bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High ubiquitin‐specific protease 44 expression induces DNA aneuploidy and provides independent prognostic information in gastric cancer
Authors: Nishimura Sho , Oki Eiji , Ando Koji , Iimori Makoto , Nakaji Yu , Nakashima Yuichiro , Saeki Hiroshi , Oda Yoshinao , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: May 2017

Chromosomal instability (CIN), characterized by aneuploidy, is a major molecular subtype of gastric cancer. The deubiquitinase USP44 is an important regulator of APC activation in the spindle checkpoint and leads to proper chromosome separation to prevent aneuploidy. Aberrant expression of USP44 leads CIN in cells; however, the correlation between USP44 and DNA aneuploidy in gastric cancer is largely unknown. We analyzed USP44 expression in 207 patients with gastric cancer by immunohistochemistry and found that the proportion of USP44 expression was higher in gastric cancer tumors (mean, 39.6%) than in gastric normal mucosa (mean, 14.6%) (P < 0.0001). DNA aneuploidy was observed in 124 gastric cancer cases and high USP44 expression in cancer strongly correlated with DNA aneuploidy (P = 0.0005). The overall survival was significantly poorer in the high USP44 expression group compared with the low USP44 group (P = 0.033). Notably, USP44 expression had no prognostic impact in the diploid subgroup; however, high USP44 expression was a strong poor prognostic factor for progression‐free survival (P = 0.018) and overall survival (P = 0.036) in the aneuploid subgroup. We also confirmed that stable overexpression of USP44 induced somatic copy‐number aberrations in hTERT‐RPE‐1 cells (50.6%) in comparison with controls (6.6%) (P < 0.0001). Collectively, our data show USP44 has clinical impact on the induction of DNA aneuploidy and poor prognosis in the CIN gastric cancer subtype.
p62/sequestosome 1 in human colorectal carcinoma as a potent prognostic predictor associated with cell proliferation
Authors: Nakayama Shun , Karasawa Hideaki , Suzuki Takashi , Yabuuchi Shinichi , Takagi Kiyoshi , Aizawa Takashi , Onodera Yoshiaki , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Watanabe Mika , Fujishima Fumiyoshi , Yoshida Hiroshi , Morikawa Takanori , Sase Tomohiko , Naitoh Takeshi , Unno Michiaki , Sasano Hironobu
Published: May 2017

p62/sequestosome 1 (p62) is a multi‐domain protein that functions as a receptor for ubiquitinated targets in the selective autophagy and serves as a scaffold in various signaling cascades. p62 have been reported to be up‐regulated in several human malignancies, but the biological roles and significance of p62 are still poorly understood in colorectal carcinoma. We immunohistochemically evaluated p62 in 118 colorectal adenocarcinoma and 28 colorectal adenoma cases. We used four colon carcinoma cells (HCT8, HT29, COLO320, and SW480) in the in vitro studies. p62 immunoreactivity was detected in 11% of colorectal adenoma cases and 31% of adenocarcinoma cases, while it was negligible in the normal epithelium. The immunohistochemical p62 status was significantly associated with synchronous liver metastasis, and it turned out to be an independent adverse prognostic factor in colorectal cancer patients. Following in vitro studies revealed that HCT8 and HT29 cells transfected with p62‐specific siRNA showed significantly decreased cell proliferation activity, whereas COLO320 and SW480 cells transfected with p62 expression plasmid showed significantly increased cell proliferation activity. The p62‐mediated cell proliferation was not associated with the autophagy activity. These findings suggest that p62 promotes the cell proliferation mainly as a scaffold protein, and that the p62 status is a potent prognostic factor in colorectal carcinoma patients.
MicroRNA‐141‐3p targets DAPK1 and inhibits apoptosis in rat ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Li Dandan , Xu Duo , Xu Ying , Chen Lu , Li Chunjin , Dai Xiaowei , Zhang Lili , Zheng Lianwen
Published: May 2017

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and heterogeneous endocrine disorder. MicroRNAs negatively regulate the expression of target genes at posttranscriptional level by binding to the 3′ untranslated region of target genes. Our previous study showed that miR‐141‐3p was dramatically decreased in the ovaries of rat PCOS models. In this study, we aimed to characterize the target of miR‐141‐3p in rat ovarian granulosa cells. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐Yl)‐2,5‐Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay showed that cell viability was dramatically increased when miR‐141‐3p was overexpressed but was decreased when miR‐141‐3p was interfered. Flow cytometry showed that cell apoptotic rate was dramatically decreased when miR‐141‐3p was overexpressed but was increased when miR‐141‐3p was interfered. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that death‐associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) might be the target gene of miR‐141‐3p because the 3′ untranslated region of DAPK1 contains sequences complementary to microRNA‐141‐3p. Transfection with miR‐141‐3p mimics and inhibitor into granulosa cells showed that both DAPK1 mRNA and protein levels were negatively correlated with miR‐141‐3p level. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay established that DAPK1 was the target of miR‐141‐3p. Taken together, our data indicate that miR‐141‐3p may inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis via targeting DAPK1 and is involved in the etiology of PCOS.
Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis Bifunctional Catalysts: Cobalt Supported on 3D Mesoporous Cellular Silica Foams Assembled by Using ZSM‐5 Seeds
Authors: Wei Liang , Zhao Yanxi , Zhang Yuhua , Liu Chengchao , Hong Jingping , Xiao Qi , Xiong Haifeng , Li Jinlin
Published: May 2017

