bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D–2D–0D Interface Profiling for Record Efficiency All‐Inorganic CsPbBrI2 Perovskite Solar Cells with Superior Stability
Authors: Zhang Jingru , Bai Dongliang , Jin Zhiwen , Bian Hui , Wang Kang , Sun Jie , Wang Qian , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: January 2018

All‐inorganic CsPbBrI2 perovskite has great advantages in terms of ambient phase stability and suitable band gap (1.91 eV) for photovoltaic applications. However, the typically used structure causes reduced device performance, primarily due to the large recombination at the interface between the perovskite, and the hole‐extraction layer (HEL). In this paper, an efficient CsPbBrI2 perovskite solar cell (PSC) with a dimensionally graded heterojunction is reported, in which the CsPbBrI2 material is distributed within bulk–nanosheet–quantum dots or 3D–2D–0D dimension‐profiled interface structure so that the energy alignment is optimized in between the valence and conduction bands of both CsPbBrI2 and the HEL layers. Specifically, the valence‐/conduction‐band edge is leveraged to bend with synergistic advantages: the graded combination enhances the hole extraction and conduction efficiency with effectively decreased recombination loss during the hole‐transfer process, leading to an enhanced built‐in electric field, hence a high VOC of as much as 1.19 V. The profiled structure induces continuously upshifted energy levels, resulting in a higher JSC of as much as 12.93 mA cm−2 and fill factor as high as 80.5%, and therefore record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.39%. As far as it is known, this is the highest PCE for CsPbBrI2 perovskite‐based PSC.
Precision medicine based on surgical oncology in the era of genome‐scale analysis and genome editing technology
Authors: Tanaka Shinji
Published: January 2018

Accumulated evidence suggests that multiple molecular and cellular interactions promote cancer evolution in vivo. Surgical oncology is of growing significance to a comprehensive understanding of the malignant diseases for therapeutic application. We have analyzed more than 1000 clinical samples from surgically resected tissue to identify molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets for advanced malignancies. Cancer stemness and mitotic instability were then determined as the essential predictors of aggressive phenotype with poor prognosis. Recently, whole genome/exome sequencing showed a mutational landscape underlying phenotype heterogeneity in caners. In addition, integrated genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, metabolic, proteomic and phenomic analyses elucidated several molecular subtypes that cluster in liver, pancreatic, biliary, esophageal and gastroenterological cancers. Identification of each molecular subtype is expected to realize the precise medicine targeting subtype‐specific molecules; however, there are obstacle limitations to determine matching druggable targets or synthetic lethal interactions. Current breakthroughs in genome editing technology can provide us with unprecedented opportunity to recapitulate subtype‐specific pathophysiology in vitro and in vivo. Given a great potential, on‐demand editing system can design actionable strategy and revolutionize precision cancer medicine based on surgical oncology.
NRP1 haploinsufficiency predisposes to the development of Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Duran Ivan , Tenney Jessica , Warren Carmen M. , Sarukhanov Anna , Csukasi Fabiana , Skalansky Mark , Iruela‐Arispe Maria L. , Krakow Deborah
Published: January 2018

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect. It involves anatomical abnormalities that change the normal flow of blood through the heart resulting in low oxygenation. Although not all of the underlying causes of TOF are completely understood, the disease has been associated with varying genetic etiologies including chromosomal abnormalities and Mendelian disorders, but can also occur as an isolated defect. In this report, we describe a familial case of TOF associated with a 1.8 Mb deletion of chromosome 10p11. Among the three genes in the region one is Neuropilin1 (NRP1), a membrane co‐receptor of VEGF that modulates vasculogenesis. Hemizygous levels of NRP1 resulted in a reduced expression at the transcriptional and protein levels in patient‐derived cells. Reduction of NRP1 also lead to decreased function of its activity as a co‐receptor in intermolecular VEGF signaling. These findings support that diminished levels of NRP1 contribute to the development of TOF, likely through its function in mediating VEGF signal and vasculogenesis.
Necrotizing enterocolitis associated with Clostridium butyricum in a Japanese man
Authors: Sato Yukio , Kujirai Dai , Emoto Katsura , Yagami Toshiaki , Yamada Taketo , Izumi Manabu , Ano Masaki , Kase Kenichi , Kobayashi Kenji
Published: January 2018

Case

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) caused by Clostridium butyricum is common in neonates; however, a case of NEC in adults has not been previously reported. An 84‐year‐old Japanese man developed C. butyricum‐related NEC during hospitalization for treatment of stab wounds to the left side of the neck and lower abdomen, without organ damage, and concomitant pneumonia.

Outcome

The patient developed acute onset of emesis accompanied by shock during his admission; partial resection of the small intestine was carried out due to necrosis. Pathologic findings showed mucosal necrosis and extensive vacuolation with gram‐positive rods in the necrotic small intestine. Blood culture tests revealed C. butyricum infection. The patient's condition improved after the surgery. He was moved to a rehabilitation hospital on day 66.

Conclusion

This study suggests that hospitalized adult patients who receive antibiotic treatment are at risk for NEC.
Synthese von Zeolithen aus vorkristallisierten Bausteinen: Architektur im Nanomaßstab
Authors: Li Chengeng , Moliner Manuel , Corma Avelino
Published: January 2018

Seit den frühen Arbeiten von Barrer in den 1940er Jahren über die Umwandlung natürlicher Mineralien in synthetische Zeolithe ist die Verwendung vorkristallisierter Zeolithe als anorganische strukturdirigierende Agentien für die Synthese anderer kristalliner Zeolithe mit verbesserten physikalisch‐chemischen Eigenschaften zu einem wichtigen Forschungsgebiet geworden. Insbesondere in den letzten Jahren die dabei die Entwicklung neuer industrieller Katalysatoren gelungen. In diesem Aufsatz beschreiben wir, wie das Vorhandensein bestimmter kristalliner Fragmente im Synthesemedium, wie z. B. kleiner Sekundärbausteine (SBUs) oder geschichteter Teilstrukturen, nicht nur die Kristallisation anderer Zeolithe begünstigt, die ähnliche SBUs oder Schichten aufweisen, sondern auch die gezielte Steuerung wichtiger Parameter ermöglicht, die die katalytische Aktivität beeinflussen (chemische Zusammensetzung, Kristallgröße, Porosität usw.). Aktuelle Fortschritte bei der Herstellung von 3D‐ und 2D‐Zeolithen durch Impfen und Zeolith‐Zeolith‐Umwandlungsvorgänge werden ausführlich besprochen, einschließlich der Herstellung mit oder ohne Beteiligung organischer strukturdirigierender Agentien (OSDAs). Ziel ist es, allgemeine Leitlinien für die Entwicklung wirkungsvollerer zukünftiger Syntheseansätze für Zeolithe auszuarbeiten.
Precisely Tailoring Upconversion Dynamics via Energy Migration in Core–Shell Nanostructures
Authors: Zuo Jing , Sun Dapeng , Tu Langping , Wu Yanni , Cao Yinghui , Xue Bin , Zhang Youlin , Chang Yulei , Liu Xiaomin , Kong Xianggui , Buma Wybren Jan , Meijer Evert Jan , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2018

Upconversion emission dynamics have long been believed to be determined by the activator and its interaction with neighboring sensitizers. Herein this assumption is, however, shown to be invalid for nanostructures. We demonstrate that excitation energy migration greatly affects upconversion emission dynamics. “Dopant ions’ spatial separation” nanostructures are designed as model systems and the intimate link between the random nature of energy migration and upconversion emission time behavior is unraveled by theoretical modelling and confirmed spectroscopically. Based on this new fundamental insight, we have successfully realized fine control of upconversion emission time behavior (either rise or decay process) by tuning the energy migration paths in various specifically designed nanostructures. This result is significant for applications of this type of materials in super resolution spectroscopy, high‐density data storage, anti‐counterfeiting, and biological imaging.
Building Zeolites from Precrystallized Units: Nanoscale Architecture
Authors: Li Chengeng , Moliner Manuel , Corma Avelino
Published: January 2018

Since the early reports by Barrer in the 1940s on converting natural minerals into synthetic zeolites, the use of precrystallized zeolites as crucial inorganic directing agents to synthesize other crystalline zeolites with improved physicochemical properties has become a very important research field, allowing the design, particularly in recent years, of new industrial catalysts. This Review highlights how the presence of some crystalline fragments in the synthesis media, such as small secondary building units (SBUs) or layered substructures, not only favors the crystallization of other zeolites with similar SBUs or layers, but also permits control over important parameters affecting their catalytic activity (chemical composition, crystal size, or porosity, etc.). Recent advances in the preparation of 3D and 2D zeolites through seeding and zeolite‐to‐zeolite transformation processes will be discussed extensively in this Review, including their preparation in the presence or absence of organic structure‐directing agents (OSDAs). The aim is to introduce general guidelines for more efficient approaches for target zeolites.
Direct Room‐Temperature Conversion of Methane into Protonated Formaldehyde: The Gas‐Phase Chemistry of Mercury among the Zinc Triad Oxide Cations
Authors: Yue Lei , Zhou Shaodong , Sun Xiaoyan , Schlangen Maria , Schwarz Helmut
Published: January 2018

In thermal reactions of methane with diatomic metal oxides [MO].+ of the zinc triad (M=Zn, Cd, Hg), protonated formaldehyde [CH2OH]+ is generated as the major product only for the [HgO].+/CH4 couple. Mechanistic insight is provided by high‐level quantum‐chemical calculations, and relativistic effects are suggested to be the root cause for the unexpected thermal production of [CH2OH]+ from [HgO].+/CH4.
Porphyrin‐Based Symmetric Redox‐Flow Batteries towards Cold‐Climate Energy Storage
Authors: Ma Ting , Pan Zeng , Miao Licheng , Chen Chengcheng , Han Mo , Shang Zhenfeng , Chen Jun
Published: January 2018

Electrochemical energy storage with redox‐flow batteries (RFBs) under subzero temperature is of great significance for the use of renewable energy in cold regions. However, RFBs are generally used above 10 °C. Herein we present non‐aqueous organic RFBs based on 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenylporphyrin (H2TPP) as a bipolar redox‐active material (anode: [H2TPP]2−/H2TPP, cathode: H2TPP/[H2TPP]2+) and a Y‐zeolite–poly(vinylidene fluoride) (Y‐PVDF) ion‐selective membrane with high ionic conductivity as a separator. The constructed RFBs exhibit a high volumetric capacity of 8.72 Ah L−1 with a high voltage of 2.83 V and excellent cycling stability (capacity retention exceeding 99.98 % per cycle) in the temperature range between 20 and −40 °C. Our study highlights principles for the design of RFBs that operate at low temperatures, thus offering a promising approach to electrochemical energy storage under cold‐climate conditions.
The [U2F12]2− Anion of Sr[U2F12]
Authors: Scheibe Benjamin , Pietzonka Clemens , Mustonen Otto , Karppinen Maarit , Karttunen Antti J. , Atanasov Mihail , Neese Frank , Conrad Matthias , Kraus Florian
Published: January 2018

