bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term effects of crizotinib in ALK‐positive tumors (excluding NSCLC): A phase 1b open‐label study
Authors: Gambacorti‐Passerini Carlo , Orlov Sergey , Zhang Li , Braiteh Fadi , Huang Huiqiang , Esaki Taito , Horibe Keizo , Ahn Jin‐Seok , Beck Joseph T. , Edenfield William Jeffrey , Shi Yuankai , Taylor Matthew , Tamura Kenji , Van Tine Brian A. , Wu Shang‐Ju , Paolini Jolanda , Selaru Paulina , Kim Tae Min
Published: January 2018

Crizotinib, an inhibitor of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), MET, and ROS1, is approved for treatment of patients with ALK‐positive or ROS1‐positive advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, ALK rearrangements are also implicated in other malignancies, including anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs). In this ongoing, multicenter, single‐arm, open‐label phase 1b study (PROFILE 1013; NCT01121588), patients with ALK‐positive advanced malignancies other than NSCLC were to receive a starting dose of crizotinib 250 mg twice daily. Primary endpoints were safety and objective responses based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 or National Cancer Institute International Response Criteria. Forty‐four patients were enrolled (lymphoma, n = 18; IMT, n = 9; other tumors, n = 17). The objective response rate was 53% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28–77) for lymphoma, with 8 complete responses (CRs) and 1 partial response (PR); 67% (95% CI, 30–93) for IMTs, with 1 CR and 5 PRs; and 12% (95% CI, 2–36) for other tumors, with 2 PRs in patients affected by colon carcinoma and medullary thyroid cancer, respectively. The median duration of treatment was almost 3 years for patients with lymphoma and IMTs, with 2‐year progression‐free survival of 63% and 67%, respectively. The most common treatment‐related adverse events were diarrhea (45.5%) and vision disorders (45.5%), mostly grade 1. These findings indicate strong and durable activity of crizotinib in ALK‐positive lymphomas and IMTs. The safety profile was consistent with the known safety profile of crizotinib even with long‐term treatment.
Salivary tannin‐binding proteins are a pervasive strategy used by the folivorous/frugivorous black howler monkey
Authors: Espinosa‐Gómez Fabiola Carolina , Serio‐Silva Juan Carlos , Santiago‐García Juan Diego , Sandoval‐Castro Carlos Alfredo , Hernández‐Salazar Laura Teresa , Mejía‐Varas Fernando , Ojeda‐Chávez Javier , Chapman Colin Austin
Published: January 2018

Dietary tannins can affect protein digestion and absorption, be toxic, and influence food selection by being astringent and bitter tasting. Animals that usually ingest tannins may regularly secrete tannin‐binding salivary proteins (TBSPs) to counteract the negative effects of tannins or TBSPs production can be induced by a tannin‐rich diet. In the wild, many primates regularly eat a diet that contains tannin‐rich leaves and unripe fruit and it has been speculated that they have the physiological ability to cope with dietary tannins; however, details of their strategy remains unclear. Our research details the salivary protein composition of wild and zoo‐living black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) feeding on natural versus manufactured low‐tannin diets, and examines differences in TBSPs, mainly proline‐rich proteins (PRPs), to determine whether production of these proteins is dependent on the tannin content of their food. We measured the pH, flow rate, and concentration of total protein and trichloroacetic acid soluble proteins (an index of PRPs) in saliva. Howler monkeys produced slightly alkaline saliva that may aid in the binding interaction between tannin and salivary proteins. We used gel electrophoresis to describe the salivary protein profile and this analysis along with a tannin‐binding assay allowed us to detect several TBSPs in all individuals. We found no differences in the characteristics of saliva between wild and zoo‐living monkeys. Our results suggest that black howler monkeys always secrete TBSPs even when fed on foods low in tannins. This strategy of constantly using this salivary anti‐tannin defense enables them to obtain nutrients from plants that sometimes contain high levels of tannins and may help immediately to overcome the astringent sensation of their food allowing howler monkeys to eat tanniferous plants.
A Crosslinked Nucleic Acid Nanogel for Effective siRNA Delivery and Antitumor Therapy
Authors: Ding Fei , Mou Quanbing , Ma Yuan , Pan Gaifang , Guo Yuanyuan , Tong Gangsheng , Choi Chung Hang Jonathan , Zhu Xinyuan , Zhang Chuan
Published: January 2018

Functional siRNAs are employed as cross‐linkers to direct the self‐assembly of DNA‐grafted polycaprolactone (DNA‐g‐PCL) brushes to form spherical and nanosized hydrogels via nucleic acid hybridization in which small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are fully embedded and protected for systemic delivery. Owing to the existence of multivalent mutual crosslinking events inside, the crosslinked nanogels with tunable size exhibit not only good thermostability, but also remarkable physiological stability that can resist the enzymatic degradation. As a novel siRNA delivery system with spherical nucleic acid (SNA) architecture, the crosslinked nanogels can assist the delivery of siRNAs into different cells without any transfection agents and achieve the gene silencing effectively both in vitro and in vivo, through which a significant inhibition of tumor growth is realized in the anticancer treatment.
Total Synthesis of Astellatol
Authors: Zhao Nan , Yin Shuqiang , Xie Shengling , Yan Hao , Ren Pan , Chen Gui , Chen Fang , Xu Jing
Published: January 2018

