bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Base‐Catalyzed Cyclization of 1,6‐Diynyl Carboxylates Involving Propargyl‐Allenyl Isomerization: Efficient Synthesis of Benzo[b]fluorene and Its Analogues
Authors: Sun Ning , Xie Xin , Wang Gaonan , Chen Haoyi , Liu Yuanhong
Published: January 2017

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of benzo[b]fluorenes via base‐catalyzed cyclization of 1,6‐diynyl carbonates, esters or ethers has been developed. The reaction likely proceeds via base‐induced propargyl‐allenyl isomerization followed by Schmittel‐type cyclization. Heterocycle‐fused fluorenes such as thiophene‐ or pyridine‐fused substrates could also be conveniently constructed by this method. The synthetic utility of this reaction was demonstrated by the preparation of up to seven‐ring fused polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

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Implementation of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanohorns into Solar Cell Schemes
Authors: Lodermeyer Fabian , Costa Rubén D. , Guldi Dirk M.
Published: January 2017

Recent advances in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSC), including the use of nanocarbons, resulted in breakthroughs relevant to both the academic and industrial sectors. Their relevance encompasses, on one hand, the development and integration of novel nanocarbon/dye hybrids for superior light‐harvesting and improved charge injection properties and, on the other hand, the integration of nanocarbons into each part of DSSCs for enhancing the charge collection efficiency as well as the dye and electrolyte regeneration processes. In the context of the earlier, control over the electron injection and recombination rates is realized on the molecular level. In the context of the latter, i) the charge transport and charge collection efficiencies in the photoelectrode are increased, ii) the charge recombination processes are reduced, when used as a nanocarbon‐based buffer layer, iii) the ion diffusion and catalytic effects into (quasi) solid‐state electrolytes are improved, and iv) devices using Pt‐free counter electrodes with similar device efficiencies are realized. Leading examples of nanocarbons are graphene, carbon black, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, and single‐walled carbon nanotubes. In this review, the focus is on a novel carbon allotrope, namely single‐walled carbon nanohorns (SWCNH), which is discussed in depth and in comparison with other nanocarbons.
Prognostic impact of the CD34+/CD38− cell burden in patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Jentzsch Madlen , Bill Marius , Nicolet Deedra , Leiblein Sabine , Schubert Karoline , Pless Martina , Bergmann Ulrike , Wildenberger Kathrin , Schuhmann Luba , Cross Michael , Pönisch Wolfram , Franke Georg‐Nikolaus , Vucinic Vladan , Lange Thoralf , Behre Gerhard , Mrózek Krzysztof , Bloomfield Clara D. , Niederwieser Dietger , Schwind Sebastian
Published: January 2017

In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leukemia‐initiating cells exist within the CD34+/CD38− cell compartment. They are assumed to be more resistant to chemotherapy, enriched in minimal residual disease cell populations, and responsible for relapse. Here we evaluated clinical and biological associations and the prognostic impact of a high diagnostic CD34+/CD38− cell burden in 169 AML patients receiving an allogeneic stem cell transplantation in complete remission. Here, the therapeutic approach is mainly based on immunological graft‐versus‐leukemia effects. Percentage of bone marrow CD34+/CD38− cell burden at diagnosis was measured using flow cytometry and was highly variable (median 0.5%, range 0%–89% of all mononuclear cells). A high CD34+/CD38− cell burden at diagnosis associated with worse genetic risk and secondary AML. Patients with a high CD34+/CD38− cell burden had shorter relapse‐free and overall survival which may be mediated by residual leukemia‐initiating cells in the CD34+/CD38− cell population, escaping the graft‐versus‐leukemia effect after allogeneic transplantation. Evaluating the CD34+/CD38− cell burden at diagnosis may help to identify patients at high risk of relapse after allogeneic transplantation. Further studies to understand leukemia‐initiating cell biology and develop targeting therapies to improve outcomes of AML patients are needed.
Typical and atypical pathology in primary progressive aphasia variants
Authors: Spinelli Edoardo G. , Mandelli Maria Luisa , Miller Zachary A. , Santos‐Santos Miguel A , Wilson Stephen M. , Agosta Federica , Grinberg Lea T. , Huang Eric J. , Trojanowski John Q. , Meyer Marita , Henry Maya L. , Comi Giancarlo , Rabinovici Gil , Rosen Howard J. , Filippi Massimo , Miller Bruce L. , Seeley William W. , Gorno‐Tempini Maria Luisa
Published: January 2017

Objective

To characterize in vivo signatures of pathological diagnosis in a large cohort of patients with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) variants defined by current diagnostic classification.

Methods

Extensive clinical, cognitive, neuroimaging, and neuropathological data were collected from 69 patients with sporadic PPA, divided into 29 semantic (svPPA), 25 nonfluent (nfvPPA), 11 logopenic (lvPPA), and 4 mixed PPA. Patterns of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) atrophy at presentation were assessed and tested as predictors of pathological diagnosis using support vector machine (SVM) algorithms.

Results

A clinical diagnosis of PPA was associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) with transactive response DNA‐binding protein (TDP) inclusions in 40.5%, FTLD‐tau in 40.5%, and Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology in 19% of cases. Each variant was associated with 1 typical pathology; 24 of 29 (83%) svPPA showed FTLD‐TDP type C, 22 of 25 (88%) nfvPPA showed FTLD‐tau, and all 11 lvPPA had AD. Within FTLD‐tau, 4R‐tau pathology was commonly associated with nfvPPA, whereas Pick disease was observed in a minority of subjects across all variants except for lvPPA. Compared with pathologically typical cases, svPPA‐tau showed significant extrapyramidal signs, greater executive impairment, and severe striatal and frontal GM and WM atrophy. nfvPPA‐TDP patients lacked general motor symptoms or significant WM atrophy. Combining GM and WM volumes, SVM analysis showed 92.7% accuracy to distinguish FTLD‐tau and FTLD‐TDP pathologies across variants.

Interpretation

Each PPA clinical variant is associated with a typical and most frequent cognitive, neuroimaging, and neuropathological profile. Specific clinical and early anatomical features may suggest rare and atypical pathological diagnosis in vivo. Ann Neurol 2017;81:430–443
Binding interactions of mixed ligand copper(II) amino acid Schiff base complexes with biological targets: Spectroscopic evaluation and molecular docking
Authors: Theetharappan M. , Subha L. , Balakrishnan C. , Neelakantan M.A.
Published: January 2017

Three mixed ligand copper(II) complexes [Cu(o‐vanillin‐l‐tryptophan Schiff base)(diimine)] (diimine =2,2′‐bipyridine (1), 1,10‐phenanthroline (2) and 5,6‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline(3)) were synthesized and characterized using analytical and spectral methods. The molecular structures of 1–3 were optimized using density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/LanL2DZ levels in the gas phase. Spectral and DFT studies suggest a distorted square pyramidal geometry around the copper ion. Binding interactions of 1–3 with calf thymus DNA and bovine serum albumin protein were studied using UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopies, viscometric titrations and cyclic voltammetry and also using molecular docking analysis. Studies of the binding of the complexes with calf thymus DNA reveal intercalation, which is supported by molecular docking simulation. The DNA cleavage nature of 1–3 with pUC19 DNA shows that the complexes can cleave DNA without any external agents, and the efficiency follows the order 1 > 3 > 2. Synchronous and three‐dimensional fluorescence spectral studies suggest that the secondary structures of the protein are altered by the complexes. Antioxidant studies reveal that the complexes have significant radical scavenging activity against DPPH. In vitro cytotoxic activity of the complexes was evaluated against breast cancer cells (MCF‐7), revealing that complex 2 exhibits higher cytotoxicity than the other complexes. Nuclear chromatin condensation and fragmentation were observed with DAPI staining assay. The mitochondrial membrane potential damage was studied by FITC staining assay. Flow cytometric analysis suggests that all the metal complexes induce cell apoptosis.
Red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, found in South Africa 22 years after attempted eradication
Authors: Nunes Ana L. , Hoffman Andries C. , Zengeya Tsungai A. , Measey G. John , Weyl Olaf LF
Published: January 2017

1. No freshwater crayfish are indigenous to continental Africa, but four species have been introduced to the continent. One of these is the North American red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii, which has been introduced into several African countries, mainly for aquaculture, and has had demonstrable impacts where it has escaped captivity. In South Africa, the documentation of this species in farm dams near Dullstroom and the adjacent Crocodile River in 1988 resulted in an eradication attempt in 1994, with unknown results.

2. In order to evaluate the status of P. clarkii in South Africa, dams on the previously invaded farm and the Crocodile River were sampled four times between December 2015 and June 2016 using visual surveys, trapping, dipnetting and electrofishing. This yielded a single reproductively active male P. clarkii from one of the farm ponds, while many other native aquatic species were found in high numbers.

3. It is clear from this study that P. clarkii was not eradicated in South Africa and that individuals have been surviving in the wild (i.e. outside captivity or cultivation) for at least 28 years in the location where it was introduced. Containment and eradication of the species are proposed as management actions, which have major importance in preventing undesirable further spread or translocation of this species into new aquatic environments in South Africa.
A Randomized, Double‐Blind Trial of Abatacept (CTLA‐4Ig) for the Treatment of Takayasu Arteritis
Authors: Langford Carol A. , Cuthbertson David , Ytterberg Steven R. , Khalidi Nader , Monach Paul A. , Carette Simon , Seo Philip , Moreland Larry W. , Weisman Michael , Koening Curry L. , Sreih Antoine G. , Spiera Robert , McAlear Carol A. , Warrington Kenneth J. , Pagnoux Christian , McKinnon Kathleen , Forbess Lindsy J. , Hoffman Gary S. , Borchin Renée , Krischer Jeffrey P. , Merkel Peter A. ,   for the Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium
Published: January 2017

Objective

To compare the efficacy of abatacept to that of placebo for the treatment of Takayasu arteritis (TAK).

Methods

In this multicenter trial, patients with newly diagnosed or relapsing TAK were treated with abatacept 10 mg/kg intravenously on days 1, 15, and 29 and week 8, together with prednisone administered daily. At week 12, patients in remission underwent a double‐blinded randomization to continue to receive abatacept monthly or switch to placebo. Patients in both study arms received a standardized prednisone taper, reaching a dosage of 20 mg daily at week 12, with discontinuation of prednisone at week 28. All patients remained on their randomized assignment until meeting criteria for early termination or until 12 months after enrollment of the last patient. The primary end point was duration of remission (relapse‐free survival).

Results

Thirty‐four eligible patients with TAK were enrolled and treated with prednisone and abatacept; of these, 26 reached the week 12 randomization and underwent a blinded randomization to receive either abatacept or placebo. The relapse‐free survival rate at 12 months was 22% for those receiving abatacept and 40% for those receiving placebo (P = 0.853). Treatment with abatacept in patients with TAK enrolled in this study was not associated with a longer median duration of remission (median duration 5.5 months for abatacept versus 5.7 months for placebo). There was no difference in the frequency or severity of adverse events, including infection, between the treatment arms.

Conclusion

In patients with TAK, the addition of abatacept to a treatment regimen with prednisone did not reduce the risk of relapse.
Techno‐economic assessment of biomass bales storage systems for a large‐scale biorefinery
Authors: Sahoo Kamalakanta , Mani Sudhagar
Published: January 2017

Storage of agricultural residues and energy crops is essential for preserving and maintaining its economic value, and year‐round continuous delivery to a biorefinery. In this study, a dynamic cost model was developed for three storage methods (Indoor, Outdoor‐tarped, and Outdoor‐open) with two biomass bale types (rectangular and round) to estimate the storage cost of corn stover and switchgrass. The effects of storage time and multiple‐use of a storage facility on the storage cost were also evaluated to develop effective storage strategies. The cost of bale storage systems comprised of capital expenses for infrastructures, bale handling, dry matter loss (DML) and quality loss costs. Among storage methods, the outdoor‐tarped storage with rectangular bales was the least expensive options for corn stover ($14.6 dry Mg−1) and switchgrass ($16 dry Mg−1). Indoor storage of round bales was costly due to the large storage footprint requirement and high infrastructure investment. However, the indoor storage cost could be reduced, if the storage facility could be used more than once a year. The sensitivity analysis study illustrated that the DML, biomass cost, loading/unloading time and bale density were the most sensitive parameters influencing the storage cost. An example storage strategy developed for a typical biorefinery could reduce the average annual storage cost (up to $10 dry Mg−1) along with an annual cost saving ranging from 10 to 100% compared with any single storage option. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Capitalizing on disaster: Establishing chromatin specificity behind the replication fork
Authors: Ramachandran Srinivas , Ahmad Kami , Henikoff Steven
Published: January 2017

Eukaryotic genomes are packaged into nucleosomal chromatin, and genomic activity requires the precise localization of transcription factors, histone modifications and nucleosomes. Classic work described the progressive reassembly and maturation of bulk chromatin behind replication forks. More recent proteomics has detailed the molecular machines that accompany the replicative polymerase to promote rapid histone deposition onto the newly replicated DNA. However, localized chromatin features are transiently obliterated by DNA replication every S phase of the cell cycle. Genomic strategies now observe the rebuilding of locus‐specific chromatin features, and reveal surprising delays in transcription factor binding behind replication forks. This implies that transient chromatin disorganization during replication is a central juncture for targeted transcription factor binding within genomes. We propose that transient occlusion of regulatory elements by disorganized nucleosomes during chromatin maturation enforces specificity of factor binding.
Boundaries of loop domains (insulators): Determinants of chromosome form and function in multicellular eukaryotes
Authors: Chetverina Darya , Fujioka Miki , Erokhin Maksim , Georgiev Pavel , Jaynes James B. , Schedl Paul
Published: January 2017

Chromosomes in multicellular animals are subdivided into a series of looped domains. In addition to being the underlying principle for organizing the chromatin fiber, looping is critical for processes ranging from gene regulation to recombination and repair. The subdivision of chromosomes into looped domains depends upon a special class of architectural elements called boundaries or insulators. These elements are distributed throughout the genome and are ubiquitous building blocks of chromosomes. In this review, we focus on features of boundaries that are critical in determining the topology of the looped domains and their genetic properties. We highlight the properties of fly boundaries that are likely to have an important bearing on the organization of looped domains in vertebrates, and discuss the functional consequences of the observed similarities and differences.
Stability of doripenem in reconstituted solution – thermal and oxidative decomposition kinetics and degradation products by LC–MS
Authors: de Souza Barbosa Fábio , Cassol José Pedro Etchepare , Batista Luiz Alcides das Chagas , Cordeiro Everson Willian Fialho , Santos Marí Castro , Pohlmann Adriana Raffin , Schapoval Elfrides E. S. , Garcia Cássia Virginia , Mendez Andreas Sebastian Loureiro
Published: January 2017

A ultra‐fast liquid chromatography method applied to quantitation of doripenem in powder for injection was validated. Validation parameters were assayed and a rapid analysis was established by a reversed‐phase system comprising a C18 column endcapped (50 × 4.0 mm, 2.0 μm), mobile phase consisting of phosphoric acid 0.01% (pH 3.8) and acetonitrile (98:02, v/v) and a flow rate of 0.4 mL min−1. Drug stability was studied through submission to forced conditions, allowing the major degradation products to be detected and the kinetics parameters to be established. Thermal and oxidative degradation were determined, and indicated a kinetic decomposition following first and second order, respectively. The main degradation products were identified by LC–MS analysis, and the results were evaluated in order to suggest the chemical structures corresponding to respective masses and fragmentations. Six compounds were identified, with m/z 411, 427, 437, 634, 650 and 664. All of them resulted from cleavage of β‐lactam ring and alcoholic chain and/or dimerization. These experimental results provide valuable information about the stability of doripenem reconstituted solution and procedures for its handling and storage.
Strangulated Richter's incisional hernia presenting as an abdominal mass with necrosis of the overlapping skin. A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Sahsamanis Georgios , Samaras Stavros , Gkouzis Konstantinos , Dimitrakopoulos Georgios
Published: January 2017

Key Clinical Message

Although rare, clinicians must be alerted of Richter hernias in patients presenting with innocuous gastrointestinal obstruction symptoms, synchronous with an erythematous hernia. An incarcerated incisional hernia located in a previous laparoscopic insertion site further raises suspicion, while timely surgical management is essential to avoid bowel perforation or resection.
Asymmetric Reduction of Substituted 2‐Tetralones by Thermoanaerobacter pseudoethanolicus Secondary Alcohol Dehydrogenase
Authors: Bsharat Odey , Musa Musa M. , Vieille Claire , Oladepo Sulayman A. , Takahashi Masateru , Hamdan Samir M.
Published: January 2017

Ketones bearing two bulky substituents, named bulky–bulky ketones, were successfully reduced to their corresponding optically enriched alcohols by using various mutants of Thermoanaerobacter pseudoethanolicus secondary alcohol dehydrogenase (TeSADH). Substituted 2‐tetralones, in particular, were reduced to 2‐tetralols with high conversion and high enantioselectivity. The pharmacological importance of substituted 2‐tetralols as key drug‐building blocks makes our biocatalytic reduction method a highly essential tool. We showed that changing the position of the substituent on the aromatic ring of 2‐tetralones impacts their binding affinity and the reaction maximum catalytic rate. Docking studies with several TeSADH mutants explain how the position of the substituent on the tetralone influences the binding orientation of substituted 2‐tetralones and their reaction stereoselectivity.
A New Type of Scaling Relations to Assess the Accuracy of Computational Predictions of Catalytic Activities Applied to the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Briquet Ludovic G. V. , Sarwar Misbah , Mugo Jane , Jones Glenn , Calle‐Vallejo Federico
Published: January 2017

Experimentally, it is well known that the overpotentials for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on RuO2 and IrO2 are similar and rather low. The question is whether widespread computational electrochemistry models based on adsorption thermodynamics are capable of reproducing such observations. Making use of DFT results of revised Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (RPBE) and Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) functionals from six different codes and various types of pseudopotentials, we show that whereas IrO2 is consistently predicted to have low overpotentials, RuO2 is predicted to have large overpotentials. A new methodology based on adsorption‐energy scaling relations shows that the inaccurate prediction for RuO2 stems from its anomalous adsorption energies of oxygen/oxygenates. Including explicit water solvation and using functionals that account for van der Waals interactions such as vdW‐DF, vdW‐DF2 and optPBE‐vdW modifies appropriately the adsorption energies so that both oxides are predicted to be highly active.
Localized Detection of d‐Serine by using an Enzymatic Amperometric Biosensor and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy
Authors: Polcari David , Perry Samuel C. , Pollegioni Loredano , Geissler Matthias , Mauzeroll Janine
Published: January 2017

d‐Serine acts as an endogenous co‐agonist for N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors at synapses, making it essential for proper brain development and function. This amino acid has also been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Nevertheless, the primary site and mechanism of d‐serine release remains unclear. We recently demonstrated the use of an enzymatic amperometric biosensor for the in vivo quantification of endogenous d‐serine release in Xenopus laevis tadpoles. Herein, we investigate the effect of the permselective poly(meta‐phenylenediamine) electropolymerization conditions on the biosensor's response time and selectivity. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is then used with the optimized biosensor to measure localized release of d‐serine from a model system. This SECM methodology, which provides high spatial and temporal resolution, could be useful to investigate the primary site and mechanism of d‐serine release in other biological samples.
Highly Selective Turn‐On Fluorescent Chemodosimeter for AlIII Detection through AlIII‐Promoted Hydrolysis of C=N Double Bonds in the 8‐Hydroxyquinoline Aldehyde Schiff Base
Authors: Wang Jinmin , Li Yuanyuan , Li Kai , Meng Xiangru , Hou Hongwei
Published: January 2017

Fluorescent chemodosimeters based on small organic molecules are widely used in the detection of various analytes. However, chemodosimeters for metal ion detection are still limited to a few transition metals, such as HgII, CuII, FeIII, AuIII, etc. In this work, a fluorescent chemodosimeter of 5‐chloro‐7‐phenyliminomethyl‐8‐hydroxyquinoline (2) for the detection of AlIII is reported. Chemodosimeter 2 exhibits a turn‐on fluorescence response to AlIII owing to an AlIII‐promoted hydrolysis of carbon–nitrogen double bonds. This reaction yielded a 1–Al complex, which exhibited high fluorescence emission at 487 nm based on inhibition of excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). Because of the specific catalytic ability of AlIII, the selectivity of 2 to AlIII is excellent both in aqueous solutions and in solid matrix. The fluorescence enhancement was as high as 582‐fold and the turn‐on fluorescence can be observed even by the naked eye upon an irradiation with a UV lamp. The detection limit of 2 for AlIII sensing is 54 nmol L−1 and the linear range is 0–50 μmol L−1. This work provides a new strategy for designing main‐group‐metal chemodosimeters based on small organic molecules.
Facile Synthesis of FeS2 Quantum‐Dots/Functionalized Graphene‐Sheet Composites as Advanced Anode Material for Sodium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Shao Yiben , Yue Jili , Sun Shuo , Xia Hui
Published: January 2017

FeS2 quantum‐dots/functionalized graphene‐sheet (QDs/FGS) composites are prepared by a facile and scalable method. The FeS2 QDs/FGS composites can be used as anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries. The FeS2 QDs/FGS composites can achieve large specific discharge and charge capacities of 742 and 683 mAh•g−1 (based on the total mass of the FeS2 QDs/FGS composites) at the current density of 0.5 A•g−1 in the first cycle, respectively, and retain a reversible charge capacity of 552 mAh•g−1 after 100 cycles. The FeS2 QDs/FGS composites can display high specific capacities of 452 and 315 mAh•g−1 at the high current densities of 2 and 5 A•g−1. These results indicate that the FeS2 QDs/FGS composites have good cycle performance and high rate capability, making them promising candidates as anode material for sodium‐ion batteries.
Survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by housing subsidy in a tiered public housing system
Authors: Wong Ting Hway , Skanthakumar Thakshayeni , Nadkarni Nivedita , Nguyen Hai Van , Iyer N. Gopalakrishna
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Socioeconomic status affects survival in patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), even in health systems with universal health care. Singapore has a tiered subsidized housing system, in which income determines eligibility for subsidies by size of apartment. The objective of this study was to assess whether a patient's residential type (small/heavily subsidized, medium/moderate subsidy, large/minimal or no subsidy) influenced mortality. A secondary analysis examined whether patients in smaller subsidized apartments were more likely to present with advanced disease.

METHODS

An historical cohort study of patients in a tertiary referral center with HNSCC was identified in the multidisciplinary cancer database from 1992 to 2014. Clinicopathologic data were extracted for analysis. Patient residential postal codes were matched to type of housing. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the relationship between all‐cause mortality and the predictors of interest as well as the association between housing type and disease stage at presentation.

RESULTS

Of the 758 patients identified, most were men (73.4%), the median age was 64 years, 30.5% and 15.2% were smokers and former smokers, respectively. Over one‐half (56.8%) of patients presented with advanced disease. Male gender, age, stage at presentation, survival time from diagnosis, and smoker status were significant predictors of mortality. Patients living in the smaller, higher subsidy apartments had poorer survival, although they were not more likely to present with advanced disease, suggesting that the survival difference was not because of delayed presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with HNSCC living in smaller, higher‐subsidy apartments have poorer survival despite no apparent delays in presentation. Cancer 2017;123:1998–2005. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to Formate at Low Overpotentials on Electrodeposited Pd Films: Stabilized Performance by Suppression of CO Formation
Authors: Zhou Fengling , Li Haitao , Fournier Maxime , MacFarlane Douglas R.
Published: January 2017

Palladium nanoparticles are effective for catalytic CO2 reduction. However, CO, one of the most important products in the CO2 reduction sequence, has strong affinity for the Pd surface and poisons the catalytic sites rapidly. In this research, an electrodeposited Pd film exhibits high activity for CO2 reduction to formate with the suppression of CO formation at low overpotentials. The substrates, electrodeposition process and the post‐treatment of the Pd films affect the CO2 reduction pathway significantly. The cyclic voltammetry deposition produces films that exhibit more porous morphologies and have higher current efficiencies for formate than those of films produced at constant potential. These films show stable CO2 reduction performance at low overpotentials and have high current efficiencies (≈50–60 % depending on the substrate) for formate formation at a potential of −0.4 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode without any detectable CO formation. It seems that the Pd surface generated by the new electrodeposition process described here produces a nanostructure that can promote formate formation and suppress CO formation.
Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of HPV‐related squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Current ancillary testing methods for determining HPV status
Authors: Bernadt Cory T. , Collins Brian T.
Published: January 2017

Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a unique form of carcinoma that largely arises from the tonsillar tissue in the oropharynx. These tumors often present with cervical lymphadenopathy resulting in a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. Use of the cytology specimen to determine the HPV‐status has significant prognostic and treatment implications as HPV‐related tumors have a more favorable prognosis and response to nonsurgical therapies. While several different ancillary testing methods are available that have proven effective for determining HPV status in FNA specimens from HNSCCs, there is currently no consensus regarding HPV testing in this setting. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:221–229. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Initial treatment seeking from professional health care providers for eating disorders: A review and synthesis of potential barriers to and facilitators of “first contact”
Authors: Regan Pamela , Cachelin Fary M. , Minnick Alyssa M.
Published: January 2017

The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of empirical research exploring barriers to and facilitators of initial treatment seeking (“first contact”) from professional health care providers by adults and young adults with eating disorders (EDs). A search of databases PsycINFO and MEDLINE using the terms “treatment” and “eating disorder*” yielded 9,468 peer‐reviewed articles published from January 1945 to June 2016. Screening identified 31 articles meeting the following criteria: (1) participants were 16 or older and presented with a self‐reported or clinically diagnosed ED; (2) studies focused on (a) initial treatment seeking (b) for an ED (c) from professional health care providers; (3) articles were empirical, and (4) peer reviewed. Quantitative studies revealed few consistent correlates of treatment seeking, perhaps because most variables were examined in only one or two investigations. Variables with some degree of predictive utility (i.e., produced significant results in multiple studies) were age (older), ethnicity (nonethnic minority), ED type (anorexia, purging BN), specific ED‐related behaviors (i.e., purging), and time spent on a treatment waitlist following referral (less). Although BMI was one of the most investigated variables, it did not predict treatment seeking. Qualitative studies revealed the following perceived barriers: (1) personal feelings of shame/fear, (2) ED‐related beliefs/perceptions, (3) lack of access/availability, and (4) aspects of the treatment process. Perceived facilitators included (1) health‐related concerns, (2) emotional distress, and (3) social support. Implications for clinical practice and areas for further research are discussed. Results highlight the need for shared definitions and methodologies across studies of treatment seeking.
Does the ecological concept of disturbance have utility in urban social–ecological–technological systems?
Authors: Grimm Nancy B. , Pickett Steward T. A. , Hale Rebecca L. , Cadenasso Mary L.
Published: January 2017

The ecological concept of disturbance has scarcely been applied in urban systems except in the erroneous but commonplace assumption that urbanization itself is a disturbance and cities are therefore perennially disturbed systems. We evaluate the usefulness of the concept in urban ecology by exploring how a recent conceptual framework for disturbance (Peters et al.2011,Ecosphere, 2, art 81) applies to these social–ecological–technological systems (). Case studies, especially from the Long‐Term Ecological Research sites of Baltimore and Phoenix, are presented to show the applicability of the framework for disturbances to different elements of these systems at different scales. We find that the framework is easily adapted to urban and that incorporating social and technological drivers and responders can contribute additional insights to disturbance research beyond urban systems.
An ecosystem‐based approach to marine risk assessment
Authors: Holsman Kirstin , Samhouri Jameal , Cook Geoffrey , Hazen Elliott , Olsen Erik , Dillard Maria , Kasperski Stephen , Gaichas Sarah , Kelble Christopher R. , Fogarty Mike , Andrews Kelly
Published: January 2017

Risk assessments quantify the probability of undesirable events along with their consequences. They are used to prioritize management interventions and assess tradeoffs, serving as an essential component of ecosystem‐based management (). A central objective of most risk assessments for conservation and management is to characterize uncertainty and impacts associated with one or more pressures of interest. Risk assessments have been used in marine resource management to help evaluate the risk of environmental, ecological, and anthropogenic pressures on species or habitats including for data‐poor fisheries management (e.g., toxicity, probability of extinction, habitat alteration impacts). Traditionally, marine risk assessments focused on singular pressure‐response relationships, but recent advancements have included use of risk assessments in an context, providing a method for evaluating the cumulative impacts of multiple pressures on multiple ecosystem components. Here, we describe a conceptual framework for ecosystem risk assessment (), highlighting its role in operationalizing , with specific attention to ocean management considerations. This framework builds on the ecotoxicological and conservation literature on risk assessment and includes recent advances that focus on risks posed by fishing to marine ecosystems. We review how examples of s from the United States fit into this framework, explore the variety of analytical approaches that have been used to conduct s, and assess the challenges and data gaps that remain. This review discusses future prospects for s as decision‐support tools, their expanded role in integrated ecosystem assessments, and the development of next‐generation risk assessments for coupled natural–human systems.
Restore or retreat? saltwater intrusion and water management in coastal wetlands
Authors: White Elliott , Kaplan David
Published: January 2017

Coastal wetlands perform a unique set of physical, chemical, and biological functions, which provide billions of dollars of ecosystem services annually. These wetlands also face myriad environmental and anthropogenic pressures, which threaten their ecological condition and undermine their capacity to provide these services. Coastal wetlands have adapted to a dynamic range of natural disturbances over recent millennia, but face growing pressures from human population growth and coastal development. These anthropogenic pressures are driving saltwater intrusion () in many coastal systems. The position of coastal wetlands at the terrestrial–marine interface also makes them vulnerable to increasing rates of sea‐level rise and changing climate. Critically, anthropogenic and natural stressors to coastal wetlands can act synergistically to create negative, and sometimes catastrophic, consequences for both human and natural systems. This review focused on the drivers and impacts of in coastal wetlands and has two goals: (1) to synthesize understanding of coastal wetland change driven by and (2) to review approaches for improved water management to mitigate in impacted systems. While we frame this review as a choice between restoration and retreat, we acknowledge that choices about coastal wetland management are context‐specific and may be confounded by competing management goals. In this setting, the choice between restoration and retreat can be prioritized by identifying where the greatest return in ecosystem services can be achieved relative to restoration dollars invested. We conclude that restoration and proactive water management is feasible in many impacted systems.
Urinary levels of novel kidney biomarkers and risk of true worsening renal function and mortality in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Sokolski Mateusz , Zymliński Robert , Biegus Jan , Siwołowski Paweł , Nawrocka‐Millward Sylwia , Todd John , Yerramilli Malli Rama , Estis Joel , Jankowska Ewa Anita , Banasiak Waldemar , Ponikowski Piotr
Published: January 2017

Aims

Recent studies indicate the need to redefine worsening renal function (WRF) in acute heart failure (AHF), linking a rise in creatinine with clinical status to identify patients who develop ‘true WRF’. We evaluated the usefulness of serial assessment of urinary levels of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (uNGAL), kidney injury molecule‐1 (uKIM‐1), and cystatin C (uCysC) for prediction of ‘true WRF’.

Methods and results

In 132 patients with AHF, uNGAL, uKIM‐1, and uCysC were measured using a highly sensitive immunoassay based on a single‐molecule counting technology (Singulex, Alameda, CA, USA) at baseline, day 2, and day 3. Patients who developed WRF (a ≥0.3 mg/dL increase in serum creatinine or a >25% decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate from the baseline value) were differentiated into those ‘true WRF’ (presence of deterioration/no improvement in clinical status during hospitalization) vs. ‘pseudo‐WRF’ (uneventful clinical course). ‘True WRF’ occurred in 13 (10%), ‘pseudo‐WRF’ in 15 (11%), whereas the remaining 104 (79%) patients did not develop WRF. Patients with ‘true WRF’ were more often females, had higher levels of NT‐proBNP, creatinine, and urea on admission, higher urine albumin to creatinine ratio at day 2, higher uNGAL at baseline, day 2, and day 3, and higher KIM‐1 at day 2 (vs. pseudo‐WRF vs. without WRF, all P < 0.05). Patients with pseudo‐WRF did not differ from those without WRF. In the multivariable model, elevated uNGAL at all time points and uKIM‐1 at day 2 remained independent predictors of ‘true WRF’.

Conclusion

Elevated levels of uNGAL and uKIM‐1 may predict development of ‘true WRF’ in AHF.
Supramolecular Gels from Conjugates of Bile Acids and Amino Acids and Their Applications
Authors: Maity Mitasree , Maitra Uday
Published: January 2017

Hydrogels composed of low molecular weight molecules are gaining increasing importance in biomedical applications. In this work, we report the formation of injectable hydrogels from bile acid–amino acid conjugates. The hydrogelation ability was dependent on multiple factors such as the bile acid backbone, linkage between the bile acid and the amino acid, and pH. We have shown that the gelation properties depend on multiple noncovalent interactions and on the balance between hydrophobic and hydrophilic characteristics of the molecules. Crystal structures of lithocholyl‐l‐phenylalanine, lithocholyl‐glycine, lithocholyl‐l‐valine, and lithocholyl‐l‐alanine were also determined and compared. Finally, the rigid hydrogel frameworks were utilized to produce inorganic–organic composite materials with gold and ZnO nanoparticles.
Divergent Reactions between α‐Imino Rhodium Carbenoids and 1,3‐Diketones: Substrate‐Controlled O–H versus C–H Insertion
Authors: Mi Pengbing , Yuan Haiyan , Wang Hannan , Liao Peiqiu , Zhang Jingping , Bi Xihe
Published: January 2017

The cyclization reaction between N‐sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles and 1,3‐diketones was explored. This reaction provides a new and powerful method for the synthesis of highly functionalized pyrroles and fused pyrrole derivatives. Mechanistically, the reaction was found to proceed through tandem O–H or C–H insertion/condensation of in situ generated α‐imino rhodium carbenoids with 1,3‐diketones. The initial O–H or C–H insertion was determined to be dependent on the type of 1,3‐diketone.
Gradient‐based nodal limiters for artificial diffusion operators in finite element schemes for transport equations
Authors: Kuzmin Dmitri , Shadid John N.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents new linearity‐preserving nodal limiters for enforcing discrete maximum principles in continuous (linear or bilinear) finite element approximations to transport problems with steep fronts. In the process of algebraic flux correction, the oscillatory antidiffusive part of a high‐order base discretization is decomposed into a set of internodal fluxes and constrained to be local extremum dim inishing. The proposed nodal limiter functions are designed to be continuous and satisfy the principle of linearity preservation that implies the preservation of second‐order accuracy in smooth regions. The use of limited nodal gradients makes it possible to circumvent angle conditions and guarantee that the discrete maximum principle holds on arbitrary meshes. A numerical study is performed for linear convection and anisotropic diffusion problems on uniform and distorted meshes in two space dimensions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling of CO2 sequestration in coal seams: Role of CO2‐induced coal softening on injectivity, storage efficiency and caprock deformation
Authors: Ma Tianran , Rutqvist Jonny , Liu Weiqun , Zhu Li , Kim Kunhwi
Published: January 2017

An effective and safe operation for sequestration of CO2 in coal seams requires a clear understanding of injection‐induced coupled hydromechanical processes such as the evolution of pore pressure, permeability, and induced caprock deformation. In this study, CO2 injection into coal seams was studied using a coupled flow‐deformation model with a new stress‐dependent porosity and permeability model that considers CO2‐induced coal softening. Based on triaxial compression tests of coal samples extracted from the site of the first series of enhanced coalbed methane field tests in China, a softening phenomenon that a substantial (one‐order‐of‐magnitude) decrease of Young's modulus and an increase of Poisson's ratio with adsorbed CO2 content was observed. Such softening was considered in the numerical simulation through an exponential relation between elastic properties (Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio) and CO2 pressure considering that CO2 content is proportional to the CO2 pressure. The results of the numerical simulation show that the softening of the coal strongly affects the CO2 sequestration performance, first by impeding injectivity and stored volume (cumulative injection) during the first week of injection, and thereafter by softening mediated rebound in permeability that tends to increase injectivity and storage over the longer term. A sensitivity study shows that stronger CO2‐induced coal softening and higher CO2 injection pressure contribute synergistically to increase a significant increase of CO2 injectivity and adsorption, but also result in larger caprock deformations and uplift. Overall, the study demonstrates the importance of considering the CO2‐induced softening when analyzing the performance and environmental impact of CO2‐sequestration operations in unminable coal seams. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The glia of the adult Drosophila nervous system
Authors: Kremer Malte C. , Jung Christophe , Batelli Sara , Rubin Gerald M. , Gaul Ulrike
Published: January 2017

Glia play crucial roles in the development and homeostasis of the nervous system. While the GLIA in the Drosophila embryo have been well characterized, their study in the adult nervous system has been limited. Here, we present a detailed description of the glia in the adult nervous system, based on the analysis of some 500 glial drivers we identified within a collection of synthetic GAL4 lines. We find that glia make up ∼10% of the cells in the nervous system and envelop all compartments of neurons (soma, dendrites, axons) as well as the nervous system as a whole. Our morphological analysis suggests a set of simple rules governing the morphogenesis of glia and their interactions with other cells. All glial subtypes minimize contact with their glial neighbors but maximize their contact with neurons and adapt their macromorphology and micromorphology to the neuronal entities they envelop. Finally, glial cells show no obvious spatial organization or registration with neuronal entities. Our detailed description of all glial subtypes and their regional specializations, together with the powerful genetic toolkit we provide, will facilitate the functional analysis of glia in the mature nervous system. GLIA 2017 GLIA 2017;65:606–638
Dual‐photon microscopy‐based quantitation of fibrosis‐related parameters (q‐FP) to model disease progression in steatohepatitis
Authors: Wang Yan , Vincent Robert , Yang Jinlian , Asgharpour Amon , Liang Xieer , Idowu Michael O. , Contos Melissa J. , Daitya Kalyani , Siddiqui Mohammed S. , Mirshahi Faridoddin , Sanyal Arun J.
Published: January 2017

There is a need for further refinement of current histological systems for assessment of hepatic fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study evaluated hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD using dual‐photon microscopy‐based quantitation of fibrosis‐related parameters (q‐FPs). Fifty test cohort subjects and 42 validation cohort subjects with NAFLD and the full spectrum of fibrosis were studied. q‐FPs were measured in specific predefined regions of interest (general, vessel, perisinusoid, and vascular septa). Seventy q‐FPs had inter‐ and intraobserver concordance ≥0.8 and were related to the NASH Clinical Research Network fibrosis staging. Of these, 16 q‐FPs with the strongest correlations (P < 0.001 for all) were entered in a principal component analysis model (odds ratio [OR] 7.8, P < 0.001), which separated any stage of fibrosis versus no fibrosis, and cirrhosis versus earlier stages with the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.88 and 0.93 (P ≤ 0.01 for both), respectively. In an independent multivariable analysis, four q‐FPs—the number of collagen strands (OR 8.5, P = 0.004), strand length (OR 12.0, P = 0.02), strand eccentricity (OR 8.3, P = 0.004), and strand solidity (OR 8.0, P = 0.003)—were independently associated with fibrosis stages and were used to model fibrosis along a continuous linear scale using desirability functions; this linear scale of fibrosis measurement was also related to fibrosis stage (P < 0.0001). The robustness of both the multivariable model and the linear scale of measurement was confirmed in the validation cohort. Conclusion: The q‐FP model provides an accurate reproducible method to evaluate fibrosis in NAFLD along a quantitative and continuous scale. (Hepatology 2017;65:1891‐1903).