Mesoporous cellular silica foams (MCF) have 3D pore networks in which large spherical cell pores interconnect with small window pores. This novel characteristic provides an open pore structure that favors the accessibility of reactants and mass transfer in reactions. In this work, MCF was functionalized by assembling ZSM‐5 seeds to improve the acidity and the ZSM seed was found to disperse in the MCF structure homogeneously (MCF‐Z). The obtained MCF‐Z materials showed high surface acidity and were then used as supports for cobalt Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) bifunctional catalysts (20 wt % Co). Compared with Co/MCF catalyst, the Co/MCF‐Z catalysts showed higher CO conversion and improved durability in FTS at 260 °C and 1.0 MPa. Moreover, on increasing the amount of ZSM‐5 seed, the activity of Co/MCF‐Z catalysts gradually increased and then decreased. Co/MCF‐Z catalyst assembled with the highest amount of ZSM‐5 seed (Al/Si=1.5 %, molar ratio) exhibited the lowest deactivation rate, which was owing to the superior stability of the MCF‐Z support and an increased interaction between cobalt and MCF‐Z. The Co/MCF‐Z bifunctional catalyst showed higher iso‐paraffin/n‐paraffin ratios, higher olefin/paraffin ratios as well as lower C2–C4 alcohol selectivity in comparison to Co/MCF catalyst. For the Co/MCF‐Z catalyst, the decrease in space velocity led to hydrocarbon selectivity shifting toward middle distillate products.
Synthesis of Polyoxymethylene Dimethyl Ethers Catalyzed by Pyrrolidinonium‐Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Yang Zhenyu , Hu Yufeng , Ma Weiting , Qi Jianguang , Zhang Xianming
Published: May 2017

Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (PODEn) are widely applied as diesel additives in engines. Ionic liquids (ILs) replace traditional liquid acids as catalysts in chemical processes. A series of pyrrolidinonium‐based Brønsted acidity ILs were synthesized, investigated, and employed as catalysts for the synthesis of PODEn from methylal and trioxane for the first time. The Hammett function values were measured to uncover the connection between catalytic performance and acidity‐activity of the ILs considered. The optimal experimental conditions for the synthesis of PODEn were determined. The maximum values of both the conversion of raw material and the selectivity of PODE3–8 were obtained with 1‐octyl‐2‐pyrrolidinonium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([NOP][TFO]) as the catalyst. [NOP][TFO] provides greater selectivity of PODE3–4 than the traditional catalysts such as H2SO4 and CF3SO3H.
Noninnocent β‐Diiminate Ligands: Redox Activity of a Bis(alkylimidazole)methane Ligand in Cobalt and Zinc Complexes
Authors: Ghosh Pradip , Naastepad Richard , Riemersma Charl F. , Lutz Martin , Moret Marc‐Etienne , Klein Gebbink Robertus J. M.
Published: May 2017

A new β‐diiminate ligand (the bis(1‐methyl‐4,5‐diphenyl‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)methane anion, BMIMPh2−) is introduced, in which the ligand framework bears an extended imidazole‐based π‐system in conjugation with a formal β‐diketiminates (NacNac) backbone. Bis‐ligated transition metal complexes (Co, Zn) featuring this anionic ligand undergo a series of four consecutive single‐electron oxidations that are all ligand‐based. The singly and doubly oxidized complexes can be synthesized on a preparative scale and have been fully characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. This is in sharp contrast to the corresponding NacNac‐based complexes in which only singly oxidized complexes were isolated and characterized. Single crystal X‐ray structure determination revealed a correlation between the intra‐ligand metrical parameters and the oxidation state of BMIMPh2−. These structural changes in the ligand framework make BMIMPh2− as a perceptible non‐innocent ligand in contrast to NacNac type ligands.
From Ligand to Phosphor: Rapid, Machine‐Assisted Synthesis of Substituted Iridium(III) Pyrazolate Complexes with Tuneable Luminescence
Authors: Groves Lara M. , Schotten Christiane , Beames Joseph , Platts James A. , Coles Simon J. , Horton Peter N. , Browne Duncan L. , Pope Simon J. A.
Published: May 2017

A first‐generation machine‐assisted approach towards the preparation of hybrid ligand/metal materials has been developed. A comparison of synthetic approaches demonstrates that incorporation of both flow chemistry and microwave heating can be successfully applied to the rapid synthesis of a range of new phenyl‐1H‐pyrazoles (ppz) substituted with electron‐withdrawing groups (−F, −CF3, −OCF3, and −SF5). These, in turn, can be translated into heteroleptic complexes, [Ir(ppz)2(bipy)]BF4 (bipy=2,2′‐bipyridine). Microwave‐assisted synthesis for the IrIII complexes allows isolation of spectroscopically pure species in less than 1 h of reaction time starting from IrCl3. All of the new complexes have been characterised photophysically (including nanosecond time‐resolved transient absorption spectroscopy), electrochemically, and by TD‐DFT studies. The complexes exhibit ligand‐dependent, tuneable, green‐yellow luminescence (500–560 nm), with quantum yields in the range 5–15 %.
Dual‐Responsive Molecular Switches Based on Dithienylethene–RuII Organometallics in Self‐Assembled Monolayers Operating at Low Voltage
Authors: Mulas Andrea , He Xiaoyan , Hervault Yves‐Marie , Norel Lucie , Rigaut Stéphane , Lagrost Corinne
Published: May 2017