A nearly‐30‐year‐old unanswered synthetic puzzle, astellatol, has been solved in an enantiospecific manner. The highly congested pentacyclic skeleton of this rare sesterterpenoid, which possesses a unique bicyclo[4.1.1]octane motif, ten stereocenters, a cyclobutane that contains two quaternary centers, an exo‐methylene group, and a sterically encumbered isopropyl trans‐hydrindane motif, makes astellatol arguably one of the most challenging targets for sesterterpenoid synthesis. An intramolecular Pauson–Khand reaction was exploited to construct the right‐hand side scaffold of this sesterterpenoid. An unprecedented reductive radical 1,6‐addition, mediated by SmI2, forged the cyclobutane motif. Last, a strategic oxidation/reduction step provided not only the decisive solution for the remarkably challenging late‐stage transformations, but also a highly valuable unravelling of the notorious issue of trans‐hydrindane synthesis. Importantly, the synthesis of astellatol showcases a rapid, scalable strategy to access diverse complex isopropyl trans‐hydrindane sesterterpenoids.
Iodine(III) Derivatives as Halogen Bonding Organocatalysts
Authors: Heinen Flemming , Engelage Elric , Dreger Alexander , Weiss Robert , Huber Stefan M.
Published: January 2018

Hypervalent iodine(III) derivatives are known as versatile reagents in organic synthesis, but there is only one previous report on their use as Lewis acidic organocatalysts. Herein, we present first strong indications for the crucial role of halogen bonding in this kind of catalyses. To this end, the solvolysis of benzhydryl chloride and the Diels–Alder reaction of cyclopentadiene with methyl vinyl ketone served as benchmark reactions for halide abstraction and the activation of neutral compounds. Iodolium compounds (cyclic diaryl iodonium species) were used as activators or catalysts, and we were able to markedly reduce or completely switch off their activity by sterically blocking one or two of their electrophilic axes. Compared with previously established bidentate cationic halogen bond donors, the monodentate organoiodine derivatives used herein are at least similarly active (in the Diels–Alder reaction) or even decidedly more active (in benzhydryl chloride solvolysis).
Structural and luminescence properties of Sm3+‐doped bismuth phosphate glass for orange‐red photonic applications
Authors: Damodaraiah S. , Reddy Prasad V. , Ratnakaram Y. C.
Published: January 2018

In the present study, the effect of bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) content on the structural and optical properties of 0.5Sm3+‐doped phosphate glass and the effect of concentration on structural and optical properties of Sm3+‐doped bismuth phosphate (BiP) glass were studied. Structural characterization was accomplished using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Optical properties were studied using absorption, photoluminescence and decay measurements. Using optical absorption spectra, Judd–Ofelt parameters were derived to determine the local structure and bonding in the vicinity of Sm3+ ions. The emission spectra of Sm3+‐doped BiP glass showed two intense emission bands, 4G5/2→6H7/2 (orange) and 4G5/2→6H9/2 (red) for which the stimulated emission cross‐sections (σe) and branching ratios (β) were found to be higher. The quantum efficiencies were also calculated from decay measurements recorded for the 4G5/2 level of Sm3+ ions. The suitable combination of Bi2O3 (10 mol%) and Sm3+ (0.5 mol%) ions in these glasses acted as an efficient lasing material and might be suitable for the development of visible orange‐red photonic materials.
Atypical presentation of dopa‐responsive dystonia in Taiwan
Authors: Weng Yi Ching , Wang Chun Chieh , Wu Yih Ru
Published: January 2018

The typical clinical presentation of dopa‐responsive dystonia, which is also called Segawa disease, is a young age of onset, with predominance in females, diurnal fluctuation of lower limb dystonia, and fair response to low‐dose levodopa. This disease has both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive inheritance. Autosomal dominant Segawa disease is caused by GCH1 mutation on chromosome 14q22.1‐q22.2. Here, we report the case of a male patient with genetically confirmed Segawa disease and atypical presentations including no diurnal symptom fluctuation and insufficient response to levodopa. The patient's father who had the same mutation presented parkinsonism in old age. We also review the literature to address the broad clinical heterogeneity of Segawa disease and the influence of onset age on clinical presentation.
Teaching of anatomical sciences: A blended learning approach
Authors: Khalil Mohammed K. , Abdel Meguid Eiman M. , Elkhider Ihsan A.
Published: January 2018

Blended learning is the integration of different learning approaches, new technologies, and activities that combine traditional face‐to‐face teaching methods with authentic online methodologies. Although advances in educational technology have helped to expand the selection of different pedagogies, the teaching of anatomical sciences has been challenged by implementation difficulties and other limitations. These challenges are reported to include lack of time, costs, and lack of qualified teachers. Easy access to online information and advances in technology make it possible to resolve these limitations by adopting blended learning approaches. Blended learning strategies have been shown to improve students’ academic performance, motivation, attitude, and satisfaction, and to provide convenient and flexible learning. Implementation of blended learning strategies has also proved cost effective. This article provides a theoretical foundation for blended learning and proposes a validated framework for the design of blended learning activities in the teaching and learning of anatomical sciences. Clin. Anat. 31:323–329, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brexit or Bremain? A person and social analysis of voting decisions in the EU referendum
Authors: Van de Vyver Julie , Leite Ana C. , Abrams Dominic , Palmer Sally B.
Published: January 2018

