bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrophobic protic ionic liquids tethered with tertiary amine group for highly efficient and selective absorption of H2S from CO2
Authors: Huang Kuan , Zhang Xiao‐Min , Hu Xing‐Bang , Wu You‐Ting
Published: June 2016

Developing absorbents with both high absorption capacity of H2S and large selectivity of H2S/CO2 is very important for natural gas sweetening process. To this end, a class of novel hydrophobic protic ionic liquids (ILs) containing free tertiary amine group as functional site for the absorption of H2S were designed in this work. They were facilely synthesized through a simple neutralization‐metathesis methodology by utilizing diamine compounds and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide as the building blocks for cation and anion, respectively. Impressively, the solubility of H2S can reach 0.546 mol mol−1 (1 bar) and 0.225 mol mol−1 (0.1 bar), and the selectivity of H2S/CO2 can reach 37.2 (H2S solubility at 1 bar vs. CO2 solubility at 1 bar) and 15.4 (H2S solubility at 0.1 bar vs. CO2 solubility at 1 bar) in the hydrophobic protic ILs at 298.2 K. Comparing the hydrophobic protic ILs with other absorbents justifies their superior performance in the selective absorption of H2S from CO2. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 4480–4490, 2016
Genetic heritage of Croatians in the Southeastern European gene pool—Y chromosome analysis of the Croatian continental and Island population
Authors: Šarac Jelena , Šarić Tena , Havaš Auguštin Dubravka , Novokmet Natalija , Vekarić Nenad , Mustać Mate , Grahovac Blaženka , Kapović Miljenko , Nevajda Branimir , Glasnović Anton , Missoni Saša , Rootsi Siiri , Rudan Pavao
Published: June 2016

Objectives

The research objective of this study is to enlarge and deepen the Y chromosome research on the Croatian population and enable additional insights into the population diversity and historic events that shaped the current genetic landscape of Croatia and Southeastern Europe (SEE).

Materials and Methods

A high‐resolution phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis of 66 biallelic (SNPs) and 17 microsatellite (STRs) markers of the Y chromosome was performed using 720 Croatian samples. The obtained results were placed in a wider European context by comparison with ∼4450 samples from a number of other European populations.

Results

A high diversity of haplogroups was observed in the overall Croatian sample, and all typical European Y chromosome haplogroups with corresponding clinal patterns were observed. Three distinct genetic signals were identifiable in the Croatian paternal gene pool ‐ I2a1b‐M423, R1a1a1b1a*‐M558, and E1b1b1a1b1a‐V13 haplogroups.

Discussion

The analyses of the dominant and autochthonous I2a1b‐M423 lineage (>30%) suggest that SEE had a significant role in the Upper Paleolithic, the R1a1a1b1a*‐M558 lineage (19%) represents a signal from present day Slavic populations of Central Europe in the Croatian population, and the phylogeography of the E1b1b1a1b1a‐V13 clade (around 9%) implies cultural diffusion of agriculture into Europe via the Balkan Peninsula. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:837–845, 2016. © 2016Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Severity of nasal obstruction can predict the anxiety status of patients with allergic rhinitis but not patients with vasomotor rhinitis
Authors: Xi Lin , Cao Feifei , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Luo
Published: June 2016

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic systemic allergic disease with an association reported between allergy and anxiety. The objective of the current study was therefore to investigate and retrospectively evaluate the factors that may possibly induce state and trait anxiety among patients with AR and vasomotor rhinitis (VMR).

Methods

A total of 253 outpatients suffering from AR and 108 suffering from VMR were assessed for nasal symptoms experienced during the 14 days prior to assessment. All patients scored the severity of their symptoms on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and answered the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire to evaluate their state (STAI‐S) and trait (STAI‐T) anxiety scores. Pearson's correlation and multiple regression tests were employed to assess correlations between symptom scores and anxiety status scores.

Results

The STAI‐S/T scores were not significantly different between AR and VMR patients; however, for AR patients, STAI‐S and STAI‐T were significantly associated with nasal obstruction and the total nasal symptom scores. Multiple regression analysis further demonstrated that only nasal obstruction significantly influenced both STAI‐S and STAI‐T scores. In contrast, nasal itching and total nasal symptom scores were significantly correlated with the STAI‐S and STAI‐T scores in VMR patients, whereas continuous sneezing VAS scores were significantly associated with only the STAI‐S score. However, multiple regression analysis showed that the associations between any of the 4 nasal symptom scores and STAI‐S and STAI‐T scores were not significant.

Conclusion

Nasal obstruction may play a prominent role in mediation of anxiety in patients suffering from AR, but not in patients suffering from VMR.
Primary aortoduodenal fistula with a history of distal gastrectomy
Authors: Inoue Kentaro , Fukunaga Ryota , Matsubara Yutaka , Aoyagi Yukihiko , Matsuda Daisuke , Kyuragi Ryoichi , Morisaki Koichi , Matsumoto Takuya , Oki Eiji , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: June 2016

Case

A 69‐year‐old man was transferred to our hospital because of an aortoduodenal fistula with hematemesis and pre‐shock vital signs. He had a history of alcoholism, malnutrition, and distal gastrectomy and Billroth I reconstruction. Endovascular aneurysm repair was successfully carried out; however, the presence of comorbidities affected further radical treatment.

