bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ruthenium Pincer Complex Catalyzed Selective Synthesis of C‐3 Alkylated Indoles and Bisindolylmethanes Directly from Indoles and Alcohols
Authors: Biswas Nandita , Sharma Rahul , Srimani Dipankar
Published: May 2020

Herein, we presented Ru‐SNS complex that serves as a useful catalyst for C‐3 alkylation of 1H‐indoles with various aliphatic primary and secondary alcohols including cyclic alcohols as well as benzylic alcohols. The selective synthesis of bisindolylmethane derivatives is also achieved from the same set of indole and alcohol just by altering the reaction parameters. Furthermore, the sustainable synthesis of C‐3 alkylated indoles directly from 2‐(2‐nitrophenyl)ethan‐1‐ol and alcohols catalysed by a Ru‐complex via “borrowing hydrogen” strategy is reported. This protocol provides an atom‐economical sustainable route to access structurally important compounds like arundine, vibrindole A and tryptamine based derivatives.

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High Volumetric Energy Density Sulfur Cathode with Heavy and Catalytic Metal Oxide Host for Lithium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Liu Ya‐Tao , Liu Sheng , Li Guo‐Ran , Yan Tian‐Ying , Gao Xue‐Ping
Published: May 2020

For high‐energy lithium–sulfur batteries, the poor volumetric energy density is a bottleneck as compared with lithium–ion batteries, due to the low density of both the sulfur active material and sulfur host. Herein, in order to enhance the volumetric energy density of sulfur cathode, a universal approach is proposed to fabricate a compact sulfur cathode with dense materials as sulfur host, instead of the old‐fashioned lightweight carbon nanomaterials. Based on this strategy, heavy lanthanum strontium manganese oxide (La0.8Sr0.2MnO3), with a high theoretical density of up to 6.5 g cm−3, is introduced as sulfur host. Meanwhile, the La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 host also acts as an efficient electrocatalyst to accelerate the diffusion, adsorption, and redox dynamics of lithium polysulfides in the charge–discharge processes. As a result, such S/La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 cathode presents high gravimetric/volumetric capacity and outstanding cycling stability. Moreover, an ultra‐high volumetric energy density of 2727 Wh L−1‐cathode is achieved based on the densification effect with higher density (1.69 g cm−3), which is competitive to the Ni‐rich oxide cathode (1800–2160 Wh L−1) of lithium–ion batteries. The current study opens up a path for constructing high volumetric capacity sulfur cathode with heavy and catalytic host toward practical applications of lithium–sulfur batteries.
In Quest of Nonfilamentary Switching: A Synergistic Approach of Dual Nanostructure Engineering to Improve the Variability and Reliability of Resistive Random‐Access‐Memory Devices
Authors: Maikap Siddheswar , Banerjee Writam
Published: May 2020

This study demonstrates a synergistic approach of dual nanostructure engineering to improve the performance of AlOx‐based resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices. More precisely, a novel material stack engineering of RRAM with nonlinear area scalable low current switching and extensive improvement of reliability and variability issues is reported. Dual nanostructures (nanodome bottom electrode and nanocrystals in switching layer) in RRAM is an effective way to change the switching from filamentary to a nonfilamentary one, resulting in forming‐free highly stable device. Several methods such as transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy have been employed to investigate the morphology of the RRAM devices. Enhanced electric field within the enclave of switching layer is controlling the intrinsic distribution of oxygen vacancy profile with extrinsic operation. As compare to filamentary RRAM, nonfilamentary devices can effectively control dc switching for >103 cycles, ac switching for >106 cycles without any severe fluctuation of resistance states for different levels. Area and temperature‐dependent semiconducting behavior along with time‐dependent high resistance states are certainly confirming the nonfilamentary switching process. In addition, the device yield improvement ≈98% using nonfilamentary switching, is making dual nanostructure devices a very promising candidate for high‐density memory application, is highlighted.
Engineering of a Low‐Cost, Highly Active, and Durable Tantalate–Graphene Hybrid Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Zhang Gaixia , Sebastián David , Zhang Xilin , Wei Qiliang , Lo Vecchio Carmelo , Zhang Jihai , Baglio Vincenzo , Wang Weichao , Sun Shuhui , Aricò Antonino S. , Tavares Ana C.
Published: May 2020

