bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 13‐week research‐based biochemistry laboratory curriculum
Authors: Lefurgy Scott T. , Mundorff Emily C.
Published: March 2017

Here, we present a 13‐week research‐based biochemistry laboratory curriculum designed to provide the students with the experience of engaging in original research while introducing foundational biochemistry laboratory techniques. The laboratory experience has been developed around the directed evolution of an enzyme chosen by the instructor, with mutations designed by the students. Ideal enzymes for this curriculum are able to be structurally modeled, solubly expressed, and monitored for activity by UV/Vis spectroscopy, and an example curriculum for haloalkane dehalogenase is given. Unique to this curriculum is a successful implementation of saturation mutagenesis and high‐throughput screening of enzyme function, along with bioinformatics analysis, homology modeling, structural analysis, protein expression and purification, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and enzyme kinetics. Each of these techniques is carried out using a novel student‐designed mutant library or enzyme variant unique to the lab team and, importantly, not described previously in the literature. Use of a well‐established set of protocols promotes student data quality. Publication may result from the original student‐generated hypotheses and data, either from the class as a whole or individual students that continue their independent projects upon course completion. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(5):437–448, 2017.
Diversity in mental fatigue and social profile of patients with myasthenia gravis in two different Northern European countries
Authors: Sabre Liis , Westerberg Elisabet , Liik Maarika , Punga Anna R.
Published: March 2017

Self‐estimated health can be used for comparison of different diseases between countries. It is important to elaborate on whether disparities in self‐estimated health are due to disease‐specific parameters or socioeconomic differences. In this study, we aimed at evaluating clinical and social similarities and differences in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients between comparable regions in two Baltic Sea countries, Estonia and Sweden.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included southern counties in Sweden and Estonia of comparable size. All patients with a confirmed MG diagnosis were asked to answer two questionnaires including demographic and disease‐specific data, lifestyle issues, and mental fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS]). Clinical fatigue was assessed objectively through the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Score (QMG).

Results

Thirty‐six of 92 identified patients in Estonia and 40 of 70 identified MG patients in Sweden chose to participate in the study. The demographic characteristics and symptoms reported by the patients were similar. QMG score did not differ; however, the Estonian patients scored their current subjective disease severity significantly higher (5.6 ± 2.8) compared to the Swedish patients (3.4 ± 2.3, p = .0005). Estonian patients also had significantly higher FSS scores (5.0 ± 1.7) than Swedish patients (3.5 ± 1.6; p = .001). Swedish patients were more active and performed physical activity more regularly (29.1% in Estonia and 74.2% in Sweden, p = .004).

Conclusions

Although, the patients had comparable clinical fatigue, Estonian patients evaluated their health state as being more severe and reported more mental fatigue than Swedish patients. These data indicate large regional differences in disease perception of MG, which is important to consider in international studies.
Tolvaptan use in cancer patients with hyponatremia due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone: a post hoc analysis of the SALT‐1 and SALT‐2 trials
Authors: Gralla Richard J. , Ahmad Fatima , Blais Jaime D. , Chiodo Joseph , Zhou Wen , Glaser Linda A. , Czerwiec Frank S.
Published: March 2017

Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disorder in cancer patients and has been associated with poor prognosis. A frequent cause of cancer‐related hyponatremia is the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). This study was a post hoc subgroup analysis of the SALT‐1 (Study of Ascending Levels of Tolvaptan in Hyponatremia) and SALT‐2 clinical trials. Hyponatremic subjects with SIADH and cancer received the oral selective vasopressin V2‐receptor antagonist tolvaptan (n = 12) or matching placebo (n = 16) once‐daily for 30 days. The initial tolvaptan dose (15 mg) was titrated over 4 days to 30 or 60 mg per day, as needed, according to serum sodium level and tolerability. Baseline serum sodium levels in the SIADH/cancer cohort of the SALT trials was 130 and 128 mEq/L for tolvaptan and placebo, respectively. Mean change from baseline in average daily serum sodium AUC for tolvaptan relative to placebo was 5.0 versus −0.3 mEq/L (P < 0.0001) at day 4, and 6.9 versus 1.0 mEq/L (P < 0.0001) at day 30; the observed treatment effects were similar to those in the overall SIADH population (i.e., with and without cancer) at both time points. Serum sodium normalization was observed in 6/12 and 0/13 subjects at day 4 and 7/8 and 2/6 subjects at day 30 in the tolvaptan and placebo groups, respectively (P < 0.05 for both). Common treatment‐emergent AEs for tolvaptan were consistent with previously reported results. In this post hoc study of the SALT trial population, oral tolvaptan was an effective and safe therapy for the treatment of hyponatremia in subjects with SIADH and cancer.
Early readmissions after transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement
Authors: Vejpongsa Pimprapa , Bhise Viraj , Charitakis Konstantinos , Vernon Anderson H. , Balan Prakash , Nguyen Tom C. , Estrera Anthony L. , Smalling Richard W. , Dhoble Abhijeet
Published: March 2017

Objectives

We aimed to determine and compare the prevalence, and predictors of readmissions after the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

Background

There are limited data on the readmission rates after TAVR in comparison with SAVR.

Methods

We analyzed the data from 2013 National Readmission Database. Propensity‐matched pairs were used to analyze differences in readmission rates between TAVR and SAVR for patients aged ≥65.

Results

A total of 24,020 (TAVR‐transfemoral 3,469, TAVR‐transapical 1,433, SAVR 19,118) patients were included. The readmission rates were not statistically different for all propensity‐matched TAVR and SAVR patients (17.2% vs. 20.6%, P = 0.28). However, in subgroup analysis, transapical TAVR had the highest readmission rate (22.8% vs. 16.5% vs. 16.0%, P < 0.001, respectively) and readmission leading to death (7.1% vs. 5.3% vs. 3.9%, P = 0.022, respectively) when compared with transfemoral TAVR and SAVR. In all the groups, two‐thirds of readmissions were due to noncardiac causes. Congestive heart failure (CHF) and arrhythmia were the most frequent cardiac etiologies. The independent predictors of readmission were female sex, CHF, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients who received care in teaching hospitals had lower probability of readmission.

Conclusions

One of six patients were readmitted within 30 days after the aortic valve replacement. On propensity score analysis, there were no significant differences between the early readmission rates between TAVR and SAVR groups. However, the patients undergoing transapical TAVR were at higher risk for readmission, and subsequent deaths when compared with transfemoral TAVR and SAVR. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hematospermia as a manifestation of severe hypertension in a young man
Authors: Amasanti Maria , Huang Cleo , Lovell Ben
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

Whilst hematospermia may indicate urological disease, it is a rare manifestation of severe systemic hypertension. We describe the case of a young man with hematospermia associated with a blood pressure of 228/135. Blood pressure treatment led to resolution of his hematospermia. Physicians must be aware of this potential association.
Characterization of a novel HESX1 mutation in a pediatric case of septo‐optic dysplasia
Authors: Pozzi Sara , Tan Wen‐Hann , Martinez‐Barbera JuanPedro
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

Septo‐optic dysplasia (SOD) is a rare condition for which the precise etiology is still unclear. Elucidating the genetic component of SOD is a difficult but necessary task for the future. We describe herein a novel HESX1 c.475C>T (p.R159W) mutation and demonstrate its potential pathogenicity in the development of this rare disease.
Plasmodium spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi co‐infection associated with antiphospholipid syndrome in a returned traveler: a case report
Authors: Neves Nélia , Silva‐Pinto André , Rocha Helena , Silva Susana , Pereira Edite , Sarmento Antonio , Santos Lurdes
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

The differential diagnosis of fever in a returned traveler is wide and challenging. We present a case of a patient working in Africa, who returned with fever, constitutional symptoms, headache, and blurred vision. An initial diagnosis of malaria was made, and additional workup revealed Borrelia burgdorferi co‐infection and antiphospholipid syndrome.
Reaction Pathways for the Deoxygenation of Biomass‐Pyrolysis‐Derived Bio‐oil on Ru: A DFT Study using Furfural as a Model Compound
Authors: Banerjee Arghya , Mushrif Samir H.
Published: March 2017

Fast pyrolysis is emerging as a promising route for the production of liquid fuels from biomass. However, pyrolysis‐derived bio‐oil needs to be upgraded prior to its utilization as a fuel and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is an important catalytic step for its upgrade. Design of suitable catalysts with high activity and selectivity for the HDO process requires detailed understanding of the underlying catalytic reaction mechanism. As ruthenium (Ru)‐based catalysts have been proposed to be the most effective HDO catalysts, the complete reaction network for HDO of furfural, a representative of furanic compounds present in bio‐oil, is elucidated in this study on the Ru(0 0 1) surface by using first‐principles density functional theory calculations. The reaction pathways for the formation of furfuryl alcohol (FA), tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA), methyltetrahydrofuran (MTHF), methylfuran (MF), cyclopentanol, 1,2‐ and 1,5‐pentane diols, furan, and pentanes are established. Furan ring‐opening is facile on Ru surfaces and our calculations predict pentane formation to be thermodynamically and kinetically favored in the vapor‐phase hydrodeoxygenation of furfural on Ru surfaces.
Glucose Isomerization Using Alkali Metal and Alkaline Earth Metal Titanates
Authors: Ohyama Junya , Zhang Yutong , Ito Jun , Satsuma Atsushi
Published: March 2017

Glucose isomerization was performed using various titanate catalysts, which include SrTiO3, BaTiO3, CaTiO3, Na2Ti6O13, K2Ti6O13, and Sr3Ti2O7, prepared using a conventional solid‐phase method. Among the titanates, SrTiO3, CaTiO3, and Na2Ti6O13 offered a relatively high fructose yield (32 %) with a high selectivity (68–78 %). The yields are comparable to yields reported previously using a Sn‐modified BEA zeolite, which shows a high efficiency for glucose isomerization as a Lewis acid catalyst. A study of the mechanism of glucose isomerization on a SrTiO3 catalyst surface by using 1H NMR spectroscopy suggested that the titanates catalyze the isomerization as base catalysts. Thus, the effect of the basicity of the titanates on glucose isomerization was investigated in terms of the base quantity and strength. The analysis was performed by using an acid–base titration method and FTIR spectroscopy with CHCl3 as a probe molecule. It is proposed that glucose isomerization on the titanates depends not only on the base amount but also on the base strength.
Glycerol Isopropyl Ethers: Direct Synthesis from Alcohols and Synthesis by the Reduction of Solketal
Authors: Samoilov Vadim O. , Onishchenko Maria O. , Ramazanov Dzhamalutdin N. , Maximov Anton L.
Published: March 2017

The catalytic reduction of solketal ((2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxolan‐4‐yl)methanol) over bifunctional heterogeneous palladium catalysts is proposed as an alternative to the synthesis of glycerol isopropyl ethers by the etherification of glycerol. The direct synthesis of glycerol isopropyl ethers from isopropanol and glycerol requires severe conditions (T=130–150 °C, p(H2)=20–35 bar) and a large excess of isopropanol to reach a considerable yield. The main reaction products in the catalytic reduction of solketal are glycerol mono‐ and di‐isopropyl ethers and solketal isopropyl ether. Solketal conversion over Al‐HMS‐supported palladium catalysts (T=120 °C and p(H2)=20 bar) affords a mixture of ethers with a high degree of conversion (87 %), 78 % selectivity, and excellent regioselectivity between isomeric ethers. Zeolite‐BEA‐supported palladium catalysts also exhibit high activity but much lower selectivity because of intense acetone aldol condensation. The effects of Si/Al ratios in BEA zeolites and Al‐HMS aluminosilicates and the amounts of supported palladium (1 and 2 wt %) on the properties of the catalysts at different reaction temperatures and hydrogen pressures are considered.
All‐Weather Solar Cells: A Rising Photovoltaic Revolution
Authors: Tang Qunwei
Published: March 2017

Solar cells have been considered as one of the foremost solutions to energy and environmental problems because of clean, high efficiency, cost‐effective, and inexhaustible features. The historical development and state‐of‐the‐art solar cells mainly focus on elevating photoelectric conversion efficiency upon direct sunlight illumination. It is still a challenging problem to realize persistent high‐efficiency power generation in rainy, foggy, haze, and dark‐light conditions (night). The physical proof‐of‐concept for all‐weather solar cells opens a door for an upcoming photovoltaic revolution. Our group has been exploring constructive routes to build all‐weather solar cells so that these advanced photovoltaic technologies can be an indication for global solar industry in bringing down the cost of energy harvesting. How the all‐weather solar cells are built without reducing photo performances and why such architectures can realize electricity outputs with no visible‐light are discussed. Potential pathways and opportunities to enrich all‐weather solar cell families are envisaged. The aspects discussed here may enable researchers to develop undiscovered abilities and to explore wide applications of advanced photovoltaics.
B‐Site Cation Ordered Double Perovskites as Efficient and Stable Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Sun Hainan , Chen Gao , Zhu Yinlong , Liu Bo , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: March 2017

Simple disordered perovskite oxides have been intensively exploited as promising electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) towards their application in water splitting, reversible fuel cells, and rechargeable metal‐air batteries. Here, the B‐site cation‐ordered double perovskites Ba2BixSc0.2Co1.8−xO6−δ, with two types of cobalt local environments, are demonstrated to be superior electrocatalysts for OER in alkaline solution, demonstrating ultrahigh catalytic activity. In addition, no obvious performance degradation is observed for the Ba2Bi0.1Sc0.2Co1.7O6−δ sample after a continuous chronopotentiometry test. The critical role of the ordered [Co2+] and [Sc3+, Bi5+, Co3+] dual environments in improving OER activity is exhibited. These results indicate that B‐site cation‐ordered double perovskite oxides may represent a new class of promising electrocatalysts for the OER in sustainable energy storage and conversion systems.
Optimal Design of Laboratory and Pilot‐Plant Experiments Using Multiobjective Optimization
Authors: Forte Esther , von Harbou Erik , Burger Jakob , Asprion Norbert , Bortz Michael
Published: March 2017

Performing an experimental design prior to the collection of data is in most circumstances important to ensure efficiency. The focus of this work is the combination of model‐based and statistical approaches to optimal design of experiments. The knowledge encoded in the model is used to identify the most interesting range for the experiments via a Pareto optimization of the most important conflicting objectives. Analysis of the trade‐offs found is in itself useful to design an experimental plan. This can be complemented using a factorial design in the most interesting part of the Pareto frontier.
UbFluor: A Fluorescent Thioester to Monitor HECT E3 Ligase Catalysis
Authors: Krist David T. , Foote Peter K. , Statsyuk Alexander V.
Published: March 2017

HECT E3 ubiquitin ligases (∼28 are known) are associated with many phenotypes in eukaryotes and are important drug targets. However, assays used to screen for small molecule inhibitors of HECT E3s are complex and require ATP, Ub, E1, E2, and HECT E3 enzymes, producing three covalent thioester enzyme intermediates E1∼Ub, E2∼Ub, and HECT E3∼Ub (where ∼ indicates a thioester bond), and mixtures of polyubiquitin chains. To reduce the complexity of the assay, we developed a novel class of fluorescent probes, UbFluor, that act as mechanistically relevant pseudosubstrates of HECT E3s. These probes undergo a direct transthiolation reaction with the catalytic cysteine of HECT E3s, producing the catalytically active HECT E3∼Ub thioester accompanied by fluorophore release. Thus, a fluorescence polarization assay can continuously monitor UbFluor consumption by HECT E3s, and changes in UbFluor consumption rendered by biochemical point mutations or small molecule modulation of HECT E3 activity. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
One‐Time Password Generation and Two‐Factor Authentication Using Molecules and Light
Authors: Naren Gaowa , Li Shiming , Andréasson Joakim
Published: March 2017

Herein, we report the first example of one‐time password (OTP) generation and two‐factor authentication (2FA) using a molecular approach. OTPs are passwords that are valid for one entry only. For the next login session, a new, different password is generated. This brings the advantage that any undesired recording of a password will not risk the security of the authentication process. Our molecular realization of the OTP generator is based on a photochromic molecular triad where the optical input required to set the triad to the fluorescent form differs depending on the initial isomeric state.
Analysis of mtDNA/nDNA Ratio in Mice
Authors: Quiros Pedro M. , Goyal Aashima , Jha Pooja , Auwerx Johan
Published: March 2017

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lacks the protection provided by the nucleosomes in the nuclear DNA and does not have a DNA repair mechanism, making it highly susceptible to damage, which can lead to mtDNA depletion. mtDNA depletion compromises the efficient function of cells and tissues and thus impacts negatively on health. Here, we describe a brief and easy protocol to quantify mtDNA copy number by determining the mtDNA/nDNA ratio. The procedure has been validated using a cohort of young and aged mice. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Mouse Model for Ocular Surface Staphylococcus aureus Infection
Authors: Zhang Zhiyong , Abdel‐Razek Osama , Wang Guirong
Published: March 2017

Creation of an appropriate animal model that accurately reflects the disease and host immune response to bacterial infection in humans is a major challenge in ocular‐surface infection research. For decades, mice have been the ideal small animal model for ocular‐surface infection research because of the availability and relatively low cost of various genetic backgrounds, targeted defects, and immunologic reagents. By employing different combinations of mouse and bacterial strains, murine infection models can be used to explore a complete picture of bacterial infection and innate immunity of the ocular surface. A murine model of Staphylococcus aureus infection under normal ocular circumstances is presented here as a convenient and tractable model system in which to study mammalian host responses to pathogens. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Using Morpholinos to Control Gene Expression
Authors: Moulton Jon D.
Published: March 2017

Morpholino oligonucleotides are stable, uncharged, water‐soluble molecules used to block complementary sequences of RNA, preventing processing, read‐through, or protein binding at those sites. Morpholinos are typically used to block translation of mRNA and to block splicing of pre‐mRNA, though they can block other interactions between biological macromolecules and RNA. Morpholinos are effective, specific, and lack non‐antisense effects. They work in any cell that transcribes and translates RNA, but must be delivered into the nuclear/cytosolic compartment to be effective. Morpholinos form stable base pairs with complementary nucleic acid sequences but apparently do not bind to proteins to a significant extent. They are not recognized by any proteins and do not undergo protein‐mediated catalysis—nor do they mediate RNA cleavage by RNase H or the RISC complex. This work focuses on techniques and background for using Morpholinos. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthesis of Geranyl‐2‐Thiouridine‐Modified RNA
Authors: Wang Rui , Haruehanroengra Phensinee , Sheng Jia
Published: March 2017

This unit describes the chemical synthesis of the S‐geranyl‐2‐thiouridine (ges2U) phosphoramidite and its incorporation into RNA oligonucleotides through solid‐phase synthesis. Starting from the 2‐thiouracil nucleobase and the protected ribose, the 2‐thiouridine is synthesized and the geranyl functionality is introduced into the 2‐thio position by using geranyl bromide as the geranylating reagent before the conversion of this modified nucleoside into a phosphoramidite building block. The modified phosphoramidite is used to make the geranyl‐RNA oligonucleotides with a solid‐phase DNA synthesizer. These RNA strands are then purified by ion‐exchange HPLC before further structural and functional studies, such as base pairing and enzyme recognition, can be done. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Characterization of Quadruplex DNA Structure by Circular Dichroism
Authors: del Villar‐Guerra Rafael , Gray Robert D. , Chaires Jonathan B.
Published: March 2017

Circular dichroism (CD) is a phenomenon that arises from the differential absorption of left‐ and right‐handed circularly polarized light, and may be seen with optically active molecules. CD spectroscopy provides useful spectral signatures for biological macromolecules in solution, and provides low‐resolution structural information about macromolecular conformation. CD spectroscopy is particularly useful for monitoring conformational changes in macromolecules upon environmental perturbations. G‐quadruplex structures show unique CD spectral signatures, and CD is an important tool for characterizing their formation and global structure. This protocol offers step‐by‐step methods for determining reliable and reproducible CD spectra of quadruplex structures and normalizing the spectra for presentation. CD spectra properly normalized with respect to quadruplex concentration and path length are required to facilitate accurate comparison of results among laboratories. The standard operating procedures proposed are recommended to make such comparison accurate and informative. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Facile Access to Bromonucleosides Using Sodium Monobromoisocyanurate (SMBI)
Authors: Maity Jyotirmoy , Srivastava Smriti , Sanghvi Yogesh S. , Prasad Ashok K. , Stromberg Roger
Published: March 2017

Bromonucleosides constitute a significant class of molecules and are well known for their biological activity. 5‐Bromouridine, 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine, 5‐bromouridine‐5′‐triphosphate, and nucleotides containing 5‐bromouridine have been tested and used for numerous biological studies. 8‐Bromopurine nucleosides have been used as essential precursors for the synthesis of nucleosides with fluorescent properties. This unit describes protocols for the synthesis of bromonucleosides using sodium monobromoisocyanurate (SMBI) in a straightforward way. Reactions are carried out at room temperature, and aqueous solvent mixtures are used to dissolve the nucleosides. Sodium azide is used as catalyst for the bromination of pyrimidine nucleosides, and no catalyst is necessary for the bromination of purine nucleosides. Unprotected 2′‐deoxy pyrimidine and 2′‐deoxy purine nucleosides are treated with SMBI to afford C‐5 bromo pyrimidine and C‐8 bromo purine nucleosides, respectively. This methodology has been found to be efficient for the synthesis of bromonucleosides on gram scale with consistently high yields. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Screening the Effect of Water Vapour on Gas Adsorption Performance: Application to CO2 Capture from Flue Gas in Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Chanut Nicolas , Bourrelly Sandrine , Kuchta Bogdan , Serre Christian , Chang Jong‐San , Wright Paul A. , Llewellyn Philip L.
Published: March 2017

A simple laboratory‐scale protocol that enables the evaluation of the effect of adsorbed water on CO2 uptake is proposed. 45 metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) were compared against reference zeolites and active carbons. It is possible to classify materials with different trends in CO2 uptake with varying amounts of pre‐adsorbed water, including cases in which an increase in CO2 uptake is observed for samples with a given amount of pre‐adsorbed water. Comparing loss in CO2 uptake between “wet” and “dry” samples with the Henry constant calculated from the water adsorption isotherm results in a semi‐logarithmic trend for the majority of samples allowing predictions to be made. Outliers from this trend may be of particular interest and an explanation for the behaviour for each of the outliers is proposed. This thus leads to propositions for designing or choosing MOFs for CO2 capture in applications where humidity is present.
Production and Application of Lignosulfonates and Sulfonated Lignin
Authors: Aro Thomas , Fatehi Pedram
Published: March 2017

Lignin is the largest reservoir of aromatic compounds on earth and has great potential to be used in many industrial applications. Alternative methods to produce lignosulfonates from spent sulfite pulping liquors and kraft lignin from black liquor of kraft pulping process are critically reviewed herein. Furthermore, options to increase the sulfonate contents of lignin‐based products are outlined and the industrial attractiveness of them is evaluated. This evaluation includes sulfonation and sulfomethylation of lignin. To increase the sulfomethylation efficiency of lignin, various scenarios, including hydrolysis, oxidation, and hydroxymethylation, were compared. The application of sulfonated lignin‐based products is assessed and the impact of the properties of these products on the characteristics of their end‐use application is critically evaluated. Sulfonated lignin‐based products have been used as dispersants in cement admixtures and dye solutions more than other applications, and their molecular weight and degree of sulfonation were crucial in determining their efficiency. The use of lignin‐based sulfonated products in composites may result in an increase in the hydrophilicity of some composites, but the sulfonated products may need to be desulfonated with an alkali and/or oxygen prior to their use in composites. To be used as a flocculant, sulfonated lignin‐based products may need to be cross‐linked to increase their molecular weight. The challenges associated with the use of lignin‐based products in these applications are comprehensively discussed herein.
Contact networks reveal potential for interspecific interactions of sympatric wild felids driven by space use
Authors: Lewis Jesse S. , Logan Kenneth A. , Alldredge Mat W. , Theobald David M. , VandeWoude Sue , Crooks Kevin R.
Published: March 2017

Competitive interactions between species are fundamental to understanding species assemblages, community dynamics, and ecological processes. Anthropogenic landscape change, particularly resulting from urbanization, can alter interspecific interactions; however, different forms of urbanization are predicted to have contrasting effects on competitive interactions. We developed contact networks between bobcats and pumas to evaluate (1) the potential for interspecific interactions between wild felids and (2) how space‐use metrics might change along the urban gradient, including low‐density exurban development, wildland–urban interface, and wildland habitat, at both the population and individual level. We used an extensive telemetry data set for bobcats and pumas across multiple study areas to evaluate four space‐use metrics: space‐use overlap (used to define potential interactions among animals) and three additional contact network metrics, including degree (the number of potentially interacting animals), in‐strength (sum of space‐use overlap for animals), and equivalent social connectivity (ESC; considering both space‐use extent and the amount of space‐use overlap). Space‐use extent was an important predictor of potential social interactions as measured by space‐use metrics. Bobcats appeared to have a greater opportunity to interact with female pumas based on space‐use overlap, degree, and in‐strength, which demonstrates that relative scale of space‐use extent among animals could be important for understanding interactions; ESC, however, was greater between bobcats and male pumas, likely due to the larger space‐use extent by male compared to female pumas and the positive relationship between space‐use extent and ESC. In addition, pumas and male bobcats exhibited a greater opportunity to interact, based on space‐use overlap, degree, and in‐strength, and demonstrated higher ESC compared to female bobcats. Counter to our predictions, felids associated with urbanized grids or with greater amounts of urbanization in their extent of space use did not appear to exhibit greater values of space‐use metrics compared to animals with less exposure to urbanization; these results appear consistent with previous research evaluating population characteristics of felids across broad scales in our study areas. Greater ESC for male pumas and male bobcats suggests that males could be particularly important for facilitating connectivity of some ecological processes, such as the transmission of disease, through interspecific contact networks.
Synthesis of Chromeno[3,4‐b]pyrrol‐4(3H)‐ones through the Domino Cyclization of 3‐Aminocoumarins with Arylglyoxal Monohydrates
Authors: Yang Xiaofeng , Chen Zhiwei , Zhong Weihui
Published: March 2017

A facile and efficient domino cyclization between 3‐aminocoumarins and arylglyoxal monohydrates in the presence of para‐toluenesulfonic acid (p‐TSA) as a promoter was employed for the synthesis of two libraries of chromeno[3,4‐b]pyrrol‐4(3H)‐one derivatives. Simple workup procedures were used to obtain the products in moderate to excellent yields. The solvents toluene and ethanol served important roles in the selective formation of the pyrrolocoumarin derivatives characterized by their different substitution patterns.
Copper‐Promoted Thiolation of C(sp2)–H Bonds Using a 2‐Amino Alkylbenzimidazole Directing Group
Authors: Liu Shuang‐Liang , Li Xue‐Hong , Shi Tan‐Hao , Yang Guang‐Chao , Wang Hai‐Li , Gong Jun‐Fang , Song Mao‐Ping
Published: March 2017

A copper‐promoted thiolation of C(sp2)–H bonds with disulfides was achieved by using 2‐amino alkylbenzimidazole (MBIP amine) as a new and removable N,N‐bidentate directing group. This strategy gives a variety of functionalized thioethers in moderate to excellent yields in a simple and efficient way. Importantly, the substrate scope is not limited to aromatic amides; diverse alkenyl amides are also compatible. Furthermore, this synthetic approach provides a potentially feasible way to achieve structural modification of related benzimidazole‐containing compounds through direct C–H activation.
Effect of the α2‐receptor agonists medetomidine, detomidine, xylazine, and romifidine on the ketamine metabolism in equines assessed with enantioselective capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Sandbaumhüter Friederike A. , Theurillat Regula , Bettschart‐Wolfensberger Regula , Thormann Wolfgang
Published: March 2017

The combination of ketamine and an α2‐receptor agonist is often used in veterinary medicine. Four different α2‐receptor agonists, medetomidine, detomidine, xylazine, and romifidine, which differ in their chemical structure and thus in selectivity for the α2‐receptor and in the sedative and analgesic potency, are typically employed during surgery of equines. Recovery following anesthesia with ketamine and an α2‐receptor agonist is dependent on the α2‐receptor agonist. This prompted us to investigate (i) the inhibition characteristics for the N‐demethylation of ketamine to norketamine and (ii) the formation of the ketamine metabolites norketamine, 6‐hydroxynorketamine (6HNK), and 5,6‐dehydronorketamine (DHNK) in presence of the four α2‐receptor agonists and equine liver microsomes. Samples were analyzed with enantioselective capillary electrophoresis using highly sulfated γ‐cyclodextrin as chiral selector. All four α2‐receptor agonists have an impact on the ketamine metabolism. Medetomidine was found to be the strongest inhibitor, followed by detomidine, whereas xylazine and romifidine showed almost no effect on the ketamine N‐demethylation in the inhibition studies with a short‐incubation period of the reaction mixture. After prolonged incubation, inhibition with xylazine and romifidine was also observed. The formation of 6HNK and DHNK is affected by all selected α2‐receptor agonists. With medetomidine, levels of these metabolites are reduced compared to the case without an α2‐receptor agonist. For detomidine, xylazine, and romifidine, the opposite was found.
Dispersion of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions from a biofilter at an electronic manufacturing facility
Authors: Azlah Nada , Shareefdeen Zarook , Elkamel Ali
Published: March 2017

Printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing industries, known as PCB facilities, emit odorous and toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Such compounds not only harm the health but also create a nuisance environment for people who live in the neighborhood of PCB facilities. Biofilter technology which is based on the bio‐oxidation of pollutants has been used by many industries to remove odorous VOCs. When the removal efficiency drops due to a design or operational deficiency, odorous VOCs are released from the biofilter and this becomes evident by the increased odor complaints. Poor biofilter performance, geographical location of the facility, and meteorological conditions contribute to increased dispersion of VOCs. This research investigates dispersion of a VOC pollutant known as propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA) which is released from a commercial biofilter unit installed at a PCB facility in Ontario, Canada. A Gaussian dispersion model and California puff model (CALPUFF) were used to examine the dispersion effects due to changes in wind speed, wind direction, temperature, mixing height, atmospheric stability classes as well as biofilter performance. Simulations were done for the three modeling periods (January, May, September) to account for seasonal effects on PGEMEA dispersion and predictions from both models are compared. The contour hourly wind and concentration plots confirm that the seasonal changes have a direct impact on the PGMEA concentration and plume path. The results presented under variable meteorological conditions show that the average daily concentration of PGMEA is the highest in the month of September. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1100–1107, 2017
Asymmetry of weathering‐limited hillslopes: the importance of diurnal covariation in solar insolation and temperature
Authors: Pelletier Jon D. , Swetnam Tyson L.
Published: March 2017

Hillslope asymmetry, i.e. variation in hillslope form as a function of slope aspect and/or mean solar insolation, has been documented in many climates and geologic contexts. Such patterns have the potential to help us better understand the hydrologic, ecologic, and geomorphologic processes and feedbacks operating on hillslopes. Here we document asymmetry in the fraction of hillslope relief accommodated by cliffs in weathering‐limited hillslopes of drainage basins incised into the East Kaibab Monocline (northern Arizona) and Raplee Ridge Monocline (southern Utah) of the southern Colorado Plateau. We document that south‐ and west‐facing hillslopes have a larger proportion of hillslope relief accommodated by cliffs compared with north‐ and east‐facing hillslopes. Cliff abundance correlates positively with mean solar insolation and, by inference, negatively with soil/rock moisture. Solar insolation control of hillslope asymmetry is an incomplete explanation, however, because it cannot account for the fact that the greatest asymmetry occurs between southwest‐ and northeast‐facing hillslopes rather than between south‐ and north‐facing hillslopes in the study sites. Modeling results suggest that southwest‐facing hillslopes are more cliff‐dominated than southeast‐facing hillslopes of the same mean solar insolation in part because potential evapotranspiration rates, which control the soil/rock moisture that drives weathering, are controlled by the product of solar insolation and a nonlinear function of surface temperature, together with the fact that southwest‐facing hillslopes receive peak solar insolation during warmer times of day compared with southeast‐facing hillslopes. The dependence of water availability on both solar insolation and surface temperature highlights the importance of the diurnal cycle in controlling water availability, and it provides a general explanation for the fact that vegetation cover tends to exhibit the greatest difference between northeast‐ and southwest‐facing hillslopes in the Northern Hemisphere and between southeast‐ and northwest‐facing hillslopes in the Southern Hemisphere. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chronic effects of copper in oysters Crassostrea hongkongensis under different exposure regimes as shown by NMR-based metabolomics
Authors: Cao Chen , Wang Wen-Xiong
Published: March 2017

Traditional metal toxicity tests on organisms have mainly focused on continuous exposure at a fixed concentration. However, organisms are more likely exposed to pollutants intermittently in estuarine environments that are significantly impacted by anthropogenic activity. The present study examined whether different copper (Cu) exposure regimes at an equivalent dose can induce different metabolomics effects on the oysters. An estuarine oyster Crassostrea hongkongensis was exposed to Cu continuously or intermittently at an equal dose (time × concentration) for 6 wk. Continuous exposure regimes included 2 doses of 3.3 μg/L for 24 h and 20 μg/L for 24 h, with corresponding equal doses of 2 intermittent exposure regimes of 20 μg/L for 4 h and 120 μg/L for 4 h, respectively. Time-course measurements suggested that Cu bioaccumulation was comparable at equal low doses between the continuous regime (3.3 μg/L for 24 h) and the intermittent regime (20 μg/L for 4 h), but there was considerable difference for the high dose under different regimes. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics suggested that continuous and intermittent Cu exposures led to similar metabolite variation pattern in gills at an equal high dose, including decreased amino acids (e.g., aspartate, glycine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, threonine, and valine), lower energy-related compounds (e.g., adenosine triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate, acetate, citrate, and glycogen), and altered osmolytes (e.g., homarine and taurine). These biomarkers indicated disturbance of osmotic regulation and energy metabolism induced by Cu exposure regardless of regime. In addition, the 4-h intermittent Cu exposure resulted in slightly fewer adverse effects compared with the corresponding equal-dose continuous exposure. Oysters appeared to recover during the intervals of Cu exposure. The results indicated that metabolomic effects induced by Cu were more dose dependent than the Cu exposure regime. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2428–2435. © 2017 SETAC
Spray drying of pomegranate juice using maltodextrin/cyclodextrin blends as the wall material
Authors: Watson Michael A. , Lea Jeanne M. , Bett‐Garber Karen L.
Published: March 2017

Microencapsulation protects sensitive nutrients, masks flavors, or enhances delivery. Ratios of maltodextrin and γ‐cyclodextrin (20:0, 19:1, and 17:3% w/w) were dissolved in water and mixed with pomegranate juice for spray drying with inlet temperatures of 120, 140, and 160°C. The effects on physical properties (water activity, % water content, color, pH, soluble solids (Brix), and methyl cellulose precipitable tannin assay (MCPTA) were examined. Based on the principle component analysis, formulation influenced color parameters and pH accounted for 46.8% of the variation in the data. Temperature influenced Chroma and water‐holding capacity with 31.8% of the variation. The pH of the reconstituted spray‐dried powder significantly influenced color. Blending of γ‐cyclodextrins to maltodextrins slightly increased the water‐holding capacity, increased pH, slightly affected color, and preserved the color over time, slightly better. Increased inlet temperature affected color, decreased water‐holding capacity, and decreased astringency index. Small additions of γ‐cyclodextrin affect spray‐dried powders.
Nutritional advantages of sous‐vide cooking compared to boiling on cereals and legumes: Determination of ashes and metals content in ready‐to‐eat products
Authors: Rondanelli Mariangela , Daglia Maria , Meneghini Silvia , Di Lorenzo Arianna , Peroni Gabriella , Faliva Milena Anna , Perna Simone
Published: March 2017

In order to guarantee the highest quality of ready‐to‐eat cereals and legumes, two different cooking methods have been applied: traditional cooking and sous‐vide. Ashes and metals content (magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper) has been determined and compared in 50 samples of red lentils, peas, Borlotti beans, pearl barley, and cereals soup. All the samples cooked with sous‐vide showed a significant increase in the content of minerals with the exception of potassium in cereal soup, iron in Borlotti beans, and magnesium in pearl barley. Ash content increased in legumes and in cereal soup cooked with sous‐vide method. The higher different ashes concentration between total samples cooked with traditional cooking and with sous‐vide was registered in zinc (+862 mg), iron (+314 mg), potassium (+109 mg), and copper (+95 mg). Sous‐vide is preferred as it provides products with a higher concentration of metals compared to the ones cooked with traditional cooking.
A Multivariate Markov Regime‐Switching High‐Frequency‐Based Volatility Model for Optimal Futures Hedging
Authors: Lai Yu‐Sheng , Sheu Her‐Jiun , Lee Hsiang‐Tai
Published: March 2017

This study proposes a multivariate Markov regime‐switching high‐frequency‐based volatility (MRS‐HEAVY) model for modeling the covariance structure of spot and futures returns, and estimating the associated hedge ratios. S&P 500 equity index data are used in estimations, and the results reveal that the MRS‐HEAVY model has a shorter response time than that of the Markov regime‐switching GARCH model; this difference is more pronounced in the high‐volatility regime than in the low‐volatility regime. Out‐of‐sample hedging exercises illustrate that the MRS‐HEAVY exhibits superior hedging performance in terms of both variance reductions and utility gains; it is robust even when transaction costs are considered. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 37:1124–1140, 2017
Central compartment management in patients with papillary thyroid cancer presenting with metastatic disease to the lateral neck: Anatomic pathways of lymphatic spread
Authors: Likhterov Ilya , Reis Laura L. Dos , Urken Mark L.
Published: March 2017

Background

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) occasionally presents with metastases to the lateral neck, without clinically evident disease in the central neck. These cases may ultimately manifest as either skip metastases to the lateral compartment or as occult metastases in the central compartment.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 80 patients with PTC with metastases to the lateral cervical lymph nodes treated from 2006 to 2015. Photographs of the cadaveric dissections were used with permission from the author. Schematic illustrations were created to highlight lymphatic drainage pathways.

Results

The rate of skip metastasis in this cohort was 5%. Clinical evidence of central neck disease did not predict the pathologic status of the compartment.

Conclusion

PTC rarely spreads to the lateral neck without depositing metastases within the central neck. This finding is supported by the anatomic pathways for lymphatic spread, not previously highlighted in the English literature. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 853–859, 2017
The Bandung neurosurgery patient outcomes project, Indonesia (Part II): Patient pathways and feasibility and acceptability of telephone follow‐up
Authors: Sutiono Agung Budi , Faried Ahmad , McAllister Susan , Ganefianty Amelia , Sarjono Kalih , Arifin Muhammad Zafrullah , Derrett Sarah
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Support of neurosurgery patients following discharge from hospital is important. Currently, little is known about patients' in low‐ and middle‐income countries before and after their hospital treatment. This companion paper reports patients' pathways before and after hospital admission and the feasibility of following up this ill‐patient population by telephone.

Methods

Eligible patients were aged ≥18 years admitted to the Neurosurgery Department in Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital—a regional referral hospital in Bandung City, Indonesia. Clinical data were collected on admission by clinicians. In‐person interviews were undertaken with a clinical research nurse 1 to 2 days pre‐discharge, and telephone follow‐up interviews at 1, 2, and 3 months post‐discharge. Information was also collected on pathways prior to admission and following discharge. The number of contact attempts for each patient interview was documented, as was the overall acceptability of undertaking a telephone interview.

Results

Of 178 patients discharged from hospital, 12 later died. Of the remaining 166 patients, 95% were able to be followed up to 3 months. Two‐thirds of patients had been referred from another hospital. Patients came from, and were discharged to, locations throughout the West Java region. At the 1‐month interview, 84% participants reported that they had had a follow‐up consultation with a health professional—mostly with a neurosurgeon.

Conclusion

This study has shown that, with a neurosurgery nurse delegated to the role, it is feasible to conduct follow‐up telephone interviews with patients after discharge from a neurosurgery ward and that in fact such follow‐up was appreciated by patients.