Outcome

The patient survived for 2 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

Endovascular aneurysm repair is a useful first‐line treatment for high‐risk aortoduodenal fistula patients; however, it requires improvement for long‐term outcomes in complicated high‐risk cases.
Hexacyanoferrate‐based ionic liquids as Fenton‐like catalysts for deep oxidative desulfurization of fuels
Authors: Jiang Wei , Li Hongping , Yin Sheng , Wang Xin , Liu Wei , Liu Hui , Zhu Wenshuai , Li Huaming
Published: June 2016

Two hexacyanoferrate‐based ionic liquids, [C4Py]3Fe(CN)6 and [C16Py]3Fe(CN)6, were synthesized and characterized using Fourier transform infrared and mass spectroscopies and CHN analysis. They were employed as Fenton‐like catalysts in extraction and catalytic oxidative desulfurization of model oil with dibenzothiophene (DBT), benzothiophene (BT), 4,6‐dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6‐DMDBT), 4‐methyldibenzothiophene (4‐MDBT) and 3‐methylbenzothiophene (3‐MBT) as substrates. Various polar solvents, such as ionic liquids, water and organic solvents, were applied to choose a suitable extractant. The results showed the removal of DBT reached 97.1% with [C4Py]3Fe(CN)6 as a catalyst and 1‐n‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C8mim]PF6) as an extractant under optimal conditions. The activity of sulfur removal followed the order DBT > 3‐MBT > BT > 4‐MDBT >4,6‐DMDBT. The effect of water content on sulfur removal was investigated by adding various concentrations of H2O2. It was found that excess water had a positive effect on sulfur removal but the catalysts were less sensitive than [FeCl4−]‐based catalysts to water. The mechanism was studied using electron spin‐resonance spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. O2•− may be the active oxygen species in the catalytic oxidative desulfurization process and the oxidation products of various sulfur compounds were the corresponding sulfoxides and sulfones. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progress on the synthesis and catalytic and anti‐migration properties of ferrocene‐based burning rate catalysts
Authors: Zhou Weidong , Wang Li , Yu Haojie , Tong Rongbai , Chen Qing , Wang Junhua , Yang Xianpeng , Zain‐ul‐Abdin  , Saleem Muhammad
Published: June 2016

Burning rate catalysts are of great importance in solid composite propellants for their unique property of accelerating combustion speed. Among various kinds of burning rate catalysts, ferrocene and its derivatives exhibit excellent catalytic effects and have become the most widely used burning rate catalysts. However, these simple ferrocenyl compounds trend to migrate in solid composite propellants during storage, which causes great damage to the propellants, equipment and environment and can even affect personal safety. The exploration of novel anti‐migratory ferrocene‐based compounds has become an advanced research hotspot in the field of burning rate catalysis. This review focuses on recent progress on the synthesis and catalytic properties of ferrocene‐based polymers and ferrocene derivatives as burning rate catalysts. Two main aspects of anti‐migratory exploration, i.e. synthesis of ferrocene‐based polymers and modification of the side groups of ferrocene, are summarized. Ferrocene‐based polymers can be obtained via condensation polymerization, addition polymerization, ring‐opening polymerization, polymer reactions, etc. Ferrocenyl compounds with active groups and ferrocene‐based metal coordination compounds were developed instead of the methods of lengthening the carbon chain of side groups and improving molecular polarity. Also, possible mechanisms of burning rate catalytic activity and migration are discussed and analyzed. Finally, the key points of the development of ferrocene‐based burning rate catalysts and solid composite propellants are proposed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A techno‐economic analysis of the corn stover feedstock supply system for cellulosic biorefineries
Authors: Shah Ajay , Darr Matt
Published: June 2016

The primary feedstock choice for most first‐generation commercial cellulosic biorefineries in the Midwest is corn stover. Their rated capacities are between 76 and 114 million liters per year (MLPY). For uninterrupted operation of these plants, a year‐round supply of corn stover needs to be secured, requiring a robust, efficient, and cost‐effective feedstock supply system. Thus, the main objective of this work is to stochastically analyze the techno‐economics of corn stover supply system for a 114 MLPY cellulosic biorefinery in the Midwest using production‐scale experimental field data collected in Iowa. This study analyzes the resources requirements (equipment, labor, fuel, and consumables) and costs of different components of the supply chain that include harvesting (windrowing and baling), in‐field bale collection and stacking at the field‐edge, handling and transportation of bales from the field‐edge to the distributed storage facilities and then to the biorefinery plant, storage, and finally the audit of nutrients removed during stover collection from the field. Additionally, this study identifies and ranks different supply chain parameters based on their relative influence on the overall resources and costs requirements. A 114 MLPY cellulosic biorefinery annually requires around 0.95 million corn stover bales supply, 250 000 hours equivalent of labor and 4.3 million L of diesel fuel. The average cost of biorefinery gate delivered corn stover is estimated to be 121.9 $‐std. t−1. This cost is identified to be the most sensitive to bale density followed by harvest rate, bale length, baler field efficiency, and annual harvest days. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Validated sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for determination of antihistaminic drug azelastine HCl in pure form and in pharmaceutical dosage forms: application to stability study
Authors: El‐Masry Amal A. , Hammouda Mohammed E.A. , El‐Wasseef Dalia R. , El‐Ashry Saadia M.
Published: June 2016

