bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian optimal experimental designs for binary responses in an adaptive framework
Authors: Giovagnoli Alessandra
Published: October 2016

Bayesian designs make formal use of the experimenter's prior information in planning scientific experiments. In their 1989 paper, Chaloner and Larntz suggested to choose the design that maximizes the prior expectation of a suitable utility function of the Fisher information matrix, which is particularly useful when Fisher's information depends on the unknown parameters of the model. In this paper, their method is applied to a randomized experiment for a binary response model with two treatments, in an adaptive way, that is, updating the prior information at each step on the basis of the accrued data. The utility is the A‐optimality criterion and the marginal priors for the parameters of interest are assumed to be beta distributions. This design is shown to converge almost surely to the Neyman allocation. But frequently, experiments are designed with more purposes in mind than just inferential ones. In clinical trials for treatment comparison, Bayesian statisticians share with non‐Bayesians the goal of randomizing patients to treatment arms so as to assign more patients to the treatment that does better in the trial. One possible approach is to optimize the prior expectation of a combination of the different utilities. This idea is applied in the second part of the paper to the same binary model, under a very general joint prior, combining either A‐ or D‐optimality with an ethical criterion. The resulting randomized experiment is skewed in favor of the more promising treatment and can be described as Bayes compound optimal. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dissecting the effects of antibiotics on horizontal gene transfer: Analysis suggests a critical role of selection dynamics
Authors: Lopatkin Allison J. , Sysoeva Tatyana A. , You Lingchong
Published: October 2016

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a major mechanism responsible for the spread of antibiotic resistance. Conversely, it is often assumed that antibiotics promote HGT. Careful dissection of the literature, however, suggests a lack of conclusive evidence supporting this notion in general. This is largely due to the lack of well‐defined quantitative experiments to address this question in an unambiguous manner. In this review, we discuss the extent to which HGT is responsible for the spread of antibiotic resistance and examine what is known about the effect of antibiotics on the HGT dynamics. We focus on conjugation, which is the dominant mode of HGT responsible for spreading antibiotic resistance on the global scale. Our analysis reveals a need to design experiments to quantify HGT in such a way to facilitate rigorous data interpretation. Such measurements are critical for developing novel strategies to combat resistance spread through HGT.
Evaluation of outcome after cardiomyotomy for achalasia using the Chicago classification
Authors: Hamer P W , Holloway R H , Heddle R , Devitt P G , Kiroff G , Burgstad C , Thompson S K
Published: October 2016

Background

Achalasia can be subdivided into manometric subtypes according to the Chicago classification. These subtypes are proposed to predict outcome after treatment. This hypothesis was tested using a database of patients who underwent laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy with anterior fundoplication.

Methods

All patients who underwent Heller's cardiomyotomy for achalasia between June 1993 and March 2015 were identified from an institutional database. Manometry tracings were retrieved and re-reported according the Chicago classification. Outcome was assessed by a postal questionnaire, and designated a success if the modified Eckardt score was 3 or less, and the patient had not undergone subsequent surgery or pneumatic dilatation. Difference in outcome after cardiomyotomy was analysed with a mixed-effects logistic regression model.

Results

Sixty, 111 and 24 patients had type I, II and II achalasia respectively. Patients with type III achalasia were more likely to be older than those with type I or II (mean age 63 versus 50 and 49 years respectively; P = 0·001). Some 176 of 195 patients returned questionnaires after surgery. Type III achalasia was less likely to have a successful outcome than type II (odds ratio (OR) 0·38, 95 per cent c.i. 0·15 to 0·94; P = 0·035). There was no significant difference in outcome between types I and II achalasia (II versus I: OR 0·87, 0·47 to 1·60; P 0·663). The success rate at 3-year follow-up was 69 per cent (22 of 32) for type I, 66 per cent (33 of 50) for type II and 31 per cent (4 of 13) for type III.

Conclusion

Type III achalasia is a predictor of poor outcome after cardiomyotomy. There was no difference in outcome between types I and II achalasia.
Photocatalytic Property of Nitrogen and Nickel Codoped Titanium Oxides
Authors: Kim Youngyong , Jung Kyeongmun , Hwang Jun Yeon , Ahn Seokhoon , Kwon Ki‐Young
Published: October 2016

Nitrogen or nitrogen and nickel codoped TiO2s are prepared by a hydrothermal method. The doped TiO2s are applied to the photodecomposition of methylene blue (MB) under visible‐light irradiation. The chemical and physical properties of catalysts are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping, zeta potential, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller. We found that nickel and nitrogen atoms are well dispersed in TiO2. While the adsorption of MB on the TiO2 surface are improved by the nitrogen doping, the photodecomposition capability of MB is barely affected by the nitrogen doping level. Particularly, the photodegradation power of the nickel and nitrogen codoped TiO2 is better than that of commercial TiO2
(Degussa P25).
Development of an Electrochemical Process for the Simultaneous Treatment of Wastewater and the Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Higher Value Products
Authors: Sabatino Simona , Galia Alessandro , Saracco Guido , Scialdone Onofrio
Published: October 2016

Many researchers have shown that selected anodic processes allow effective treatment of a very large amount of wastewater contaminated by pollutants resistant to biological processes. In the meantime, various authors have also shown that carbon dioxide can be converted into higher value products, such as formic acid or synthesis gas, by cathodic reduction at suitable cathodes. These two processes present interesting economic potential that, however, still needs to be improved for further development at an industrial level. Herein, these two kinds of process are combined in the same cell to improve their economic feasibility. In particular, the anodic treatment of wastewater at a boron‐doped diamond anode and the cathodic reduction of carbon dioxide to formic acid at a tin cathode are performed simultaneously in a divided cell. Aqueous solutions of Acid Orange 7, which is a widely used azoic dye resistant to conventional biological processes, are used as a model for wastewater. The effect of various operating parameters (including current density, mixing rate, and pH) on both processes is studied. It is possible, under optimized operating conditions, to successfully achieve in a single reactor both the treatment of wastewater contaminated by resistant pollutants and the conversion of carbon dioxide into formic acid. This paired electrolysis process can improve substantially economic figures with respect to each separate process.
Sweet Structural Signatures Unveiled in Ketohexoses
Authors: Bermúdez Celina , Peña Isabel , Mata Santiago , Alonso José L.
Published: October 2016

The conformational behaviour of naturally occurring ketohexoses has been revealed in a supersonic expansion by Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy coupled with a laser ablation source. Three, two and one conformers of d‐tagatose, d‐psicose and l‐sorbose, respectively, have been identified by their rotational constants extracted from the analysis of the spectra. Singular structural signatures involving the hydroxyl groups OH(1) and OH(2) have been disentangled from the intricate intramolecular hydrogen bond networks stabilising the most abundant conformers. The present results place the old Shallenberger and Kier sweetness theories on a firmer footing.
Anion Recognition by Aliphatic Helical Oligoureas
Authors: Diemer Vincent , Fischer Lucile , Kauffmann Brice , Guichard Gilles
Published: October 2016

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Gilles Guichard at the University of Bordeaux. The image depicts the interaction between a 2.5‐helical oligourea foldamer and an anionic guest symbolized as a soccer ball. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201602481.
Effect of silver on gold cyanidation in mixed and segregated sulphidic minerals
Authors: Khalid Muhammad , Larachi Faïçal
Published: October 2016

Gold is mostly found in nature in metallic form and is associated with sulphide minerals and other precious metals, most often silver. Pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and stibnite are the sulphidic minerals investigated in the present gold‐silver cyanidation study by adopting the metal‐sulphide multi‐layer packed‐bed reactor approach. Gold leaching kinetics was enhanced remarkably for the pyrite and chalcopyrite sulphide minerals, with 94.5 % and 85 % recovery respectively. The influence of a bilayer sulphidic mineral system on the dissolution of gold was also investigated with a maximum gold dissolution of 87 % for the pyrite‐chalcopyrite bilayer system. The effect of silver on the dissolution of gold was investigated with the gold associated with sulphidic minerals in an arrangement of mixed as well as segregated mineral layers. Three sets of mineral systems were established: pyrite‐chalcopyrite‐silica, pyrite‐sphalerite‐silica, and pyrite‐stibnite‐silica systems. The addition of silver enhanced the gold dissolution for the pyrite‐sphalerite‐silica system, slightly lessened the gold dissolution with the pyrite‐stibnite‐silica system, and retarded gold dissolution severely in the case of the pyrite‐chalcopyrite‐silica system, irrespective of the dispersion of gold and silver in the same as well as in the segregated mineral layers.
Responsiveness of 8 Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures in a large, community‐based cancer study cohort
Authors: Jensen Roxanne E. , Moinpour Carol M. , Potosky Arnold L. , Lobo Tania , Hahn Elizabeth A. , Hays Ron D. , Cella David , Smith Ashley Wilder , Wu Xiao‐Cheng , Keegan Theresa H. M. , Paddock Lisa E. , Stroup Antoinette M. , Eton David T.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

The Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) was a National Institutes of Health‐funded initiative to develop measures of symptoms and function. Responsiveness is the degree to which a measure can detect underlying changes over time. The objective of the current study was to document the responsiveness of 8 PROMIS measures in a large, population‐based cancer cohort.

METHODS

The Measuring Your Health study recruited 2968 patients who were diagnosed with 1 of 7 cancers between 2010 and 2012 through 4 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries. Participants completed a baseline survey (6‐13 months after diagnosis) and a 6‐month follow‐up survey. Changes in 8 PROMIS scores were compared with global ratings of transition, changes in performance status, and clinical events.

RESULTS

Measures were responsive to 6‐month declines and improvements in performance status with small to large effect sizes (ES) (Cohen d = 0.34‐0.71; P < .01). Mean changes and effect sizes were larger for participants who reported declines compared with those who reported improvements. Small‐to‐medium ES were observed in patients who reported being “a little” worse (d = 0.31‐0.56), and medium‐to‐large ES were observed in those who reported being “a lot” worse (d = 0.53‐0.72). Hospitalized participants reported significant score increases, resulting in worsening of pain (d = 0.51), fatigue (d = 0.35), and depression (d = 0.57; all P < .01). Cancer recurrence and progression were associated with smaller increases in pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance (d = 0.22‐0.27).

CONCLUSIONS

The current results indicated that all 8 PROMIS measures were sensitive to patient‐perceived worsening and improvement and to major clinical events. These findings will be able to inform the design and interpretation of future research studies and clinical initiatives administering PROMIS measures. Cancer 2017;123:327–335. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Prognostic impact of pretreatment cytogenetics in adult Philadelphia chromosome–negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the era of minimal residual disease
Authors: Issa Ghayas C. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Yin C. Cameron , Qiao Wei , Ravandi Farhad , Thomas Deborah , Short Nicholas J. , Sasaki Koji , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Kadia Tapan M. , Cortes Jorge E. , Daver Naval , Borthakur Gautam , Jain Nitin , Konopleva Marina , Khouri Issa , Kebriaei Partow , Champlin Richard E. , Pierce Sherry , O’Brien Susan M. , Jabbour Elias
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

The introduction of novel prognostic factors such as minimal residual disease (MRD) and genomic profiling has led to the reevaluation of the role of cytogenetics and other conventional factors in risk stratification for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

METHODS

This study assessed the impact of baseline cytogenetics on the outcomes of 428 adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome–negative ALL who were receiving frontline chemotherapy. Three hundred thirty patients (77%) were treated with hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone–based regimens, and 98 (23%) were treated with the augmented Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Munster regimen.

RESULTS

The median age was 40 years (range, 13‐86 years). One hundred eighty‐six patients (43%) had diploid cytogenetics, 32 (7%) had complex cytogenetics (defined as ≥ 5 chromosomal abnormalities), 27 (6%) had low hypodiploidy/near‐triploidy (Ho‐Tr), 24 (6%) had high hyperdiploidy, and 24 (6%) had a mixed‐lineage leukemia (MLL) rearrangement. Patients with an MLL rearrangement, Ho‐Tr, or a complex karyotype had significantly worse relapse‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) than the diploid group. According to a multivariate analysis including all the baseline characteristics and MRD status, Ho‐Tr and a complex karyotype were independent predictive factors for worse RFS and OS. Furthermore, survival among all cytogenetic groups was similar, regardless of the treatment received.

CONCLUSIONS

A complex karyotype and Ho‐Tr are adverse prognostic factors for adults with ALL independently of the MRD status. These findings suggest that pretreatment cytogenetics remain a valuable prognostic tool in this population. Cancer 2017;123:459–467. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
We can study ultrarare tumors effectively in this day and age, it just takes a cooperative approach: The role of dasatinib in assorted indolent sarcomas
Authors: Villalobos Victor M. , Hoffner Brianna , Elias Anthony D.
Published: October 2016

Dasatinib may be an active agent in assorted indolent sarcomas. The impact of endpoint selection, well‐defined cohorts, and responses (Choi criteria vs Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) are discussed. See also pages 90‐7.
Cigarette Smoke Extract: A Preclinical Model of Tobacco Dependence
Authors: Gellner Candice A. , Reynaga Daisy D. , Leslie Frances M.
Published: October 2016

Animal models are used to study many human diseases, one of which is tobacco addiction. Most preclinical models use nicotine alone, although there are >7000 constituents present in tobacco smoke. The clinical literature suggests that cigarettes have a strong addictive potential, which is not paralleled in preclinical studies using nicotine alone. In order to address the gap between clinical and preclinical literature on tobacco dependence, cigarette smoke extracts containing tobacco constituents have been developed. This unit describes a procedure for producing an aqueous cigarette smoke extract (CSE) which animals readily self‐administer. In addition, we describe how to make the apparatus for producing CSE and how to analyze the solution for nicotine content. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Neonatal Ventral Hippocampal Lesion (NVHL) Rodent Model of Schizophrenia
Authors: Brady Anne Marie
Published: October 2016

Animal models are crucial to the study of the neurobiological bases of psychiatric disorders, but schizophrenia is a particularly challenging disorder to model given the complexity and heavily verbal nature of its symptoms. This unit describes a developmental surgical rodent model of schizophrenia, the neonatal ventral hippocampal lesion (NVHL) model. This widely used model produces reliable behavioral abnormalities that are comparable to those observed in patients, as well as anatomical and neurophysiological disruptions in forebrain areas that are also implicated in schizophrenia. A brief background of the development and validity of the NVHL model is discussed here, along with detailed procedures for producing the model in rats. Critical issues particular to neonatal surgery are discussed, and representative histological and behavioral results are presented. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Change Factors in the Process of Cognitive‐Behavioural Therapy for Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Schwartz C. , Hilbert S. , Schubert C. , Schlegl S. , Freyer T. , Löwe B. , Osen B. , Voderholzer U.
Published: October 2016

While there is a plethora of evidence for the efficacy of cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), studies on change factors of the therapeutic process that account for this success are scarce. In the present study, 155 participants with primary OCD were investigated during CBT inpatient treatment. The Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale‐SR served as a measure of symptom severity. In addition, the following process change factors were measured: therapeutic relationship, experience of self‐esteem during therapy, experience of mastery, problem actualization and clarification. All variables were assessed on a weekly basis for seven weeks. Linear mixed growth curve analyses were conducted to model the decrease of symptoms over time and to analyse whether the change factors predicted symptom reduction. The analyses revealed a linear decrease of symptoms with high inter‐individual variation. Results further showed that increase in self‐esteem and mastery experiences as well as the initial score on mastery experience and clarification predicted decrease on the Y‐BOCS. We conclude that CBT therapists should focus on clarification in the very first sessions, and try to boost self‐esteem and self‐efficacy, which is related to mastery, throughout the treatment of OCD. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Increase in mastery and self‐esteem experiences are associated with symptom decrease in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) during cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT).

Initial score of mastery experiences and problem clarification predict symptom decrease in OCD during CBT.

CBT therapists should focus on problem clarification in the very first sessions and try to boost self‐esteem and self‐efficacy throughout the treatment of OCD.
Thawing seasonal ground ice: An important water source for boreal forest plants in Interior Alaska
Authors: Young‐Robertson Jessica M. , Ogle Kiona , Welker Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2016

Little is known about the ecological impacts of permafrost degradation on water fluxes in boreal ecosystems, such as those in Interior Alaska. Low plant water stress suggests a reliance on a diversity of water sources. In addition to rainfall, we hypothesize that deep soil water derived from thawing seasonal ground ice (TSGI) supports plants during dry periods. We analyzed water stable isotopes from soils, plants, ice, and rain collected from stable and unstable permafrost sites. We found that TSGI provides a background water source for plants during wet years (at least 10–20%) and a stable source during dry years (at least 30–50%) and early in the growing season (60–80% in wet and dry years). Plant water uptake patterns “track” the soil thawing front, using deep and shallow layers in wet years and deep layers during dry years. This plasticity allows boreal plants to cope with seasonal drought and exploit available water sources. The availability of TGSI depends on the amount of rainfall the prior year and on permafrost stability. Thawing permafrost may reduce the buffering capacity of TGSI due to less seasonal ice from greater drainage and/or a deeper active layer. This study demonstrates the importance of two buffering mechanisms for plants to cope with rainfall variability within boreal forest underlain by permafrost—availability of TSGI and plasticity in water uptake patterns. We suggest that plant utilization of stored water may be why evapotranspiration in northern latitudes can exceed growing season precipitation.
Protein and lipid oxidation affect the viscoelasticity of whey protein layers at the oil–water interface
Authors: Berton‐Carabin Claire C. , Schröder Anja , Rovalino‐Cordova Ana , Schroën Karin , Sagis Leonard
Published: October 2016

Protein and lipid oxidation are prevailing issues that negatively affect the nutritional and sensory quality of food emulsions. It is probable that such oxidative modifications affect the functional properties of proteins, and in particular their ability to form densely packed, interconnected viscoelastic films at the oil–water interface. However, these aspects have hardly been investigated. We induced controlled levels of protein and lipid oxidation using whey protein solution and sunflower oil as substrates, respectively. The adsorption kinetics, surface activity, and dilatational interfacial rheology of whey proteins at the sunflower oil–water interface were investigated using a drop tensiometer. Both protein and lipid oxidation led to a decrease in interfacial elasticity compared to the non‐oxidized samples, though through different pathways: protein oxidation led to a broad range of proteinaceous species, including peptides and aggregates, which did not form an interconnected network. Lipid oxidation induced the formation of surface active compounds, which presumably formed segregated domains at the interface.

Practical applications: Oxidative reactions prevent whey proteins to form strong, viscoelastic layers at the oil–water interface. This could, in turn, drastically affect their ability to stabilize food emulsions. These findings suggest that considering the initial oxidative state of ingredients should be an integral part of food emulsion formulation.

Protein oxidation leads to the formation of a broad range of proteinasceous material, including peptides and aggregates. Lipid oxidation leads to the formation of surface‐active compounds. Both oxidative reactions decrease the ability of whey proteins to form interconnected, elastic interfacial layers at the oil–water interface.
Direct Synthesis of α‐Alkoxy Ketones by Oxidative C–O Bond Formation
Authors: Yu Hui , Xu Yilan , Fang Yan , Dong Rui
Published: October 2016

A convenient method to prepare α‐alkoxy ketones has been developed by oxidative coupling of aryl methyl ketones and alcohols. With aqueous tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (6.0 equiv.) as the oxidant, tetrabutylammonium iodide (20 mol‐%) as the catalyst, and TsNHNH2 (1.0 equiv.) as the additive, ketones underwent direct alkoxylation to give α‐methoxy or α‐ethoxy ketones in moderate to good yields.
Mechanochemical Oxidative Mannich Reaction: Evaluation of Chemical and Mechanical Parameters for the Mild and Chemoselective Coupling of N‐tert‐butoxycarbonyltetrahydroquinolines and Ketones
Authors: Yu Jing‐Bo , Peng Gang , Jiang Zhi‐Jiang , Hong Zi‐Kun , Su Wei‐Ke
Published: October 2016

A mechanochemical oxidative Mannich reaction of N‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl (Boc) tetrahydroquinolines and ketones was successfully developed under solvent‐free ball‐milling conditions. The reaction afforded the desired coupling products in satisfactory yields under mild and tractable oxidative conditions. Side reactions such as deprotection of the Boc group were prevented by carefully adjusting the milling parameters, including milling frequency, time, milling‐ball filling degree, milling‐ball size, and grinding auxiliary. Further examination of the scope indicated that the reaction system could also be applied to the N‐benzyloxycarbonyl and N‐aryl substrates to afford the corresponding products in moderate to good yields.
Potential of 13 linked autosomal short tandem repeat loci in pairwise kinship analysis
Authors: Liu Qiu‐Ling , Xue Li , Wu Wei‐Wei , He Xin , liu Kai‐Yan , Zhao Hu , Lu De‐Jian
Published: October 2016

In this study, a panel of 13 STR loci locate on chromosome 3, 4, and 17 (D3S2402, D3S2452, D3S1766, D3S4554, D3S2388, D3S3051, D3S3053, D4S2404, D4S2364, AC001348A, AC001348B, D17S975, and D17S1294) were assessed for pairwise kinship analysis. Map distances between these STR loci ranged from 0.07 cM to 97.03 cM. The population genetic study of Chinese Han population showed that linkage disequilibrium exists in two clusters of closely linked markers (D4S2404‐D4S2364 and D17S975‐D17S1294), in which the recombination fractions were 0.0026 and 0.0001, respectively. The recombination fractions derived from the Rutgers Map for the closely linked markers (genetic distance < 0.5 cM) were significant underestimates in comparison to those of direct observation of STR transmissions in families. When effect of linkage on pairwise kinship testing was evaluated by comparing likelihood ratio (LR) values taking linkage into account, overall LR values increased. But extremely low LRs were also observed. Finally, the power of the 13 STR loci to discriminate relationship among full‐sibs, half‐sibs, grandparent–grandchild, uncle–niece, and unrelated pairs was assessed with a category fraction. The results showed that about 72.64% of full‐sib pairs and about 82.84% of unrelated pairs could be classified correctly. But the category fractions of second‐degree relationships drastically reduced to 7.34–35.48%. If only pairs of grandparent–grandchild, half‐sibs, and uncle–niece were distinguished, the category fraction was 0.5512, 0.1147, and 0.4362, respectively. Our study results demonstrated that linked STRs were helpful to differentiate the most frequent relationships in pairwise kinship analysis.
On estimation and prediction of geostatistical regression models via a corrected Stein's unbiased risk estimator
Authors: Yang Hong‐Ding , Chen Chun‐Shu
Published: October 2016

We consider geostatistical regression models to predict spatial variables of interest, where likelihood‐based methods are used to estimate model parameters. It is known that parameters in the Matérn covariogram cannot be estimated well, even when increasing amounts of data are collected densely in a fixed domain. Although a best linear unbiased predictor has been proposed when model parameters are known, a predictor with estimated parameters is nonlinear and may be not the best in practice. Therefore, we propose an adjusted procedure for the likelihood‐based estimates to improve the predicted ability of the nonlinear spatial predictor. The adjusted parameter estimators based on minimizing a corrected Stein's unbiased risk estimator tend to have less bias than the conventional likelihood‐based estimators, and the resulting spatial predictor is more accurate and more stable. Statistical inference for the proposed method is justified both theoretically and numerically. To verify the practicability of the proposed method, a groundwater data set in Bangladesh is analyzed.
ZnO enriched transparent glass‐ceramics for wastewater decontamination
Authors: Margha Fatma H. , Badawy Mohamed I. , Gad‐Allah Tarek A.
Published: October 2016

Transparent photoactive glass‐ceramic materials containing high content of photoactive ZnO component (up to 40%) have been prepared by applying heat‐treatment for the glass composition SiO2,ZnO, B2O3,Na2O, K2O, P2O5, Li2O, and BaO melted at low temperature (∼1200°C). The prepared materials absorb considerably in UV region and are transparent for visible light. The absorption cutoff shifted towards higher wavelength with the increase of ZnO content. The prepared materials showed proper photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Red SPD Cotton dye as model compound. Maximum removal (76%) was achieved in case of sample containing 30 wt % of ZnO and heat treated at 450°C for 10 h. Therefore, these materials can be considered promising for the degradation of organic pollutants via photocatalysis. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 442–447, 2017
Fish bioconcentration studies with column-generated analyte concentrations of highly hydrophobic organic chemicals
Authors: Schlechtriem Christian , Böhm Leonard , Bebon Rebecca , Bruckert Hans-Jörg , Düring Rolf-Alexander
Published: October 2016

The performance of aqueous exposure bioconcentration fish tests according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guideline 305 requires the possibility of preparing stable aqueous concentrations of the test substances. For highly hydrophobic organic chemicals (HOCs; octanol–water partition coefficient [log KOW] > 5), testing via aqueous exposure may become increasingly difficult. A solid-phase desorption dosing system was developed to generate stable concentrations of HOCs without using solubilizing agents. The system was tested with hexachlorobenzene (HCB), o-terphenyl (oTP), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 153, and dibenz[a,h]anthracene (DBA) (log KOW 5.5–7.8) in 2 flow-through fish tests with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The analysis of the test media applied during the bioconcentration factor (BCF) studies showed that stable analyte concentrations of the 4 HOCs were maintained in the test system over an uptake period of 8 wk. Bioconcentration factors (L kg−1 wet wt) were estimated for HCB (BCF 35 589), oTP (BCF 12 040), and PCB 153 (BCF 18 539) based on total water concentrations. No bioconcentration could be determined for DBA, probably because of the rapid metabolism of the test item. The solid-phase desorption dosing system is suitable to provide stable aqueous concentrations of HOCs required to determine the bioconcentration in fish and represents a viable alternative to the use of solubilizing agents for the preparation of test solutions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:906–916. © 2016 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Bioaccumulation and trophodynamics of the antidepressants sertraline and fluoxetine in laboratory-constructed, 3-level aquatic food chains
Authors: Boström Marja L. , Ugge Gustaf , Jönsson Jan Åke , Berglund Olof
Published: October 2016

Although reports of pharmaceutical bioconcentration in aquatic organisms are increasing, less is known about trophic transfer in aquatic food webs. The bioaccumulation and trophodynamics of sertraline and fluoxetine, 2 selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) frequently detected in aquatic environments, were tested by exposing constructed aquatic food chains to SSRIs under controlled laboratory conditions. Both of these ionizable, weak base pharmaceuticals showed lower bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) with increasing trophic level (i.e., no biomagnifications) in 2 3-level food chains (Acer platanoides, fed to Asellus aquaticus, in turn fed to Notonecta glauca or Pungitius pungitius). Mean sertraline BAFs in A. platanoides, A. aquaticus, N. glauca, and P. pungitus were 2200 L/kg, 360 L/kg, 26 L/kg, and 49 L/kg, respectively, and mean fluoxetine BAFs 1300 L/kg, 110 L/kg, 11 L/kg, and 41 L/kg, respectively. The weak influence of diet was further demonstrated by measured BAFs being equal to or lower than measured bioconcentration factors (BCFs). Organism lipid content was not positively correlated with BAFs, suggesting that other processes are driving interspecific differences in SSRI bioaccumulation. The empirically derived parameter values were introduced into a proposed bioaccumulation model, and a poor correlation was found between modeled and empirical BAFs (predicted r2 = –0.63). In conclusion, the apparent lack of biomagnification of these ionizable pharmaceuticals suggests that environmental concern should not necessarily focus only on higher trophic levels, but also on species showing high BCFs at any trophic level. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1029–1037. © 2016 SETAC
Probability of emergence of novel temperature regimes at different levels of cumulative carbon emissions
Authors: Diffenbaugh Noah S , Charland Allison
Published: October 2016

The United Nations Paris Agreement creates new urgency and importance for understanding the emergence of climate impacts at different levels of cumulative carbon emissions. Using observations and climate models, we quantify the probability that different areas of the globe will experience permanent separation from the historical temperature regime, as a function of both time and cumulative emissions. We find that, in addition to a ~50% probability that global warming will exceed 2°C, cumulative emissions of 1000 gigatons of carbon (GtC) are likely to cause large areas of the tropics to transition to a new climate regime in which the annual temperature is never less than four standard deviations above the baseline mean. Although limiting cumulative emissions to 750 GtC substantially reduces these risks, the likelihood that some regions will still permanently experience extremely high annual temperatures suggests a critical role for adaptation, even if the Paris Agreement's mitigation targets are met.
Risk of biological invasions is concentrated in biodiversity hotspots
Authors: Li Xianping , Liu Xuan , Kraus Fred , Tingley Reid , Li Yiming
Published: October 2016

Understanding the locations of potential invasion hotspots and the extent to which they overlap with biodiversity hotspots is crucial for prioritizing efforts to reduce the impacts of alien species on global biodiversity. Using ensembles of species distribution models based on climate, anthropogenic predictors, vegetation, and water resources, we predict global potential invasion hotspots for alien herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians). On average, when subjected to current and future climate scenarios, potential richness of alien herpetofauna per grid cell (the minimum unit of our spatial variables for modeling and projecting) in biodiversity hotspots is nearly 1.4 times higher than in other regions. Furthermore, potential invasion hotspots are projected to occupy a large proportion of the total area within biodiversity hotspots. These results suggest that biodiversity hotspots are at greater risk from alien herpetofaunal invasions than are other regions. Our results provide key information for globally targeting early detection and rapid‐response programs to help prevent or mitigate future impacts of alien herpetofauna on biodiversity.
Camera technology for monitoring marine biodiversity and human impact
Authors: Bicknell Anthony WJ , Godley Brendan J , Sheehan Emma V , Votier Stephen C , Witt Matthew J
Published: October 2016

Human activities have fundamentally altered the marine environment, creating a need for effective management in one of Earth's most challenging habitats. Remote camera imagery has emerged as an essential tool for monitoring at all scales, from individuals to populations and communities up to entire marine ecosystems. Here we review the use of remote cameras to monitor the marine environment in relation to human activity, and consider emerging and potential future applications. Rapid technological advances in equipment and analytical tools influence where, why, and how remote camera imagery can be applied. We encourage the inclusion of cameras within multi‐method and multi‐sensor approaches to improve our understanding of ecosystems and help manage human activities and minimize impacts.
Changing epidemiology of oral squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue: A global study
Authors: Ng Jia Hui , Iyer N. Gopalakrishna , Tan Min‐Han , Edgren Gustaf
Published: October 2016

Background

There are reports about the changing epidemiology of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with recent reports indicating an increasing incidence in young women.

Methods

Data on incident cases of tongue SCC were collected from cancer registries worldwide.

Results

Data from a total of 22 cancer registries and 89,212 incident cases of tongue SCC worldwide were included. Most areas experienced an incidence increase ranging from 0.4% to 3.3% per year. There was a significant difference in the incidence increase between sexes in 11 of the 22 registries. In 14 of the 22 registries studied, the increase in incidence of tongue SCC was higher in the group of subjects <45 years old than those ≥45 years old.

Conclusion

This study suggests a general but not universal increase in the incidence of tongue SCC worldwide. In some regions of the world, we observed a shifting trend toward women and/or younger patients. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 297–304, 2017
Pretreatment with β‐adrenergic receptor agonists facilitates induction of LTP and sharp wave ripple complexes in rodent hippocampus
Authors: ul Haq Rizwan , Anderson Marlene , Liotta Agustin , Shafiq Maria , Sherkheli Muhammad Azhar , Heinemann Uwe
Published: October 2016

Norepinephrine, is involved in the enhancement of learning and memory formation by regulating synaptic mechanisms through its ability to activate pre‐ and post‐synaptic adrenergic receptors. Here we show that β‐agonists of norepinephrine facilitate the induction of both associational LTP and sharp wave ripples (SPW‐Rs) in acute slices of rat hippocampus in area CA3. Surprisingly, this facilitating effect persists when slices are only pretreated with β‐receptor agonists followed by wash out and application of the unspecific β‐adrenoreceptor (βAR) antagonist propranolol. During application of βAR agonists repeated stimulation resulted in facilitated induction of SPW‐Rs. Since SPW‐Rs are thought to be involved in memory replay we studied the effects of βAR‐agonists on spontaneous SPW‐Rs in murine hippocampus and found that amplitude and incidence of SPW‐Rs increased. These effects involve cyclic‐AMP and the activation of protein kinase A and suggest a supportive role in memory consolidation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inhibition of SLC7A11 by Sulfasalazine Enhances Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Modulating BMP2/4 Expression and Suppresses Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Mice
Authors: Jin Chanyuan , Zhang Ping , Zhang Min , Zhang Xiao , Lv Longwei , Liu Hao , Liu Yunsong , Zhou Yongsheng
Published: October 2016

An imbalance in osteogenesis and adipogenesis is a crucial pathological factor in the development of osteoporosis. Many attempts have been made to develop drugs to prevent and treat this disease. In the present study, we investigated the phenomenon whereby downregulation of SLC7A11 significantly enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro, and promoted the bone formation in vivo. Sulfasalazine (SAS), an inhibitor of SLC7A11, increased the osteogenic potential effectively. Mechanistically, inhibition of SLC7A11 by SAS treatment or knockdown of SLC7A11 increased BMP2/4 expression dramatically. In addition, we detected increased Slc7a11 expression in bone marrow MSCs of ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Remarkably, SAS treatment attenuated bone loss in ovariectomized mice. Together, our data suggested that SAS could be used to treat osteoporosis by enhancing osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Exploring Divergent Patterns in Racial Identity Profiles Between Caribbean Black American and African American Adolescents: The Links to Perceived Discrimination and Psychological Concerns
Authors: Sanchez Delida , Bentley‐Edwards Keisha L. , Matthews J. S. , Granillo Teresa
Published: October 2016

Using cluster analyses, this study explored the relations among racial identity, perceived discrimination, and psychological concerns among 189 Caribbean Black American and African American adolescents. Findings showed that for all participants, less mature racial identity profiles were significantly related to perceived discrimination and psychological concerns. However, nuances in racial identity profiles between Caribbean Black American and African American participants suggest subtle ethnic group differences in racial identity development. Implications for practitioners and research are discussed.

Usando análisis cluster, este estudio exploró las relaciones entre identidad racial, discriminación percibida y preocupaciones psicológicas en 189 adolescentes afroamericanos y americanos negros caribeños. Los hallazgos mostraron que, para todos los participantes, los perfiles de identidad racial menos maduros estaban significativamente relacionados con una discriminación percibida y preocupaciones psicológicas. Sin embargo, los matices de los perfiles de identidad racial entre los participantes afroamericanos y americanos negros caribeños sugieren unas diferencias sutiles entre ambos grupos étnicos en el desarrollo de la identidad racial. Se discuten las implicaciones para practicantes e investigadores.
Virucide properties of cold atmospheric plasma for future clinical applications
Authors: Weiss M. , Daeschlein G. , Kramer A. , Burchardt M. , Brucker S. , Wallwiener D. , Stope M. B.
Published: October 2016

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been repeatedly identified to bear powerful microbicidal efficacy on bacteria including multidrug resistant organisms and fungi on non‐living surfaces, in biofilms as well as on contaminated and infected tissues. CAP furthermore was found to stimulate wound healing in chronic wounds and exerted anti‐neoplastic effects on numerous tumor entities. Thus, CAP represents a promising medical tool for many clinical and therapeutic issues. Studies about CAP effects on virus particles recently were in arrears, but to date increasingly move into the focus of interest. Apparently, CAP treatment is followed by a promising virus inactivation and contributes to tissue regeneration. Here we review the current state of science concerning the so far investigated CAP effects on different virus species and virus‐associated disorders. J. Med. Virol. 89:952–959, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transglutaminase‐catalyzed amination of pea protein peptides using the biogenic amines histamine and tyramine
Authors: Lu Xinyao , Hrynets Yuliya , Betti Mirko
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Biogenic amines (BAs) are produced by the enzymatic decarboxylation of amino acids, and are well‐known for their toxicity to humans. This study describes a new method using microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) to covalently link BAs such as histamine (HIS) and tyramine (TYR) to the glutamine residues of alcalase‐hydrolyzed pea protein (PPH).

RESULTS

The incubation of PPH and HIS and TYR in the presence of MTGase at 37 °C led to the formation of conjugates, as determined by liquid chromatography, after derivatization with dansyl chloride. Seventy‐six % of HIS and 65% of TYR were covalently incorporated to PPH by MTGase. The incubation of PPH and TYR in the presence of MTGase exhibited a 52% DPPH radical scavenging activity at 10 mg mL−1. Conjugation via MTGase improved the antioxidant status by reducing lipid peroxidation.

CONCLUSION

This study emphasizes that the application of MTGase can effectively reduce histamine and tyramine content while simultaneously enhancing antioxidative capacity of PPH. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Yeast and bacteria from ensiled high moisture maize grains as potential mitigation agents of fumonisin B1
Authors: Martinez Tuppia Ccori , Atanasova‐Penichon Vessela , Chéreau Sylvain , Ferrer Nathalie , Marchegay Gisèle , Savoie Jean‐Michel , Richard‐Forget Florence
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin produced by several Fusarium species and is a very common contaminant of maize‐based food and feed throughout the world. The selection and use of FB1‐degrading microorganisms appears as a promising alternative to cope with the problem of toxicity towards humans and livestock. High moisture maize grain silage, which is based on natural maize fermentation, could be an interesting reservoir of such microorganisms.

RESULTS

Using an in vitro simulated silage model with FB1 naturally contaminated grains, we demonstrated a significant raw decrease in FB1 during ensiling process ascribed to biodegradation mechanisms. A panel of 98 bacteria and yeasts were isolated from this matrix and selected for their ability to use FB1 as the sole source of C and N. For nine of them, the ability to degrade FB1 in vitro was evidenced. Notably, two bacteria identified as Lactobacillus sp. were highlighted for their efficient FB1‐degrading capacity and production of hydrolysed FB1 as intermediate degradation metabolite.

CONCLUSION

Fermentation of high moisture maize grain contaminated with FB1 leads to a significant reduction of the toxin and allows the isolation of FB1‐degrading microorganisms that could further be used as FB1 decontaminating agents. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of a novel synbiotic supplementation during gestation and lactation on immune responses in the Swiss albino mice offspring
Authors: Nallagatla Himaja , Hemalatha Rajkumar , Kondapalli Narendra Babu , Mohammed Shujauddin
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Prebiotics from various regularly consumed cereals and novel substrates are currently being utilised as functional foods. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of synbiotic, formulated with prebiotic extracted from natural resources like green gram (Vigna radiata) along with probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in modulating immune responses in the offspring when supplemented during gestation and lactation.

RESULTS

Synbiotic supplementation was effective in improving cell mediated immunity and humoral immunity among F0 dams. Among F1 pups (F1 Syn + and F1 Syn−), synbiotic supplementation showed significantly heightened (P < 0.05) splenocyte proliferation, increased interleukin‐10, interferon gamma and interleukin‐17 responses, leucocyte phagocytic ability and increased secretory‐immunoglobulin A. However, four‐fold increase in IgG titres to Hepatitis‐B vaccine was observed only in those mice that were supplemented with synbiotic postweaning (F1 Syn+).

CONCLUSION

Synbiotic supplementation to pregnant dams affected the offspring's cellular and mucosal immunity favorably. However, IgG response to Hepatitis‐B vaccine was influenced positively only when the supplementation was extended to the offsprings in the post weaning period. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry