bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrafast, Highly Reversible, and Cycle‐Stable Lithium Storage Boosted by Pseudocapacitance in Sn‐Based Alloying Anodes
Authors: Jiang Yinzhu , Li Yong , Zhou Peng , Lan Zhenyun , Lu Yunhao , Wu Chen , Yan Mi
Published: February 2017

Boosting power density is one of the primary challenges that current lithium ion batteries face. Alloying anodes that possess suitable potential windows stand at the forefront in pursuing ultrafast and highly reversible lithium storage to achieve high power/energy lithium ion batteries. Herein, ultrafast lithium storage in Sn‐based nanocomposite anodes is demonstrated, which is boosted by pseudocapacitance benefitting from a high fraction of highly interconnected interfaces of Fe/Sn/Li2O. By tailoring the voltage window in the range of 0.005–1.2 V for the alloying/dealloying reactions, such Sn‐based nanocomposite anodes achieve simultaneous ultrahigh rate capability, superlong cycling performance, and close‐to‐100% Coulombic efficiency. The nanocomposite anode delivers a high reversible capacity (≈420 mAh g−1) at 1 A g−1 for more than 1200 cycles, corresponding to only 0.016% per cycle of capacity decay. A reversible capacity of 350 mAh g−1 can be maintained at an ultrahigh current density of 80 A g−1, with 67.3% capacity retention relative to the capacity at 1 A g−1. This combination of pseudocapacitive lithium storage and spatially confined electrochemical reactions in Sn‐based nanocomposite anode materials may pave the way for the development of high power/energy and long life lithium ion batteries.
A phase 2 study of lenalidomide, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (LR‐CD) for untreated low‐grade non‐Hodgkin lymphoma requiring therapy
Authors: Rosenthal Allison , Dueck Amylou C. , Ansell Stephen , Gano Katherine , Conley Christopher , Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Camoriano John , Leis Jose F. , Mikhael Joseph R. , Keith Stewart A. , Inwards David , Dingli David , Kumar Shaji , Noel Pierre , Gertz Morie , Porrata Luis , Russell Stephen , Colgan Joseph , Fonseca Rafael , Habermann Thomas M. , Kapoor Prashant , Buadi Francis , Leung Nelson , Tiedemann Rodger , Witzig Thomas E. , Reeder Craig
Published: February 2017

Patients with indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) have multiple treatment options yet there is no consensus as to the best initial therapy. Lenalidomide, an immunomodulatory agent, has single agent activity in relapsed lymphoma. This trial was conducted to assess feasibility, efficacy, and safety of adding lenalidomide to rituximab, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (LR‐CD) in untreated indolent NHL patients requiring therapy. This was a single institution phase II trial. Treatment consisted of IV rituximab 375 mg/m2 day 1; oral lenalidomide 20 mg days 1–21; cyclophosphamide 250 mg/m2 days 1, 8, and 15; and dexamethasone 40 mg days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of a 28‐day cycle. Treatment continued 2 cycles beyond best response for a maximum of 12 cycles without rituximab maintenance. Thirty‐three patients were treated. Median age was 68 (43–83 years). 39% had stage IV disease. Histologic subtypes included 8 follicular lymphoma (FL), 7 marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) (1 splenic, 2 extranodal, and 4 nodal), 15 Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM), 1 lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, 1 small lymphocytic lymphoma, and 1 low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma with plasmacytic differentiation (unable to be classified better as MZL or LPL). Hematologic toxicity was the most common adverse event. Median time of follow‐up was 23.4 months (range 1.8–50.9). The overall response rate was 87.9%, with 30.3% complete response. The median duration of response was 38.7 months. The median progression free survival was 39.7 months, while median overall survival (OS) has not yet been reached. Lenalidomide can be safely added to a simple regimen of rituximab, oral cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone and is an effective combination as initial therapy for low‐grade B‐cell NHL.
Influence of complex childhood diseases on variation in growth and skeletal development
Authors: Zemel Babette S.
Published: February 2017

The study of human growth and skeletal development by human biologists is framed by the larger theoretical concerns regarding the underpinnings of population variation and human evolution. This unique perspective is directly relevant to the assessment of child health and well‐being at the individual and group level, as well as the construction of growth charts. Environmental, behavioral (nutrition and physical activity), and disease‐related factors can prevent attainment of full genetic potential for growth. Undernutrition is most often the cause of growth faltering and poor skeletal development. Disease related factors, such as malabsorption, inflammation, and immobility also have profound effects. These effects will be illustrated with examples from diseases such as cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and Down syndrome. The need for separate growth charts for children with genetic disorders is often controversial because of potential medical and/or nutritional complications associated with some disorders. Children with Alagille syndrome and Down syndrome will be used to illustrate the advantages and limitations of syndrome‐specific charts. This overview of health and disease effects on growth and skeletal development provides insights into the plasticity of human growth and its sensitivity to overall health and well‐being.
Iron‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Alkyl Etherification of Vinylarenes with Aliphatic Acids as the Alkyl Source
Authors: Jian Wujun , Ge Liang , Jiao Yihang , Qian Bo , Bao Hongli
Published: February 2017