A highly sensitive, simple and rapid spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the determination of azelastine HCl (AZL) in either its pure state or pharmaceutical dosage form. The proposed method was based on measuring the native fluorescence of the studied drug in 0.2 M H2SO4 at λem = 364 nm after excitation at λex = 275 nm. Different experimental parameters were studied and optimized carefully to obtain the highest fluorescence intensity. The proposed method showed a linear dependence of the fluorescence intensity on drug concentration over a concentration range of 10–250 ng/mL, with a limit of detection of 1.52 ng/mL and limit of quantitation of 4.61 ng/mL. Moreover, the method was successfully applied to pharmaceutical preparations, with percent recovery values (± SD) of 99.96 (± 0.4) and 100.1 (± 0.52) for nasal spray and eye drops, respectively. The results were in good agreement with those obtained by the comparison method, as revealed by Student's t‐test and the variance ratio F‐test. The method was extended to study the stability of AZL under stress conditions, where the drug was exposed to neutral, acidic, alkaline, oxidative and photolytic degradation according to International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Food control and a citizen science approach for improving teaching of Genetics in universities
Authors: Borrell Y.J. , Muñoz‐Colmenero A.M. , Dopico E. , Miralles L. , Garcia‐Vazquez E.
Published: June 2016

A Citizen Science approach was implemented in the laboratory practices of Genetics at the University of Oviedo, related with the engaging topic of Food Control. Real samples of food products consumed by students at home (students as samplers) were employed as teaching material in three different courses of Genetics during the academic year 2014–2015: Experimental Methods in Food Production (MBTA) (Master level), and Applied Molecular Biology (BMA) and Conservation Genetics and Breeding (COMGE) (Bachelor/Degree level). Molecular genetics based on PCR amplification of DNA markers was employed for species identification of 22 seafood products in COMGE and MBTA, and for detection of genetically modified (GM) maize from nine products in BMA. In total six seafood products incorrectly labeled (27%), and two undeclared GM maize (22%) were found. A post‐Laboratory survey was applied for assessing the efficacy of the approach for improving motivation in the Laboratory Practices of Genetics. Results confirmed that students that worked on their own samples from local markets were significantly more motivated and better evaluated their Genetic laboratory practices than control students (χ2 = 12.11 p = 0.033). Our results suggest that citizen science approaches could not be only useful for improving teaching of Genetics in universities but also to incorporate students and citizens as active agents in food control. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44(5):450–462, 2016.
Connecting common genetic polymorphisms to protein function: A modular project sequence for lecture or lab
Authors: Berndsen Christopher E. , Young Byron H. , McCormick Quinlin J. , Enke Raymond A.
Published: June 2016

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA can result in phenotypes where the biochemical basis may not be clear due to the lack of protein structures. With the growing number of modeling and simulation software available on the internet, students can now participate in determining how small changes in genetic information impact cellular protein structure and function. We have developed a modular series of activities to engage lab or lecture students in examining the basis for common phenotypes. The activities range from basic phenotype testing/observation to DNA sequencing and simulation of protein structure and dynamics. We provide as an example study of the bitterness receptor TAS2R38 and PTC tasting, however these activities are applicable to other SNPs or genomic variants with a direct connection to an observable phenotype. These activities are modular and can be mixed to meet the student capabilities and infrastructure availability. The complete sequence of activities will demonstrate the direct connection between gene structure, protein structure and organism function. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44(6):526–536, 2016.
Nanoporous Structures Similar to Those Reported from Squid Sucker Teeth are also Present in Egg Shells of a Terrestrial Flatworm (Platyhelminthes; Rhabditophora; Geoplanidae) from Hachijojima (Izu Islands, Japan)
Authors: Meyer‐Rochow Victor Benno , Miinalainen Ilkka
Published: June 2016

Shells of the egg cocoon of a terrestrial planarian (Diversibipalium sp.) from Hachijojima were found to be composed of a lattice of parallel nanotubes of ca. 120 nm diameter oriented perpendicular to the shell's surface. The arrangement of the porous proteinaceous tubes closely resembles that has recently been reported from the sucker teeth of squid and to date is the only other example of this kind of structure. Although the array of nanotubes undoubtedly contributes to the stiffness of the shell and helps protecting the embryo, questions such as to how the planary worm produces the array of nanotubes and what exactly their chemical and physical properties are versus those of the squid sucker tooth still remain to be answered.
Admission Serum Calcium Levels Improve the GRACE Risk Score Prediction of Hospital Mortality in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Yan Shao‐di , Liu Xiao‐jing , Peng Yong , Xia Tian‐li , Liu Wei , Tsauo Jiay‐yu , Xu Yuan‐ning , Chai Hua , Huang Fang‐yang , Chen Mao , Huang De‐jia
Published: June 2016

Background

The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score has been extensively validated to predict risk during hospitalization in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Recently, serum calcium has been suggested as an independent predictor for in‐hospital mortality in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction; however, the relationship between the 2 has not been evaluated.