The period following UK's European Union referendum in 2016 foreshadows significant social and political change in the UK. The current research draws on social psychological theories to empirically examine the drivers of voting decisions during the referendum. We report the results of a prospective study using structural equation modelling with data (N = 244) collected just before, and self‐reported voting behaviour immediately following (N = 197), the European Union referendum. We employ a person and social approach to examine the additive roles of worldview, conservatism, social identity, and intergroup threat as predictors of voting intentions and behaviour. Results showed that person factors (worldview and conservatism) predicted voting intentions through social factors (European identity and realistic threat) and that intentions predicted behaviour. The results highlight the importance of addressing threat‐based intergroup rhetoric and the potential of common in‐group identity to mitigate psychological threat.
Fine Tuning of Antibiotic Activity by a Tailoring Hydroxylase in a Trans‐AT Polyketide Synthase Pathway
Authors: Mohammad Hadi H. , Connolly Jack A. , Song Zhongshu , Hothersall Joanne , Race Paul R. , Willis Christine L. , Simpson Thomas J. , Winn Peter J. , Thomas Christopher M.
Published: January 2018

The addition or removal of hydroxy groups modulates the activity of many pharmacologically active biomolecules. It can be integral to the basic biosynthetic factory or result from associated tailoring steps. For the anti‐MRSA antibiotic mupirocin, removal of a C8‐hydroxy group late in the biosynthetic pathway gives the active pseudomonic acid A. An extra hydroxylation, at C4, occurs in the related but more potent antibiotic thiomarinol A. We report here in vivo and in vitro studies that show that the putative non‐haem‐iron(II)/α‐ketoglutaratedependent dioxygenase TmuB, from the thiomarinol cluster, 4‐hydroxylates various pseudomonic acids whereas C8‐OH, and other substituents around the tetrahydropyran ring, block enzyme action but not substrate binding. Molecular modelling suggested a basis for selectivity, but mutation studies had a limited ability to rationally modify TmuB substrate specificity. 4‐Hydroxylation had opposite effects on the potency of mupirocin and thiomarinol. Thus, TmuB can be added to the toolbox of polyketide tailoring technologies for the in vivo generation of new antibiotics in the future.
Analysis of protein composition in rice cultivar used for sake brewing, and their effects on nitrogen compounds in sake
Authors: Okuda Masaki , Joyo Midori , Tamamoto Yuki , Sasaki Motoki , Takahashi Kei , Goto‐Yamamoto Nami , Ikegami Masaru , Hashizume Katsumi
Published: January 2018

Background and objectives

Protein composition analysis of 81 rice samples was performed on three cultivars harvested different regions in Japan, and the effects of the protein composition on the nitrogen composition in sake.

Findings

Crude protein content showed a significant positive correlation with glutelin content. Yamadanishiki cultivars showed lower crude protein and glutelin contents compared with Gohyakumangoku cultivars harvested from the same field. Total nitrogen content in the enzyme digest of steamed rice grains showed a significant positive correlation with the crude protein and glutelin contents. Ten polished (70%) white rice samples were investigated in a small‐scale sake brewing test. Total nitrogen compounds, bitter‐tasting peptides, and free amino acids in the brewed sake positively correlated with the glutelin content of the rice samples. There were no clear correlations between α‐amylase and acid proteinase activities with the nitrogen compounds in the sake.

Conclusions

The results indicated that the glutelin content in the cultivar rice affects sake quality through taste‐active and other nitrogen‐containing compounds produced from rice glutelin in the sake brewing process.

Significance and novelty

We revealed that the glutelin content in the milled rice grains is important to brew high quality of sake clearly. The present results would be useful for cultivation or breeding of sake rice.
Probing Cyclic π‐Electron Delocalization in an Imidazol‐2‐ylidene and a Corresponding Imidazolium Salt
Authors: Thomsen Maja K. , Gatti Carlo , Overgaard Jacob
Published: January 2018

The extent of cyclic π‐electron delocalization in the N‐heterocyclic ring of an imidazol‐2‐ylidene (i.e., 1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) and its corresponding imidazolium salt (i.e., 1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazolium chloride) has been investigated theoretically by using Bader's quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) descriptors, delocalization indices, electron localizability indicators (ELI‐Ds), and the source function tool. In addition, the experimental electron density distribution for the imidazolium salt has been obtained and analyzed from 100 K X‐ray diffraction data. A significant drop is found in the ellipticity of the electron density along the Ccarbene−N bond path in the imidazol‐2‐ylidene. This is shown to be a natural consequence of the σ lone pair of the Ccarbeneatom, which overwhelms the π‐electron density, rather than a sign of a significantly diminished degree of π‐electron delocalization in the imidazol‐2‐ylidene compared to its imidazolium salt. In fact, the source functions, the ELI‐Ds, and the delocalization indices all probe a quite similar extent of cyclic π‐electron delocalization in the N‐heterocyclic rings of the two compounds.
Production of biodiesel catalyzed by lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus in its soluble form
Authors: Wancura João H. C. , Rosset Daniela V. , Tres Marcus V. , Oliveira J. Vladimir , Mazutti Marcio A. , Jahn Sérgio L.
Published: January 2018

