bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interlaboratory Comparison for the Determination of 24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 in Human Serum Using Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wise Stephen A , Tai Susan S-C , Nelson Michael A , Burdette Carolyn Q , Camara Johanna E , Hoofnagle Andrew N , Laha Thomas J , Carter Graham D , Jones Julia , Williams Emma L , Barclay Zoe J , Jones Glenville , Kaufmann Martin , Binkley Neil , Kapoor Amita , Ziegler Toni , Cashman Kevin D , Dowling Kirsten G , Sempos Christopher T
Published: July 2017

Six laboratories associated with the Vitamin D Standardization Program (VDSP) participated in an interlaboratory comparison of LC with tandem MS (MS/MS) methods for the determination of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25(OH)2D3] in human serum. The laboratories analyzed two different serum-based Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) intended for use in the determination of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 30 samples from the Vitamin D External Quality Assessment Scheme (DEQAS). All laboratorymethods for 24,25(OH)2D3 were based on isotope dilution LC-MS/MS; three of the methods used derivatization of the vitamin D metabolites before LC-MS/MS. Laboratory results were compared to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) results, which were obtained using their newly developed candidate reference measurement procedure for 24,25(OH)2D3. Laboratory results for the SRM samples varied in comparability to the NIST results, with one laboratory in excellent agreement (−1.6% mean bias), three laboratories at 10–15% mean bias, and the remaining laboratory at 36% mean bias. For the 30 DEQAS samples, the mean bias for the five laboratories ranged from 6 to 15%; however, the SD of the bias ranged from 8 to 29%. As a result of this intercomparison study, one laboratory discovered and corrected a methodcalculation error and another laboratory modified and improved their LC-MS/MS method.
Factors affecting resistance of winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) shoots to cold stress in vitro
Authors: Peleckis Remigijus , Burbulis Natalija , Blinstrubienė Aušra , Jonytienė Vaida
Published: July 2017

Research was carried out at the Institute of Biology and Plant Biotechnology of Aleksandras Stulginskis University and at the Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology of the  Joint Research Centre. The effect of cultivar, acclimation duration and exogenous L-glutamic acid on the changes of proline level and electrolyte leakage in shoots of winter rapeseed was evaluated. The shoots were cultivated in the MS medium supplemented with 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4.0 mM l–1 L-glutamic acid. The resistance of shoots to cold stress (at –8 °C for 24 h) was estimated by an electrolyte leakage test. It was found that the exogenous L-glutamic acid stimulates the synthesis of endogenous proline in non-acclimated as well as acclimated shoots. The highest increasing in cold resistance of winter rapeseed shoots has been obtained under the  synergic effect of L-glutamic acid and acclimation. The shoots of cultivar ‘SY Kolumb’ were most cold-resistant independent of the acclimation duration and the concentration of L-glutamic acid in the medium.
Heat-treatment as a measure for microbiological quality improvement of walnuts and peanuts
Authors: Žudytė Bernadeta , Ramonaitė Sigita
Published: July 2017

The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of heat-treatment on the  microbiological indexes of walnuts and peanuts.
Two separate experiments were performed; each of them was replicated 3 times. Walnuts were blanched with 40, 60, 80 and 100 °C water for 1, 2 and 5  min. Peanuts were roasted at 100, 110 and 120 °C for 20, 40 and 60 min. The prepared samples were inoculated in disposable Petri dishes with the DG18 medium and held for 5 days at 25 °C temperature. After the  incubation the  amount of moulds was quantified.
The experiment showed that the heat-treatment of ≥80 °C completely destroyed moulds in walnuts, the heat-treatment of 60 °C was effective for reducing of microorganisms, and the heat-treatment of 40 °C only slightly reduced their number (p  0.05).
Both analysed factors were significant for roasted peanuts (p  >  0.05). The  number of moulds was reduced by 51.47% after roasting peanuts for 20 min at 100 °C. Despite the fact that roasting is an effective method to reduce the number of microorganisms, moulds were completely destroyed only in one sample, which was roasted at 120 °C for 60 min.
Morris M. Faierstein, Trans. and Ed. Yudisher Theriak: An Early Modern Yiddish Defense of Judaism
Authors: Johnson Joshua
Published: July 2017

No abstract is available.
Le Fonds Aspin à la bibliothèque de Trinity College de Dublin, une collection de théâtre français exceptionnelle
Authors: Riffaud Alain
Published: July 2017

Le fonds J. Geoffrey Aspin, au Trinity College de Dublin, doit beau-coup à la sagacité de Charles Benson, qui l'a fait acquérir, l'a collationné et l'a enrichi. Ce fonds est consacré au théâtre français édité
entre 1610 et 1715. C'est une source précieuse pour le chercheur, car il renferme d'abord des éditions originales rares et certaines rééditions dont on ne connaît pas d'autre exemplaire. Il est riche également en contrefaçons normandes, lyonnaises
ou hollandaises, dont on trouve difficilement des témoins. Enfin beaucoup d'exemplaires sont remarquables parce qu'ils contiennent des notes manuscrites, des pages de titre recomposées, des feuillets supplémentaires, autant d'états qui renseignent sur la vie éditoriale
du théâtre français. Le fonds Aspin mérite d'être visité et surtout d'être valorisé par Trinity College.
Experience-dependent shaping of hippocampal CA1 intracellular activity in novel and familiar environments
Authors: Cohen Jeremy D , Bolstad Mark , Lee Albert K
Published: July 2017

The hippocampus is critical for producing stable representations of familiar spaces. How these representations arise is poorly understood, largely because changes to hippocampal inputs have not been measured during spatial learning. Here, using intracellular recording, we monitored inputs and plasticity-inducing complex spikes (CSs) in CA1 neurons while mice explored novel and familiar virtual environments. Inputs driving place field spiking increased in amplitude – often suddenly – during novel environment exploration. However, these increases were not sustained in familiar environments. Rather, the spatial tuning of inputs became increasingly similar across repeated traversals of the environment with experience – both within fields and throughout the whole environment. In novel environments, CSs were not necessary for place field formation. Our findings support a model in which initial inhomogeneities in inputs are amplified to produce robust place field activity, then plasticity refines this representation into one with less strongly modulated, but more stable, inputs for long-term storage.
Modeling of axonal endoplasmic reticulum network by spastic paraplegia proteins
Authors: Yalçın Belgin , Zhao Lu , Stofanko Martin , O'Sullivan Niamh C , Kang Zi Han , Roost Annika , Thomas Matthew R , Zaessinger Sophie , Blard Olivier , Patto Alex L , Sohail Anood , Baena Valentina , Terasaki Mark , O'Kane Cahir J
Published: July 2017

Axons contain a smooth tubular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network that is thought to be continuous with ER throughout the neuron; the mechanisms that form this axonal network are unknown. Mutations affecting reticulon or REEP proteins, with intramembrane hairpin domains that model ER membranes, cause an axon degenerative disease, hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). We show that Drosophila axons have a dynamic axonal ER network, which these proteins help to model. Loss of HSP hairpin proteins causes ER sheet expansion, partial loss of ER from distal motor axons, and occasional discontinuities in axonal ER. Ultrastructural analysis reveals an extensive ER network in axons, which shows larger and fewer tubules in larvae that lack reticulon and REEP proteins, consistent with loss of membrane curvature. Therefore HSP hairpin-containing proteins are required for shaping and continuity of axonal ER, thus suggesting roles for ER modeling in axon maintenance and function.
Complex chromosomal neighborhood effects determine the adaptive potential of a gene under selection
Authors: Steinrueck Magdalena , Guet Călin C
Published: July 2017

How the organization of genes on a chromosome shapes adaptation is essential for understanding evolutionary paths. Here, we investigate how adaptation to rapidly increasing levels of antibiotic depends on the chromosomal neighborhood of a drug-resistance gene inserted at different positions of the Escherichia coli chromosome. Using a dual-fluorescence reporter that allows us to distinguish gene amplifications from other up-mutations, we track in real-time adaptive changes in expression of the drug-resistance gene. We find that the relative contribution of several mutation types differs systematically between loci due to properties of neighboring genes: essentiality, expression, orientation, termination, and presence of duplicates. These properties determine rate and fitness effects of gene amplification, deletions, and mutations compromising transcriptional termination. Thus, the adaptive potential of a gene under selection is a system-property with a complex genetic basis that is specific for each chromosomal locus, and it can be inferred from detailed functional and genomic data.
A predictive focus of gain modulation encodes target trajectories in insect vision
Authors: Wiederman Steven D , Fabian Joseph M , Dunbier James R , O’Carroll David C
Published: July 2017

When a human catches a ball, they estimate future target location based on the current trajectory. How animals, small and large, encode such predictive processes at the single neuron level is unknown. Here we describe small target-selective neurons in predatory dragonflies that exhibit localized enhanced sensitivity for targets displaced to new locations just ahead of the prior path, with suppression elsewhere in the surround. This focused region of gain modulation is driven by predictive mechanisms, with the direction tuning shifting selectively to match the target’s prior path. It involves a large local increase in contrast gain which spreads forward after a delay (e.g. an occlusion) and can even transfer between brain hemispheres, predicting trajectories moved towards the visual midline from the other eye. The tractable nature of dragonflies for physiological experiments makes this a useful model for studying the neuronal mechanisms underlying the brain’s remarkable ability to anticipate moving stimuli.
AIRE is a critical spindle-associated protein in embryonic stem cells
Authors: Gu Bin , Lambert Jean-Philippe , Cockburn Katie , Gingras Anne-Claude , Rossant Janet
Published: July 2017

Embryonic stem (ES) cells go though embryo-like cell cycles regulated by specialized molecular mechanisms. However, it is not known whether there are ES cell-specific mechanisms regulating mitotic fidelity. Here we showed that Autoimmune Regulator (Aire), a transcription coordinator involved in immune tolerance processes, is a critical spindle-associated protein in mouse ES(mES) cells. BioID analysis showed that AIRE associates with spindle-associated proteins in mES cells. Loss of function analysis revealed that Aire was important for centrosome number regulation and spindle pole integrity specifically in mES cells. We also identified the c-terminal LESLL motif as a critical motif for AIRE’s mitotic function. Combined maternal and zygotic knockout further revealed Aire’s critical functions for spindle assembly in preimplantation embryos. These results uncovered a previously unappreciated function for Aire and provide new insights into the biology of stem cell proliferation and potential new angles to understand fertility defects in humans carrying Aire mutations.
Resolving the prevalence of somatic transposition in Drosophila
Authors: Treiber Christoph D , Waddell Scott
Published: July 2017

Somatic transposition in mammals and insects could increase cellular diversity and neural mobilization has been implicated in age-dependent decline. To understand the impact of transposition in somatic cells it is essential to reliably measure the frequency and map locations of new insertions. Here we identified thousands of putative somatic transposon insertions in neurons from individual Drosophila melanogaster using whole-genome sequencing. However, the number of de novo insertions did not correlate with transposon expression or fly age. Analysing our data with exons as ‘immobile genetic elements’ revealed a similar frequency of unexpected exon translocations. A new sequencing strategy that recovers transposon: chromosome junction information revealed most putative de novo transposon and exon insertions likely result from unavoidable chimeric artefacts. Reanalysis of other published data suggests similar artefacts are often mistaken for genuine somatic transposition. We conclude that somatic transposition is less prevalent in Drosophila than previously envisaged.
Primary productivity as a control over soil microbial diversity along environmental gradients in a polar desert ecosystem
Authors: Geyer Kevin M. , Takacs-Vesbach Cristina D. , Gooseff Michael N. , Barrett John E.
Published: July 2017

Primary production is the fundamental source of energy to foodwebs and ecosystems, and is thus an important constraint on soil communities. This coupling is particularly evident in polar terrestrial ecosystems where biological diversity and activity is tightly constrained by edaphic gradients of productivity (e.g., soil moisture, organic carbon availability) and geochemical severity (e.g., pH, electrical conductivity). In the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica, environmental gradients determine numerous properties of soil communities and yet relatively few estimates of gross or net primary productivity (GPP, NPP) exist for this region. Here we describe a survey utilizing pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) fluorometry to estimate rates of GPP across a broad environmental gradient along with belowground microbial diversity and decomposition. PAM estimates of GPP ranged from an average of 0.27 μmol O2/m2/s in the most arid soils to an average of 6.97 μmol O2/m2/s in the most productive soils, the latter equivalent to 217 g C/m2/y in annual NPP assuming a 60 day growing season. A diversity index of four carbon-acquiring enzyme activities also increased with soil productivity, suggesting that the diversity of organic substrates in mesic environments may be an additional driver of microbial diversity. Overall, soil productivity was a stronger predictor of microbial diversity and enzymatic activity than any estimate of geochemical severity. These results highlight the fundamental role of environmental gradients to control community diversity and the dynamics of ecosystem-scale carbon pools in arid systems.
Targeted NGS for species level phylogenomics: “made to measure” or “one size fits all”?
Authors: Kadlec Malvina , Bellstedt Dirk U. , Le Maitre Nicholas C. , Pirie Michael D.
Published: July 2017

Targeted high-throughput sequencing using hybrid-enrichment offers a promising source of data for inferring multiple, meaningfully resolved, independent gene trees suitable to address challenging phylogenetic problems in species complexes and rapid radiations. The targets in question can either be adopted directly from more or less universal tools, or custom made for particular clades at considerably greater effort. We applied custom made scripts to select sets of homologous sequence markers from transcriptome and WGS data for use in the flowering plant genus Erica (Ericaceae). We compared the resulting targets to those that would be selected both using different available tools (Hyb-Seq; MarkerMiner), and when optimising for broader clades of more distantly related taxa (Ericales; eudicots). Approaches comparing more divergent genomes (including MarkerMiner, irrespective of input data) delivered fewer and shorter potential markers than those targeted for Erica. The latter may nevertheless be effective for sequence capture across the wider family Ericaceae. We tested the targets delivered by our scripts by obtaining an empirical dataset. The resulting sequence variation was lower than that of standard nuclear ribosomal markers (that in Erica fail to deliver a well resolved gene tree), confirming the importance of maximising the lengths of individual markers. We conclude that rather than searching for “one size fits all” universal markers, we should improve and make more accessible the tools necessary for developing “made to measure” ones.
The influence of mortality and socioeconomic status on risk and delayed rewards: a replication with British participants
Authors: Pepper Gillian V. , Corby D Helen , Bamber Rachel , Smith Holly , Wong Nicky , Nettle Daniel
Published: July 2017

Here, we report three attempts to replicate a finding from an influential psychological study (Griskevicius et al., 2011b). The original study found interactions between childhood SES and experimental mortality-priming condition in predicting risk acceptance and delay discounting outcomes. The original study used US student samples. We used British university students (replication 1) and British online samples (replications 2 and 3) with a modified version of the original priming material, which was tailored to make it more credible to a British audience. We did not replicate the interaction between childhood SES and mortality-priming condition in any of our three experiments. The only consistent trend of note was an interaction between sex and priming condition for delay discounting. We note that psychological priming effects are considered fragile and often fail to replicate. Our failure to replicate the original finding could be due to demographic differences in study participants, alterations made to the prime, or other study limitations. However, it is also possible that the previously reported interaction is not a robust or generalizable finding.
Testing Munk's hypothesis for submesoscale eddy generation using observations in the North Atlantic
Authors: Buckingham Christian E. , Khaleel Zammath , Lazar Ayah , Martin Adrian P. , Allen John T. , Naveira Garabato Alberto C. , Thompson Andrew F. , Vic Clément
Published: July 2017

A high‐resolution satellite image that reveals a train of coherent, submesoscale (6 km) vortices along the edge of an ocean front is examined in concert with hydrographic measurements in an effort to understand formation mechanisms of the submesoscale eddies. The infrared satellite image consists of ocean surface temperatures at
m resolution over the midlatitude North Atlantic (48.69°N, 16.19°W). Concomitant altimetric observations coupled with regular spacing of the eddies suggest the eddies result from mesoscale stirring, filamentation, and subsequent frontal instability. While horizontal shear or barotropic instability (BTI) is one mechanism for generating such eddies (Munk's hypothesis), we conclude from linear theory coupled with the in situ data that mixed layer or submesoscale baroclinic instability (BCI) is a more plausible explanation for the observed submesoscale vortices. Here we assume that the frontal disturbance remains in its linear growth stage and is accurately described by linear dynamics. This result likely has greater applicability to the open ocean, i.e., regions where the gradient Rossby number is reduced relative to its value along coasts and within strong current systems. Given that such waters comprise an appreciable percentage of the ocean surface and that energy and buoyancy fluxes differ under BTI and BCI, this result has wider implications for open‐ocean energy/buoyancy budgets and parameterizations within ocean general circulation models. In summary, this work provides rare observational evidence of submesoscale eddy generation by BCI in the open ocean.
Dose comparison between Gafchromic film, XiO, and Monaco treatment planning systems in a novel pelvic phantom that contains a titanium hip prosthesis
Authors: Ade Nicholas , du Plessis F.C.P.
Published: July 2017

The presence of metallic prostheses during external beam radiotherapy of malignancies in the pelvic region has the potential to strongly influence the dose distribution to the target and to tissue surrounded by the prostheses. This study systematically investigates the perturbation effects of unilateral titanium prosthesis on 6 and 15 MV photon beam dose distributions using Gafchromic EBT2 film measurements in a novel pelvic phantom made out of a stack of nylon slices. Comparisons were also made between the film data and dose calculations made on XiO and Monaco treatment planning systems. The collapsed cone algorithm was chosen for the XiO and the Monte Carlo algorithm used on Monaco is XVMC. Transmission measurements were taken using a narrow‐beam geometry to determine the mass attenuation coefficient of nylon = 0.0458 cm2/g and for a water‐equivalent RW3 phantom, it was 0.0465 cm2/g. The perturbation effects of the prosthesis on dose distributions were investigated by measuring and comparing dose maps and profiles. The magnitude of dose perturbations was quantified by calculating dose enhancement and reduction factors using field sizes of 3 × 3, 5 × 5, 10 × 10, and 15 × 15 cm2. For the studied beams and field sizes, dose enhancements between 21 and 30% and dose reductions between 15 and 21% were observed at the nylon‐prosthesis interface on the proximal and distal sides of the prosthesis for film measurements. The dose escalation increases with beam energy, and the dose reduction due to attenuation decreases with increasing beam energy when compared to unattenuated beam data. A comparison of film and XiO depth doses for the studied fields gave relative errors between 1.1 and 23.2% at the proximal and distal interfaces of the Ti prosthesis. Also, relative errors < 4.0% were obtained between film and Monaco dose data outside the prosthesis for 6 and 15 MV lateral opposing fields.
Superparamagnetic Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized on Protein Particle Scaffolds for Cancer Theragnosis
Authors: Kwon Koo Chul , Jo Eunji , Kwon Young‐Wan , Lee Boram , Ryu Ju Hee , Lee Eun Jung , Kim Kwangmeyung , Lee Jeewon
Published: July 2017

Cancer theragnosis using a single multimodality agent is the next mainstay of modern cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management, but a clinically feasible agent with in vivo cancer targeting and theragnostic efficacy has not yet been developed. A new type of cancer theragnostic agent is reported, based on gold magnetism that is induced on a cancer‐targeting protein particle carrier. Superparamagnetic gold‐nanoparticle clusters (named SPAuNCs) are synthesized on a viral capsid particle that is engineered to present peptide ligands targeting a tumor cell receptor (TCR). The potent multimodality of the SPAuNCs is observed, which enables TCR‐specific targeting, T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic hyperthermia therapy of both subcutaneous and deep‐tissue tumors in live mice under an alternating magnetic field. Furthermore, it is analytically elucidated how the magnetism of the SPAuNCs is sufficiently induced between localized and delocalized spins of Au atoms. In particular, the SPAuNCs show excellent biocompatibility without the problem of in vivo accumulation and holds promising potential as a clinically effective agent for cancer theragnosis.
A Strategy to Produce High Efficiency, High Stability Perovskite Solar Cells Using Functionalized Ionic Liquid‐Dopants
Authors: Zhang Yi , Fei Zhaofu , Gao Peng , Lee Yonghui , Tirani Farzaneh Fadaei , Scopelliti Rosario , Feng Yaqing , Dyson Paul J. , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: July 2017

Functionalized imidazolium iodide salts (ionic liquids) modified with CH2CHCH2, CH2CCH, or CH2CN groups are applied as dopants in the synthesis of CH3NH3PbI3‐type perovskites together with a fumigation step. Notably, a solar cell device prepared from the perovskite film doped with the salt containing the CH2CHCH2 side‐chain has a power conversion efficiency of 19.21%, which is the highest efficiency reported for perovskite solar cells involving a fumigation step. However, doping with the imidazolium salts with the CH2CCH and CH2CN groups result in perovskite layers that lead to solar cell devices with similar or lower power conversion efficiencies than the dopant‐free cell.
Hollow MXene Spheres and 3D Macroporous MXene Frameworks for Na‐Ion Storage
Authors: Zhao Meng‐Qiang , Xie Xiuqiang , Ren Chang E. , Makaryan Taron , Anasori Babak , Wang Guoxiu , Gogotsi Yury
Published: July 2017

2D transition metal carbides and nitrides, named MXenes, are attracting increasing attentions and showing competitive performance in energy storage devices including electrochemical capacitors, lithium‐ and sodium‐ion batteries, and lithium–sulfur batteries. However, similar to other 2D materials, MXene nanosheets are inclined to stack together, limiting the device performance. In order to fully utilize MXenes' electrochemical energy storage capability, here, processing of 2D MXene flakes into hollow spheres and 3D architectures via a template method is reported. The MXene hollow spheres are stable and can be easily dispersed in solvents such as water and ethanol, demonstrating their potential applications in environmental and biomedical fields as well. The 3D macroporous MXene films are free‐standing, flexible, and highly conductive due to good contacts between spheres and metallic conductivity of MXenes. When used as anodes for sodium‐ion storage, these 3D MXene films exhibit much improved performances compared to multilayer MXenes and MXene/carbon nanotube hybrid architectures in terms of capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability. This work demonstrates the importance of MXene electrode architecture on the electrochemical performance and can guide future work on designing high‐performance MXene‐based materials for energy storage, catalysis, environmental, and biomedical applications.
Nucleophilic Amination of Methoxy Arenes Promoted by a Sodium Hydride/Iodide Composite
Authors: Kaga Atsushi , Hayashi Hirohito , Hakamata Hiroyuki , Oi Miku , Uchiyama Masanobu , Takita Ryo , Chiba Shunsuke
Published: July 2017

A method for the nucleophilic amination of methoxy arenes was established by using sodium hydride (NaH) in the presence of lithium iodide (LiI). This method offers an efficient route to benzannulated nitrogen heterocycles. Mechanistic studies showed that the reaction proceeds through an unusual concerted nucleophilic aromatic substitution.
β‐Lactam Synthesis through Diodomethane Addition to Amide Dianions
Authors: Zidan Alaa , Garrec Julian , Cordier Marie , El‐Naggar Abeer M. , Abd El‐Sattar Nour E. A. , Ali Ali Khalil , Hassan Mohamed Ali , El Kaim Laurent
Published: July 2017

We present a novel route for the quick and easy synthesis of a broad range of β‐lactams. The synthesis involves a [3+1] cyclization of amide dianions with diiodomethane. In contrast to the seminal work of Hirai et al. from 1979, the reaction proved to be a general and efficient approach towards azetidinones. The ease of the process was confirmed by DFT calculations and its power demonstrated by a diversity‐oriented synthesis of β‐lactams with four points of diversity determined by the choice of Ugi adducts as starting materials.
Synergistic Cu/Pd Catalysis for Enantioselective Allylic Alkylation of Aldimine Esters: Access to α,α‐Disubstituted α‐Amino Acids
Authors: Wei Liang , Xu Shi‐Ming , Zhu Qiao , Che Chao , Wang Chun‐Jiang
Published: July 2017

An unprecedented enantioselective allylic alkylation of readily available aldimine esters has been developed, and is catalyzed by a synergistic Cu/Pd catalyst system. This strategy provides facile access to nonproteinogenic α,α‐disubstituted α‐amino acids in high yield with excellent enantioselectivity. The more challenging double allylic alkylation of glycinate‐derived imine esters was also realized. Furthermore, this methodology was applied for the construction of the key intermediate of PLG peptidomimetics.
Efficient Photoelectrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Formic Acid: A Functionalized Ionic Liquid as an Absorbent and Electrolyte
Authors: Lu Weiwei , Jia Bo , Cui Beilei , Zhang Yuan , Yao Kaisheng , Zhao Yuling , Wang Jianji
Published: July 2017

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) is a potential method for production of fuels and chemicals from a C1 feedstock accumulated in the atmosphere. However, the low solubility of CO2 in water, and complicated processes associated with capture and conversion, render CO2 conversion inefficient. A new concept is proposed in which a PEC system is used to capture and convert CO2 into formic acid. The process is assisted by an ionic liquid (1‐aminopropyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide) aqueous solution, which functions as an absorbent and electrolyte at ambient temperature and pressure. Within this PEC reduction strategy, the ionic liquid plays a critical role in promoting the conversion of CO2 to formic acid and suppressing the reduction of H2O to H2. At an applied voltage of 1.7 V, the Faradaic efficiency for formic acid production is as high as 94.1 % and the electro‐to‐chemical efficiency is 86.2 %.
Structure–property modification of microcrystalline cellulose film using agar and propylene glycol alginate
Authors: Harnkarnsujarit Nathdanai , Li Yue
Published: July 2017

Microcrystalline cellulose gum (MCG) forms edible films with poor physical and barrier properties. This study investigated the effects of incorporated agar and propylene glycol alginate (PGA) on structure and property of MCG films. The addition of agar and PGA modified the microstructure and reduced pinholes contributed to lower water vapor permeability (WVP) and improved tensile property of agar–MCG films. However, PGA–MCG had reduced tensile strength possibly due to incompatibility between polymer networks, however, showed a synergistic light barrier. The increased surface hydrophobicity (θ ∼ 30°–75°) correlated well with decreased WVP for agar, PGA, and their composites which diverted from pure MCG films. The MCG reduced the thermal stability of agar; however, the PGA had no effect. Conversely, agar and PGA increased the thermal stability of the MCG component. The infrared spectra revealed insignificant H‐bonding and molecular interaction between polymers. Therefore, the results indicated that agar and PGA improved stability, mechanical, and barrier properties of edible MCG films via physical entanglement. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45533.
Pharmacokinetics of dinalbuphine sebacate and nalbuphine in human after intramuscular injection of dinalbuphine sebacate in an extended‐release formulation
Authors: Tien Yu en , Huang Wen‐Chuan , Kuo Hui‐Yuan , Tai Lily , Uang Yow‐Shieng , Chern Wendy H. , Huang Jin‐Ding
Published: July 2017

Nalbuphine is a semi‐synthetic opioid indicated for the relief of moderate to severe pain. Its short half‐life requires frequent injections in clinical practice, resulting in a greater incidence of adverse events. A prodrug of nalbuphine has been developed, dinalbuphine sebacate (DNS), dissolved in a simple oil‐based injectable formulation, which could deliver and maintain an effective blood level of nalbuphine. An open‐label, prospective, two‐period study was performed in healthy volunteers to verify the extended blood concentration profile of nalbuphine. Twelve healthy Taiwanese were randomized to receive an intramuscular injection of 20 mg nalbuphine HCl and 150 mg DNS sequentially with a washout period of 5 days. To prevent DNS hydrolysis during sample analysis, the effect of four esterase inhibitors was evaluated in the quantitation of DNS in human whole blood and thenoyltrifluoroacetone was chosen. The bioavailability of nalbuphine from intramuscularly injected DNS relative to that from nalbuphine HCl was 85.4%. The mean absorption time of nalbuphine from DNS was 145.2 h. It took approximately 6 days for the complete release of DNS into the blood stream where DNS was rapidly hydrolysed to nalbuphine; suggesting a single injection of 150 mg DNS in our extended‐release formulation could provide long‐lasting pain relief.
Homo‐ and heteropolymer self‐assembly of recombinant trichocytic keratins
Authors: Parker Rachael N. , Roth Kristina L. , Kim Christina , McCord Jennifer P. , Van Dyke Mark E. , Grove Tijana Z.
Published: July 2017

In the past two decades, keratin biomaterials have shown impressive results as scaffolds for tissue engineering, wound healing, and nerve regeneration. In addition to its intrinsic biocompatibility, keratin interacts with specific cell receptors eliciting beneficial biochemical cues. However, during extraction from natural sources, such as hair and wool fibers, natural keratins are subject to extensive processing conditions that lead to formation of unwanted by‐products. Additionally, natural keratins suffer from limited sequence tunability. Recombinant keratin proteins can overcome these drawbacks while maintaining the desired chemical and physical characteristics of natural keratins. Herein, we present the bacterial expression, purification, and solution characterization of human hair keratins K31 and K81. The obligate heterodimerization of the K31/K81 pair that results in formation of intermediate filaments is maintained in the recombinant proteins. Surprisingly, we have for the first time observed new zero‐ and one‐dimensional nanostructures from homooligomerization of K81 and K31, respectively. Further analysis of the self‐assembly mechanism highlights the importance of disulfide crosslinking in keratin self‐assembly.
Outcomes in functioning and chronic health in adolescents born extremely premature
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2017

Several studies on extremely preterm infants and links to problems in adolescents were published in Pediatrics, one in February of this year and one 10 years ago. Corresponding author for both studies, Aijaz Farooqi, M.D., Ph.D., medical director for neonatology in the Department of Child and Adolescent Medicine at Umeå University Hospital in Sweden, told CABL that the studies are very similar: outcomes in adolescent who were born at 23–25 weeks of gestation.
Suicide‐texting verdict and protecting your child
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2017

On June 16, a judge in Massachusetts found Michelle Carter, now 20, guilty of involuntary manslaughter based on text messages she sent to her 18‐year‐old long‐distance boyfriend urging him to commit suicide. Conrad Roy III died by suicide by inhaling carbon monoxide in his truck on July 13, 2014.
Serpentine supravenous hyperpigmentation
Authors: Jamalpur Indirakshi , Mogili Harikrishna Reddy , Koratala Abhilash
Published: July 2017

Key Clinical Message

Serpentine supravenous hyperpigmentation is a peculiar cutaneous eruption that follows the path of vein after intravenous injection of the chemotherapeutic agent. The lesions gradually resolve spontaneously if administration of the offending agent is stopped through the affected limb. Drugs such as 5‐fluorouracil, docetaxel, vinorelbine, hydroxychloroquine, fotemustine, and minocycline are implicated.
Experimental and First‐Principles Evidence for Interfacial Activity of Ru/TiO2 for the Direct Conversion of m‐Cresol to Toluene
Authors: Omotoso Taiwo O. , Baek Byeongjin , Grabow Lars C. , Crossley Steven P.
Published: July 2017

The front cover artwork for Issue 14/2017 is provided by the groups of Professor Grabow (University of Houston) and Professor Crossley (University of Oklahoma). The image shows the transition state for proton‐assisted C[1]O bond breaking in cresol at the interface between ruthenium and titania. Electron density data indicates the changes in chemical bonding. See the Full Paper itself at https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201700157.
Regioselective Synthesis of SCF3‐Substituted 2,4‐Diarylquinazoline Using AgSCF3 as Trifluoromethylthiolation Reagent
Authors: Gao Wei , Ding Qiuping , Yuan Jianjun , Mao Xuechun , Peng Yiyuan
Published: July 2017

A facile and efficient route to 4‐aryl‐2‐[2‐(trifluoromethylthio) aryl]quinazoline derivatives through a tandem directed Rh‐catalyzed C‐H iodination and trifluoromethylthiolation is described. The reaction proceeded under mild reaction conditions, exhibited good functional group tolerance with a broad scope of substrate and excellent regioselectivity in good to excellent yields.
Anticancer Gold N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes: A Comparative in vitro and ex vivo Study
Authors: Estrada‐Ortiz Natalia , Guarra Federica , de Graaf Inge A. M. , Marchetti Lorella , de Jager Marina H. , Groothuis Geny M. M. , Gabbiani Chiara , Casini Angela
Published: July 2017

A series of organometallic AuI N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes was synthesized and characterized for anticancer activity in four human cancer cell lines. The compounds’ toxicity in healthy tissue was determined using precision‐cut kidney slices (PCKS) as a tool to determine the potential selectivity of the gold complexes ex vivo. All evaluated compounds presented cytotoxic activity toward the cancer cells in the nano‐ or low micromolar range. The mixed AuI NHC complex, (tert‐butylethynyl)‐1,3‐bis‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene gold(I), bearing an alkynyl moiety as ancillary ligand, showed high cytotoxicity in cancer cells in vitro, while being barely toxic in healthy rat kidney tissues. The obtained results open new perspectives toward the design of mixed NHC–alkynyl gold complexes for cancer therapy.
HER2 mutations in lung adenocarcinomas: A report from the Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium
Authors: Pillai Rathi N. , Behera Madhusmita , Berry Lynne D. , Rossi Mike R. , Kris Mark G. , Johnson Bruce E. , Bunn Paul A. , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Khuri Fadlo R.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) mutations have been reported in lung adenocarcinomas. Herein, the authors describe the prevalence, clinical features, and outcomes associated with HER2 mutations in 1007 patients in the Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium (LCMC).

METHODS

Patients with advanced‐stage lung adenocarcinomas were enrolled to the LCMC. Tumor specimens were assessed for diagnosis and adequacy; multiplexed genotyping was performed in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)‐certified laboratories to examine 10 oncogenic drivers. The LCMC database was queried for patients with HER2 mutations to access demographic data, treatment history, and vital status. An exploratory analysis was performed to evaluate the survival of patients with HER2 mutations who were treated with HER2‐directed therapies.

RESULTS

A total of 920 patients were tested for HER2 mutations; 24 patients (3%) harbored exon 20 insertion mutations (95% confidence interval, 2%‐4%). One patient had a concurrent mesenchymal‐epithelial transition factor (MET) amplification. The median age of the patients was 62 years, with a slight predominance of females over males (14 females vs 10 males). The majority of the patients were never‐smokers (71%) and presented with advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. The median survival for patients who received HER2‐targeted therapies (12 patients) was 2.1 years compared with 1.4 years for those who did not (12 patients) (P = .48). Patients with HER2 mutations were found to have inferior survival compared with the rest of the LCMC cohort with other mutations: the median survival was 3.5 years in the LCMC population receiving targeted therapy and 2.4 years for patients not receiving targeted therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

HER2 mutations were detected in 3% of patients with lung adenocarcinoma in the LCMC. HER2‐directed therapies should be investigated in this subgroup of patients. Cancer 2017;123:4099–4105. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Current trends in patient enrollment for robotic‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy in Belgium
Authors: Albisinni Simone , Joniau Steven , Quackels Thierry , De Coster Greet , Dekuyper Peter , Van Cleynenbreugel Ben , Van Damme Nancy , Van Eycken Elisabeth , Ameye Filip , Roumeguère Thierry ,   Be‐RALP Registry (Belgian Robotic‐Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy Registry)
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

During the last decade, an inverse stage migration has been observed in radical prostatectomy series at tertiary centers. However, it remains unclear whether similar trends can also be observed in solely robotic practices, including nonreferral centers. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and pathological trends in robotic‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) enrollment in Belgium over a period of 6 years through an analysis of a prospective registry.

METHODS

A prospective, multicenter database was constructed: consecutive patients undergoing RALP in Belgium from 2010 to 2015 were enrolled, and 7366 men were analyzed. Variations in clinical and pathological variables were explored as a function of the enrollment year with proportional odds for categorical variables and with linear regressions for continuous variables.

RESULTS

Net increases were observed in the prostate‐specific antigen levels, cT stage, and biopsy Gleason scores across the study years (P < .001). The rate of low‐risk prostate cancer (PCa) decreased from 36% in 2010 to 21% in 2015, whereas the rate of intermediate‐risk PCa rose from 47% to 58%, and the rate of high‐risk PCa rose from 17% to 21%. In parallel, the pT2 stage rate decreased from 76% to 64%, and the rate of Gleason 6 (3 + 3) cases was reduced from 45% to 23% (P < .001). Conversely, the pT3a stage rate rose from 16% to 24%, the pT3b stage rate rose from 7% to 11%, and the rate of Gleason 7 (4 + 3) cases rose from 7% to 21% (P < .0001). Finally, more patients underwent node dissection, and positive lymph nodes were increasingly diagnosed (from 3% in 2010 to 7% in 2015).

CONCLUSIONS

During the last 6 years of RALP implementation in Belgium, there was a significant increase in the enrollment of intermediate‐ and high‐risk PCa patients. This yielded a significant increase in adverse pathological characteristics. These results suggest a paradigm shift in PCa treatment, with radical robotic surgery increasing for intermediate‐ and high‐risk patients. Cancer 2017;123:4139–4146. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Active Particle Accumulation at Boundaries: A Strategy to Measure Contact Angles
Authors: Simmchen Juliane , Malgaretti Paolo
Published: July 2017

Wetting properties of a substrate are mostly evaluated through the contact angle of droplets on these substrates, a method that works perfectly for a broad range of cases. However, in specific cases it might be difficult to macroscopically measure the contact angle and our experiments show that the behavior of active colloids when approaching edges of liquid–solid interfaces can provide additional information. Here, we present experimental evidence and a simple, geometric model to capture this behavior.
The assembly and interactions of tree species in tropical forests based on spatial analysis
Authors: Zhang Shuzi , Huang Yunfeng , Zang Runguo
Published: July 2017

Tree species were assembled into forest communities by various processes, and it was found that trees are spatially arranged in a community by the abiotic and biotic conditions within that community. Here, we explore the abiotic processes and biotic interactions in the spatial patterning of tree species across six old‐growth forest types in a tropical nature reserve. Four spatial point process models (the homogeneous Poisson process, inhomogeneous Poisson process, homogeneous Thomas process, and inhomogeneous Thomas process) were used to evaluate the potential contribution of the random processes, habitat heterogeneity, dispersal limitation, and the joint effects of dispersal and habitat heterogeneity to the formation of the spatial patterns of tree species. A combination of the null model and size–distance regression analysis was applied to assess the effect of competition and facilitation on the tree species assembly. We found that the homogeneous and inhomogeneous Thomas processes were the best models for describing the spatial patterns of more than 85% tree species across the six tropical forests. The combination of the null model and size–distance regression analysis showed that 37–44% of tree species were affected by competition and 9–24% of tree species were affected by facilitation across the six tropical forest types. Competition was the dominant form of species interactions in forests with mild abiotic conditions such as the tropical montane rain forest and tropical lowland rain forest. Meanwhile, facilitation was the most important biotic interaction in the abiotically harsh tropical montane dwarf forest on mountaintops. Our study suggests that dispersal limitation and the joint effects of dispersal and habitat heterogeneity were the dominant abiotic processes in controlling the spatial patterning of trees in tropical forests. Moreover, the relative importance of competition and facilitation in the assembly of the tree species varied among the forest types with different abiotic conditions.
EBI2 contributes to the induction of thymic central tolerance in mice by promoting rapid motility of medullary thymocytes
Authors: Ki Sanghee , Thyagarajan Hiran M. , Hu Zicheng , Lancaster Jessica N. , Ehrlich Lauren I.R.
Published: July 2017

Maturing thymocytes enter the thymic medulla, where they encounter numerous self‐antigens presented by antigen presenting cells (APCs). Those thymocytes that are strongly self‐reactive undergo either negative selection or diversion into the regulatory T‐cell lineage. Although the majority of the proteome is expressed in the medulla, many self‐antigens are expressed by only a minor fraction of medullary APCs; thus, thymocytes must efficiently enter the medulla and scan APCs to ensure central tolerance. Chemokine receptors promote lymphocyte migration, organization within tissues, and interactions with APCs in lymphoid organs. The chemokine receptor EBI2 governs localization of T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells (DCs) during immune responses in secondary lymphoid organs. However, the role of EBI2 in thymocyte development has not been elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that EBI2 is expressed by murine CD4+ single positive (CD4SP) thymocytes and thymic DCs. EBI2 deficiency alters the TCR repertoire, but does not grossly impact thymocyte cellularity or subset distribution. EBI2 deficiency also impairs negative selection of OT‐II TCR transgenic thymocytes responding to an endogenous self‐antigen. Two‐photon imaging revealed that EBI2 deficiency results in reduced migration and impaired medullary accumulation of CD4SP thymocytes. These data identify a role for EBI2 in promoting efficient thymic central tolerance.
Mono‐ and Diruthenium, Symmetrical and Unsymmetrical Complexes Bridged by Pyrene Derivatives: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Zych Dawid , Slodek Aneta , Pająk Michał , Krompiec Stanisław , Spólnik Grzegorz , Danikiewicz Witold
Published: July 2017

New mono‐ and diruthenium, symmetrical and unsymmetrical complexes, bridged by a new cyclometalating 1,3,6,8‐tetra(4‐substituted‐2‐pyridyl)pyrene derivative containing the solubilizing group 2,2‐dimethylpropyloxy, with the terminal 4′‐phenyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine ligands containing diethylamine and a 2‐ethynyl‐9,9‐dioctylfluorene moiety, were synthesized and thoroughly characterized. Thermal studies show that the obtained complexes retain high thermal stability. Spectroscopic studies show the metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer excitation. Further, electrochemical studies show delocalization of the electronic charge (mixed valance). In addition, density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory calculations have provided more detail about the structural properties and a deeper understanding of the experimental results. All of the obtained results show the considerable differences between the mono‐ and diruthenium and symmetrical and unsymmetrical complexes.