Hypothesis

The combination of GRACE risk score and serum calcium could provide better performance in risk prediction.

Methods

The study enrolled 2229 consecutive patients with ACS. Independent predictors were identified by a multivariate logistic regression model. The incremental prognostic value added by serum calcium to the GRACE score was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic, net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

Results

Patients in the upper quartiles of serum calcium presented with lower in‐hospital mortality (odds ratios for 3 upper quartiles vs lowest quartile, respectively: 0.443, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.206‐0.953; 0.243, 95% CI: 0.090‐0.654; and 0.210, 95% CI: 0.082‐0.538). Area under the curve increased significantly after adding serum calcium to the GRACE score (0.685 vs 0.746; Z = 2.617, P = 0.009). Furthermore, inclusion of serum calcium in the GRACE score enhanced NRI (0.524; P = 0.009) and IDI (0.011; P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Lower serum calcium level on admission is a possible indicator of increased risk of in‐hospital mortality in ACS patients. Inclusion of serum calcium in the GRACE score may lead to a more accurate prediction of this risk. Large prospective studies are needed to confirm this finding.
mglur6b:EGFP Transgenic zebrafish suggest novel functions of metabotropic glutamate signaling in retina and other brain regions
Authors: Glasauer Stella M.K. , Wäger Robert , Gesemann Matthias , Neuhauss Stephan C.F.
Published: June 2016

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are mainly known for regulating excitability of neurons. However, mGluR6 at the photoreceptor‐ON bipolar cell synapse mediates sign inversion through glutamatergic inhibition. Although this is currently the only confirmed function of mGluR6, other functions have been suggested. Here we present Tg(mglur6b:EGFP)zh1, a new transgenic zebrafish line recapitulating endogenous expression of one of the two mglur6 paralogs in zebrafish. Investigating transgene as well as endogenous mglur6b expression within the zebrafish retina indicates that EGFP and mglur6b mRNA are not only expressed in bipolar cells, but also in a subset of ganglion and amacrine cells. The amacrine cells labeled in Tg(mglur6b:EGFP)zh1 constitute a novel cholinergic, non‐GABAergic, non‐starburst amacrine cell type described for the first time in teleost fishes. Apart from the retina, we found transgene expression in subsets of periventricular neurons of the hypothalamus, Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, various cell types of the optic tectum, and mitral/ruffed cells of the olfactory bulb. These findings suggest novel functions of mGluR6 besides sign inversion at ON bipolar cell dendrites, opening up the possibility that inhibitory glutamatergic signaling may be more prevalent than currently thought. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:1–1, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of the Drug‐Drug Interaction Between Isavuconazole and Warfarin in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Desai Amit , Yamazaki Takao , Dietz Albert J. , Kowalski Donna , Lademacher Christopher , Pearlman Helene , Akhtar Shahzad , Townsend Robert
Published: June 2016

This phase 1 trial evaluated pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between the novel triazole antifungal agent isavuconazole and warfarin in healthy adults. Multiple doses of isavuconazole were administered as the oral prodrug, isavuconazonium sulfate (372 mg 3 times a day for 2 days loading dose, then 372 mg once daily thereafter; equivalent to isavuconazole 200 mg), in the presence and absence of single doses of oral warfarin sodium 20 mg. Coadministration with isavuconazole increased the mean area under the plasma concentration‐time curves from time 0 to infinity of S‐ and R‐warfarin by 11% and 20%, respectively, but decreased the mean maximum plasma concentrations of S‐ and R‐warfarin by 12% and 7%, respectively, relative to warfarin alone. Mean area under the international normalized ratio curve and maximum international normalized ratio were 4% lower in the presence vs absence of isavuconazole. Mean warfarin area under the prothrombin time curve and maximum prothrombin time were 3% lower in the presence vs absence of isavuconazole. There were no serious treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), and no subjects discontinued the study due to TEAEs. All TEAEs were mild in intensity. These findings indicate that coadministration with isavuconazole has no clinically relevant effects on warfarin pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics.
Study and implementation of a 15‐W driver for piezoelectric actuators
Authors: Lin Chung‐Yi , Tampubolon Marojahan , Lo Yu‐Kang , Lin Jing‐Yuan , Wu Yueh‐Ching , Chiu Huang‐Jen
Published: June 2016

This paper studies and implements a 15‐W driver for piezoelectric actuators. The discussed driver is mainly composed of a flyback converter and a power operational amplifier (P‐OPA). The flyback converter produces a variable DC voltage to supply the P‐OPA, which outputs an amplified sinusoidal signal with a DC bias of 100 V to drive the piezoelectric actuator. The power losses can be reduced because the supply voltage of the P‐OPA varies with the peak of the input signal. The power conversion efficiency of the driver can thus be promoted up to more than 30%. From the experimental results, the implemented prototype possesses some advantageous features, such as a nearly constant output‐to‐input voltage gain, a high slew rate, a high input impedance, a low output impedance, and low output voltage ripples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphometric and cytomorphologic characterization of EGFR‐mutated cancer cells—comparison between cultured lung cancer cell lines and lung adenocarcinoma clinical samples
Authors: Nishiyama Naoko , Taguchi Kenichi , Yokoyama Toshihiro , Ichinose Yukito , Kage Masayoshi
Published: June 2016

Background

Recently molecular targeting therapies such as inhibition of enzyme activities associated with gene mutations responsible for lung carcinogenesis have been demonstrating promising outcomes, increasing the importance of gene analysis using clinical samples. Cytomorphologic findings with predictive value toward specific gene mutation such as EGFR mutation could be a useful tool to select appropriate gene analyses using limited clinical samples.

Methods

Morphometrical and cytomorphological evaluations were performed in 7 cultured lung cancer cell lines and 51 lung adenocarcinoma clinical samples to identify specific cytomorphologic characterization of EGFR‐mutated cancer cells compared to the wild type.

Results

Morphometry demonstrated that the EGFR mutated cell lines had significantly smaller nuclear area and perimeter and more circular nuclei compared to the wild type. In contrast, EGFR‐mutated clinical samples had significantly greater nuclear area and perimeter compared to the wild type EGFR samples. There were no clear differences in cytomorphologic parameters assessing nuclear atypicality between EGFR mutated cells and wild type EGFR cells in either cultured cell lines or clinical samples.

Conclusion

Although our study suggested that EGFR mutation may have specific effects on nuclear morphology, no consistent characteristics of EGFR‐mutated cells were identified in the clinical samples, probably due to various factors such as different pathologic stages and various incidences of lepidic growth. Further assessment of morphological characterization of EGFR‐mutated cells in lung adenocarcinoma is warranted, increasing the number of samples and considering the effects of polyploidy, other gene mutations, pathology stage and tumor subtypes such as lepidic growth. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:717–724. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Columnar cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma: A diagnostic dilemma in fine‐needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Verma Ritu , Paul Paramita
Published: June 2016

Columnar cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is an uncommon variant with an aggressive course as compared to classic papillary carcinoma. Cytologic diagnosis of these tumors is difficult due to absence of characteristic nuclear features of classic pattern of papillary carcinoma. We present a case of columnar cell variant in a young female misdiagnosed on aspiration cytology. A 21‐year‐old female presented with solitary nodule in the left aspect of thyroid. A diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma was rendered. The resected thyoroidectomy specimen revealed a columnar cell variant of PTC which was further supported by immunohistochemical staining. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:816–819. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maternal behavior influences development of a reflexive action pattern in the newborn rat
Authors: Kauer Sierra D. , Allmond Jacob T. , Belnap Starlie C. , Brumley Michele R.
Published: June 2016

This study examined the effect of maternal behavior on the expression and postnatal development of a reflexive behavior in rat pups. In neonatal rats, the leg extension response (LER) is a bilateral hyperextension of the hindlimbs in response to maternal anogenital licking (AGL). Past research has found that intranasal application of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) to the dam induces hyponosmia, thereby reducing the incidence of AGL. In this study, pregnant dams received intranasal application of air (control), distilled water (control), or ZnSO4 on the day before birth and every other day thereafter until postnatal day 9 (P9). The LER was experimentally evoked in pups, using a vibrotactile device, at P1, P5, or P10. Pups born to ZnSO4‐treated dams showed significantly shorter bilateral LER durations and significantly smaller ankle angles than pups born to control dams. Reduction of overall maternal AGL approached significance, and afternoon AGL was significantly reduced. These data suggest that maternal behavior influenced development of the LER in rat pups, demonstrating the influence of maternal care on behavioral development during the perinatal period.
The legacy of large regime shifts in shallow lakes
Authors: Ramstack Hobbs Joy M. , Hobbs William O. , Edlund Mark B. , Zimmer Kyle D. , Theissen Kevin M. , Hoidal Natalie , Domine Leah M. , Hanson Mark A. , Herwig Brian R. , Cotner James B.
Published: June 2016

Ecological shifts in shallow lakes from clear‐water macrophyte‐dominated to turbid‐water phytoplankton‐dominated are generally thought of as rapid short‐term transitions. Diatom remains in sediment records from shallow lakes in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America provide new evidence that the long‐term ecological stability of these lakes is defined by the legacy of large regime shifts. We examine the modern and historical stability of 11 shallow lakes. Currently, four of the lakes are in a clear‐water state, three are consistently turbid‐water, and four have been observed to change state from year to year (transitional). Lake sediment records spanning the past 150–200 yr suggest that (1) the diatom assemblage is characteristic of either clear or turbid lakes, (2) prior to significant landscape alteration, all of the lakes existed in a regime of a stable clear‐water state, (3) lakes that are currently classified as turbid or transitional have experienced one strong regime shift over the past 150–200 yr and have since remained in a regime where turbid‐water predominates, and (4) top‐down impacts to the lake food‐web from fish introductions appear to be the dominant driver of strong regime shifts and not increased nutrient availability. Based on our findings we demonstrate a method that could be used by lake managers to identify lakes that have an ecological history close to the clear–turbid regime threshold; such lakes might more easily be returned to a clear‐water state through biomanipulation. The unfortunate reality is that many of these lakes are now part of a managed landscape and will likely require continued intervention.
A recipe for postfledging survival in great titsParus major: be large and be early (but not too much)
Authors: Rodríguez Samuel , van Noordwijk Arie J. , Álvarez Elena , Barba Emilio
Published: June 2016

Survival of juveniles during the postfledging period can be markedly low, which may have major consequences on avian population dynamics. Knowing which factors operating during the nesting phase affect postfledging survival is crucial to understand avian breeding strategies. We aimed to obtain a robust set of predictors of postfledging local survival using the great tit (Parus major) as a model species. We used mark–recapture models to analyze the effect of hatching date, temperatures experienced during the nestling period, fledging size and body mass on first‐year postfledging survival probability of great tit juveniles. We used data from 5192 nestlings of first clutches ringed between 1993 and 2010. Mean first‐year postfledging survival probability was 15.2%, and it was lower for smaller individuals, as well as for those born in either very early or late broods. Our results stress the importance of choosing an optimum hatching period, and raising large chicks to increase first‐year local survival probability in the studied population.
Estimating groundwater residence time and recharge patterns in a saline coastal aquifer
Authors: Caschetto M. , Colombani N. , Mastrocicco M. , Petitta M. , Aravena R.
Published: June 2016

A detailed study using environmental tracers such as chloride (Cl−) and tritium (3H), deuterium (2H) and oxygen (18O) isotopes was performed in an alluvial coastal aquifer in two contrasting environments (urban and agricultural). These environmental tracers combined with a high‐resolution multi‐level sampling approach were used to estimate groundwater residence time and recharge patterns and to validate the hydrogeochemical conceptual model already proposed in previous studies. δ18O and δ2H combined with Cl− data proved that the hypersaline groundwater present in the deepest part of the aquifer was sourced from the underlying hypersaline aquitard via an upward flux. Both chemical and isotopic data were employed to calibrate a density‐dependent numerical model based on SEAWAT 4.0, where 3H and Cl− were helped quantifying solutes transport within the modelled aquifer. Model results highlighted the differences on estimated recharge in the two contrasting environments, with the urban one exhibiting concentrated recharge because of preferential infiltration associated to the storm water drains network, while scarce local recharge characterized the agriculture setting. In the urban field site, is still possible to recognize at 9 m b.g.l. the input of the atmospheric anthropogenic 3H generated by testing of thermonuclear weapons, while in the agricultural field site, the 3H peak has been washed out at 6 m b.g.l. because the groundwater circulation is restricted only to the upper fresh part of the aquifer, drained by the reclamation system. The presented approach that combined high‐resolution field monitoring, environmental tracers and numerical modelling, resulted effective in validating the conceptual model of the aquifer salinization. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An evaluation of toy quality for increasing self‐control in typically developing preschool children
Authors: Juanico Jessica F. , Dozier Claudia L. , Payne Steven W. , Ackerlund Brandt Julie A. , Jowett Hirst Erica S.
Published: June 2016

Children often make impulsive choices, and previous research has shown that access to activities during the delay may enhance self‐control (e.g., Newquist, Dozier, & Neidert, 2012). The purpose of the current study was to extend the results of Newquist et al. (2012) by comparing the effects of access to low‐preference, moderate‐preference, and high‐preference toys during delays. Results showed that (a) all toys increased self‐control for 2 participants when toys were available for all choice options and (b) high‐preference toys (and sometimes moderate‐preference toys) increased self‐control for 3 participants when the toys were available only for large delayed choices.
Adult Attachment, Multidimensional Perfectionism, and the Alliances Among Counselor Supervisees
Authors: Gnilka Philip B. , Rice Kenneth G. , Ashby Jeffrey S. , Moate Randall M.
Published: June 2016

This study examined the moderating role that 2 dimensions of perfectionism (standards [adaptive] and discrepancy [maladaptive]) had on 2 dimensions of adult attachment (anxious and avoidant) and both client and supervisory alliances among 170 counselor supervisees. Anxious attachment and discrepancy were significant negative predictors of the client working alliance. A significant 3‐way interaction was found between anxious attachment, standards, and discrepancy on the supervisory working alliance. Implications from these findings are discussed.
A Qualitative Study of Feminist Multicultural Trainees’ Social Justice Development
Authors: Hoover Stephanie M. , Morrow Susan L.
Published: June 2016

Social justice–oriented development was examined by recruiting practicum trainees from a site selected for its unique emphasis on feminist multiculturalism and social justice. The grounded theory design triangulated multiple data from 20 female participants. Analysis yielded an empirical model of how core experiences contributed to 3 types of growth: (a) doing your own work, (b) honoring your voice and others’ voices, and (c) challenging power to create systemic change. Counseling, supervision, and training implications are provided.
Exploratory Literature Meta‐Analysis to Characterize the Relationship Between Early and Longer Term Body Weight Loss for Antiobesity Compounds
Authors: Plock Nele , Bax Leon , Lee Douglas , DeManno Deborah , Lahu Gezim , Pfister Marc
Published: June 2016