The D2h‐symmetric dinuclear complex anion [U2F12]2− of pastel green Sr[U2F12] shows a hitherto unknown structural feature: The coordination polyhedra around the U atoms are edge‐linked monocapped trigonal prisms, the UV atoms are therefore seven‐coordinated. This leads to a U–U distance of 3.8913(6) Å. A weak UV–UV interaction is observed for the dinuclear [U2F12]2− complex and described by the antiferromagnetic exchange Jexp of circa −29.9 cm−1. The crystalline compound can be easily prepared from SrF2 and β‐UF5 in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF) at room temperature. It was studied by means of single crystal X‐ray diffraction, IR, Raman and UV/VIS spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, and by molecular as well as by solid‐state quantum chemical calculations.
Progress in Tobacco Control in Singapore: Lessons and Challenges in the Implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
Authors: Amul Gianna Gayle Herrera , (Pangestu) Pang Tikki
Published: January 2018

Singapore has implemented tobacco control policies since the 1970s, more than three decades before it became party to the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control—the first evidence‐based global health treaty in 2005. The country's stringent policies have resulted in a 13 per cent adult smoking prevalence rate, one of the lowest in the world. This article reviews how a mix of demand‐ and supply‐reduction measures with extensive regulation and stringent enforcement has contributed to Singapore's reputation as the ‘most hostile environment’ for tobacco companies. Its tobacco control policies can offer lessons for more effective tobacco control among its neighbouring countries.
Brief Report: Cancer Immunotherapy in Patients With Preexisting Rheumatic Disease: The Mayo Clinic Experience
Authors: Richter Michael D. , Pinkston Olga , Kottschade Lisa A. , Finnes Heidi D. , Markovic Svetomir N. , Thanarajasingam Uma
Published: January 2018

Objective

To determine the risk of rheumatic disease flare and adverse effects in patients with preexisting rheumatic disease who were receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy.

Methods

A retrospective medical record review was performed to identify all patients who received ICI therapy at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota between 2011 and 2016 (~700 patients). Those with a preexisting rheumatic disease were identified using specific diagnostic codes.

Results

Sixteen patients were identified (81% female, median age 68.5 years). The most common rheumatic diseases were rheumatoid arthritis (n = 5), polymyalgia rheumatica (n = 5), Sjögren's syndrome (n = 2), and systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 2). Seven patients were receiving immunosuppressive therapy or glucocorticoids for their rheumatic disease at the time of initiation of the ICI. The primary malignancies were melanoma (n = 10), pulmonary (n = 4), or hematologic (n = 2). In most cases, ICIs were offered only after failure of several other therapies. Immune‐related adverse effects (IRAEs) occurred in 6 patients, and all were treated successfully with glucocorticoids and discontinuation of the ICI therapy. There were no significant differences in time from cancer diagnosis to immunotherapy, duration of immunotherapy, age, or sex between the patients with and those without IRAEs.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this represents the largest single‐center cohort of patients with rheumatic diseases who were exposed to modern cancer immunotherapy. Only a minority of these patients experienced a flare of their preexisting rheumatic disease or any other IRAE.
Tracing the Origin of the Anomalous Matrix Suppression in Matrix‐assisted Laser Desorption Ionization and Extending the Linear Dynamic Range During Analyte Quantification
Authors: Song Hyo In , Hyeon Taeghwan , Kim Myung Soo , Oh Joo Yeon , Moon Jeong Hee
Published: January 2018

In the matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐based quantification method developed in this laboratory, a linear calibration curve is constructed by plotting the analyte‐to‐matrix ion abundance ratio as a function of the analyte concentration. As the analyte concentration increases, however, the curve deviates from linearity. Previously, we observed that the occurrence of this deviation correlated with the decrease in the matrix ion signal, or matrix suppression. In this work, we found that saturation of the detector was one of the factors responsible for the above phenomena. As we decreased the detector gain, the upper limit of the linear dynamic range increased by as much as one order of magnitude. Even after a substantial decrease in the detector gain, however, the nonlinearity remained at a high analyte concentration, which we cannot account for at present. The method developed in this work can be useful for the quantitative imaging of analytes in heavily contaminated samples.
Highly Efficient Glycerol Acetalization over Supported Heteropoly Acid Catalysts
Authors: Chen Lin , Nohair Bendaoud , Zhao Dongyuan , Kaliaguine Serge
Published: January 2018