Two carbon‐rich ruthenium complexes bearing a dithienylethene (DTE) unit and a hexylthiol spacer were designed to be attached on gold surfaces. Both compounds display photochemically driven switching properties, allowing reversible conversion from open to closed forms of the DTE units upon irradiation in solution. In contrast, only the bimetallic complex undergoes an efficient electrochemical ring closure at low potential, (0.5 V vs. SCE), whereas the monometallic complex shows a simple one‐electron reversible redox event. These appealing switching properties could be successfully transferred within diluted self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs). Furthermore, the two immobilized organometallics exhibit fast electron‐transfer kinetics. Therefore, this organometallic strategy allows us to obtain multifunctional surfaces with the possibility of combining switching events triggered by an electrochemical oxidation at low potential and by light at distinct wavelengths for a write‐and‐erase function, along with an access to different oxidation states. Importantly, a non‐destructive electrochemical read‐out is achieved at a sufficiently high scan rate that prevents any electrochemical closing. On the whole, the two surface‐confined organometallic compounds exhibit appealing properties for application in molecular electronics.
Photo‐Responsive Soft Ionic Crystals: Ion‐Pairing Assemblies of Azobenzene Carboxylates
Authors: Yamakado Ryohei , Hara Mitsuo , Nagano Shusaku , Seki Takahiro , Maeda Hiromitsu
Published: May 2017

This report delineates the design and synthesis of negatively charged azobenzene derivatives that form photo‐responsive ion‐pairing assemblies. The azobenzene carboxylates possessing aliphatic chains were prepared as photo‐responsive anions that promote the formation of ion‐pairing dimension‐controlled assemblies, including mesophases, when used in conjunction with a tetrabutylammonium (TBA) cation. The photo‐responsive properties of the ion pairs and the precursory carboxylic acids in the bulk state were examined by polarized optical microscopy (POM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), demonstrating that liquid crystal (LC)–liquid and crystal–liquid phase transitions occurred, depending on the number and lengths of the aliphatic chains of each assembly. An ion pair exhibited photo‐induced crystal–crystal phase transitions upon switching between two irradiation wavelengths (365/436 nm).
The Role of Water in the Catalyst‐Free Aldol Reaction of Water‐Insoluble N‐Methyl‐2,4‐thiazolidinedione with N‐Methylisatin from QM/MM Monte Carlo Simulations
Authors: Zhao Jianming , He Fen , Zhang Fan , Yang Xin , Tian Zhiyue , Xue Ying
Published: May 2017

The role of water in the uncatalyzed aldol reaction of N‐methyl‐2,4‐thiazolidinedione with N‐methylisatin is investigated through Monte Carlo statistical mechanics simulations that utilize free energy perturbation theory and the mixed quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics (QM/MM) model with PDDG/PM3 for the QM method in “on‐water” and DMSO environments. There are several conceivable orientations between thiazolidinedione and isatin in the process of C−C bond formation. However, the formation of the C−C bond takes place between the re face of isatin and the si face of (E)‐enol of the thiazolidinedione to form the preferred anti‐type product, which results from enhanced hydrogen‐bonding interactions between water molecules and the oxygen atoms undergoing bond breakage and bond formation during the reaction. Novel insights into the effect of water on the aldol reaction are presented herein.
Activation of Ternary Transition Metal Chalcogenide Basal Planes through Chemical Strain for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Kim Yongshin , Tiwari Anand P. , Prakash Om , Lee Hyoyoung
Published: May 2017

Catalytically inactive basal planes pose challenges for the efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in two‐dimensional (2 D) transition metal chalcogenide (TMC) nanosheets. Herein, a new hybrid structure is reported in which zero‐dimensional TMC nanodots (NDs) are decorated on the basal planes of 2 D nanosheets of TMCs to enhance their catalytic activity towards the HER process. A novel process is developed to fabricate a hybrid Cu2MoS4 (2 D ternary transition metal chalcogenide Cu2MoS4 nanosheets)/MoSe2 (0 D binary transition metal chalcogenide MoSe2 ND) nanostructure by controlling the size of the MoSe2 NDs to enhance the HER activity. In acidic media, this optimal hybrid Cu2MoS4/MoSe2 nanostructure achieves excellent catalytic activity for HER, which exhibits a low overpotential of 166 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, which corresponds to a Tafel slope of 74.7 mV dec−1. In addition, the synthesized hybrid nanostructure shows excellent stability when under acidic medium for 16 h of continuous electrolysis. Therefore, it is suggested that our strategy may open a new path for the design of hybrid nanostructures by using ternary transition metal chalcogenides (TTMCs) with binary transition metal chalcogenides (BTMCs) for alternative non‐noble metal catalysts towards HER.
Aliphatic‐Alcohol‐Induced Opaque‐to‐Transparent Transformation and Application of Solubility Theory in a Bis‐Dipeptide‐Based Supramolecular Gel
Authors: Xiao Tingting , Zhang Xiaoyang , Wu Jingyu , Yang Jiazhi , Yang Yong
Published: May 2017

