bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Polyazaphosphorus Macrocycles. Synthetic Approaches to Symmetric or Dissymmetric 18‐, 20‐, 22‐, and 30‐Membered Rings.
Authors: BADRI M. , MAJORAL J.‐P. , CAMINADE A.‐M. , DELMAS M. , GASET A. , GORGUES A. , JAUD J.
Published: May 2016

High‐yield synthetic routes to sym., functionalized or unfunctionalized 18‐, 20‐, 22‐, or 30‐membered rings containing P‐N‐N linkages are reported as shown for (III) and (IV) via (1 + 1), (2 + 2) or (3 + 3) condensation reactions involving phosphodihydrazides and 1,2‐, 1,3‐ or 1,4‐dialdehydes.
ChemInform Abstract: Six‐ and Seven‐Coordinate Manganese(II) Complexes of Schiff‐Base Ligands Derived from the Condensation of 2,6‐Diacetylpyridine with Ethanolamine (L1) or Propanolamine (L2); X‐Ray Crystal Structures of (MnL1Cl2)·H2O and ((MnL2(NCS)2)x).
Authors: BROOKER S. , MCKEE V.
Published: May 2016

The complex (VIa) crystallizes in P1 with Z=2, the compounds (VIb) with analogous structures are prepared using Mn perchlorate followed by anion metathesis in yields of 65 and 55%.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Characterizations of Two Novel Heterometallic Trinuclear Incomplete Cubane‐Like Clusters ((CH3CH2)4N)(M2CuS4)(S2C2H4)2(PPh3) (M: Mo, W).
Authors: ZHU N. , ZHENG Y. , WU X.
Published: May 2016

The title complexes are prepared by a known unit‐construction method (yields not given).
ChemInform Abstract: Preparation and Properties of Highly Doped Single Crystals of p‐CdSiAs2.
Authors: RUD' V. YU. , RUD' YU. V. , SERGINOV M.
Published: May 2016

Gallium‐doped single crystals of the title compound are prepared from CdAs, SiAs and GaAs by crystallization from non‐stoichiometric melts.
ChemInform Abstract: NH4Cu4Br3+xI2‐x, Conductors with Fast Copper Ion Transfer.
Authors: SHVETSOV V. S. , IVANOV V. V.
Published: May 2016

The NH4I‐CuBr‐CuI system is investigated by XRD and DTA, as well as conductivity measurements.
ChemInform Abstract: Systematic Design of Chemical Oscillators. Part 63. Large Amplitude pH Oscillation in the Oxidation of Hydroxylamine by Iodate in a Continuous‐Flow Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR).
Authors: RABAI G. , EPSTEIN I. R.
Published: May 2016

Large amplitude pH oscillation with an oscillatory period of 2‐6 h occurs in the IO3‐‐NH2OH reaction in a CSTR in a narrow range of flow rates and input concentrations.
ChemInform Abstract: Enhanced Oxygen Storage Capacity of Cerium Oxides in CeO2/La2O3/Al2O3 Containing Precious Metals.
Authors: MIKI T. , OGAWA T. , HANEDA M. , KAKUTA N. , UENO A. , TATEISHI S. , MATSUURA S. , SATO M.
Published: May 2016

Pt/Rh‐modified CeO2/Al2O3 and CeO2/La2O3/Al2O3 catalysts prepared by impregnation with an aqueous solution of H4PtCl6 and RhCl3 are found to have larger oxygen storage capacities (OSC) than the corresponding unmodified catalysts.
ChemInform Abstract: Evidence for Branching of Long‐Chain n‐Alkanes via Protonated Cycloalkanes Larger than Cyclopropane.
Authors: MARTENS J. A. , JACOBS P. A.
Published: May 2016

The branching of alkanes such as (I) leads to methyl isomers (III)‐(V) and 3‐alkyl derivatives such as (VI).
ChemInform Abstract: A Novel Route to the 4‐Anilido‐4‐(methoxycarbonyl)piperidine Class of Analgetics.
Authors: FELDMAN P. L. , BRACKEEN M. F.
Published: May 2016

Reaction of the piperidone (I) with trimethylsilyl cyanide (II) and aniline (III) gives the anilino nitrile (IV) which is coupled with chlorosulfonyl isocyanate (V) and cyclized to produce the hydantoin (VI).
ChemInform Abstract: Reaction of Benzaldehyde Tosylhydrazone with Sodium Diethyl Phosphite.
Authors: TOPOLSKI M. , RACHON J.
Published: May 2016

The title reaction under basic conditions yields the products (III) and (IV).
ChemInform Abstract: Amphiphilic Carbohydrate‐Based Mesogens. Part 5. Mesogenic 1‐O‐Alkyl‐D‐glucitols from Alkyl D‐Glucopyranosides.
Authors: DAHLHOFF W. V.
Published: May 2016

Title compounds such as (II) are prepared by a simple one‐pot procedure via selective hydroboration of the endocyclic acetal bond.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemical Reactions in Gas Discharges. Part 3. Thermolytical and Plasmachemical Induced Decomposition of Si2OCl6
Authors: KORNICK A. , BINNEWIES M.
Published: May 2016

is studied in the temp. range 1296‐1413 K by means of mass spectrometry.
ChemInform Abstract: Preparation and 11B NMR Spectra of the Perhalogenated closo‐Hexaborates B6XnY2‐ 6‐n, n = 0‐6; X ≠ Y: Cl, Br, I.
Authors: PREETZ W. , STALLBAUM M.
Published: May 2016

The mixed halogenohexaborates (B6XnY6‐n)2‐ (X ≠ Y: Cl, Br, I; n = 1‐5) including most of the pure stereoisomers for n = 2‐4 are prepared by treatment of (B6XnH6‐n)2‐ (X: Cl, Br) with N‐bromosuccinimide or I2/KI in aqueous NaOH solution (pH 7‐9, 0 °C, precipitation as NBu4+ salts, 40‐50% yield).
ChemInform Abstract: Coordinational Behavior of Solvent‐Free Diorganylzinc Compounds: The Remarkable X‐Ray Structure of Dimeric Diphenylzinc.
Authors: MARKIES P. R. , SCHAT G. , AKKERMAN O. S. , BICKELHAUPT F. , SMEETS W. J. J. , SPEK A. L.
Published: May 2016

With a view to understanding reactions in which organozinc compounds are used as intermediates in organic synthesis or as alkylation agents, the structure and properties of organozinc compounds are needed.
ChemInform Abstract: Acid‐Catalysed Rearrangement of the Diels‐Alder Adducts of Activated Quinones.
Authors: FARINA F. , PAREDES M. C. , VALDERRAMA J. A.
Published: May 2016

When the Diels‐Alder adduct (I) is treated with 8 M HCl the products (II) are obtained, whereas with 1.3 M HCl (Ia) and (Ic) yield the alcohols (IIIa) and (IIIb).
ChemInform Abstract: Furan Derivatives. Part 12. Synthesis of 2,5‐Dioxacyclohepta(jkl)‐as‐indacenes.
Authors: HORAGUCHI T. , MIYAZAWA K. , HASEGAWA E. , SHIMIZU T. , SUZUKI T. , TANEMURA K.
Published: May 2016

The esters (I) and (V) are transformed to the title compounds using method A) or B).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of the First Stable 1,2‐Silathietane.
Authors: BOUDJOUK P. , SAMARAWEERA U.
Published: May 2016

Sulfur reacts with the silirane (I) to produce the first isolable silathietane (III) and the siladithiacyclopentane (IV).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Crystal Structures of 4‐Amino‐3‐methyl‐1,4‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐triazole‐5‐thione, Dichloro(4‐amino‐3‐methyl‐1,4‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐triazole‐5‐thione)copper(II) Monohydrate, and catena‐Di‐μ‐chloro‐μ‐(4‐amino‐3‐methyl‐1,2,4‐triazole‐N1,N2)copper(II). An Example of Desulfuration Promoted by Copper(II).
Authors: BIGOLI F. , LANFRANCHI M. , PELLINGHELLI M. A.
Published: May 2016

Compound (I) is prepared and its complexation behavior with CuCl2 is investigated.
Synthesis of Novel Chiral Sulfonamide‐Bearing 1,2,4‐Triazole‐3‐thione Analogs Derived fromD‐andL‐Phenylalanine Esters as Potential Anti‐Influenza Agents
Authors: Başaran Eyüp , Karaküçük‐Iyidoğan Ayşegül , Schols Dominique , Oruç‐Emre Emine Elçin
Published: May 2016

Novel enantiopure 1,2,4‐trizole‐3‐thiones containing a benzensulfonamide moiety were synthesized via multistep reaction sequence starting withD‐phenylalanine methyl ester andL‐phenylalanine ethyl ester as a source of chirality. The chemical structures of all compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, UV, IR,1H NMR,13C NMR, 2D NMR (HETCOR), and mass spectral data. All compounds were tested in vitro antiviral activity against a broad variety of DNA and RNA viruses and in vitro cytostatic activity against murine leukemia (L1210), human T‐lymphocyte (CEM) and human cervix carcinoma (HeLa) cell lines. Although enantiopure 1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thione analogs in (R) configuration emerged as promising anti‐influenza A H1N1 subtype in Madin Darby canine kidney cell cultures (MDCK), their enantiomers exhibited no activity. Especially compounds18a,21a,22a,23a, and24a(EC50: 6.5, 6.1, 2.4, 1.6, 1.7 μM, respectively) had excellent activity against influenza A H1N1 subtype compared to the reference drug ribavirin (EC50: 8.0 μM). Several compounds have been found to inhibit proliferation of L1210, CEM and HeLa cell cultures with IC50in the 12–53 μM range. Compound5aand27ain (R) configuration were the most active compounds (IC50: 12–22 μM for5aand IC50: 19–23 μM for27a).Chirality 28:495–513, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dependence of Excited‐State Properties of a Low‐Bandgap Photovoltaic Copolymer on Side‐Chain Substitution and Solvent
Authors: Zhao Ning‐Jiu , Zhang Mao‐Jie , Liang Ran , Fu Li‐Min , Zhang Wei , Ai Xi‐Cheng , Hou Jian‐Hui , Zhang Jian‐Ping
Published: May 2016

The excited‐state properties and chain conformations of a new low‐bandgap copolymer based on benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT) and thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene with meta‐alkoxyphenyl‐substituted side chains in solution were investigated comprehensively. Time‐resolved spectroscopy suggested that the excited‐state properties were sensitive to the conformations of the copolymer in solution. In addition, excited‐state dynamics analyses revealed the photogeneration of triplet excited states by intersystem crossing (ISC) at a rate constant of ∼0.4×109 s−1 as a result of direct meta‐alkoxyphenyl connection to the donor unit BDT irrespective to the macromolecular conformations. According to El‐Sayed's rule, the fast ISC herein is correlated with the change of orbital types between singlet and triplet excited states as also shown by quantum chemical calculations. Our studies may shed light on the structure–property relationships of photovoltaic materials.
Increase retention, graduation rates with an academy model
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: May 2016

CHICAGO — Knowing what supports help students persist and graduate is the first step to boosting their success rates. Implementing effective strategies on a large scale is the next challenge.
The effect of diet and time after bacterial infection on fecundity, resistance, and tolerance in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kutzer Megan A. M. , Armitage Sophie A. O.
Published: May 2016

Mounting and maintaining an effective immune response in the face of infection can be costly. The outcome of infection depends on two host immune strategies: resistance and tolerance. Resistance limits pathogen load, while tolerance reduces the fitness impact of an infection. While resistance strategies are well studied, tolerance has received less attention, but is now considered to play a vital role in host–pathogen interactions in animals. A major challenge in ecoimmunology is to understand how some hosts maintain their fitness when infected while others succumb to infection, as well as how extrinsic, environmental factors, such as diet, affect defense. We tested whether dietary restriction through yeast (protein) limitation affects resistance, tolerance, and fecundity in Drosophila melanogaster. We predicted that protein restriction would reveal costs of infection. Because infectious diseases are not always lethal, we tested resistance and tolerance using two bacteria with low lethality: Escherichia coli and Lactococcus lactis. We then assayed fecundity and characterized bacterial infection pathology in individual flies at two acute phase time points after infection. As expected, our four fecundity measures all showed a negative effect of a low‐protein diet, but contrary to predictions, diet did not affect resistance to either bacteria species. We found evidence for diet‐induced and time‐dependent variation in host tolerance to E. coli, but not to L. lactis. Furthermore, the two bacteria species exhibited remarkably different infection profiles, and persisted within the flies for at least 7 days postinfection. Our results show that acute phase infections do not necessarily lead to fecundity costs despite high bacterial loads. The influence of intrinsic variables such as genotype are the prevailing factors that have been studied in relation to variation in host tolerance, but here we show that extrinsic factors should also be considered for their role in influencing tolerance strategies.
Habitat, predators, and hosts regulate disease in Daphnia through direct and indirect pathways
Authors: Strauss Alexander T. , Shocket Marta S. , Civitello David J. , Hite Jessica L. , Penczykowski Rachel M. , Duffy Meghan A. , Cáceres Carla E. , Hall Spencer R.
Published: May 2016

Community ecology can link habitat to disease via interactions among habitat, focal hosts, other hosts, their parasites, and predators. However, complicated food web interactions (i.e., trophic interactions among predators and their impacts on host density and diversity) often obscure the important pathways regulating disease. Here, we disentangle community drivers in a case study of planktonic disease, using a two‐step approach. In step one, we tested univariate field patterns linking community interactions directly to two disease metrics. Density of focal hosts (Daphnia dentifera) was related to density but not prevalence of fungal (Metschnikowia bicuspidata) infections. Both disease metrics appeared to be driven by selective predators that cull infected hosts (fish, e.g., Lepomis macrochirus), sloppy predators that spread parasites while feeding (midges, Chaoborus punctipennis), and spore predators that reduce contact between focal hosts and parasites (other zooplankton, especially small‐bodied Ceriodaphnia sp.). Host diversity also negatively correlated with disease, suggesting a dilution effect. However, several of these univariate patterns were initially misleading, due to confounding ecological links among habitat, predators, host density, and host diversity. In step two, path models uncovered and explained these misleading patterns, and grounded them in habitat structure (refuge size). First, rather than directly reducing infection prevalence, fish predation drove disease indirectly through changes in density of midges and frequency of small spore predators (which became more frequent in lakes with small refuges). Second, small spore predators drove the two disease metrics through fundamentally different pathways: they directly reduced infection prevalence, but indirectly reduced density of infected hosts by lowering density of focal hosts (likely via competition). Third, the univariate diversity–disease pattern (signaling a dilution effect) merely reflected the confounding direct effects of these small spore predators. Diversity per se had no effect on disease, after accounting for the links between small spore predators, diversity, and infection prevalence. In turn, these small spore predators were regulated by both size‐selective fish predation and refuge size. Thus, path models not only explain each of these surprising results, but also trace their origins back to habitat structure.
Insect herbivory fluctuations through geological time
Authors: Pinheiro Esther R. S. , Iannuzzi Roberto , Duarte Leandro D. S.
Published: May 2016

Arthropods and land plants are the major macroscopic sources of biodiversity on the planet. Knowledge of the organization and specialization of plant–herbivore interactions, such as their roles in food webs is important for understanding the processes for maintaining biodiversity. A limited number of studies have examined herbivory through geological time. The most have analyzed localities from one restricted interval within a geological period, or a time transition such as the Paleocene–Eocene boundary interval. In the present study, we analyzed the frequency of herbivory and density of damage type (DT) from the Middle Devonian to the early Miocene. The data were compiled from literature sources and focused on studies that describe occurrences of leaves with DTs indicating herbivore consumption as a proportion of the total number of leaves analyzed. The data were standardized based on the DT categories in the Damage Type Guide, and the age of each locality was updated based on the most recent geochronological standard and expressed in millions of years. Temperature and geological age were the best descriptors of the variation in herbivory frequency, which tended to increase at higher temperatures. Two models were equivalent to explain DT density: the interaction between CO2 levels and geological age, and O2 levels and geological age had the same predictive power. The density of DT tended to increase with higher content of atmospheric CO2 and O2 compared to modern values. The frequency of herbivory and the density of DTs appear to be influenced by long‐term atmospheric variables.
Location, location, location: Variation in sensitivity to pain across the body
Authors: Tracy L.M. , Georgiou‐Karistianis N. , Gibson S.J. , Giummarra M.J.
Published: May 2016

Background

There is evidence that sensitivity to noxious stimuli differs between the sexes and across the body, but few studies have investigated differences in the perception and experience of acute pain stimuli across the body in healthy individuals.

Methods

We recruited 52 healthy participants, aged 18–36 (50% men) and administered 39, 42 and 45 °C stimuli at four body sites bilaterally to examine differences in the experience of pain intensity and unpleasantness between body sites via an 11‐point numerical rating scale.

Results

Noxious and innocuous thermal heat stimuli were perceived as significantly more intense when delivered to the wrist (M = 3.98, SD = 1.93) and back (M = 4.07, SD = 1.98) compared to the shoulder (M = 3.45, SD = 1.91) and leg (M = 3.46, SD = 1.87). Pain unpleasantness ratings yielded similar findings; stimuli were perceived as more unpleasant when administered to the wrist (M = 2.83, SD = 1.93) and lower back (M = 3.04, SD = 2.11) compared to the shoulder (M = 2.63, SD = 1.85) and leg (M = 2.26, SD = 1.82).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that painful thermal stimuli delivered to the wrist and back are perceived as more intense and unpleasant compared with other body sites in healthy persons. These differences may be due to variations in receptor density, or the relative importance of these sites for daily living and survival.

Significance

Moreover, these insights are helpful for the design of studies investigating pain experience in healthy persons in experimental or clinical settings.

What does this study add?

We tested sensitivity to acute suprathreshold thermal stimulations across a range of body sites to investigate for potential variability. We found significant differences in the perceived intensity and unpleasantness of noxious and innocuous thermal stimuli at the wrist and lower back, compared with the shoulder and leg. These results suggest that pain experience is driven by receptor density or the relative functional importance of these sites.
Conductivity Sensor for Real‐time Monitoring of Magnesium Corrosion under Cell Culture Conditions
Authors: Ojo Kolade , Kuhlmann Julia , Hopkins Tracy , Heineman William R. , Pixley Sarah K.
Published: May 2016

Due to its ability to biodegrade in an aqueous, chloride‐containing environment, magnesium (Mg) metal, pure or as an alloy, has attracted significant interest in biomaterials research for use in biodegradable implants for bone repair and other applications. However, the interactions between Mg metal and surrounding cells and tissues as the metal resorbs need to be studied extensively to ensure adequate biocompatibility for each intended application. Cell death can result from high local concentrations of the soluble resorption products, which include Mg ions (Mg2+), alloying products, increased pH and hydrogen. Because these products are primarily ionic, we tested whether a conductivity sensor could be used to monitor Mg degradation by detecting changes in ionic strength in real time, in three physiologically appropriate fluids (a sodium chloride solution, phosphate buffered saline and a cell culture medium maintained under the standard conditions used for mammalian cell culture). Here we demonstrate that an electrochemical conductivity sensor, in combination with a pH sensor, recorded very different patterns of real‐time changes in the ionic environment created by Mg immersion and degradation in the three model electrolyte solutions, over a 48‐hour time period.
Extending the application of integral frame abutment bridges in earthquake‐prone areas by using novel isolators of recycled materials
Authors: Mitoulis Stergios A. , Palaiochorinou Anastasia , Georgiadis Ilias , Argyroudis Sotiris
Published: May 2016

Integral abutment bridges (IABs) are jointless structures without bearings or expansion joints which require minimum or zero maintenance. The barrier to the application of long‐span integral abutment bridges is the interaction of the abutment with the backfill soil during the thermal expansion and contraction of the bridge deck, that is, serviceability, or when the bridge is subjected to dynamic loads, such as earthquakes. The interaction of the bridge with the backfill leads to settlements and ratcheting of the soil behind the abutment and, as a result, the soil pressures acting on the abutment build up in the long term. This paper provides a solution for the aforementioned challenges by introducing a novel isolator that is a compressible inclusion of reused tyre‐derived aggregates placed between the bridge abutment and the backfill. The compressibility of typical tyre‐derived aggregates was measured by laboratory tests, and the compressible inclusion was designed accordingly. The compressible inclusion was then applied to a typical integral frame abutment model, which was subjected to static and dynamic loads representing in‐service and seismic loads correspondingly. The response of both the conventional and the isolated abutment was assessed based on the settlements of the backfill, the soil pressures and the actions of the abutment. The study of the isolated abutment showed that the achieved decoupling of the abutment from the backfill soil results in significant reductions of the settlements of the backfill and of the pressures acting on the abutment. Hence, the proposed research enables extending the length limits of integral frame bridges subjected to earthquake excitations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of proximate composition and sensory attributes of Clariid catfish species of Clarias gariepinus, Heterobranchus bidorsalis, and their hybrids
Authors: Olaniyi Wasiu A. , Makinde Olukayode A. , Omitogun Ofelia G.
Published: May 2016

