bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic Approach to Evaluation of Metal(loid) Fate During Stormwater Aquifer Storage and Recovery
Authors: Vanderzalm Joanne L. , Page Declan W. , Barry Karen E. , Scheiderich Kathleen , Gonzalez Dennis , Dillon Peter J.
Published: September 2016

The fate of metal(loid)s is a key consideration when recycling urban stormwater via the aquifer, due to their potential within urban stormwater from anthropogenic sources and also the potential for mobilization from the aquifer sediments. A probabilistic modeling approach incorporating the use of probability density functions was applied to assess the capacity of a confined, anoxic limestone aquifer to treat, or generate metal(loid)s. Iron was abundant in the aquifer storage zone and had a large influence on the fate of many trace metal(loid) species. Reductive iron(III) dissolution and the associated loss of sorption sites, along with displacement from sorption sites by phosphate present in stormwater, resulted in consistent gains of arsenic in the recovered water across four aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) operations. Lead and zinc were predominantly removed, aside from one scheme where the concentration in stormwater was considerably lower than the remaining schemes. Sorption of copper in preference to nickel explained the removal of copper and mobilization of nickel in two ASR operations. The fate of aluminium was independent from that of iron, instead dictated by aqueous speciation and the insolubility of Al(OH)3 and consistent removal was evident. The results suggest that ASR operations can provide some level of treatment for metal(loid)s in stormwater, but the treatment provided can be site specific and is influenced by the stormwater quality itself and variability in the geochemical conditions experienced within the storage zone.
15‐Methylene‐Eburnamonine Kills Leukemic Stem Cells and Reduces Engraftment in a Humanized Bone Marrow Xenograft Mouse Model of Leukemia
Authors: Gunasekara Dilini C. , Zheng Mary M. , Mojtahed Tara , Woods James R. , Fandy Tamer E. , Riofski Mark V. , Glackin Carlotta A. , Hassan Hazem E. , Kirshner Julia , Colby David A.
Published: September 2016

Recent studies suggest that leukemia stem cells (LSCs) play a critical role in the initiation, propagation, and relapse of leukemia. Herein we show that (−)‐15‐methylene‐eburnamonine, a derivative of the alkaloid (−)‐eburnamonine, is cytotoxic against acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemias (ALL and CLL) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). The agent also decreases primary LSC frequency in vitro. The cytotoxic effects appear to be mediated via the oxidative stress pathways. Furthermore, we show that the compound kills AML, ALL, and CLL stem cells. By the use of a novel humanized bone marrow murine model of leukemia (huBM/NSG), it was found to decrease progenitor cell engraftment.
Utilization of surgical treatment for local and locoregional esophageal cancer: Analysis of the National Cancer Data Base
Authors: Taylor Lauren J. , Greenberg Caprice C. , Lidor Anne O. , Leverson Glen E. , Maloney James D. , Macke Ryan A.
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have suggested that esophagectomy is severely underused for patients with resectable esophageal cancer. The recent expansion of endoscopic local therapies, advances in surgical techniques, and improved postoperative outcomes have changed the therapeutic landscape. The impact of these developments and evolving treatment guidelines on national practice patterns is unknown.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with clinical stage 0 to III esophageal cancer were identified from the National Cancer Database (2004‐2013). The receipt of potentially curative surgical treatment over time was analyzed, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with surgical treatment.

RESULTS

The analysis included 52,122 patients. From 2004 to 2013, the overall rate of potentially curative surgical treatment increased from 36.4% to 47.4% (P < .001). For stage 0 disease, the receipt of esophagectomy decreased from 23.8% to 17.9% (P < .001), whereas the use of local therapies increased from 34.3% to 58.8% (P < .001). The use of surgical treatment increased from 43.4% to 61.8% (P < .001), from 36.1% to 45.0% (P < .001), and from 30.8% to 38.6% (P < .001) for patients with stage I, II, and III disease, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, divergent practice patterns and adherence to national guidelines were noted between academic and community facilities.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of potentially curative surgical treatment has increased for patients with stage 0 to III esophageal cancer. The expansion of local therapies has driven increased rates of surgical treatment for early‐stage disease. Although the increased use of esophagectomy for more advanced disease is encouraging, significant variation persists at the patient and facility levels. Cancer 2017;123:410–419. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
N‐Phenylated N‐Heteroacenes: Synthesis, Structures, and Properties
Authors: Gu Xiao , Shan Bowen , He Zikai , Miao Qian
Published: September 2016

Herein, two novel N‐phenylated N‐heteroacenes (1 and 2) are reported, along with details of their synthesis, structures, and properties. Compound 1 is a N‐hetero analogue of rubrene, but differs from rubrene by having a bent backbone and behaving as an insulator in the solid state owing to the lack of π–π interactions. Compound 2 is a N‐hetero analogue of 6,13‐diphenylpentacene (DPP) with essentially the same molecular geometry and crystal packing as DPP, but exhibiting a field effect mobility higher than that of DPP by two orders of magnitude.
Porphyromonas gingivalis induced periodontitis exacerbates progression of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in rats
Authors: Kuraji Ryutaro , Ito Hiroshi , Fujita Miyako , Ishiguro Hitomi , Hashimoto Shuichi , Numabe Yukihiro
Published: September 2016

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic liver disease that can develop into hepatocirrhosis and hepatic carcinoma. In recent years, epidemiological and animal studies have reported that Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), a known periodontopathic bacteria, is closely related to NASH. However, previous studies could not demonstrate a direct relationship between periodontitis, P. gingivalis infection, and NASH. The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of P. gingivalis‐associated periodontitis on the onset and progression of NASH. Forty‐two male Wistar rats were used in this study. Rats were fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks in order to induce fatty liver. At 4 weeks from the start of feeding, the animals were performed ligature placement around the maxillary first molar tooth in order to induce experimental periodontitis, and then a P. gingivalis slurry was applied around the ligature twice in a week for 8 weeks (HFD/Pg(+) group). Controls were given the slurry without P. gingivalis after ligature placement using the same protocol (HFD/Pg(−) group). Significant increases in alveolar bone resorption and inflammation in periodontal tissue around the molar tooth in the HFD/Pg(+) group were observed when compared with the HFD/Pg(−) group. Moreover, histological images showing NASH characterized by perivenular lipid deposition including big fatty drops, ballooning degeneration, and focal necrosis with inflammatory cells were confirmed in the liver of rats in the HFD/Pg(+) group. Significant increases in alanine aminotransaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and C‐reactive protein levels were observed in the HFD/Pg(+) group. Furthermore, endotoxin levels in serum in the HFD/Pg(+) group were significantly higher than those in the HFD/Pg(−) group. The present study demonstrated that experimental periodontitis induced by P. gingivalis led to the progression of NASH in rats with fatty liver. Increased levels of endotoxin derived from P. gingivalis infection appear to play a considerable role in the progression of NASH.
High‐Performance Carbon Aerogel Air Cathodes for Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyuan , He Weihua , Zhang Rufan , Wang Qiuying , Liang Peng , Huang Xia , Logan Bruce E. , Fellinger Tim‐Patrick
Published: September 2016

Invited for this month's Cover are the groups at Tsinghua University, Max‐Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, and Penn State University, and their collaborators at Harbin Institute of Technology and Stanford University. They present a new nitrogen‐doped ionothermal carbon aerogel (NDC) air cathode for use in microbial fuel cells, allowing high power generation and simultaneous wastewater treatment. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201600590.
Aegean wall lizards switch foraging modes, diet, and morphology in a human‐built environment
Authors: Donihue Colin M.
Published: September 2016

Foraging mode is a functional trait with cascading impacts on ecological communities. The foraging syndrome hypothesis posits a suite of concurrent traits that vary with foraging mode; however, comparative studies testing this hypothesis are typically interspecific. While foraging modes are often considered typological for a species when predicting foraging‐related traits or mode‐specific cascading impacts, intraspecific mode switching has been documented in some lizards. Mode‐switching lizards provide an opportunity to test foraging syndromes and explore how intraspecific variability in foraging mode might affect local ecological communities.Because lizard natural history is intimately tied to habitat use and structure, I tested for mode switching between populations of the Aegean wall lizard,Podarcis erhardii, inhabiting undisturbed habitat and human‐built rock walls on the Greek island of Naxos. I observed foraging behavior among 10 populations and tested lizard morphological and performance predictions at each site. Furthermore, I investigated the diet of lizards at each site relative to the available invertebrate community.I found that lizards living on rock walls were significantly more sedentary—sit and wait—than lizards at nonwall sites. I also found that head width increased in females and the ratio of hindlimbs to forelimbs in both sexes increased as predicted. Diet also changed, with nonwall lizards consuming a higher proportion of sedentary prey. Lizard bite force also varied significantly between sites; however, the pattern observed was opposite to that predicted, suggesting that bite force in these lizards may more closely relate to intraspecific competition than to diet.This study demonstrates microgeographic variability in lizard foraging mode as a result of human land use. In addition, these results demonstrate that foraging mode syndromes can shift intraspecifically with potential cascading effects on local ecological communities.
Choosing a mate in a high predation environment: Female preference in the fiddler crab Uca terpsichores
Authors: Perez Daniela M. , Christy John H. , Backwell Patricia R. Y.
Published: September 2016

The interplay between a receiver's sensory system and a sender's courtship signals is fundamental to the operation of sexual selection. Male courtship signals that match a female receiver's preexisting perceptual biases can be favored yet the message they communicate is not always clear. Do they simply beacon the male's location or also indicate his quality? We explored this question in a species of fiddler crab Uca terpsichores that courts under elevated predation risk and that mates and breeds underground in the safety of males' burrows. Sexually receptive females leave their own burrows and are thereby exposed to avian predators as they sequentially approach several courting males before they choose one. Males court by waving their single greatly enlarge claw and sometimes by building a sand hood next to their burrow entrance. Hoods are attractive because they elicit a risk‐reducing orientation behavior in females, and it has been suggested that claw waving may also serve primarily to orient the female to the male. If the wave communicates male quality, then females should discriminate mates on the basis of variation in elements of the wave, as has been shown for other fiddler crabs. Alternatively, variation in elements of the claw waving display may have little effect on the display's utility as a beacon of the location of the male and his burrow. We filmed courting males and females under natural conditions as females responded to claw waving and chose mates. Analysis of the fine‐scale courtship elements between the males that females rejected and those they chose revealed no differences. When predation risk during courtship is high, males' courtship displays may serve primarily to guide females to safe mating and breeding sites and not as indicators of male quality apart from their roles as beacons.
Runoff and sediment response to tree control and seeding on a high soil erosion potential site in Utah: evidence for reversal of an abiotic threshold
Authors: Roundy Bruce A. , Farmer Mark , Olson Jay , Petersen Steven , Nelson Deanna R. , Davis Jim , Vernon Jason
Published: September 2016

Expansion of piñon (Pinus spp.) and juniper (Juniperus spp.) trees into semi‐arid sagebrush steppe may cause these systems to pass a biotic threshold into weed dominance and recurrent fire, as well as pass an abiotic threshold of accelerated soil erosion. To determine effects of chaining to reduce trees and seeding to increase vegetation cover, we measured runoff and sediment after natural precipitation on 10 m2 intercanopy runoff plots on untreated and treated areas over a 5‐year period. The former sagebrush steppe study site was in an advanced phase of tree infilling before treatment and is underlain by lacustrine sediments with clay loam soils on moderate steep slopes. These characteristics, and the potential for high‐intensity thundershowers, make this site one of high soil erosion potential. Chaining‐seeding greatly increased vegetation cover from 4.5% on untreated plots to 23.5% on chained‐seeded plots by the first year after treatment. These cover increases were associated with runoff that was reduced from 44.2 to 9.4 L and sediment from 557.9 to 53.9 g from runoff plots, averaged over the 5 years. Piecewise regression indicated significant threshold decreases in runoff and sediment when vegetation cover exceeded 12 and 11%. High annual precipitation (53 cm) supported successful revegetation on this site in association with chaining and produced sufficient intercanopy cover to reverse an abiotic threshold of soil loss that is associated with advanced tree infilling. Tree reduction and restoration of intercanopy vegetation may have significant hydrologic benefits on sites with high erosion potential where piñon–juniper has expanded into sagebrush steppe.
Functional diversity of non‐lethal effects, chemical camouflage, and variation in fish avoidance in colonizing beetles
Authors: Resetarits William J. , Pintar Matthew R.
Published: September 2016

Predators play an extremely important role in natural communities. In freshwater systems, fish can dominate sorting both at the colonization and post‐colonization stage. Specifically, for many colonizing species, fish can have non‐lethal, direct effects that exceed the lethal direct effects of predation. Functionally diverse fish species with a range of predatory capabilities have previously been observed to elicit functionally equivalent responses on oviposition in tree frogs. We tested this hypothesis of functional equivalence of non‐lethal effects for four predatory fish species, using naturally colonizing populations of aquatic beetles. Among taxa other than mosquitoes, and with the exception of the chemically camouflaged pirate perch, Aphredoderus sayanus, we provide the first evidence of variation in colonization or oviposition responses to different fish species. Focusing on total abundance, Fundulus chrysotus, a gape‐limited, surface‐feeding fish, elicited unique responses among colonizing Hydrophilidae, with the exception of the smallest and most abundant taxa, Paracymus, while Dytiscidae responded similarly to all avoided fish. Neither family responded to A. sayanus. Analysis of species richness and multivariate characterization of the beetle assemblages for the four fish species and controls revealed additional variation among the three avoided species and confirmed that chemical camouflage in A. sayanus results in assemblages essentially identical to fishless controls. The origin of this variation in beetle responses to different fish is unknown, but may involve variation in cue sensitivity, different behavioral algorithms, or differential responses to species‐specific fish cues. The identity of fish species occupying aquatic habitats is crucial to understanding community structure, as varying strengths of lethal and non‐lethal effects, as well as their interaction, create complex landscapes of predator effects and challenge the notion of functional equivalence.
Soil microbial communities influence seedling growth of a rare conifer independent of plant–soil feedback
Authors: Rigg Jessica L. , Offord Cathy A. , Singh Brajesh K. , Anderson Ian , Clarke Steve , Powell Jeff R.
Published: September 2016

Plant–soil feedback, the reciprocal relationship between a plant and its associated microbial communities, has been proposed to be an important driver of plant populations and community dynamics. While rarely considered, understanding how plant–soil feedback contributes to plant rarity may have implications for conservation and management of rare species. Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis) is a critically endangered species, of which fewer than 100 trees are known to exist in the wild. Seedling survival within the first year after germination and subsequent recruitment of Wollemi pine is limited in the wild. We used a plant–soil feedback approach to investigate the functional effect of species‐specific differences previously observed in the microbial communities underneath adult Wollemi pine and a neighboring species, coachwood (Ceratopetalum apetalum), and also whether additional variation in microbial communities in the wild could impact seedling growth. There was no evidence for seedling growth being affected by tree species associated with soil inocula, suggesting that plant–soil feedbacks are not limiting recruitment in the natural population. However, there was evidence of fungal, but not bacterial, community variation impacting seedling growth independently of plant–soil feedbacks. Chemical (pH) and physical (porosity) soil characteristics were identified as potential drivers of the functional outcomes of these fungal communities. The empirical approach described here may provide opportunities to identify the importance of soil microbes to conservation efforts targeting other rare plant species and is also relevant to understanding the importance of soil microbes and plant–soil feedbacks for plant community dynamics more broadly.
Homoleptic Two‐Coordinate 14‐Electron Palladium and Platinum Complexes with Two Bis(guanidinato)silylene Ligands
Authors: Baus Johannes A. , Mück Felix M. , Bertermann Rüdiger , Tacke Reinhold
Published: September 2016

The homoleptic transition‐metal bis(silylene) complexes [{{iPrNC(NiPr2)NiPr}2Si}2M] (7: M = Pd; 8: M = Pt) were synthesized by treatment of [PdCl2(SMe2)2] and [PtCl2(PiPr3)2], respectively, with the bis(guanidinato)silylene [iPrNC(NiPr2)NiPr]2Si (2). The almost linearly coordinated Pd0 and Pt0 complexes 7 and 8 are two‐coordinate 14‐electron transition‐metal species and represent unprecedented four‐coordinate silicon(II) compounds with SiMN3 skeletons (M = Pd, Pt). Compound 8 is the first two‐coordinate bis(silylene)platinum complex.
2D Hexagonal Boron Nitride (2D‐hBN) Explored as a Potential Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Khan Aamar F. , Randviir Edward P. , Brownson Dale A. C. , Ji Xiaobo , Smith Graham C. , Banks Craig E.
Published: September 2016

Crystalline 2D hexagonal Boron Nitride (2D‐hBN) is explored as a potential electrocatalyst towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) when electrically wired via a drop‐casting approach upon a range of carbon based electrode surfaces; namely, glassy carbon (GC), boron‐doped diamond (BDD), and screen‐printed graphitic electrodes (SPEs). We consider the ORR in acidic conditions and critically evaluate the performance of unmodified and 2D‐hBN modified electrodes, implementing coverage studies (commonly neglected in the literature) in order to ascertain the true impact of this novel nanomaterial. The behaviour of 2D‐hBN towards the ORR is shown to be highly dependent upon both the underlying carbon substrate and the coverage/mass utilised. 2D‐hBN modified SPEs are found to exhibit the most beneficial response towards the ORR, reducing the peak potential by ca. 0.28 V when compared to an unmodified/bare SPE. Such improvements at this supporting substrate are inferred due to favourable 2D‐hBN interaction with ridged surfaces exposing a high proportion of edge regions/sites, where conversely, we show that relatively smooth substrate surfaces (such as GC) are less conducive towards successful 2D‐hBN immobilisation. In this paper, we reveal for the first time (in the specific case of using a rough supporting substrate) that 2D‐hBN gives rise to beneficial electrochemical behaviour towards the ORR. Unfortunately, this material is not considered an electrocatalyst for use within fuel cells given that the estimated number of electrons transferred during the ORR ranges between 1.90–2.45 for different coverages, indicating that the ORR at 2D‐hBN predominantly produces hydrogen peroxide. 2D‐hBN does however have potential and should be explored further by those designing, fabricating and consequently electrochemically testing modified electrocatalysts towards the ORR.
Recent advances in enhancing the sensitivity of electrophoresis and electrochromatography in capillaries and microchips (2014–2016)
Authors: Breadmore Michael C. , Wuethrich Alain , Li Feng , Phung Sui Ching , Kalsoom Umme , Cabot Joan M. , Tehranirokh Masoomeh , Shallan Aliaa I. , Abdul Keyon Aemi S. , See Hong Heng , Dawod Mohamed , Quirino Joselito P.
Published: September 2016

One of the most cited limitations of capillary (and microchip) electrophoresis is the poor sensitivity. This review continues to update this series of biennial reviews, first published in Electrophoresis in 2007, on developments in the field of on‐line/in‐line concentration methods in capillaries and microchips, covering the period July 2014–June 2016. It includes developments in the field of stacking, covering all methods from field amplified sample stacking and large volume sample stacking, through to isotachophoresis, dynamic pH junction, and sweeping. Attention is also given to on‐line or in‐line extraction methods that have been used for electrophoresis.
Metal Organic Framework‐Derived Cobalt Dicarboxylate as a High‐Capacity Anode Material for Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Liping , Zhao Mingjuan , Qiu Jiliang , Gao Peng , Xue Jing , Li Jingze
Published: September 2016

Considerable attention has been paid to metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) for applications as electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries recently. In this study, we use cobalt terephthalate CoC8H4O4 (CoTPA), one type of MOFs, as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries for the first time. It delivers a high discharge capacity of about 700 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles with superior capacity retention. In contrast to the conventional lithium‐storage mechanism of MOF‐based anodes in organic carbonyl units, both the inorganic unit (Co2+) and the organic unit (carbonyl group) offer multi‐electron transfer reactions, which results in such a high capacity.
A competitive design‐based spatial predictor
Authors: Vagheggini Alessandro , Bruno Francesca , Cocchi Daniela
Published: September 2016

