bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of leaf toughness on foraging efficiency in Angola black and white colobus monkeys (Colobus angolensis palliatus)
Authors: Dunham Noah T. , Lambert Alexander L.
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Examining the relationships among foraging behavior, food mechanical properties, and masticatory morphology is a bourgeoning research topic among behavioral ecologists and functional morphologists. The purpose of this study was to assess the degree to which leaf toughness influences foraging efficiency with regard to ingestion rate, masticatory investment, and masticatory rate.

Methods

Diet and feeding data were collected on adults from three groups of Colobus angolensis palliatus in the Diani Forest, Kenya, from July 2014 to December 2015. Ingestion rates were estimated by counting the number of items consumed during feeding bouts and multiplying this value by the mean mass of a particular food item. The number of mastications was also counted during 3–5 minute focal periods. Mechanical toughness of commonly eaten young leaves (n = 27 species) and mature leaves (n = 13 species) was recorded using a toughness tester equipped with a razor blade.

Results

Ingestion rates (g/min) negatively correlated with leaf toughness (r2 = 0.73; p < 0.01) while masticatory investment (chews/g) positively correlated with leaf toughness (r2 = 0.72; p < 0.01). Chewing rate (chews/min) was remarkably consistent regardless of leaf species and toughness values (r2 = 0.09; p = 0.07).

Discussion

Our findings highlight the degree to which toughness values can vary among leaves and how this variation can dramatically influence ingestion rates and chewing efficiency in black and white colobus monkeys. Studies that link food mechanical properties with oral processing behaviors will ultimately provide important context for understanding craniofacial and dentognathic traits in primates.
Rhinovirus infection in murine chronic allergic rhinosinusitis model
Authors: Lee Sung Bu , Song Jeong‐Ah , Choi Go‐Eun , Kim Hun Sik , Jang Yong Ju
Published: June 2016

Background

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) commonly experience aggravation of their symptoms after viral upper respiratory infection (URI). Rhinovirus (RV) is the most common URI‐causing virus. However, there is a lack of a mouse model of RV infection and in vivo studies investigating the effect of RV infection on CRS.

Methods

A mouse model of chronic allergic rhinosinusitis (CARS) was established by sensitizing to ovalbumin (OVA) through intraperitoneal injection followed by nasal challenges with OVA for 5 weeks. Both control and CARS mice were euthanized at 48 hours after infection with minor group RV serotype 1B (RV1B). Sinonasal complex samples were evaluated histologically; and interleukin (IL)‐6, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐2, IL‐13, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and interferon (IFN)‐γ were measured in the nasal lavage fluid. The RV1B‐infected areas in control and CARS mice were identified using immunofluorescence.

Results

In the infected control mice group, RV1B increased secretory hyperplasia in the sinonasal mucosa and the production of proinflammatory cytokines including INF‐γ, MIP‐2, and IL‐13. Immunohistochemical analysis of nasal mucosa from RV1B‐infected mice presented abundant RV1B staining, which was distributed between the epithelium and the lamina propria. In the CARS group, the RV1B‐infected area per unit was significantly higher than that in control mice. However, RV1B infection neither increased the proinflammatory cytokine secretion nor worsened the histology significantly.

Conclusion

We successfully established a mouse model of upper airway RV infection by nasal inoculation with RV1B. Although there was histologically‐proven increased RV infection in the CARS model, the infection did not intensify sinonasal inflammation.
Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Dihydropyrido[1,2‐a]indoles from Nitrones and Allenoates
Authors: Pace Wiktoria H. , Mo Dong‐Liang , Reidl Tyler W. , Wink Donald J. , Anderson Laura L.
Published: June 2016

An asymmetric method for the synthesis of dihydropyrido[1,2‐a]indoles from mixtures of nitrones and allenoates has been developed. This transformation showcases the use of squaramide catalysis in a complicated cascade system that has been shown to be highly sensitive to reaction conditions and substituent effects. The new method provides access to enantiomerically enriched dihydropyridoindoles from modular, non‐indole reagents. The optimization and scope of the new transformation is discussed in addition to initial mechanistic experiments that indicate the role of the catalyst.
Electrostatics and Intrinsic Disorder Drive Translocon Binding of the SRP Receptor FtsY
Authors: Lakomek Nils‐Alexander , Draycheva Albena , Bornemann Thomas , Wintermeyer Wolfgang
Published: June 2016

Integral membrane proteins in bacteria are co‐translationally targeted to the SecYEG translocon for membrane insertion via the signal recognition particle (SRP) pathway. The SRP receptor FtsY and its N‐terminal A domain, which is lacking in any structural model of FtsY, were studied using NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. The A domain is mainly disordered and highly flexible; it binds to lipids via its N terminus and the C‐terminal membrane targeting sequence. The central A domain binds to the translocon non‐specifically and maintains disorder. Translocon targeting and binding of the A domain is driven by electrostatic interactions. The intrinsically disordered A domain tethers FtsY to the translocon, and because of its flexibility, allows the FtsY NG domain to scan a large area for binding to the NG domain of ribosome‐bound SRP, thereby promoting the formation of the quaternary transfer complex at the membrane.
Totalsynthese von Nosiheptid
Authors: Wojtas K. Philip , Riedrich Matthias , Lu Jin‐Yong , Winter Philipp , Winkler Thomas , Walter Sophia , Arndt Hans‐Dieter
Published: June 2016

