bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Improved Model of the Trypanosoma brucei CTP Synthetase Glutaminase Domain–Acivicin Complex
Authors: Oliveira de Souza Juliana , Dawson Alice , Hunter William N.
Published: March 2017

The natural product acivicin inhibits the glutaminase activity of cytidine triphosphate (CTP) synthetase and is a potent lead compound for drug discovery in the area of neglected tropical diseases, specifically trypanosomaisis. A 2.1‐Å‐resolution crystal structure of the acivicin adduct with the glutaminase domain from Trypanosoma brucei CTP synthetase has been deposited in the RCSB Protein Data Bank (PDB) and provides a template for structure‐based approaches to design new inhibitors. However, our assessment of that data identified deficiencies in the model. We now report an improved and corrected inhibitor structure with changes to the chirality at one position, the orientation and covalent structure of the isoxazoline moiety, and the location of a chloride ion in an oxyanion binding site that is exploited during catalysis. The model is now in agreement with established chemical principles and allows an accurate description of molecular recognition of the ligand and the mode of binding in a potentially valuable drug target.
Risk‐reducing salpingectomy: Let us be opportunistic
Authors: Long Roche Kara C. , Abu‐Rustum Nadeem R. , Nourmoussavi Melica , Zivanovic Oliver
Published: March 2017

Because there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, effective prevention strategies may be the best way to reduce the mortality of this most lethal gynecologic malignancy. Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that the fallopian tube is the site of origin for the vast majority of high‐grade serous carcinomas. Our growing understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease offers a rare opportunity to explore new preventive measures, such as bilateral salpingectomy, which may provide great benefit without compromising ovarian function. If the tubal paradigm is accurate, then the impact of bilateral salpingectomy could extend to BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, high‐risk noncarriers, and average‐risk women. The authors present a review of the literature on the role of risk‐reducing salpingectomy in all women and in high‐risk groups, with a focus on morbidity, ovarian function, potential clinical applicability, and epidemiological considerations. Cancer 2017;123:1714–1720. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Bayesian sensitivity analysis of a 1D vascular model with Gaussian process emulators
Authors: Melis Alessandro , Clayton Richard H. , Marzo Alberto
Published: March 2017

One‐dimensional models of the cardiovascular system can capture the physics of pulse waves but involve many parameters. Since these may vary among individuals, patient‐specific models are difficult to construct. Sensitivity analysis can be used to rank model parameters by their effect on outputs and to quantify how uncertainty in parameters influences output uncertainty. This type of analysis is often conducted with a Monte Carlo method, where large numbers of model runs are used to assess input‐output relations. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the computational efficiency of variance‐based sensitivity analysis of 1D vascular models using Gaussian process emulators, compared to a standard Monte Carlo approach. The methodology was tested on four vascular networks of increasing complexity to analyse its scalability. The computational time needed to perform the sensitivity analysis with an emulator was reduced by the 99.96% compared to a Monte Carlo approach. Despite the reduced computational time, sensitivity indices obtained using the two approaches were comparable. The scalability study showed that the number of mechanistic simulations needed to train a Gaussian process for sensitivity analysis was of the order
, rather than
needed for Monte Carlo analysis (where d is the number of parameters in the model). The efficiency of this approach, combined with capacity to estimate the impact of uncertain parameters on model outputs, will enable development of patient‐specific models of the vascular system, and has the potential to produce results with clinical relevance.
Determination of Conduction and Valence Band Electronic Structure of LaTiOxNyThin Film
Authors: Pichler Markus , Szlachetko Jakub , Castelli Ivano E. , Marzari Nicola , Döbeli Max , Wokaun Alexander , Pergolesi Daniele , Lippert Thomas
Published: March 2017

The nitrogen substitution into the oxygen sites of several oxide materials leads to a reduction of the band gap to the visible‐light energy range, which makes these oxynitride semiconductors potential photocatalysts for efficient solar water splitting. Oxynitrides typically show a different crystal structure compared to the pristine oxide material. As the band gap is correlated to both the chemical composition and the crystal structure, it is not trivial to distinguish which modifications of the electronic structure induced by the nitrogen substitution are related to compositional and/or structural effects. Here, X‐ray emission and absorption spectroscopy are used to investigate the electronic structures of orthorhombic perovskite LaTiOxNythin films in comparison with films of the pristine oxide LaTiOxwith similar orthorhombic structure and cationic oxidation state. Experiment and theory show the expected upward shift in energy of the valence band maximum that reduces the band gap as a consequence of the nitrogen incorporation. This study also shows that the conduction band minimum, typically considered almost unaffected by nitrogen substitution, undergoes a significant downward shift in energy. For a rational design of oxynitride photocatalysts, the observed changes of both the unoccupied and occupied electronic states have to be taken into account to justify the total band‐gap narrowing induced by the nitrogen incorporation.
Electrochemistry for the Generation of Renewable Chemicals: One‐Pot Electrochemical Deoxygenation of Xylose to δ‐Valerolactone
Authors: James Olusola O. , Sauter Waldemer , Schröder Uwe
Published: March 2017

In this study, the electrochemical conversion of xylose to δ‐valerolactone via carbonyl intermediates is demonstrated. The conversion was achieved in aqueous media and at ambient conditions. This study also demonstrates that the feedstock for production of renewable chemicals and biofuels through electrochemistry can be extended to primary carbohydrate molecules. This is the first report on a one‐pot electrochemical deoxygenation of xylose to δ‐valerolactone.
Insights into the Mechanism of a Covalently Linked Organic Dye–Cobaloxime Catalyst System for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Fuel Devices
Authors: Pati Palas Baran , Zhang Lei , Philippe Bertrand , Fernández‐Terán Ricardo , Ahmadi Sareh , Tian Lei , Rensmo Håkan , Hammarström Leif , Tian Haining
Published: March 2017

A covalently linked organic dye–cobaloxime catalyst system based on mesoporous NiO is synthesized by a facile click reaction for mechanistic studies and application in a dye‐sensitized solar fuel device. The system is systematically investigated by photoelectrochemical measurements, density functional theory, time‐resolved fluorescence, transient absorption spectroscopy, and photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that irradiation of the dye–catalyst on NiO leads to ultrafast hole injection into NiO from the excited dye, followed by a fast electron transfer process to reduce the catalyst. Moreover, the dye adopts different structures with different excited state energies, and excitation energy transfer occurs between neighboring molecules on the semiconductor surface. The photoelectrochemical experiments also show hydrogen production by this system. The axial chloride ligands of the catalyst are released during photocatalysis to create the active sites for proton reduction. A working mechanism of the dye–catalyst system on the photocathode is proposed on the basis of this study.
Flow Pickering Emulsion Interfaces Enhance Catalysis Efficiency and Selectivity for Cyclization of Citronellal
Authors: Chen Huan , Zou Houbing , Hao Yajuan , Yang Hengquan
Published: March 2017

Cyclization of citronellal is a necessary intermediate step to produce the important flavor chemical (−)‐menthol. Here, a continuous‐flow Pickering emulsion (FPE) strategy for selective cyclization of citronellal to (−)‐isopulegol by using water droplets hosting a heteropolyacid (HPA) catalyst to fill a column reactor is demonstrated. Owing to the large liquid–liquid interface and the excellent confinement ability of droplets toward HPA, the FPE system exhibited a much higher catalysis efficiency than its batch counterpart (2–5‐fold) and an excellent durability (two months). Moreover, a remarkably enhanced selectivity was observed from 34.8 % for batch reactions to 64 % for the FPE reactions. It was found that the water droplet size and the flow rate significantly impact the catalysis selectivity and efficiency. This study not only represents an unprecedented and sustainable process for the selective cyclization of citronellal but also demonstrates a new flow‐interface catalysis effect that can be useful for designing innovative catalysis systems in the future.
Efficient and Stable Vacuum‐Free‐Processed Perovskite Solar Cells Enabled by a Robust Solution‐Processed Hole Transport Layer
Authors: Chang Chih‐Yu , Tsai Bo‐Chou , Hsiao Yu‐Cheng
Published: March 2017

Here, efficient and stable vacuum‐free processed perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are demonstrated by employing solutionprocessed molybdenum tris‐[1‐(trifluoroethanoyl)‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)ethane‐1,2‐dithiolene] (Mo(tfd‐COCF3)3)‐doped poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) film as hole transport layer (HTL). Our results indicate that the incorporation of Mo(tfd‐COCF3)3 dopant can induce p‐doping through charge transfer from the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level of the PEDOT host to the electron affinity of Mo(tfd‐COCF3)3, leading to an increase in conductivity by more than three orders of magnitude. With this newly developed p‐doped film as HTL in planar heterojunction PSCs, a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 18.47 % can be achieved, which exceeds that of the device with commonly used HTL 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenyl‐amine)9,9′‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD). Taking the advantage of the high conductivity of this doped film, a prominent PCE as high as 15.58 % is also demonstrated even when a large HTL thickness of 220 nm is used. Importantly, the high quality film of this HTL is capable of acting as an effective passivation layer to keep the underlying perovskite layer intact during solution‐processed Ag‐nanoparticles layer deposition. The resulting vacuum‐free PSCs deliver an impressive PCE of 14.81 %, which represents the highest performance ever reported for vacuum‐free PSCs. Furthermore, the resulting devices show good ambient stability without encapsulation.
Structural Reversibility and Nickel Particle stability in Lanthanum Iron Nickel Perovskite‐Type Catalysts
Authors: Steiger Patrick , Delmelle Renaud , Foppiano Debora , Holzer Lorenz , Heel Andre , Nachtegaal Maarten , Kröcher Oliver , Ferri Davide
Published: March 2017

Perovskite‐type oxides have shown the ability to reversibly segregate precious metals from their structure. This reversible segregation behavior was explored for a commonly used catalyst metal, Ni, to prevent Ni sintering, which is observed on most catalyst support materials. Temperature‐programmed reduction, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and catalytic activity tests were used to follow the extent of reversible Ni segregation. LaFe1−xNixO3±δ (0≤x≤0.2) was synthesized using a citrate‐based solution process. After reduction at 600 °C, metallic Ni particles were displayed on the perovskite surfaces, which were active towards the hydrogenation of CO2. The overall Ni reducibility was proportional to the Ni content and increased from 35 % for x=0.05 to 50 % for x=0.2. Furthermore, Ni could be reincorporated reversibly into the perovskite lattice during reoxidation at 650 °C. This could be exploited for catalyst regeneration under conditions under which impregnated materials such as Ni/LaFeO3±δ and Ni/Al2O3 suffer from sintering.
Ethanol concentration in 56 refillable electronic cigarettes liquid formulations determined by headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (HS‐GC‐FID)
Authors: Poklis Justin L. , Wolf Carl E. , Peace Michelle R.
Published: March 2017

Personal battery‐powered vaporizers or electronic cigarettes were developed as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. The modern electronic cigarettes were patented in 2004 by Hon Lik in China. In May 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) imposed regulatory statutes on e‐cigarettes and their liquid formulations (e‐liquids); prior to that, they were unregulated. E‐liquids are typically composed of propylene glycol and/or glycerin, flavouring component(s), and active ingredient(s), such as nicotine. Fifty‐six commercially available e‐liquids, purchased from various sources, contained a variety of flavours and active ingredients. A headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (HS‐GC‐FID) method was used to analyze these e‐liquids for volatiles content. Only one of the e‐liquids listed ethanol as a component. The chromatographic separation of volatiles was performed on a Restek BAC‐1 column. A linear calibration was generated for ethanol with limits of detection and quantification (LOD/LOQ) of 0.05 mg/mL. Ethanol concentrations in the 56 e‐liquids ranged from none detected to 206 mg/mL. The ethanol determined in these products may have been used in flavourants or a solvent; the reason for inclusion cannot be fully ascertained. The implications of vaporizing ethanol as an e‐liquid component are unknown. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a dried blood spot HPLC‐PDA method for the analysis of linezolid and ciprofloxacin in hospital‐acquired pneumonia patients
Authors: Ferrone Vincenzo , Carlucci Maura , Cotellese Roberto , Raimondi Paolo , Cichella Annadomenica , Di Marco Lorenzo , Genovese Salvatore , Carlucci Giuseppe
Published: March 2017

This study developed a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method involving dried blood spotting (DBS) as a sampling method for the therapeutic drug monitoring of antimicrobial combination therapy with linezolid and ciprofloxacin. DBS for standards, quality control samples, and patient samples was excised and then extracted using a mixture of methanol/water/formic acid 80:20:0.1 (v/v/v), respectively. Linezolid (LZD) and ciprofloxacin (CPR) were measured by HPLC using a Kinetex EVO C18 (100 × 4.6 mm I.D. 2.6 μm particle size). Mobile phase consisted of 10 mM ammonium acetate (A) and a mixture of acetonitrile and methanol (B), both containing 0.1% triethylamine, in gradient elution. Detection was carried out at 251 nm for linezolid (LZD) and 277 for ciprofloxacin (CPR). Ulifloxacin was used as an internal standard. The internal standard, LZD, and CPR were eluted in 7.90, 7.18, and 8.89 min, respectively. Total run‐time was 20 min. Calibration curves were constructed in the range of 0.05–30 μg/mL for LZD and 0.02–10 μg/mL for CPR, respectively. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision (RSD values) did not exceed 9.43%, the intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy (accuracy %) ranged between 96.2 and 106.2%. Haematocrit (Hct) effects were investigated to obtain a linear correlation between haematocrit values and volume of blood. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activity‐specific metabolic rates for diving, transiting, and resting at sea can be estimated from time–activity budgets in free‐ranging marine mammals
Authors: Jeanniard‐du‐Dot Tiphaine , Trites Andrew W. , Arnould John P. Y. , Speakman John R. , Guinet Christophe
Published: March 2017

Time and energy are the two most important currencies in animal bioenergetics. How much time animals spend engaged in different activities with specific energetic costs ultimately defines their likelihood of surviving and successfully reproducing. However, it is extremely difficult to determine the energetic costs of independent activities for free‐ranging animals. In this study, we developed a new method to calculate activity‐specific metabolic rates, and applied it to female fur seals. We attached biologgers (that recorded GPS locations, depth profiles, and triaxial acceleration) to 12 northern (Callorhinus ursinus) and 13 Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella), and used a hierarchical decision tree algorithm to determine time allocation between diving, transiting, resting, and performing slow movements at the surface (grooming, etc.). We concomitantly measured the total energy expenditure using the doubly‐labelled water method. We used a general least‐square model to establish the relationship between time–activity budgets and the total energy spent by each individual during their foraging trip to predict activity‐specific metabolic rates. Results show that both species allocated similar time to diving (~29%), transiting to and from their foraging grounds (~26–30%), and resting (~8–11%). However, Antarctic fur seals spent significantly more time grooming and moving slowly at the surface than northern fur seals (36% vs. 29%). Diving was the most expensive activity (~30 MJ/day if done non‐stop for 24 hr), followed by transiting at the surface (~21 MJ/day). Interestingly, metabolic rates were similar between species while on land or while slowly moving at the surface (~13 MJ/day). Overall, the average field metabolic rate was ~20 MJ/day (for all activities combined). The method we developed to calculate activity‐specific metabolic rates can be applied to terrestrial and marine species to determine the energetic costs of daily activities, as well as to predict the energetic consequences for animals forced to change their time allocations in response to environmental shifts.
Anthropogenic noise changes arthropod abundances
Authors: Bunkley Jessie P. , McClure Christopher J. W. , Kawahara Akito Y. , Francis Clinton D. , Barber Jesse R.
Published: March 2017

Anthropogenic noise is a widespread and growing form of sensory pollution associated with the expansion of human infrastructure. One specific source of constant and intense noise is that produced by compressors used for the extraction and transportation of natural gas. Terrestrial arthropods play a central role in many ecosystems, and given that numerous species rely upon airborne sounds and substrate‐borne vibrations in their life histories, we predicted that increased background sound levels or the presence of compressor noise would influence their distributions. In the second largest natural gas field in the United States (San Juan Basin, New Mexico, USA), we assessed differences in the abundances of terrestrial arthropod families and community structure as a function of compressor noise and background sound level. Using pitfall traps, we simultaneously sampled five sites adjacent to well pads that possessed operating compressors, and five alternate, quieter well pad sites that lacked compressors, but were otherwise similar. We found a negative association between sites with compressor noise or higher levels of background sound and the abundance of five arthropod families and one genus, a positive relationship between loud sites and the abundance of one family, and no relationship between noise level or compressor presence and abundance for six families and two genera. Despite these changes, we found no evidence of community turnover as a function of background sound level or site type (compressor and noncompressor). Our results indicate that anthropogenic noise differentially affects the abundances of some arthropod families. These preliminary findings point to a need to determine the direct and indirect mechanisms driving these observed responses. Given the diverse and important ecological functions provided by arthropods, changes in abundances could have ecological implications. Therefore, we recommend the consideration of arthropods in the environmental assessment of noise‐producing infrastructure.
Coexistence trend contingent to Mediterranean oaks with different leaf habits
Authors: Di Paola Arianna , Paquette Alain , Trabucco Antonio , Mereu Simone , Valentini Riccardo , Paparella Francesco
Published: March 2017

In a previous work we developed a mathematical model to explain the co‐occurrence of evergreen and deciduous oak groups in the Mediterranean region, regarded as one of the distinctive features of Mediterranean biodiversity. The mathematical analysis showed that a stabilizing mechanism resulting from niche difference (i.e. different water use and water stress tolerance) between groups allows their coexistence at intermediate values of suitable soil water content. A simple formal derivation of the model expresses this hypothesis in a testable form linked uniquely to the actual evapotranspiration of forests community. In the present work we ascertain whether this simplified conclusion possesses some degree of explanatory power by comparing available data on oaks distributions and remotely sensed evapotranspiration (MODIS product) in a large‐scale survey embracing the western Mediterranean area. Our findings confirmed the basic assumptions of model addressed on large scale, but also revealed asymmetric responses to water use and water stress tolerance between evergreen and deciduous oaks that should be taken into account to increase the understating of species interactions and, ultimately, improve the modeling capacity to explain co‐occurrence.
Neurogenetic modeling of energy demand in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar
Authors: Masiur Rahman Syed , Khondaker A.N. , Imtiaz Hossain Mohammad , Shafiullah Md. , Hasan Md. Arif
Published: March 2017

Socio‐economic variables including gross domestic product, population, and energy and electricity production are used in modeling and forecasting national energy demands of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The proposed model features: (i) the nonlinear component of energy demand (removal of linear trend), (ii) application of double exponential smoothing method for input data projection, and (iii) genetic algorithm‐based artificial neural network (ANN) models. The proposed neuro‐genetic model performed very well for the three selected countries. The coefficient of determination and Willmott's index of agreement for the training and testing dataset are quite high whereas the mean absolute error, mean absolute percentage error and root mean squared error are quite low. The acceptable agreements between the observed energy consumption and the model predictions revealed its viability for the study of energy demand in the three selected member states of the energy exporting regional alliance Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1208–1216, 2017
Biodiesel synthesis using immobilised lipase enzyme in semi‐fluidised bed bioreactors—bioreactor design and performance analysis
Authors: De Tripti , Sikder Jaya , Narayanan C.M.
Published: March 2017

Analysis and simulation of biodiesel synthesis from neem (Azadirachta indica) oil and methyl acetate using immobilised lipase enzyme in semi‐fluidised bed bioreactor has been performed in the present study. Versatile software package has been developed for the analysis of the performance characteristics of the semi‐fluidised bed bioreactor. The reliability of the software has been tested and verified by comparing with experimental data compiled on laboratory scale as well as on pilot plant scale. The dependence of reactor performance on different system/operating parameters such as feed flow rate, molar ratio of neem (Azadirachta indica) oil to methyl acetate, particle size has been analyzed and illustrated graphically. The specific advantages of this bioreactor for biodiesel synthesis have also been highlighted. Comparison has also been made between the performance of the bioreactor under consideration and that of fully fluidised bed bioreactor. As compared to fluidised bed bioreactor, bioreactor of semi‐fluidised configuration provides larger substrate conversion at larger feed flow rates but within a smaller reactor volume. An exclusive feature of this bioreactor is that unlike other industrial bioreactors, the fractional substrate conversion increases with increase in substrate flow rate. The operating cost of bioreactor of this kind shall however be higher. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1537–1545, 2017
Production of biodiesel from three indigenous feedstock: Optimization of process parameters and assessment of various fuel properties
Authors: Chavan Supriya B. , Yadav Meena , Singh Reena , Singh Veena , Kumbhar Rajendra R. , Sharma Yogesh C.
Published: March 2017

Biodiesel is a clean and sustainable fuel which has ability to replace diesel fuel used in power generation as well in transportation. This article explores Terminalia belerica Robx seed oil as an important bioresource for biodiesel synthesis. Extraction of terminalia oil from dried seeds and degumming of crude oil are also reported. Synthesis of biodiesel from waste vegetable oil and chicken fat oil as low‐cost biodiesel feedstocks has also been carried out. The oils are trans‐esterified using base homogeneous catalyst KOH and reaction variables were optimized for biodiesel synthesis. The biodiesel yields 89%, 89%, and 82% were obtained using feedstocks Terminalia oil, chicken fat oil, and waste vegetable oils, respectively, at individually optimized parameters such as molar ratio (methanol to oil), catalyst concentration, reaction temperature, reaction time, and agitation speed. The investigated fatty acid profile of feedstocks and different fuel properties of biodiesel were found to be as per ASTM D6751‐07b and EU 14214:2003 standards. This article deliberates the possibility of T. belerica seed oil, waste vegetable oil, and chicken fat oil as promising bioresources for biodiesel production considering the recycling and conversion of waste materials to value‐added products. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 788–795, 2017
Energy‐compatible and spectrum‐compatible (ECSC) ground motion simulation using wavelet packets
Authors: Huang Duruo , Wang Gang
Published: March 2017

A stochastic ground‐motion simulation and modification technique is developed to generate energy‐compatible and spectrum‐compatible (ECSC) synthetic motions through wavelet packet characterization and modification in both frequency and time domains. The ECSC method significantly advances traditional spectral matching approaches, because it generates ground motions that not only match the target spectral accelerations, but also match Arias intensity build‐up and significant durations. The great similarity between the ECSC simulated motions and the actual recorded motions is demonstrated through one‐to‐one comparison of a variety of intensity measures. Extensive numerical simulations were also performed to validate the performance of the ECSC ground motions through nonlinear analyses of elasto‐plastic oscillators. The ECSC method can be easily implemented in the generalized conditional intensity measure framework by directly simulating a set of motions following a targeted distribution of multiple intensity measures. Therefore, the ECSC method has great potential to be used in performance‐based earthquake design and analysis. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of mobile phone short message service on maternal health in south‐west Nigeria
Authors: Omole Oluwatosin , Ijadunola Macellina Y. , Olotu Ezeomu , Omotoso Olorunfemi , Bello Bamidele , Awoniran Olalekan , Phillips Abimbola , Fatusi Adesegun
Published: March 2017

Background

The maternal mortality ratio in Nigeria is estimated to be about 814 per 100,000 live births, and deliveries taken outside a health facility have been implicated as a major factor for this high number. Mobile phones interventions are continually being explored in the health field but its usefulness in maternal health in Nigeria has not been widely explored.

Objective

To determine the impact of SMS (text messages) on maternal health behaviour in Ife‐Ijesa zone of Osun State, Nigeria.

Methods

We conducted an experimental study involving 2 groups of pregnant women and sent text messages to both groups. The control group was sent general health messages while the intervention group was sent specific pregnancy related messages and both groups were followed up till 6 weeks after delivery.

Results

An increase in facility delivery rates among both groups, between the index pregnancy and their last pregnancies, were recorded for both groups with a higher percentage increase recorded in the intervention group (29%) compared with the control group 13%. Crude and adjusted linear regression coefficients were done to estimate the effect of the intervention on the change in proportion of deliveries in health facilities. After adjusting for other variables, the difference obtained was a significant value of 14% (regression coefficient = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.08–0.20, P value = .005). Most participants in the intervention group (96.6%) expressed support for the use of text message for maternal health promotion.

Conclusion

The SMS‐based intervention has a positive effect on facility delivery, and mothers welcome its use in pregnancy.
Comparative study of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of commercial Jeffamines® and polyethylenimine in CHO‐K1 cells
Authors: Castan Leniher , José da Silva Cristiano , Ferreira Molina Eduardo , Alves dos Santos Raquel
Published: March 2017

Jeffamines® are a family of polymers containing primary amine groups attached to the extremities of polyether backbone which can be used as biomaterials. They have been used in combination with polyethylenimine (PEI) to improve biocompatibility in drug and gene delivery systems. Despite these facts, very few studies have been done on cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of pure Jeffamines® or compared with PEI. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Jeffamines® and PEI in CHO‐K1 cells. Specifically, polypropylene oxide 2000 (PPO 2000, Jeffamine® D series), polyethylene oxide 1900 (PEO 1900, Jeffamine® ED series), branched 25 kDa PEI, and linear 20 kDa PEI were evaluated at different concentrations. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed by 2,3‐bis‐(2‐methoxy‐4‐nitro‐5‐sulfophenyl)−2H‐tetrazolium‐5‐carboxanilide (XTT) and 5‐bromo‐2'‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) assays, respectively. Genotoxicity was evaluated using single cell gel electrophoresis assay and the cytokinesis‐blocked micronucleus assay. PPO 2000 was the most cytotoxic Jeffamine®, whereas PEO 1900 did not caused significant cell death at any tested concentration. Branched PEI was more cytotoxic than linear PEI (LPEI) and both were more cytotoxic than Jeffamines®. Only PPO 2000 induced DNA damage when evaluated in comet assay probably due to its cytotoxicity. PPO 2000, PEO 1900, and PEI did not increase the frequency of micronuclei when tested at sub‐cytotoxic concentrations. This work provides new insights about biocompatibility of Jeffamines® and PEI and suggests the genotoxicological safety for further investigations of PEO 1900 in drug and gene delivery systems. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 742–750, 2018.
Muramyl Dipeptide, a Shared Structural Motif of Peptidoglycans, Is a Novel Inducer of Bone Formation through Induction of Runx2
Authors: Park Ok-Jin , Kim Jiseon , Yang Jihyun , Yun Cheol-Heui , Han Seung Hyun
Published: March 2017

Peptidoglycan fragments released from gut microbiota can be delivered to the bone marrow and affect bone metabolism. We investigated the regulation of bone metabolism by muramyl dipeptide (MDP), which is a shared structural unit of peptidoglycans. Increased bone and mineral density by enhanced bone formation were observed in mice administered with MDP. Remarkably, pretreatment or posttreatment with MDP alleviated bone loss in RANKL-induced osteoporosis mouse models. MDP directly augmented osteoblast differentiation and bone-forming gene expression by Runx2 activation. Despite no direct effect, MDP indirectly attenuated osteoclast differentiation through downregulation of the RANKL/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio. MDP increased the expression of the MDP receptor, Nod2, and MDP-induced bone formation and osteoblast activation did not occur during Nod2 deficiency. Other Nod2 ligands also increased bone formation through the induction of Runx2, as MDP did. In conclusion, we suggest that MDP is a novel inducer of bone formation that could potentially be a new therapeutic molecule to protect against osteoporosis. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Pharmacological Profile of a Novel Highly Potent Bisphosphonate, OX14 (1-Fluoro-2-(Imidazo-[1,2-α]Pyridin-3-yl)-Ethyl-Bisphosphonate)
Authors: Lawson Michelle A , Ebetino Frank H , Mazur Adam , Chantry Andrew D , Paton-Hough Julia , Evans Holly R , Lath Darren , Tsoumpra Maria K , Lundy Mark W , Dobson Roy LM , Quijano Michael , Kwaasi Aaron A , Dunford James E , Duan Xuchen , Triffitt James T , Jeans Gwyn , Russell R Graham G
Published: March 2017

Bisphosphonates are widely used in the treatment of clinical disorders characterized by increased bone resorption, including osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and the skeletal complications of malignancy. The antiresorptive potency of the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates on bone in vivo is now recognized to depend upon two key properties, namely mineral binding affinity and inhibitory activity on farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS), and these properties vary independently of each other in individual bisphosphonates. The better understanding of structure activity relationships among the bisphosphonates has enabled us to design a series of novel bisphosphonates with a range of mineral binding properties and antiresorptive potencies. Among these is a highly potent bisphosphonate, 1-fluoro-2-(imidazo-[1,2 alpha]pyridin-3-yl)-ethyl-bisphosphonate, also known as OX14, which is a strong inhibitor of FPPS, but has lower binding affinity for bone mineral than most of the commonly studied bisphosphonates. The aim of this work was to characterize OX14 pharmacologically in relation to several of the bisphosphonates currently used clinically. When OX14 was compared to zoledronate (ZOL), risedronate (RIS), and minodronate (MIN), it was as potent at inhibiting FPPS in vitro but had significantly lower binding affinity to hydroxyapatite (HAP) columns than ALN, ZOL, RIS, and MIN. When injected i.v. into growing Sprague Dawley rats, OX14 was excreted into the urine to a greater extent than the other bisphosphonates, indicating reduced short-term skeletal uptake and retention. In studies in both Sprague Dawley rats and C57BL/6J mice, OX14 inhibited bone resorption, with an antiresorptive potency equivalent to or greater than the comparator bisphosphonates. In the JJN3-NSG murine model of myeloma-induced bone disease, OX14 significantly prevented the formation of osteolytic lesions (p < 0.05). In summary, OX14 is a new, highly potent bisphosphonate with lower bone binding affinity than other clinically relevant bisphosphonates. This renders OX14 an interesting potential candidate for further development for its potential skeletal and nonskeletal benefits. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
An investigation into bimetallic catalysts for base free oxidation of cellobiose and glucose
Authors: Cao Yueling , Iqbal Sarwat , Miedziak Peter J , Jones Daniel R , Morgan David J , Liu Xi , Wang Junwei , Hutchings Graham J
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

The selective conversion of cellulose to gluconic acid under mild conditions is challenging as it has abundant intra‐and inter‐molecular hydrogen bonds that protect the β‐1,4‐glycosidic bonds and make it intrinsically recalcitrant to depolymerize.

RESULTS

Au‐Pd/TiO2 and Au‐Pt/TiO2 catalysts prepared by sol immobilization method without pre‐treatment are active and selective for the oxidation of glucose and cellobiose to gluconic acid under base‐free conditions. Important preparation parameters are the pre‐treatment of the catalyst and the metal ratio.

CONCLUSION

The optimized catalyst provided a good yield of gluconic acid from cellobiose and has opened up a new catalyst system for cellobiose conversion in terms of a heterogeneous catalyst. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Arboreal Locomotion in Eurasian Harvest Mice Micromys Minutus (Rodentia: Muridae): The Gaits of Small Mammals
Authors: Karantanis Nikolaos‐Evangelos , Rychlik Leszek , Herrel Anthony , Youlatos Dionisios
Published: March 2017

Body size imposes significant constraints on arboreal locomotion. Despite the wealth of research in larger arboreal mammals, there is a lack of data on arboreal gaits of small mammals. In this context, the present study explores arboreal locomotion in one of the smallest rodents, the Eurasian harvest mice Micromys minutus (∼10 g). We examined gait metrics (i.e., diagonality, duty factor [DF], DF index, velocity, stride length, and stride frequency) of six adult male mice on simulated arboreal substrates of different sizes (2, 5, 10, and 25 mm) and inclinations (00 and 450). Micromys minutus employed slow, lateral sequence symmetrical gaits on the smaller substrates, which shifted to progressively faster symmetrical gaits of higher diagonality on larger substrates. Both ascents and descents were associated with a higher diagonality, and ascents with a higher DF index compared to horizontal locomotion, underscoring the role of the grasping hind feet. Velocity increase was brought about primarily by an increase in stride frequency, a pattern often encountered in other small mammals, with a secondary and significant contribution of stride length. These findings indicate that, except for velocity and the way it is regulated, there are no significant differences in gait metrics between larger and smaller arboreal mammals. Moreover, the locomotor adaptations of Eurasian harvest mice represent behavioral mechanisms that promote stable, safe, and continuous navigation along slender substrates and ultimately contribute to the successful exploitation of the arboreal milieu.
The Mediating Role of Creative Process Engagement in the Relationship between Shyness and Self‐Rated Creativity
Authors: Tan Chee‐Seng , Lau Xiao‐Shan , Lee Ling‐Khai
Published: March 2017

Shyness has been found to have a negative impact on creativity. However, little attention has been given to the underlying process of the relationship between shyness and creativity. On the basis of literature, we hypothesize that shyness has an indirect impact on creativity through creative process engagement. Two studies were conducted on undergraduate students (Study 1) and working adults (Study 2) to test the hypothetical relationship. Analysis on participants self‐report showed that shyness was negatively associated with self‐reported creativity as well as creative process engagement. There was a positive relationship between creative process engagement and creativity. More importantly, mediation analysis supported that shyness was indirectly linked to creativity via creative process engagement. Specifically, shy people are found to be less involved in creativity‐relevant processes such as information searching and idea generation. The low level of creative process engagement, in turn, hinders their creativity. The findings not only lend support to the detrimental effect of shyness on creativity but also shed light on the underlying mechanism of the relationship.
Evaluation of HMW‐GS 20 and 2.2 from near isogenic lines of wheat variety HD2329 for bread quality improvement
Authors: Goel Sonia , Grewal Sapna , Singh Nagendra Kumar
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) dominates the list of the most important human food sources ever. Its complex genetic background is the reason behind the wide diversity that exists in nutritional as well as food end‐product quality. High‐molecular‐weight glutenin sub‐units (HMW‐GS) are the main grain storage proteins in the endosperm of wheat and related species. It is well established that the composition and quantity of allelic variation in HMW‐GS genes substantially affect the taste and appearance of dough products and therefore work in this area is highly desired.

RESULTS

A significant positive effect on wheat dough quality traits was observed among near isogenic lines of HMW‐GS sub‐units 20 and 2.2 in wheat variety HD2329 during quality evaluation of data generated over 2 years. A remarkably significant (P < 0.01) effect was observed on dough quality parameters like ratio of wet gluten/dry gluten, SDS sedimentation, farinogram parameters, and bread/chapatti traits whereas flour protein and dry gluten content showed an insignificant effect.

CONCLUSION

HMW‐GS 20 was found to be superior to HMW‐GS 2.2 in terms of dough quality and both the near isogenic lines developed by us were found to be highly superior to the recurrent parent HD2329. As we know that the improvement of flour quality based on superior HMW‐GS alleles is necessary to meet changing consumer demand, the study can be of immense use to future researchers who can target these HMW sub‐units 20 and 2.2 in breeding programmes for the improvement of wheat end‐product quality. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
From polar night to midnight sun: Diel vertical migration, metabolism and biogeochemical role of zooplankton in a high Arctic fjord (Kongsfjorden, Svalbard)
Authors: Darnis G. , Hobbs L. , Geoffroy M. , Grenvald J. C. , Renaud P. E. , Berge J. , Cottier F. , Kristiansen S. , Daase M. , E. Søreide J. , Wold A. , Morata N. , Gabrielsen T.
Published: March 2017

Zooplankton vertical migration enhances the efficiency of the ocean biological pump by translocating carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) below the mixed layer through respiration and excretion at depth. We measured C and N active transport due to diel vertical migration (DVM) in a Svalbard fjord at 79°N. Multifrequency analysis of backscatter data from an Acoustic Zooplankton Fish Profiler moored from January to September 2014, combined with plankton net data, showed that Thysanoessa spp. euphausiids made up > 90% of the diel migrant biomass. Classical synchronous DVM occurred before and after the phytoplankton bloom, leading to a mismatch with intensive primary production during the midnight sun. Zooplankton DVM resulted in C respiration of 0.9 g m−2 and ammonium excretion of 0.18 g N m−2 below 82 m depth between February and April, and 0.2 g C m−2 and 0.04 g N m−2 from 11 August to 9 September, representing > 25% and > 33% of sinking flux of particulate organic carbon and nitrogen, respectively. Such contribution of DVM active transport to the biological pump in this high‐Arctic location is consistent with previous measurements in several equatorial to subarctic oceanic systems of the World Ocean. Climate warming is expected to result in tighter coupling between DVM and bloom periods, stronger stratification of the Barents Sea, and northward advection of boreal euphausiids. This may increase the role of DVM in the functioning of the biological pump on the Atlantic side of the Arctic Ocean, particularly where euphausiids are or will be prevalent in the zooplankton community.
Effects of mountaintop removal coal mining on the diversity and secondary productivity of Appalachian rivers
Authors: Voss Kristofor A. , Bernhardt Emily S.
Published: March 2017

Land cover change often alters the chemical regime and reduces the diversity of sensitive taxa in downstream aquatic ecosystems. The consistently elevated ionic strength associated with surface coal mines has been implicated in extirpating sensitive taxa throughout many Appalachian streams. We quantified secondary production at three sites spanning a gradient of mining impacts in the Mud River (West Virginia, U.S.A.) by sampling macroinvertebrates monthly from 2012 to 2013. Not only do we observe significant changes in aquatic insect community structure driven by the loss of sensitive taxa in mined watersheds, but we show that these losses translate directly to depressed biomass throughout the year becoming most apparent when pollutant concentrations rise during summer baseflow. These distinct seasonal patterns result in threefold decreases in total insect production and EPT production ∼1‐km downstream of an unmined reach. Farther downstream, where pollutant concentrations are much higher, total annual productivity is similar to the unmined reach, but suffers from a 31% loss of taxa comprising production and altered timing of that production. Mayflies were the insects most notably affected by the chemical alteration. Whereas mayflies accounted for ∼14% of total production in our upstream, unmined site, they only accounted for 0.2% of production at the most impacted site. We conclude that elevated ionic strength depresses insect production by preventing sensitive taxa from completing their life cycles in mining‐impacted streams. Because surface coal mining dominates the Central Appalachian landscape, such altered production patterns are likely a common landscape feature impacting regional food webs.
Climatic conditions and nursery habitat quality provide indicators of reef fish recruitment strength
Authors: Wilson Shaun K. , Depczynski Martial , Holmes Thomas H. , Noble Mae M. , Radford Ben T. , Tinkler Paul , Fulton Christopher J.
Published: March 2017

Identifying and protecting nursery habitats for species is a key conservation strategy for the long‐term sustainability of populations. In tropical ecosystems, macroalgal habitats have recently been identified as nurseries for fish of commercial and conservation significance. Here, we explore how local‐scale variations in seaweed habitat quality interact with large‐scale climatic conditions (Southern Oscillation Index, SOI) to influence the recruitment of three tropical fish species (Lethrinus spp.), often targeted by fishers. New fish recruits and juveniles of all species were almost exclusively found in macroalgal nursery habitats, while adults of two of these species were predominantly found on adjacent coral reefs. Annual supply rates of new recruits were found to be strongly correlated to variations in the SOI, with La Nina conditions associated with higher recruitment. However, local rates of recruitment were generally poor predictors of older juvenile abundance. Instead, local juvenile abundance was more closely related to structural characteristics of macroalgae nursery habitat quality (density, canopy height, canopy cover) and/or predator biomass, at the time of survey, with species‐specific habitat associations apparent. Given the dynamic nature of fish recruitment supply to the SOI, coupled with the effects of climatic and oceanic processes on the structure of macroalgal patches, these results suggest protection of macroalgal nursery habitats that maintain high canopy density, height and cover is critical to supporting the conservation of fish populations.