Biodiesel production through the transesterification of oleaginous sources utilizing alkaline catalysts shows many process drawbacks like the need of a raw material with high purity degree and a high amount of alkaline wastewater generated from the biodiesel washing step. Such drawbacks can be overcome using enzymes as catalysts. In this context, the commercial Callera™ Trans L lipase arises as an interesting alternative catalyst for hydrolysis‐esterification reaction. In order to evaluate the use of Callera™ Trans L on biodiesel synthesis and optimize the main variables of the hydrolysis‐esterification process (temperature, methanol to oil molar ratio, and catalyst concentration), this work adopted the Central Composite Statistical Design to find out the combination of factors that lead to maximum biodiesel yield. It was observed that the Callera™ Trans L lipase presents a high catalytic activity, mainly in the initial reaction steps. The optimized variables for biodiesel synthesis were 35 °C methanol to oil molar ratio of 4.5:1, and 1.45 wt% of catalyst load, which allowed reaching a biodiesel yield of 96.9 % in 24 h of reaction.
Contrasting effects of specialist and generalist herbivores on resistance evolution in invasive plants
Authors: Zhang Zhijie , Pan Xiaoyun , Blumenthal Dana , van Kleunen Mark , Liu Mu , Li Bo
Published: January 2018

Invasive alien plants are likely to be released from specialist herbivores and at the same time encounter biotic resistance from resident generalist herbivores in their new ranges. The Shifting Defense hypothesis predicts that this will result in evolution of decreased defense against specialist herbivores and increased defense against generalist herbivores. To test this, we performed a comprehensive meta‐analysis of 61 common garden studies that provide data on resistance and/or tolerance for both introduced and native populations of 32 invasive plant species. We demonstrate that introduced populations, relative to native populations, decreased their resistance against specialists, and increased their resistance against generalists. These differences were significant when resistance was measured in terms of damage caused by the herbivore, but not in terms of performance of the herbivore. Furthermore, we found the first evidence that the magnitude of resistance differences between introduced and native populations depended significantly on herbivore origin (i.e., whether the test herbivore was collected from the native or non‐native range of the invasive plant). Finally, tolerance to generalists was found to be higher in introduced populations, while neither tolerance to specialists nor that to simulated herbivory differed between introduced and native plant populations. We conclude that enemy release from specialist herbivores and biotic resistance from generalist herbivores have contrasting effects on resistance evolution in invasive plants. Our results thus provide strong support for the Shifting Defense hypothesis.
Temperature dependency of intraguild predation between native and invasive crabs
Authors: Rogers Tanya L. , Gouhier Tarik C. , Kimbro David L.
Published: January 2018

Environmental factors such as temperature can affect the geographical distribution of species directly by exceeding physiological tolerances, or indirectly by altering physiological rates that dictate the sign and strength of species interactions. Although the direct effects of environmental conditions are relatively well studied, the effects of environmentally mediated species interactions have garnered less attention. In this study, we examined the temperature dependency of size‐structured intraguild predation (IGP) between native blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus, the IG predator) and invasive green crabs (Carcinus maenas, the IG prey) to evaluate how the effect of temperature on competitive and predatory rates may influence the latitudinal distribution of these species. In outdoor mesocosm experiments, we quantified interactions between blue crabs, green crabs, and shared prey (mussels) at three temperatures reflective of those across their range, using two size classes of blue crab. At low temperatures, green crabs had a competitive advantage and IGP by blue crabs on green crabs was low. At high temperatures, size‐matched blue and green crabs were competitively similar, large blue crabs had a competitive advantage, and IGP on green crabs was high. We then used parameter values generated from these experiments (temperature‐ and size‐dependent attack rates and handling times) in a size‐structured IGP model in which we varied IGP attack rate, maturation rate of the blue crab from the non‐predatory to predatory size class, and resource carrying capacity at each of the three temperatures. In the model, green crabs were likely to competitively exclude blue crabs at low temperature, whereas blue crabs were likely to competitively and consumptively exclude green crabs at higher temperatures, particularly when resource productivities and rates of IGP were high. While many factors may play a role in delimiting species ranges, our results suggest that temperature‐dependent interactions can influence local coexistence and are worth considering when developing mechanistic species distribution models and evaluating responses to environmental change.
Proteins as Macromolecular Ligands for Metal‐Catalysed Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones in Aqueous Medium
Authors: de Jesús Cázares‐Marinero José , Przybylski Cédric , Salmain Michèle
Published: January 2018