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is one of the most important reactions in renewable energy conversion and storage devices. The full deployment of these devices depends on the development of highly active, stable, and low‐cost catalysts. Herein, a new hybrid material consisting of Na2Ta8O21−x/Ta2O5/Ta3N5 nanocrystals grown on N‐doped reduced graphene oxide is reported. This catalyst shows a significantly enhanced ORR activity by ≈4 orders of magnitude in acidic media and by ≈2 orders of magnitude in alkaline media compared to individual Na2Ta8O21−x on graphene. Moreover, it has excellent stability in both acid and alkaline media. It also has much better methanol tolerance than the commercial Pt/C, which is relevant to methanol fuel cells. The high ORR activity arises not only from the synergistic effect among the three Ta phases, but also from the concomitant nitrogen doping of the reduced graphene oxide nanosheets. A correlation between ORR activity and nitrogen content is demonstrated. Deep insights into the mechanism of the synergistic effect among these three Ta‐based phases, which boosts the ORR's kinetics, are acquired by combining specific experiments and density functional theory calculations.
A life cycle analysis (LCA) primer for the agricultural community
Authors: Sieverding Heidi , Kebreab Ermias , Johnson Jane M. F. , Xu Hui , Wang Michael , Grosso Stephen J. Del , Bruggeman Stephanie , Stewart Catherine E. , Westhoff Shaina , Ristau James , Kumar Sandeep , Stone James J.
Published: May 2020

Consumer demand for sustainably produced agricultural products is increasing. One approach that can be used to evaluate and compare product sustainability is to conduct a life cycle analysis (LCA). The term LCA is broadly used to describe a suite of analytical resources and standardized methods. Life cycle analyses are a transdisciplinary tool which can and are used by all professions but work best when conducted by teams with diverse skills and backgrounds. The objective of this paper is to provide a primer on LCAs for the agricultural community and for LCA practitioners unfamiliar with agronomy. Agricultural LCAs can differ greatly because agricultural products have multiple end uses, complex socio‐economic and environmental trade‐offs, and can be generated using a variety of different practices, resources, and production systems. Through worldwide agricultural marketing, intricate agronomic supply chains and support systems have been developed to produce, store, and distribute agricultural products. In many situations, the production practices are not linked to the products consumers purchase. This limitation can be partially overcome by conducting an LCA, which is a systematic summation of the multiple environmental impacts associated with the production, use, and disposal of a product. However, the large number and types of analyses can make it difficult for non‐practitioners and decision‐makers to use and interpret LCA results. It is important for members of the agricultural community to be aware of these analyses and how they can be used and how they affect product markets.
Types of ocular injury and their antecedent factors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nowrouzi‐Kia Behnam , Nadesar Nirusa , Sun Yingji , Gohar Basem , Casole Jennifer , Nowrouzi‐Kia Behdin
Published: May 2020

Background

Ocular injuries are an important workplace hazard that can lead to vision loss, decreased functioning, and socioeconomic costs. The aim of this systematic review is to identify types of occupational ocular injuries and examine factors associated with these injuries.

Methods

Four health sciences databases (Ovid Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) were reviewed to identify evidence pertaining to occupational ocular injuries. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42018089876) and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA). The PICO (Population/Intervention/Comparison/Outcome) tool was used to support, structure, and improve our search strategy.

Results

Overall, 12 studies with quantitative Critical Appraisal Skills Programme grading scores were assessed in a systematic review and meta‐analysis of ocular injuries in the workplace. The systematic review identified four main factors associated with occupational ocular injury: (a) use of eye protection at the time of the ocular injury, (b) being male, (c) exposure to biological or chemical occupational hazards, and (d) risk‐taking behavior.