Under the finite population design‐based framework, locations' spatial information coordinates of a population have traditionally been used to develop efficient sampling designs rather than for estimation or prediction. We propose to enhance design‐based individual prediction by exploiting the spatial information derived from geography, which is available for each population element before sampling. Individual predictors are obtained by reinterpreting deterministic interpolators under the finite population design‐based framework, making it possible to derive their statistical properties. Monte Carlo experiments on real and simulated data help to appreciate the performances of the proposed approach in comparison both with estimators that do not employ spatial information and with kriging. We found that under the most favorable conditions for kriging, the proposed predictor shows at least the same performances, while outperforming kriging for small sample sizes.
Probabilistic analysis of soil‐structure interaction effects on the seismic performance of structures
Authors: Mirzaie Fariborz , Mahsuli Mojtaba , Ghannad Mohammad Ali
Published: September 2016

This paper revisits the phenomenon of dynamic soil‐structure interaction (SSI) with a probabilistic approach. For this purpose, a twofold objective is pursued. First, the effect of SSI on inelastic response of the structure is studied considering the prevailing uncertainties. Second, the consequence of practicing SSI provisions of the current seismic design codes on the structural performance is investigated in a probabilistic framework. The soil‐structure system is modeled by the sub‐structure method. The uncertainty in the properties of the soil and the structure is described by random variables that are input to this model. Monte Carlo sampling analysis is employed to compute the probability distribution of the ductility demand of the structure, which is selected as the metrics for the structural performance. In each sample, a randomly generated soil‐structure system is subjected to a randomly selected and scaled ground motion. To comprehensively model the uncertainty in the ground motion, a suite of 3269 records is employed. An extensive parametric study is conducted to cover a wide range of soil‐structure systems. The results reveal the probability that SSI increases the ductility demand of structures designed based on the conventional fixed‐based assumption but built on flexible soil in reality. The results also show it is highly probable that practicing SSI provisions of modern seismic codes increase the ductility demand of the structure. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heat and Mass Transfer Flow of a Nanofluid over an Inclined Plate under Enhanced Boundary Conditions with Magnetic Field and Thermal Radiation
Authors: Reddy P. Sudarsana , Sreedevi P. , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: September 2016

This article presents the magnetohydrodynamic boundary layer flow, heat and mass transfer characteristics of a nanofluid over an inclined porous vertical plate with thermal radiation and chemical reaction. The new enhanced concentration boundary condition on the surface of the wall is considered in this analysis. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations are transformed into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations using the similarity variables and are solved numerically using the finite element method. The effect of key parameters such as magnetic parameter (M), buoyancy ratio (Nr), Prandtl number (Pr), thermal radiation (R), Brownian motion (Nb), thermophoresis (Nt), Lewis number (Le), and chemical reaction parameter (Cr) on velocity, temperature, and concentration distributions is discussed in detail and the results are shown graphically. Furthermore, the impact of these parameters on skin‐friction coefficient, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number is also investigated and the results are shown in tabular form. The developed algorithm is validated with works published previously and was found to be in good agreement. The thermal boundary layer thickness is elevated, whereas the solutal boundary layer thickness retards with the improving values of the Brownian motion parameter (Nb). The rates of nondimensional temperature and concentration both decelerate with higher values of the thermophoresis parameter (Nt).
Country‐specific HPV‐related genital disease among men residing in Brazil, Mexico and The United States: The HIM study
Authors: Sudenga Staci L. , Torres B. Nelson , Fulp William J. , Silva Roberto , Villa Luisa L. , Lazcano‐Ponce Eduardo , Ingles Donna J. , Stoler Mark , Messina Jane L. , Abrahamsen Martha , Baggio Maria Luiza , Salmeron Jorge , Quiterio Manuel , Giuliano Anna R.
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this study was to assess whether the incidence of histopathologically confirmed condyloma and penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN) and rates of genital HPV infection progression to these lesions differs by country (Brazil, Mexico and the U.S.). At each visit, lesions were biopsied and were categorized by pathologic diagnoses. The Linear Array genotyping method was used to identify HPV genotypes from genital swabs, while the INNO‐LiPA HPV Genotyping Extra method was used for tissue specimens. Age‐specific analyses were conducted for lesion incidence by country, with Kaplan–Meier estimation of cumulative incidence. The proportion of HPV infections that progressed to condyloma and PeIN, the median time to lesion development and the incidence rates were estimated by country. When comparing demographic and sexual characteristics across the three countries, sexual orientation (p = 0.008) and lifetime number of female sexual partners (p < 0.0001) were differentially associated with lesion incidence in the three countries. Condyloma incidence in Brazil and the U.S. decreased with age, while incidence remained constant across the lifespan in Mexico. There were no differences by country and age for PeIN incidence. HPV types 6 and 11 were the most common types to progress to condyloma and HPV types 16, 6 and 11 were the most common types to progress to PeIN in all three countries. The continuous risk of condyloma and PeIN across all age groups and countries in this study emphasizes the need to ensure that strong HPV immunity, such as that obtained through vaccination, is maintained across the lifespan of men.
Biomaterial microarchitecture: a potent regulator of individual cell behavior and multicellular organization
Authors: Hogrebe Nathaniel J. , Reinhardt James W. , Gooch Keith J.
Published: September 2016

Insoluble cues from a cell's surrounding microenvironment have increasingly been shown to be important regulators of cell behavior. The microarchitecture of biomaterials used for 3D cell encapsulation, however, is often underappreciated as an important insoluble factor guiding cell activity. In this review, we illustrate that the subcellular physical features of a scaffold influence a range of cell behaviors, including morphology, cytoskeletal organization, migration, matrix remodeling, and long‐range force transmission. We emphasize that the microarchitecture of stromal extracellular matrix (ECM)—specifically the fact that it consists of a network of long interconnecting fibers with micron and nanometer‐sized diameters—is an important determinant of how cells naturally interact with their surrounding matrix and each other. Synthetic biomaterials with a microarchitecture similar to stromal ECM can support analogous cellular responses, suggesting that this fibrous microarchitecture is a key regulator of these cell behaviors. Drawing upon examples from in vitro, in silico, and in vivo studies, we compare these behaviors in fibrous matrices to those of cells cultured within nanoporous matrices (e.g., alginate and PEG gels) as well as macroporous scaffolds to highlight key differences in the cellular response to each type of microarchitecture. Understanding how microarchitecture affects cell behavior can lead to more efficient biomaterial selection when designing tissue engineered scaffolds for therapeutic applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 640–661, 2017.
Bioactive glass‐based surfaces induce differential gene expression profiling of osteoblasts
Authors: Ferraz Emanuela P. , Oliveira Fabiola S. , de Oliveira Paulo T. , Crovace Murilo C. , Peitl‐Filho Oscar , Beloti Marcio M. , Rosa Adalberto L.
Published: September 2016

The ability of Biosilicate® with two crystalline phases (BioS‐2P) to drive osteoblast differentiation encourages the investigation of the cellular mechanisms involved in this process. Then, the aim of our study was to analyze the large‐scale gene expression of osteoblasts grown on BioS‐2P compared with Bioglass®45S5 (45S5). Osteoblasts differentiated from rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were cultured under osteogenic conditions on BioS‐2P, 45S5 and polystyrene (control). After 10 days, the expression of 23,794 genes was analyzed using mRNA Sequencing and the data were validated by real‐time PCR. The BioS‐2P exhibited 5 genes upregulated and 3 downregulated compared with 45S5. Compared with control, BioS‐2P upregulated 15 and downregulated 11 genes, while 45S5 upregulated 25 and downregulated 21 genes. Eight genes were commonly upregulated and 4 downregulated by both bioactive glasses. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that bioactive glasses affect the gene expression profiling of osteoblasts. Most of the regulated genes by both BioS‐2P and 45S5 are associated with the process of mineralization highlighting their osteostimulation property that is, at least in part, derived from the ability to modulate the intracellular machinery to promote osteoblast genotype expression. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 419–423, 2017.
Association Between Single Gene Polymorphisms and Bone Biomarkers and Response to Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation in Young Adults Undergoing Military Training
Authors: Gaffney-Stomberg Erin , Lutz Laura J , Shcherbina Anna , Ricke Darrell O , Petrovick Martha , Cropper Thomas L , Cable Sonya J , McClung James P
Published: September 2016

Initial military training (IMT) is associated with increased stress fracture risk. In prior studies, supplemental calcium (Ca) and vitamin D provided daily throughout IMT reduced stress fracture incidence, suppressed parathyroid hormone (PTH), and improved measures of bone health compared with placebo. Data were analyzed from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Ca and vitamin D–related genes were associated with circulating biomarkers of bone metabolism in young adults entering IMT, and whether responses to Ca and vitamin D supplementation were modulated by genotype. Associations between SNPs, including vitamin D receptor (VDR), vitamin D binding protein (DBP), and 1-alpha-hydroxylase (CYP27B1), and circulating biomarkers were measured in fasting blood samples from volunteers (n = 748) starting IMT. Volunteers were block randomized by race and sex to receive Ca (2000 mg) and vitamin D (1000 IU) or placebo daily throughout Army or Air Force IMT (7 to 9 weeks). Total Ca and vitamin D intakes were calculated as the sum of supplemental intake based on intervention compliance and dietary intake. Relationships between SNPs, Ca, and vitamin D intake tertile and change in biomarkers were evaluated in trial completers (n = 391). At baseline, the minor allele of a DBP SNP (rs7041) was positively associated with both 25OHD (B = 4.46, p = 1.97E-10) and 1,25(OH)2D3 (B = 9.63, p < 0.001). Combined genetic risk score (GRS) for this SNP and a second SNP in the VDR gene (rs1544410) was inversely associated with baseline 25OHD (r = –0.28, p < 0.001) and response to Ca and vitamin D intake differed by GRS (p < 0.05). In addition, presence of the minor allele of a second VDR SNP (rs2228570) was associated with lower P1NP (B = –4.83, p = 0.04) and osteocalcin (B = –0.59, p = 0.03). These data suggest that VDR and DBP SNPs are associated with 25OHD status and bone turnover and those with the highest GRS require the greatest vitamin D intake to improve 25OHD during IMT. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
p120‐Catenin Is Required for Dietary Calcium Suppression of Oral Carcinogenesis in Mice
Authors: Xie Zhongjian , Yuan Yuan , Jiang Yi , Shrestha Chandrama , Chen Ying , Liao Liyan , Ji Shangli , Deng Xiaoge , Liao Eryuan , Bikle Daniel D.
Published: September 2016

Previous studies have shown that dietary calcium suppresses oral carcinogenesis, but the mechanism is unclear. p120‐catenin (p120) is a cytoplasmic protein closely associated with E‐cadherin to form the E‐cadherin–β‐catenin complex and may function as a tumor suppressor in the oral epithelium. To determine whether p120 is involved in the mechanism by which dietary calcium suppresses oral carcinogenesis, The normal, low, or high calcium diet was fed control mice (designated as floxed p120 mice) or mice in which p120 was specifically deleted in the oral squamous epithelium during the adult stage (designated as p120cKO mice). All mice were exposed to a low dose of oral cancer carcinogen 4‐nitroquinoline 1‐oxide and rates of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and proliferation and differentiation in the cancerous and non‐cancerous oral epithelium of these mice were examined. The results showed that the low calcium diet increased rates of OSCC and proliferation of the non‐cancerous oral epithelium and decreased differentiation of the non‐cancerous oral epithelium, but had no effect on cancerous oral epithelium. In contrast, the high calcium diet had opposite effects. However, the effect of the dietary calcium on the rates of OSCC, proliferation, and differentiation of the non‐cancerous epithelium were not seen in p120cKO mice. Based on these results, we conclude that p120 is required for dietary calcium suppression of oral carcinogenesis and oral epithelial proliferation and dietary calcium induction of oral epithelial differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1360–1367, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of a Novel Human E‐Cadherin Splice Variant and Assessment of Its Effects Upon EMT‐Related Events
Authors: Matos María Laura , Lapyckyj Lara , Rosso Marina , Besso María José , Mencucci María Victoria , Briggiler Clara Isabel Marín , Giustina Silvina , Furlong Laura Inés , Vazquez‐Levin Mónica Hebe
Published: September 2016

Epithelial Cadherin (E‐cadherin) is involved in calcium‐dependent cell–cell adhesion and signal transduction. The E‐cadherin decrease/loss is a hallmark of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), a key event in tumor progression. The underlying molecular mechanisms that trigger E‐cadherin loss and consequent EMT have not been completely elucidated. This study reports the identification of a novel human E‐cadherin variant mRNA produced by alternative splicing. A bioinformatics evaluation of the novel mRNA sequence and biochemical verifications suggest its regulation by Nonsense‐Mediated mRNA Decay (NMD). The novel E‐cadherin variant was detected in 29/42 (69%) human tumor cell lines, expressed at variable levels (E‐cadherin variant expression relative to the wild type mRNA = 0.05–11.6%). Stable transfection of the novel E‐cadherin variant in MCF‐7 cells (MCF7Ecadvar) resulted in downregulation of wild type E‐cadherin expression (transcript/protein) and EMT‐related changes, among them acquisition of a fibroblastic‐like cell phenotype, increased expression of Twist, Snail, Zeb1, and Slug transcriptional repressors and decreased expression of ESRP1 and ESRP2 RNA binding proteins. Moreover, loss of cytokeratins and gain of vimentin, N‐cadherin and Dysadherin/FXYD5 proteins was observed. Dramatic changes in cell behavior were found in MCF7Ecadvar, as judged by the decreased cell–cell adhesion (Hanging‐drop assay), increased cell motility (Wound Healing) and increased cell migration (Transwell) and invasion (Transwell w/Matrigel). Some changes were found in MCF‐7 cells incubated with culture medium supplemented with conditioned medium from HEK‐293 cells transfected with the E‐cadherin variant mRNA. Further characterization of the novel E‐cadherin variant will help understanding the molecular basis of tumor progression and improve cancer diagnosis. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1368–1386, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding the Pathogenesis of Neurotrophic Keratitis: The Role of Corneal Nerves
Authors: Mastropasqua Leonardo , Massaro‐Giordano Giacomina , Nubile Mario , Sacchetti Marta
Published: September 2016

Neurotrophic keratitis (NK) is a rare degenerative disease of the cornea caused by trigeminal nerve damage, which leads to loss of corneal sensitivity, corneal epithelium breakdown, and poor healing. Though extremely uncommon, NK is increasingly recognized for its characteristics as a distinct and well‐defined clinical entity rather than a rare complication of various diseases that can disrupt trigeminal innervation. Indeed, the defining feature of NK is loss of corneal sensitivity, and its clinical findings do not correlate with the wide range of systemic or ocular conditions that underlie trigeminal nerve damage. Despite increasing awareness of NK as a distinct condition, its management continues to be challenged by the lack of treatments that target nerve regeneration. This review focuses on the role of corneal nerves in maintaining ocular surface homeostasis, the consequences (such as alterations in neuromediators and corneal cell morphology/function) of impaired innervation, and advances in NK diagnosis and management. Novel therapeutic strategies should aim to improve corneal innervation in order support corneal renewal and healing. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 717–724, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modelling the simultaneous production and separation of acetic acid from CO2 using an anion exchange membrane microbial electrosynthesis system
Authors: Matemadombo Fungisai , Puig Sebastià , Ganigué Ramon , Ramírez‐García Robert , Batlle‐Vilanova Pau , Dolors Balaguer Marilós , Colprim Jesús
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Microbial electrosynthesis is a carbon capture technology capable of transforming CO2 into valuable organic compounds. The aim of this article is to model the simultaneous production and separation of acetate in an anion‐exchange membrane microbial electrosynthesis cell which employs CO2 as feedstock.

RESULTS

The maximum amount of acetate product produced was 0.72 mmol after 19 operational days. Simultaneous production and separation of acetate began after 4 days when 0.95 mol m−3 and 0.04 mol m−3 of acetate were detected in the cathode and anode MES cell chambers, respectively. A model that fits the simultaneous production and separation of acetate in the microbial electrosynthesis cell was successfully developed and validated.

CONCLUSION

The microbial electrosynthesis model developed in this work can be used to predict the product concentrations of a carbon capture technology which simultaneously produces and separates acetate product. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of reaction parameters on the decarboxylation of oleic acid over Pt/ZIF‐67membrane/zeolite 5A bead catalysts
Authors: Yang Liqiu , Carreon Moises A
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Carboxylic acids obtained from biomass raw materials are attractive starting chemicals in the conversion to linear, paraffinic hydrocarbons. The resultant hydrocarbon products can be used as platform chemicals for the production of fuels, lubricants and other valuable chemicals.

RESULTS

The effects of reaction parameters on the decarboxylation of oleic acid to paraffins, and hydrocarbons over Pt supported on zeolite 5A beads coated with ZIF‐67 membrane (Pt/ZIF‐67 membrane/zeolite 5A) were investigated. Almost complete conversion of oleic acid was observed for all reaction conditions studied here. The catalysts displayed high selectivity to heptadecane even with as low as 0.5 wt% Pt loading. Moderate reaction temperature and pressure were favorable to obtain high yield of heptadecane. The catalysts displayed a slight decrease in catalytic activity after recycling. Interestingly, of all explored reaction conditions, the catalysts exhibited the highest selectivity to heptadecane (∼91%) in the presence of CO2.

CONCLUSION

The results from this work demonstrate that the studied reaction parameters greatly affected the overall catalytic performance (mainly product distribution) for the decarboxylation of oleic acid into heptadecane over Pt/ZIF‐67 membrane/zeolite 5A catalysts. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Biodegradation of pretreated olive mill effluent in mixture with a domestic sewage or compatible wastewater stream
Authors: Salimi Khaligh Sooddeh , Yagci Nevin , Ubay‐Cokgor Emine , Karaca Cansu , Alli Busra , Orhon Derin , Sözen Seval
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

The study focused on the biodegradation of pretreated olive mill wastewater (OMW) properly diluted in and mixed with a biodegradable substrate and/or domestic sewage stream. It utilized the permeate of a chemically conditioned two‐stage ultrafiltration/nanofiltration system with COD of 5700 mg L−1 and a total phenol content of 100 mg L−1. Peptone mixture with similar characteristics to domestic sewage was adopted as the biodegradable synthetic substrate. The study relied on two sets of microbial culture; one acclimated to peptone and the other to a mixture of peptone and domestic sewage. Respirometric analyses were conducted on pretreated OMW diluted in the selected substrate using corresponding biomass seeding.

RESULTS

Model evaluation of the oxygen uptake rate profiles indicated that the pretreated OMW was fully consumed in the respirometric tests. There were no inhibitory/toxic impacts of OMW dosing on the biomass. The entire biomass participated in the utilization of OMW/substrate with no metabolic adjustment problems.

CONCLUSION

Experimental results provided conclusive evidence that co‐treatment with a domestic sewage stream is a viable option for OMW management, after a chemically conditioned two‐stage filtration used as the pretreatment step. Pretreatment removes the recalcitrant nature of the wastewater, which becomes fully biodegradable under appropriate dilution and mixing conditions. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
A Threshold Dosage of Testosterone for Female‐to‐Male Sex Reversal in Rana rugosa Frogs
Authors: Oike Akira , Kodama Maho , Nakamura Yoriko , Nakamura Masahisa
Published: September 2016

Androgens play a critical role in testicular differentiation in many species of vertebrates. While female‐to‐male sex reversal can be induced by testosterone (T) in some species of amphibians, the mechanism still remains largely unknown even at the histological level. In this study, we determined a threshold dosage of T to induce female‐to‐male sex reversal in the Japanese frog Rana (R.) rugosa. Tadpoles were allowed to metamorphose into frogs with T present in the rearing water. At 0.2 ng/mL T, female frogs formed tissue comprising a mixture of ovary and testis, the so‐called ovotestis, the size of which was significantly smaller than the wild‐type ovary. Histological changes occurring in the oocytes of T‐treated ovaries induced oocyte degeneration in the masculinizing ovaries leading to their final disappearance. In parallel, many germ cells emerged in the cortex of the ovotestis and, later, in the medulla as well. RT‐PCR analysis revealed upregulated expression of CYP17 and Dmrt1 but not 17βHSD in the ovotestis, and downregulation of Pat1a expression. Furthermore, immunohistology revealed CYP17‐positive signals in the cortex of the masculinizing ovary, spreading throughout the whole area as the testis developed. These results indicate that oocytes are sensitive to T in the ovary of R. rugosa and that male‐type germ cells expand in the masculinizing gonad (testis) contemporaneous with oocyte disappearance.