Because of the lack of effective alkylating reagents, alkyl etherification of olefins with general alkyl groups has not been previously reported. In this work, a variety of alkyl diacyl peroxides and peresters generated from aliphatic acids have been found to enable the first iron‐catalyzed alkyl etherification of olefins with general alkyl groups. Primary, secondary and tertiary aliphatic acids are suitable for this reaction, delivering products with yields up to 97 %. Primary and secondary alcohols react well, affording products in up to 91 % yield.
Gold Nanorod Enhanced Fluorescence Enables Single‐Molecule Electrochemistry of Methylene Blue
Authors: Zhang Weichun , Caldarola Martín , Pradhan Biswajit , Orrit Michel
Published: February 2017

Redox reactions are central to energy conversion and life metabolism. Herein we present electrochemical measurements with fluorescent readout of the redox‐sensitive dye Methylene Blue (MB), at the single‐molecule (SM) level. To overcome the low fluorescence quantum yield of MB we enhanced fluorescence by using individual gold nanorods to achieve the required sensitivity. By measuring the same molecule at different electrochemical potentials we determined the mid‐point potential of each single molecule through its redox‐induced fluorescence blinking dynamics.
A Direct Link from the Gas to the Condensed Phase: A Rotational Spectroscopic Study of 2,2,2‐Trifluoroethanol Trimers
Authors: Thomas Javix , Seifert Nathan A. , Jäger Wolfgang , Xu Yunjie
Published: February 2017

Rotational spectra of the three most stable conformers (I,II,III) of the ternary 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE) cluster were measured using Fourier transform microwave spectrometers, and unambiguously assigned with the aid of ab initio calculations. The most stable conformer,I, contains one trans‐TFE subunit which is unstable in its isolated gas phase form. The study offers new insights into how the trans conformation is stabilized in TFE clusters of increasing size, and eventually becomes a dominant conformation in the liquid phase. A detailed analysis shows that while O−H⋅⋅⋅O−H and O−H⋅⋅⋅F−C hydrogen bonds are the most significant attractive interactions which stabilize all three conformers, the main driving force for the stability ofIoverIII, which has all gauche‐TFE subunits, is the attractive interaction of C−F⋅⋅⋅F−C contact pairs. A new type of three‐point F⋅⋅⋅F⋅⋅⋅F attractive contact interaction is also identified.
Dual Nickel‐ and Photoredox‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Desymmetrization of Cyclic meso‐Anhydrides
Authors: Stache Erin E. , Rovis Tomislav , Doyle Abigail G.
Published: February 2017

The enantioselective desymmetrization of cyclic meso‐anhydrides with benzyl trifluoroborates under nickel‐photoredox catalysis is described. The reaction tolerates a variety of sterically and electronically different trifluoroborates, as well as structurally unique cyclic anhydrides. The trans isomer of the keto‐acid products is also observed at varying levels dependent on the trifluoroborate identity and relative catalyst loading. A mechanism involving decarbonylation and Ni−C bond homolysis of a NiII adduct is proposed. This feature allows access to a trans keto‐acid as the major product in high enantioselectivity from a cis meso anhydride.
Noncovalent functionalization of boron nitride and its effect on the thermal conductivity of polycarbonate composites
Authors: Wang Jinwei , Li Hongrui , Li Guohua , Liu Zhenxin , Zhang Qingxin , Wang Nongyue , Qu Xiongwei
Published: February 2017

Polycarbonate (PC) is an engineering thermoplastic with excellent insulation and mechanical properties. However, the low thermal conductivity restricted its application in electronic devices. Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) microparticle, a promising material with high thermal conductivity, was functionalized with cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) and introduced into PC matrix to improve the thermal conductivity. SEM and XRD analysis showed that the modified BN (CBN) particles oriented and formed thermal conductive pathways within PC matrix. The formation of large‐area oriented CBN significantly improved the thermal conductivity and thermal stability of composites. At 20 wt % CBN loading, the thermal conductivity of 0.7341 Wm−1 K−1 and the temperature for 5% weight loss (T5) of 498.6 °C were obtained, which was 3.1 times and 77 °C higher than that of pure PC, respectively. Furthermore, outstanding electrical insulation property of matrix was retained in the composites. These results revealed that PC/CBN composite was a promising material for thermal management and electrical enclosure. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44978.
Managing inventory and service levels in a safety stock‐based inventory routing system with stochastic retailer demands
Authors: Yadollahi Ehsan , Aghezzaf El‐Houssaine , Raa Birger
Published: February 2017

The inherent uncertainty in supply chain systems compels managers to be more perceptive to the stochastic nature of the systems' major parameters, such as suppliers' reliability, retailers' demands, and facility production capacities. To deal with the uncertainty inherent to the parameters of the stochastic supply chain optimization problems and to determine optimal or close to optimal policies, many approximate deterministic equivalent models are proposed. In this paper, we consider the stochastic periodic inventory routing problem modeled as chance‐constrained optimization problem. We then propose a safety stock‐based deterministic optimization model to determine near‐optimal solutions to this chance‐constrained optimization problem. We investigate the issue of adequately setting safety stocks at the supplier's warehouse and at the retailers so that the promised service levels to the retailers are guaranteed, while distribution costs as well as inventory throughout the system are optimized. The proposed deterministic models strive to optimize the safety stock levels in line with the planned service levels at the retailers. Different safety stock models are investigated and analyzed, and the results are illustrated on two comprehensively worked out cases. We conclude this analysis with some insights on how safety stocks are to be determined, allocated, and coordinated in stochastic periodic inventory routing problem. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disruption of genes involved in CORVET complex leads to enhanced secretion of heterologous carboxylesterase only in protease deficient Pichia pastoris
Authors: Marsalek Lukas , Gruber Clemens , Altmann Friedrich , Aleschko Markus , Mattanovich Diethard , Gasser Brigitte , Puxbaum Verena
Published: February 2017

The methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris (Komagataella spp.) is a popular microbial host for the production of recombinant proteins. Previous studies have shown that mis‐sorting to the vacuole can be a bottleneck during production of recombinant secretory proteins in yeast, however, no information was available for P. pastoris. In this work the authors have therefore generated vps (vacuolar protein sorting) mutant strains disrupted in genes involved in the CORVET (class C core vacuole/endosome tethering) complex at the early stages of endosomal sorting. Both Δvps8 and Δvps21 strains contained lower extracellular amounts of heterologous carboxylesterase (CES) compared to the control strain, which could be attributed to a high proteolytic activity present in the supernatants of CORVET engineered strains due to rerouting of vacuolar proteases. Serine proteases were identified to be responsible for this proteolytic degradation by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and protease inhibitor assays. Deletion of the major cellular serine protease Prb1 in Δvps8 and Δvps21 strains did not only rescue the extracellular CES levels, but even outperformed the parental CES strain (56 and 80% higher yields, respectively). Further deletion of Ybr139W, another serine protease, did not show a further increase in secretion levels. Higher extracellular CES activity and low proteolytic activity were detected also in fed batch cultivation of Δvps21Δprb1 strains, thus confirming that modifying early steps in the vacuolar pathway has a positive impact on heterologous protein secretion.
Surface Modification of η–Al2O3 by SiO2 Impregnation to Enhance Methanol Dehydration Activity
Authors: Jo Hoyong , Jung Heon , Park Jinwon , Jung Kwang‐Deog
Published: February 2017

Silica impregnated η‐Al2O3 catalysts (Si(number)Al) were prepared for methanol dehydration, with the number indicating the Si wt % added to η‐Al2O3. The Si(0.25)Al and Si(0.50)Al catalysts with the greatest number of acid sites had the highest methanol dehydration activities among the prepared catalysts. Si addition up to 0.5 wt % increased the number of the acid sites, which was slightly decreased by further Si addition. The number of weak acid sites correlated well with the catalytic activity for methanol dehydration, but was not enough to explain the higher activity of the catalysts containing silica compared with η‐Al2O3. The acid sites of the Si(1.0)Al catalyst were less than those of the η‐Al2O3 catalyst but the two had similar activity. Si addition primarily increased the Lewis acid sites, although it generated a few new Brønsted acid sites and chemical hydrogen bonded sites. Nonetheless, it was apparent that the increase of Lewis acid sites was the main reason for the enhancement of η‐Al2O3 activity by SiO2 addition. On the other hand, the new Brønsted and Lewis acid sites and the chemical hydrogen bonded sites created by Si addition should not be neglected.
Low Bandgap Bistetracene‐Based Organic Semiconductors Exhibiting Air Stability, High Aromaticity and Mobility
Authors: Sbargoud Kamal , Mamada Masashi , Jousselin‐Oba Tanguy , Takeda Yasunori , Tokito Shizuo , Yassar Abderrahim , Marrot Jérôme , Frigoli Michel
Published: February 2017

The benchmark of soluble organic semiconductors based on acenes is the 6,13‐bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)pentacene (TIPS–PEN). However TIPS–PEN still suffers from photoinduced oxidation due to its low degree of aromaticity. Increasing the aromaticity while keeping similar optical and electrochemical properties as well as a shape suitable for good hole transport can be achieved with two‐dimensional polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (2D‐PAHs). Herein, we present an efficient synthesis and characterization of bistetracene derivatives that exhibit a band gap up to 1.71 eV and an increased stability up to 21 times compared to TIPS–PEN and mobility over 0.1 cm2 V−1 s−1 in solution‐processed organic field‐effect transistors. Based on simple structural consideration, the high stability is attributed to the aromaticity of the bistetracene which is comparable to an anthrancene along each tetracene. According to Clar's sextet rule, the bistetracene should be best regarded as two anthracenes fused at the face bridged by two ethylenic spacers. The synthesis path paves the way towards the preparation of ambipolar and/or longer 2D‐PAHs such as bispentacenes and could give rise to organic semiconductors with interesting properties.
Modeling Lung Surfactant Interactions with Benzo[a]pyrene
Authors: Stachowicz‐Kuśnierz Anna , Trojan Sonia , Cwiklik Lukasz , Korchowiec Beata , Korchowiec Jacek
Published: February 2017