Biohybrid catalysts resulting from the dative anchoring of half‐sandwich organometallic complexes [M(arene)(H2O)x(Cl)y]n+ (M = RuII, arene = η6‐benzene, p‐cymene or mesitylene; M = IrIII, RhIII, arene = η5‐Cp*; x = 1–3, y = 0–2, n = 0–2) to bovine beta‐lactoglobulin (βLG) or hen egg white lysozyme showed unprecedented behaviour. These constructs were shown to catalyse the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of aryl ketones in water with sodium formate as hydrogen donor at a much faster rate than the complexes alone. Full conversion of the benchmark substrate 2,2,2‐trifluoroacetophenone was reached with an ee of 86 % for the most selective biohybrid. Surprisingly, even the crude biohybrid gave a good ee despite the presence of non‐protein‐bound metal species in the reaction medium. Other aryl ketones were reduced in the same way, and the highest ee was obtained for ortho‐substituted acetophenone derivatives. Furthermore, treatment of βLG with dimethyl pyrocarbonate resulted in a noticeable decrease of the activity and selectivity of the biohybrid, indicating that the sole accessible histidine residue (His146) was probably involved in the coordination and activation of Ru(benzene). This work underscores that protein scaffolds are efficient chiral ligands for asymmetric catalysis. The use of sodium formate instead of dihydrogen makes this approach safe, inexpensive and environmentally friendly.
Efficient and Direct Synthesis of γ‐Amino‐α,β‐Unsaturated Amides by Catalyzed Allylic Substitution of α‐Fluoroenamides: Toward to Synthesis of Hybrid Peptides and Indolizidines
Authors: Reddy K. Harsha vardhan , Bédier Matthieu , Bouzbouz Samir
Published: January 2018

A variety of γ‐amino‐α,β‐unsaturated amides have been synthesized from readily available α‐fluoroenamides precursors via an unprecedented intermolecular and intramolecular conjugative catalytic amination process. These γ‐amino‐α,β‐unsaturated amides are useful intermediates for accessing rarely synthesized hybrid peptides, αγα sequences, and various classes of alkaloids containing a pyrrolidine ring, as illustrated by total synthesis of the indolizidine alkaloid coniceine.
Re-evaluation of target lipid model–derived HC5 predictions for hydrocarbons
Authors: McGrath Joy A. , Fanelli Christopher J. , Di Toro Dominic M. , Parkerton Thomas F. , Redman Aaron D. , Paumen Miriam Leon , Comber Mike , Eadsforth Charles V. , den Haan Klaas
Published: January 2018

The target lipid model (TLM) has been previously applied to predict the aquatic toxicity of hydrocarbons and other nonionic organic chemicals and for deriving the concentrations above which 95% of species should be protected (HC5 values). Several concerns have been identified with the TLM-derived HC5 when it is applied in a substance risk assessment context. These shortcomings were addressed by expanding the acute and chronic toxicity databases to include more diverse taxonomic groups and increase the number of species. The TLM was recalibrated with these expanded databases, resulting in critical target lipid body burdens and acute-to-chronic ratios that met the required guidelines for using species sensitivity distributions in substance risk assessment. The HC5 equation was further revised to consider covarying model parameters. The calculated HC5 values derived from the revised TLM framework were validated using an independent data set for hydrocarbons comprising 106 chronic values across plants, invertebrates, and fish. Assuming a sum binomial distribution, the 95% confidence limit for a 5% failure is between 0.8 and 9.2%. Eight chronic values fell below the HC5, corresponding to an excursion of 7.5%, which falls within the expected uncertainty bounds. Thus, calculated HC5s derived from the revised TLM framework were found to be consistent with the intended protection goals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1579–1593. © 2018 SETAC
Quadratic approximation of the slow factor of volatility in a multifactor stochastic volatility model
Authors: Malhotra Gifty , Srivastava R. , Taneja H. C.
Published: January 2018

A new multifactor stochastic volatility model is proposed in which the slow volatility factor is approximated by a quadratic arc. The perturbation technique is used to obtain the approximate expression for the European option price. The notion of a modified Black‐Scholes price is introduced. A simplified expression for the European option price, perturbed around the modified Black‐Scholes price, is obtained. An expression of modified price is also obtained in terms of the Black‐Scholes price. The effect of this modification on pricing is explained, the accuracy of the approximate option pricing formula established, and its computational cost discussed.
Winner of the society for biomaterials young investigator award for the annual meeting of the society for biomaterials, April 11–14, 2018, Atlanta, GA: S‐nitrosated poly(propylene sulfide) nanoparticles for enhanced nitric oxide delivery to lymphatic tissues
Authors: Schudel Alex , Sestito Lauren F. , Thomas Susan N.
Published: January 2018

Nitric oxide (NO) is a therapeutic implicated for the treatment of diseases afflicting lymphatic tissues, which range from infectious and cardiovascular diseases to cancer. Existing technologies available for NO therapy, however, provide poor bioactivity within lymphatic tissues. In this work, we address this technology gap with a NO encapsulation and delivery strategy leveraging the formation of S‐nitrosothiols on lymphatic‐targeting pluronic‐stabilized, poly(propylene sulfide)‐core nanoparticles (SNO‐NP). We evaluated in vivo the lymphatic versus systemic delivery of NO resulting from intradermal administration of SNO‐NP benchmarked against a commonly used, commercially available small molecule S‐nitrosothiol NO donor, examined signs of toxicity systemically as well as localized to the site of injection, and investigated SNO effects on lymphatic transport and NP uptake by lymph node (LN)‐resident cells. Donation of NO from SNO‐NP, which scaled in proportion to the total administered dose, enhanced LN accumulation by two orders of magnitude without substantially reducing lymphatic transport of NP or the viability and extent of NP uptake by LN‐resident cells. Additionally, NO delivery by SNO‐NP was accompanied by low‐to‐negligible NO accumulation in systemic tissues with no apparent inflammation. These results suggest the utility and selectivity of SNO‐NP for the targeted treatment of NO‐regulated diseases that afflict lymphatic tissues. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1463–1475, 2018.
Induced cumulus expansion of poor quality buffalo cumulus oocyte complexes by Interleukin‐1beta improves their developmental ability
Authors: Chaubey Gaurav Kumar , Kumar Sandeep , Kumar Manish , Sarwalia Parul , Kumaresan Arumugam , De Sachinandan , Kumar Rakesh , Datta Tirtha Kumar
Published: January 2018

The present study was conceived with the aim of modulating the cumulus expansion characteristics of poor quality (BCB−) buffalo oocyte complexes (COCs) in order to improve their fertilization outcomes. BCB− COCs were subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) in presence of Interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) along with BCB‐ (control) and good quality (BCB+) COCs. Results were assessed morphologically, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by expression analysis of cumulus expansion related genes. Also, numbers of zona pellucida bound spermatozoa were counted and development rates of oocytes were monitored under different groups. Expression of versican isoforms and ADAMTS‐1 was observed to be significantly different between cumulus cells of BCB+ and BCB− COCs. Upon IL‐1β supplementation, ADAMTS‐1 expression increased in BCB− COCs along with corresponding cumulus expansion rates. SEM analysis also revealed improved cumulus expansion in IL‐1β supplemented BCB‐ COCs. HAS2 and TNFAIP‐6 were significantly up‐regulated after IL‐1β supplementation while PTGS2 expression remained unaffected. Significantly more numbers of sperms crossed the cumulus barrier, especially in 100 ng/mL IL‐1β supplemented COCs. Besides, cleavage and blastocyst development rates were also improved upon IL‐1β addition. We concluded that IL‐1β supplementation in IVM medium can improve cumulus expansion and development ability of poor quality buffalo oocytes.
Localization of palmitoylated and activated G protein α‐subunit in Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Alamer Sarah , Kageyama Yusuke , Gundersen Robert E.
Published: January 2018

Guanine nucleotide‐binding proteins (G proteins) act as molecular switches to regulate many fundamental cellular processes. The lipid modification, palmitoylation, can be considered as a key factor for proper G protein function and plasma membrane localization. In Dictyostelium discoidum, Gα2 is essential for the chemotactic response to cAMP in their developmental life cycle. However, the regulation of Gα2 with respect to palmitoylation, activation and Gβγ association is less clear. In this study, Gα2 is shown to be palmitoylated on Cys‐4 by [3H]palmitate labeling. Loss of this palmitoylation site results in redistribution of Gα2 within the cell and poor D. discoideum development. Cellular re‐localization is also observed for activated Gα2. In the membrane fraction, Gα2‐wt (YFP) is highly enriched in a low‐density membrane fraction, which is palmitoylation‐dependent. Activated Gα2 monomer and heterotrimer are shifted to two different higher‐density fractions. These results broaden our understanding of how G protein localization and function are regulated inside the cells.
Empirically derived lifespan polytraumatization typologies: A systematic review
Authors: Contractor Ateka A. , Caldas Stephanie , Fletcher Shelley , Shea M. Tracie , Armour Cherie
Published: January 2018

Context

Polytraumatization classes based on trauma endorsement patterns relate to distinct clinical outcomes. Person‐centered approaches robustly evaluate the nature, and construct validity of polytraumatization classes.

Objective

Our review examined evidence for the nature and construct validity of lifespan polytraumatization typologies.

Data sources

In September 2016, we searched Pubmed, PSYCINFO, PSYC ARTICLES, Academic Search Complete, PILPTS, Web of Science, CINAHL, Medline, PsycEXTRA, and PBSC. Search terms included “latent profile,” “latent class,” “latent analysis,” “person‐centered,” “polytrauma,” “polyvictimization,” “traumatization,” “lifetime,” “cooccurring,” “complex,” “typology,” “multidimensional,” “sequential,” “multiple,” “subtype,” “(re)victimization,” “cumulative,” “maltreatment,” “abuse,” and “stressor.” Inclusionary criteria included: peer‐reviewed; latent class/latent profile analyses (LCA/LPA) of lifespan polytrauma classes; adult samples of size greater than 200; only trauma types as LCA/LPA indicators; mental health correlates of typologies; and individual‐level trauma assessment. Of 1,397 articles, nine met inclusion criteria.

Data extraction

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, research assistants completed a secondary reference search, and independently extracted data with standardized coding forms.

Results

Three‐class (n = 5) or four‐class (n = 4) solutions were found. Seven studies found a class characterized by higher trauma endorsement (high‐trauma). All studies found a class characterized by lower trauma endorsement (low‐trauma), and predominance of specific traumas (specific‐trauma; e.g., childhood maltreatment). High‐trauma versus low‐trauma classes and specific‐trauma versus low‐trauma classes differed on mental health correlates.