A bis‐dipeptide supramolecular gelator (DMPV) is prepared, based on l‐valine moieties having a pyridinyl group and a long fatty diamine. It is found that the gelator can immobilize organic/water binary mixed solvents, and gel‐to‐gel transitions with unprecedented opaque‐to‐transparent transformations are observed upon using aliphatic alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, 1‐propyl alcohol, and isopropanol as the organic components. Morphological investigations indicate that a reassembly process occurs, and microstructure evolutions from agglomerates to nanofibers are observed. Opaque and transparent assemblies can interconvert, and respond and restore under mechanical force and pH stimuli. Moreover, Hansen and Flory–Huggins parameters are used to investigate the effect of the solvent on the gelation performance of DMPV. This may facilitate the structure and solvent optimizations and aid the development of advanced gel systems.
Amphoteric Ion‐Exchange Membranes with Significantly Improved Vanadium Barrier Properties for All‐Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Nibel Olga , Rojek Tomasz , Schmidt Thomas J. , Gubler Lorenz
Published: May 2017

All‐vanadium redox flow batteries (VRBs) have attracted considerable interest as promising energy‐storage devices that can allow the efficient utilization of renewable energy sources. The membrane, which separates the porous electrodes in a redox flow cell, is one of the key components in VRBs. High rates of crossover of vanadium ions and water through the membrane impair the efficiency and capacity of a VRB. Thus, membranes with low permeation rate of vanadium species and water are required, also characterized by low resistance and stability in the VRB environment. Here, we present a new design concept for amphoteric ion‐exchange membranes, based on radiation‐induced grafting of vinylpyridine into an ethylene tetrafluoroethylene base film and a two‐step functionalization to introduce cationic and anionic exchange sites, respectively. During long‐term cycling, redox flow cells containing these membranes showed higher efficiency, less pronounced electrolyte imbalance, and significantly reduced capacity decay compared to the cells with the benchmark material Nafion 117.
The RNA‐binding protein caper is required for sensory neuron development in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Olesnicky Eugenia C. , Bono Jeremy M. , Bell Laura , Schachtner Logan T. , Lybecker Meghan C.
Published: May 2017

Background: Alternative splicing mediated by RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) is emerging as a fundamental mechanism for the regulation of gene expression. Alternative splicing has been shown to be a widespread phenomenon that facilitates the diversification of gene products in a tissue‐specific manner. Although defects in alternative splicing are rooted in many neurological disorders, only a small fraction of splicing factors have been investigated in detail. Results: We find that the splicing factor Caper is required for the development of multiple different mechanosensory neuron subtypes at multiple life stages in Drosophila melanogaster. Disruption of Caper function causes defects in dendrite morphogenesis of larval dendrite arborization neurons and neuronal positioning of embryonic proprioceptors, as well as the development and maintenance of adult mechanosensory bristles. Additionally, we find that Caper dysfunction results in aberrant locomotor behavior in adult flies. Transcriptome‐wide analyses further support a role for Caper in alternative isoform regulation of genes that function in neurogenesis. Conclusions: Our results provide the first evidence for a fundamental and broad requirement for the highly conserved splicing factor Caper in the development and maintenance of the nervous system and provide a framework for future studies on the detailed mechanism of Caper‐mediated RNA regulation. Developmental Dynamics 246:610–624, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Altered sex‐specific mortality and female mating success: ecological effects and evolutionary responses
Authors: Degen Tobias , Hovestadt Thomas , Mitesser Oliver , Hölker Franz
Published: May 2017

Theory predicts that males and females should often join the mating pool at different times (sexual dimorphism in timing of emergence [SDT]) as the degree of SDT affects female mating success. We utilize an analytical model to explore (1) how important SDT is for female mating success, (2) how mating success might change if either sex's mortality (abruptly) increases, and (3) to what degree evolutionary responses in SDT may be able to mitigate the consequences of such mortality increase. Increasing male pre‐mating mortality has a non‐linear effect on the fraction of females mated: The effect is initially weak, but at some critical level a further increase in male mortality has a stronger effect than a similar increase in female mortality. Such a change is expected to impose selection for reduced SDT. Increasing mortality during the mating season has always a stronger effect on female mating success if the mortality affects the sex that emerges first. This bias results from the fact that enhancing mortality of the earlier emerging sex reduces female–male encounter rates. However, an evolutionary response in SDT may effectively mitigate such consequences. Further, if considered independently for females and males, the predicted evolutionary response in SDT could be quite dissimilar. The difference between female and male evolutionary response in SDT leads to marked differences in the fraction of fertilized females under certain conditions. Our model may provide general guidelines for improving harvesting of populations, conservation management of rare species under altered environmental conditions, or maintaining long‐term efficiency of pest‐control measures.
The effect of the invasive Elaeagnus umbellata on soil microbial communities depends on proximity of soils to plants
Authors: Malinich Elizabeth , Lynn‐Bell Nicole , Kourtev Peter S.
Published: May 2017

Invasive plants are often associated with dense monocultures, which reduce native plant diversity. Multiple studies have shown significant impacts of dense invasive plant populations on soil microbial communities. In many cases, however, invasive plants are present in lower, non‐uniform densities. This is especially true of some woody/shrubby invaders. We studied two such populations of autumn olive: a highly invasive, nitrogen‐fixing shrub, commonly found throughout the Midwestern United States. In each population, we collected soil samples in a rectangular grid, noting the distance of each sample point to the nearest autumn olive plant, as well as the local density of autumn olive. Soils were assessed for pH, moisture, nitrogen availability, microbial community composition, and enzyme activity. We found that autumn olive significantly affected the dominant taxa of bacterial and archaeal communities, particularly ammonia‐oxidizing microorganisms, as determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of functional genes characteristic of these microbial groups. The changes in microbial communities were related to the proximity and local density of autumn olive shrubs. In most cases, the effect of autumn olive was greater than that of either pH or moisture. In contrast, microbial function (measured as enzyme activities), while non‐uniform, did not seem to be as strongly related to the presence of the invasive plant. Our findings suggest that autumn olive can affect soil microbial community composition even when it is present in relatively low densities. This should be considered when assessing remediation strategies for autumn olive‐invaded areas.
Synthesis, Structure, Reactivity, and Catalytic Activity of Cyclometalated (Phosphine)‐ and (Phosphinite)ruthenium Complexes
Authors: Sun Ruichen , Chu Xiaodan , Zhang Shaowei , Li Tongyu , Wang Zhuo , Zhu Bolin
Published: May 2017

