bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain morphology in children with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome
Authors: Shiohama Tadashi , Fujii Katsunori , Miyashita Toshiyuki , Mizuochi Hiromi , Uchikawa Hideki , Shimojo Naoki
Published: March 2017

Brain morphology is tightly regulated by diverse signaling pathways. Hedgehog signaling is a candidate pathway considered responsible for regulating brain morphology. Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), caused by a PTCH1 mutation in the hedgehog signaling pathway, occasionally exhibits macrocephaly and medulloblastoma. Although cerebellar enlargement occurs in ptch1 heterozygous‐deficient mice, its impact on human brain development remains unknown. We investigated the brain morphological characteristics of children with NBCCS. We evaluated brain T1‐weighted images from nine children with NBCCS and 15 age‐matched normal control (NC) children (mean [standard deviation], 12.2 [2.8] vs. 11.6 [2.3] years old). The diameters of the cerebrum, corpus callosum, and brain stem and the cerebellar volume were compared using two‐tailed t‐tests with Welch's correction. The transverse diameters (150.4 [9.9] vs. 136.0 [5.5] mm, P = 0.002) and longitudinal diameters (165.4 [8.0] vs. 151.3 [8.7] mm, P = 0.0007) of the cerebrum, cross‐sectional area of the cerebellar vermis (18.7 [2.6] vs. 11.8 [1.7] cm2, P = 0.0001), and total volume of the cerebellar hemispheres (185.1 [13.0] vs. 131.9 [10.4] cm3, P = 0.0001) were significantly larger in the children with NBCCS than in NC children. Thinning of the corpus callosum and ventricular enlargement were also confirmed in children with NBCCS. We demonstrate that, on examination of the brain morphology, an increase in the size of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and cerebral ventricles is revealed in children with NBCCS compared to NC children. This suggests that constitutively active hedgehog signaling affects human brain morphology and the PI3K/AKT and RAS/MAPK pathways.
A 590 kb deletion caused by non‐allelic homologous recombination between two LINE‐1 elements in a patient with mesomelia‐synostosis syndrome
Authors: Kohmoto Tomohiro , Naruto Takuya , Watanabe Miki , Fujita Yuji , Ujiro Sae , Okamoto Nana , Horikawa Hideaki , Masuda Kiyoshi , Imoto Issei
Published: March 2017

Mesomelia‐synostoses syndrome (MSS) is a rare, autosomal‐dominant, syndromal osteochondrodysplasia characterized by mesomelic limb shortening, acral synostoses, and multiple congenital malformations due to a non‐recurrent deletion at 8q13 that always encompasses two coding‐genes, SULF1 and SLCO5A1. To date, five unrelated patients have been reported worldwide, and MMS was previously proposed to not be a genomic disorder associated with deletions recurring from non‐allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) in at least two analyzed cases. We conducted targeted gene panel sequencing and subsequent array‐based copy number analysis in an 11‐year‐old undiagnosed Japanese female patient with multiple congenital anomalies that included mesomelic limb shortening and detected a novel 590 Kb deletion at 8q13 encompassing the same gene set as reported previously, resulting in the diagnosis of MSS. Breakpoint sequences of the deleted region in our case demonstrated the first LINE‐1s (L1s)‐mediated unequal NAHR event utilizing two distant L1 elements as homology substrates in this disease, which may represent a novel causative mechanism of the 8q13 deletion, expanding the range of mechanisms involved in the chromosomal rearrangements responsible for MSS.
The phenotypic spectrum of congenital Zika syndrome
Authors: del Campo Miguel , Feitosa Ian M. L. , Ribeiro Erlane M. , Horovitz Dafne D. G. , Pessoa André L. S. , França Giovanny V. A. , García‐Alix Alfredo , Doriqui Maria J. R. , Wanderley Hector Y. C. , Sanseverino Maria V. T. , Neri João I. C. F. , Pina‐Neto João M. , Santos Emerson S. , Verçosa Islane , Cernach Mirlene C. S. P. , Medeiros Paula F. V. , Kerbage Saile C. , Silva André A. , van der Linden Vanessa , Martelli Celina M. T. , Cordeiro Marli T. , Dhalia Rafael , Vianna Fernanda S. L. , Victora Cesar G. , Cavalcanti Denise P. , Schuler‐Faccini Lavinia ,   on behalf of Zika Embryopathy Task Force—Brazilian Society of Medical Genetics ZETF‐SBGM
Published: March 2017

In October 2015, Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MoH). In response, the Brazilian Society of Medical Genetics established a task force (SBGM‐ZETF) to study the phenotype of infants born with microcephaly due to ZIKV congenital infection and delineate the phenotypic spectrum of this newly recognized teratogen. This study was based on the clinical evaluation and neuroimaging of 83 infants born during the period from July, 2015 to March, 2016 and registered by the SBGM‐ZETF. All 83 infants had significant findings on neuroimaging consistent with ZIKV congenital infection and 12 had confirmed ZIKV IgM in CSF. A recognizable phenotype of microcephaly, anomalies of the shape of skull and redundancy of the scalp consistent with the Fetal Brain Disruption Sequence (FBDS) was present in 70% of infants, but was most often subtle. In addition, features consistent with fetal immobility, ranging from dimples (30.1%), distal hand/finger contractures (20.5%), and feet malpositions (15.7%), to generalized arthrogryposis (9.6%), were present in these infants. Some cases had milder microcephaly or even a normal head circumference (HC), and other less distinctive findings. The detailed observation of the dysmorphic and neurologic features in these infants provides insight into the mechanisms and timings of the brain disruption and the sequence of developmental anomalies that may occur after prenatal infection by the ZIKV.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Borylation/Protonation Tandem Reaction of Hydroxylated Diarylethynes
Authors: Yang Liting , Ma Jinjin , Peng Xiaomin , Wang Danyang , Guo Tao , Yuan Bingxin , Li Heng , Zhang Panke , Yang Guanyu
Published: March 2017