Conclusion

Evidence supports the prevalence of a high‐trauma class experiencing poorer mental health, and the detrimental impact of aggregated interpersonal and other traumas. We highlight the clinical importance of addressing polytraumatization classes, and comprehensively assessing the impact of all traumas.
Heavy gas oil biodesulfurization using a low‐cost bacterial consortium
Authors: Porto Bruna , Maass Danielle , Oliveira José V , de Oliveira Débora , Yamamoto Carlos Itsuo , Ulson de Souza Antônio A , Ulson de Souza Selene M A Guelli
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Petroleum and its derivatives usually contain large amounts of sulfur. During the combustion of fossil fuels, sulfur is liberated to the atmosphere in the form of one of the most noxious pollutants: sulfur dioxide (SOx). The removal of sulfur content to the ultralow levels demanded by worldwide legislation has been a challenge to the refinery industry, principally due to the inefficiency of conventional processes, such as hydrodesulfurization, which are not capable of removing the recalcitrant sulfur compounds. Biodesulfurization is a biological process that removes these sulfur compound pollutants from hydrocarbons. However, there are several unsolved technological difficulties associated with this procedure, including the development of a stable and efficient biocatalyst, and a low‐cost culture medium. Thus, the use of a bacterial consortium (BC) as a substitute for both biocatalyst and nutritional medium was studied in order to improve the biodesulfurization process.

RESULTS

The desulfurization activity was determined at different temperatures and BC concentrations. An efficient desulfurization capacity (71.2%) was observed using only 5% (w/w) of BC at 45 °C. At this temperature, the total time required for biodesulfurization was substantially reduced; only 2 h was required to achieve the highest desulfurization capacity.

CONCLUSION

The BC can be used as a substitute for biocatalysts and nutritional media for heavy gas oil desulfurization. Desulfurization capacity using the BC was similar to that achieved using other pure bacterial strains and culture media, and the process time was diminished. BC use represents an important improvement in biodesulfurization technology. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
NIR‐responsive nanomaterials and their applications; upconversion nanoparticles and carbon dots: a perspective
Authors: Chien Yi‐Hsin , Chan Kok Ken , Yap Stephanie Hui Kit , Yong Ken‐Tye
Published: January 2018

Near‐infrared (NIR) light responsive materials have received much attention for diverse applications due to their excellent optical properties. This type of material exhibits upconverted luminescence, a non‐linear optical process in which two or more low energy photons, usually from NIR light irradiation are transformed to high energy photons emission through energy transfer upconversion, excited state absorption, photon avalanche or multiphoton absorption. The NIR range of excitation source is favorable for biological imaging and cancer theranostic applications due to their high penetration depth, low autofluorescence, minimal light scattering, reduced photodamage, and negligible phototoxicity. Having these properties, NIR responsive materials such as upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and carbon dots (CDs) which perform upconversion luminescence are actively exploited in a wide variety of applications such as display and sensory technology. While CDs are well known for their versatility in using different chemicals and green precursors to achieve tunable optical properties, UCNPs also have the advantage that a continuous‐wave NIR laser can be used as the excitation source. This article reviews the properties of these two materials in the aspects of luminescence mechanisms and their recent developments in cancer theranostics, display technology, biosensing and metal ions sensing applications. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Nonlinear response of precipitation to climate indices using a non‐stationary Poisson‐generalized Pareto model: case study of southeastern Canada
Authors: Thiombiano Alida N. , St‐Hilaire André , El Adlouni Salah‐Eddine , Ouarda Taha B. M. J.
Published: January 2018

Quantile estimates are generally interpreted in association with the return period concept in practical engineering. To do so with the peaks‐over‐threshold (POT) approach, combined Poisson‐generalized Pareto distributions (referred to as PD‐GPD model) must be considered. In this article, we evaluate the incorporation of non‐stationarity in the generalized Pareto distribution (GPD) and the Poisson distribution (PD) using, respectively, the smoothing‐based B‐spline functions and the logarithmic link function. Two models are proposed, a stationary PD combined to a non‐stationary GPD (referred to as PD0‐GPD1) and a combined non‐stationary PD and GPD (referred to as PD1‐GPD1). The teleconnections between hydro‐climatological variables and a number of large‐scale climate patterns allow using these climate indices as covariates in the development of non‐stationary extreme value models. The case study is made with daily precipitation amount time series from southeastern Canada and two climatic covariates, the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and the Pacific North American (PNA) indices. A comparison of PD0‐GPD1 and PD1‐GPD1 models showed that the incorporation of non‐stationarity in both POT models instead of solely in the GPD has an effect on the estimated quantiles. The use of the B‐spline function as link function between the GPD parameters and the considered climatic covariates provided flexible non‐stationary PD‐GPD models. Indeed, linear and nonlinear conditional quantiles are observed at various stations in the case study, opening an interesting perspective for further research on the physical mechanism behind these simple and complex interactions.
The impacts of the Indonesian Throughflow on the inter‐basin seesaw mechanism, in idealized experiments
Authors: Santis Wlademir , Aímola Luis , Castellanos Paola , Campos Edmo J. D.
Published: January 2018

The role that the Indonesian Throughflow plays on climate is investigated in an alternative scenario, expected during glacial ages. The equatorwards shift of the Southern Hemisphere westerlies found in glacial ages acts to decrease the Agulhas Leakage (AL) and the thermohaline circulation (THC) in the Atlantic. Recent results suggest that these changes are followed by an increased THC in the Pacific, through an inter‐basin seesaw mechanism. The enhanced circulation in the Pacific demands thermocline water to cross the equator towards northern latitudes, which shifts the water source of the throughflow from the low‐salinity North Pacific to the relative saltier South Pacific. It is shown that in this equilibrium, the salinity anomalies of the throughflow impact the inter‐basin seesaw towards the restoration of the modern climate, enhancing the North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) formation and decreasing the THC in the Pacific. These results are consistent with paleo‐observations and provide new insights to interpreting the climate changes in glacial periods.
Differential proteomic analysis of synovial fluid from hip arthroplasty patients with a pseudotumor vs. Periprosthetic osteolysis
Authors: Catelas Isabelle , Lehoux Eric A. , Ning Zhibin , Figeys Daniel , Baskey Stephen J. , Beaulé Paul E.
Published: January 2018