The acetalization of glycerol with acetone to yield solketal was catalyzed by Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40 (Cs2.5) supported on mesoporous silica under mild conditions. It gave a high glycerol conversion and selectivity to the targeted product even at room temperature (23 °C). We studied the use of both bulk and supported Cs2.5 as catalysts in another highly efficient glycerol acetalization reaction with paraformaldehyde, which gave much higher activity than with formaldehyde solution. For the reaction with acetone, the supported Cs2.5 showed a higher activity than the bulk material because of the high surface area of the mesoporous support. Interestingly, the supported Cs2.5 gave a lower conversion than the bulk for the reaction with paraformaldehyde. This is probably because of the high viscosity of the reaction system with the solid reagent paraformaldehyde. Overall, there is a complex relationship between catalyst, reaction conditions, which include the molar ratio of reactants and temperature, reaction mechanism and thermodynamics that affects the achieved activity and byproduct formation. A discussion about these interactions is included for each reaction.
Crystallization Behavior of Glycine Molecules with Electrolytic Dissociation on Charged Silica Gel Particles
Authors: Deki Yuto , Kadota Kazunori , Onda Saori , Tozuka Yuichi , Shimosaka Atsuko , Yoshida Mikio , Shirakawa Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2018

The surface charge of metal oxides in the solution phase may be a driving force for crystallization. Composite particles were prepared using the principle of heterogeneous nucleation on a metal surface with varying charge density. The electrical properties of the silica gel particles in an electrolyte solution were controlled by the pH, and the zero charge point and charge density of the silica gel particles were determined by titration. The morphology of the glycine particles on the silica gel surface depended on the electrical properties of the silica gel particle, resulting in alteration of the glycine polymorph. Powder X‐ray diffraction showed that γ‐glycine was present at low pH, and α‐glycine, at high pH. The polymorphism arose from the abundance ratio of the solute ions and the solution structure.
All‐in‐one: The dream and reality of molecular cytopathology testing on routine lung cancer smears
Authors: Troncone Giancarlo
Published: January 2018

If cytopathologists are used to dedicating 1 or more fine‐needle aspiration passes to prepare a tumor‐representative cell block, the testing laboratory may strongly rely on anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), ROS proto‐oncogene 1, receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS1), and programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) immunocytochemistry assays. Conversely, when sample procurement and diagnostic interpretation are based primarily on smeared material, cytopathologists should promote, in conjunction with the molecular team, ALK and ROS1 RNA‐based testing approaches on smears, saving the cell block only for PD‐L1 staining.

See also pages 158‐69.
Simultaneous detection of single‐nucleotide variant, deletion/insertion, and fusion in lung and thyroid carcinoma using cytology specimen and an RNA‐based next‐generation sequencing assay
Authors: Guseva Natalya V. , Jaber Omar , Stence Aaron A. , Sompallae Krishnaveni , Bashir Amani , Sompallae Ramakrishna , Bossler Aaron D. , Jensen Chris S. , Ma Deqin
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Molecular testing for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and ROS proto‐oncogene 1, receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS1) fusion is routinely performed in patients with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma to assess their eligibility for targeted therapy. Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA)‐derived material frequently is the only pathologic material available. The identification of genomic aberrations in thyroid nodules from FNA smears may help stratify cancer risk and spare patients from a second surgery. In the current study, the authors tested nucleic acid extracted from the cytology smears of lung and thyroid carcinomas for simultaneous detection of single‐nucleotide variant, insertion/deletion, and gene fusion using an RNA‐based next‐generation sequencing assay.

METHODS

A total of 27 cases (17 lung and 10 thyroid carcinomas, the majority of which had known variants) were tested. Areas of interest were scrapped from stained smears using a scalpel. Total nucleic acid was extracted. Gene fusion and mutational analysis was performed using the Comprehensive Thyroid and Lung FusionPlex Assay. Data were analyzed using the analysis pipeline provided by the vendor. Eleven cases with available formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue were tested in parallel.

RESULTS

Gene fusions were detected in 6 cases; common single‐nucleotide variants in EGFR, RAS, and BRAF in 14 cases; and in‐frame deletions within EGFR in 3 cases. A concordance rate of 100% was observed between FNA and FFPE tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Cytology preparations can be a reliable source for the detection of both DNA and RNA aberrations. The ability to simultaneously detect multiple types of genomic variants is crucial for patients with advanced cancer and maximizes the usefulness of cytology specimens. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;126:158‐69. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Becoming the change we wish to see: The unexpected benefits of conflict resolution work
Authors: Raines Susan S.
Published: January 2018

Mediators, ombuds, and other peace workers generally see their work as a calling. They pursue this work because of a desire to help others while promoting healing and reconciliation. While their work helps clients, it frequently results in deeply personal transformations, changing the ways in which they relate to and communicate with their family, colleagues, and community members. After hearing anecdotal reports of these transformations, I designed this study to learn more about how the work of conflict resolution affects its practitioners. Data for this study come from interviews and surveys of peace workers in various settings.
Aromatic Polyimide/Graphene Composite Organic Cathodes for Fast and Sustainable Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lyu Hailong , Li Peipei , Liu Jiurong , Mahurin Shannon , Chen Jihua , Hensley Dale K. , Veith Gabriel M. , Guo Zhanhu , Dai Sheng , Sun Xiao‐Guang
Published: January 2018

A composite organic cathode material based on aromatic polyimide (PI) and highly conductive graphene was prepared through a facile in situ polymerization method for application in lithium‐ion batteries. The in situ polymerization generated intimate contact between PI and electronically conductive graphene, resulting in conductive composites with highly reversible redox reactions and good structure stability. The synergistic effect between PI and graphene enabled not only a high reversible capacity of 232.6 mAh g−1 at a charge–discharge rate of C/10 but also exceptionally high‐rate cycling stability, that is, a high capacity of 108.9 mAh g−1 at a very high charge–discharge rate of 50C with a capacity retention of 80 % after 1000 cycles. This improved electrochemical performance resulted from the combination of stable redox reversibility of PI and high electronic conductivity of the graphene additive. The graphene‐based composite also exhibited much better performance than composites based on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and the conductive carbon black C45 in terms of specific capacity and long‐term cycling stability under the same charge–discharge rates.
Analysis of NTPDase2 in the cell membrane using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP)
Authors: Kipper Franciele Cristina , Tamajusuku Alessandra Sayuri Kikuchi , Minussi Darlan Conterno , Vargas José Eduardo , Battastini Ana Maria Oliveira , Kaczmarek Elzbieta , Robson Simon Christopher , Lenz Guido , Wink Márcia Rosângela
Published: January 2018

NTPDase2, a member of the CD39/NTPDase family, is an ecto‐nucleotidase anchored to the plasma membrane by two transmembrane domains, with a catalytic site facing the extracellular space and preferentially hydrolyzing nucleoside triphosphates. While NTPDase2 is expressed in many cell types, its unique functionality, mobility and dynamics at the cell membrane remain unexplored. We therefore constructed a recombinant NTPDase2 linked to the yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) to investigate its dynamics by confocal microscopy. The present study shows that the expression of EYFP‐NTPDase2 in different cell lines does not affect its proliferation, migration and adhesion to extracellular matrices (ECM). Moreover, in human embryonic kidney cells 293 (HEK293) grown on collagen type I and fibronectin, EYFP‐NTPDase2 fluorescence is greater in free plasma membrane regions than in cell–cell contacts, in comparison with cells grown on other substrates. Differences in the time required for fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) in free membrane regions and cell–cell contacts indicate that the mobility of EYFP‐NTPDase2 depends on the matrix to which the cells are attached. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
First Total Syntheses of Amorfrutin C and pseudo‐Amorfrutin A
Authors: Miao Qi , Li Yunzhi , Xu Jinyi , Lin Aijun , Tanabe Genzoh , Muraoka Osamu , Wu Xiaoming , Xie Weijia
Published: January 2018

Syntheses of amorfrutin C, a natural product with potent antitumor activity, as well as pseudo‐amorfrutin A were accomplished. Protected 2,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid derivative 5 was used as a common synthetic intermediate. The introduction of a prenyl moiety to 5 was achieved through bromination followed by a CuCN‐meditated alkylation reaction. Interestingly, N‐bromosuccinimide promoted monobromination at the 6‐position, leading to pseudo‐amorfrutin A; 1,3‐dibromo‐5,5‐dimethylhydantoin triggered bromination at both the 6‐ and 8‐positions, leading to naturally occurring amorfrutin C.
Predicting drug efficacy in chronic low back pain by quantitative sensory tests
Authors: Schliessbach J. , Siegenthaler A. , Bütikofer L. , Vuilleumier P. , Jüni P. , Stamer U. , Arendt‐Nielsen L. , Curatolo M.
Published: January 2018

Background

Drugs are prescribed for chronic low back pain without knowing in advance whether a patient will respond to them or not. Quantitative sensory tests (QST) can discriminate patients according to sensory phenotype, possibly reflecting underlying mechanisms of pain processing. QST may therefore be a screening tool to identify potential responders to a certain drug. The aim of this study was to investigate whether QST can predict analgesic effects of oxycodone, imipramine and clobazam in chronic low back pain.

Methods

Oxycodone 15 mg (n = 50), imipramine 75 mg (n = 50) and clobazam 20 mg (n = 49) were compared to active placebo tolterodine 1 mg in a randomized, double‐blinded, crossover fashion. Electrical, pressure and thermal QST were performed at baseline and after 1 and 2 h. Pain intensity was assessed on a 0–10 numeric rating scale every 30 min for up to 2 h. The ability of baseline QST to predict pain reduction after 2 h was analysed using linear mixed models. Genetic variants of drug‐metabolizing enzymes and genes affecting pain sensitivity were examined as covariables.

Results

No predictor of analgesic effect was found for oxycodone and clobazam. Thermal QST was associated with analgesic effect of imipramine: patients more sensitive to heat or cold were more likely to experience an effect of imipramine. Pharmacogenetic variants and pain‐related candidate genes were not associated with drug efficacy.

Conclusions

Thermal QST have the potential to predict imipramine effect in chronic low back pain. Oxycodone and clobazam effects could not be predicted by any of the selected QST or genetic variants.

Significance

Predicting drug efficacy in chronic low back pain remains difficult. There is some evidence that patients more sensitive to heat and cold pain respond better to imipramine.
Lean back and relax: Reclined seating position buffers the effect of frustration on anger and aggression
Authors: Krahé Barbara , Lutz Johannes , Sylla Isabel
Published: January 2018

Frustration is a powerful instigator of anger‐based aggression. We hypothesized that the impact of a frustration on anger and aggressive behavior is reduced in a state of feeling relaxed, which is considered incompatible with the experience of anger. Seventy‐nine participants received frustrating feedback either when sitting upright or sitting in a reclined position and were then given a chance to act aggressively toward the frustrator. Feelings of anger and relaxation were assessed before and after the frustration. Participants in the reclined position felt more relaxed than those sitting upright, which indirectly predicted less aggressive behavior via lower anger. The results are consistent with theories of incompatible states and embodiment and have implications for using body‐related cues to mitigate anger‐based aggression.
Admissions of racism in discourse on migration in Greece: Beyond the norm against prejudice?
Authors: Xenitidou Maria , Sapountzis Antonios
Published: January 2018

The turn to language in social psychology is closely related to the study of prejudice as racist discourse has been the subject matter of some of the ground‐breaking discourse analytic work. A widely accepted argument was that there seems to be a norm against prejudice informing Western societies: people commonly engage in denials of prejudice when they make negative comments about minorities. Recent work has argued that, due to ideological shifts in the wider societal context or because denying prejudice may not be people's only rhetorical concern, it is possible to find people admitting prejudice. We examine how people in Greece, Greek majority and immigrants, formulate admissions of racism in interviews on migration and citizenship in Greece. Drawing on Ideological Dilemmas and Critical Discursive Social Psychology, we argue that these admissions ironically operate within the norm against prejudice and discuss our findings in relation to the wider socio‐political Greek context.
Positive and negative intergroup contact: Interaction not asymmetry
Authors: Árnadóttir Katrín , Lolliot Simon , Brown Rupert , Hewstone Miles
Published: January 2018

This research reports a novel investigation into the comparative effects of positive and negative direct and extended intergroup contact on intergroup orientations. It tested the generality of the positive–negative asymmetry effect among majority (N = 357) and minority (N = 101) group members in Iceland. Little evidence of asymmetry was observed: the beneficial effects of positive contact were mostly as strong as the detrimental effects of negative contact, for both direct and extended contact. However, evidence was found for alternative interaction models in which positive contact buffers the negative effects of negative contact, and negative contact enhances the benefits of positive contact. These interaction effects were found only for direct contact and principally in the majority group, but were also found for the minority group, though more weakly. No interaction was observed for extended contact. It appeared that differential group salience elicited by positive and negative contact could partly contribute to the explanation of the observed effects, at least in the majority sample.
Large wood distribution, mobility, and recruitment in an inter‐dam river reach: A comparison with geomorphic process on the Garrison Reach of the Missouri River pre and post the historical 2011 flood
Authors: Schenk Edward R. , Benthem Adam J. , Dixon Mark D. , Mittelman Melissa , Skalak Katherine J. , Hupp Cliff R. , Galloway Joel M. , Nustad Rochelle A.
Published: January 2018

This study assessed the effect of the largest flood since dam regulation on geomorphic and large wood (LW) trends using LW distributions at three time periods on the 150 km long Garrison Reach of the Missouri River. In 2011, a flood exceeded 4390 m3/s for a two‐week period (705% above mean flow; 500 year flood). LW was measured using high resolution satellite imagery in summer 2010 and 2012. Ancillary data including forest character, vegetation cover, lateral bank retreat, and channel capacity. Lateral bank erosion removed approximately 7400 standing trees during the flood. Other mechanisms, that could account for the other two‐thirds of the measured in‐channel LW, include overland flow through floodplains and islands. LW transport was commonly near or over 100 km as indicated by longitudinal forest and bank loss and post‐flood LW distribution. LW concentrations shift at several locations along the river, both pre‐ and post‐flood, and correspond to geomorphic river regions created by the interaction of the Garrison Dam upstream and the Oahe Dam downstream. Areas near the upstream dam experienced proportionally higher rates of bank erosion and forest loss but in‐channel LW decreased, likely due to scouring. A large amount of LW moved during this flood, the chief anchoring mechanism was not bridges or narrow channel reaches but the channel complexity of the river delta created by the downstream reservoir. Areas near the downstream dam experienced bank accretion and large amounts of LW deposition. This study confirms the results of similar work in the Reach: despite a historic flood longitudinal LW and channel trends remain the same. Dam regulation has created a geomorphic and LW pattern that is largely uninterrupted by an unprecedented dam regulation era flood. River managers may require other tools than infrequent high intensity floods to restore geomorphic and LW patterns. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silver nanoparticles in sewage sludge: Bioavailability of sulfidized silver to the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber
Authors: Kampe Sebastian , Kaegi Ralf , Schlich Karsten , Wasmuth Claus , Hollert Henner , Schlechtriem Christian
Published: January 2018

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are efficiently converted during the wastewater-treatment process into sparingly soluble Ag sulfides (Ag2S). In several countries, sewage sludge is used as a fertilizer in agriculture. The bioavailability of sulfidized Ag to the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber was investigated. Sewage sludge containing transformed AgNPs was obtained from a laboratory-scale sewage-treatment plant operated according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guideline 303a. The results of transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray of sludge samples suggest that AgNPs were completely transformed to Ag2S. Adult isopods were exposed to OECD 207 soil substrate amended with the AgNP spiked sludge for 14 d (uptake phase) followed by an elimination phase in unspiked soil of equal duration. Most of the Ag measured in P. scaber at the end of the uptake phase was found in the hindgut (71%), indicating that only a minor part of the estimated Ag content was actually assimilated by the isopods with 16.3 and 12.7% found in the carcass and hepatopancreas, respectively. As a result of this, the Ag content of the animals dropped following transition to unspiked sludge within 2 d to one-third of the previously measured Ag concentration and remained stable at this level until the end of the elimination period. The present study shows that Ag2S in sewage sludge is bioavailable to the terrestrial isopod P. scaber. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1606–1613. © 2018 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Forecasting realized volatility of oil futures market: A new insight
Authors: Ma Feng , Wei Yu , Liu Li , Huang Dengshi
Published: January 2018