Reactions of naphthyl‐ and o‐methylphenyl‐substituted phosphines with [RuCl2(p‐cymene)]2 resulted in the corresponding phosphine‐substituted ruthenium dichlorides (1a,b and 3). When the reactions of aryl‐substituted phosphines or phosphinites with [RuCl2(p‐cymene)]2 are carried out in the presence of sodium acetate, aryl‐substituted phosphines or phosphinites are cyclometalated to give the corresponding five‐membered metallacycle complexes (2a,b and 4–6) through the intramolecular activation of a C(sp2)–H or C(sp3)–H bond. Competition reactions indicate that the aromatic C(sp2)–H bond is more likely to be activated than the C(sp3)–H bond under the same conditions, and that a five‐membered ring is formed in preference to a six‐membered ring. The chemical reactivity of 2a,b, two representatives of cycloruthenated complexes, were explored, including conversion of 1a,b to 2a,b, a substitution reaction of the η6‐arene ligand in 2a, synthesis of a bis(phosphine) complex starting from 2b, and reaction of 2a with diphenylacetylene. Besides, their catalytic activity on the reduction of ketones by transfer hydrogenation was also tested. The molecular structures of nine compounds, 1b, 2a, and 4–10, were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Rhenium‐Catalyzed Annulation Reactions
Authors: Mao Guoliang , Huang Qiang , Wang Congyang
Published: May 2017

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed intra‐ and intermolecular annulation reactions have been widely investigated, owing to their important applications in the synthesis of natural products, pharmaceuticals, and functional materials. Rhenium lies at the interface of early and late transition metals in the Periodic Table, with its unique properties, such as low electronegativity and ability to activate C–H and C–C bonds, enabling a series of atom‐ and step‐economical annulation reactions from simple substrates. This Microreview aims to summarize the impressive progress in rhenium‐catalyzed annulation reactions in recent years from our own viewpoints and perspectives.
An Eco‐Friendly and Efficient Photoinduced Coupling of Alkenes and Alkynes with H‐Phosphinates and Other P(O)H Derivatives Under Free‐Radical Conditions
Authors: Geant Pierre‐Yves , Uttaro Jean‐Pierre , Peyrottes Suzanne , Mathé Christophe
Published: May 2017

An efficient method for the synthesis of organophosphorus compounds from alkenes or alkynes and P(O)H compounds under neutral and free‐radical conditions was developed. The reaction takes place without solvent, at room temperature, open to the air, using just 0.1 equiv. of 2,2‐dimethoxy‐2‐phenylacetophenone (DPAP) as photoinitiator, and with the unsaturated compound and P(O)H derivative in an equimolar ratio. The reaction can also proceed under irradiation by sunlight, which makes this approach respectful to the environment.
One‐Pot l‐Proline‐Mediated Stereoselective α‐C(sp2)–H Fluorination of α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes through Methoxyfluorination–Elimination
Authors: Zhou Jiadi , Jiang Xinpeng , Jin Can , Guo Zhicheng , Su Bin , Su Weike
Published: May 2017

A one‐pot, two‐step l‐proline‐mediated stereoselective α‐C(sp2)–H fluorination of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes towards their corresponding (Z)‐α‐fluoro‐α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes has been developed. The first step utilises Selectfluor as a fluorinating agent in CH3NO2/MeOH forming (Z)‐α‐fluoro‐α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes and their corresponding dimethyl acetals through methoxyfluorination‐elimination. In the second step, water is added to promote the hydrolytic cleavage of the dimethyl acetals. The obtained (Z)‐α‐fluoro‐α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes were smoothly reduced to the corresponding alcohols by using NaBH4.
Family identity and severe mental illness: A thematic synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Acero Ángela R. , Cano‐Prous Adrián , Castellanos Gabriel , Martín‐Lanas Raquel , Canga‐Armayor Ana
Published: May 2017

There is a growing amount of research showing that a shared social identity and the sense of belonging to a family have a potential effect on health. However, little is known about the effects of severe mental illness on family identity. The authors carried out this thematic synthesis based on a systematic review of literature on family narratives of severe mental illness and family identity. The main findings indicate that in many families (i) their identity—as a shared social identity—undergoes a transformation process by which the identity aspects of being a family are reinforced; (ii) family members often take on a caring role as their main family role; and finally, (iii) a cultural component shapes this transformation process. The authors describe implications for research and application in the mental health field. All in all, family identity is transformed by the experience of severe mental illness.
Allowing the victim to draw a line in history: Intergroup apology effectiveness as a function of collective autonomy support
Authors: Kachanoff Frank J. , Caouette Julie , Wohl Michael J. A. , Taylor Donald M.
Published: May 2017