The catalytic synthesis of trans‐hydroxystilbenes has a great significance and value in synthetic chemistry and bioscience. To establish a versatile and efficient technology for such reactions, we successfully developed a novel and straightforward way for the construction of E‐stilbene derivatives by a rhodium‐catalyzed borylation/protonation tandem reaction using H2O as the green hydrogen source. Various E‐stilbene derivatives were synthesized with up to 85 % yield.
Cell Fixation by Light‐Triggered Release of Glutaraldehyde
Authors: Schelkle Korwin M. , Schmid Christopher , Yserentant Klaus , Bender Markus , Wacker Irene , Petzoldt Martin , Hamburger Manuel , Herten Dirk‐Peter , Wombacher Richard , Schröder Rasmus R. , Bunz Uwe H. F.
Published: March 2017

Chemical fixation of living cells for microscopy is commonly achieved by crosslinking of intracellular proteins with dialdehydes prior to examination. We herein report a photocleavable protecting group for glutaraldehyde that results in a light‐triggered and membrane‐permeable fixative, which is nontoxic prior to photocleavage. Lipophilic ester groups allow for diffusion across the cell membrane and intracellular accumulation after enzymatic hydrolysis. Irradiation with UV light releases glutaraldehyde. The in situ generated fixative crosslinks intracellular proteins and preserves and stabilizes the cell so that it is ready for microscopy. In contrast to conventional glutaraldehyde fixation, tissue autofluorescence does not increase after fixation. Caged glutaraldehyde may in future enable functional experiments on living cells under a light microscope in which events of interest can be stopped in spatially confined volumes at defined time points. Samples with individually stopped events could then later be analyzed in ultrastructural studies.
Strings of Porous Carbon Polyhedrons as Self‐Standing Cathode Host for High‐Energy‐Density Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Yazhi , Li Gaoran , Fu Jing , Chen Zhongwei , Peng Xinsheng
Published: March 2017

Rational design of cathode hosts with high electrical conductivity and strong sulfur confinement is a great need for high‐performance lithium–sulfur batteries. Herein, we report a self‐standing, hybrid‐nanostructured cathode host comprised of metal–organic framework (MOF)‐derived porous carbon polyhedrons and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the significant improvement of both the electrode cyclability and energy density. The strong coupling of the intertwined CNTs and strung porous carbon polyhedrons as a binder‐free thin film significantly enhances the long‐range electronic conductivity and provides abundant active interfaces as well as robust electrode integrity for sulfur electrochemistry. Attributed to the synergistic combination of the CNTs and carbon polyhedrons, the obtained sulfur electrodes exhibit outstanding cyclability, an excellent high‐rate response up to 10 C, and an ultra‐high volumetric capacity of 960 Ah L−1.
Use of a Traceless Activating and Directing Group for the Construction of Trifluoromethylpyrazoles: One‐Pot Transformation of Nitroolefins and Trifluorodiazoethane
Authors: Chen Zhen , Zheng Yan , Ma Jun‐An
Published: March 2017

We disclose an efficient one‐pot transformation of trifluorodiazoethane and higher perfluorinated homologues with various nitroolefins. This method takes advantage of the nitro group as a traceless activating and directing group (TADG) that is released in the aromatization step to produce 4‐substituted 3‐perfluoroalkyl pyrazoles with complete regioselectivity. The potential of this method is further demonstrated by the synthesis of penthiopyrad.
From Millimeter to Subnanometer: Vapor–Solid Deposition of Carbon Nitride Hierarchical Nanostructures Directed by Supramolecular Assembly
Authors: Xu Jingsan , Wang Hong , Zhang Chao , Yang Xiaofei , Cao Shaowen , Yu Jiaguo , Shalom Menny
Published: March 2017

Shape and nanostructure control has great potential to enable graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4) structures with new properties and functionalities. In this work, a new type of hierarchically structured nanoporous C3N4 is introduced. The C3N4 exhibits unique, edelweiss‐like morphology, with components ranging from millimeter‐sized bunches to subnanometer‐thick layers. A one‐step vapor–solid deposition approach using supramolecular aggregates as the precursor is carried out to accomplish the growth. Supramolecular pre‐association plays a crucial role in achieving this nanostructure by directing the vaporization and deposition processes. Furthermore, very small C3N4 quantum dots can be readily acquired by bath sonication of the thin layers in water. The supramolecular preorganization growth strategy developed herein may provide a general methodology in the design of advanced photoelectric materials with broad applications in energy conversion and storage.
Control of Nanoparticle Release Kinetics from 3D Printed Hydrogel Scaffolds
Authors: Baumann Bernhard , Jungst Tomasz , Stichler Simone , Feineis Susanne , Wiltschka Oliver , Kuhlmann Matthias , Lindén Mika , Groll Jürgen
Published: March 2017

The convergence of biofabrication with nanotechnology is largely unexplored but enables geometrical control of cell‐biomaterial arrangement combined with controlled drug delivery and release. As a step towards integration of these two fields of research, this study demonstrates that modulation of electrostatic nanoparticle–polymer and nanoparticle–nanoparticle interactions can be used for tuning nanoparticle release kinetics from 3D printed hydrogel scaffolds. This generic strategy can be used for spatiotemporal control of the release kinetics of nanoparticulate drug vectors in biofabricated constructs.
Preparation and Application of Solid, Salt‐Stabilized Zinc Amide Enolates with Enhanced Air and Moisture Stability
Authors: Chen Yi‐Hung , Ellwart Mario , Toupalas Georgios , Ebe Yusuke , Knochel Paul
Published: March 2017

The treatment of various N‐morpholino amides with TMPZnCl⋅LiCl (TMP=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidyl) and Mg(OPiv)2 in THF at 25 °C provides solid zinc enolates with enhanced air and moisture stability (t1/2 in air: 1–3 h) after solvent evaporation. These enolates undergo Pd‐ and Cu‐catalyzed cross‐couplings with (hetero)aryl bromides as well as allylic and benzylic halides. The arylated N‐morpholino amides were converted into various ketones by LaCl3⋅2 LiCl mediated acylation with Grignard reagents. The new, solid enolates were used to prepare a potent anti‐breast‐cancer drug candidate in six steps and 23 % overall yield.
Large‐Area Elemental Imaging Reveals Van Eyck's Original Paint Layers on the Ghent Altarpiece (1432), Rescoping Its Conservation Treatment
Authors: Van der Snickt Geert , Dubois Hélène , Sanyova Jana , Legrand Stijn , Coudray Alexia , Glaude Cécile , Postec Marie , Van Espen Piet , Janssens Koen
Published: March 2017

A combination of large‐scale and micro‐scale elemental imaging, yielding elemental distribution maps obtained by, respectively non‐invasive macroscopic X‐ray fluorescence (MA‐XRF) and by secondary electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (SEM‐EDX) and synchrotron radiation‐based micro‐XRF (SR μ‐XRF) imaging was employed to reorient and optimize the conservation strategy of van Eyck's renowned Ghent Altarpiece. By exploiting the penetrative properties of X‐rays together with the elemental specificity offered by XRF, it was possible to visualize the original paint layers by van Eyck hidden below the overpainted surface and to simultaneously assess their condition. The distribution of the high‐energy Pb‐L and Hg‐L emission lines revealed the exact location of hidden paint losses, while Fe‐K maps demonstrated how and where these lacunae were filled‐up using an iron‐containing material. The chemical maps nourished the scholarly debate on the overpaint removal with objective, chemical arguments, leading to the decision to remove all skillfully applied overpaints, hitherto interpreted as work by van Eyck. MA‐XRF was also employed for monitoring the removal of the overpaint during the treatment phase. To gather complementary information on the in‐depth layer build‐up, SEM‐EDX and SR μ‐XRF imaging was used on paint cross sections to record micro‐scale elemental maps.
One‐Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of β‐Amino Amides
Authors: Huang Bo , Zeng Linwei , Shen Yangyong , Cui Sunliang
Published: March 2017

Multicomponent reactions are excellent tools for rapid generation of small molecules with broad chemical diversity and molecular complexity. Herein, a novel one‐pot multicomponent synthesis of β‐amino amides from aldehydes, anilines, carboxylic acids and ynamides has been successfully developed. This process is practical and efficient to unravel synthetic utility and scalability. Moreover, an isotope labeling reaction was conducted to elucidate a plausible reaction mechanism.
A Symmetric Co(N5)2(H2O)4⋅4 H2O High‐Nitrogen Compound Formed by Cobalt(II) Cation Trapping of a Cyclo‐N5− Anion
Authors: Zhang Chong , Yang Chen , Hu Bingcheng , Yu Chuanming , Zheng Zhansheng , Sun Chengguo
Published: March 2017

The reactions of (N5)6(H3O)3(NH4)4Cl with Co(NO3)2⋅6 H2O at room temperature yielded Co(N5)2(H2O)4⋅4 H2O as an air‐stable orange metal complex. The structure, as determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, has two planar cyclo‐N5− rings and four bound water molecules symmetrically positioned around the central metal ion. Thermal analysis demonstrated the explosive properties of the material.
Integrating Spirituality in Marriage and Family Therapy Training
Authors: Coyle Suzanne M.
Published: March 2017

Interest is growing in how to integrate spirituality into family therapy. Closely related to this development are efforts to include spirituality in marriage and family therapy training. Students in various fields are expressing interest in spirituality and the desire to have it integrated into their training programs. However, not all family therapy training incorporates spirituality as part of rigorous academic inquiry while considering the personal and cultural components of spirituality in the curriculum. This article examines approaches to integrating spirituality in a Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) accredited program at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS). A review of research on spirituality in training programs is offered as well as current approaches that address spirituality. The pedagogical approach at CTS is then explicated. The curriculum includes courses in religion and others that integrate spirituality/theological reflection with family therapy. ‘Integration of Self, Systems, and Spirit’ and a Capstone Presentation that showcases an integrative method are described. Finally, implications for training in secular universities and agencies are articulated, with suggestions for future exploration.
Spiritual Dialogues in Family Therapy
Authors: Larner Glenn
Published: March 2017

A spiritual dialogue or reflection can be defined rather broadly as what transcends or takes us beyond our everyday experience of self and world. In these terms being systemic naturally encompasses a spiritual perspective because it invites us to be curious, ask questions, and look beyond the bounded individual or self to contemplate the ‘pattern that connects’ us to the world and all of life. Nonetheless a spiritual stance in systemic family therapy can encompass a diversity of beliefs about the universe, ecology, or God. Every systemic conversation can evoke the spiritual: the question is whether as therapists we are open to and listen for it? Spirituality in family therapy is informed by a sense of curiosity, imagination, humility, and wonder when change occurs. How therapists and clients imagine change may be just as powerful as techniques or models of therapy. The paper presents several practice vignettes illustrating the relevance of spiritual dialogue in family therapy.
Chemoselective Hydrazine‐mediated Transfer Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes by Co3O4 Nanoparticles Immobilized on an Al/Si‐mixed Oxide Support
Authors: Reddy P. Linga , Tripathi Mohit , Arundhathi R. , Rawat Diwan S.
Published: March 2017

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (size 2 to 3.5 nm) were successfully impregnated on an alumina–silica (mixed oxide) support through an experimentally viable and easily reproducible protocol. The prepared material was well characterized by XRD, HR‐TEM, BET surface area, EDX and XPS analyses. Porous alumina–silica having a high surface area served as a protective heterogeneous support on which the well‐dispersed Co3O4 nanoparticles served as an active catalytic species for the hydrazine‐mediated transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes. About 2 mol % of the active catalyst in ethanol at 60 °C was adequate for a successful conversion. Moreover, transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes by the catalyst was found to take place chemoselectively in the presence of other labile functional groups such as halide, alkene, nitrile, carbonyl, and ester. This inexpensive catalyst was also able to catalyze the reaction on a gram scale reaction and found to be robust and recyclable up to eight runs.
DNAzyme–aptamer or aptamer–DNAzyme paradigm: Biochemical approach for aflatoxin analysis
Authors: Jafari Marzieh , Rezaei Mohsen , Kalantari Heibatullah , Tabarzad Maryam , Daraei Bahram
Published: March 2017

DNAzyme and aptamer conjugations have already been used for sensitive and accurate detection of several molecules. In this study, we tested the relationship between conjugation orientation of DNAzyme and aflatoxin B1 aptamer and their subsequent peroxidase activity. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and biochemical analysis were used here to differentiate between these two conjugation patterns. Results showed that DNAzyme–aptamer has more catalytic activity and efficiency than aptamer–DNAzyme. Thereby, DNAzyme–aptamer with its superior efficiency can be used for design and development of more sensitive aflatoxin B1 DNA based biosensors.
CODE: Crowd‐optimized design of environments
Authors: Haworth Brandon , Usman Muhammad , Berseth Glen , Khayatkhoei Mahyar , Kapadia Mubbasir , Faloutsos Petros
Published: March 2017

We present crowd‐optimized design of environments (CODE): a “crowd‐aware” computational tool for designing environments (e.g., building floor plans). Our system analyses the impact of newly added environment elements (e.g., pillars or doorways) on the resulting crowd flow, using current‐generation crowd simulators. The results of the simulation are used to provide feedback to the designer in terms of aggregate statistics and heat maps. Additionally, our system is able to “automatically” optimize the placement of environment elements to maximize crowd flow in egress scenarios, while satisfying constraints that are imposed by the designer. Using CODE, architects and environment designers can iteratively refine upon their original design to quickly accommodate the dynamic properties of crowd simulations in an interactive fashion. CODE is modular and flexible so that designers may build environments, select from different crowd simulators, and specify varying crowd configurations.
Smart mechanosensing machineries enable migration of vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis‐relevant 3D matrices
Authors: Chi Qingjia , Shan Jieling , Ding Xiaorong , Yin Tieying , Wang Yazhou , Jia Dongyu , Wang Guixue
Published: March 2017

At the early stage of atherosclerosis, neointima is formed due to the migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from the media to the intima. VSMCs are surrounded by highly adhesive 3D matrices. They take specific strategies to cross various 3D matrices in the media, including heterogeneous collagen and mechanically strong basement membrane. Migration of VSMCs is potentially caused by biomechanical mechanism. Most in vitro studies focus on cell migration on 2D substrates in response to biochemical factors. How the cells move through 3D matrices under the action of mechanosensing machineries remains unexplored. In this review, we propose that several interesting tension‐dependent machineries act as “tractor”—posterior myosin II accumulation, and “wrecker”—anterior podosome maintaining, to power VSMCs ahead. VSMCs embedded in 3D matrices may accumulate a minor myosin II isoform, myosin IIB, at the cell rear. Anisotropic myosin IIB distribution creates cell rear, polarizes cell body, pushes the nucleus and reshapes the cell body, and cooperates with a uniformly distributed myosin IIA to propel the cell forward. On the other hand, matrix digestion by podosome further promote the migration when the matrix becomes denser. Actomyosin tension activates Src to induce podosome in soft 3D matrices and retain the podosome integrity to steadily digest the matrix.
Effect of estrogen on chick primordial follicle development and activation
Authors: Zhao Dan , Lv Caifeng , Liu Guang , Mi Yuling , Zhang Caiqiao
Published: March 2017

Steroid hormones and their receptors play pivotal roles in avian reproduction and development. 17β‐estradiol (E2) is an essential mediator in ovarian development. In this study, Day 3 (D3) chicks were injected with E2 (0.025, 0.25 or 2.5 mg/kg body weight) for 4 days to assess the effects of estrogen on avian follicle development. Morphological analysis showed that treatment of E2 at 2.5 mg/kg increased the number of growing follicles by 28. 5% and activated follicles by 8.9%, compared with the group. Treatment of E2 also led to increased diameter and area of three kinds of follicles and oocytes, respectively. However, this stimulating effect of E2 was inhibited by combined treatment of the estrogen receptor antagonist tamoxifen, resulting in decreased number of the growing follicles by 14.3% and the activated follicles by 5.8%, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) revealed that the ratios of the PCNA‐positive granulosa and interstitial cells were increased by 14.0% and 21.5%, respectively. Western blot analysis of PCNA confirmed this stimulating effect of E2. Expression of ERα mRNAs was elevated by administration of E2 in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, E‐ and N‐cadherin displayed increased expression after E2 treatment in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, E2 can promote chicken primordial follicle development and activation involving its increased receptor and cadherin production at the early stage of ovarian development.
Paper‐Based Colorimetric Sensor System for High‐Throughput Screening of C−H Borylation
Authors: Kim Han‐Sung , Eom Min Sik , Han Min Su , Lee Sunwoo
Published: March 2017

A paper‐based colorimetric sensor system (PBCSS) was developed to detect the amount of bis(pinacolato)diboron (B2Pin2) and applied as a high‐throughput screening protocol in Ir‐catalyzed C−H borylation. First, 96 ligands were screened for the borylation of benzene, and then 12 of them were selected and tested for five substrates. These reaction mixtures were spotted in the PBCSS, showing a blue‐violet color. The value of the gray scale of each reaction was obtained from these colored spots and converted to the extent of conversion of B2Pin2. The extents of conversion of B2Pin2 obtained from the PBCSS showed good correlation with those obtained from gas chromatography analysis. In addition, the modified conversion using blank data showed good correlation with the yield of products.
Experimental Study on the Influence of Hydrogel on CO2 Hydrate Formation
Authors: Egenolf‐Jonkmanns Bärbel , Janicki Georg , Bruzzano Stefano , Deerberg Görge , Dalmazzone Didier , Fürst Walter
Published: March 2017

The influence of two differently cross‐linked polyacrylate particles on CO2 hydrate formation was investigated. A series of up‐scaling experiments from small (high‐pressure differential scanning calorimetry, HP‐DSC) over medium (glass reactor) to large scale (HP‐reactor) was carried out. It was found out that there is a low influence on the induction time, which is an essential key parameter of the hydrate formation. The results show the same trends: with a low degree of cross‐linker used in low concentration CO2 hydrate formation could be enhanced.
Dynamic Optimization with a Flowsheet Simulator Using the Example of Minimization of Product Changeover Times
Authors: Schöneberger Jan Christian , Fricke Armin
Published: March 2017

Zur Ermittlung optimaler Trajektorien der Stellgrößen beim Produktwechsel in einer zweistufigen oleochemischen Destillationsanlage wird das dynamische Prozessmodell im Fließbildsimulator CHEMCAD über eine OPC‐Schnittstelle mit der Entwicklungsumgebung Matlab gekoppelt. Nach der Einführung des dynamischen Prozessmodells werden verschiedene Optimierungsstrategien zur Lösung des Problems vorgestellt, verglichen und zu einer hybriden Strategie zusammengeführt. Abschließend wird das so gefundene lokale Optimum des dynamischen Optimierungsproblems visualisiert, analysiert und interpretiert.
Re‐evaluating the roles of myosin 18Aα and F‐actin in determining Golgi morphology
Authors: Bruun Kyle , Beach Jordan R. , Heissler Sarah M. , Remmert Kirsten , Sellers James R. , Hammer John A.
Published: March 2017