The presented analysis was performed to characterize the relationship between treatment‐related early (week 4) and longer term (3–6 months) weight loss to understand the potential utility of 4‐week proof‐of‐mechanism studies in the early decision‐making process during clinical development of new antiobesity compounds. A regression‐based meta‐analysis was performed leveraging publically available clinical outcomes data to (1) characterize the within‐trial relationship between treatment‐related early and longer term body weight loss and (2) identify and quantify key covariate effects on this relationship. Data from 89 randomized clinical trials with 209 treatment arms, representing observations from 54 461 patients and 9 treatments, were available for the meta‐analysis. Results indicated that (1) there is a correlation between treatment‐related early and longer term body weight loss (r > 0.9), (2) baseline body weight influences the relationship between early and longer term weight loss, whereas comorbidity such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, class of drugs including GLP‐1 analogues and the antiobesity compounds lorcaserin or phentermine/topiramate showed no significant effects on this relationship. The model was externally evaluated with data from the investigational compound beloranib, for which longer term weight loss could be successfully predicted based on early response data. Based on these results, the identified strong relationship between treatment‐related early and longer term weight loss appears to be independent of mechanism of action. Thus, findings from this analysis can optimize design of clinical studies and facilitate development of new anti‐obesity compounds.
Surface display of bacterial tyrosinase on spores of Bacillus subtilis using CotE as an anchor protein
Authors: Hosseini‐Abari Afrouzossadat , Kim Byung‐Gee , Lee Sang‐Hyuk , Emtiazi Giti , Kim Wooil , Kim June‐Hyung
Published: June 2016

Tyrosinases, copper‐containing monooxygenases, are widely used enzymes for industrial, medical, and environmental applications. We report the first functional surface display of Bacillus megaterium tyrosinase on Bacillus subtilis spores using CotE as an anchor protein. Flow Cytometry was used to verify surface expression of tyrosinase on the purified spores. Moreover, tyrosinase activity of the displayed enzyme on B. subtilis spores was monitored in the presence of L‐tyrosine (substrate) and CuSO4 (inducer). The stability of the spore‐displayed tyrosinase was then evaluated after 15 days maintenance of the spores at room temperature, and no significant decrease in the enzyme activity was observed. In addition, the tyrosinase‐expressing spores could be repeatedly used with 62% retained enzymatic activity after six times washing with Tris‐HCl buffer. This genetically immobilized tyrosinase on the spores would make a new advance in industrial, medical, and environmental applications.
Sub‐seasonal teleconnections between convection over the Indian Ocean, the East African long rains and tropical Pacific surface temperatures
Authors: Vigaud N. , Lyon B. , Giannini A.
Published: June 2016

Since 1999, the increased frequency of dry conditions over East Africa, particularly during the March–May (MAM) season, has heightened concerns in a region already highly insecure about food. The underlying mechanisms, however, are still not yet fully understood. This article analyses a proxy for daily convection variations over a large region encompassing East Africa and the whole Indian Ocean basin by applying a cluster analysis to more than 30 years of daily outgoing longwave radiation (OLR). Focusing on the MAM season to investigate relationships with East African long rains, four recurrent convection regimes associated with wet/dry conditions in East Africa are identified. Interestingly, all four regimes are related to western/central Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and rainfall. Wet regimes are associated with cool and dry/warm and wet conditions over the Maritime Continent (MC)/tropical Pacific east of the date line. Dry regimes exhibit opposite SST/rainfall dipole patterns in the Pacific compared to wet regimes, with the Indian Ocean found to modulate impacts on East African rainfall. Significant relationships between off‐equatorial warming in the west Pacific and a more frequent dry regime in May since 1998–1999 suggest an earlier onset of the monsoon and Somali jet, consistent with the recent abrupt shift observed in East African long rains and their modulation at multi‐decadal time scales of the Pacific.
Time‐dependent loss of mitochondrial function precedes progressive histologic cartilage degeneration in a rabbit meniscal destabilization model
Authors: Goetz Jessica E. , Coleman Mitchell C. , Fredericks Douglas C. , Petersen Emily , Martin James A. , McKinley Todd O. , Tochigi Yuki
Published: June 2016

The goals of this work were to characterize progression of osteoarthritic cartilage degeneration in a rabbit medial meniscus destabilization (MMD) model and then to use the model to identify pre‐histologic disruptions in chondrocyte metabolism under chronically elevated joint contact stresses in vivo. To characterize PTOA progression, 24 rabbits received either MMD or sham surgery. Limb loading was analyzed preoperatively and at regular postoperative intervals using a Tekscan pressure‐sensitive walkway. Animals were euthanized 8 (n = 8 MMD; n = 8 sham) or 26 weeks (n = 8 MMD) postoperatively for histological cartilage evaluation by an objective, semi‐automated Mankin scoring routine. To examine pre‐histologic pathology, MMD was performed on an additional 20 rabbits, euthanized 1 (n = 9) or 4 weeks (n = 10) postoperatively. Chondrocytes were harvested fresh for measurement of mitochondrial function, an intracellular indicator of pathology after mechanical injury. Both MMD and sham surgery caused slight decreases in limb loading which returned to preoperative levels after 2 weeks. Histologically apparent cartilage damage progressed from 8 to 26 weeks after MMD. Changes in chondrocyte respiration were variable at 1 week, but by 4 weeks postoperatively chondrocyte mitochondrial function was significantly reduced. Many human injuries that lead to PTOA are relatively mild, and the cell‐level mechanisms leading to disease remain unclear. We have documented PTOA progression in an animal model of subtle joint injury under continued use, and demonstrated that this model provides a realistic environment for investigation of multi‐stage cellular pathology that develops prior to overt tissue degeneration and which could be targeted for disease modifying treatments. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:590–599, 2017.
Electromechanical probe and automated indentation maps are sensitive techniques in assessing early degenerated human articular cartilage
Authors: Sim Sotcheadt , Chevrier Anik , Garon Martin , Quenneville Eric , Lavigne Patrick , Yaroshinsky Alex , Hoemann Caroline D. , Buschmann Michael D.
Published: June 2016