Eine Totalsynthese des bismakrocyclischen Thiopeptidantibiotikums Nosiheptid gelang durch den Aufbau einer voll funktionalisierten linearen Vorstufe und konsekutive Makrocyclisierungen. Schlüsselmerkmale waren eine kritische Makrothiolactonisierung und eine milde Entschützungsstrategie für den 3‐Hydroxypyridin‐Kern. Der Naturstoff war mit isoliertem authentischem Material im Hinblick auf spektroskopische Daten und antimikrobielle Aktivität identisch.
Hydrostatic Pressure Studies Distinguish Global from Local Protein Motions in C−H Activation by Soybean Lipoxygenase‐1
Authors: Hu Shenshen , Cattin‐Ortolá Jérôme , Munos Jeffrey W. , Klinman Judith P.
Published: June 2016

The proposed contributions of distinct classes of local versus global protein motions during enzymatic bond making/breaking processes has been difficult to verify. We employed soybean lipoxygenase‐1 as a model system to investigate the impact of high pressure at variable temperatures on the hydrogen‐tunneling properties of the wild‐type protein and three single‐site mutants. For all variants, pressure dramatically elevates the enthalpies of activation for the C−H activation. In contrast, the primary kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) for C−H activation and their corresponding temperature dependencies remain unchanged up to ca. 700 bar. The differential impact of elevated hydrostatic pressure on the temperature dependencies of rate constants versus substrate KIEs provides direct evidence for two distinct classes of protein motions: local, isotope‐dependent donor–acceptor distance‐sampling modes, and a more global, isotope‐independent search for productive protein conformational sub‐states.
Engaging Allene‐Derived Zwitterions in an Unprecedented Mode of Asymmetric [3+2]‐Annulation Reaction
Authors: Sankar Muthukumar G. , Garcia‐Castro Miguel , Golz Christopher , Strohmann Carsten , Kumar Kamal
Published: June 2016

Catalytic addition of chiral phosphine, that is, (R)‐ or (S)‐SITCP, to an α‐substituted allene ester generated a zwitterionic dipole. Under optimized reaction conditions, this dipole could engage isatine‐derived N‐Boc‐ketimines in a novel mode of [3+2] annulation reaction. Pyrrolinyl spirooxindoles are thus afforded in high yields and with excellent enantioselectivities. The unprecedented annulation reaction successfully facilitated the construction of sp3‐rich and highly substituted 3,2′‐pyrrolidinyl spirooxindoles supporting many chiral centers.
Direct Access to α,α‐Difluoroacylated Arenes by Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylation of (Hetero)Aryl Boronic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Andersen Thomas L. , Frederiksen Mette W. , Domino Katrine , Skrydstrup Troels
Published: June 2016

A palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative coupling of (hetero)aryl boronates or boronic acid salts with carbon monoxide and α‐bromo‐α,α‐difluoroamides and bromo‐α,α‐difluoroesters is described herein. The method is useful for the synthesis of a diverse selection of (hetero)aryl α,α‐difluoro‐β‐ketoamides and α,α‐difluoro‐β‐ketoesters, which are useful building blocks for the generation of functionalized difluoroacylated and difluoroalkyl arenes. The method could be further extended to a one‐pot protocol for the formation of difluoroacetophenones.
Total Synthesis of Nosiheptide
Authors: Wojtas K. Philip , Riedrich Matthias , Lu Jin‐Yong , Winter Philipp , Winkler Thomas , Walter Sophia , Arndt Hans‐Dieter
Published: June 2016

Total synthesis of the bismacrocyclic thiopeptide antibiotic nosiheptide was achieved through the assembly of a fully functionalized linear precursor followed by consecutive macrocyclizations. Key features are a critical macrothiolactonization and a mild deprotection strategy for the 3‐hydroxypyridine core. The natural product was identical to isolated authentic material in terms of spectral data and antibiotic activity.
Microwave‐assisted polymerization: Inert addition and surface coating of superabsorbent polymer for improved physical properties
Authors: Azad Michael M. , Sandros Marinella G.
Published: June 2016

Two different polymerization techniques, microwave‐assisted polymerization and free radical solution polymerization, were utilized in the syntheses of superabsorbent polymers with varying amounts of acrylic acid (31–50%). Degrees of neutralization were in the range of 68–80 mol %, and clay level was varied between 0 and 5%. The base polymer produced with microwave‐assisted polymerization had higher absorbency under low load (0.3 psi) than those with the free radical solution polymerization. To improve its absorbency under higher loads (0.6 and 0.9 psi), the surface coating step was implemented by using ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether as a surface crosslinking agent. Properties such as capacity, permeability, and absorbency under different loads were tested in 0.9% sodium chloride solution for the base and the surface‐coated polymers. In addition, extractables and residual acrylic acid were measured to determine the reaction's efficiency. In conclusion, surface coating improved polymer properties, and the incorporation of clay imparted permeability to the polymer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43990.
Improving photoluminescence of poly(9‐vinylcarbazole)/4,7‐diphenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline/tris‐(8‐hydroxyquinoline) aluminum fibers via coaxial electrospinning
Authors: Mondragón Margarita , Garzón Amanda‐Stephanie , Caro Rubén
Published: June 2016

Solutions of poly(9‐vinylcarbazole)/4,7‐diphenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline (PVK/Bphen) and poly(9‐vinylcarbazole)/tris‐(8‐hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (PVK/Alq3) were individually delivered either to the inner or the outer needle of a coaxial spinneret for electrospinning to prepare green luminescent PVK/Bphen/Alq3 composite fibers. The influence of both flow rate and applied voltage on the photoluminescence of the composite fibers was evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy showed ribbon‐like fibers with uneven surfaces and thickness of about 5 µm. Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy revealed that Bphen was homogenously dispersed in the PVK fibers; Alq3 was not. Photoluminescence shows strong evidence that there are marked conditions where emission of the co‐electrospun PVK/Bphen/Alq3 fibers significantly improved as compared with those produced by simple electrospinning. It is suggested that the enhanced dispersion of the Alq3 allowed a more efficient energy transfer from the PVK to the Alq3. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44019.
Achieving Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 to improve the performance of protected areas and conserve freshwater biodiversity
Authors: Juffe‐Bignoli Diego , Harrison Ian , Butchart Stuart HM , Flitcroft Rebecca , Hermoso Virgilio , Jonas Harry , Lukasiewicz Anna , Thieme Michele , Turak Eren , Bingham Heather , Dalton James , Darwall William , Deguignet Marine , Dudley Nigel , Gardner Royal , Higgins Jonathan , Kumar Ritesh , Linke Simon , Milton G Randy , Pittock Jamie , Smith Kevin G , van Soesbergen Arnout
Published: June 2016

The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity (2011–2020), adopted at the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, sets 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets to be met by 2020 to address biodiversity loss and ensure its sustainable and equitable use. Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 describes what an improved conservation network would look like for marine, terrestrial and inland water areas, including freshwater ecosystems.

To date, there is no comprehensive assessment of what needs to be achieved to meet Target 11 for freshwater biodiversity. Reports on implementation often fail to consider explicitly freshwater ecosystem processes and habitats, the pressures upon them, and therefore the full range of requirements and actions needed to sustain them.

Here the current progress and key gaps for meeting Aichi Target 11 are assessed by exploring the implications of each of its clauses for freshwater biodiversity.

Concerted action on Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 for freshwater biodiversity by 2020 is required in a number of areas: a robust baseline is needed for each of the clauses described here at national and global scales; designation of new protected areas or expansion of existing protected areas to cover known areas of importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, and a representative sample of biodiversity; use of Other Effective Area‐Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in places where designating a protected area is not appropriate; and promoting and implementing better management strategies for fresh water in protected areas that consider its inherent connectivity, contextual vulnerability, and required human and technical capacity.

Considering the specific requirements of freshwater systems through Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 has long‐term value to the Sustainable Development Goals discussions and global conservation policy agenda into the coming decades.

Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Freshwater conservation potential of protected areas in the Tennessee and Cumberland River Basins, USA
Authors: Thieme Michele L. , Sindorf N. , Higgins J. , Abell R. , Takats J. A. , Naidoo R. , Barnett A.
Published: June 2016

The ability of existing protected areas (PAs) to conserve freshwater species and ecosystems has been little investigated. In this study the freshwater conservation potential of PAs was evaluated based on their geospatial attributes and spatial relationship to threats.

Specifically, the following questions were addressed: (a) to what extent, if any, do PA drainage network location and size affect the potential of PAs to conserve freshwater species and habitats within them?; (b) how are the factors that limit or promote conservation potential distributed in relation to PAs across a region?; and (c) what are the broader implications for how PAs can be designed and managed to contribute to freshwater conservation around the world?

Eight factors that affect freshwater conservation potential for 297 PAs within the Tennessee and Cumberland River Basins (US) were analysed. Four of these attributes (connectivity, impervious surface area, agricultural land cover, and upstream storage) showed enough variation across PAs such that the effect of PA size, drainage network position, and their interaction on those attributes, was able to be modelled.

The results support the hypothesis that PA drainage network location and size affect freshwater conservation potential of PAs. Both have a statistically significant effect on each of the four conservation potential attributes, either as a main effect, or through an interaction, although the direction of these relationships is not always intuitive. Of the factors that limit or promote conservation potential, PAs appear to be most often affected by land conversion to agriculture and a loss of connectivity.

This study underscores the importance of PA managers understanding key internal and external threats so that they can take mitigating or minimizing action, and the need to define PA locations and boundaries within a larger basin context.

Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of protected areas for freshwater biodiversity conservation: challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing world
Authors: Hermoso Virgilio , Abell Robin , Linke Simon , Boon Philip
Published: June 2016

1. Declaring protected areas (PAs) stands out as one of the main conservation strategies worldwide and there are clear commitments to expand their extent under the auspices of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD; Aichi targets for 2020). This conservation strategy has also received increasing attention in a freshwater context in the last two decades.

2. Despite increasing conservation efforts, the effectiveness of PAs for freshwater purposes is questioned and freshwater biodiversity continues to decline. There are many reasons for this poor effectiveness: a lack of consideration of freshwater needs when designing and declaring protected areas, fewer resources devoted to freshwater conservation management than to other actions, and poor understanding of complex management problems beyond the limits of the protected area.

3. This supplement compiles some examples from around the world on implementing and managing PAs, assessing their effectiveness, and demonstrating their important role not only in preserving biodiversity but also human well‐being and in meeting future challenges to achieve the CBD targets for freshwater biodiversity.

4. Here the challenges of establishing effective PAs for freshwater biodiversity in a rapidly changing world are reviewed. We advocate better monitoring programmes to assess the effectiveness of PAs for freshwater biodiversity, in which the unique characteristics of freshwater systems, such as the important role of connectivity and the close links with the rest of the landscape they drain, are considered.

5. There are new conservation opportunities to enhance the value of PAs for freshwater biodiversity under the new conservation paradigm of ‘people and nature’. The imperative of finding solutions that generate co‐benefits alongside biodiversity conservation, and the clear reliance of human communities on freshwater services, has created an environment that may be more favourable to PAs focused in whole or part on fresh waters. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Construction of Supramolecular Assemblies from Self‐Organization of Amphiphilic Molecular Isomers
Authors: Li Zhaohua , Yang Yuntian , Wang Yanqiu , Chen Tie , Jin Long Yi , Lee Myongsoo
Published: June 2016

Amphiphilic coil‐rod‐coil molecules, incorporating flexible and rigid blocks, have a strong affinity to self‐organize into various supramolecular aggregates in bulk and in aqueous solutions. In this paper, we report the self‐assembling behavior of amphiphilic coil‐rod‐coil molecular isomers. These molecules consist of biphenyl and phenyl units connected by ether bonds as the rod segment, and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with a degree of polymerization of 7 and 12 as the flexible chains. Their aggregation behavior was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, thermal optical polarized microscopy, small‐angle X‐ray scattering spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results imply that the molecular structure of the rod building block and the length of the PEO chains dramatically influence the creation of supramolecular aggregates in bulk and in aqueous solutions. In the bulk state, these molecules self‐organize into a hexagonal perforated lamellar and an oblique columnar structure, respectively, depending on the sequence of the rod building block. In aqueous solution, the molecule with a linear rod segment self‐assembles into sheet‐like nanoribbons. In contrast, its isomer, with a rod building block substituted at the meta‐position of the aryl group, self‐organizes into nanofibers. This is achieved through the control of the non‐covalent interactions of the rod building blocks.
All‐spherical telescope with extremely wide field of view
Authors: Terebizh V. Yu.
Published: June 2016

An all‐spherical catadioptic telescope with the angular field of view of several tens of degrees in diameter and spherical focal surface is proposed for the monitoring of large sky areas. We provide a few examples of such a system with the apertures up to 800 mm and the field of view 30° and 40° in diameter. The curvature of the focal surface is repaid by high performance of the telescope. In particular, the diameter of a circle that includes 80% of energy in the polychromatic image of a star is in the range 1.″4–1.″9 across the field of 30° size and 2.″2–2.″9 for the field of 40° size. Some ways of working with curved focal surfaces are discussed. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optimisation of the Population Monte Carlo algorithm: Application to constraining isocurvature models with cosmic microwave background data
Authors: Moodley D. , Moodley K.
Published: June 2016

We optimise the parameters of the Population Monte Carlo algorithm using numerical simulations. The optimisation is based on an efficiency statistic related to the number of samples evaluated prior to convergence, and is applied to aD‐dimensional Gaussian distribution to derive optimal scaling laws for the algorithm parameters. More complex distributions such as the banana and bimodal distributions are also studied. We apply these results to a cosmological parameter estimation problem that uses CMB anisotropy data from the WMAP nine‐year release to constrain a six parameter adiabatic model and a fifteen parameter admixture model, consisting of correlated adiabatic and isocurvature perturbations. In the case of the adiabatic model and the admixture model we find that the number of sample points increase by factors of 3 and 20, respectively, relative to the optimal Gaussian case. This is due to degeneracies in the underlying parameter space. The WMAP nine‐year data constrain the admixture model to have an isocurvature fraction of 36.3 ± 2.8 %. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparison of design strategies for a three‐arm clinical trial with time‐to‐event endpoint: Power, time‐to‐analysis, and operational aspects
Authors: Asikanius Elina , Rufibach Kaspar , Bahlo Jasmin , Bieska Gabriele , Burger Hans Ulrich
Published: June 2016

To optimize resources, randomized clinical trials with multiple arms can be an attractive option to simultaneously test various treatment regimens in pharmaceutical drug development. The motivation for this work was the successful conduct and positive final outcome of a three‐arm randomized clinical trial primarily assessing whether obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil in patients with chronic lympocytic lymphoma and coexisting conditions is superior to chlorambucil alone based on a time‐to‐event endpoint. The inference strategy of this trial was based on a closed testing procedure. We compare this strategy to three potential alternatives to run a three‐arm clinical trial with a time‐to‐event endpoint. The primary goal is to quantify the differences between these strategies in terms of the time it takes until the first analysis and thus potential approval of a new drug, number of required events, and power. Operational aspects of implementing the various strategies are discussed. In conclusion, using a closed testing procedure results in the shortest time to the first analysis with a minimal loss in power. Therefore, closed testing procedures should be part of the statistician's standard clinical trials toolbox when planning multiarm clinical trials.
Optical characterization and the energy level scheme for Ce3+‐doped BaY2Si3O10 blue‐emitting phosphor
Authors: Wang Jianqing , Zhao Weiren
Published: June 2016

A series of Ce3+‐activated blue‐emitting phosphors BaY2Si3O10 (BYSO) was designed and synthesized by a conventional solid‐state method. Upon ultraviolet light (250–370 nm) excitation, the obtained phosphors showed an intense blue emission band centered at 400–427 nm depending on doping concentration, and corresponding to the 5d→4f transition of Ce3+. The effects of doping concentration on crystal structure, emitting color, photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation spectra, as well as the concentration quenching mechanism were studied in detail. The optimal doping concentration of Ce3+ in this phosphor was demonstrated to be about 0.75% and the concentration quenching mechanism can be ascribed to electric dipole–dipole interactions with a critical distance of ~38 Å. These fine luminescence properties indicate that BYSO:Ce3+ may be a potential blue phosphor for full‐color ultra‐violet (UV) white light emitting diodes (WLEDs).
Integrating biocompatible chemistry and manipulating cofactor partitioning in metabolically engineered Lactococcus lactis for fermentative production of (3S)‐acetoin
Authors: Liu Jianming , Solem Christian , Jensen Peter Ruhdal
Published: June 2016

Biocompatible chemistry (BC), that is, non‐enzymatic chemical reactions compatible with living organisms, is increasingly used in conjunction with metabolically engineered microorganisms for producing compounds that do not usually occur naturally. Here we report production of one such compound, (3S)‐acetoin, a valuable precursor for chiral synthesis, using a metabolically engineered Lactococcus lactis strain growing under respiratory conditions with ferric iron serving as a BC component. The strain used has all competing product pathways inactivated, and an appropriate cofactor balance is achieved by fine‐tuning the respiratory capacity indirectly via the hemin concentration. We achieve high‐level (3S)‐acetoin production with a final titer of 66 mM (5.8 g/L) and a high yield (71% of the theoretical maximum). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing production of (3S)‐acetoin from sugar by microbial fermentation, and the results obtained confirm the potential that lies with BC for producing useful chemicals. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2744–2748. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biofouling control by biostimulation of quorum‐quenching bacteria in a membrane bioreactor for wastewater treatment
Authors: Yu Huarong , Liang Heng , Qu Fangshu , He Junguo , Xu Guoren , Hu Huizhi , Li Guibai
Published: June 2016

Bacterial quorum quenching (QQ) has been shown to be effective in controlling biofouling in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) for wastewater treatment. However, the encapsulation of a sufficient level of QQ bacteria is complicated and difficult. In plant research, gamma‐caprolactone (GCL), which is structurally similar to the quorum signal, N‐acyl homoserine lactone (AHL), was successfully used to specifically stimulate AHL‐degrading bacteria (biostimulation) in hydroponic systems to control blackleg and soft rot diseases in potato. In this study, the feasibility of enriching QQ bacteria from activated sludge by GCL was examined, and the effect of biostimulation on biofouling control in MBR treating domestic wastewater was investigated. The results showed that after enrichment with GCL, activated sludge could effectively degrade AHLs, and a QQ gene (qsdA) was augmented. The proposed biostimulation QQ strategy, by introducing and continuously dosing GCL, could significantly increase QQ activity, decrease AHL, control the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and thus, effectively control biofouling in an MBR. This biostimulation QQ strategy provides a more convenient option for biofouling control in MBR applications. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2624–2632. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The vitamin‐sensitive promoter PTHI11enables pre‐defined autonomous induction of recombinant protein production inPichia pastoris
Authors: Landes Nils , Gasser Brigitte , Vorauer‐Uhl Karola , Lhota Gabriele , Mattanovich Diethard , Maurer Michael
Published: June 2016

The methylotrophic yeastPichia pastorisis widely used for production of recombinant proteins. Here we characterize a vitamin‐sensitive regulatory sequence, which can be controlled independently of the main culture medium compounds such as carbon, nitrogen, or phosphor source. TheTHI11promoter (PTHI11) sequence derives from a gene involved in biosynthesis of thiamine. For characterization, aP. pastorisstrain expressing recombinant human serum albumin under control of PTHI11was grown in the controlled environment of a bioreactor. The thiamine sensitivity of PTHI11was proven and specified in batch cultures containing different amounts of extracellular thiamine. Under non‐repressing conditions PTHI11offers a constitutive expression pattern with growth rate dependent product formation. Furthermore, promoter activity and thus product formation can be repressed for a desired period of time by supplementing the culture with a pre‐defined amount of exogenous thiamine. Once a threshold of biomass is reached, PTHI11driven expression starts autonomously without external intervention. Based on these findings a tailor‐made process strategy was developed and experimentally verified. Additionally, we compared theTHI11promoter with the commonly usedGAPpromoter. In conclusion, theTHI11promoter is a versatile and easy to control regulatory sequence which enables the realization of novel protein production strategies. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2633–2643. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NR2F2 regulates chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells in bioprinted cartilage
Authors: Gao Guifang , Zhang Xiao‐Fei , Hubbell Karen , Cui Xiaofeng
Published: June 2016

Bioprinting as an advanced enabling technology has the capacity to construct tissues with respective anatomical structures. In order to maintain the precise printing resolution for anatomical tissue printing, cell seeding density in bioink is limited. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used for cartilage tissue engineering. However, the approach of ideal chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs without hypertrophy still remains elusive. Here, we reported NR2F2 plays a crucial role in MSC chondrogenesis in bioprinted cartilage. NR2F2 over‐expressed MSCs showed significantly enhanced chondrogenesis and NR2F2 knockdown cells demonstrated the exactly opposite behavior. We evaluated the cells cultured in monolayer, 3D pellet, and bioprinted 3D scaffold. All observations were consistent among gene expression, biochemical analysis, histological assay, and biomechanical evaluation. The data also revealed possible involvement of NR2F2 in mechanism of MSC chondrogenic differentiation under hypoxic culture condition. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 208–216. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preoperative renal dysfunction and mortality after non-cardiac surgery
Authors: Prowle J R , Kam E P Y , Ahmad T , Smith N C E , Protopapa K , Pearse R M
Published: June 2016

Background

Chronic kidney disease is an important preoperative risk factor. However, the association between renal dysfunction and risk of death has not been well explored in non-cardiac surgery.

Methods

Two prospective observational studies in non-cardiac surgery were analysed: the European Surgical Outcomes Study (EuSOS) and the UK National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD). The relationship between preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and postoperative mortality was examined using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

In EuSOS, 1580 (4·3 per cent) of 36 779 patients died in hospital; in NCEPOD, 298 (2·8 per cent) of 10 466 patients had died by 60 days after surgery. Chronic kidney disease (eGFR below 60·0 ml per min per 1·73 m2) was present in 6415 patients (17·4 per cent) in EuSOS and 2262 (21·6 per cent) in NCEPOD. Preoperative chronic kidney disease was associated with older age, men, diagnosis of diabetes, cardiovascular or respiratory disease, and non-elective surgery. Preoperative eGFR categories below 60·0 ml per min per 1·73 m2 were associated with increasing adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for death compared with a value of 90·0 ml per min per 1·73 m2 and above. In EuSOS, the risk of death increased with lower eGFR category, to a maximum with eGFR 15·0–29·9 ml per min per 1·73 m2 (HR 3·37, 95 per cent c.i. 2·70 to 4·22). In NCEPOD, the risk of death also increased with declining eGFR and was maximal for eGFR below 15·0 ml per min per 1·73 m2 (HR 3·40, 1·78 to 6·50).

Conclusion

Renal dysfunction is an important risk factor for death after non-cardiac surgery and the risk increases steeply for patients with moderate to severe kidney dysfunction.
Isoxazoline, Isoxazole, and Oxadiazole Derivatives as M1 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Agonists
Authors: Muthusamy Selvaraj , Lee Soo Min , Huang Minghua , Cho Nam‐Chul , Nam Ghilsoo , Pae Ae Nim , Rhim Hyewhon , Keum Gyochang , Choi Kyung Il
Published: June 2016

Insertion of a methylene linker between the 2‐pyrrolidinone substituent and the isoxazoline core of the lead compound 1 previously reported resulted in the loss of its agonistic activity. One exception was the compound 6f having oxadiazole core and 2‐azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane substituent. Of the two isomers of 6f, exo‐isomer (EC50
0.013
μM) was five‐ to six‐fold more effective than endo‐isomer (EC50
0.30
μM), and ca. two‐fold active than the mother compound 1 (EC50
0.031
μM) in stimulating the M1 mAChR. Both isomers were moderately selective agonists for M1 mAChR over the rest four subtypes, and it could be explained by docking study on active conformation allosteric binding sites of M1–M5 mAChRs and calculating their binding energies.
TiO2‐coated Nonstoichiometric SiOx Nanosphere for High Capacity Anode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Bae Juhye , Kim Dae Sik , Park Eunjun , Park Min‐Sik , Kim Hansu
Published: June 2016

Nonstoichiometric SiO
x
‐based nanocomposites have gained considerable attention as promising anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries because of their high capacity and relatively good cycle performance. However, their commercial use is still limited by some technical problems such as poor thermal reliability, dimensional stability, and safety. Herein we show that surface modification with TiO2
can effectively improve the thermal reliability of SiO
x
nanocomposites without sacrificing their capacity and cycle performance. We suggest that the TiO2 coating layer could significantly improve the thermal reliability of the SiO
x
nanocomposites. Even though the TiO2 phase introduced is less active, TiO2‐coated nonstoichiometric SiO
x
nanocomposites showed electrochemical performance comparable with that of bare nonstoichiometric SiO
x
nanocomposite. We believe that the surface modification approach proposed herein will open up a new route toward high capacity Si‐based anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries.
One‐Step Synthesis of Platinum Nanochain Networks toward Methanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Shang Changshuai , Hong Wei , Guo Yaxiao , Wang Jin , Wang Erkang
Published: June 2016

The catalytic properties of nanocrystals can be tuned by adjusting their morphologies. Herein, platinum (Pt) nanochain networks (NNWs) are synthesized by reducing chloroplatinic acid with ascorbic acid in the presence of Triton X‐100 and KI. Dendritic Pt nanomaterials (DNs) are synthesized under the same conditions without the introduction of KI. Structural characterizations show that the Pt NNWs are built up of interconnected nanochains. This catalyst shows superior catalytic performance over its counterpart Pt DNs and commercial Pt black when used for methanol electrooxidation. The special morphology of Pt NNWs is believed to play a key role in improving the catalytic performance. This study provides more information about the relationships between catalytic property and morphology and offers some guidance for the preparation of one‐dimensional nanomaterials. Catalysts with similar structures show great potential for use in direct methanol fuel cells.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of the Reactivity of Gold Nanoparticles Towards Benzimidazole‐2‐ylidene Ligands
Authors: Rodríguez‐Castillo María , Lugo‐Preciado Gustavo , Laurencin Danielle , Tielens Frederik , van der Lee Arie , Clément Sébastien , Guari Yannick , López‐de‐Luzuriaga José M. , Monge Miguel , Remacle Françoise , Richeter Sébastien
Published: June 2016

The reactivity of benzimidazol‐2‐ylidenes with respect to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has been investigated using a combined experimental and computational approach. First, the grafting of benzimidazol‐2‐ylidenes bearing benzyl groups on the nitrogen atoms is described, and comparisons are made with structurally similar N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) bearing other N‐groups. Similar reactivity was observed for all NHCs, with 1) the erosion of the AuNPs under the effect of the NHC and 2) the formation of bis(NHC) gold complexes. DFT calculations were performed to investigate the modes of grafting of such ligands, to determine adsorption energies, and to rationalize the spectroscopic data. Two types of computational models were developed to describe the grafting onto large or small AuNPs, with either periodic or cluster‐type DFT calculations. Calculations of NMR parameters were performed on some of these models, and discussed in light of the experimental data.
New Linear and Star‐Shaped Thermogelling Poly([R]‐3‐hydroxybutyrate) Copolymers
Authors: Barouti Ghislaine , Liow Sing Shy , Dou Qingqing , Ye Hongye , Orione Clément , Guillaume Sophie M. , Loh Xian Jun
Published: June 2016

The synthesis of multi‐arm poly([R]‐3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)‐based triblock copolymers (poly([R]‐3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐b‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐b‐[[poly(methyl ether methacrylate)‐g‐poly(ethylene glycol)]‐co‐[poly(methacrylate)‐g‐poly(propylene glycol)]], PHB‐b‐PNIPAAM‐b‐(PPEGMEMA‐co‐PPPGMA), and their subsequent self‐assembly into thermo‐responsive hydrogels is described. Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAM) followed by poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMEMA) and poly(propylene glycol) methacrylate (PPGMA) was achieved from bromoesterified multi‐arm PHB macroinitiators. The composition of the resulting copolymers was investigated by 1H and 13C J‐MOD NMR spectroscopy as well as size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The copolymers featuring different architectures and distinct hydrophilic/hydrophobic contents were found to self‐assemble into thermo‐responsive gels in aqueous solution. Rheological studies indicated that the linear one‐arm PHB‐based copolymer tend to form a micellar solution, whereas the two‐ and four‐arm PHB‐based copolymers afforded gels with enhanced mechanical properties and solid‐like behavior. These investigations are the first to correlate the gelation properties to the arm number of a PHB‐based copolymer. All copolymers revealed a double thermo‐responsive behavior due to the NIPAAM and PPGMA blocks, thus allowing first the copolymer self‐assembly at room temperature, and then the delivery of a drug at body temperature (37 °C). The non‐significant toxic response of the gels, as assessed by the cell viability of the CCD‐112CoN human fibroblast cell line with different concentrations of the triblock copolymers ranging from 0.03 to 1 mg mL−1, suggest that these PHB‐based thermo‐responsive gels are promising candidate biomaterials for drug‐delivery applications.
ortho‐Phenylene‐Bridged Cyclic Oligopyrroles: Conformational Flexibilities and Optical Properties
Authors: Chen Fengkun , Tanaka Takayuki , Hong Yongseok , Kim Woojae , Kim Dongho , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: June 2016

ortho‐Phenylene‐bridged cyclic trimeric oligopyrrole C3 and hexameric oligopyrrole C6 were synthesized by Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions. The twisted structures of C3 and C6 were unambiguously revealed by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The optical properties of these cyclic oligopyrroles were compared with linear oligopyrrole L3 and cyclic tetramer C4. The cyclic oligopyrroles exhibited large Stokes shifts and blue fluorescence with high quantum yields in solution and in the solid state. In addition, selective N‐methylation and N‐tolylation of C3 were used to tune the optical and electrochemical properties by changing the molecular twists and conformational flexibilities. Throughout these studies, the structure–property relationship of these cyclic strained oligopyrroles has been illustrated as an interesting molecular motif for novel cyclic π‐conjugated systems.
Stereochemically Rich Polycyclic Amines from the Kinetic Resolution of Indolines through Intramolecular Povarov Reactions
Authors: Min Chang , Seidel Daniel
Published: June 2016

Under control of a chiral Brønsted acid catalyst, racemic indolines undergo intramolecular Povarov reactions with achiral aromatic aldehydes bearing a pendent dienophile. One enantiomer of the indoline reacts preferentially, resulting in the highly enantio‐ and diastereoselective formation of polycyclic heterocycles with four stereogenic centers. This kinetic resolution approach exploits the differential formation/reactivity of diastereomeric ion pairs.
Intermolecular Photocatalyzed Heck‐like Coupling of Unactivated Alkyl Bromides by a Dinuclear Gold Complex
Authors: Xie Jin , Li Jian , Weingand Vanessa , Rudolph Matthias , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: June 2016

A practical protocol for a photocatalyzed alkyl‐Heck‐like reaction of unactivated alkyl bromides and different alkenes promoted by dinuclear gold photoredox catalysis in the presence of an inorganic base is reported. Primary, secondary, and tertiary unactivated alkyl bromides with β‐hydrogen can be applied. Esters, aldehydes, ketones, nitriles, alcohols, heterocycles, alkynes, alkenes, ethers, and halogen moieties are all well tolerated. In addition to 1,1‐diarylalkenes, silylenolethers and enamides can also be applied, which further increases the synthetic potential of the reaction. The mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and an excellent functional‐group tolerance deliver an ideal tool for synthetic chemists that can even be used for challenging late‐stage modifications of complex natural products.
Vulnerable elders survey and socioeconomic status predict functional decline and death among older women with newly diagnosed nonmetastatic breast cancer
Authors: Owusu Cynthia , Margevicius Seunghee , Schluchter Mark , Koroukian Siran M. , Schmitz Kathryn H. , Berger Nathan A.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES‐13) to predict the composite outcome of functional decline and death within 12 months of breast cancer treatment among women 65 years old or older with newly diagnosed stage I to III breast cancer.

METHODS

Two hundred and six participants were recruited from ambulatory oncology clinics at an academic center between April 2008 and April 2013. Participants competed the VES‐13 at baseline just before neoadjuvant/adjuvant treatment. The primary outcome, functional decline/death, was defined as either a decrease of at least 1 point on the Activities of Daily Living scale and/or the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale or death between baseline and 12 months (yes or no).

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty four participants (89%) completed 12 months of follow‐up. Twenty‐two percent functionally declined (n = 34) or died (n = 7). Univariately, with increasing VES‐13 scores, the estimated risk of functional decline/death rose from 23% for participants with a VES‐13 score of 3 to 76% for participants with a VES‐13 score of 10. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, VES‐13 scores (adjusted odds ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.18‐1.57) and having a high school education or less (adjusted odds ratio, 2.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.08‐5.65) were independent predictors of functional decline/death (area under the receiver operator curve, 0.79).

CONCLUSIONS

Among older women with newly diagnosed nonmetastatic breast cancer, approximately 1 in 5 functionally declined and/or died within 12 months of breast cancer treatment initiation. Women with high school education or less were disproportionately affected. The VES‐13 is a useful instrument for the early identification of those at risk for functional decline and/or death. Cancer 2016;122:2579–86. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Variations in cancer centers’ use of cytology for the diagnosis of unresectable pancreatic cancer in the National Cancer Data Base
Authors: Gansler Ted , Fedewa Stacey A. , Lin Chun Chieh , Jemal Ahmedin , Ward Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Cytology is an accurate, safe, cost‐effective, and guideline‐recommended method for pancreatic cancer diagnosis, particularly for unresectable disease. However, to the authors’ knowledge, the frequency and determinants of its use have not been described to date. The current study examined patterns of cytological diagnosis among patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer by treatment facility type and by patient characteristics.

METHODS

The prevalence of definitive cytological diagnosis (cytology only, without confirmatory histology) versus histological diagnosis (with or without accompanying cytology) was examined in National Cancer Data Base records of 13,657 patients diagnosed with unresectable (American Joint Committee on Cancer stages III and IV) pancreatic cancer in 2011 and 2012 who did not undergo surgical treatment (mode of diagnosis could not be ascertained for surgical patients). Associations between definitive cytological diagnosis and patient and facility characteristics were assessed using multivariable marginal logistic regression models and expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS

Overall, 26.8% of unresectable pancreatic cancer cases were definitively diagnosed with cytology. The prevalence of cytological diagnosis ranged from 16.5% in community cancer programs and 22.6% in comprehensive community cancer programs to 31.3% in academic/teaching/research cancer programs and 43.2% in National Cancer Institute‐designated cancer programs (P<.001). Compared with patients diagnosed in National Cancer Institute‐designated cancer programs, those from community cancer programs (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.20‐0.42), comprehensive community cancer programs (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.31‐0.59), and academic/teaching/research cancer programs (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.43‐0.84) had lower odds of being diagnosed with cytology.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater than 25% of unresectable pancreatic cancers were diagnosed definitively with cytology, with wide variation in its use by facility type, suggesting opportunities for quality improvement interventions that increase the use of cytology. Cancer Cytopathol 2016;124:791‐800. © 2016 American Cancer Society.