bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coastal ocean circulation during Hurricane Sandy
Authors: Miles Travis , Seroka Greg , Glenn Scott
Published: July 2017

Hurricane Sandy (2012) was the second costliest tropical cyclone to impact the United States and resulted in numerous lives lost due to its high winds and catastrophic storm surges. Despite its impacts little research has been performed on the circulation on the continental shelf as Sandy made landfall. In this study, integrated ocean observing assets and regional ocean modeling were used to investigate the coastal ocean response to Sandy's large wind field. Sandy's unique cross‐shelf storm track, large size, and slow speed resulted in along‐shelf wind stress over the coastal ocean for nearly 48 h before the eye made landfall in southern New Jersey. Over the first inertial period (∼18 h), this along‐shelf wind stress drove onshore flow in the surface of the stratified continental shelf and initiated a two‐layer downwelling circulation. During the remaining storm forcing period a bottom Ekman layer developed and the bottom Cold Pool was rapidly advected offshore ∼70 km. This offshore advection removed the bottom Cold Pool from the majority of the shallow continental shelf and limited ahead‐of‐eye‐center sea surface temperature (SST) cooling, which has been observed in previous storms on the MAB such as Hurricane Irene (2011). This cross‐shelf advective process has not been observed previously on continental shelves during tropical cyclones and highlights the need for combined ocean observing systems and regional modeling in order to further understand the range of coastal ocean responses to tropical cyclones.
Aggression‐related brain function assessed with the Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm in fMRI
Authors: Skibsted Anine P. , Cunha‐Bang Sofi da , Carré Justin M. , Hansen Adam E. , Beliveau Vincent , Knudsen Gitte M. , Fisher Patrick M.
Published: July 2017

The Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm (PSAP) measures aggressive behavior in response to provocations. The aim of the study was to implement the PSAP in a functional neuroimaging environment (fMRI) and evaluate aggression‐related brain reactivity including response to provocations and associations with aggression within the paradigm. Twenty healthy participants completed two 12‐min PSAP sessions within the scanner. We evaluated brain responses to aggressive behavior (removing points from an opponent), provocations (point subtractions by the opponent), and winning points. Our results showed significant ventral and dorsal striatal reactivity when participants won a point and removed one from the opponent. Provocations significantly activated the amygdala, dorsal striatum, insula, and prefrontal areas. Task‐related aggressive behavior was positively correlated with neural reactivity to provocations in the insula, the dorsal striatum, and prefrontal areas. Our findings suggest the PSAP within an fMRI environment may be a useful tool for probing aggression‐related neural pathways. Activity in the amygdala, dorsal striatum, insula, and prefrontal areas during provocations is consistent with the involvement of these brain regions in emotional and impulsive behavior. Striatal reactivity may suggest an involvement of reward during winning and stealing points.
Synthesis of Allenamides and Structurally Related Compounds by a Gold‐Catalyzed Hydride Shift Process
Authors: Zhao Qing , Gagosz Fabien
Published: July 2017

A new procedure for the synthesis of allenamides and structurally related compounds is reported. Under gold catalysis, a series of ynamides possessing a benzyloxy group at the propargylic position were efficiently converted into the corresponding allenamides following a 1,5 hydride shift process. The scope of the reaction was shown to be extremely broad allowing the formation of γ‐mono or γ‐disubstituted allenes possessing various functional groups. Notably, and in contrast to previously reported methods, not only N‐allenyl sulfonamido but also urea, phosphonamido and the rarely studied phthalimido, pyrrolo, indolo and carbazolo derivatives could be readily and efficiently accessed.

magnified image
In‐Gel Direct Laser Writing for 3D‐Designed Hydrogel Composites That Undergo Complex Self‐Shaping
Authors: Nishiguchi Akihiro , Mourran Ahmed , Zhang Hang , Möller Martin
Published: July 2017

Self‐shaping and actuating materials inspired by biological system have enormous potential for biosensor, microrobotics, and optics. However, the control of 3D‐complex microactuation is still challenging due to the difficulty in design of nonuniform internal stress of micro/nanostructures. Here, we develop in‐gel direct laser writing (in‐gel DLW) procedure offering a high resolution inscription whereby the two materials, resin and hydrogel, are interpenetrated on a scale smaller than the wavelength of the light. The 3D position and mechanical properties of the inscribed structures could be tailored to a resolution better than 100 nm over a wide density range. These provide an unparalleled means of inscribing a freely suspended microstructures of a second material like a skeleton into the hydrogel body and also to direct isotropic volume changes to bending and distortion motions. In the combination with a thermosensitive hydrogel rather small temperature variations could actuate large amplitude motions. This generates complex modes of motion through the rational engineering of the stresses present in the multicomponent material. More sophisticated folding design would realize a multiple, programmable actuation of soft materials. This method inspired by biological system may offer the possibility for functional soft materials capable of biomimetic actuation and photonic crystal application.
Switchable Stereoselectivity in Bromoaminocyclization of Olefins: Using Brønsted Acids of Anionic Chiral Cobalt(III) Complexes
Authors: Jiang Hua‐Jie , Liu Kun , Yu Jie , Zhang Ling , Gong Liu‐Zhu
Published: July 2017

Brønsted acids of anionic chiral CoIII complexes act as bifunctional phase‐transfer catalysts to shuttle the substrates across the solvent interface and control stereoselectivity. The diastereomeric chiral CoIII‐templated Brønsted acids, with the same chiral ligands, enabled a switch in the enantioselective bromoaminocyclization of olefins to afford the two enantiomers of 2‐substituted pyrrolidines with high enantioselectivities (up to 99:1 e.r.).
A meso–meso β‐β β‐β Triply Linked Subporphyrin Dimer
Authors: Okuda Yasuhiro , Fukui Norihito , Kim Jinseok , Kim Taeyeon , Jiang Hua‐Wei , Copley Graeme , Kitano Masaaki , Kim Dongho , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: July 2017

A meso–meso β‐β β‐β triply linked subporphyrin dimer 6 was synthesized by stepwise reductive elimination of β‐to‐β doubly PtII‐bridged subporphyrin dimer 9. Dimer 6 was characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements, theoretical calculations, and picosecond time‐resolved transient absorption spectroscopy. X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that 6 has a bowl‐shaped structure with a positive Gaussian curvature. Despite the curved structure, 6 exhibits a remarkably red‐shifted absorption band at 942 nm and a small electrochemical HOMO–LUMO gap (1.35 eV), indicating an effectively conjugated π‐electronic network.
Quality Talk and dialogic teaching—an examination of a professional development programme on secondary teachers’ facilitation of student talk
Authors: Davies Maree , Kiemer Katharina , Meissel Kane
Published: July 2017

This study used the Quality Talk and dialogic teaching approach with a group of secondary school teachers (N = 7) to train their facilitation of dialogical discussions by small groups of students. The study used video and audio analysis to assess the teachers’ observable behaviours during these discussions, before and after professional development; for example, types of Quality Talk questions asked. The study also used face‐to‐face interviews, held before and after the professional development, to investigate the teachers’ beliefs about learning through discussion. Results show that although the number of high‐quality questions from the teachers did not increase, the quality of the questions students asked of each other did improve, and resulted in extended periods of dialogic spells. Positive developments were found for teachers’ beliefs about the use of dialogue to foster deeper thinking with their secondary school‐aged students.
Short- and medium-term outcomes following primary ileocaecal resection for Crohn's disease in two specialist centres
Authors: de Buck van Overstraeten A , Eshuis E J , Vermeire S , Van Assche G , Ferrante M , D'Haens G R , Ponsioen C Y , Belmans A , Buskens C J , Wolthuis A M , Bemelman W A , D'Hoore A
Published: July 2017

Background

Despite improvements in medical therapy, the majority of patients with Crohn's disease still require surgery. The aim of this study was to report safety, and clinical and surgical recurrence rates, including predictors of recurrence, after ileocaecal resection for Crohn's disease.

Methods

This was a cohort analysis of consecutive patients undergoing a first ileocaecal resection for Crohn's disease between 1998 and 2013 at one of two specialist centres. Anastomotic leak rate and associated risk factors were assessed. Kaplan–Meier estimates were used to describe long-term clinical and surgical recurrence. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for both endpoints.

Results

In total, 538 patients underwent primary ileocaecal resection (40·0 per cent male; median age at surgery 31 (i.q.r. 24–42) years). Median follow-up was 6 (2–9) years. Fifteen of 507 patients (3·0 per cent) developed an anastomotic leak. An ASA fitness grade of III (odds ratio (OR) 4·34, 95 per cent c.i. 1·12 to 16·77; P = 0·033), preoperative antitumour necrosis factor therapy (OR 3·30, 1·09 to 9·99; P = 0·035) and length of resected bowel specimen (OR 1·06, 1·03 to 1·09; P < 0·001) were significant risk factors for anastomotic leak. Rates of clinical recurrence were 17·6, 45·4 and 55·0 per cent after 1, 5 and 10 years respectively. Corresponding rates of requirement for further surgery were 0·6, 6·5 and 19·1 per cent. Smoking (hazard ratio (HR) 1·67, 95 per cent c.i. 1·14 to 2·43; P = 0·008) and a positive microscopic resection margin (HR 2·16, 1·46 to 3·21; P < 0·001) were independent risk factors for clinical recurrence. Microscopic resection margin positivity was also a risk factor for further surgery (HR 2·99, 1·36 to 6·54; P = 0·006).

Conclusion

Ileocaecal resection achieved durable medium-term remission, but smoking and resection margin positivity were risk factors for recurrence.
Effects of Surface Geometry on the Wenzel‐to‐Cassie Transition of a Water Droplet
Authors: Kim Hyojeong , Ha Man Yeong , Jang Joonkyung
Published: July 2017

The Wenzel (WZ) to Cassie‐Baxter (CB) transition of a water droplet on a periodic array of pillars was investigated theoretically. Treating the WZ to CB transition as a phase transition, an analytical theory was developed previously for the threshold value of the inter‐pillar spacing, ST, below which the WZ to CB transition occurs. Herein, the theory of ST was applied to the square array of rectangular, cylindrical, or ellipsoidal pillars with a range of experimental sizes. The behavior of ST was examined by varying the height and width of the pillars. The theory is shown to agree well with previous experiments. The present analytic expressions of ST can provide guidelines for designing the surface structure forming the CB states of water droplets.
Using Technology to Enrich Governance—What's Possible Now and What's Coming
Authors: Tooley Ray
Published: July 2017

You will have noticed the growing number of applications that aim to help boards streamline their work. In this two‐part article, Ray Tooley, CEO of OurBoardroom Technologies, helps us navigate the waters using his recent review of what's available. In the next issue of Board Leadership, he will complete this review and look ahead to the radical advances coming our way.
Activation of Engineered Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases with the Biarsenical Compound AsCy3‐EDT2
Authors: Chan Wai Cheung , Knowlton Gregory S. , Bishop Anthony C.
Published: July 2017

Methods for activating signaling enzymes hold significant potential for the study of cellular signal transduction. Here we present a strategy for engineering chemically activatable protein tyrosine phosphatases (actPTPs). To generate actPTP1B, we introduced three cysteine point mutations in the enzyme's WPD loop. Biarsenical compounds were screened for the capability to bind actPTP1B's WPD loop and increase its phosphatase activity. We identified AsCy3‐EDT2 as a robust activator that selectively targets actPTP1B in proteomic mixtures and intact cells. Introduction of the corresponding mutations in T‐cell PTP also generates an enzyme (actTCPTP) that is strongly activated by AsCy3‐EDT2. Given the conservation of WPD‐loop structure among the classical PTPs, our results potentially provide the groundwork of a widely generalizable approach for generating actPTPs as tools for elucidating PTP signaling roles as well as connections between dysregulated PTP activity and human disease.
A case report of spontaneous rupture of the quadriceps tendon
Authors: Gao Xiuming , Shao Zhen , Liu Suwei , Xiang Jie
Published: July 2017

Key Clinical Message

Spontaneous quadriceps tendon rupture is a rare occurrence in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), which is less common in adolescents. We first reported a spontaneous unilateral rupture in a young patient with PHPT.
Towards Improved Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Through Faster Target Binding Kinetics
Authors: Menzi Mirjam , Wild Bettina , Pradère Ugo , Malinowska Anna L. , Brunschweiger Andreas , Lightfoot Helen L. , Hall Jonathan
Published: July 2017

When used as inhibitors of gene expression in vivo, oligonucleotides require modification of their structures to boost their binding affinity for complementary target RNAs. To date, hundreds of modifications have been designed and tested but few have proven to be useful. Among those investigated are mono‐ and polyamino‐groups. These are positively charged at physiological pH and have been appended to oligonucleotides in an effort to reduce electrostatic repulsion during hybridization to RNAs, but have generally shown relatively minor benefits to binding. We conjugated spermine to uracils in oligonucleotides via a triazole linker so that the polyamine fits in the major groove of a subsequently formed RNA‐duplex. The modifications produced large increases in target‐binding affinity of the oligonucleotides. Using surface plasmon resonance‐based assays, we showed that the increases derived mainly from faster annealing (kon). We propose that the spermine fragments play a similar role to that of natural polyamines during oligonucleotide–target interactions in cells, and may be advantageous for oligonucleotides that operate catalytic mechanisms.
Addressing Chirality in the Structure and Synthesis of [18F]5‐Fluoroaminosuberic Acid ([18F]FASu)
Authors: Yang Hua , Tam Brian , Čolović Milena , Southcott Lily , Merkens Helen , Bénard François , Schaffer Paul
Published: July 2017

An increasing number of positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers are being developed that are modelled on various amino acids to better understand disease in a manner that is complementary to traditional glycolysis‐targeting [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose. Since chiral centers are ubiquitous in amino acids, generating an optically pure radiolabeled amino acid is important for patient dose, image quality and understanding the physiology behaviour. Past studies on the radiosynthesis of amino acid radiotracers seldom address the impact of reaction conditions on their chirality. The amino acid PET tracer, [18F]5‐fluoroaminosuberic acid ([18F]FASu), has two chiral centers at the 2‐ and 5‐positions and is being developed as a specific tracer for the cystine transporter (system xC−), a biomarker for oxidative stress. Herein we report a method for synthesizing pure 2S,5R/S‐FASu. We have resolved the 5‐position configuration by applying Mosher's method combined with 2D NMR, which has enabled the synthesis of 18FASu with fully known configuration. Our study serves as an example of a systematic method to identify and characterize amino acid tracers with chiral centers.
α,β‐Unsaturated Amides as Dipolarophiles: Catalytic Asymmetric exo‐Selective 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition with Nitrones
Authors: Zhang Ming , Kumagai Naoya , Shibasaki Masakatsu
Published: July 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue are Ming Zhang, Naoya Kumagai, and Masakatsu  Shibasaki at the Institute of Microbial Chemistry (IMC) in Tokyo. The image depicts a hypothetical molecular architecture composed of five‐membered heterocycles. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201702330.
Analysis of the Gas Injection During Bulk Material Conveying Depending on Different Screw Geometries
Authors: Freiberger Tobias , Janoske Uwe
Published: July 2017

Bei der Verpackung von pulverförmigen Lebensmittel ist für die Haltbarkeit die Sauerstoffkonzentration im verpackten Gebinde wichtig. Um die im Pulver eingeschlossene Restsauerstoffkonzentration zu reduzieren werden große Mengen an Inertgas benötigt. Die Gaseinbringung über unterschiedliche Schneckengeometrien an unterschiedlichen Positionen während der horizontalen Förderung wird auf ihre Wirkung überprüft. Hierfür werden fünf Einbringungsmethoden untersucht und sowohl der Einfluss auf verschiedene Partikelgrößen, als auch die Abhängigkeit des Restsauerstoffs von der Menge des eingebrachten Inertgas bewertet.
Kinetics study and process simulation of transesterification of ethylene glycol with methyl acetate for ethylene glycol diacetate
Authors: Xiao Yue , Cai Wangfeng , Sun Hongliang , Shi Fei , Li Guobing
Published: July 2017

The kinetics of transesterification of methyl acetate with ethylene glycol catalyzed by acidic ion‐exchange resin NKC‐9 is investigated in detail. The effects of reaction temperature, catalyst loading, and initial reactants molar ratio on the reaction rate are studied in the absence of mass transfer resistance. The kinetic equation is obtained by utilizing the PH model to correlate the experimental data. Then a distillation process is designed to produce high‐purity ethylene glycol diacetate, which includes a reactive distillation column, an extractive distillation column, and a solvent recovery column. The extractive distillation column and solvent recovery column are used to recycle excess methyl acetate and entrainer. Operational and structural parameters are optimized by minimizing the total annual costs (TAC) while meeting the product specifications.
Selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde using Pd catalysts supported on Mg/Al mixed oxides: Influence of the Pd incorporation method
Authors: Martínez‐Ortiz María J. , de la Rosa‐Guzmán Miguel A. , Vargas‐García Jorge R. , Flores‐Moreno Jorge L. , Castillo Nancy , Guzmán‐Vargas Ariel , Morandi Sara , Pérez‐Gutiérrez Rosa M.
Published: July 2017

A series of hydrotalcite‐like compounds was synthesized by varying Mg/Al molar ratio with values of 2, 3, and 4. After thermal treatment at 823 K, the corresponding mixed oxides were obtained and used as catalytic supports. The incorporation of a Pd metallic phase (0.5 g/g loading), was carried out by two methods: 1) in situ vapour phase thermal decomposition, and 2) impregnation by organic method. Fresh and calcined samples were characterized by XRD and N2 sorption experiments. The basic and metal functions were analyzed by CO2‐TPD and H2‐TPR. The Pd‐support interaction was studied by FTIR spectroscopy using CO as a probe molecule while the morphology of Pd nanoparticles on the catalysts was studied by SEM, HRTEM, and theoretical simulation using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) method. Finally, the catalytic activity results showed a higher conversion towards hydrocinnamaldehyde in the cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation reaction for the catalysts prepared by vapour phase thermal decomposition, compared with those prepared by organic method, showing the significant dependence on the catalytic activity and the Pd incorporation method.
Oxidative Rearrangement of Isatins with Arylamines Using H2O2 as Oxidant: A Facile Synthesis of Quinazoline‐2,4‐diones and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Shi Guanghao , He Xinwei , Shang Yongjia , Yang Cheng , Xiang Liwei
Published: July 2017

A green and highly efficient synthetic method for the synthesis of quinazoline‐2,4‐diones with hydrogen peroxide as the terminal oxidant has been developed. The reaction features the mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, metal‐free catalysts, and sole byproduct water. A plausible mechanism for this process was proposed. Moreover, an antibacterial activity study was performed to evaluate the antimicrobial activities towards two Gram‐negative bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumonia) and two Gram‐positive bacterial strains (Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus) using the Broth microdilution method.
Improving Thermal and Flame Retardant Properties of Epoxy Resin with Organic NiFe‐Layered Double Hydroxide‐Carbon Nanotubes Hybrids
Authors: Kong Qinghong , Wu Ting , Tang Yingqi , Xiong Lemin , Liu Hong , Zhang Junhao , Guo Ruihua , Zhang Feng
Published: July 2017

To improve the dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and flame retardancy of layered double hydroxide (LDH) in epoxy resin (EP), organic nickel‐iron layered double hydroxide (ONiFe‐LDH‐CNTs) hybrids were assembled through co‐precipitation. These hybrids were further used as reinforcing filler in EP. EP/ONiFe‐LDH‐CNTs nanocomposites containing 4 wt% of ONiFe‐LDH‐CNTs with different ratios of ONiFe‐LDH and CNTs were prepared by ultrasonic dispersion and program temperature curing. The structure and morphology of the obtained hybrids were characterized by different techniques. The dispersion of nanofillers in the EP matrix was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results revealed a coexistence of exfoliated and intercalated ONiFe‐LDH‐ CNTs in polymer matrix. Strong combination of the above nanofillers with the EP matrix provided an efficient thermal and flame retardant improvement for the nanocomposites. It showed that EP/ONiFe‐LDH‐CNTs nanocomposites exhibited superior flame retardant and thermal properties compared with EP. Such improved thermal properties could be attributed to the better homogeneous dispersion, stronger interfacial interaction, excellent charring performance of ONiFe‐LDH and synergistic effect between ONiFe‐LDH and CNTs.
What Are We Missing? The Detergent Triton X‐100 Added to Avoid Compound Aggregation Can Affect Assay Results in an Unpredictable Manner
Authors: Ehlert Fabian G. R. , Linde Kerstin , Diederich Wibke E.
Published: July 2017

In this study we show that the detergent Triton X‐100, which is widely used in screening campaigns, significantly decreases the binding affinities of some known specific inhibitors of HIV‐1 protease and the well‐established model protease endothiapepsin in a fluorescence‐based assay. Surprisingly, other structurally related inhibitors remain entirely unaffected. As a consequence, those compounds that were affected would most likely have been misclassified as unspecific binders, although they are actually true positives, and thus could be considered excellent starting points for further hit optimization.
Cytogenetic clonal evolution in myelodysplastic syndromes is associated with inferior prognosis
Authors: Neukirchen Judith , Lauseker Michael , Hildebrandt Barbara , Nolting Ann‐Christin , Kaivers Jennifer , Kobbe Guido , Gattermann Norbert , Haas Rainer , Germing Ulrich
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

The karyotype of bone marrow cells at the time of diagnosis is a strong prognostic parameter for overall survival as well as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progression in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, to the authors' knowledge, few data exist regarding the prognostic impact of cytogenetic clonal evolution during the course of MDS.

METHODS

The authors evaluated follow‐up karyotype analyses in 549 patients from the Dusseldorf MDS Registry.

RESULTS

Clonal evolution was detectable in 24% of the entire cohort and in 18% of 294 patients receiving best supportive care. The authors noted a clear adverse effect of clonal evolution on the risk of leukemic transformation (hazard ratio, 2.233; P = .036) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 3.677; P<.001). The authors also analyzed the prognostic influence of subclones detectable at the time of diagnosis. Again, such a finding was associated with a significantly shorter overall survival and a higher 5‐year‐probability of acute myeloid leukemia progression (30% vs 22%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study support the belief that follow‐up karyotype analyses should be performed, especially in patients with lower‐risk and intermediate‐risk MDS, to identify those patients who are at higher risk of disease progression and therefore might benefit from earlier or more intensive treatment. Cancer 2017;123:4608‐4616. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Robust Cooperative Photo‐oxidation of Sulfides without Sacrificial Reagent under Air Using a Dinuclear RuII–CuII Assembly
Authors: Chao Duobin , Zhao Mengying
Published: July 2017

A molecular chromophore–catalyst assembly containing a chromophore ruthenium(II) center (
) and a catalytic copper(II) center (
) has been prepared easily. The assembly was employed for photocatalytic oxidation of sulfides without sacrificial reagent in the presence of dioxygen under blue light irradiation. Unprecedented turnover number (TON) up to 32 000 was achieved. It was elucidated that an electron transferred from excited state of chromophore
to
along with generation of
that was further activated by O2. These results demonstrate a promising strategy for efficient cooperative photocatalytic reactions under air using the chromophore–catalyst assembly.
Design Rules for Oxygen Evolution Catalysis at Porous Iron Oxide Electrodes: A 1000‐Fold Current Density Increase
Authors: Haschke Sandra , Pankin Dmitrii , Petrov Yuri , Bochmann Sebastian , Manshina Alina , Bachmann Julien
Published: July 2017

Nanotubular iron(III) oxide electrodes are optimized for catalytic efficiency in the water oxidation reaction at neutral pH. The nanostructured electrodes are prepared from anodic alumina templates, which are coated with Fe2O3 by atomic layer deposition. Scanning helium ion microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy are used to characterize the morphologies and phases of samples submitted to various treatments. These methods demonstrate the contrasting effects of thermal annealing and electrochemical treatment. The electrochemical performances of the corresponding electrodes under dark conditions are quantified by steady‐state electrolysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A rough and amorphous Fe2O3 with phosphate incorporation is critical for the optimization of the water oxidation reaction. For the ideal pore length of 17 μm, the maximum catalytic turnover is reached with an effective current density of 140 μA cm−2 at an applied overpotential of 0.49 V.
A novel quantitative volumetric spreading index definition and assessment of astrocyte spreading in vitro
Authors: Tiryaki Volkan Müjdat , Ayres Virginia M. , Ahmed Ijaz , Shreiber David I.
Published: July 2017

A novel quantitative volumetric spreading index (VSI) is defined that depends on the total distance between object voxels and the contact surface plane in three‐dimensional (3D) space. The VSI, which ranges from 0 to 1, is rotationally invariant around the z‐axis. VSI can be used to quantify the degree of individual cell spreading, which is important for analysis of cell interactions with their environment. The VSIs of astrocytes cultured on a nanofibrillar surface and three different comparative planar surfaces have been calculated from confocal laser scanning microscope z‐series images, and the effects of both culture surface and immunoreactivity on the degree of cell spreading were investigated. VSI calculations indicated a statistical correlation between increased reactivity, based on immunolabeling for glial fibrillary acidic protein, and decreased cell spreading. Further results provided a quantitative measure for the increased spreading of quiescent‐like and reactive‐like astrocytes on planar substrates functionalized with poly‐l‐lysine. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Synthesis of 10‐Methylsulfide and 10‐Alkylmethylsulfonium nido‐Carborane Derivatives: B–H···π Interactions between the B–H–B Hydrogen Atom and Alkyne Group in 10‐RC≡CCH2S(Me)‐7,8‐C2B9H11
Authors: Anufriev Sergey A. , Sivaev Igor B. , Suponitsky Kyrill Yu. , Godovikov Ivan A. , Bregadze Vladimir I.
Published: July 2017

The 10‐dimethylsulfonium derivative of nido‐carborane 10‐Me2S‐7,8‐C2B9H11 was prepared by reaction of the protonated form of nido‐carborane with dimethylsulfide in toluene. Its partial demethylation with sodium amide in toluene gave the corresponding 10‐methylsulfide derivative [10‐MeS‐7,8‐C2B9H11]–. This 10‐methylsulfide derivative was alkylated with various alkylating agents to produce a series of 10‐alkylmethylsulfonium derivatives 10‐R(Me)S‐7,8‐C2B9H11 (R = Et, Pr, Bu, CH2CH=CH2, CH2Ph, CH2C≡CH, CH2C≡CPh, CH2C≡CSiMe3). The 11B NMR spectra of the latter three compounds containing an acetylene group demonstrate unusually strong signal splitting that can be explained by strong intramolecular B–H···π(C≡C) interactions. The existence of such interactions in the solid state was supported by the X‐ray crystal structure of 10‐HC≡CCH2(Me)S‐7,8‐C2B9H11 with a short B–H···C(C≡C) distance of 2.658 Å. This is the first example of B–H···π(C≡C) hydrogen bonding.
Ethanolic coconut husk extract: In vitro antioxidative activity and effect on oxidative stability of shrimp oil emulsion
Authors: Buamard Natchaphol , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: July 2017

Ethanolic coconut husk extract (ECHE) was characterized and its effect on lipid oxidation of shrimp oil‐in‐water emulsion was studied. Condensed tannin was abundant in ECHE (492.2 and 441.9 mg catechin equivalent/g extract as determined by vanillin and BuOH‐HCl assays, respectively). The major free phenolics in ECHE were tannic acid and catechins (205.98 and 103.56 mg/kg dry extract, respectively). Antioxidative activities of ECHE at different levels (50–200 mg/L) tested by all in vitro assays increased as its concentration increased (P < 0.05). 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and metal chelating activity were decreased up to 50% when heated at temperature higher than 90°C for longer than 60 min (P < 0.05). Impact of ECHE (200 and 400 mg/L) on lipid oxidation of shrimp oil‐in‐water emulsion was monitored throughout 12 days of storage at 30°C. Lipid oxidation of emulsion added with ECHE was retarded as evidenced by the lower conjugated diene (CD), thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) value, and ρ‐anisidine value (AnV). Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5 n‐3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6 n‐3) were more retained in the sample added with ECHE (200 mg/L) at the end of storage (P < 0.05). ECHE could therefore be used as a natural antioxidant, particularly in emulsion.

Practical application: Coconut husk, the underutilized material from coconut processing, contains condensed tannin and free phenolic compounds with antioxidative activity. Coconut husk extract could therefore increase oxidative stability of lipids in food systems, particularly those rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid such as shrimp oil. Emulsion is generally prone to oxidation due to its large surface area of oil phase exposed to aqueous phase. Thus, coconut husk extract can be used as a natural antioxidant, which could maintain the quality of emulsion as well as other fat‐based foods during the extended storage.

Extract from coconut husk was prepared using 60% (v/v) ethanol. The extract rich in tannin and other phenolics showed antioxidative activities as tested by different in vitro assays. The extract could retard lipid oxidation in shrimp oil‐in‐water emulsion during 12 days of storage at 30°C. Thus, ethanolic coconut extract could serve as a natural antioxidant for food applications.
Effects of cooking and fermentation on the chemical composition, functional, and antinutritional properties of kariya (Hildergardia barteri) seeds
Authors: Fawale Olumide S. , Gbadamosi Saka O. , Ige Meshach M. , Kadiri Oseni
Published: July 2017

The effects of natural fermentation and cooking on kariya seeds functional properties, chemical composition, and antinutritional properties were evaluated. Result showed a reduction in antinutritional properties and improvement in protein content which were observed to increase with cooking (at 100°C) and fermentation period (24–96 hr). Functional analyses showed an increase in foaming and emulsion properties, while water absorption capacity and swelling power were observed to likewise increase with an increasing temperature between 60°C and 90°C. There was also an improvement in foaming properties with increase in salt (NaCl) concentration, while emulsifying property decreases with an increase in salt (NaCl) concentration. Based on the result of the findings of this study, it can be stated that the cooking and fermentation processes employed in this study can enhance the domestic and industrial utilization of these seeds.
Mineralization processes at the giant Jinding Zn–Pb deposit, Lanping Basin, Sanjiang Tethys Orogen: Evidence from in situ trace element analysis of pyrite and marcasite
Authors: Wang Changming , Yang Lifei , Bagas Leon , Evans Noreen J. , Chen Jingyuan , Du Bin
Published: July 2017

The giant Jinding Zn–Pb deposit is in the Mesozoic–Cenozoic Lanping Basin of southern China and hosted by sandstone in the Early Cretaceous Jingxing Formation and limestone breccia and sandstone and gypsum in the Palaeocene Yunlong Formation. Mineral associations at the deposit are early (Stage 1) marcasite–sphalerite(–pyrite) and galena–quartz; through (Stage 2) pyrite–sphalerite–galena(–arsenopyrite) and marcasite–celestite–carbonate–gypsum; and the late (Stage 3) galena–sphalerite–pyrite–sulfate–carbonate(–celestite), gypsum, and barite. Pyrite and marcasite have higher Pb, Zn, Ag, Bi, As, Se, and Tl and lower V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, and Sn assays in orebodies hosted by sandstone and brecciated limestone. The concentration of these elements progresses from the early to late stages with increasing Cu, Zn, Ag, Bi, V, Cr, Co, Ni, and Se; decreasing Tl and As; and constant Pb, Sn, and Sb. This chemical characteristic of the pyrite and marcasite indicates that their source is basinal brine with minor contribution from the host rocks. During the early and middle stages, pyrite and marcasite contain higher concentration of Pb, Tl, and As, which is related to mineralized basinal brine and H2S‐rich fluids at a low pH during relatively higher temperature conditions. During the late stage mineralization, pyrite and marcasite contain the highest concentrations of Cu, Zn, Ag, Sb, Pb, Bi, and Se, which is associated with metal‐rich basinal brine and meteoric water at a near‐neutral pH and lower temperature conditions.
De‐extinction and Barriers to the Application of New Conservation Tools
Authors: Seddon Philip J.
Published: July 2017

Decades of globally coordinated work in conservation have failed to slow the loss of biodiversity. To do better—even if that means nothing more than failing less spectacularly—bolder thinking is necessary. One of the first possible conservation applications of synthetic biology to be debated is the use of genetic tools to resurrect once‐extinct species. Since the currency of conservation is biodiversity and the discipline of conservation biology was formed around the prevention of species extinctions, the prospect of reversing extinctions might have been expected to generate unreserved enthusiasm. But it was not universal acclaim that greeted the coming‐out party for “de‐extinction” that was the TEDx conference and accompanying National Geographic feature in 2013. Why the concern, the skepticism, even the hostility among many conservationists about the idea of restoring lost species? And how does this professional concern relate to public perception and support for conservation? This essay explores the barriers to the acceptance of risky new genomic‐based conservation tools by considering five key areas and associated questions that could be addressed in relation to any new conservation tool. I illustrate these using the specific example of de‐extinction, and in doing so, I consider whether de‐extinction would necessarily be the best first point of engagement between conservation biology and synthetic biology.
Conservation Genetics, Precision Conservation, and De‐extinction
Authors: Desalle Rob , Amato George
Published: July 2017

It has been estimated that three species on the planet now go extinct every hour and that this rate is orders of magnitude higher than the planet has seen in previous catastrophic extinction events. We clearly are in the midst of a sixth extinction, and this one is different from the previous five. Why? This sixth extinction is caused by the activity of a single species—us. If there is any hope of ameliorating this extinction, it will entirely be up to us, as the current stewards of this planet, to change the course. There are many challenges, though, to marshaling this effort. Two primary ones immediately come to mind. The first is that we simply haven't found the right biological tools to address this crisis. The second is that many humans on this planet don't even admit we have a problem. These are two very different problems.

The first is primarily technological. Only recently has some of the more advanced biologically focused technology been available to conservation biology and extinction science. Humans are enthralled by cutting‐edge technology for the most part, and for the public, one of the more exciting possibilities in the realm of conservation biology is that some of the more charismatic species that have gone extinct might be resurrected through next‐generation technologies. While our discussion will articulate some weaknesses with the de‐extinction approach to conservation biology, we suggest that the “sexiness” of the technologies used in de‐extinction may simultaneously provide a definition of the techniques viable in conservation biology and afford a teachable moment.
The Moral Imagination of De‐extinction
Authors: Jennings Bruce
Published: July 2017

We live amidst the sixth great extinction of life on Earth, and we live under the sign of molecular biology and biotechnology. An ethical maxim that is well‐nigh universally acknowledged holds that with great power comes great moral responsibility. For those who accept the science and embrace the responsibility, there are two rather different kinds of moral vision and moral imagination at work. Detractors of biotechnology say that we should see ourselves as creaturely good citizens of the biotic community, accepting and accommodating what evolutionary natural selection has bequeathed to us, warts and all. Boosters of biotechnology say that we should see ourselves as its sovereigns, fashioning better forms of synthetic life and genetically driving evolution in better ways through anthropogenic selection.

Faced with biodiversity loss, technology boosters, or eco‐modernists, tend to respond by upping the ante on technology in hopes of increasing the benefits and lessening the impact of human relations with nature. The detractors, or eco‐communitarians, respond by seeking to restructure the relationship between humans and nature by lowering the profile of human power so as to hear the voice of nonhuman being and better attune ourselves to it. Undergirding both of these moral visions is atonement. As a way of providing atonement, however, de‐extinction fails.
Neural substrates of context‐ and person‐dependent altruistic punishment
Authors: Wang Lili , Lu Xiaping , Gu Ruolei , Zhu Ruida , Xu Rui , Broster Lucas S. , Feng Chunliang
Published: July 2017

Human altruistic behaviors are heterogeneous across both contexts and people, whereas the neural signatures underlying the heterogeneity remain to be elucidated. To address this issue, we examined the neural signatures underlying the context‐ and person‐dependent altruistic punishment, conjoining event‐related fMRI with both task‐based and resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC). Acting as an impartial third party, participants decided how to punish norm violators either alone or in the presence of putative others. We found that the presence of others decreased altruistic punishment due to diffusion of responsibility. Those behavioral effects paralleled altered neural responses in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and putamen. Further, we identified modulation of responsibility diffusion on task‐based functional connectivity of dACC with the brain regions implicated in reward processing (i.e., posterior cingulate cortex and amygdala/orbital frontal cortex). Finally, the RSFC results revealed that (i) increased intrinsic connectivity strengths of the putamen with temporoparietal junction and dorsolateral PFC were associated with attenuated responsibility diffusion in altruistic punishment and (ii) increased putamen‐dorsomedial PFC connectivity strengths were associated with reduced responsibility diffusion in self‐reported responsibility. Taken together, our findings elucidate the context‐ and person‐dependent altruistic behaviors as well as associated neural substrates and thus provide a potential neurocognitive mechanism of heterogeneous human altruistic behaviors.Hum Brain Mapp 38:5535–5550, 2017. ©2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long noncoding RNA TSLNC8 is a tumor suppressor that inactivates the interleukin‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Jiwei , Li Zhe , Liu Longzi , Wang Qifeng , Li Shengli , Chen Di , Hu Zhixiang , Yu Tao , Ding Jie , Li Jinjun , Yao Ming , Huang Shenglin , Zhao Yingjun , He Xianghuo
Published: July 2017

Long noncoding RNAs can serve as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in human cancer; however, their biological functions and underlying mechanism in hepatocarcinogenesis are largely unknown. Here, we report a novel tumor suppressor long noncoding RNA on chromosome 8p12 (termed TSLNC8) that is frequently deleted and down‐regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues. The loss of TSLNC8 is highly associated with the malignant features of HCC and serves as a prognostic indicator for HCC patients. TSLNC8 significantly suppresses the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. TSLNC8 exerts its tumor suppressive activity by competitively interacting with transketolase and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and modulating the STAT3‐Tyr705 and STAT3‐Ser727 phosphorylation levels and STAT3 transcriptional activity, thus resulting in inactivation of the interleukin‐6–STAT3 signaling pathway in HCC cells. Conclusion: TSLNC8 is a promising prognostic predictor for patients with HCC, and the TSLNC8–transketolase–STAT3 axis is a potential therapeutic target for HCC treatment. (Hepatology 2018;67:171‐187).
Scenario Simulation of Field Soil Water and Salt Balances Using SahysMod for Salinity Management in a Coastal Rainfed Farmland
Authors: Yao Rongjiang , Yang Jingsong , Wu Danhua , Xie Wenping , Wang Xiangping , Zhang Xing
Published: July 2017

Understanding the long‐term soil water and salt balances in coastal salt‐affected farming areas is important for developing appropriate management practices, controlling salinization and maximizing crop production. An integrated spatial agro‐hydro‐salinity model (SahysMod) was employed to analyse water and salt balances of rainfed salt‐affected farmland. The model was calibrated using the observed soil and groundwater data, and the potential influence of various field management practices on rootzone salinity and groundwater properties was simulated using the calibrated model. Results revealed that rootzone soil salinity (ECe) generally decreased at an annual average rate of 2.2 dS m−1 under existing conditions, and the decreasing rate of rootzone salinity ranged from 1.9 to 2.7 dS m−1 yr−1 under the other scenarios. Practices including subsurface drainage systems and plastic film mulching were suggested for managing soil salinity and stabilizing the groundwater table. Irrigation with brackish water in the dry season was not recommended since it increased soil and groundwater salinity in comparison with existing conditions. It was concluded that subsurface drainage was the most high‐efficient approach for salt leaching, whereas plastic film mulching was more economic and effective to control soil and groundwater salinization when considering the additional cost and environmental effects. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating the effects of the minimum wage in a developing country: A density discontinuity design approach
Authors: Jales Hugo
Published: July 2017

This paper proposes a framework to identify the effects of the minimum wage on the joint distribution of sector and wage in a developing country. I show how the discontinuity of the wage distribution around the minimum wage identifies the extent of noncompliance with the minimum wage policy, and how the conditional probability of sector given wage recovers the relationship between latent sector and wages. I apply the method in the “PNAD,” a nationwide representative Brazilian cross‐sectional dataset for the years 2001–2009. The results indicate that the size of the informal sector is increased by around 39% compared to what would prevail in the absence of the minimum wage, an effect attributable to (i) unemployment effects of the minimum wage on the formal sector and (ii) movements of workers from the formal to the informal sector as a response to the policy.
Effects of free radical initiators on polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate hydrogel properties and biocompatibility
Authors: Wilems Thomas S. , Lu Xi , Kurosu Yuki E. , Khan Zara , Lim Hyun Ju , Smith Callahan Laura A.
Published: July 2017

Many studies have utilized Irgacure 2959 photopolymerized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels for tissue engineering application development. Due to the limited penetration of ultraviolet light through tissue, Irgacure 2959 polymerized hydrogels are not suitable for use in tissues where material injection is desirable, such as the spinal cord. To address this, several free radical initiators (thermal initiator VA044, ammonium persulfate (APS)/TEMED reduction–oxidation reaction, and Fenton chemistry) are evaluated for their effects on the material and mechanical properties of PEG hydrogels compared with Irgacure 2959. To emulate the effects of endogenous thiols on in vivo polymerization, the effects of chain transfer agent (CTA) dithiothreitol on gelation rates, material properties, Young's and shear modulus, are examined. Mouse embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cell derived neural stem cells were used to investigate the cytocompatibility of each polymerization. VA044 and Fenton chemistry polymerization of PEG hydrogels both had gelation rates and mechanical properties that were highly susceptible to changes in CTA concentration and showed poor cytocompatibility. APS/TEMED polymerized hydrogels maintained consistent gelation rates and mechanical properties at high CTA concentration and had a similar cytocompatibility as Irgacure 2959 when cells were encapsulated within the PEG hydrogels. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3059–3068, 2017.