by extrapolation, CYP3A4 was long assumed to be responsible for clinical methadone disposition. However, CYP2B6 is also a major catalyst of methadone metabolism in vitro. It has now been unequivocally established that CYP2B6, not CYP3A4, is the principal determinant of methadone metabolism, clearance, elimination, and plasma concentrations in humans. Methadone disposition is susceptible to inductive and inhibitory drug interactions. CYP2B6 genetics also influences methadone metabolism and clearance, which were diminished in CYP2B6*6 carriers and increased in CYP2B6*4 carriers. CYP2B6 genetics can explain, in part, interindividual variability in methadone metabolism and clearance. Thus, both constitutive variability due to CYP2B6 genetics, and CYP2B6‐mediated drug interactions, can alter methadone disposition, clinical effect, and drug safety. Methadone is not a substrate for major influx or efflux transporters.
Determinants of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Disclosure in Developed and Developing Countries: A Literature Review
Authors: Ali Waris , Frynas Jedrzej George , Mahmood Zeeshan
Published: March 2017

Based on a survey and content analysis of 76 empirical research articles, this article reviews the factors driving Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosure in both developed and developing countries. We find that firm characteristics such as company size, industry sector, profitability, and corporate governance mechanisms predominantly appear to drive the CSR reporting agenda. Furthermore, political, social, and cultural factors influence the CSR disclosure agenda. We find crucial differences between the determinants of CSR disclosure in developed and developing countries. In developed countries, the concerns of specific stakeholders, for example, regulators, shareholders, creditors, investors, environmentalists and the media are considered very important in disclosing CSR information. In developing countries, CSR reporting is more heavily influenced by the external forces/powerful stakeholders such as international buyers, foreign investors, international media and international regulatory bodies (e.g. the World Bank). Furthermore, in contrast to developed countries, firms in developing countries perceive relatively little pressure from the public with regards to CSR disclosure. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
The impact of climate change on the distribution of two threatened Dipterocarp trees
Authors: Deb Jiban C. , Phinn Stuart , Butt Nathalie , McAlpine Clive A.
Published: March 2017

Two ecologically and economically important, and threatened Dipterocarp trees Sal (Shorea robusta) and Garjan (Dipterocarpus turbinatus) form mono‐specific canopies in dry deciduous, moist deciduous, evergreen, and semievergreen forests across South Asia and continental parts of Southeast Asia. They provide valuable timber and play an important role in the economy of many Asian countries. However, both Dipterocarp trees are threatened by continuing forest clearing, habitat alteration, and global climate change. While climatic regimes in the Asian tropics are changing, research on climate change‐driven shifts in the distribution of tropical Asian trees is limited. We applied a bioclimatic modeling approach to these two Dipterocarp trees Sal and Garjan. We used presence‐only records for the tree species, five bioclimatic variables, and selected two climatic scenarios (RCP4.5: an optimistic scenario and RCP8.5: a pessimistic scenario) and three global climate models (GCMs) to encompass the full range of variation in the models. We modeled climate space suitability for both species, projected to 2070, using a climate envelope modeling tool “MaxEnt” (the maximum entropy algorithm). Annual precipitation was the key bioclimatic variable in all GCMs for explaining the current and future distributions of Sal and Garjan (Sal: 49.97 ± 1.33; Garjan: 37.63 ± 1.19). Our models predict that suitable climate space for Sal will decline by 24% and 34% (the mean of the three GCMs) by 2070 under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. In contrast, the consequences of imminent climate change appear less severe for Garjan, with a decline of 17% and 27% under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. The findings of this study can be used to set conservation guidelines for Sal and Garjan by identifying vulnerable habitats in the region. In addition, the natural habitats of Sal and Garjan can be categorized as low to high risk under changing climates where artificial regeneration should be undertaken for forest restoration.
Linear Triplatinum Tetrahydride Complex Supported by Triphosphine Ligands, [Pt3(µ‐H)2(H)2(µ‐dpmp)2](BF4)2 {dpmp = bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)phenylphosphine}
Authors: Tanase Tomoaki , Yamamoto Kana , Hatano Rika , Nakamae Kanako , Kure Bunsho , Ura Yasuyuki , Nakajima Takayuki
Published: March 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Tomoaki Tanase at Nara Women's University, Japan. The cover image shows the transformation of linear trihydride hexaplatinum complex Pt6H3 to a novel linear triplatinum tetrahydride (Pt3H4) by treatment with HBF4.
Two‐stage complete allocation sampling
Authors: Salehi Mohammad M. , Seber George A. F.
Published: March 2017

An adaptive sample involves modifying the sampling design on the basis of information obtained during the survey while remaining in the probability sampling framework. Complete allocation sampling is an efficient and easily implemented 2‐phase adaptive sampling design that targets field effort to rare species and is logistically feasible. The population is partitioned into strata that contain (secondary) units, and a simple random sample of secondary units is selected from each of the strata. If an individual is observed in any selected unit, all the units in its stratum will then be sampled in the second phase. However, the condition of observing at least 1 individual in a unit to survey all units in its stratum might be too restrictive for some populations and too expensive. We extend the design 2 ways. First, we introduce a 2‐stage sampling scheme with primary units taking over the role of strata and taking a random sample of primary units. A simple random sample of the secondary units in each selected primary unit is then carried out and if any more than a certain number of rare units (and not just any) are found, the whole primary unit is sampled. This more general criterion for selection is the second extension. If we choose all the primary units, then we are back to complete allocation sampling with strata. We derive an unbiased estimator for the total and its variance estimator for this new 2‐stage design. Using a real‐life population of buttercups, we show that this 2‐stage design observes more buttercups and its estimator can be considerably more precise compared to its conventional sampling design counterpart.
Physicochemical effect of Pt nanoparticles/γ‐Al2O3 on the oleic acid hydrodeoxygenation to biofuel
Authors: Sánchez‐Cárdenas Manuel , Medina‐Valtierra Jorge , Kamaraj Sathish‐Kumar , Trejo‐Zárraga Fernando , Antonio Sánchez‐Olmos Luis
Published: March 2017

Pt/γ‐Al2O3 materials with different metal loading were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation method and tested as catalysts for hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) at 320 and 340°C with 4 and 5 h of reaction time. Oleic acid was used as model molecule in HDO process for biodiesel production, since this acid is in high proportion in waste vegetable oils used in food and agro‐industrial processes. Increasing the Pt‐nanoparticles (Pt‐NPs) content influences on obtaining higher yields of n‐C17 at optimal conditions of 335°C for 4.86 h of reaction and 4 nm of nanoparticle size, statistically determined. Yields of alkanes were theoretically optimized and using regression models for obtaining response surfaces with size (S) and distribution (V) of Pt‐NPs as additional factors to temperature and reaction time. Interestingly, The Pt‐nanoparticles parameters had a higher interaction with the rest of the other parameters for the n‐C17 yield, suggested by a statistical P value less than 0.05. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1224–1233, 2017
Mercury in tunas and blue marlin in the North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Drevnick Paul E. , Brooks Barbara A.
Published: March 2017

Models and data from the North Pacific Ocean indicate that mercury concentrations in water and biota are increasing in response to (global or hemispheric) anthropogenic mercury releases. In the present study, we provide an updated record of mercury in yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) caught near Hawaii that confirms an earlier conclusion that mercury concentrations in these fish are increasing at a rate similar to that observed in waters shallower than 1000 m. We also compiled and reanalyzed data from bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) and blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) caught near Hawaii in the 1970s and 2000s. Increases in mercury concentrations in bigeye tuna are consistent with the trend found in yellowfin tuna, in both timing and magnitude. The data available for blue marlin do not allow for a fair comparison among years, because mercury concentrations differ between sexes for this species, and sex was identified (or reported) in only 3 of 7 studies. Also, mercury concentrations in blue marlin may be insensitive to modest changes in mercury exposure, because this species appears to have the ability to detoxify mercury. The North Pacific Ocean is a region of both relatively high rates of atmospheric mercury deposition and capture fisheries production. Other data sets that allow temporal comparisons in mercury concentrations, such as pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) in Alaskan waters and albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) off the US Pacific coast, should be explored further, to aid in understanding human health and ecological risks and to develop additional baseline knowledge for assessing changes in a region expected to respond strongly to reductions in anthropogenic mercury emissions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1365–1374. © 2017 SETAC
New promising antifouling agent based on polymeric biocide polyhexamethylene guanidine molybdate
Authors: Protasov Alexander , Bardeau Jean-Francois , Morozovskaya Irina , Boretska Mariia , Cherniavska Tetiana , Petrus Lyudmyla , Tarasyuk Oksana , Metelytsia Larisa , Kopernyk Iryna , Kalashnikova Larisa , Dzhuzha Oleg , Rogalsky Sergiy
Published: March 2017

A new polymeric biocide polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) molybdate has been synthesized. The obtained cationic polymer has limited water solubility of 0.015 g/100 mL and is insoluble in paint solvents. The results of acute toxicity studies indicate moderate toxicity of PHMG molybdate, which has a median lethal dose at 48 h of 0.7 mg/L for Daphnia magna and at 96 h of 17 mg/L for Danio rerio (zebrafish) freshwater model organisms. Commercial ship paint was then modified by the addition of a low concentration of polymeric biocide 5% (w/w). The painted steel panels were kept in Dnipro River water for the evaluation of the dynamics of fouling biomass. After 129-d exposure, Bryozoa dominated in biofouling of tested substrates, forming 86% (649 g/m2) of the total biomass on control panel surfaces. However, considerably lower Bryozoa fouling biomass (15 g/m2) was detected for coatings containing PHMG molybdate. Dreissenidae mollusks were found to form 88% (2182 g/m2) of the fouling biomass on the control substrates after 228 d of exposure, whereas coatings containing PHMG molybdate showed a much lower biomass value of 23.6 g/m2. The leaching rate of PHMG molybdate in water was found to be similar to rates for conventional booster biocides ranging from 5.7 μg/cm2/d at the initial stage to 2.2 μg/cm2/d at steady state. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2543–2551. © 2017 SETAC
Indirect effects of climate change on zinc cycling in sediments: The role of changing water levels
Authors: Nedrich Sara M. , Burton G. Allen
Published: March 2017

Increased variability in lake and river water levels associated with changing climate could impact the fate and effects of metals in redox-sensitive sediments through the alteration of microbial communities and of acid–base and redox chemistry. The objective of the present study was to determine the influence of water level fluctuation on metal speciation in porewater and predict environmental risk to high-carbonate systems. Using experimental microcosms with sediments collected from 4 metal-contaminated coastal freshwater wetlands in Michigan, USA, we conducted water level fluctuation experiments. Porewater and sediment metals (Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Zn) and important metal binding phases (iron-oxide speciation, acid-volatile sulfide) were quantified. In a short-term drying (seiche) experiment, there were decreases in all porewater metals after inundation of saturated sediments. During a drought experiment, re-inundation of oxidized sediments increased porewater Cu, Zn, Mg, Ca for most sites. Porewater Zn increased after inundation to levels exceeding the US Environmental Protection Agency threshold for chronic toxicity. These data show that the dissolution of metal carbonates and metal sulfates contributes to metal release after re-flooding and indicate that we might expect increased ecological risk to organisms present in drought-sensitive regions where altered hydroperiods are likely to increase metal bioavailability. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2456–2464. © 2017 SETAC
Salinity impacts on water solubility and n-octanol/water partition coefficients of selected pesticides and oil constituents
Authors: Saranjampour Parichehr , Vebrosky Emily N. , Armbrust Kevin L.
Published: March 2017

Salinity has been reported to influence the water solubility of organic chemicals entering marine ecosystems. However, limited data are available on salinity impacts for chemicals potentially entering seawater. Impacts on water solubility would correspondingly impact chemical sorption as well as overall bioavailability and exposure estimates used in the regulatory assessment. The pesticides atrazine, fipronil, bifenthrin, and cypermethrin, as well as the crude oil constituent dibenzothiophene together with 3 of its alkyl derivatives, all have different polarities and were selected as model compounds to demonstrate the impact of salinity on their solubility and partitioning behavior. The n-octanol/water partition coefficient (KOW) was measured in both distilled-deionized water and artificial seawater (3.2%). All compounds had diminished solubility and increased KOW values in artificial seawater compared with distilled-deionized water. A linear correlation curve estimated salinity may increase the log KOW value by 2.6%/1 log unit increase in distilled water (R2 = 0.97). Salinity appears to generally decrease the water solubility and increase the partitioning potential. Environmental fate estimates based on these parameters indicate elevated chemical sorption to sediment, overall bioavailability, and toxicity in artificial seawater. These dramatic differences suggest that salinity should be taken into account when exposure estimates are made for marine organisms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2274–2280. © 2017 SETAC
Diffusive flux of PAHs across sediment–water and water–air interfaces at urban superfund sites
Authors: Minick D. James , Anderson Kim A.
Published: March 2017