We tested whether intergroup apology effectiveness increases when the apology is collective autonomy supportive (i.e., victimized group members are told they have the choice to accept or reject the apology). In Experiment 1, university students who received a collective autonomy supportive (compared to a collective autonomy unsupportive or basic) apology for derogatory remarks made by a rival university perceived the apology as more empathic. This, in turn, heightened intergroup forgiveness. Experiment 2 replicated and extended this effect in the context of the friendly fire killing of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan by the United States. Canadians in the collective autonomy supportive condition felt more empowered and were less critical of the apology. Sequential mediation analyses revealed that collective autonomy support had an indirect effect on intergroup forgiveness through empowerment and empathic support of the apology. Findings suggest the apology–forgiveness link strengthens when the victimized group's collective autonomy is explicitly acknowledged.
Are the ethnically tolerant free of discrimination, prejudice and political intolerance?
Authors: Bizumic Boris , Kenny Amanda , Iyer Ravi , Tanuwira Juliet , Huxley Elizabeth
Published: May 2017

We hypothesized that the ethnically tolerant (i.e., people who are anti‐ethnocentric and score very low on a measure of ethnocentrism) would perceive people with extremely incompatible values and beliefs as out‐groups and would engage in discrimination, prejudice and political intolerance against them. Experiments among Australian citizens in Studies 1 (N = 224) and 2 (N = 283) showed that the ethnically tolerant perceived supporters of a message in favour of mandatory detention of asylum seekers as out‐groups and consequently exhibited discrimination, prejudice and political intolerance against them. Study 3 with 265 U.S. citizens showed that, controlling for liberalism, ethnic tolerance led to prejudice against out‐groups. This was replicated with 522 UK citizens in Study 4, which also showed that social identity, and not moral conviction, mediated the link between ethnic tolerance and prejudice. The findings suggest that the ethnically tolerant can be discriminatory, prejudiced and politically intolerant against fellow humans.
Hurt feelings and four letter words: Swearing alleviates the pain of social distress
Authors: Philipp Michael C. , Lombardo Laura
Published: May 2017

Methods for alleviating physical pain are increasingly found to attenuate social pain. Recent evidence suggests that swearing may attenuate sensitivity to physical pain. This study examined whether swearing similarly attenuates two consequences of social distress: social pain and exclusion‐induced hyperalgesia. Sixty‐two people wrote about an autobiographical experience of exclusion or inclusion. Then they repeated a swear or neutral word for 2 minutes followed by measures of social and physical pain. Excluded non‐swearers reported feeling more social pain and greater sensitivity to physical pain compared with included non‐swearers. Excluded swearers reported less social pain than excluded non‐swearers and no heightened sensitivity to physical pain. The findings suggest that social and physical pain are functionally similar and that swearing attenuates social pain.
Solar Glasses: A Case Study on Semitransparent Organic Solar Cells for Self‐Powered, Smart, Wearable Devices
Authors: Landerer Dominik , Bahro Daniel , Röhm Holger , Koppitz Manuel , Mertens Adrian , Manger Felix , Denk Fabian , Heidinger Michael , Windmann Thomas , Colsmann Alexander
Published: May 2017

We report on solution‐processed, semitransparent organic solar cells that are implemented as lenses in sunglasses. The electrical power provided by the lens‐fitted solar cells sustains a microelectronic circuit that is used to read out temperature and illumination intensity sensors and to make this information available on two displays integrated into the temples of the “Solar Glasses”. The microelectronic circuit is designed to operate at illumination intensities down to 500 lux, rendering the Solar Glasses suitable for outdoor and indoor use as well as for operation in diffuse light. Hence, this case study provides an example for consumer‐oriented mobile applications, self‐powered by integrated solar cells, which specifically exploit the unique properties of organic solar cells.
Dynamics of rocking podium structures
Authors: Bachmann J.A. , Vassiliou M.F. , Stojadinović B.
Published: May 2017

A rocking podium structure is a class of structures consisting of a superstructure placed on top of a rigid slab supported by free‐standing columns. The free‐standing columns respond to sufficiently strong ground motion excitation by uplifting and rocking. Uplift works as a mechanical fuse that limits the forces transmitted to the superstructure, while rocking enables large lateral displacements. Such ‘soft‐story’ system runs counter to the modern seismic design philosophy but has been used to construct several hundred buildings in countries of the former USSR following Polyakov's rule‐of‐thumb guidelines: (i) that the superstructure behave as a rigid body and (ii) that the maximum lateral displacement of the rocking podium frame be estimated using elastic earthquake displacement response spectra. The objectives of this paper are to present a dynamic model for analysis of the in‐plane seismic response of rocking podium structures and to investigate if Polyakov's rule‐of‐thumb guidelines are adequate for the design of such structures. Examination of the rocking podium structure response to analytical pulse and recorded ground motion excitations shows that the rocking podium structures are stable and that Polyakov's rule‐of‐thumb guidelines produce generally conservative designs. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of RC slab–beam–column sub‐assemblages subjected to bidirectional lateral cyclic loading using a new 3D macroelement
Authors: Kim Suhee , Kusuhara Fumio , Shiohara Hitoshi
Published: May 2017

An existing two‐dimensional macroelement for reinforced concrete beam–column joints is extended to a three‐dimensional macroelement. The three‐dimensional macroelement for beam–column joints consists of six rigid interface plates and uniaxial springs for concrete, steel, and bond–slip, which model the inside of a beam–column joint. The mechanical models for the materials and the stiffness equation for the springs are also presented. To validate the model, we used test results from three slab–beam–column sub‐assemblages subjected to bi‐lateral cyclic load. It is revealed that the new joint model is capable of capturing the strength of beam–column joints and the bidirectional interaction in joint shear response, including the concentration of damage in the beam–column joint, the pinching nature in hysteretic behavior, the stiffness degradation, and strength deterioration resulting from cyclic and bidirectional loading. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The flame retardant and smoke suppression effect of fullerene by trapping radicals in decabromodiphenyl oxide/Sb2O3 flame‐retarded high density polyethylene
Authors: Guo Zhenghong , Zhao Liping , Fang Zhengping
Published: May 2017

To improve the large release of smoke and heat for brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in fire hazard, fullerene (C60) had been introduced in high density polyethylene (HDPE)/bromine flame retardant (Deca/Sb2O3, BFR in short) system in this study. The effects of C60 on the thermal properties, flame retardant properties, rheological behaviors, and smoke release behaviors in HDPE/BFR blends were researched. During polymer thermal degradation, C60 and BFR exhibited the trapping radical ability in condensed phase and gaseous phase, respectively. The intergrated effects of C60 and BFR on the thermal stability and flammability of HDPE were studied by thermo‐gravimetry and cone calorimeter. It was indicated that the introduction of C60 improved the thermal and thermo‐oxidative stability of HDPE/BFR blends. A remarkable advantage of adding C60 was to reduce the peak heat release rate and the average specific extinction area, especially at higher concentration of C60. The analysis of rheological behaviors and pyrolysis products revealed that C60 can capture alkyl radicals, chain radicals, and bromine radicals in the condensed phase, which was in favor of terminating the thermo‐oxidative decomposition and inhibiting the heat and smoke release of HDPE/BFR blends during combustion.
The effects of coal dust concentrations and particle sizes on the minimum auto‐ignition temperature of a coal dust cloud
Authors: Ajrash Mohammed Jabbar , Zanganeh Jafar , Moghtaderi Behdad
Published: May 2017

Flash fires and explosions in areas containing an enriched combustible dust atmosphere are a major safety concern in industrial processing. An experimental study was conducted to analyse the effects of atmospheric coal dust particle sizes and concentrations on the minimum auto‐ignition temperature (MAIT) of a dust cloud. Two different coal samples from Australian coal mines were used. The coal dust particles were prepared and sized in 3 ranges, of below 74 μm, 74 to 125 μm and 125 to 212 μm, by using a series of sieves and a sieve shaker. A humidifier was used to increase the moisture content of the particles to the required level. All the experiments were conducted in accordance with the ASTM E1491‐06 method in a calibrated Goldbert‐Greenwald furnace.

The results from this study indicate that coal dust properties, such as the chemical nature (H/C), concentration, particle size (D50), and moisture content, impact on the MAIT. For coal dust concentrations less than 1000 g.m−3, the MAIT decreases with increasing coal dust concentrations. On the other hand, for low concentrations of 100 to 15 g.m−3, the MAIT becomes more reliable for particle size D50 rather than for volatile matters.
No effects of rosemary and lavender essential oil and a placebo pill on sustained attention, alertness, and heart rate
Authors: Babulka Péter , Berkes Tímea , Szemerszky Renáta , Köteles Ferenc
Published: May 2017

Essential oils (EOs) are widely used for various purposes, however, their claimed effects are often not supported by empirical data. Previous findings have highlighted the importance of psychological factors (e.g. expectations) in their mechanism of action. The present study investigated the effects of an ingested placebo pill and inhaled rosemary and lavender oils on alertness and heart rate, as well as actual and perceived performance in a sustained attention task. 128 young adults, randomly allocated to four groups (rosemary, lavender, placebo pill with stimulant suggestion, and control), completed a vigilance task before and after the respective intervention. Compared to the control condition, no effects of the three interventions were found on actual changes in sustained attention, alertness, or heart rate. Both EOs and the placebo pill evoked positive expectations regarding cognitive performance and alertness. Expectations predicted perceived changes in alertness and heart rate, but not in cognitive performance. No differences between the two EOs and the placebo intervention were found in any respect. Psychological mechanisms behind the effects of inhaled EOs and placebos might be overlapping.
Depression and cognitive impairment among newly admitted nursing home residents in the USA
Authors: Ulbricht Christine M. , Rothschild Anthony J. , Hunnicutt Jacob N. , Lapane Kate L.
Published: May 2017

Objective

The objective of this study is to describe the prevalence of depression and cognitive impairment among newly admitted nursing home residents in the USA and to describe the treatment of depression by level of cognitive impairment.

Methods

We identified 1,088,619 newly admitted older residents between 2011 and 2013 with an active diagnosis of depression documented on the Minimum Data Set 3.0. The prevalence of receiving psychiatric treatment was estimated by cognitive impairment status and depression symptoms. Binary logistic regression using generalized estimating equations provided adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between level of cognitive impairment and receipt of psychiatric treatment, adjusted for clustering of residents within nursing homes and resident characteristics.

Results

Twenty‐six percent of newly admitted residents had depression; 47% of these residents also had cognitive impairment. Of those who had staff assessments of depression, anhedonia, impaired concentration, psychomotor disturbances, and irritability were more commonly experienced by residents with cognitive impairment than residents without cognitive impairment. Forty‐eight percent of all residents with depression did not receive any psychiatric treatment. Approximately one‐fifth of residents received a combination of treatment. Residents with severe cognitive impairment were less likely than those with intact cognition to receive psychiatric treatment (adjusted odds ratio = 0.95; 95% confidence interval: 0.93–0.98).

Conclusions

Many newly admitted residents with an active diagnosis of depression are untreated, potentially missing an important window to improve symptoms. The extent of comorbid cognitive impairment and depression and lack of treatment suggest opportunities for improved quality of care in this increasingly important healthcare setting. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Challenges in measuring individual differences in functional connectivity using fMRI: The case of healthy aging
Authors: Geerligs Linda , Tsvetanov Kamen A. , Cam‐CAN  , Henson Richard N.
Published: May 2017

Many studies report individual differences in functional connectivity, such as those related to age. However, estimates of connectivity from fMRI are confounded by other factors, such as vascular health, head motion and changes in the location of functional regions. Here, we investigate the impact of these confounds, and pre‐processing strategies that can mitigate them, using data from the Cambridge Centre for Ageing & Neuroscience (www.cam-can.com). This dataset contained two sessions of resting‐state fMRI from 214 adults aged 18–88. Functional connectivity between all regions was strongly related to vascular health, most likely reflecting respiratory and cardiac signals. These variations in mean connectivity limit the validity of between‐participant comparisons of connectivity estimates, and were best mitigated by regression of mean connectivity over participants. We also showed that high‐pass filtering, instead of band‐pass filtering, produced stronger and more reliable age‐effects. Head motion was correlated with gray‐matter volume in selected brain regions, and with various cognitive measures, suggesting that it has a biological (trait) component, and warning against regressing out motion over participants. Finally, we showed that the location of functional regions was more variable in older adults, which was alleviated by smoothing the data, or using a multivariate measure of connectivity. These results demonstrate that analysis choices have a dramatic impact on connectivity differences between individuals, ultimately affecting the associations found between connectivity and cognition. It is important that fMRI connectivity studies address these issues, and we suggest a number of ways to optimize analysis choices. Hum Brain Mapp 38:4125–4156, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural signature of classical versus late‐onset friedreich's ataxia by Multimodality brain MRI
Authors: Rezende Thiago Junqueira R. , Martinez Alberto Rolim M. , Faber Ingrid , Girotto Karen , Pedroso José Luiz , Barsottini Orlando G. , Lopes‐Cendes Iscia , Cendes Fernando , Faria Andreia V. , França Marcondes C.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is the most common autosomal‐recessive ataxia worldwide. It is characterized by early onset, sensory abnormalities, and slowly progressive ataxia. However, some individuals manifest the disease after the age of 25 years and are classified as late‐onset FRDA (LOFA). Therefore, we propose a transversal multimodal MRI‐based study to investigate which anatomical substrates are involved in classical (cFRDA) and LOFA.

Methods

We enrolled 36 patients (13 with LOFA) and 29 healthy controls. All subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging in a 3 T device; three‐dimensional high‐resolution T1‐weighted images and diffusion tensor images were used to assess gray and white matter, respectively. We used T1 multiatlas approach to assess deep gray matter and cortical thickness measures to evaluate cerebral cortex and DTI multiatlas approach to assess white matter. All analyses were corrected for multiple comparisons.

Results

Group comparison showed that both groups presented gray matter atrophy mostly in the motor cortex. Regarding white matter, we found abnormalities in the cerebellar peduncles, pyramidal tracts, midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata for both groups, but the microstructural abnormalities in the cFRDA group were more widespread. In addition, we found that the corticospinal tract presented more severe microstructural damage in the LOFA group. Finally, the midbrain volume of the cFRDA, but not of the LOFA group, correlated with disease duration (R = −0.552, P = 0.012) and severity (R = −0.783, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The cFRDA and LOFA groups have similar, but not identical neuroimaging damage pattern. These structural differences might help to explain the phenotypic variability observed in FRDA. Hum Brain Mapp 38:4157–4168, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brain structural alterations in obese children with and withoutPrader‐Willi Syndrome
Authors: Xu Mingze , Zhang Yi , von Deneen Karen M. , Zhu Huaiqiu , Gao Jia‐Hong
Published: May 2017

Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic imprinting disorder that is mainly characterized by hyperphagia and childhood obesity. Previous neuroimaging studies revealed that there is a significant difference in brain activation patterns between obese children with and without PWS. However, whether there are differences in the brain structure of obese children with and without PWS remains elusive. In the current study, we used T1‐weighted and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging to investigate alterations in the brain structure, such as the cortical volume and white matter integrity, in relation to this eating disorder in 12 children with PWS, 18 obese children without PWS (OB) and 18 healthy controls. Compared with the controls, both the PWS and OB groups exhibited alterations in cortical volume, with similar deficit patterns in 10 co‐varying brain regions in the bilateral dorsolateral and medial prefrontal cortices, right anterior cingulate cortex, and bilateral temporal lobe. The white matter integrities of the above regions were then examined with an analysis method based on probabilistic tractography. The PWS group exhibited distinct changes in the reduced fractional anisotropy of white matter fibers connected to the co‐varying regions, whereas the OB group did not. Our findings indicated that PWS and OB share similar gray matter alterations that are responsible for the development of eating disorders. Additionally, the distinct white matter alterations might explain the symptoms associated with food intake in PWS, including excessive hyperphagia and constant hunger.Hum Brain Mapp 38:4228–4238, 2017. ©2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.