bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palladium‐Catalyzed C−H Iodination of N‐(8‐Quinolinyl)benzamide Derivatives Under Electrochemical and Non‐Electrochemical Conditions
Authors: Sano Katsuya , Kimura Naoki , Kochi Takuya , Kakiuchi Fumitoshi
Published: April 2018

Palladium‐catalyzed ortho‐selective C−H iodination of N‐(8‐quinolinyl)benzamides proceeded using I2 under both electrochemical and non‐electrochemical conditions. The C−H iodination at 90 °C under base‐free conditions provided high yields of the iodination products. The use of anodic oxidation increased the efficiency of the iodination at sterically‐hindered positions.
Simulation study of a low‐tech and reliable identification coding method for mass casualties
Authors: Kato Soichiro , Tarui Takehiko , Yamaguchi Yoshihiro
Published: April 2018

Aim

To evaluate the ease of use, reliability, and duplication risks of a new identification (ID) coding method, which works for mass casualty events such as disaster scenes.

Methods

The new ID code consisted of 16 alphanumeric characters: seven characters for the responder's information and nine for the casualty, which can be created in a very low‐tech manner without using any electronic devices. A simulated triage was carried out for virtual causalities by students of the same grade at our university's medical school. Each participant was instructed to triage and create IDs for the same 10 virtual casualties. Eighty‐nine participants created a total of 890 IDs, which were examined for correct coding and ID duplication rates.

Results

Despite situations in which the risk of duplication might be considered high, complete duplication of IDs occurred in only one case (0.2%), and the other 888 IDs (99.8%) were unique. The simulation was done in a reasonable amount of time without any confusion.

Conclusions

In the mass casualty incident triage simulation, our new coding method proved easy and useful in creating IDs with an extremely low duplication rate. To develop this method for broader use, further evaluation is needed in more simulations and real disaster situations.
Emulsion and Foam Templating—Promising Routes to Tailor‐Made Porous Polymers
Authors: Stubenrauch Cosima , Menner Angelika , Bismarck Alexander , Drenckhan Wiebke
Published: April 2018

Emulsions, foams, and foamed emulsions have been used successfully as templates for the synthesis of macroporous polymers. Based on this knowledge this Minireview presents strategies to use, optimise, and upscale these templating methods to synthesise tailor‐made porous polymers. The uniqueness of such polymers lies in the ability to tailor their structures and, therefore, their properties. However, systematic studies on structure–property relations are lacking mainly because the templating scientific community is “split into two”: the polydisperse and monodisperse camps. Thus, it is time to build a bridge between the camps, that is, to synthesise porous polymers with very different structures from the same precursors to determine the relationship between the structure and the properties.
Efficient preparation of poly(lactic acid) nanofibers by melt differential electrospinning with addition of acetyl tributyl citrate
Authors: Qin Yongxin , Cheng Lisheng , Zhang Yanping , Chen Xiaoqing , Wang Xun , He Xuetao , Yang Weimin , An Ying , Li Haoyi
Published: April 2018

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanofibers, as a biodegradable and environmentally friendly material, have potential applications such as biological medicine, efficient filter material, and so on. PLA nanofibers are usually prepared by solution electrospinning method with toxic solvents, such as chloroform, chloromethane, andN,N‐dimethyl formamide. In this work, PLA nanofibers were fabricated with a self‐designed melt differential electrospinning device, assisted by addition of nontoxic acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) and by airflow. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to understand the experimental results. The results revealed that the fiber diameter decreased with increasing airflow velocity, and fibers with a diameter as small as 236 nm were obtained at the highest airflow velocity of 25 m/s (with 6 wt % of ATBC). Furthermore, a significantly accelerated falling speed of the jets of about 347 times of that without airflow was achieved at a flow rate of 25 m/s. These results demonstrated that the combination of adding ATBC and airflow assistance was a good strategy to achieve finer fibers with improved stability and efficiency, making it a promising way for mass green production of PLA nanofibers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46554.
Effect of unmanaged harvests for the aquarium trade on the population status and dynamics of redline torpedo barb: A threatened aquatic flagship
Authors: Raghavan Rajeev , Ali Anvar , Philip Siby , Dahanukar Neelesh
Published: April 2018

The freshwater aquarium trade provides economic and livelihood opportunities to the rural poor, but has been implicated in biodiversity loss through population declines and local extirpation of high‐value endemic species. Previous observations on population declines are largely based on anecdotal data, however, and there are no studies on the population dynamics or stock assessment of freshwater fish species collected for the aquarium pet trade.

To understand how wild collection of endemic and threatened species for the aquarium trade could affect their populations, the sustainability of collecting the endangered redline torpedo barb (Sahyadria denisonii), and its evolutionarily distinct lineages (henceforth RLTBs), from the Western Ghats region (part of the Western Ghats–Sri Lanka biodiversity hot spot) for the aquarium trade was studied to provide baseline data to inform conservation action.

Local populations of RLTBs at the five commercial collection sites showed high mortality rates, and fish were exploited before they attained sexual maturity. The unmanaged fishery has led to unsustainable levels of exploitation, and populations of RLTBs at three sites are vulnerable to an impending collapse.

Endemic and threatened freshwater fish species used in the aquarium pet trade are exposed to local extirpations and global extinctions unless management plans and legislative controls are implemented and strictly enforced. Management plans and conservation actions to help guide the responsible fisheries of RLTBs are suggested, and the wider implications of unmanaged exploitation of endemic aquarium fisheries are discussed.
Floods, drying, habitat connectivity, and fish occupancy dynamics in restored and unrestored oxbows of West Central Iowa, USA
Authors: Fischer Jesse R. , Bakevich Bryan D. , Shea Colin P. , Pierce Clay L. , Quist Michael C.
Published: April 2018

In the agricultural landscape of the Midwestern USA, waterways are highly altered. Oxbows are among the few remaining off‐channel habitats associated with streams, supporting fish assemblages that include the endangered Topeka shiners Notropis topeka in portions of their remaining range. Oxbow restorations seek to increase the number and quality of oxbows for Topeka shiners. For oxbows to provide optimal habitat, periods of isolation from streams and connection with streams during floods are necessary.

Water levels and patterns of drying and hydrological connectivity between 12 oxbows and their neighboring streams in West Central Iowa were continuously monitored from May to October 2011, and fish assemblages were assessed for responses to the differing hydrodynamics using dynamic occupancy modelling.

The 12 oxbows exhibited varied hydrodynamics and connectivity with streams. Two oxbows never contained fish; these oxbows never flooded and were among the three oxbows that were dry for the longest periods.

Occupancy modelling suggested that connection with the stream via floods significantly increased the probability of colonization, and low water level increased the probability of local extinction from oxbows. Thirteen of the 16 fish species encountered had detection probabilities over 60%, and eight had detection probabilities over 90%, including Topeka shiners.

None of the five previously restored oxbows flooded; all five contained fish, but only one contained Topeka shiners. Three of the four oxbows containing Topeka shiners flooded and all four dried at least once.

These results suggest that planning for future oxbow restorations should consider: (i) sites that flood frequently; and (ii) construction methods promoting alternating periods of isolation from and connection with streams.
Synthesis of Lead‐free CsGeI3 Perovskite Colloidal Nanocrystals and Electron Beam‐induced Transformations
Authors: Wu Xiaotong , Song Weidong , Li Qian , Zhao Xixia , He Dongsheng , Quan Zewei
Published: April 2018

Colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) of metal halide perovskite have recently aroused great research interest, due to their remarkable optical and electronic properties. We report a solution synthesis of a new member in this category, that is, all‐inorganic lead‐free cesium germanium iodine (CsGeI3) perovskite NCs. These CsGeI3 colloidal NCs are confirmed to adopt a rhombohedral structure. Moreover, the electron beam‐induced transformations of these lead‐free perovskite NCs have been investigated for the first time. The fracture of single‐crystalline CsGeI3 nanocubes occurs first, followed by the emergence and growth of cesium iodine (CsI) single crystals and the final fragmentation into small debris with random orientations. Notably, the electron‐reduced Ge species in CsGeI3 nanocubes exhibit a distinctive transformation path, compared to heavier Pb atoms in lead halide perovskite NCs.
Cre‐Mediated Transgene Integration in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells Using Minicircle DNA Vectors
Authors: Wang Xue , Kawabe Yoshinori , Hada Takeshi , Ito Akira , Kamihira Masamichi
Published: April 2018

Bacterial backbone sequences of conventional plasmid vectors have been reported to exhibit negative effects on transgene expression in mammalian cells, such as cytotoxicity and gene silencing. Minicircle DNA vectors can be employed to overcome these issues and to improve the transfection efficiency because of their smaller size. In this study, transgenes are integrated into the hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (hprt) locus of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells by the Cre–loxP system using minicircle DNA vectors as transgene donors. The targeted transgene integration efficiency is improved 2–3‐fold (≈1.4%) using minicircle DNA vectors compared with conventional plasmid vectors. Moreover, clones with expected structures after transgene integration are obtained with a high frequency. When a transgene together with bacterial sequences derived from a plasmid vector is integrated into the hprt locus, the cell growth rate and antibody titer decrease. These results indicate that minicircle DNA vectors are more suitable than conventional plasmid vectors for transgene delivery in recombinant protein production using CHO cells.
Forces affecting perception of product comments on social‐WOM: An interactive, relational communication perspective
Authors: Le Angelina Nhat Hanh , Do Ben Roy , Azizah Nurul , Dang Ryan Huu Phuc , Cheng Julian Ming Sung
Published: April 2018

An attempt is made to explore the predicting factors of the perception of product comments on word‐of‐mouth through social media (social‐WOM). The concept of the Social Information Processing theory is borrowed to develop a 4‐stage framework in which 4 determinants drive the 2 perceptions of sWOM product comments through 2 sequential intervening mediators. The field study is conducted in Taiwan. Survey data are collected from a sample of 408 participants. The findings show that, in a social media community, intimacy, dominance, and informality alleviate the perception of environmental uncertainty, which in turn stimulates the involvement of sWOM product comments; eventually, both the outcome variables of trustability and quality of these comments arise. Additionally, task orientation and intimacy and dominance are able to drive community members to perceive the 2 outcome perceptions through the direct pathway of involvement. Furthermore, environmental uncertainty is capable of straightforwardly evoking the quality of comments.
Discovery of Antimicrobial Lipodepsipeptides Produced by a Serratia sp. within Mosquito Microbiomes
Authors: Ganley Jack G. , Carr Gavin , Ioerger Thomas R. , Sacchettini James C. , Clardy Jon , Derbyshire Emily R.
Published: April 2018

The Anopheles mosquito that harbors the Plasmodium parasite contains a microbiota that can influence both the vector and the parasite. In recent years, insect‐associated microbes have highlighted the untapped potential of exploiting interspecies interactions to discover bioactive compounds. In this study, we report the discovery of nonribosomal lipodepsipeptides that are produced by a Serratia sp. within the midgut and salivary glands of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. The lipodepsipeptides, stephensiolides A–K, have antibiotic activity and facilitate bacterial surface motility. Bioinformatic analyses indicate that the stephensiolides are ubiquitous in nature and are likely important for Serratia spp. colonization within mosquitoes, humans, and other ecological niches. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of probing insect–microbiome interactions, enhance our understanding of the chemical ecology within Anopheles mosquitoes, and provide a secondary‐metabolite scaffold for further investigate of this complex relationship.
Graphene Supported Single Atom Transition Metal Catalysts for Methane Activation
Authors: Sahoo Sanjubala , Suib Steven L. , Alpay S. Pamir
Published: April 2018

Single‐atom catalysis is a relatively new concept to enhance catalytic activity of transition metal atoms through proper choice of support. The interest in such systems is due to the fact that both the quantum size effect and support‐catalyst interactions may lead to unique electronic structures that may enhance catalytic properties. This allows for the design of materials systems at the atomic scale, tailored for specific reactions. Utilizing this concept, we investigated theoretically free and graphene supported single transition metal (TM) Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Cu atoms for activation of methane and identified catalytically active centers through C−H bond cleavage. We employed here dispersion corrected density functional theory taking into account the generalized gradient approximation and exchange correlations. The results indicate that graphene supported TM systems display relatively low activation barriers for both TM‐adsorbed and embedded types of graphene supports compared to that of free TM‐methane systems. The reaction pathway for graphene‐supported systems is characterized by a single spin state thereby eliminating a multi‐state reactivity as observed for free TM‐methane systems. Our findings show that the interaction of three d‐orbitals (dxz, dyz and d
) with methane, their relative position, and occupancy play a key role in governing the catalytic activity of supported TM systems.
Direct Synthesis of Polycyclic Tropinones by a Condensation–[4+3]‐Cycloaddition Cascade Reaction
Authors: Okamoto Tsubasa , Shibata Miki , Karanjit Sangita , Nakayama Atsushi , Yoshida Masahiro , Namba Kosuke
Published: April 2018

A concise method of constructing polycyclic tropinone frameworks was developed. The single‐step synthesis of polycyclic tropinone consists of an intramolecular [4+3] cycloaddition reaction of N‐nosyl‐pyrrole with oxyallyl cation that was generated in situ by an intermolecular condensation reaction of the nucleophilic functional groups on a tethered pyrrole with the aldehyde of 2‐(silyloxy)‐acrolein. This cascade reaction afforded various polycyclic tropinones including tri‐, tetra‐, and pentacyclic systems in high yields as single diastereomers.
Recognition of patch testing among pharmacists
Authors: Kanazawa Azusa , Iwahashi Yuriko , Ohkusa Takehiro , Kasa Yurina , Hirano Yuni , Uno Hirokazu , Nakada Tokio
Published: April 2018

Background

There are currently little data available on the research targeted at pharmacists regarding dermatological diseases including contact dermatitis. This study evaluates recognition of contact dermatitis and patch testing among pharmacists.

Methods

Subjects were 104 pharmacists attended a seminar at Kawasaki, Japan, in January 2017. Ninety‐three of the 104 (89.4%) worked in a pharmacy. They completed a self‐administered questionnaire including working form, length of career as a pharmacist, encounters of contact dermatitis patients, patch testing, and its methodology.

Results

Ninety‐three of the 104 (89.4%) encountered patients with contact dermatitis. The most suspected allergen was a cosmetic which 59 pharmacists encountered. The second and third were, in that order, drugs (55) and plants (46), respectively. Ninety‐five of the 104 (91.3%) knew patch testing, and 28 of those (26.9%) had recommended it for patients; 28 of the 104 (21.2%) answered methodology of patch testing correctly.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that many patients with contact dermatitis visit pharmacies, and pharmacists play an important role for patients’ management. Although most pharmacists knew patch testing itself, its methodology was not correctly understood. For allergic contact dermatitis patients, it is important to identify the cause. Hence, we must enlighten pharmacists as to significance of patch testing.
Getting From ‘Me’ to ‘We’: Role Clarity, Team Process, and the Transition From Individual Knowledge to Shared Mental Models in Employee Dyads
Authors: Cassidy Scott A. , Stanley David J.
Published: April 2018

Shared mental models are crucial for team functioning; however, little research to date has focussed on uncovering the predictors of shared mental models. The present study investigates the effect of role clarity on shared mental models by means of its indirect effects via team process. Two hundred and two undergraduate students participated in a dyadic firefighting simulation in which their role clarity, team process, and mental model similarity were measured. Analyses conducted at the dyadic level suggest that role clarity predicts mental model similarity via its effects on team process. Copyright © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Locally optimal designs for binary dose‐response models
Authors: Zhai Yi , Fang Zhide
Published: April 2018

In this article, we consider the problem of seeking locally optimal designs for nonlinear dose‐response models with binary outcomes. Applying the theory of Tchebycheff Systems and other algebraic tools, we show that the locallyD‐,A‐, andc‐optimal designs for three binary dose‐response models are minimally supported in finite, closed design intervals. The methods to obtain such designs are presented along with examples. The efficiencies of these designs are also discussed.The Canadian Journal of Statistics 46: 336–354; 2018 © 2018 Statistical Society of Canada
Nucleophilic Substitution (SN2): Dependence on Nucleophile, Leaving Group, Central Atom, Substituents, and Solvent
Authors: Hamlin Trevor A. , Swart Marcel , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias
Published: April 2018

The front cover artwork is contributed by the groups of Prof. Dr. Marcel Swart (Universitat de Girona and ICREA) and Prof. Dr. F. Matthias Bickelhaupt (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Radboud University). The image shows a schematic potential energy surface associated with an archetypal bimolecular nucleophilic substitution (SN2) reaction. Read the full text of the Minireview at 10.1002/cphc.201701363.
Enabling Generalized Coordination Numbers to Describe Strain Effects
Authors: Calle‐Vallejo Federico , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S.
Published: April 2018

The world's growing energetic demand calls for efficient generation and interconversion of different types of energy. Heterogeneous catalysis can help cope with such demand, provided that rational, accurate and affordable design methods lead to the discovery of cost‐effective and efficient catalysts. Here we derive a simple descriptor to simultaneously capture two parameters commonly used in catalytic materials design: strain and coordination. We test the descriptor with four different adsorbates on four active sites of two metals, and applying strain in the range of ±3 %, usually observed experimentally at catalytic metal surfaces. Furthermore, we use the descriptor to illustrate catalyst design availing strain and nearest‐neighbor effects simultaneously for the oxygen reduction reaction, a reaction of high importance in fuel cells. The connection between coordination and strain helps in the search for robust yet rapid catalyst design methodologies.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in cervical cancer screening tests: A series of 8 cases and review of the literature
Authors: Elgert Paul A. , Yee‐Chang Melissa , Simsir Aylin
Published: April 2018

Objective

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a ubiquitous infection typically affecting over 50% of the US population by age 40. We report 8 cases of CMV infections detected in cervical cancer screening tests, the largest series of cases thus far reported in gynecologic cytology specimens.

Methods

A retrospective review of our pathology archival computer database was performed from January 1, 1994 through December 31, 2016 for CMV infections reported in cervical cytology specimens. The slides were retrieved for review if available.

Results

The eight patients ranged in age from 21‐46 years, with a median age of 27 years and average age of 29.5 years. Two patients were significantly immunocompromised with one patient having AIDS and one patient diagnosed with autoimmune disease. The remaining six patients are considered immunocompetent. Cases were identified most often in the fall and winter months (6 of 8 cases). Seven cases were found using Surepath Pap (SP) liquid‐based processing and one case was reported in a classic Papanicolaou smear (CPS).

Conclusion

There was no correlation of cytologic presentation of CMV with a distinct cytohormonal pattern or inflammatory constituents. Rare diagnostic cells with changes of CMV infection were seen in 75% of the cases. The presence of CMV did not usually result in adverse patient outcome, except where CMV was one of the multiple opportunistic infections detected in the patient with AIDS.
Estimating mortality rates among passerines caught for ringing with mist nets using data from previously ringed birds
Authors: Clewley Gary D. , Robinson Robert A. , Clark Jacquie A.
Published: April 2018

Mist netting is the most commonly used method for catching birds for scientific ringing, but despite decades of use, there have been few attempts to quantify the associated potential risks to the individuals caught. Any incidence of mortality through capture and handling, however low, is of potential ethical concern and may also introduce biases into the data. We estimate the mortality rate associated with capture of previously ringed (recaptured) passerines from the British and Irish Ringing Scheme (c. 1.5 million records) caught using mist nets. The importance of species, age, mass, month, time, previous captures, and an index of predator occurrence was tested using generalized linear mixed‐effects models. The average mortality rate was 0.0011, most of which was reported to occur before the individuals had been extracted from the nets (c. 70% of incidents). Juveniles appeared to be at higher risk and the incidence of predation from mist nets was seasonal, with increased risk during the winter. Species differed in their reported mortality rates with the apparent risk being greatest for Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita (0.0029) and Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula (0.0027). To improve our understanding (and hence minimize risk in future), we recommend collecting more complete data on incidences of mortality, and also injuries; exercising increased care when the species we have identified as being at greater risk are likely to be captured, and ensuring there are robust procedures for the checking of nets (as most reported incidents of mortality occur before handling). We also recommend that all Ringing Schemes should collate and make available data on capture‐related mortality. Overall rates of mortality associated with capture, although, were low and support the use of mist netting as a safe capture technique, without undue bias from mortality, when used by appropriately trained individuals.
Canopy bird assemblages are less influenced by habitat age and isolation than understory bird assemblages in Neotropical secondary forest
Authors: Bradfer‐Lawrence Tom , Gardner Nick , Dent Daisy H.
Published: April 2018

Secondary forest habitats are increasingly recognized for their potential to conserve biodiversity in the tropics. However, the development of faunal assemblages in secondary forest systems varies according to habitat quality and species‐specific traits. In this study, we predicted that the recovery of bird assemblages is dependent on secondary forest age and level of isolation, the forest stratum examined, and the species’ traits of feeding guild and body mass. This study was undertaken in secondary forests in central Panama; spanning a chronosequence of 60‐, 90‐, and 120‐year‐old forests, and in neighboring old‐growth forest. To give equal attention to all forest strata, we employed a novel method that paired simultaneous surveys in canopy and understory. This survey method provides a more nuanced picture than ground‐based studies, which are biased toward understory assemblages. Bird reassembly varied according to both habitat age and isolation, although it was challenging to separate these effects, as the older sites were also more isolated than the younger sites. In combination, habitat age and isolation impacted understory birds more than canopy‐dwelling birds. Proportions of dietary guilds did not vary with habitat age, but were significantly different between strata. Body mass distributions were similar across forest ages for small‐bodied birds, but older forest supported more large‐bodied birds, probably due to control of poaching at these sites. Canopy assemblages were characterized by higher species richness, and greater variation in both dietary breadth and body mass, relative to understory assemblages. The results highlight that secondary forests may offer critical refugia for many bird species, particularly specialist canopy‐dwellers. However, understory bird species may be less able to adapt to novel and isolated habitats and should be the focus of conservation efforts encouraging bird colonization of secondary forests.
Different patterns of colonization of Oxalis alpina in the Sky Islands of the Sonoran desert via pollen and seed flow
Authors: Pérez‐Alquicira Jessica , Weller Stephen G. , Domínguez César A. , Molina‐Freaner Francisco E. , Tsyusko Olga V.
Published: April 2018

Historical factors such as climatic oscillations during the Pleistocene epoch have dramatically impacted species distributions. Studies of the patterns of genetic structure in angiosperm species using molecular markers with different modes of inheritance contribute to a better understanding of potential differences in colonization and patterns of gene flow via pollen and seeds. These markers may also provide insights into the evolution of reproductive systems in plants. Oxalis alpina is a tetraploid, herbaceous species inhabiting the Sky Island region of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Our main objective in this study was to analyze the influence of climatic oscillations on the genetic structure of O. alpina and the impact of these oscillations on the evolutionary transition from tristylous to distylous reproductive systems. We used microsatellite markers and compared our results to a previous study using chloroplast genetic markers. The phylogeographic structure inferred by both markers was different, suggesting that intrinsic characteristics including the pollination system and seed dispersal have influenced patterns of gene flow. Microsatellites exhibited low genetic structure, showed no significant association between geographic and genetic distances, and all individual genotypes were assigned to two main groups. In contrast, chloroplast markers exhibited a strong association between geographic and genetic distance, had higher levels of genetic differentiation, and were assigned to five groups. Both types of DNA markers showed evidence of a northward expansion as a consequence of climate warming occurring in the last 10,000 years. The data from both types of markers support the hypothesis for several independent transitions from tristyly to distyly.
Lifting the veil: richness measurements fail to detect systematic biodiversity change over three decades
Authors: Larsen Stefano , Chase Jonathan M. , Durance Isabelle , Ormerod Steve J.
Published: April 2018

While there is widespread recognition of human involvement in biodiversity loss globally, at smaller spatial extents, the effects are less clear. One reason is that local effects are obscured by the use of summary biodiversity variables, such as species richness, that provide only limited insight into complex biodiversity change. Here, we use 30 yr of invertebrate data from a metacommunity of 10 streams in Wales, UK, combined with regional surveys, to examine temporal changes in multiple biodiversity measures at local, metacommunity, and regional scales. There was no change in taxonomic or functional α‐diversity and spatial β‐diversity metrics at any scale over the 30‐yr time series, suggesting a relative stasis in the system and no evidence for on‐going homogenization. However, temporal changes in mean species composition were evident. Two independent approaches to estimate species niche breadth showed that compositional changes were associated with a systematic decline in mean community specialization. Estimates of species‐specific local extinction and immigration probabilities suggested that this decline was linked to lower recolonization rates of specialists, rather than greater local extinction rates. Our results reveal the need for caution in implying stasis from patterns in α‐diversity and spatial β‐diversity measures that might mask non‐random biodiversity changes over time. We also show how different but complementary approaches to estimate niche breadth and functional distinctness of species can reveal long‐term trends in community homogenization likely to be important to conservation and ecosystem function.
A critical review of the environmental occurrence and potential effects in aquatic vertebrates of the potent androgen receptor agonist 17β-trenbolone
Authors: Ankley Gerald T. , Coady Katherine K. , Gross Melanie , Holbech Henrik , Levine Steven L. , Maack Gerd , Williams Mike
Published: April 2018

Trenbolone acetate is widely used in some parts of the world for its desirable anabolic effects on livestock. Several metabolites of the acetate, including 17β-trenbolone, have been detected at low nanograms per liter concentrations in surface waters associated with animal feedlots. The 17β-trenbolone isomer can affect androgen receptor signaling pathways in various vertebrate species at comparatively low concentrations/doses. The present article provides a comprehensive review and synthesis of the existing literature concerning exposure to and biological effects of 17β-trenbolone, with an emphasis on potential risks to aquatic animals. In vitro studies indicate that, although 17β-trenbolone can activate several nuclear hormone receptors, its highest affinity is for the androgen receptor in all vertebrate taxa examined, including fish. Exposure of fish to nanograms per liter water concentrations of 17β-trenbolone can cause changes in endocrine function in the short term, and adverse apical effects in longer exposures during development and reproduction. Impacts on endocrine function typically are indicative of inappropriate androgen receptor signaling, such as changes in sex steroid metabolism, impacts on gonadal stage, and masculinization of females. Exposure of fish to 17β-trenbolone during sexual differentiation in early development can greatly skew sex ratios, whereas adult exposures can adversely impact fertility and fecundity. To fully assess ecosystem-level risks, additional research is warranted to address uncertainties as to the degree/breadth of environmental exposures and potential population-level effects of 17β-trenbolone in sensitive species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2064–2078. Published 2018 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
A Robust Microservice Architecture for Scaling Automated Scoring Applications
Authors: Madnani Nitin , Cahill Aoife , Blanchard Daniel , Andreyev Slava , Napolitano Diane , Gyawali Binod , Heilman Michael , Lee Chong Min , Leong Chee Wee , Mulholland Matthew , Riordan Brian
Published: April 2018

We present a microservice architecture for large‐scale automated scoring applications. Our architecture builds on the open‐source Apache Storm framework and facilitates the development of robust, scalable automated scoring applications that can easily be extended and customized. We demonstrate our architecture with an application for automated content scoring.
Elucidation of the developmental mechanism of ovarian mature cystic teratomas using B allele‐frequency plots of single nucleotide polymorphism array data
Authors: Usui Hirokazu , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Kaku Hiroshi , Maehara Kayoko , Hata Kenichiro , Shozu Makio
Published: April 2018

Ovarian mature cystic teratomas (MCTs) originate from post‐meiotic germ cells. Conventional methods such as karyotyping or short tandem repeat‐polymorphism analysis may be used to better classify MCTs, although such data would be insufficient. The aim of this study was to elucidate the origin of ovarian MCTs using B allele‐frequency (BAF) plots of single nucleotide polymorphism array data. MCTs can be classified in terms of the zygosity of the centromeres and distal chromosome regions. We evaluated the zygosity of all chromosomes from 38 MCT specimens using BAF plot data. BAF plots were used to determine the homozygous and heterozygous regions over the whole genome. Theoretically, MCTs originated from the fusion of two ova (previously referred to as type V MCTs) should have a mixed pattern of centromeric zygosity, that is, a combination of heterozygous and homozygous regions in the centromeric regions. However, no MCTs in this study met this criterion. We identified 13 type I MCTs, 14 type II MCTs, and 11 type III MCTs. In addition, BAF plots facilitated the construction of recombination maps at the whole‐genome level for type I and II MCTs. No crossover, especially in the short arms, contributed to the failure of meiosis I, resulting in type I MCTs. Crossover in all arms might assure the normal progress of meiosis in human oocytes. In conclusion, our findings indicate that BAF plots can elucidate the developmental mechanism of MCTs, and further serve as useful analytical tools for analyzing human oocyte meiosis, and related aberrations.
CIC‐NUTM1 fusion: A case which expands the spectrum of NUT‐rearranged epithelioid malignancies
Authors: Schaefer Inga‐Marie , Dal Cin Paola , Landry Latrice M. , Fletcher Christopher D. M. , Hanna Glenn J. , French Christopher A.
Published: April 2018

NUT carcinoma (NC) shows very aggressive clinical behavior, occurs predominantly in the thorax and head and neck region of children and adults, and is defined by the presence of NUT (aka NUTM1) rearrangement, mostly BRD4‐NUTM1 fusion resulting from t(15;19)(q13; p13.1). So‐called “NUT variants” harbor alternate fusions between NUTM1 and BRD3, NSD3, ZNF532, or unknown partners. Rare cases of pediatric tumors with CIC‐NUTM1 fusion were recently reported in somatic soft tissue, brain, and kidney. However, such cases have not been identified in adult patients and the presence of a fusion between CIC, characteristic of CIC‐rearranged sarcoma, and NUTM1—a defining feature of NC—poses a diagnostic challenge. We herein report a case of malignant epithelioid neoplasm with myoepithelial features harboring CIC‐NUTM1 fusion arising in soft tissue of the head in a 60‐year‐old man. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong expression of NUT, but only weak ETV4 staining and negativity for keratins, EMA, p40, CD99, and WT1. SMARCB1 expression was retained. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and targeted next‐generation sequencing identified a CIC‐NUTM1 fusion resulting from t(15;19)(q14;q13.2). In light of morphologic features that overlap with those of NC from typical anatomical sites we have seen previously, the tumor was best classified as falling within the NC spectrum rather than CIC‐associated sarcoma. This case highlights the emerging diagnostic challenges generated by newly detected gene fusions of unknown clinical and biologic significance. Careful integration of cytogenetic, molecular, and immunohistochemical findings with morphologic appearances in the diagnostic workup of undifferentiated neoplasms is essential.
Hepatic iron concentration correlates with insulin sensitivity in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Britton Laurence , Bridle Kim , Reiling Janske , Santrampurwala Nishreen , Wockner Leesa , Ching Helena , Stuart Katherine , Subramaniam V. Nathan , Jeffrey Gary , St. Pierre Tim , House Michael , Gummer Joel , Trengove Robert , Olynyk John , Crawford Darrell , Adams Leon
Published: April 2018

Rodent and cell‐culture models support a role for iron‐related adipokine dysregulation and insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, substantial human data are lacking. We examined the relationship between measures of iron status, adipokines, and insulin resistance in patients with NAFLD in the presence and absence of venesection. This study forms part of the Impact of Iron on Insulin Resistance and Liver Histology in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (IIRON2) study, a prospective randomized controlled trial of venesection for adults with NAFLD. Paired serum samples at baseline and 6 months (end of treatment) in controls (n = 28) and patients who had venesection (n = 23) were assayed for adiponectin, leptin, resistin, retinol binding protein‐4, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin‐6, using a Quantibody, customized, multiplexed enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay array. Hepatic iron concentration (HIC) was determined using MR FerriScan. Unexpectedly, analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between baseline serum adiponectin concentration and HIC, which strengthened after correction for age, sex, and body mass index (rho = 0.36; P = 0.007). In addition, there were significant inverse correlations between HIC and measures of insulin resistance (adipose tissue insulin resistance (Adipo‐IR), serum insulin, serum glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, hemoglobin A1c, and hepatic steatosis), whereas a positive correlation was noted with the insulin sensitivity index. Changes in serum adipokines over 6 months did not differ between the control and venesection groups. Conclusion: HIC positively correlates with serum adiponectin and insulin sensitivity in patients with NAFLD. Further study is required to establish causality and mechanistic explanations for these associations and their relevance in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and NAFLD. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:644‐653)
Rigidity of the far‐right? Motivated social cognition in a nationally representative sample of Hungarians on the eve of the far‐right breakthrough in the 2010 elections
Authors: Lönnqvist Jan‐Erik , Szabó Zsolt Péter , Kelemen Laszlo
Published: April 2018

We investigated the “rigidity of the right” hypothesis in the context of the far‐right breakthrough in the 2010 Hungarian parliamentary elections. This hypothesis suggests that psychological characteristics having to do with need for security and certainty attract people to a broad‐based right‐wing ideology. A nationally representative sample (N = 1000) in terms of age, gender and place of residence was collected by means of the random walking method and face‐to‐face interviews. Voters of JOBBIK (n = 124), the radically nationalist conservative far‐right party, scored lower on System Justifying Belief, Belief in a Just World (Global) and higher on Need for Cognition than other voters. Our results contradict the “rigidity of the right” hypothesis: JOBBIK voters scored, on many measures, opposite to what the hypothesis would predict.
A Pentagonal Pyramid Model for Differentiation in Literacy Instruction Across the Disciplines
Authors: Jang Bong Gee , Henretty Dawnelle , Waymouth Heather
Published: April 2018

To create an atmosphere that encourages student involvement and develops lifelong learners, educators are finding that differentiated instruction provides a viable framework. Typically, students who populate modern classrooms have diverse interests, varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and an assortment of literacy skill levels. Many are familiar with technology and at ease with different modalities of texts (e.g., print, digital). The authors offer a comprehensive approach, a pentagonal pyramid model, that specifically addresses adolescent learners’ needs and reflects their nuanced sociocultural contexts. The authors believe that this model can serve as an effective and practical tool for differentiation in literacy instruction across the disciplines. The model can accommodate the entire spectrum of students, incorporating technology and multiple texts and valuing different literacy levels, motivation, and cultural and linguistic backgrounds, when planning, implementing, and assessing instruction.
Noninvasive photoacoustic and fluorescent tracking of optical dye labeled T cellular activities of diseased sites at new depth
Authors: Zheng Shuai , Li Honghui , Lai Kejiong , Chen Maomao , Fu Guofeng , Liu Wen‐Hsien , Fu Guo , Nie Liming
Published: April 2018

The migration of immune cells is crucial to the immune response. Visualization of these processes has previously been limited because of the imaging depth. We developed a deep‐penetrating, sensitive and high‐resolution method to use fast photoacoustic tomography (PAT) to image the dynamic changes of T cells in lymph node and diseases at new depth (up to 9.5 mm). T cells labeled with NIR‐797‐isothiocyanate, an excellent near‐infrared photoacoustic and fluorescent agent, were intravenously injected to the mice. We used fluorescence imaging to determine the location of T cells roughly and photoacoustic imaging is used to observe T‐cell responses in diseased sites deeply and carefully. The dynamic changes of T cells in lymph node, acute disease (bacterial infection) and chronic disease (tumor) were observed noninvasively by photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging at different time points. T cells accumulated gradually and reached a maximum at 4 hours and declined afterwards in lymph node and bacterial infection site. At tumor model, T cells immigrated to the tumor with a maximum at 12 hours. Our study can not only provide a new observing method for immune activities tracking, but also enable continuous monitoring for therapeutic interventions.
Perivascular scaffolds loaded with adipose tissue‐derived stromal cells attenuate development and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm in rats
Authors: Parvizi M. , Petersen A. H. , van Spreuwel‐Goossens C. A. F. M. , Kluijtmans S. G. J. M. , Harmsen M. C.
Published: April 2018

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is the pathological dilation and weakening of the abdominal aorta wall. Inflammation, degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and loss of smooth muscle cells and skewing of their function are pivotal in AAA pathology. We developed a recombinant collagen‐based patch (RCP) to provide structural integrity and deliver Adipose tissue‐Derived Stromal Cells (ASC) for repair. Patches supported adhesion and function as well as proliferation of ASC. ASC‐loaded RCPs or bare patches, applied around the aorta after AAA induction in rats, both maintained structural integrity of the aortic wall at time of explant (2w). However, wall thinning, accompanied by loss of elastin fibers and loss of medial SMC, was only attenuated in ASC‐loaded RCP‐treated AAA rats. Interestingly, this coincided with migration of ASC into the media and a reduced influx of macrophages. We hypothesize that the medially‐migrated ASC dampened or skewed the adverse innate immunity and thus suppressed SMC apoptosis, phenotypic skewing and elastin degradation. We conclude that the periadventitial delivery of ASC with RCP suppresses development and progression of AAA, which is has an expected future clinical benefit in combination with an appropriate early screening program of patients at risk for aneurysms. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A:2494–2506, 2018.
Associations Between Lean Mass, Muscle Strength and Power, and Skeletal Size, Density and Strength in Older Men
Authors: Chalhoub Didier , Boudreau Robert , Greenspan Susan , Newman Anne B , Zmuda Joseph , Frank-Wilson Andrew W , Nagaraj Nayana , Hoffman Andrew R , Lane Nancy E , Stefanick Marcia L , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Dam Tien , Cawthon Peggy M , Orwoll Eric S , Cauley Jane A ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study Research Group
Published: April 2018

Studies examining the relationship between muscle parameters and bone strength have not included multiple muscle measurements and/or both central and peripheral skeletal parameters. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between lean mass, muscle strength and power, and skeletal size, bone density, and bone strength. We studied the association between appendicular lean mass (ALM), grip strength, and leg power, and central quantitative computed tomography (QCT) parameters in 2857 men aged 65 years or older; peripheral QCT was available on a subset (n = 786). ALM, grip strength, and leg power were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), Jamar dynamometer, and the Nottingham Power Rig, respectively. Multivariable models adjusting for potential confounders including age, race, study site, BMI, and muscle measurements were developed and least squares means were generated from linear regression models. For the multivariable model, percent differences of bone parameters between lowest (Q1) and highest quartiles (Q4) of ALM, grip strength, and leg power were reported. ALM was significantly associated with central and peripheral QCT parameters: percent higher values (Q4 versus Q1) ranging from 3.3% (cortical volumetric bone mineral density [vBMD] of the femoral neck) to 31% (vertebral strength index of the spine). Grip strength was only significantly associated with radial parameters: percent higher values (Q4 versus Q1) ranging from 2.5% (periosteal circumference) to 7.5% (33% axial strength index [SSIx]). Leg power was associated with vertebral strength and lower cross-sectional area with percent lower values (Q4 versus Q1) of –11.9% and –2.7%, respectively. In older men, stronger associations were observed for ALM compared to muscle strength and power. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine the relationship between independent changes in muscle measurements and skeletal size, density and strength. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Estimations of energy of noncovalent bonding from integrals over interatomic zero‐flux surfaces: Correlation trends and beyond
Authors: Romanova Anna , Lyssenko Konstantin , Ananyev Ivan
Published: April 2018

Bonding energies of 50 associates composed by neutral molecules (atoms) and bounded by various weak noncovalent interactions are calculated within the DFT framework using the PBE0/aug‐cc‐pVTZ combination. The electronic virial and electron density values at bond critical points together with their integrals over interatomic surfaces are tested to check their ability to estimate bonding energies. Two correlations schemes dealing with integrals over interatomic surface are suggested to estimate bonding energy of any noncovalent interaction. The physical meaning of explored and several known correlations is discussed. Methods to estimate interatomic surface integrals of electronic virial and electron density are proposed. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.