By reducing the surface tension of the air–water interface in alveoli, lung surfactant (LS) is crucial for proper functioning of the lungs. It also forms the first barrier against inhaled pathogens. In this study we inspect the interactions of LS models with a dangerous air pollutant, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoylphosphatidylcholine, and their 1:1 mixture are used as LS models. Pressure‐area isotherms are employed to study macroscopic properties of the monolayers. We find that addition of BaP has a condensing effect, manifested by lowering the values of surface pressure and shifting the isotherms to smaller areas. Atomistic details of this process are examined by means of molecular dynamics simulations. We show that initially BaP molecules are accumulated in the monolayers. Upon compression, they are forced to the headgroups region and eventually expelled to the subphase. BaP presence results in reduction of monolayer hydration in the hydrophilic region. In the hydrophobic region it induces increased chain ordering, reduction of monolayer fluidity, and advances transition to the liquid condensed phase in the DPPC system.
Halogen and Hydrogen Bonding between (N‐Halogeno)‐succinimides and Pyridine Derivatives in Solution, the Solid State and in Silico
Authors: Stilinović Vladimir , Horvat Gordan , Hrenar Tomica , Nemec Vinko , Cinčić Dominik
Published: February 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue are Vladimir  Stilinović and co‐workers from the University of Zagreb. The image depicts the winners of the race for the strongest supramolecular interaction. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201605686.
Guanidinium Group Remains Protonated in a Strongly Basic Arginine Solution
Authors: Xu Bo , Jacobs Michael I. , Kostko Oleg , Ahmed Musahid
Published: February 2017

Knowledge of the acid dissociation constant of an amino acid has very important ramifications in the biochemistry of proteins and lipid bilayers in aqueous environments because charge and proton transfer depend on its value. The acid dissociation constant for the guanidinium group in arginine has historically been posited as 12.5, but there is substantial variation in published values over the years. Recent experiments suggest that the dissociation constant for arginine is much higher than 12.5, which explains why the arginine guanidinium group retains its positive charge under all physiological conditions. In this work, we use X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy to study unsupported, aqueous arginine nanoparticles. By varying the pH of the constituent solution, we provide evidence that the guanidinium group is protonated even in a very basic solution. By analyzing the energy shifts in the C and N X‐ray photoelectron spectra, we establish a molecular level picture of how charge and proton transport in aqueous solutions of arginine occur.
Ga–Ga Bonds as Key Building Blocks for the Formation of Supramolecular Entities – Unusual Macrocyclic Tetra‐ and Octagallium Compounds
Authors: Uhl Werner , Stefaniak Christina , Layh Marcus
Published: February 2017

Treatment of the digallium compound R2Ga–GaR2 (1) [R = CH(SiMe3)2] with the dicarboxylic acids 1,2‐ and 1,4‐(HO2CCH2O)2C6H4 afforded, by the release of H2C(SiMe3)2, macrocyclic compounds 2a and 2c, in which two organic spacer ligands connect two metal–metal bonds. Two CO2 groups bridge each Ga–Ga bond, and different structures resulted with a parallel or perpendicular arrangement of the bridging ligands. The resorcinol derivative 1,3‐(HO2CCH2O)2C6H4 yielded the unique compound 2b, in which four Ga–Ga bonds are bridged by four spacer ligands. The organic groups form loops, which are alternately arranged above and below the molecular plane with four saddle points and a structure approaching 4 symmetry. The 1,2‐ and 1,4‐diacids afforded tetrakis(digallium) compounds 3a and 3c in the presence of water. In both cases carboxylate groups and hydroxido ligands bridge two Ga atoms of two different Ga–Ga bonds. The spacer ligands connect two of these fragments and adopt parallel orientations to form molecular boxes. Again, the 1,3‐diacid afforded a unique structural motif in which a Ga4O6 skeleton (two Ga–Ga bonds) is bridged by a single organic spacer, reminiscent of the handle of a basket.
Thermal and kinetic behaviors and microscopic characteristics of diacylglycerol‐enriched palm‐based oils blends
Authors: Xu Yayuan , Dong Cao
Published: February 2017

This study aimed to investigate how mixtures of diacylglycerol‐enriched oils affected the phase behavior, thermal characteristics, crystallization properties, and the microstructure in a solid fat system. diacylglycerol‐enriched palm oil (PO‐DAGE) was mixed with diacylglycerol‐enriched palm stearin (PS‐DAGE) in various concentrations. On the basis of iso‐solid diagram and phase diagram, PO‐DAGE/PS‐DAGE blends exhibited a better compatibility compared to their corresponding original blends. DSC thermal profiles showed that the melting and crystallization properties of PO‐DAGE/PS‐DAGE were obviously different from their original blends. Crystallization kinetics revealed that PO‐DAGE/PS‐DAGE blends showed rather high crystallization rates and displayed no spherulitic crystal growth at all examined supercoolings. From the results of polarized light micrographs, PO‐DAGE/PS‐DAGE showed more dense structures with very small needle‐like. X‐ray diffraction evaluation exhibited when above 30% PS‐DAGE was added to PO‐DAGE, β‐polymorph crystals dominated.

Practical applications: The results demonstrate that DAG‐enriched blends based from palm oil and palm stearin exhibited rather fast crystallization kinetics, which could provide a feasible solution to the annoying problems with palm‐based oils in terms of slow crystallization. DAG‐enriched blends have flatter SFC profiles and better compatibility as well as the fine microstructure compared to their corresponding original blends. These properties will be conducive to the development of DAG‐enriched plastic fats in the future, which exhibits the functionality to reduce postprandial lipid levels and to treat obesity.

Compared the melting properties of DAG‐enriched blends based from palm stearin and palm oil with their corresponding original blends.
Three‐Component One‐Pot Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Diarylalkynes by Thermocontrolled Sequential Sonogashira Reactions Using Potassium Ethynyltrifluoroborate
Authors: Kim Taejung , Jeong Kyu Hyuk , Kim Youngseok , Noh Taesub , Choi Jaeyoung , Ham Jungyeob
Published: February 2017

Unsymmetrical diarylalkynes were synthesized in moderate to good yields through a three‐component one‐pot procedure involving thermocontrolled sequential Sonogashira reactions with potassium ethynyltrifluoroborate and two different reactive aryl halides. The one‐pot procedure was initiated by the palladium/copper‐catalyzed Sonogashira coupling of potassium ethynyltrifluoroborate to an aryl iodide or electron‐deficient aryl bromide at 40 °C. Following a subsequent deboronative Sonogashira reaction of the in situ generated potassium (arylethynyl)trifluoroborate, a second coupling to a less‐active electron‐rich aryl bromide at 80 °C, without any additional palladium/copper catalyst or base, gave rise to unsymmetrical diarylalkynes.
Intramolecular Addition of Heteroaryllithium Compounds onto Activated Alkenes: Access to Heterofused Indolizines and Pyrroloazepines
Authors: Azcargorta Ane Rebolledo , Coya Estíbaliz , Panaite Ana María , Sotomayor Nuria , Lete Esther
Published: February 2017

Heteroaryllithium compounds, obtained by MesLi‐mediated halogen/lithium exchange, undergo intramolecular addition onto acrylamide and acrylate moieties. Both electron‐rich (thiophenyl) and electron‐deficient (pyridinyl, quinolinyl) heteroaromatic halides can be used for the formation of six‐ and seven‐membered rings, providing an efficient route to fused indolizines and pyrroloazepines in moderate to good yields.
Affinity capillary electrophoresis and fluorescence spectroscopy for studying enantioselective interactions between omeprazole enantiomer and human serum albumin
Authors: Xu Yujing , Hong Tingting , Chen Xueping , Ji Yibing
Published: February 2017

Baseline separation of omeprazole (OME) enantiomers was achieved by affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE), using human serum albumin (HSA) as the chiral selector. The influence of several experimental variables such as HSA concentration, the type and content of organic modifiers, applied voltage and running buffer concentration on the separation was evaluated. The binding of esomeprazole (S‐omeprazole, S‐OME) and its R‐enantiomer (R‐omeprazole, R‐OME) to HSA under simulated physiological conditions was studied by ACE and fluorescence spectroscopy which was considered as a reference method. ACE studies demonstrated that the binding constants of the two enantiomers and HSA were 3.18 × 103 M−1 and 5.36 × 103 M−1, respectively. The binding properties including the fluorescence quenching mechanisms, binding constants, binding sites and the number of binding sites were obtained by fluorescence spectroscopy. Though the ACE method could not get enough data when compared with the fluorescence spectrum method, the separation and binding studies of chiral drugs could be achieved simultaneously via this method. This study is of great significance for the investigation and clinical application of chiral drugs.
Osteoporosis-Related Health Services Utilization Following First Hip Fracture Among a Cohort of Privately-Insured Women in the United States, 2008–2014: An Observational Study
Authors: Gillespie Catherine W , Morin Pamela E
Published: February 2017

Timely identification and treatment of osteoporosis following hip fracture is recommended to mitigate future fracture risk, yet prior work has demonstrated a disconnect between evidence-based recommendations and real-world implementation. We sought to describe contemporary patterns of osteoporosis screening and initiation of pharmacotherapy following hip fracture based on medical and pharmacy claims in the OptumLabs™ Data Warehouse. From a national sample, we identified 8349 women aged 50+ years enrolled in private commercial or Medicare Advantage plans with no prior history of osteoporosis diagnosis, osteoporosis pharmacotherapy, or hip fracture who experienced a hip fracture between 2008 and 2013. Just 17.1% and 23.1% of these women had evidence of osteoporosis assessment and/or treatment within 6 or 12 months of their fractures, respectively. Women aged 80+ years were one-third less likely to utilize recommended services within 6 months, compared to those aged 50 to 79 years (13.8% versus 20.8%; p < 0.001). Utilization of bone mass measurement increased significantly among women aged 65+ years over the study period (p < 0.001) while declining among those aged 50 to 64 years (p = 0.2). In contrast, rates of osteoporosis pharmacotherapy remained steady among women aged 50 to 64 years (p = 0.8) yet declined among women aged 65 to 79 years and aged 80+ years (p = 0.07 and p = 0.004, respectively). Accounting for differences in all measured characteristics, receipt of primary care was the strongest and most consistent predictor of osteoporosis assessment or treatment following fracture. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
CRISPR/CAS9 Technologies
Authors: Williams Bart O , Warman Matthew L
Published: February 2017

The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) pathway is revolutionizing biological research. Modifications to this primitive prokaryotic immune system now enable scientists to efficiently edit DNA or modulate gene expression in living eukaryotic cells and organisms. Thus, many laboratories can now perform important experiments that previously were considered scientifically risky or too costly. Here, we describe the components of the CRISPR/Cas system that have been engineered for use in eukaryotes. We also explain how this system can be used to genetically modify cell lines and model organisms, or regulate gene expression in order to search for new participants in biological pathways. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Using the TFP Model to Determine Impacts of Stock Market Listing on Corporate Performance of Agri‐Foods Companies in Vietnam
Authors: Shaikh Junaid M. , Linh Dinh Thi Bao
Published: February 2017

Being one of the world's leading exporters of different agricultural products, especially rice, pepper, and catfish, Vietnam has a significant role to play in the agricultural‐related, economic, and geographic political issues of Asia. The transformation from a socialist public‐owned economy to a private‐equity form of ownership through the securitization of resources will have a significant impact on the economic well‐being of Vietnam. Since the recent advances of China and its ambition in the South China Sea, big countries like the United States, Japan, and India have considered Vietnam a key partner in their new Asia strategies. Along with the economic integration and trade liberalization, Vietnam is opening its market with 100 million consumers and also many export opportunities to international business and investors. Is the stock market a transparent and efficient channel for their choice? That depends not only on the legal framework, but also on the performance of Vietnamese companies that may become their partners or rivals.

This article investigates the effect of stock market listing on the corporate performance of listed food processing and agricultural companies in Vietnam. Using the regression analysis and a total factor productivity (TFP) model modified to fit the Vietnam data, the study revealed that stock listing has a positive effect on corporate performance in Vietnam. Key findings lead to the recommendation that the Vietnamese government should enhance the process of privatizing state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) and stock market listing in the foods and agricultural sectors, focusing on market transparency and fairness, securities market reform, and incentives policies dealing with credit, tax, and land ownership. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resveratrol Enhances Self‐Renewal of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Li Na , Du Zhaoyu , Shen Qiaoyan , Lei Qijing , Zhang Ying , Zhang Mengfei , Hua Jinlian
Published: February 2017

Resveratrol (RSV) has been shown to affect the differentiation of several types of stem cells, while the detailed mechanism is elusive. Here, we aim to investigate the function of RSV in self‐renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and the related mechanisms. In contrast with its reported roles, we found unexpectedly that differentiated ESCs or iPSCs treated by RSV would not show further differentiation, but regained a naïve pluripotency state with higher expressions of core transcriptional factors and with the ability to differentiate into all three germ layers when transplanted in vivo. In accordance with these findings, RSV also enhanced cell cycle progression of ESCs via regulating cell cycle‐related proteins. Finally, enhanced activation of JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway and suppressed activation of mTOR were found essential in enhancing the self‐renewal of ESCs by RSV. Our finding discovered a novel function of RSV in enhancing the self‐renewal of ESCs, and suggested that the timing of treatment and concentration of RSV determined the final effect of it. Our work may contribute to understanding of RSV in the self‐renewal maintenance of pluripotent stem cells, and may also provide help to the generation and maintenance of iPSCs in vitro. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1928–1935, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria using multilocous sequence analysis of 16S rRNA, hsp65, and rpoB
Authors: Kim Si Hyun , Shin Jeong Hwan
Published: February 2017

Background

The isolation of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from clinical specimens has increased, and they now are considered significant opportunistic pathogens. The aims of this study were to develop a database and interpretive criteria for identifying individual species. In addition, using clinical isolates, we evaluated the clinical usefulness of 16S rRNA, hsp65, and rpoB as target genes for this method.

Methods

The sequences of NTM for 16S rRNA, hsp65, and rpoB were collected from GenBank and checked by manual inspection. Clinical isolates collected between 2005 and 2010 were used for DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction, and sequencing of these three genes. We constructed a database for the genes and evaluated the clinical utility of multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) using 109 clinical isolates.

Results

A total 131, 130, and 122 sequences were collected from GenBank for 16S rRNA, hsp65, and rpoB, respectively. The percent similarities of the three genes ranged from 96.57% to 100% for the 16S rRNA gene, 89.27% to 100% for hsp65, and 92.71% to 100% for rpoB. When we compared the sequences of 109 clinical strains with those of the database, the rates of species‐level identification were 71.3%, 86.79%, and 81.55% with 16S rRNA, hsp65, and rpoB, respectively. We could identify 97.25% of the isolates to the species level when we used MLSA.

Conclusion

There were significant differences among the utilities of the three genes for species identification. The MLSA technique would be helpful for identification of NTM.
Facile generation of rod‐like PbCl2 crystals from Pb(II) aqueous solutions induced by Aliquat 336 at room temperature
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Li Enze , Du Zhiping , Shen Jing , Cheng Fangqin
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Lead is one of the frequent contaminants of industrial wastewater. This work presents a novel approach for the removal of lead from aqueous solutions through generation of rod‐like PbCl2 crystals induced by Aliquat 336 at room temperature.

RESULTS

Regular rod‐like PbCl2 crystals formation was rapid and the reaction could be described by a second‐order kinetic model very well. PbCl2 crystals were obtained when Pb(II) concentration was more than 15 g L‐1, but the maximum PbCl2 production was achieved at 60 g L‐1 for the solution/Aliquat ratio of 5. Increase of Aliquat 336 volume could increase PbCl2 production, but an optimal volume existed for different Pb(II) solutions. The formation of rod‐like PbCl2 was strongly dependent on pH, but the yield of crystals was uncorrelated with pH. The presence of ethanol led to high yields of PbCl2, but the crystal size became smaller.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that PbCl2 crystals form at the interface of the organic and aqueous phases, and the reaction rate is proportional to the Pb(II) in aqueous phase and Cl‐ in Aliquat 336. H+ promotes the orientated PbCl2 growth with a rod‐like shape. The high yield of PbCl2 crystals with ethanol is due to the increases of interface area. Aliquat 336 can be used as an effective PbCl2 crystals inducer for the removal of lead from wastewaters. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Diversification of Hox Gene Clusters in Osteoglossomorph Fish in Comparison to Other Teleosts and the Spotted Gar Outgroup
Authors: Martin Kyle J , Holland Peter W H
Published: February 2017

An ancient genome duplication (TGD or 3R) occurred in teleost fish after divergence from the lineage leading to gar. This genome duplication is shared by the three extant teleost lineages: Osteoglossomorpha (bony‐tongues), Elopomorpha (eels and tarpons), and Clupeocephala (a large clade including salmon, carp, medaka, zebrafish, cichlids, pufferfish, stickleback, and ∼26,000 other species). After TGD, different clupeocephalan species retained different gene duplicates; this is seen clearly in Hox gene clusters but extends to all genes. Since divergent resolution of TGD paralogs is a potential driving force for speciation, it is possible this contributed to diversification of this clade. The extent to which divergent resolution of TGD paralogs occurred within Osteoglossomorpha has not been investigated in detail, and Hox cluster organization has been reported for just two species:Pantodon buchholzi(Pantodontidae) andScleropages formosus(Osteoglossidae). We applied survey‐scale genome sequencing and de novo assembly to three further osteoglossomorph taxa:Osteoglossum bicirrhosum(Osteoglossidae),Chitala ornata(Notopteridae), andGnathonemus petersii(Mormyridae). We find that each retained more Hox genes than clupeocephalan taxa (excluding those that underwent additional genome duplication), but fewer than eels. Several Hox genes are missing in all teleosts, including duplicates of two Hox genes present in the slow evolving pre‐TGD genome of the spotted gar. We find divergent resolution through individual gene losses, and whole cluster losses have been rampant across osteoglossomorphs, despite their extant species paucity. We suggest that reciprocal gene loss following TGD was probably insufficient to drive the exceptional diversification of teleosts.
Encouraging environmental sustainability through gender:Amicro‐foundational approach using linguistic gender marking
Authors: Shoham Amir , Almor Tamar , Lee Sang Mook , Ahammad Mohammad F.
Published: February 2017

While studies show that organizational diversity is beneficial to their practice of environmental sustainability, we know very little about the effect that the gender of an individual director can have on sustainability practice. In this empirical paper, we employ a micro‐foundational approach to examine whether the number of women on an organization's board of directors has a direct effect on its attitude towards environmental sustainability, regardless of the national culture in which the organization is located. Culture in this study is measured through grammatical gender marking, a unique approach to measuring women‐oriented cultural effects. Previous studies show that certain cultures have more gender roles than others do, which in turn affect general and organizational behavior in that society. Grammatical gender marking enables us to study the impact of gender of the individual director on the organization's attitude towards environmental sustainability across cultures, by empirically examining data from 71 countries, sampling 4500 organizations for multiple years and industries. Our findings show that organizations become significantly more proactive in environmental sustainability with the appointment of even one woman to the board of directors, regardless of the local culture. We further show that the organization's level of disclosure regarding its sustainability activities increases with the number of women on the board of directors. Our data also show a significantly negative relationship between various gender‐based language indices and the presence of women on the board of directors. In cultures defined by a language that has clear grammatical gender markings, there is a tendency to appoint fewer women to boards of directors, thereby influencing indirectly the organization's attitude towards environmental sustainability.
The effects of managerial and employee attributions for corporate social responsibility initiatives
Authors: Vlachos Pavlos A. , Panagopoulos Nikolaos G. , Bachrach Daniel G. , Morgeson Frederick P.
Published: February 2017

Although corporate social responsibility (CSR) can affect employees, we know little about how it affects them. Employees' interpretation of CSR is important because of the paradoxical nature of CSR. When firms operate in ways that seem counter to their nature (i.e., pursuit of social good rather than profit), the causal attributions of affected employees are crucial to understanding their work‐related behavior, as is the role of contextual factors such as leadership processes in shaping these attributions. Drawing from attribution and social learning theories, we develop a multilevel social influence theory of how CSR affects employees. We integrate managers as second observers in the baseline actor (i.e., firm)—observer (i.e., employee) dyad, whereas most attribution theory research has focused on single actor–observer dyads. Multisource field data collected from 427 employees and 45 managers were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling. Managers' genuine (self‐serving) CSR attributions are positively related to employees' genuine (self‐serving) CSR attributions; and the strength of the relationship between managers' and employees' genuine CSR attributions depends on managers' organizational tenure. Employees' genuine CSR attributions also are positively related to employee advocacy, whereas—interestingly—employees' self‐serving CSR attributions do not appear to harm employee advocacy. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
To What Extent Did We Change Our Soils? A Global Comparison of Natural and Current Conditions
Authors: Stoorvogel Jetse J. , Bakkenes Michel , ten Brink Ben J.E. , Temme Arnaud J.A.M.
Published: February 2017

The food security–climate change nexus rapidly gains momentum. Soil degradation plays an important role in this context while dealing with, for example, the productive capacity of our soil resources or carbon sequestration for climate change mitigation. However, little has been done to assess the pristine soil conditions despite the fact that these provide the basis to put changes into context. Various methodologies have been developed to assess the global distribution of current soil conditions. We used the S‐World methodology that was developed to generate global soil property maps for environmental modelling studies. Up till now, the S‐World methodology assessed current soil conditions by disaggregating the Harmonized World Soil Database using detailed information on climate, topography, land cover, and land use. This study used the S‐World methodology to derive global soil conditions under natural vegetation. A large number of natural areas around the globe were identified for which land cover, expressed by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, could be successfully correlated to environmental conditions such as temperature, rainfall, and topography. Using this relation in regression kriging, the vegetation index under natural conditions was derived for the entire globe. Subsequently, the S‐World methodology was used to calculate the soil properties under natural land cover and absence of human land use. Soil property maps for natural and current conditions were compared and showed large local differences. The results indicate that there are major changes due to land cover and land use change and that these changes are concentrated on the globe. The results are the basis for future assessments on, for example, land degradation, food security, or the sustainable development goals. © 2017 The Authors. Land Degradation & Development Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Testing Sediment Connectivity at the Experimental SPA2 Basin, Sicily (Italy)
Authors: Di Stefano Costanza , Ferro Vito
Published: February 2017

The concept of sediment delivery can be used as a measure of sediment connectivity, and it can be linked to the structural connectivity (morphological unit, slope length, slope steepness, travel time) of a basin and to the hydrological connectivity (rainfall–runoff processes at morphological unit scale). In this paper, the sediment connectivity concept was tested at basin scale applying SEdiment Delivery Distributed model, which takes into account the hillslope sediment transport, and using sediment yield measurements carried out at SPA2 experimental basin (Sicily, Italy). For the SPA2 basin discretized into morphological units, the SEdiment Delivery Distributed model was first calibrated at event scale using the sediment yield measurements carried out at the outlet of the experimental basin in the period April 2000–March 2015. The model calibration was used to determine the relationships useful for estimating the unique coefficient βe of the model appearing in the expression used to calculate the sediment delivery ratio of each morphological unit. The developed analysis allowed establishing that the functional connectivity is dependent on the magnitude of erosion events, and for low events the sediment connectivity is only governed by its structural component. Then, at annual scale, the model was calibrated for the period 2000–2015, and relationships for the estimate of the coefficient βa taking into account the intensity of erosion events occurring in each year were determined. Finally, a physical interpretation of β coefficient at the two temporal scales (βe, βa) and its link to sediment connectivity was proposed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global solutions for a model of polymeric flows with wall slip
Authors: Baranovskii E. S.
Published: February 2017

We consider the initial‐boundary value problem for a model of motion of aqueous polymer solutions in a bounded three‐dimensional domain subject to the Navier slip boundary condition. We construct a global (in time) weak solution to this problem. Moreover, we establish some uniqueness results, assuming additional regularity for weak solutions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The anti‐convulsants lacosamide, lamotrigine, and rufinamide reduce myotonia in isolated human and rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Skov Martin , de Paoli Frank V. , Nielsen Ole B. , Pedersen Thomas H.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

In myotonia congenita, loss of ClC‐1 Cl− channel function results in skeletal muscle hyperexcitability and myotonia. Anti‐myotonic treatment has typically targeted the voltage‐gated sodium channel in skeletal muscle (Nav1.4). In this study we explored whether 3 sodium channel‐modulating anti‐epileptics can reduce myotonia in isolated rat and human muscle.

Methods

Dissected muscles were rendered myotonic by ClC‐1 channel inhibition. The ability of the drugs to suppress myotonia was then assessed from subclinical to maximal clinical concentrations. Drug synergy was determined using isobole plots.

Results

All drugs were capable of abolishing myotonia in both rat and human muscles. Lamotrigine and rufinamide completely suppressed myotonia at submaximal clinical concentrations, whereas lacosamide had to be raised above the maximal clinical concentration to suppress myotonia completely. A synergistic effect of lamotrigine and rufinamide was observed.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that lamotrigine and rufinamide could be considered for anti‐myotonic treatment in myotonia congenita. Muscle Nerve 56: 136–142, 2017.