In this study we propose several new variables, such as continuous realized semi‐variance and signed jump variations including jump tests, and construct a new heterogeneous autoregressive model for realized volatility models to investigate the impacts that those new variables have on forecasting oil price volatility. In‐sample results indicate that past negative returns have greater effects on future volatility than that of positive returns, and our new signed jump variations have a significantly negative influence on the future volatility. Out‐of‐sample empirical results with several robust checks demonstrate that our proposed models can not only obtain better performance in forecasting volatility but also garner larger economic values than can the existing models discussed in this paper.
Distinctive inhibition of alkaline phosphatase isozymes by thiazol‐2‐ylidene‐benzamide derivatives: Functional insights into their anticancer role
Authors: Ejaz Syeda Abida , Saeed Aamer , Shah Syed Jawad Ali , Hameed Abdul , Lecka Joanna , Sévigny Jean , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: January 2018

In the recent years, the role of alkaline phosphatase (AP) isozymes in the cause of neoplastic diseases such as breast, liver, renal, and bone cancer has been confirmed and, thus they represent a novel target for the discovery of anticancer drugs. In this study different derivatives of thiazol‐2‐ylidene‐benzamide were evaluated for their potential to inhibit alkaline phosphatase (AP) isozymes. Their anticancer potential was assessed using human breast cancer (MCF‐7), bone‐marrow cancer (K‐562), and cervical cancer (HeLa) cell lines in comparison to normal cells from baby hamster kidney BHK‐21. The results suggested that in comparison to other derivatives, compounds 2i, 2e, and 2a showed more sensitivity towards human tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase (h‐TNAP). Among these, 2″‐chloro‐N‐(3‐(4′‐fluorophenyl)‐4‐methylthiazol‐2(3H)‐ylidene) benzamide (2e) was found as the most potent and selective inhibitor for h‐TNAP with an IC50 value of 0.079 ± 0.002 μM. Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between the enzyme inhibition profile and cytotoxic data. The compounds exhibiting maximum anticancer potential also induced maximum apoptosis in the respective cell lines. Furthermore, the DNA interaction studies exhibited the non‐covalent mode of interaction with the herring sperm‐DNA. Molecular docking studies also supported the in vitro inhibitory activity of potent compounds. Our findings suggested that potent and selective inhibitors might be useful candidates for the treatment or prevention of those diseases associated with the higher level of AP. Moreover, the study can be useful for the researcher to explore more molecular mechanisms of such derivatives and their analogues with the exact findings.
Flavonoid silybin improves the response to radiotherapy in invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Prack Mc Cormick Barbara , Langle Yanina , Belgorosky Denise , Vanzulli Silvia , Balarino Natalia , Sandes Eduardo , Eiján Ana M.
Published: January 2018

Conservative treatment for invasive bladder cancer (BC) involves a complete transurethral tumor resection combined with chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT). The major obstacles of chemo‐radiotherapy are the addition of the toxicities of RT and CT, and the recurrence due to RT and CT resistances. The flavonoid Silybin (Sb) inhibits pathways involved in cell survival and resistance mechanisms, therefore the purpose of this paper was to study in vitro and in vivo, the ability of Sb to improve the response to RT, in two murine BC cell lines, with different levels of invasiveness, placing emphasis on radio‐sensitivity, and pathways involved in radio‐resistance and survival. In vitro, Sb radio‐sensitized murine invasive cells through the inhibition of RT‐induced NF‐κB and PI3K pathways, and the increase of oxidative stress, while non‐invasive cells did not show to be sensitized. In vivo, Sb improved RT‐response and overall survival in invasive murine tumors. As Sb is already being tested in clinical trials for other urological cancers and it improves RT‐response in invasive BC, these results could have translational relevance, supporting further research.
Sertoli cell specific decline in NOR‐1 leads to germ cell apoptosis and reduced fertility
Authors: Shukla Mansi , Ganguli Nirmalya , Sen Sharma Souvik , Majumdar Subeer S.
Published: January 2018

The somatic component of seminiferous epithelium, the Sertoli cells (Sc) respond to Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and Testosterone (T) to produce factors which are necessary for germ cell (Gc) survival and differentiation. Infant Sc do not support spermatogenesis in spite of sufficient hormonal milieu, a situation similar to that found in male idiopathic infertility. Sc maturation during pubertal period involves expression of some genes which may be important for initiation of spermatogenesis. Analysis of differentially expressed genes, one by one, in infant and pubertal Sc might provide useful information about the regulation of spermatogenesis. DNA microarray based analysis of mRNA from 5‐days (infant) and 12‐days (pubertal) old rat Sc revealed increased expression of Nor‐1 by pubertal Sc. NOR‐1 is an orphan nuclear receptor involved in maintaining cellular homeostasis and disease. We generated transgenic mice using shRNA cloned under Pem (Rhox5) promoter which is activated at puberty in Sc. Such transgenic mice had reduced Nor‐1 expression and increased Tgfβ1, Tgfβ3, and Smad3 expression. Moreover, an increase in β‐catenin expression was observed in NOR‐1 knockdown testes. High β‐catenin in such transgenic mice was found to be associated with disruption of Sc maturation characterized by elevated expression of Anti Mullerian hormone, Cytokeratin 18, and Sox9. This disruption of Sc maturation resulted in Gc apoptosis. Such NOR‐1 knockdown mice showed reduced sperm count and litter size. We report for the first time that NOR‐1 plays a crucial role in regulating sperm count and male fertility.
Production of butyric acid by Clostridium tyrobutyricum coated with carboxyl functioned magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Jin , Tang Wan , Zhu Shengquan , Du Meini
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Magnetic nanomaterial has been considered a promising carrier for cell immobilization, because of its low mass transfer resistance, high load rate, high specific surface and facility for reusability. In this study, carboxyl functioned magnetic nanoparticles (CMNPs) were prepared by chemical co‐precipitation and oleate modification methods, and then immobilized with Clostridium tyrobutyricum for the production of butyric acid.

RESULTS

The immobilization conditions were systematically optimized to achieve maximum efficiency and the highest cell relative activity, in which the mass ratio, immobilization temperature and time were determined as 0.72 g g‐1, 35 °C and 30 min, respectively. The endurance of CMNPs‐cells was also evaluated in a repeated‐batch mode of eight continuous batches. Stable and reliable production of butyric acid was obtained in each batch with an average butyrate titer and yield of ∼11.02 g L‐1 and ∼0.43 g g‐1 utilized sugar. Compared with the free‐cell fermentation, higher butyrate yield and concentration were obtained with immobilized cells of C. tyrobutyricum in repeated‐batch fermentation, suggesting that the coated cells did not experience a mass transfer problem.

CONCLUSION

Considering the convenient separation of CMNPs‐cells from fermentation broth via an external magnetic force, as well as its excellent long‐term performance overcoming the possible accumulation of dead cells and culture degeneration, the developed usage of CMNPs‐cells could be very benign for industrial application. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Subdivision of aspirin tablets? Use your hands: a study on aspirin tablet subdivision using four different methods
Authors: van Reuler Alexandra V. R. , van Diemen Jeske J. K. , Harmsze Ankie M. , Fuijkschot Wessel W. , Thijs Abel
Published: January 2018

Background/Aim

Low‐dose aspirin therapy (1 × 75–150 mg) is used in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Recently it has been suggested that a twice daily regimen is more effective (2 × 40–75 mg). We therefore compared the precision of four subdivision methods.

Method

A total of 280 aspirin tablets (acetylsalicylic acid 80 mg) were subdivided using four different methods (PillTool, hand, knife and Pilomat). Precision was compared using a difference score and loss of mass. The accuracy (uniformity of weight) was evaluated according to an adapted version of the European Pharmacopoeia test. Loss of mass was analysed using the criteria of the US Food and Drug Administration.

Results

Evaluating the difference score (mean ± SD: PillTool 22 ± 14; hand 14 ± 8; knife 36 ± 23; and Pilomat 20 ± 13), the knife method was less precise than the PillTool, the hand method and the Pilomat (for all p < 0.001). Furthermore, the hand (p < 0.001) and the PillTool (p < 0.001) had statistically significantly a smaller loss of mass (mg) than the knife and the Pilomat (median (interquartile range): PillTool 1 (2), hand 0 (2), knife 4 (6) and Pilomat 3 (5)). Only breaking by hand complied with the adapted European Pharmacopoeia test. Tablets broken by PillTool and hand fulfilled the criteria of the US Food and Drug Administration test for loss of mass.

Conclusion

Based on the results of our study, we recommend hand breaking and to avoid a knife for the best weight uniform tablets. If a tablet splitting device is necessary we advise use of the PillTool.
Bitter taste masking of enzyme‐treated soy protein in water and bread
Authors: Bertelsen Anne S , Laursen Anne , Knudsen Tine A , Møller Stine , Kidmose Ulla
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Bioactive protein hydrolysates are often very bitter. To overcome this challenge, xylitol, sucrose, α‐cyclodextrin, maltodextrin and combinations of these were tested systematically as bitter‐masking agents of an enzyme‐treated soy protein in an aqueous model and in a bread model. Sensory descriptive analysis was used to reveal the bitter‐masking effect of the taste‐masking blends on the enzyme‐treated soy protein.

RESULTS

In water, xylitol, sucrose and maltodextrin reduced bitterness significantly, whereas α‐cyclodextrin did not. No significant difference was observed in bitterness reduction between xylitol and sucrose. Both reduced bitterness significantly more than maltodextrin. No interactions between the taste‐masking agents affecting bitterness reduction were found. Clearer bitter‐masking effects were seen in the aqueous model compared with the bread model. The bitter‐masking effects of α‐cyclodextrin and maltodextrin were similar between water and bread. The effect of xylitol and sucrose on bitterness suppression varied between the systems. In water, bitterness was negatively correlated with sweetness. In bread, bitterness was negatively correlated with freshness, and maltodextrin significantly reduced bitterness of the enzyme‐treated soy protein and increased freshness.

CONCLUSION

Bitter‐masking effects were generally more discernible in the aqueous model compared with the bread model. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Cruise experience and its contribution to subjective well‐being: A case of Chinese tourists
Authors: Lyu Jiaying , Mao Zhenxing , Hu Liang
Published: January 2018

Growing evidence suggests that travel may serve as an effective intervention of subjective well‐being (SWB). This study develops and empirically tests a psychological model that describes the links of travel experience and SWB. This study also compared the short‐ and long‐term effects of the tourist experience on SWB. Our results identified 3 dimensions of cruise experience, namely, emotional experience, relational experience, and thinking experience. In the short term, happiness from cruise travel is created mainly through emotional and relational experiences. The long‐term effect of cruising travel is largely derived from thinking experience. Theoretical and management implications were discussed.