Clariid catfish are favorite food fish especially in African and Asian continents. Recently there has been preference for particular species or hybrids of these species based on quality assurance and value addition. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the possible effect of different catfish species and their hybrids on proximate composition and sensory attributes. Catfish species, Clarias gariepinus (CC), Heterobranchus bidorsalis (HH), with their hybrid (CH), and reciprocal hybrid (HC) were evaluated for sensory variables – cognitive (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and recent characteristic taste ‘umami’) and qualitative (texture, aroma, flavor, and color) tests; and nutritional variables – proximate composition (moisture, protein, ether/fat, and ash). A 5‐point hedonic scale from ‘neutral/neither like nor dislike’ to ‘excellent/like extremely’ was employed in sensory testing. The results showed similar (P > 0.05) high moisture contents (>70%) in all species and high but different (P < 0.05) ash contents (11–14%) that suggested good sources of mineral elements. The parent species CC and HH had higher ash contents than CH or HC. The crude protein contents were high and similar (P > 0.05) across species (>57%). Fat or ether extract was different (P < 0.05) and tended to be higher for species with Clarias as the female parent than Heterobranchus. Sensory analysis showed the parent species, CC and HH, more favorably rated for sweet and umami than the hybrids, CH and HC. However, CH was less sour and bitter than all other species and HC better than CH for salty but similar to CC and HH. All fish species were very well liked for texture, but the parent species were superior in flavor than the hybrids. All species were very well liked for aroma, color, and overall acceptability except HC, which was moderately liked. HC rated inferior to the other species overall in sensory attributes. All the fish species did not rate ‘excellent/like extremely’ for any attribute. It can be concluded that the parent catfish species possess better sensory qualities than hybrids, but all species need exogenous enhancement to their natural sensory components.
Social perception of morbidity in facial nerve paralysis
Authors: Li Matthew Ka Ki , Niles Navin , Gore Sinclair , Ebrahimi Ardalan , McGuinness John , Clark Jonathan Robert
Published: May 2016

Background

There are many patient‐based and clinician‐based scales measuring the severity of facial nerve paralysis and the impact on quality of life, however, the social perception of facial palsy has received little attention. The purpose of this pilot study was to measure the consequences of facial paralysis on selected domains of social perception and compare the social impact of paralysis of the different components.

Method

Four patients with typical facial palsies (global, marginal mandibular, zygomatic/buccal, and frontal) and 1 control were photographed. These images were each shown to 100 participants who subsequently rated variables of normality, perceived distress, trustworthiness, intelligence, interaction, symmetry, and disability. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the results among each palsy.

Results

Paralyzed faces were considered less normal compared to the control on a scale of 0 to 10 (mean, 8.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.30–8.86) with global paralysis (mean, 3.4; 95% CI = 3.08–3.80) rated as the most disfiguring, followed by the zygomatic/buccal (mean, 6.0; 95% CI = 5.68–6.37), marginal (mean, 6.5; 95% CI = 6.08–6.86), and then temporal palsies (mean, 6.9; 95% CI = 6.57–7.21). Similar trends were seen when analyzing these palsies for perceived distress, intelligence, and trustworthiness, using a random effects regression model.

Conclusion

Our sample suggests that society views paralyzed faces as less normal, less trustworthy, and more distressed. Different components of facial paralysis are worse than others and surgical correction may need to be prioritized in an evidence‐based manner with social morbidity in mind. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38:1158–1163, 2016
Utility of up‐front transoral robotic surgery in tailoring adjuvant therapy
Authors: Gildener–Leapman Neil , Kim Jeehong , Abberbock Shira , Choby Garret W. , Mandal Rajarsi , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Ferris Robert L. , Kim Seungwon
Published: May 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to describe how the up‐front transoral robotic surgery (TORS) approach could be used to individually tailor adjuvant therapy based on surgical pathology.

Methods

Between January 2009 and December 2013, 76 patients received TORS for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Clinical predictors of adjuvant therapy were analyzed and comparisons were made between recommended treatment guidelines for up‐front surgery versus definitive nonsurgical approaches.

Results

Advanced N classification, human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive tumor, extracapsular spread (ECS; 26 of 76), perineural invasion (PNI; 14 of 76), and positive margins (7 of 76) were significant predictors of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) (p < .05). Up‐front TORS deintensified adjuvant therapy; 76% of stage I/II and 46% of stage III/IV patients avoided CRT. Conversely, pathologic staging resulted in 33% of patients who would have received radiotherapy (RT) alone based on clinical staging, to be intensified to receive adjuvant CRT.

Conclusion

The TORS approach deintensifies adjuvant therapy and provides valuable pathologic information to intensify treatment in select patients. TORS may be less effective in deintensification of adjuvant therapy in patients with clinically advanced N classification disease. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38:1201–1207, 2016
Delineating floodplain and upland areas for hydrologic models: a comparison of methods
Authors: Rathjens H. , Bieger K. , Chaubey I. , Arnold J. G. , Allen P. M. , Srinivasan R. , Bosch D. D. , Volk M.
Published: May 2016

A spatially distributed representation of basin hydrology and transport processes in hydrologic models facilitates the identification of critical source areas and the placement of management and conservation measures. Floodplains are critical landscape features that differ from neighbouring uplands in terms of their hydrological processes and functions. Accordingly, an important step in watershed modelling is the representation of floodplain and upland areas within a watershed. The aim of this study is (1) to evaluate four floodplain–upland delineation methods that use readily available topographic data (topographic wetness index, slope position, uniform flood stage, and variable flood stage) with regard to their suitability for hydrological models and (2) to introduce an evaluation scheme for the delineated landscape units. The methods are tested in three U.S. watersheds ranging in size from 334 to 629 km2 with different climatic, hydrological, and geomorphological characteristics. Evaluation of the landscape delineation methods includes visual comparisons, error matrices (i.e. cross‐tabulations of delineated vs reference data), and geometric accuracy metrics. Reference data were obtained from the Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps. Results suggest that the slope position and the variable flood stage method work very well in all three watersheds. Overall percentages of floodplain and upland areas allocated correctly were obtained by comparing delineated and reference data. Values range from 83 to 93% for the slope position and from 80 to 95% for the variable flood stage method. Future studies will incorporate these two floodplain–upland delineation methods into the subwatershed‐based hydrologic model Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to improve the representation of hydrological processes within floodplain and upland areas. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Secondary Teachers' Reflections From a Year of Professional Learning Related to Academic Language
Authors: Carter Hannah , Crowley Kimberly , Townsend Dianna R. , Barone Diane
Published: May 2016

This article explores the changing beliefs and practices of 25 secondary teachers participating in a yearlong professional learning (PL) partnership. To demonstrate differences in teachers' approaches to and understandings resulting from that PL, the authors looked more closely at three teachers and found that their ideas about academic language instruction and their related pedagogy progressed in ways that were consistent with the stated PL objectives. However, the teachers varied in the way they situated the learning within their practice. The cases presented highlight the aspects of PL that resonated most with the teachers participating in the yearlong initiative.
Cytotoxic and inflammatory responses of TiO2 nanoparticles on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Kongseng Supunsa , Yoovathaworn Krongtong , Wongprasert Kanokpan , Chunhabundit Rodjana , Sukwong Patinya , Pissuwan Dakrong
Published: May 2016

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2‐NPs) have been widely used in many applications. Owing to their nanoscale size, interactions between cells and NPs have been expansively investigated. With the health concerns raised regarding the adverse effects of these interactions, closer examination of whether TiO2‐NPs can induce toxicity towards human cells is greatly needed. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity of TiO2‐NPs towards human blood cells (peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs]) in serum‐free medium, for which there is little information regarding the cytotoxic effects of TiO2‐NPs. Our results provide evidence that PBMCs treated with TiO2‐NPs (at concentrations ≥25 μg ml−1) for 24 h significantly reduced cell viability and significantly increased production of toxic mediators such as reactive oxygen species and inflammatory response cytokines such as interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α (P < 0.05). Cell apoptosis induction also occurred at these concentrations. Significant expressions of cyclooxygenase‐2 and interleukin‐1β were also observed in PBMCs treated with TiO2‐NPs at concentrations ≥125 μg ml−1. Our data presented here clearly indicate that the concentration of TiO2‐NPs (at size ~26.4 ± 1.2 nm) applied to human blood cells has a strong impact on cytotoxic induction. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative study of two perfusion routes with different flow in decellularization to harvest an optimal pulmonary scaffold for recellularization
Authors: Wang Zhiyi , Wang Zhibin , Yu Qing , Xi Haitao , Weng Jie , Du Xiaohong , Chen Daqing , Ma Jianshe , Mei Jin , Chen Chan
Published: May 2016

Decellularization processes may variably distort or degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) structure. In this study, two perfusion routes (PR) were tested on SD rat lung samples. One decellularization protocol, PR1, was perfused through the pulmonary artery. The other decellularization protocol, PR2, was perfused through the trachea. Both decellularization protocols were used by the same detergent‐based (sodium dodecyl sulphate and Triton X‐100) with different flow continuous perfusion. There was no visible difference in vessel architecture between PR1‐ and PR2‐decellularized scaffold. However, the airway structure and alveoli architecture of pulmonary decellularized scaffolds generated through PR2 at a flow rate of 8 mL/min were destroyed partly when compared to that in native lung and PR1‐decellularized scaffold. Ultramicroscopic assessment of scaffolds was similar in both protocols and showed filamentous ECM with preserved fiber disposition and structure. Histological analysis and immunostaining showed no detectable cells remaining in the pulmonary scaffolds compare with native lung. The DNA concentration was significantly reduced in the decellularized scaffolds compared to the native lungs. A549 cells reseeded onto decellularized pulmonary scaffolds were no significant difference between PR1 and PR2 in cell viability, p > 0.05. We conclude that under the same high flow velocity status, perfusion decellularization through the pulmonary artery may be an optimal pathway to obtain decellularized scaffolds for pulmonary regeneration. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2567–2575, 2016.
Combination of Rapamycin and Resveratrol for Treatment of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Alayev Anya , Salamon Rachel S. , Schwartz Naomi S. , Berman Adi Y. , Wiener Sara L. , Holz Marina K.
Published: May 2016

Loss of TSC1 function, a crucial negative regulator of mTOR signaling, is a common alteration in bladder cancer. Mutations in other members of the PI3K pathway, leading to mTOR activation, are also found in bladder cancer. This provides rationale for targeting mTOR for treatment of bladder cancer characterized by TSC1 mutations and/or mTOR activation. In this study, we asked whether combination treatment with rapamycin and resveratrol could be effective in concurrently inhibiting mTOR and PI3K signaling and inducing cell death in bladder cancer cells. In combination with rapamycin, resveratrol was able to block rapamycin‐induced Akt activation, while maintaining mTOR pathway inhibition. In addition, combination treatment with rapamycin and resveratrol induced cell death specifically in TSC1−/− MEF cells, and not in wild‐type MEFs. Similarly, resveratrol alone or in combination with rapamycin induced cell death in human bladder cancer cell lines. These data indicate that administration of resveratrol together with rapamycin may be a promising therapeutic option for treatment of bladder cancer. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 436–446, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multimodal and non‐linear optical microscopy applications in reproductive biology
Authors: Adur J. , Barbosa G.O. , Pelegati V.B. , Baratti M.O. , Cesar C.L. , Casco V.H. , Carvalho H.F.
Published: May 2016

A plethora of optical techniques is currently available to obtain non‐destructive, contactless, real time information with subcellular spatial resolution to observe cell processes. Each technique has its own unique features for imaging and for obtaining certain biological information. However none of the available techniques can be of universal use. For a comprehensive investigation of biological specimens and events, one needs to use a combination of bioimaging methods, often at the same time. Some modern confocal/multiphoton microscopes provide simultaneous fluorescence, fluorescence lifetime imaging, and four‐dimensional imaging. Some of them can also easily be adapted for harmonic generation imaging, and to permit cell manipulation technique. In this work we present a multimodal optical workstation that extends a commercially available confocal microscope to include nonlinear/multiphoton microscopy and optical manipulation/stimulation tools. The nonlinear microscopy capabilities were added to the commercial confocal microscope by exploiting all the flexibility offered by the manufacturer. The various capabilities of this workstation as applied directly to reproductive biology are discussed. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:567–582, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
T1ρ and T2‐based characterization of regional variations in intervertebral discs to detect early degenerative changes
Authors: Pandit Prachi , Talbott Jason F. , Pedoia Valentina , Dillon William , Majumdar Sharmila
Published: May 2016

Lower back pain is one of the main contributors to morbidity and chronic disability in the United States. Despite the significance of the problem, it is still not well understood. There is a clear need for objective, non‐invasive biomarkers to localize specific pain generators and identify early stage changes to enable reliable diagnosis and treatment. In this study we focus on intervertebral disc degeneration as a source of lower back pain. Quantitative imaging markers T1ρ and T2 have been shown to be promising techniques for in vivo diagnosis of biochemical degeneration in discs due to their sensitivity to macromolecular changes in proteoglycan content and collagen integrity. We describe a semi‐automated technique for quantifying T1ρ and T2 relaxation time maps in the nucleus pulposus (NP) and the annulus fibrosus (AF) of the lumbar intervertebral discs. Compositional changes within the NP and AF associated with degeneration occur much earlier than the visually observable structural changes. The proposed technique rigorously quantifies these biochemical changes taking into account subtle regional variations to allow interpretation of early degenerative changes that are difficult to interpret with traditional MRI techniques and clinical subjective grading scores. T1ρ and T2 relaxation times in the NP decrease with degenerative severity in the disc. Moreover, standard deviation and texture measurements of these values show sharper and more significant changes during early degeneration compared to later degenerative stages. Our results suggest that future prospective studies should include automated T1ρ and T2 metrics as early biomarkers for disc degeneration‐induced lower back pain. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1373–1381, 2016.
Association between subchondral bone structure and osteoarthritis histopathological grade
Authors: Finnilä Mikko A. J. , Thevenot Jérôme , Aho Olli‐Matti , Tiitu Virpi , Rautiainen Jari , Kauppinen Sami , Nieminen Miika T. , Pritzker Kenneth , Valkealahti Maarit , Lehenkari Petri , Saarakkala Simo
Published: May 2016

Despite increasing evidence that subchondral bone contributes to osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis, little is known about local changes in bone structure compared to cartilage degeneration. This study linked structural adaptation of subchondral bone with histological OA grade. Twenty‐five osteochondral samples of macroscopically different degeneration were prepared from tibiae of 14 patients. Samples were scanned with micro‐computed tomography (μCT) and both conventional structural parameters and novel 3D parameters based on local patterns were analyzed from the subchondral plate and trabecular bone. Subsequently, samples were processed for histology and evaluated for OARSI grade. Each bone parameter and OARSI grade was compared to assess structural adaptation of bone with OA severity. In addition, thicknesses of cartilage, calcified cartilage, and subchondral plate were analyzed from histological sections and compared with subchondral bone plate thickness from μCT. With increasing OARSI grade, the subchondral plate became thicker along with decreased specific bone surface, while there was no change in tissue mineral density. Histological analysis showed that subchondral plate thickness from μCT also includes calcified cartilage. Entropy of local patterns increased with OA severity, reflecting higher tissue heterogeneity. In the trabecular compartment, bone volume fraction and both trabecular thickness and number increased with OARSI grade while trabecular separation and structure model index decreased. Also, elevation of local patterns became longitudinal in the subchondral plate and axial transverse in trabecular bone with increasing OARSI grade. This study demonstrates the possibility of radiological assessment of OA severity by structural analysis of bone. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:785–792, 2017.
Vermicompost and farmyard manure improves food quality, antioxidant and antibacterial potential ofCajanus cajan(L. Mill sp.) leaves
Authors: Das Subhasish , Hussain Nazneen , Gogoi Bhaskarjyoti , Buragohain Alak Kumar , Bhattacharya Satya Sundar
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) leaves are a good source of nutrition and health benefitting phenolic compounds. However, its importance has not yet been effectively addressed. Recently, a 2‐year field experiment was attempted in an alluvial soil to understand the role of various organic and inorganic fertilisers and their combinations not only on soil quality, but also on production of foremost phenolic compounds and imparting antioxidant and antibacterial properties inC. cajanunder vermicompost treatments.

RESULTS

Notable enhancements in crude protein, soluble carbohydrate, ash content and total flavonoid content were recorded inCajanusleaves under vermicompost treatments. We detected a significant rise in carlinoside content inC. cajanleaves, which is known to reduce bilirubin concentration in hepatitis affected human blood. Farmyard manure treatments resulted in a high crude fibre content coupled with a substantially high concentration of total phenols, and chlorophyll. In addition, incorporation of vermicompost with or without inorganic fertiliser in the soil had a significant impact on antioxidant and antibacterial properties ofC.cajanleaves. Above and beyond, farmyard manure and vermicompost positively influenced the physico‐chemical health of the soil.

CONCLUSION

The present nutrient management scheme based on organic input not only induced a higher yield ofC. cajanendowed with improved antioxidant and antibacterial properties, but also enhanced the production of various phenolic compounds. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy to promote limb transplant functional recovery
Authors: Fitzpatrick Emilie B. , Dehart Mary J. , Brown Tommy A. , Salgar Shashikumar K.
Published: May 2016

Background

Limb transplantation is a viable option for reconstruction after traumatic limb loss; however, functional recovery can be suboptimal. The aim of this study was to determine whether mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) administration can improve limb transplant functional recovery.

Methods

Orthotopic syngeneic hindlimb transplants were performed in Lewis rats, followed by topical and intravenous injections of syngeneic MSCs (5 × 106) or vehicle. Transplanted limb sensory and motor functions were tested by cutaneous pain reaction and walking track analysis, respectively.

Results

MSCs expanded ex vivo were CD29+, CD31−, CD34−, CD44+, CD45low, CD90+, MHC Class‐I+, Class‐II−, and pluripotent. Greater than 90% of limb transplants survived. At 4 weeks post‐transplantation, the mean sensory nerve (tibial, peroneal, or sural) function in MSC (n = 9) and vehicle (n = 9) groups was <0.3 on a scale of Grades 0–3 (0 = No function; 3 = Normal). By 8 weeks, the sensory scores for tibial, peroneal, and sural nerves were 2.2 ± 0.7, 1.2 ± 0.5, and 1.7 ± 0.9 in the vehicle, and 2.6 ± 0.4, 1.0 ± 0.9, and 1.7 ± 0.9 in the MSC group, respectively (n = 9/group). At 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks, the overall sensory function was higher in MSC group (≥7/group). Sciatic Function Index (SFI), a measure of motor function, could not be calculated because of poor foot prints; therefore, a novel grading system was developed. Bone fusion/vascularization as determined by X‐ray films/laser Doppler (≥2 week post‐transplantation) were normal (n = 3/group). Gastrocnemius muscle was atrophied (P < 0.05), and flexion contractures were evident by 24 weeks.

Conclusions

Bone marrow‐derived MSC therapy appears to improve sensory function recovery in a rat limb transplant model. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA Microsurgery 37:222–234, 2017.
High Job Demands and Low Job Control Increase Nurses’ Professional Leaving Intentions: The Role of Care Setting and Profit Orientation
Authors: Wendsche Johannes , Hacker Winfried , Wegge Jürgen , Rudolf Matthias
Published: May 2016

We investigated how two types of care setting (home care and nursing home) and type of ownership (for‐profit vs. public/non‐profit) of geriatric care services interacted in influencing registered nurses’ intention to give up their profession. In prior research, employment in for‐profit‐organizations, high job demands, and low job control were important antecedents of nurses’ intent to leave. However, the impact of care setting on these associations was inconclusive. Therefore, we tested a mediated moderation model predicting that adverse work characteristics would drive professional leaving intentions, particularly in for‐profit services and in nursing homes. A representative German sample of 304 registered nurses working in 78 different teams participated in our cross‐sectional study. As predicted, lower job control and higher job demands were associated with higher professional leaving intentions, and nurses reported higher job demands in public/non‐profit care than in for‐profit care, and in nursing homes compared to home care. Overall, RNs in nursing homes and home care reported similar intent to leave, but in for‐profit settings only, nurses working in nursing homes reported higher professional leaving intentions than did nurses in home care, which was linked to lower job control in the for‐profit nursing home setting, supporting mediated moderation. Taken together, our results indicate that the interplay of care setting and type of ownership is important when explaining nurses’ intentions to give up their profession. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.