The peri‐centrosomal localization and morphology of the Golgi apparatus depends largely on the microtubule cytoskeleton and the microtubule motor protein dynein. Recent studies proposed that myosin 18Aα (M18Aα) also contributes to Golgi morphology by binding the Golgi protein GOLPH3 and walking along adjacent actin filaments to stretch the Golgi into its classic ribbon structure. Biochemical analyses have shown, however, that M18A is not an actin‐activated ATPase and lacks motor activity. Our goal, therefore, was to define the precise molecular mechanism by which M18Aα determines Golgi morphology. We show that purified M18Aα remains inactive in the presence of GOLPH3, arguing against the Golgi‐specific activation of the myosin. Using M18A‐specific antibodies and expression of GFP‐tagged M18Aα, we find no evidence that it localizes to the Golgi. Moreover, several cell lines with reduced or eliminated M18Aα expression exhibited normal Golgi morphology. Interestingly, actin filament disassembly resulted in a marked reduction in lateral stretching of the Golgi in both control and M18Aα‐deficient cells. Importantly, this reduction was accompanied by an expansion of the Golgi in the vertical direction, vertical movement of the centrosome, and increases in the height of both the nucleus and the cell. Collectively, our data indicate that M18Aα does not localize to the Golgi or play a significant role in determining its morphology, and suggest that global F‐actin disassembly alters Golgi morphology indirectly by altering cell shape.
Long‐term outcome after a treosulfan‐based conditioning regimen for patients with acute myeloid leukemia: A report from the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Nagler Arnon , Labopin Myriam , Beelen Dietrich , Ciceri Fabio , Volin Liisa , Shimoni Avichai , Foá Roberto , Milpied Noel , Peccatori Jacopo , Polge Emmanuelle , Mailhol Audrey , Mohty Mohamad , Savani Bipin N.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a curative therapy for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, post‐HCT relapse and regimen‐related toxicity remain significant barriers to long‐term survival. In recent years, new conditioning regimens have been explored to improve transplantation outcomes in patients with AML. Treosulfan combines a potent immunosuppressive and antileukemic effect with a low toxicity profile.

METHODS

To investigate the role of treosulfan‐based conditioning, the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Acute Leukemia Working Party performed a registry analysis of 520 adult patients with AML who received treosulfan‐based conditioning and underwent HCT between 2000 and 2012, including 225 patients in first complete remission, 107 in second or later complete remission, and 188 with active/advanced disease 188 (88 with primary refractory disease). The median patient age was 57 years (range, 20‐73 years). Donors were human leukocyte antigen‐identical siblings (n = 187), unrelated donors (n = 235), or mismatched related donors (n = 98). Conditioning regimens included treosulfan (42 g/m2 [n = 396], 36 g/m2 [n = 109], or 30 g/ m2 [n = 15]) with fludarabine or alkylating agents followed by infusion of hematopoietic stem cells (bone marrow, n = 52; peripheral blood, n = 468).

RESULTS

At a median follow‐up of 61 months, the 5‐year overall survival, leukemia‐free survival, relapse incidence, and nonrelapse mortality rates were 38%, 33%, 42%, and 25%, respectively. The incidence of grade II‐IV acute and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease was 24% (grade III‐V, 11%) and 38%, respectively. Only 11 patients (2%) developed veno‐occlusive disease, with two deaths (0.4%) from veno‐occlusive disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Treosulfan‐based conditioning regimens provide an acceptable long‐term survival with favorable nonrelapse mortality and a very low risk of veno‐occlusive disease. Further studies are needed to optimize the treosulfan‐based conditioning regimen for patients with AML. Cancer 2017;123:2671‐79. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Genetic evidence challenges the native status of a threatened freshwater fish (Carassius carassius) in England
Authors: Jeffries Daniel L. , Copp Gordon H. , Maes Gregory E. , Lawson Handley Lori , Sayer Carl D. , Hänfling Bernd
Published: March 2017

A fundamental consideration for the conservation of a species is the extent of its native range, that is, regions naturally colonized. However, both natural processes and human‐mediated introductions can drive species distribution shifts. Ruling out the human‐mediated introduction of a species into a given region is vital for its conservation, but remains a significant challenge in most cases. The crucian carp Carassius carassius (L.) is a threatened freshwater fish thought to be native to much of Europe. However, its native status in England is based only on anecdotal evidence. Here, we devise an approach that can be used to empirically test the native status of English fauna. We use this approach, along with 13 microsatellite loci, population structure analyses, and Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC), to test hypotheses for the origins of C. carassius in England. Contrary to the current consensus, we find strong support for the human‐mediated introduction of C. carassius into England during the 15th century. This result stimulates an interesting and timely debate surrounding motivations for the conservation of species. We discuss this topic, and the potential for continued conservation of C. carassius in England, despite its non‐native origins.
A novel method for estimating the strength of positive mating preference by similarity in the wild
Authors: Fernández‐Meirama Mónica , Estévez Daniel , Ng Terence P. T. , Williams Gray A. , Carvajal‐Rodríguez Antonio , Rolán‐Alvarez Emilio
Published: March 2017

Mating preference can be a driver of sexual selection and assortative mating and is, therefore, a key element in evolutionary dynamics. Positive mating preference by similarity is the tendency for the choosy individual to select a mate which possesses a similar variant of a trait. Such preference can be modelled using Gaussian‐like mathematical functions that describe the strength of preference, but such functions cannot be applied to empirical data collected from the field. As a result, traditionally, mating preference is indirectly estimated by the degree of assortative mating (using Pearson's correlation coefficient, r) in wild captured mating pairs. Unfortunately, r and similar coefficients are often biased due to the fact that different variants of a given trait are nonrandomly distributed in the wild, and pooling of mating pairs from such heterogeneous samples may lead to “false–positive” results, termed “the scale‐of‐choice effect” (SCE). Here we provide two new estimators of mating preference (Crough and Cscaled) derived from Gaussian‐like functions which can be applied to empirical data. Computer simulations demonstrated that r coefficient showed robust estimations properties of mating preference but it was severely affected by SCE, Crough showed reasonable estimation properties and it was little affected by SCE, while Cscaled showed the best properties at infinite sample sizes and it was not affected by SCE but failed at biological sample sizes. We recommend using Crough combined with the r coefficient to infer mating preference in future empirical studies.
Diminishing returns limit energetic costs of climate change
Authors: Levy Ofir , Borchert Jason D. , Rusch Travis W. , Buckley Lauren B. , Angilletta Michael J.
Published: March 2017

Changes in the time available for organisms to maintain physiologically preferred temperatures (thermal opportunity) is a primary mechanism by which climate change impacts the fitness and population dynamics of organisms. Yet, it is unclear whether losses or gains in thermal opportunity result in proportional changes in rates of energy procurement and use. We experimentally quantified lizard food consumption and energy assimilation at different durations of thermal opportunity. We incorporated these data in an individual‐based model of foraging and digestion in lizards to explore the implications of nonlinear responses to shifts in thermal opportunity across a wide geographic range. Our model predicts that shifts in thermal opportunities resulting from climate change alter energy intake primarily through digestion rather than feeding, because simulated lizards were able to fill their gut faster than they can digest their food. Moreover, since rates of energy assimilation decelerate with increasing thermal opportunity, shifts in daily energetic assimilation would depend on the previous opportunity for thermoregulation. In particular, the same changes in thermal opportunity will have little impact on lizards from warm locations, while having a large impact on lizards from cold locations where thermoregulation is possible for only a few hours each day. Energy expenditure followed spatial patterns in thermal opportunity, with greater annual energy expenditure occurring at warmer locations. Our model predicts that lizards will spend more energy under climate change by maintaining higher body temperatures and remaining active longer. However, the predicted changes in energy assimilation following climate change greatly exceeded the predicted increases in energy expenditure. Simple models, which assume constant rates of energy gain during activity, will potentially mislead efforts to understand and predict the biological impacts of climate change.
Modeling and simulation of dielectrophoretic collective dynamics in a suspension of polarizable particles under the action of a gradient AC electric field
Authors: Tada Shigeru , Shen Yan , Qiu Zhiyong
Published: March 2017

When a suspension of polarizable particles is subjected to a gradient AC electric field, the particles exhibit collective motion due to an interaction between the dipole induced in the particles and the spatial gradient of the electric field; this is known as dielectrophoresis. In the present study, the collective dynamics of suspended particles in a parallel‐plate electric chamber was investigated by simulating numerically the trajectories of individual particles under the action of combined dielectrophoretic and dipole‐dipole interparticle forces. The particles were transported by the dielectrophoretic forces toward the grounded electrodes. Before long, when the particles approached the site of the minimum field strength, attractive/repulsive interparticle forces became dominant and acted among the particles attempting to form a column‐like cluster, having the particles distribution in concentric circles in its cross‐section, in line with the centerline of the grounded electrodes. Our results also well reproduced the transient particle aggregation that was observed experimentally.
Trump administration gives few clues about what to expect for higher education
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: March 2017

President Donald Trump didn't talk much about higher education on the campaign trail. And Betsy DeVos, the new secretary of education, has a background advocating for charter schools but little experience with higher education issues. “We're still pretty uncertain about where the Trump administration and Secretary DeVos want to head on higher education,” said Stephen Payne, assistant director of federal relations for the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
Development of a short form of the Attitudes to Ageing Questionnaire (AAQ)
Authors: Laidlaw Ken , Kishita Naoko , Shenkin Susan D. , Power Michael J.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

The original 24‐item Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire (AAQ) is well established as a measure of attitudes to aging, comprising domains of psychosocial loss (PL), physical change (PC), and psychological growth (PG). This paper presents a new 12‐item short form Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire (AAQ‐SF).

Methods

The original field trial data used to develop the 24‐item AAQ (AAQ‐24) were used to compare 6‐item, 9‐item, and 12‐item versions of AAQ‐SF (sample 1, n = 2487) and to test the discriminative validity of the selected 12‐item AAQ‐SF (sample 2, n = 2488). Data from a separate study reporting on the AAQ‐24 (sample 3, n = 792) verified the analyses.

Results

The 12‐item AAQ‐SF reported adequate internal consistency in both sample 1 (PL α = .72, PC α = .72, and PG α = .62) and sample 3 (PL α = .68, PC α = .73, and PG α = .61). The AAQ‐SF functioned consistently with the profile of the AAQ‐24 in that subscales in both formats of this measure discriminate between respondents on key parameters such as depression, subjective health status, and overall quality of life in sample 2. Sample 3 also demonstrated the AAQ‐SF can detect the differences in attitudes toward aging between individuals experiencing anxiety and depression and those without psychological symptoms. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the structure of the AAQ‐SF mirrors that of the original 24‐item AAQ.

Conclusions

The AAQ‐SF is a robust measure of attitudes toward aging, which can reduce respondent burden when used within longer questionnaire batteries or longitudinal research. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum phosphate and cognitive function in older men
Authors: Slinin Yelena , Vo Tien , Taylor Brent C. , Murray Anne M. , Schousboe John , Langsetmo Lisa , Ensrud Kristine ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study Group
Published: March 2017

Objective

Determine whether serum phosphate is associated with concurrent cognitive impairment and subsequent cognitive decline in older men independent of demographic covariates and atherosclerotic risk factors.

Methods

In a prospective study of 5529 men enrolled in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men study, we measured baseline serum phosphate, baseline cognitive function, and change in cognitive function between baseline and follow‐up exams an average of 4.6 years later using the Modified Mini‐Mental State (3MS) Examination and Trails B.

Results

There was no association between serum phosphate and odds of cognitive impairment as assessed by baseline 3MS score or risk of cognitive decline as assessed by longitudinal change in 3MS score. Higher baseline serum phosphate was associated with higher odds of poor executive function as assessed by Trails B with fully adjusted odds ratios 1.12 (95% confidence interval: 0.83–1.52), 1.31 (0.97–1.77), and 1.45 (1.08–1.94) for men in the second, third, and fourth versus the bottom quartile (referent group) of serum phosphate (p‐trend 0.007). However, higher phosphate level was not associated with risk of decline in executive function as assessed by longitudinal change in Trails B score with fully adjusted odds ratios 0.94 (95% confidence interval 0.69–1.28), 0.96 (0.70–1.32), and 1.21 (0.89–1.66) for men in the second, third, and fourth versus the bottom quartile (referent group) of serum phosphate (p‐trend 0.22).

Conclusions

Higher serum phosphate in older men was associated with a higher likelihood of poor executive function, but not with impaired global cognitive function or decline in executive or global cognition. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrical resistivity imaging of hydrologic flow through surface coal mine valley fills with comparison to other landforms
Authors: Greer Breeyn M. , Burbey Thomas J. , Zipper Carl E. , Hester Erich T.
Published: March 2017

Surface coal mining has altered land cover, near‐surface geologic structure, and hydrologic processes of large areas in central Appalachia, USA. These alterations are associated with changes in water quality such as elevated total‐dissolved solids, which is usually measured via its surrogate, specific conductance (SC). The SC of valley fill effluent streams is a function of fill construction methods, materials, and age; yet hydrologic studies that relate these variables to water quality are sparse due to the difficulty of conducting traditional hydrologic studies in mined landscapes. We used electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) to visualize the subsurface geologic structure and hydrologic flow paths within a valley fill. ERI is a noninvasive geophysical technique that maps spatiotemporal changes in resistivity of the subsurface. We paired ERI with artificial rainfall experiments to track infiltrated water as it moved through the valley fill. Results indicate that ERI can be used to identify subsurface geologic structure and track advancing wetting fronts or preferential flow paths. Our results suggest that the upper portion of the fill contains significant fines, whereas the deeper profile is primarily large rocks and void spaces. Water tended to pond on the surface of compacted areas until it reached preferential flow paths, where it appeared to infiltrate quickly down to >15 m depth in 75 min. ERI applications can improve understanding of how fill construction techniques influence subsurface water movement, and in turn may aid in the development of valley fill construction methods to reduce water quality effects.
Neferine Enhances the Antitumor Effect of Mitomycin‐C in Hela Cells Through the Activation of p38‐MAPK Pathway
Authors: Eid Wassim , Abdel‐Rehim Wafaa
Published: March 2017

Current treatment options for patients with cervical cancer are far from desirable, with cervical cancer remaining to be one of the leading causes of cancer‐related deaths; this highlights the need to formulate strategies that enhance the efficacy of available therapies. Mitomycin C (MMC) possesses antitumor effect in different cancers. However, the efficacy of MMC depends on other drugs in the combinational therapy and is often hampered by side‐effects. Neferine, a natural alkaloid, exhibits antitumor effects in various cancers. In this study, we questioned the antitumor efficacy of a combinational treatment of neferine and MMC in cervical cancer cells. We found that neferine prominently enhanced the antitumor effects of MMC; this effect was dependent on the induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, we also provide a mechanistic insight and show that the enhanced apoptosis was a result of at least in part, a sustained activation of the p38 MAPK pathway in a ROS‐dependent mechanism. Our results therefore demonstrate the potentiated antitumor effect of neferine and MMC on cervical cancer cells and may offer a potential treatment strategy for patients with cervical cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3472–3479, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Allocation of speech in conversation
Authors: Simon Carsta , Baum William M.
Published: March 2017

In a replication and extension of Conger and Killeen's (1974) widely cited demonstration of matching in conversations, we evaluated nine participants’ allocation of speech and gaze to two conversational partners. German speakers participated in two 90‐min sessions in which confederates uttered approval on independent variable‐interval schedules. In one of the sessions, confederates uttered approval contingent upon and contiguous with eye contact whereas in the other session approval was uttered independent of the participant's gaze. Several measures of participants’ verbal behavior were taken, including relative duration and rate of speech and gaze. These were compared to confederates’ relative rate of approval and relative duration and rate of talk. The generalized matching equation was fitted to the various relations between participants’ behavior and confederates’ behavior. Conger and Killeen's results were not replicated; participants’ response allocation did not show a systematic relation to the confederates’ relative rate of approval. The strongest relations were to overall talk, rather than approval. In both conditions, the participant talked more to the confederate who talked less—inverse or antimatching. Participants’ gaze showed the same inverse relation to the confederates’ talk. Requiring gaze to be directed toward a confederate for delivery of approval made no difference in the results. The absence of a difference combined with prior research suggests that matching or antimatching in conversations is more likely due to induction than to reinforcement.