Adverse tissue reactions to metal implants, including pseudotumors, can compromise implant functionality and survivorship. The identification of specific proteins in the synovial fluid (SF) of hip arthroplasty patients with a pseudotumor may lead to a better understanding of the underlying pathomechanisms. The objective of the present study was to compare the protein content of SF from patients with a short‐term metal‐on‐metal hip implant associated with a pseudotumor and patients with a long‐term metal‐on‐polyethylene hip implant associated with periprosthetic osteolysis. Discovery proteomics was used to identify differentially abundant proteins in albumin‐depleted SF. In toto, 452 distinct proteins (present in at least half of the patients in one or both groups) were identified. Thirty of these 452 proteins were differentially abundant between the two groups, including two potential biomarkers: 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (which plays a major protective role against oxidative stress) for the pseudotumor group, and scavenger receptor cysteine‐rich type 1 protein M130 (which is involved in low‐grade inflammation) for the periprosthetic osteolysis group. Other differentially abundant proteins identified suggest the presence of an adaptive immune response (particularly a type‐IV hypersensitivity reaction), necrosis, and greater oxidative stress in patients with a pseudotumor. They also suggest the presence of an innate immune response, oxidative stress, tissue remodeling, and apoptosis in both patient groups, although differences in the specific proteins identified in each group point to differences in the pathomechanisms. Overall, results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying metal‐related pseudotumors and periprosthetic osteolysis, and may ultimately help elucidate pseudotumor etiology and assess the risk that asymptomatic pseudotumors will develop into an aggressive lesion. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1849–1859, 2018.
Characteristics of proanthocyanidins in leaves of Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana as strong α‐glucosidase inhibitors
Authors: Hsu Chia‐Yun , Lin Gong‐Min , Lin Huan‐You , Chang Shang‐Tzen
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, there has been a growing demand for natural products with a view to using them as α‐glucosidase inhibitors for reducing postprandial hyperglycemia. In this study, the hot water extract (HWE) from Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana (Hayata) Rehder (Cupressaceae) leaves and its soluble fractions were screened for α‐glucosidase inhibition properties. The n‐butanol‐soluble fraction of HWE was further fractionated into 14 subfractions (B1–B14) using a Sephadex LH‐20 column. The α‐glucosidase‐inhibitory activities and proanthocyanidin contents of all subfractions were determined. The structural characteristics of proanthocyanidins in proanthocyanidin‐rich fractions were also elucidated.

RESULTS

HWE produced a dose‐dependent inhibition of α‐glucosidase at low dose. Its IC50 value was 1.4 µg mL−1, showing high inhibitory activity. Subfractions B7–B14 displayed powerful α‐glucosidase‐inhibitory activities with IC50 values ranging between 1 and 0.015 µg mL−1 and contained abundant proanthocyanidins exceeding 300 mg g−1. The proanthocyanidins with higher mean degree of polymerization (mDP), higher proportions of procyanidin dimer (A1 or A2) and (epi)afzelechin of extension units and a lower proportion of epicatechin of terminal units displayed high α‐glucosidase‐inhibitory activities.

CONCLUSION

Proanthocyanidins in HWE were viewed as potential natural α‐glucosidase inhibitors for decreasing postprandial hyperglycemia. The results indicated that specific structural characteristics of proanthocyanidins would be required for α‐glucosidase‐inhibitory activity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of methyl salicylate in combination with 1‐methylcyclopropene on postharvest quality and decay caused by Botrytis cinerea in tomato fruit
Authors: Min Dedong , Li Fujun , Zhang Xinhua , Shu Pan , Cui Xixi , Dong Lulu , Ren Chuntao , Meng Demei , Li Jian
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Postharvest diseases result in major losses in fruits. Tomato is susceptible to postharvest rot caused by Botrytis cinerea and is regarded as a good model system to study postharvest disease and quality deterioration in fruit. To develop a safe and effective technique to alleviate disease and maintain fruit quality, the effects of methyl salicylate (MeSA) and 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) either separately or combined on quality and gray mold caused by B. cinerea in tomato fruit were investigated.

RESULTS

The results showed that application of MeSA (0.05 mmol L−1) delayed fruit ripening and reduced gray mold. Compared with MeSA treatment, 1‐MCP (0.5 µL L−1) effectively delayed fruit ripening. Further, MeSA combined with 1‐MCP treatment was more effective in inhibiting fungal decay during storage than MeSA treatment alone. The combined treatment not only enhanced pathogenesis‐related protein 1 (PR1) expression, activities of defense enzymes and total phenolic content but also inhibited the increase in electrical conductivity and malondialdehyde content. The combined treatment was also more effective in retaining firmness, color change and titratable acidity content than MeSA treatment alone.

CONCLUSION

MeSA combined with 1‐MCP treatment was a useful technique to maintain quality and alleviate gray mold in postharvest tomato fruit during storage. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry