bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wird Parkinson durch Darmbakterien ausgelöst?
Authors: Schumann Wolfgang
Published: April 2017

Aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse zeigen, dass die Verbindung zwischen Darm und Gehirn möglicherweise stärker ist, als wir vermuten – und dass Bakterientoxine möglicherweise Auslöser für das Parkinson‐Syndrom sein können.
Energie experimentell erleben
Authors: Högermann Christiane
Published: April 2017

Das „Wunderwerk Energie” wird im Energie‐, Bildungs‐ und Erlebnis‐Zentrum (EEZ) Aurich zu einem beeindruckenden Erlebnis.
Perlmutt‐ und Scheckenfalter: Schmetterlinge auf dem Rückzug
Authors: Petrischak Hannes
Published: April 2017

Zu den prägenden Naturerlebnissen eines jeden Sommerhalbjahrs gehört es, wenn Tagfalter in großer Zahl über blühende Wiesen oder Waldlichtungen flattern. Doch solche Ereignisse werden immer seltener. Insbesondere unsere einst weit verbreiteten, mit vielen Arten vertretenen Perlmutt‐ und Scheckenfalter verschwinden in beängstigender Weise aus unseren Landschaften und finden sich auf den Roten Listen wieder. Vier Beispiele aus recht unterschiedlichen Lebensräumen stehen für den drohenden Verlust.
Nachrichten des Verbandes Biologie, Biowissenschaften & Biomedizin in Deutschland
Authors: von Essen Liesa‐Marlena
Published: April 2017

Ausbildung & Karriere

Akkreditierung

Auszeichnung für exzellente Hochschullehre

Wissenschaft & Gesellschaft

Invasive Arten

VBIOStart

ESCH 2016 – 1st Emerging Science Convention in Hamburg

Landesverbände

Nordrhein‐Westfalen
A novel mass spectrometry‐based method for simultaneous determination of asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine, l‐arginine and l‐citrulline optimized for LC‐MS‐TOF and LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Wiśniewski Jerzy , Fleszar Mariusz G. , Piechowicz Joanna , Krzystek‐Korpacka Małgorzata , Chachaj Angelika , Szuba Andrzej , Lorenc‐Kukula Katarzyna , Masłowski Leszek , Witkiewicz Wojciech , Gamian Andrzej
Published: April 2017

Nitric oxide (NO) is a regulatory molecule involved in many biological processes. NO is produced by nitric oxide synthase by conversion of l‐arginine to l‐citrulline. l‐Arginine methylated derivatives, asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginines (asymmetric dimethylarginine, ADMA, and symmetric dimethylarginine, SDMA), regulate l‐arginine availability and the activity of nitric oxide synthase. As such, they have been frequently investigated as potential biomarkers in pathologies associated with dysfunctions in NO synthesis. Here, we present a new multistep analytical methodology based on liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry for the accurate identification of l‐arginine, l‐citrulline, ADMA and SDMA. Compounds are measured as stable 2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorobenzoyl chloride derivatives, which allows for simultaneous analysis of all compounds through chromatographic separation of ADMA and SDMA using a reverse‐phase column. Serum aliquots (100 μL) were spiked with isotope‐labeled internal standards and sodium carbonate buffer. The derivatization process was carried out at 25°C for 10 minu using pentafluorobenzoyl chloride as derivatization reagent. Calibration demonstrated good linearity (R2 = 0.9966–0.9986) for all derivatized compounds. Good accuracy (94.67–99.91%) and precision (1.92–11.8%) were observed for the quality control samples. The applicability of the method was evaluated in a cohort of angiological patients and healthy volunteers. The method discerned significantly lower l‐arginine and l‐citrulline in angiologic patients. This robust and fast LC‐ESI‐MS method may be a useful tool in quantitative analysis of l‐arginine, ADMA, SDMA and l‐citrulline.
Autonomous social gaze model for an interactive virtual character in real‐life settings
Authors: Yumak Zerrin , van den Brink Bram , Egges Arjan
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a gaze behavior model for an interactive virtual character situated in the real world. We are interested in estimating which user has an intention to interact, in other words which user is engaged with the virtual character. The model takes into account behavioral cues such as proximity, velocity, posture, and sound; estimates an engagement score; and drives the gaze behavior of the virtual character. Initially, we assign equal weights to these features. Using data collected in a real setting, we analyze which features have higher importance. We found that the model with weighted features correlates better with the ground‐truth data.
Compulsive buying behavior: Re‐evaluating its dimensions and screening
Authors: Maccarrone‐Eaglen Agata , Schofield Peter
Published: April 2017

Despite the significant research in the consumer behavior literature on compulsive buying behavior (CBB), there is still no general agreement about the dimensionality or diagnostic screening of the disorder. Previous studies have identified two principal dimensions: compulsivity and impulsivity, although more recent strands of theory characterize CBB with reference to loss of self‐control and behavioral addiction. This study challenges the impulsive–compulsive paradigm by validating a new model with compulsive and self‐control impaired spending dimensions. The model more closely reflects the disorder's ego‐dystonic character, routed in an anxiety‐based reactive mechanism with uncontrollable buying and an inability to rationalize the behavior and its consequences. The study also develops and cross‐validates a new seven‐item CBB screening tool, using a comparative analysis with three existing screeners and an independent sample. The findings indicate that compulsive buying results from both compulsive and self‐control impaired impulsive elements, which are characteristic of behavioral addiction.
MicroRNA‐10b regulates the renewal of spermatogonial stem cells through Kruppel‐like factor 4
Authors: Li Jiang , Liu Xiang , Hu Xiaopeng , Tian Geng G. , Ma Wenzhi , Pei Xiuying , Wang Yanrong , Wu Ji
Published: April 2017

MicroRNAs (miRs) are functionally important in spermatogenesis, which is the self‐renewal or differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Here, we report a novel role for miR‐10b in regulating the self‐renewal of mouse SSCs. We showed that miR‐10b was highly expressed in mouse SSCs in vitro and enhanced SSC proliferation. Knockdown of miR‐10b significantly increased the apoptosis of SSCs compared with controls. Kruppel‐like factor 4 was found to be a target gene of miR‐10b in the enhancement of SSC proliferation. These findings further our understanding of the self‐renewal and differentiation of SSCs and provide a basis for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of male infertility.
Twisting of Alkynes towards a Carbon Double Helix
Authors: Adam Abdulselam , Haberhauer Gebhard
Published: April 2017

The carbon allotrope exhibiting only one‐dimensional sp‐hybridized carbon atoms is called carbyne. However, its existence is very controversial. Studies on model compounds for carbyne revealed that many oligoalkynes show not a straight, but a bent structure of the carbon chain. Here, we question whether it would also be possible to obtain a more complex structure from carbyne, such as a dimeric double helix. Based on quantum chemical calculations, we show that only a small energetic expense is needed for the formation of a double helix starting from oligoalkyne chains. In some cases, the double helix‐like conformation is more stable than the corresponding conformation with a parallel arrangement of the acetylene chains. Furthermore, model systems were synthesized in which two diphenyl oligoalkyne chains are fixed and twisted by a chiral imidazole‐containing clamp. A structural investigation of these model systems was performed based on UV and CD spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. The observed twisting in these model systems can be regarded as the first small step towards an imaginable carbon double helix.
Extending Unique 1D Borate Chains to 3D Frameworks by Introducing Metallic Nodes
Authors: Wei Qi , Sun Shi‐Jia , Zhang Jie , Yang Guo‐Yu
Published: April 2017

Two novel alkali/alkaline‐earth borates, Ba6[B6O9(OH)6]2(H3BO3) (1) and Li7MAlB12O24 (M=Ba, Sr, Ca) (2 a–c), with 1D and 3D structures have been made hydrothermally and characterized. 1 features a rare 1D anionic chain built by hexaborate clusters of B6O11(OH)6; each made of six BO4/BO2(OH)2 tetrahedra. The anionic chains are embedded in the channels of a Ba6‐based wheel‐cluster open‐framework. On the basis of the structural analyses of 1, by incorporating Al atoms as the linkers and tuning the reaction conditions, the novel anhydrous 3D aluminoborates (ABOs) 2 a–c have been successfully obtained, constructed from B6O14‐based cluster chains and AlO6 octahedra. The 3D ABO framework and 3D Ba‐O‐Li network are interpenetrated to give a final dense structure. The study not only realized the expansion of the structure from the 1D chain of 1 to the 3D dense ABOs 2 a–c, but also obtained the first 3D AlO6‐containing ABOs made under hydrothermal conditions. Different from the previously known 4‐connected zeolite‐type ABOs, alternately arranged from AlO4 tetrahedra and oxo‐boron clusters, the AlO6 octahedra in 2 a–c as the linkers join to six 1D B6O14‐based cluster chains to produce 3D ABOs. The optical diffuse reflectance spectra reveal that 2 a–c have wide range transparency. In addition, the thermal property analysis proves that 2 a–c are congruently melting compounds and possess high thermostability.
Ultrahigh Average Thermoelectric Figure of Merit, Low Lattice Thermal Conductivity and Enhanced Microhardness in Nanostructured (GeTe)x(AgSbSe2)100−x
Authors: Samanta Manisha , Roychowdhury Subhajit , Ghatak Jay , Perumal Suresh , Biswas Kanishka
Published: April 2017

Waste heat sources are generally diffused and provide a range of temperatures rather than a particular temperature. Thus, thermoelectric waste heat to electricity conversion requires a high average thermoelectric figure of merit (ZTavg) of materials over the entire working temperature along with a high peak thermoelectric figure of merit (ZTmax). Herein an ultrahigh ZTavg of 1.4 for (GeTe)80(AgSbSe2)20 [TAGSSe‐80, T=tellurium, A=antimony, G=germanium, S=silver, Se=selenium] is reported in the temperature range of 300–700 K, which is one of the highest values measured amongst the state‐of‐the‐art Pb‐free polycrystalline thermoelectric materials. Moreover, TAGSSe‐80 exhibits a high ZTmax of 1.9 at 660 K, which is reversible and reproducible with respect to several heating–cooling cycles. The high thermoelectric performance of TAGSSe‐x is attributed to extremely low lattice thermal conductivity (κlat), which mainly arises due to extensive phonon scattering by hierarchical nano/meso‐structures in the TAGSSe‐x matrix. Addition of AgSbSe2 in GeTe results in κlat of ≈0.4 W mK−1 in the 300–700 K range, approaching to the theoretical minimum limit of lattice thermal conductivity (κmin) of GeTe. Additionally, (GeTe)80(AgSbSe2)20 exhibits a higher Vickers microhardness (mechanical stability) value of ≈209 kgf mm−2 compared to the other state‐of‐the‐art metal chalcogenides, making it an important material for thermoelectrics.
Determination of the enantiomeric purity of the selective dopamine transporter inhibitor (+)‐R,R‐4‐(2‐benzhydryloxyethyl)‐1‐(4‐fluorobenzyl)piperidin‐3‐ol
Authors: Neiens Patrick , Höfner Georg , Wanner Klaus T.
Published: April 2017

(+)‐R,R‐D‐84 ((+)‐R,R‐4‐(2‐benzhydryloxyethyl)‐1‐(4‐fluorobenzyl)piperidin‐3‐ol) is a promising pharmacological tool for the dopamine transporter (DAT), due to its high affinity and selectivity for this target. In this study, an analytical method to ascertain the enantiomeric purity of this compound was established. For this purpose, a high‐performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method, based on a cellulose derived chiral stationary phase (CSP) was developed. The method was characterized concerning its specificity, linearity, and range. It was shown that the method is suitable to determine an enantiomeric excess of up to 99.8%. With only a few adjustments, this analytical CSP‐HPLC method is also well suited to separate (+)‐R,R‐D‐84 from its enantiomer in a semipreparative scale.
Enantioselective potential of polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phases in supercritical fluid chromatography
Authors: Kucerova Gabriela , Kalikova Kveta , Tesarova Eva
Published: April 2017

The enantioselective potential of two polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phases for analysis of chiral structurally diverse biologically active compounds was evaluated in supercritical fluid chromatography using a set of 52 analytes. The chiral selectors immobilized on 2.5 μm silica particles were tris‐(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarmabate) derivatives of cellulose or amylose. The influence of the polysaccharide backbone, different organic modifiers, and different mobile phase additives on retention and enantioseparation was monitored. Conditions for fast baseline enantioseparation were found for the majority of the compounds. The success rate of baseline and partial enantioseparation with cellulose‐based chiral stationary phase was 51.9% and 15.4%, respectively. Using amylose‐based chiral stationary phase we obtained 76.9% of baseline enantioseparations and 9.6% of partial enantioseparations of the tested compounds. The best results on cellulose‐based chiral stationary phase were achieved particularly with propane‐2‐ol and a mixture of isopropylamine and trifluoroacetic acid as organic modifier and additive to CO2, respectively. Methanol and basic additive isopropylamine were preferred on amylose‐based chiral stationary phase. The complementary enantioselectivity of the cellulose‐ and amylose‐based chiral stationary phases allows separation of the majority of the tested structurally different compounds. Separation systems were found to be directly applicable for analyses of biologically active compounds of interest.
Synthesis and SAR Study of Anticancer Protoflavone Derivatives: Investigation of Cytotoxicity and Interaction with ABCB1 and ABCG2 Multidrug Efflux Transporters
Authors: Dankó Balázs , Tóth Szilárd , Martins Ana , Vágvölgyi Máté , Kúsz Norbert , Molnár Joseph , Chang Fang‐Rong , Wu Yang‐Chang , Szakács Gergely , Hunyadi Attila
Published: April 2017

There is a constant need for new therapies against multidrug‐resistant (MDR) cancer. Natural compounds are a promising source of novel anticancer agents. We recently showed that protoflavones display activity in MDR cancer cell lines that overexpress the P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) drug efflux pump. In this study, 52 protoflavones, including 22 new derivatives, were synthesized and tested against a panel of drug‐sensitive parental cells and their MDR derivatives obtained by transfection with the human ABCB1 or ABCG2 genes, or by adaptation to chemotherapeutics. With the exception of protoapigenone, identified as a weak ABCG2 substrate, all protoflavones bypass resistance conferred by these two transporters. The majority of the compounds were found to exhibit mild to strong (up to 13‐fold) selectivity against the MCF‐7Dox and KB‐V1 cell lines, but not to transfected MDR cells engineered to overexpress the MDR transporters. Our results suggest that protoflavones can overcome MDR cancer by evading P‐gp‐mediated efflux.
Prostate cancer in black men: Is it time for personalized screening approaches?
Authors: Wallner Lauren P. , Jacobsen Steven J.
Published: April 2017

Evidence is accumulating that a “1‐size‐fits‐all” screening approach to prostate cancer may not be what is most appropriate. Therefore, the use of personalized screening approaches in higher‐risk men, particularly black men, warrants further policy consideration.

See also pages 2312‐9.
A game theoretic method to model and analyze attack‐defense strategy of resource service in cloud application
Authors: Fan Guisheng , Chen Liqiong , Yu Huiqun
Published: April 2017

Cloud computing has attracted much attention recently in both industry field and academic research area. More and more Internet applications are moving to the cloud environment. However, it is difficult to construct perfectly secure mechanisms facing up with complex and various attacks in cloud computing, the efficient attack‐defense strategy is highly demanded. In this paper, a stochastic game model is proposed based on combining stochastic Petri nets with game theory, which is used to describe the attack‐defense behaviors in cloud computing. The physical machine, attack‐defense behavior, and their attributes are also modeled by stochastic game model thus forming the attack‐defense game model of cloud computing. On this basis, the Nash equilibrium of attack‐defense process in physical machine is computed to get the optimal defense strategy. The related theories of Petri nets and the reachable states of attack‐defense game model are used to formally verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method. The enforcement algorithm is proposed to make cloud computing dynamically evaluate and select the defense strategy to against attack behavior as quickly as possible. Both case study and simulation results show that the proposed method can adapt quickly to the changes in cloud application thus improving the security of cloud computing.
An IoT‐based monitoring approach for cultural heritage sites: The Matera case
Authors: Gribaudo Marco , Iacono Mauro , Levis Alexander H.
Published: April 2017

Protection and preservation of cultural heritage is an important responsibility for policy makers, public and private institutions, and the citizens themselves. Technologists can make an important contribution by designing monitoring systems for these sites and using the data to prevent incidents. Internet‐of‐things technology offers, for a sustainable price and with significant flexibility, a wide range of different possibilities, fitting different circumstances: from monitoring the environmental parameters of a room in a museum to sensing structural changes in a historical building and to protecting vulnerable artifacts. In this paper, we consider the case of monitoring an extended cultural heritage area: a UNESCO protected site, the center of Matera, an Italian town that will be a European Capital of Culture in 2019. This city is a unique historical settlement, as buildings are partially carved into the rock that constitutes the geological substrate of the area, a local practice used since the prehistoric age. The extent and density of these structures makes the physical protection of the site a big challenge when the expected large crowds of tourists arrive. The objective of the proposed system is to anticipate the threats in a timely manner so that appropriate actions are taken by the authorities thus avoiding damage to the cultural heritage sites.

We propose a technique for modeling the performances of the Internet‐of‐things–based monitoring systems that support the planning of incident management in a protected site by exploiting multiple, sparse, heterogeneous, and partially controlled sensors to monitor the behavior of the crowd. The technique is based on the use of Markovian agent models to study the parameters and the dynamics of a scenario, to understand the needs of the monitoring system.
Elucidation of Factor VIII Activity Pharmacokinetics: A Pooled Population Analysis in Patients With Hemophilia A Treated With Moroctocog Alfa
Authors: Abrantes JA , Nielsen EI , Korth‐Bradley J , Harnisch L , Jönsson S
Published: April 2017

This study investigated the disposition of coagulation factor VIII activity in 754 patients with moderate to severe hemophilia A following the administration of moroctocog alfa, a B‐domain deleted recombinant factor VIII. Data analyzed included patients aged 1 day to 73 years enrolled in 13 studies conducted over a period of 20 years in 25 countries. A two‐compartment population pharmacokinetic model with a baseline model described the pooled data well. Body size, age, inhibitors, race, and analytical assay were identified as significant predictors of factor VIII disposition. In addition, simulations of prophylactic dosing schedules in several pediatric cohorts showed large variability and suggest that younger patients would require higher weight‐adjusted doses than adolescents to achieve target factor VIII trough activity when receiving every other day or twice weekly dosing.
Dislocation formation in heavily As‐doped Czochralski grown silicon
Authors: Stockmeier L. , Lehmann L. , Miller A. , Reimann C. , Friedrich J.
Published: April 2017

During the growth of <100>‐oriented, heavily n‐type doped silicon crystals by the Czochralski method dislocation formation occurs frequently, leading to a reduction of the crystal yield. Up to now, it is not clear where and why the dislocations form. Therefore, heavily As‐doped crystals were studied in this work in more detail by means of X‐ray topography (XRT) and synchrotron X‐ray topography (SXRT). From the data obtained it is concluded that dislocations form during growth of the top cone of the crystals in the vicinity of one of the four so‐called growth ridges.
The mobile conjugate reinforcement paradigm in a lab setting
Authors: Merz Emily C. , McDonough Laraine , Huang Yong Lin , Foss Sophie , Werner Elizabeth , Monk Catherine
Published: April 2017

The mobile conjugate reinforcement task was administered to 4‐month‐old infants in a lab rather than a home setting where it is usually administered. Learning and retention patterns were comparable to those of infants tested in their homes, suggesting flexibility in where this task can be administered. These results pave the way for this task to be used with a broader range of infants for whom home visits are not practical or convenient (e.g., infants in child care). Developmental research conducted with a more diverse population of infants would facilitate our understanding of cognitive development very early in life.
Life‐history predicts past and present population connectivity in two sympatric sea stars
Authors: Puritz Jonathan B. , Keever Carson C. , Addison Jason A. , Barbosa Sergio S. , Byrne Maria , Hart Michael W. , Grosberg Richard K. , Toonen Robert J.
Published: April 2017

Life‐history traits, especially the mode and duration of larval development, are expected to strongly influence the population connectivity and phylogeography of marine species. Comparative analysis of sympatric, closely related species with differing life histories provides the opportunity to specifically investigate these mechanisms of evolution but have been equivocal in this regard. Here, we sample two sympatric sea stars across the same geographic range in temperate waters of Australia. Using a combination of mitochondrial DNA sequences, nuclear DNA sequences, and microsatellite genotypes, we show that the benthic‐developing sea star, Parvulastra exigua, has lower levels of within‐ and among‐population genetic diversity, more inferred genetic clusters, and higher levels of hierarchical and pairwise population structure than Meridiastra calcar, a species with planktonic development. While both species have populations that have diverged since the middle of the second glacial period of the Pleistocene, most P. exigua populations have origins after the last glacial maxima (LGM), whereas most M. calcar populations diverged long before the LGM. Our results indicate that phylogenetic patterns of these two species are consistent with predicted dispersal abilities; the benthic‐developing P. exigua shows a pattern of extirpation during the LGM with subsequent recolonization, whereas the planktonic‐developing M. calcar shows a pattern of persistence and isolation during the LGM with subsequent post‐Pleistocene introgression.
The combined effects of reactant kinetics and enzyme stability explain the temperature dependence of metabolic rates
Authors: DeLong J. P. , Gibert J. P. , Luhring T. M. , Bachman G. , Reed B. , Neyer A. , Montooth K. L.
Published: April 2017

A mechanistic understanding of the response of metabolic rate to temperature is essential for understanding thermal ecology and metabolic adaptation. Although the Arrhenius equation has been used to describe the effects of temperature on reaction rates and metabolic traits, it does not adequately describe two aspects of the thermal performance curve (TPC) for metabolic rate—that metabolic rate is a unimodal function of temperature often with maximal values in the biologically relevant temperature range and that activation energies are temperature dependent. We show that the temperature dependence of metabolic rate in ectotherms is well described by an enzyme‐assisted Arrhenius (EAAR) model that accounts for the temperature‐dependent contribution of enzymes to decreasing the activation energy required for reactions to occur. The model is mechanistically derived using the thermodynamic rules that govern protein stability. We contrast our model with other unimodal functions that also can be used to describe the temperature dependence of metabolic rate to show how theEAARmodel provides an important advance over previous work. We fit theEAARmodel to metabolic rate data for a variety of taxa to demonstrate the model's utility in describing metabolic rateTPCs while revealing significant differences in thermodynamic properties across species and acclimation temperatures. Our model advances our ability to understand the metabolic and ecological consequences of increases in the mean and variance of temperature associated with global climate change. In addition, the model suggests avenues by which organisms can acclimate and adapt to changing thermal environments. Furthermore, the parameters in theEAARmodel generate links between organismal level performance and underlying molecular processes that can be tested for in future work.
A Hybrid DC Circuit Breaker Combining a Multilevel Converter and Mechanical Contactors: Verification of the Principles of Operation by Experiment and Simulation
Authors: OISHI MASAYUKI , SUZUKI ATSUSHI , HAGIWARA MAKOTO , AKAGI HIROFUMI
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a new hybrid dc circuit breaker producing no conducting power loss under normal operating conditions and having the capability to interrupt a large amount of short‐circuiting current within several milliseconds. It consists of two reactors for current limiting and current control, two mechanical contactors, and a multilevel converter based on the cascade connection of multiple full‐bridge dc/dc converter cells. It is characterized by achieving current commutation from the main mechanical contactor to the multilevel converter with fast current control. This results in eliminating auxiliary power semiconductor switches that produce a nonnegligible conducting power loss under normal operating conditions. This paper discusses both principles of operation and control method of the new hybrid dc circuit breaker. Experimental verification is performed by a downscaled system rated at 300 V and 150 A, along with verification by computer simulation.
(Aminomethylene)phosphonate Analogues as ZnII Chelators: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Hevroni Bosmat Levi , Jantz Thomas , Gottlieb Hugo E. , Fischer Bilha
Published: April 2017

A series of (aminomethylene)phosphonate (AMP) analogues, 8–14, bearing one or two heterocyclic moieties (imidazolyl, pyridyl, and thiazolyl) on the aminomethylene group, were synthesized as potential ZnII chelators. The complexes of analogues 8–14 with ZnII ions were characterized by their stoichiometry, geometry, coordination sites, acid/base equilibria, and stability constants. Analogues 8–14 form stable water‐soluble 2:1 L/ZnII complexes, as established by ZnII titration, monitored by UV/Vis spectrophotometry and by 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy. Acidity and stability constants were established for each derivative by potentiometric pH titrations. ML2 type ZnII complexes of AMP, bearing either an imidazolyl or pyridyl moiety, 8, 10, and 12, exhibit high log β values (17.68, 16.92, and 16.65, respectively), while for the AMP‐thiazolyl (14) complex with ZnII, log β is 12.53. Generally, ligands 9, 11, and 13, bearing two heterocyclic moieties, present higher log β values (22.25, 21.00, and 18.28, respectively) vs. analogues bearing one heterocyclic moiety. Additionally, based on 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR spectroscopic data, we propose a structure of the AMP‐(Im)2‐ZnII complex in solution, where the ZnII coordination sites involve the phosphonate moiety and both imidazolyl rings of the two binding molecules, forming an octahedral geometry around the ZnII ion. In summary, we propose a new family of water‐soluble high‐affinity ZnII chelators, in particular AMP‐(Im)2, which forms the most stable complex (log β 22).
First Synthesis of the [5‐5‐6‐6] Tetracyclic Framework of Spiropreussione B
Authors: Chinta Bhavani Shankar , Baire Beeraiah
Published: April 2017

Rapid synthesis of the [5‐5‐6‐6] tetracyclic system in the spirobionaphthalene natural product spiropreussione B was achieved. An intramolecular, thermal dehydrogenative Diels–Alder reaction was employed as the key step. Furthermore, this approach was extended to generate a library of structurally novel linear tetracyclic systems of spiropreussione B in a highly efficient manner. This report constitutes the first synthetic approach to the spiropreussione B natural product.
Investigation on the Thermal Stability of Li2MnSiO4‐Based Cathodes for Li‐ion Batteries: Effect of Electrolyte and State of Charge
Authors: Mancini Marilena , Fleischhammer Meike , Fleischmann Stephanie , Diemant Thomas , Behm Rolf J. , Axmann Peter , Wohlfahrt‐Mehrens Margret
Published: April 2017

The thermal stability of cathode materials and their compatibility with liquid electrolytes are crucial for designing safe Li‐ion batteries. Recently, Li2MnSiO4 has been investigated as potential low‐cost high‐capacity cathode material. Although intrinsic safety is expected for Li2MnSiO4, a systematic investigation on the safety of this cathode material has not been reported so far. In this study, we report the thermal behavior of Li2MnSiO4‐based electrodes studied by differential scanning calorimetry coupled with thermogravimetry (DSC–TG). The results show that the use of the standard LiPF6‐based electrolyte leads to exothermic reactions with the electrochemically cycled electrodes and that only pristine cathodes before cycling show the expected thermal stability. The changes in oxidation state of Mn, Si, and C during cycling are studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We demonstrate that the electrolyte system controls the thermal behavior of Li2MnSiO4 cathodes and that, unlike most common cathode materials, the discharged electrodes are less stable than those in the charged state in a fluorine‐based electrolyte.
Fungus‐mediated generation of ethyl ester using acid oil as substrate
Authors: Sharma Anirudh , Prakash N. Tejo , Prakash Ranjana
Published: April 2017

Transesterification reaction of soybean acid oil was carried out by whole cell biocatalysis. The lipase production by Aspergillus sp. (RBD01) was optimized by modulating sources of nitrogen, pH of growth medium, and percentage of carbon source (acid oil). Soybean acid oil containing significant amount of free fatty acids (FFA) was hydrolyzed and transesterified using cell suspension and immobilized culture of Aspergillus sp. (RBD01) as catalysts. Complete hydrolysis of acid oil to free fatty acids was achieved by both forms (suspension and immobilized) of catalysts, within 12 h of the reaction time. Further, addition of ethanol resulted in conversion of FFA to ethyl ester to the extent of up to 72% in case of both immobilized and cell suspension. FFA and ethyl ester were quantified using 1H NMR. The process of generation of ethyl esters through biocatalyzed transesterification of acid oils is thus observed to be a potential means of producing these products for diverse variety of industrial/commercial use such as biodiesel. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1840–1846, 2017
Prognostic relevance of miR‐124‐3p and its target TP53INP1 in pediatric ependymoma
Authors: Margolin‐Miller Yulia , Yanichkin Natalia , Shichrur Keren , Toledano Helen , Ohali Anat , Tzaridis Theophilos , Michowitz Shalom , Fichman‐Horn Suzana , Feinmesser Meora , Pfister Stefan M. , Witt Hendrik , Tabori Uri , Bouffet Eric , Ramaswamy Vijay , Hawkins Cynthia , Taylor Michael D. , Yaniv Isaac , Avigad Smadar
Published: April 2017

Ependymoma is a malignant pediatric brain tumor, often incurable under the current treatment regimen. We aimed to evaluate the expression of microRNAs (miRs) in pediatric ependymoma tumors in an attempt to identify prognostic molecular markers which would lead to potential therapeutic targets. Following miR‐array expression analysis, we focused on 9 miRs that correlated with relapse which were further validated by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) in a cohort of 67 patients. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to measure target protein expression in 20 and 34 tumor samples, respectively. High expression of miR‐124‐3p significantly correlated with the lower progression‐free survival (PFS) of 16% compared to 67% in those expressing low levels (P = .002). Interestingly, in the group of patients with local disease (n = 56) expression levels of this miR distinguished 2 subgroups with a significantly different outcome (P = .001). miR‐124‐3p was identified as an independent prognostic factor of relapse in the multivariate analysis performed in the whole cohort and in the group with localized disease. In the localized group, a patient expressing high levels of miR‐124‐3p had a 4.1‐fold increased risk for relapse (P = .005). We demonstrated the direct binding of miR‐124‐3p to its target TP53INP1. Negative TP53INP1 protein levels correlated with a poor outcome (P = .034). We propose miR‐124‐3p and TP53INP1 as new biomarkers for prognostic stratification that may be possible therapeutic targets for ependymoma.
Mineralogical compositions and elemental enrichment of shales in lacustrine rift basin: a case study in the Cenozoic Lunpola Basin, central Tibet
Authors: Fu Xiugen , Wang Jian , Feng Xinglei , Chen Wenbin , Wang Dong , Song Chunyan , Zeng Shengqiang
Published: April 2017

The Lunpola Basin in central Tibet is a Cenozoic lacustrine rift basin with widespread organic‐rich shale and oil shale depositions. Forty‐nine samples were collected from the Lunpola section to evaluate the controlling factors of trace‐element enrichment and mineralogical composition in the lacustrine rift basin. Minerals identified in the Lunpola section include abundant quartz, calcite, and clay minerals; minor quantities of feldspar, dolomite, siderite, and mirabilite; and trace amounts of aragonite, magnesite, salt, pyrite, hematite, zeolite, barite, amphibole, gypsum, anhydrite, anatase, galena, sphalerite, apatite, chromite, zircon, and monazite. The Lunpola shale and oil shale are enriched in trace elements B, Cr, Ni, Mo, and U, in comparison to the upper continental crust. Three processes were probably responsible for the geochemical anomalies found in the Lunpola Basin, including the detrital material input, lake water, and hydrothermal activities. Mineralogical and geochemical data show that the lake water is the dominant influences on the elevated trace element concentrations in the shale and oil shale. The depletion or enrichment of trace elements in sediments from the lacustrine rift basin is governed by general processes (e.g. anoxic environment). Additionally, hydrothermal fluids also cause remobilization of some trace elements in the Lunpola lacustrine rift basin. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hepatic vein invasion: A Japanese nationwide survey
Authors: Kokudo Takashi , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Matsuyama Yutaka , Takayama Tadatoshi , Izumi Namiki , Kadoya Masumi , Kudo Masatoshi , Kubo Shoji , Sakamoto Michiie , Nakashima Osamu , Kumada Takashi , Kokudo Norihiro ,   for the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan
Published: April 2017

Because of the rarity of hepatic vein tumor thrombus (HVTT) compared with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, little is known about this disease entity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognosis of each treatment modality for HVTT through an analysis of data collected in a Japanese nationwide survey. We analyzed data for 1,021 Child‐Pugh A hepatocellular carcinoma patients with HVTT without inferior vena cava invasion registered between 2000 and 2007. Of these patients, 540 who underwent liver resection (LR) and 481 who received other treatments were compared. Propensity scores were calculated, and we successfully matched 223 patients (49.0% of the LR group). The median survival time in the LR group was 2.89 years longer than that in the non‐LR group (4.47 versus 1.58 years, P < 0.001) and 1.61 years longer than that in the non‐LR group (3.42 versus 1.81 years, P = 0.023) in a propensity score–matched cohort. After curative resection, median survival times were similar between patients with HVTT in the peripheral hepatic vein and those with HVTT in the major hepatic vein (4.85 versus 4.67 years, P = 0.974). In the LR group, the postoperative 90‐day mortality rate was 3.4% (16 patients). In patients without PVTT, the median survival time was significantly better than that in patients with PVTT (5.67 versus 1.88 years, P < 0.001). Conclusion: LR is associated with a good prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with HVTT, especially in patients without PVTT. (Hepatology 2017;66:510–517).
Sirtuin 3 acts as a negative regulator of autophagy dictating hepatocyte susceptibility to lipotoxicity
Authors: Li Songtao , Dou Xiaobing , Ning Hua , Song Qing , Wei Wei , Zhang Ximei , Shen Chen , Li Jiaxin , Sun Changhao , Song Zhenyuan
Published: April 2017

Lipotoxicity induced by saturated fatty acids (SFAs) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, the exact mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide–dependent deacetylase located primarily inside mitochondria. In this study, we demonstrated that an SFA‐rich high‐fat diet (HFD) was more detrimental to the liver than an isocaloric unsaturated HFD rich in fatty acids. Unexpectedly, SIRT3 expression and activity were significantly elevated in the livers of mice exposed to the SFA‐rich HFD. Using cultured HepG2 and AML‐12 hepatocytes, we demonstrated that unlike monounsaturated fatty acids, SFAs up‐regulate SIRT3 expression and activity. SIRT3 overexpression renders both the liver and hepatocytes susceptible to palmitate‐induced cell death, which can be alleviated by SIRT3 small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection. In contrast, SIRT3 suppression protects hepatocytes from palmitate cytotoxicity. Further studies revealed that SIRT3 acts as a negative regulator of autophagy, thereby enhancing the susceptibility of hepatocytes to SFA‐induced cytotoxicity. Mechanistic investigations revealed that SIRT3 overexpression causes manganese superoxide dismutase deacetylation and activation, which depleted intracellular superoxide contents, leading to adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibition and mammalian target of rapamycin C1 activation, resulting in autophagy suppression. In contrast, SIRT3 siRNA gene silencing enhanced autophagy flux. A similar result was observed in the liver tissue of SIRT3 knockout mice. Conclusion: Our data indicate that SIRT3 is a negative regulator of autophagy whose activation by SFAs contributes to lipotoxicity in hepatocytes and suggest that restraining SIRT3 overactivation can be a potential therapeutic choice for the treatment of NAFLD as well as other metabolic disorders, with lipotoxicity being the principal pathomechanism. (Hepatology 2017;66:936–952).
Landscape controls on long‐term runoff in subhumid heterogeneous Boreal Plains catchments
Authors: Devito Kevin J. , Hokanson Kelly J. , Moore Paul Adrian , Kettridge Nicholas , Anderson Axel E. , Chasmer Laura , Hopkinson Chris , Lukenbach Maxwell C. , Mendoza Carl A. , Morissette Julienne , Peters Daniel L. , Petrone Richard Michael , Silins Uldis , Smerdon Brian , Waddington James Michael
Published: April 2017

We compared median runoff (R) and precipitation (P) relationships over 25 years from 20 mesoscale (50 to 5,000 km2) catchments on the Boreal Plains, Alberta, Canada, to understand controls on water sink and source dynamics in water‐limited, low‐relief northern environments. Long‐term catchment R and runoff efficiency (RP−1) were low and varied spatially by over an order of magnitude (3 to 119 mm/year, 1 to 27%). Intercatchment differences were not associated with small variations in climate. The partitioning of P into evapotranspiration (ET) and R instead reflected the interplay between underlying glacial deposit texture, overlying soil‐vegetation land cover, and regional slope. Correlation and principal component analyses results show that peatland‐swamp wetlands were the major source areas of water. The lowest estimates of median annual catchment ET (321 to 395 mm) and greatest R (60 to 119 mm, 13 to 27% of P) were observed in low‐relief, peatland‐swamp dominated catchments, within both fine‐textured clay‐plain and coarse‐textured glacial deposits. In contrast, open‐water wetlands and deciduous‐mixedwood forest land covers acted as water sinks, and less catchment R was observed with increases in proportional coverage of these land covers. In catchments dominated by hummocky moraines, long‐term runoff was restricted to 10 mm/year, or 2% of P. This reflects the poor surface‐drainage networks and slightly greater regional slope of the fine‐textured glacial deposit, coupled with the large soil‐water and depression storage and higher actual ET of associated shallow open‐water marsh wetland and deciduous‐forest land covers. This intercatchment study enhances current conceptual frameworks for predicting water yield in the Boreal Plains based on the sink and source functions of glacial landforms and soil‐vegetation land covers. It offers the capability within this hydro‐geoclimatic region to design reclaimed catchments with desired hydrological functionality and associated tolerances to climate or land‐use changes and inform land management decisions based on effective catchment‐scale conceptual understanding.
Consumable Analytics
Authors: Chartier Tim
Published: April 2017

Basketball entails running up and down the court. I remember practice in middle school where we'd run up and touch the baseline and then back to touch the other baseline. We'd run up and back again and again. We could have easily tracked, as possibly my coach did, how far we'd run. We'd also practice changing direction on the coach's whistle. Some players could alter direction quickly, while others seemed more concerned about staying on their feet than the rate of their acceleration. Some players could run and run. Others could dart from spot to spot. Game strategies were often designed to monopolize on such skills. How well did we actualize those strategies? Remember, it was middle school basketball, so we also had many other fundamental objectives—like consistently scoring on open shots.
Tax Regime Uncertainty
Authors: Strobel Caroline D.
Published: April 2017

I had hoped to be writing a column on proposed tax legislation in the United States, but this seems to have been pushed back in favor of other legislation, particularly the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. I will comment on what seems to be the general consensus around future tax legislation. On the corporate side, it appears that corporate rates will be lowered to a top rate of 20%, down from nearly 40%. This will allow us to be competitive from a tax standpoint with European countries. Taxes are a major expense that is incurred by businesses for the privilege of doing business. To address the problem around profits that have not yet been repatriated back into the United States, there will be a lower rate for profits brought back from abroad provided they are spent to increase corporate investment on plant and new employees in the United States. Another welcome move apparently will be the immediate write‐off of currently depreciable property. These moves should provide a powerful incentive for investment in the United States. There is also strong support for making our tax system water‐edge, which is what is done in the rest of the industrialized world. This will eliminate the reluctance to keep profits overseas to prevent the imposition of additional taxes because of our currently higher tax rates.
Understanding the New Lease Accounting Guidance
Authors: Sliwoski Leonard J.
Published: April 2017

The article discusses the new lease accounting rules in ASU 2016–02. Specifically, the article discusses how implementation of these rules prohibits lessees from using leases to obtain off‐balance sheet financing. The article contrasts ASU 2016–02 lease accounting and previous lease accounting rules, and provides a numerical lease example illustrating both previous and new lease accounting rules. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Berberine Alleviates Oxidative Stress in Islets of Diabetic Mice by Inhibiting miR‐106b Expression and Up‐Regulating SIRT1
Authors: Chen Dong‐Liang , Yang Ke‐Ya
Published: April 2017

Mounting studies have indicated the role of berberine, SIRT1, and oxidative stress in diabetes, respectively. However, few studies have demonstrated their correlation and regulation function in diabetes. Therefore, the protective effect of berberine in diabetic and the underlying core mechanism were investigated in the current study. Diabetic mice model in vivo were established. Mouse pancreatic beta‐cell line NIT‐1 cells were treated with 30 mM high glucose to induce diabetic condition in vitro. Serum biochemical parameters (glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides) were detected. Oxidative stress indicators (MDA, SOD1), along with miR‐106b and SIRT1 expression in islets and cells were also assessed. Direct targeting relationship between miR‐106b and SIRT1 was discussed by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Diabetic model in vivo and in vitro were both established successfully. The expression of serum biochemical parameters was increased, and oxidative stress parameters, and miR‐106b, SIRT1 were abnormally expressed in diabetic mice and NIT‐1 cells. Meanwhile, berberine could alleviate oxidative stress injury in diabetic progression. Through dual luciferase reporter gene assay, we found that SIRT1 was a target gene of miR‐106b. In addition, miR‐106b over‐expression could reverse the protection of berberine in NIT‐1 cells against from oxidative stress induced by high glucose. Berberine could attenuate oxidative stress of diabetic mice at least partly through miR‐106b/SIRT1 pathway and affecting the function of islets, which might be beneficial in reducing the cardiovascular risk factors in diabetes. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4349–4357, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of zero point vibration on the reaction dynamics of water dimer cations following ionization
Authors: Tachikawa Hiroto
Published: April 2017

Reactions of water dimer cation
following ionization have been investigated by means of a direct ab initio molecular dynamics method. In particular, the effects of zero point vibration and zero point energy (ZPE) on the reaction mechanism were considered in this work. Trajectories were run on two electronic potential energy surfaces (PESs) of
: ground state (2A″‐like state) and the first excited state (2A′‐like state). All trajectories on the ground‐state PES lead to the proton‐transferred product: H2O+(Wd)‐H2O(Wa) → OH(Wd)‐H3O+(Wa), where Wd and Wa refer to the proton donor and acceptor water molecules, respectively. Time of proton transfer (PT) varied widely from 15 to 40 fs (average time of PT = 30.9 fs). The trajectories on the excited‐state PES gave two products: an intermediate complex with a face‐to‐face structure (H2O‐OH2)+ and a PT product. However, the proton was transferred to the opposite direction, and the reverse PT was found on the excited‐state PES: H2O(Wd)‐H2O+ (Wa) → H3O+(Wd)‐OH(Wa). This difference occurred because the ionizing water molecule in the dimer switched between the ground and excited states. The reaction mechanism of
and the effects of ZPE are discussed on the basis of the results. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.