Recent advances in the development of new drugs to halt or even reverse the progression of Osteoarthritis at an early‐stage requires new tools to detect early degeneration of articular cartilage. We investigated the ability of an electromechanical probe and an automated indentation technique to characterize entire human articular surfaces for rapid non‐destructive discrimination between early degenerated and healthy articular cartilage. Human cadaveric asymptomatic articular surfaces (four pairs of distal femurs and four pairs of tibial plateaus) were used. They were assessed ex vivo: macroscopically, electromechanically, (maps of the electromechanical quantitative parameter, QP, reflecting streaming potentials), mechanically (maps of the instantaneous modulus, IM), and through cartilage thickness. Osteochondral cores were also harvested from healthy and degenerated regions for histological assessment, biochemical analyses, and unconfined compression tests. The macroscopic visual assessment delimited three distinct regions on each articular surface: Region I was macroscopically degenerated, region II was macroscopically normal but adjacent to regions I and III was the remaining normal articular surface. Thus, each extracted core was assigned to one of the three regions. A mixed effect model revealed that only the QP (p < 0.0001) and IM (p < 0.0001) were able to statistically discriminate the three regions. Effect size was higher for QP and IM than other assessments, indicating greater sensitivity to distinguish early degeneration of cartilage. When considering the mapping feature of the QP and IM techniques, it also revealed bilateral symmetry in a moderately similar distribution pattern between bilateral joints. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:858–867, 2017.
Simultaneous extraction and preconcentration of aniline, phenol, and naphthalene using magnetite–graphene oxide composites before gas chromatography determination
Authors: Nazari Najmeh , Masrournia Mahboubeh , Es′haghi Zarin , Bozorgmehr MohammadReza
Published: June 2016

The coextraction of acidic and basic compounds from different mediums is a significant concept in sample preparation. In this work, simultaneous extraction of acidic, basic, and neutral analytes in a single step was carried out for the first time. This procedure employed the dispersive solid‐phase microextraction of analytes with magnetic graphene oxide (graphene oxide/Fe3O4) sorbent followed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. After the adsorption of analytes by vortexing and decantation of the supernatant with a magnet, the sorbent was eluted with acetonitrile/methanol (2:1) mixture. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were optimized and obtained as follows: sorbent amount 60 mg, desorption time 1 min, extraction time 5 min, pH of the sample 7, sample volume 20 mL, and elution solvent volume 0.3 mL. Under the optimum conditions, linear dynamic ranges were achieved in the range of 0.5–4, 0.25–4, and 0.25–2 μg/mL and limits of detection were 0.341, 0.110, and 0.167 μg/mL for aniline, phenol, and naphthalene, respectively. The relative standard deviations were in the range of 3.3–5.7% in eight repeated extractions. Finally, the applicability of the method was evaluated by the extraction and determination of analytes in stream water and drinking water samples and satisfactory results were obtained.
High Internal Phase Emulsion Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Pentadecanolide: Strategy to Obtain Porous Scaffolds in a Single Step
Authors: Sharma Esha , Samanta Archana , Pal Jit , Bahga Supreet S. , Nandan Bhanu , Srivastava Rajiv K.
Published: June 2016

Single‐step process for production of porous scaffold based on poly(pentadecanolide) (PPDL) is reported. The scaffold is produced via in situ porosity generation during ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of the lactone pentadecanolide (PDL) in high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) using a water soluble enzyme (Lipase TL) as catalyst. The enzyme present in dispersed aqueous phase of HIPE effectively carries out ROP of monomer present in continuous oil phase. The polymerization occurs at the interface of oil and water in HIPE and complete monomer conversion is achieved in 96 h at 40 °C. Porous scaffold having interconnected pores is obtained as the final product and formation of PPDL is confirmed by spectroscopic and thermal analysis. The process thus developed is a single‐step process to produce porous scaffolds via ROP of a lactone that can be extended to see its efficacy using monomer‐soluble organometallic catalysts and monomers other than PDL including lactones, lactides, and cyclic carbonates.

image
Structural Exploration of Phantom Oligoguanidine from Asymmetric Diamine and Guanidine Hydrochloride
Authors: Wang Hui , Bethke Christian , Hermann Markus , Frenking Gernot , Agarwal Seema
Published: June 2016

Condensation reaction of asymmetric triamine (spermidine) with guanidine hydrochloride provides a phantom structure with selective formation of rings in the repeat unit. The intermolecular condensation between amine and guanidine hydrochloride can provide either a linear structure or six‐ or seven‐membered rings in the repeat unit by elimination of one or three molecules of ammonia, respectively, per repeat unit. The preference of formation of rings and mechanistic aspects are studied by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, 1D, 2D NMR, and quantum chemical calculations.

image