Superfund sites may be a source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to the surrounding environment. These sites can also act as PAH sinks from present-day anthropogenic activities, especially in urban locations. Understanding PAH transport across environmental compartments helps to define the relative contributions of these sources and is therefore important for informing remedial and management decisions. In the present study, paired passive samplers were co-deployed at sediment–water and water–air interfaces within the Portland Harbor Superfund Site and the McCormick and Baxter Superfund Site. These sites, located along the Willamette River (Portland, OR, USA), have PAH contamination from both legacy and modern sources. Diffusive flux calculations indicate that the Willamette River acts predominantly as a sink for low molecular weight PAHs from both the sediment and the air. The sediment was also predominantly a source of 4- and 5-ring PAHs to the river, and the river was a source of these same PAHs to the air, indicating that legacy pollution may be contributing to PAH exposure for residents of the Portland urban center. At the remediated McCormick and Baxter Superfund Site, flux measurements highlight locations within the sand and rock sediment cap where contaminant breakthrough is occurring. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2281–2289. © 2017 SETAC
Correlation between fluorodeoxyglucose hotspots on pretreatment positron emission tomography/CT and preferential sites of local relapse after chemoradiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chaput Anne , Calais Jérémie , Robin Philippe , Thureau Sébastien , Bourhis David , Modzelewski Romain , Schick Ulrike , Vera Pierre , Salaün Pierre‐Yves , Abgral Ronan
Published: March 2017

Background

The potential benefits of 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose‐positron emission tomography/CT (FDG‐PET/CT) imaging for radiotherapy (RT) treatment planning of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are increasingly being recognized. It has been suggested that intratumoral subvolumes with high FDG avidity (“hotspots”) are potential targets for selected dose escalation. The purposes of this study were to demonstrate that pre‐RT FDG‐PET/CT can identify intratumoral sites at increased risk of local relapse after RT and to determine an optimal threshold to delineate smaller RT target volumes that would facilitate RT dose escalation without impaired tolerance.

Methods

Seventy‐two consecutive patients with locally advanced HNSCC treated by RT ± chemotherapy were included in this study. All patients underwent FDG‐PET/CT at initial staging (PETA) and during systematic follow‐up (PETR). FDG‐PET/CT was coregistered on the initial CT scan with a rigid method. Various subvolumes (AX; × = 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% standardized uptake value maximum [SUVmax] thresholds) within the primary tumor and in the subsequent local relapse (RX; × = 40% and 70% SUVmax thresholds) were compared together (Dice, Jaccard, overlap fraction, common volume/baseline volume, and common volume/recurrent volume).

Results

Nineteen patients (26%) had local relapses. Using a 40% SUVmax threshold, the initial metabolic tumor volume was significantly higher in patients with local relapses than in controlled patients (10.4 ± 8.6 vs 5.1 ± 4.9 cc; p = .002) as well as total lesion glycolysis (117.9 ± 88.6 vs 60.6 ± 80.4; p = .013). For both methods, the overlap index among A30, A40, and A50 subvolumes on PETA and the whole metabolic volume of recurrence R40 and R70 on PETR showed a moderate agreement (0.52 to 0.43).

Conclusion

Our study does not find high overlap index values between the initial tumor and recurrence subvolumes, probably because of a suboptimal coregistration. Our results also confirm that metabolic tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis are independently correlated with recurrence‐free survival in patients with HNSCC. Further larger prospective studies with FDG‐PET/CT performed in the same RT position and with a validated elastic registration method are needed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1155–1165, 2017
Inhibition of multi‐species oral biofilm by bromide doped bioactive glass
Authors: Galarraga‐Vinueza M. E. , Passoni B. , Benfatti C. A. M. , Mesquita‐Guimarães J. , Henriques B. , Magini R. S. , Fredel M. C. , Meerbeek B. V. , Teughels W. , Souza J. C. M.
Published: March 2017

Bioactive glass is an attractive biomaterial that has shown excellent osteogenic and angiogenic effects for oral bone repairing procedures. However, anti‐biofilm potential related to such biomaterial has not been completely validated, mainly against multi‐species biofilms involved in early tissue infections. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti‐biofilm effect of 58 S bioactive glass embedding calcium bromide compounds at different concentrations. Bioactive glass free or containing 5, or 10 wt % CaBr2was synthesized by alkali sol‐gel method and then characterized by physco‐chemical analyses and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, samples were tested by microbiological assays using optical density, real time q‐PCR, and SEM. Bioactive glass particles showed accurate chemical composition and an angular shape with a bimodal size distribution ranging from 0.6 to 110 µm. The mean particle size was around 29 µm. Anti‐biofilm effect was recorded for 5 wt % CaBr2‐doped bioactive glass againstS. mitis, V. parvula, P. gingivais, S. gordoni, A. viscosus, F, nucleatum, P. gingivais. F. nucleatum, andP. gingivalis. Such species are involved in the biofilm structure related to infections on hard and soft tissues in the oral cavity. The incorporation of calcium bromide into bioactive glass can be a strategy to enhance the anti‐biofilm potential of bioactive glasses for bone healing and infection treatment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1994–2003, 2017.
Electrospun oriented gelatin‐hydroxyapatite fiber scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Salifu Ali A. , Lekakou Constantina , Labeed Fatima H.
Published: March 2017

Tissue engineering of human fetal osteoblast cells was investigated on gelatin‐hydroxyapatite (HA), crosslinked, electrospun oriented fiber scaffolds at the different HA concentrations of 0, 10, 20, and 25 wt % in the dry fibers and different fiber diameter, pore size and porosity of scaffolds. Rheological tests and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were conducted for all solutions used for electrospinning. It was found that 25 wt % HA‐gelatin scaffolds electrospun at 20 kV led to the greatest cell attachment, cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) production while fiber orientation improved the mechanical properties, where crosslinked electrospun 25 wt % HA‐gelatin fiber scaffolds yielded a Young's modulus in the range of 0.5–0.9 GPa and a tensile strength in the range of 4–10 MPa in the fiber direction for an applied voltage of 20–30 kV, respectively, in the electrospinning of scaffolds. Biological characterization of cell seeded scaffolds yielded the rate of cell growth and ECM (collagen and calcium) production by the cells as a function of time; it included cell seeding efficiency tests, alamar blue cell proliferation assay, alkaline phosphate (ALP) assay, collagen assay, calcium colorimetric assay, fluorescence microscopy for live and dead cells, and scanning electron microscopy for cell culture from 1 to 18 days. After 18 days, cells seeded and grown on the 25 wt % HA‐gelatin scaffold, electrospun at 20 kV, reached production of collagen at 370 μg/L and calcium production at 0.8 mM. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1911–1926, 2017.
Tissue response to five commercially available peritoneal adhesion barriers—A systematic histological evaluation
Authors: Schmitt Volker H. , Mamilos Andreas , Schmitt Christine , Neitzer‐Planck Constanze N. E. , Rajab Taufiek K. , Hollemann David , Wagner Willi , Krämer Bernhard , Hierlemann Helmut , James Kirkpatrick C. , Brochhausen Christoph
Published: March 2017

Separating wounded serosa by physical barriers is the only clinically approved adjunct for postoperative adhesion prevention. Since the optimal adhesion barrier has not been found, it is essential to improve our pathogenic understanding of adhesion formation and to compare the effects of different barrier materials on tissue and cells. Wistar rats underwent standardized peritoneal damage and were treated either with Seprafilm, Adept, Intercoat, Spraygel, SupraSeal or remained untreated as a control. 14 days postoperatively, the lesions were explanted and histomorphologically analyzed using the European ISO score to evaluate material implants. Striking differences between the material groups were present regarding the inflammation, fibrosis, and foreign body reaction. According to the ISO score, Intercoat and Spraygel were considered as nonirritating to tissue. Adept, Seprafilm, and SupraSeal were assessed as mild‐irritating materials. Interestingly, the most effective material in adhesion prevention revealed moderate inflammation accompanied by minor fibrosis. The degree of inflammation to barrier materials does not predict the efficacy in the prevention of adhesions. Histopathological investigations are crucial to improve our understanding of the cellular mechanisms during adhesion formation and elucidate the tissue response to material approaches used in adhesion prevention. This will lead to improved antiadhesive strategies and the development of functional barrier biomaterials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 598–609, 2018.
Assessment of Bone Health in Patients With Type 1 Gaucher Disease Using Impact Microindentation
Authors: Herrera Sabina , Pérez-López Jordi , Moltó-Abad Marc , Güerri-Fernández Roberto , Cabezudo Elena , Novelli Silvana , Esteve Jordi , Hernández Albert , Roig Inmaculada , Solanich Xavier , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Nogués Xavier , Díez-Pérez Adolfo
Published: March 2017

Gaucher disease (GD), one of the most common lysosomal disorders (a global population incidence of 1:50,000), is characterized by beta-glucocerebrosidase deficiency. Some studies have demonstrated bone infiltration in up to 80% of patients, even if asymptomatic. Bone disorder remains the main cause of morbidity in these patients, along with osteoporosis, avascular necrosis, and bone infarcts. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has been shown to improve these symptoms. This cross-sectional study included patients with type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1) selected from the Catalan Study Group on GD. Clinical data were collected and a general laboratory workup was performed. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine and hip using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Patients with bone infarcts or any other focal lesion in the area of indentation visible on imaging were excluded. Bone Material Strength index (BMSi) was measured by bone impact microindentation using an Osteoprobe instrument. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models were fitted to adjust for age, sex, weight, and height. Sixteen patients with GD1 and 29 age- and sex-matched controls were included. GD1 was associated with significantly lower BMSi (adjusted beta –9.30; 95% CI, –15.18 to –3.42; p = 0.004) and reduced lumbar BMD (adjusted beta –0.14; 95% CI, –0.22 to –0.06; p = 0.002) and total hip BMD (adjusted beta –0.09; 95% CI, –0.15 to –0.03; p = 0.006), compared to GD1-free controls. Chitotriosidase levels were negatively correlated with BMSi (linear R2 = 51.6%, p = 0.004). Bone tissue mechanical characteristics were deteriorated in patients with GD1. BMSi was correlated with chitotriosidase, the marker of GD activity. Bone disorder requires special consideration in this group of patients, and microindentation could be an appropriate tool for assessing and managing their bone health. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Relocation of NPM Affects the Malignant Phenotypes of Hepatoma SMMC‐7721 Cells
Authors: Li Xiao , Xu Dong‐Hui , Liu Fan , Liu Guo‐Yan , Lu Kun , Deng Xiao‐Ling , Li Qi‐Fu , Shi Song‐Lin
Published: March 2017

Nucleophosmin(NPM), heavily implicated in diverse solid tumors, is an important multifunctional protein mainly located in the nucleolus. Our previous study confirmed that NPM can also localize and accumulate in the cytoplasm of liver cancer cells. However, the role of cytoplasmic NPM (NPMc +) is unclear. Here, we showed that both nucleolar NPM and NPMc+ could promote cell proliferation, although the effect of NPMc+ was weaker than that of NPM. Cell adhesion ability of hepatoma cells was significantly reduced to a greater extent by NPMc+ expression. Nucleolar NPM enhanced cell migration and invasion, whereas NPMc+ impeded cell migration and invasion. The investigation of NPM interactional proteins by proteomic method demonstrated that the NPM was involved in multiple biological processes. By contrast, the interactional proteins of NPMc+ were mainly implicated in tRNA amino acylation regulation. The interactional network of NPMc+ was significantly small and simple. These results suggested that relocation of NPM altered its interactional network and consequently disturbed the primary functions, including cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, and invasion. NPM plays a promotional role in cancer and the reducing relocation may be a potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3225–3236, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.