Conclusions

Differences in risk between countries of origin, occupational sectors, and dates of publication, suggest likely differences or changes in safety procedures. We recommend that employers ensure that safety equipment is tailored to the protection of their specific occupational hazards, and that employees are adhering to safety protocols.
Synthesis of Polymers Containing Potassium Acyltrifluoroborates (KATs) and Post‐polymerization Ligation and Conjugation
Authors: Schauenburg Dominik , Divandari Mohammad , Neumann Kevin , Spiegel Christoph A. , Hackett Thomas , Dzeng Yi‐Chung , Spencer Nicholas D. , Bode Jeffrey W.
Published: May 2020

We report the synthesis of monomers for atom‐transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and a reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent bearing trifluoroborate iminiums (TIMs), which are quantitatively converted into potassium acyltrifluoroborates (KATs) after polymerization. The resulting KAT‐containing polymers are suitable for rapid amide‐forming ligations for both post‐polymerization modification and polymer conjugation. The polymer conjugation occurs rapidly, even under dilute (micromolar) aqueous conditions at ambient temperatures, thereby enabling the synthesis of a variety of linear and star‐shaped block copolymers. In addition, we applied post‐polymerization modification to the covalent linking of a photocaged cyclic antibiotic (gramicidin S) to the side chains of the KAT‐containing copolymer. Cellular assays revealed that the polymer–antibiotic conjugate is biocompatible and provides efficient light‐controlled release of the antibiotic on demand.
Investigation on the Growth Mechanism of Cu2MoS4 Nanotube, Nanoplate and its use as a Catalyst for Hydrogen Evolution in Water
Authors: Le Ly T. , Nguyen Thao T. T. , Nguyen Trang T. T. , Nguyen Mai T. T. , Ung Thuy T. D. , Tran Phong D.
Published: May 2020

Cu2MoS4 is a ternary transition‐metal sulfide that shows great potential in the field of energy conversion and storage, namely catalytic H2 evolution in water and Li‐, Na‐ or Mg‐ion battery. In this work, we report on a growth mechanism of the single‐crystalline Cu2MoS4 nanotube from (NH4)2MoS4 salt and Cu2O nanoparticle. By probing the nature and morphology of solid products generated in function of reaction conditions we find that the crystalline Cu(NH4)MoS4 nanorod is first generated at ambient conditions. The nanorod is then converted into Cu2MoS4 nanotube under hydrothermal treatment due to the Kirkendall effect or a selective etching of the Cu2MoS4 core. Extending the hydrothermal treatment causes a collapse of nanotube generating Cu2MoS4 nanoplate. The catalytic activities of these sulfides are investigated. The Cu2MoS4 shows superior catalytic activity to that of Cu(NH4)MoS4. Catalytic performance of the former largely depends on its morphology. The nanoplate shows superior catalytic activity to the nanotube, thanks to its higher specific electrochemical surface area.
Edge‐NFx (x=1 or 2) Protected Graphitic Nanoplatelets as a Stable Lithium Storage Material
Authors: Noh Hyuk‐Jun , Liu Shenghong , Yu Soo‐Young , Fan Qinghua , Xiao Feng , Xu Jiantie , Jeon In‐Yup , Baek Jong‐Beom
Published: May 2020

Edge‐NFx (x=1 or 2) protected graphitic nanoplatelets (NFGnPs) are synthesized for the first time as a stable anode material for lithium storage. The NFGnPs are prepared via mechanochemical reaction, by ball‐milling graphite in the presence of nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) gas. The average grain size of the NFGnPs is dramatically reduced compared to the starting graphite. The ball‐milling effectively unzips graphitic C−C bonds, generating active carbon species (C.), which form edge C−NFx bonds and delaminate the graphite layers into a few layered NFGnPs. The resulting NFGnPs have a large specific surface area (671.0 m2 g−1). The edge functionalities of the NFGnPs consist of major C(C)=NF1 and minor C−NF2 moieties. Because of their large specific surface area, the NFGnPs display high average reversible capacities of 850.5, 722.4, 576.4, 482.0, 369.1, 229.7, 127.5 mAh g−1 at 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5 and 10 C, respectively, with excellent rate capability. More importantly, due to the edge protection provided by the stable C(C)=NF1 bonds (pseudo‐aromatic), the NFGnPs maintain a high reversible charge capacity of 421.6 mAh g−1 at 2 C, with an initial capacity retention of 78.3 % after 200 cycles.
Propensity score regression analysis of oesophageal adenocarcinoma treatment with surgery alone or neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Powell A G M T , Karran A , Blake P , Christian A , Roberts S A , Lewis W G
Published: May 2020

Background

Propensity score (PS) regression analysis can be used to minimize differences between cohorts in order to perform comparisons The aim of this study was to use PS analysis to examine the outcomes of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) treatment with surgery alone or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by surgery (NACS), to see whether the benefits seen in a randomized trial (MRC OE02) were reproducible in a UK cancer network clinical practice.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing potentially curative treatment for OAC in a regional cancer network were studied. Multiple regression models, including PS analysis, were developed to account for confounding factors. Primary outcome measures were disease-free (DFS) and overall (OS) survival.

Results

A cohort of 440 patients was included in a regression analysis controlling for confounders (176 surgery alone, 264 NACS). NACS was associated with a higher positive margin status rate compared with surgery alone (42·4 versus 26·7 per cent respectively; P < 0·001), an inferior 5-year DFS rate (32·1 versus 56·9 per cent; P < 0·001) and a worse 5-year OS rate (27·5 versus 47·3 per cent; P < 0·001). On regression adjustment based on propensity scores, NACS was not associated with DFS (P = 0·220) or OS (P = 0·431). The Mandard tumour regression grade (TRG) score was significantly associated with DFS (hazard ratio (HR) 0·21, 95 per cent c.i. 0·07 to 0·70) and OS (HR 0·27, 0·13 to 0·59). Five-year DFS and OS rates related to TRG were 64 and 62 per cent respectively for 25 good responders versus 8·0 and 8·6 per cent for 127 poor responders (P < 0·001).

Conclusion

The prescription of NAC to all patients with OAC risks delay in effective treatment of patients who are relatively chemoresistant, given the variability in pathological response. Identification of patients with OAC who may derive the most benefit from NAC should be the focus.
PRADA: Portable Reusable Accurate Diagnostics with nanostar Antennas for multiplexed biomarker screening
Authors: Wen Xiaona , Ou Yu‐Chuan , Zarick Holly F. , Zhang Xin , Hmelo Anthony B. , Victor Quinton J. , Paul Eden P. , Slocik Joseph M. , Naik Rajesh R. , Bellan Leon M. , Lin Eugene C. , Bardhan Rizia
Published: May 2020

Precise monitoring of specific biomarkers in biological fluids with accurate biodiagnostic sensors is critical for early diagnosis of diseases and subsequent treatment planning. In this work, we demonstrated an innovative biodiagnostic sensor, portable reusable accurate diagnostics with nanostar antennas (PRADA), for multiplexed biomarker detection in small volumes (~50 μl) enabled in a microfluidic platform. Here, PRADA simultaneously detected two biomarkers of myocardial infarction, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), which is well accepted for cardiac disorders, and neuropeptide Y (NPY), which controls cardiac sympathetic drive. In PRADA immunoassay, magnetic beads captured the biomarkers in human serum samples, and gold nanostars (GNSs) “antennas” labeled with peptide biorecognition elements and Raman tags detected the biomarkers via surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The peptide‐conjugated GNS‐SERS barcodes were leveraged to achieve high sensitivity, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0055 ng/ml of cTnI, and a LOD of 0.12 ng/ml of NPY comparable with commercially available test kits. The innovation of PRADA was also in the regeneration and reuse of the same sensor chip for ~14 cycles. We validated PRADA by testing cTnI in 11 de‐identified cardiac patient samples of various demographics within a 95% confidence interval and high precision profile. We envision low‐cost PRADA will have tremendous translational impact and be amenable to resource‐limited settings for accurate treatment planning in patients.
High incidence of RAS pathway mutations among sentinel genetic lesions of Korean pediatric BCR‐ABL1‐like acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Lee Jae Wook , Kim Yonggoo , Cho Bin , Kim Seongkoo , Jang Pil‐Sang , Lee Jaewoong , Cho Hanwool , Lee Gun Dong , Chung Nack‐Gyun , Kim Myungshin
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Recent advances in genetic analysis have led to the discovery of novel genetic subtypes of precursor B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) with prognostic relevance. In this study, we studied a cohort of pediatric B‐ALL patients to retrospectively determine the incidence of patients harboring novel genetic subtypes, as well as their outcome.

Methods

B‐ALL patients (N = 190) diagnosed in a single Korean hospital were included in the study. Patients' medical records were reviewed for data on established genetic abnormalities and outcome. CRLF2 expression was analyzed by quantitative RT‐PCR. Anchored multiplex PCR‐based enrichment was used to detect fusions and point mutations in 81 ALL‐related genes.

Results

Incidence of established recurrent genetic subtypes was as follows: high hyperdiploidy (21.6%), ETV6‐RUNX1 (21.6%), BCR‐ABL1 (7.9%), KMT2A rearrangement (7.4%) TCF3‐PBX1/TCF3‐HLF (7.4%), and hypodiploidy (1.1%). Incidence of new genetic subtypes was as follows: BCR‐ABL1‐like (13.2%), ETV6‐RUNX1‐like (2.1%), EWSR1‐ZNF384 (1.1%), and iAMP21 (1.1%). Median age at diagnosis of BCR‐ABL1‐like ALL was 6.8 years. According to type of genetic abnormality, BCR‐ABL1‐like ALL was divided into ABL class (12%), CRLF2 class (8%), JAK‐STAT class (12%), and RAS class (68%). The 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) of BCR‐ABL1‐like patients was significantly inferior to non‐BCR‐ABL1‐like low‐ and standard‐risk patients (71.5 ± 9.1% vs 92.5 ± 3.2%, P = .001) and comparable to non‐BCR‐ABL1‐like high (75.2 ± 6.2%) and very high‐risk patients (56.8 ± 7.4%). All four ETV6‐RUNX1‐like patients survived event‐free.

Conclusion

Analogous to previous studies, incidence of BCR‐ABL1‐like ALL in our cohort was 13.2% with outcome comparable to high and very high‐risk patients. A significantly high number of RAS class mutations was a distinct feature of our BCR‐ABL1‐like ALL group.
TMEM98 mRNA promotes proliferation and invasion of gastric cells by directly interacting with NF90 protein
Authors: Ao Xudong , Li Xinxin , Chen Yongxia , Zang Zhichao , Guo Weichun , Liang Junqing
Published: May 2020

Transmembrane protein 98 (TMEM98) is a recently discovered gene, the inhibition of which has preliminarily been demonstrated to inhibit progression of several solid cancers in vitro. However, its involvement in tumorigenesis of gastric cancer (GC) has not been reported. Here, we aimed to explore the expression of TMEM98 in GC tissues and cell lines and to determine the role of TMEM98 in GC cell proliferation and invasion. TMEM98 was significantly upregulated in GC tissues, which was associated with low survival rate of GC patients. Interestingly, GC cell proliferation and invasion were promoted by TMEM98 messenger RNA (mRNA) upregulation and inhibited by TMEM98 mRNA downregulation, but not affected by TMEM98 protein. Using RNA‐binding protein immunoprecipitation assay and RNA pull‐down assay, we demonstrated that TMEM98 mRNA could directly bind with and upregulate nuclear factor 90 (NF90). Similarly, NF90 protein could not only enhance the stability of TMEM98 mRNA but antagonize the suppressive effect of TMEM98‐small interfering RNA on proliferation and invasion in MKN‐45 cells. Moreover, RNA pull‐down assay, with wild‐type (WT) and binding‐site‐mutated biotinylated TMEM98 mRNA transcripts, demonstrated that WT TMEM98 mRNA bound with NF90 protein through an 8‐nt motif at the last exon, but the motif mutation abolished the capacity of TMEM98 mRNA binding to NF90 protein. Furthermore, overexpression of the WT last exon of TMEM98 increased NF90 expression and cell proliferation/invasion expectedly, but overexpression of the mutated last exon had no obvious effect. In conclusion, TMEM98 mRNA enhanced the proliferation and invasion of GC cells by interacting with the NF90 protein.
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(hydrogen halide) Halogenates (–I)
Authors: Voßnacker Patrick , Steinhauer Simon , Bader Julia , Riedel Sebastian
Published: May 2020

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a variety of novel poly(hydrogen halide) halogenates (−I). The bifluoride ion, which is known to have the highest hydrogen bond energy of ≈160 kJ mol−1, is the most famous among many examples of [X(HX)n]− anions (X=F, Cl) known in the literature. In contrast, little is known about poly(hydrogen halide) halogenates containing two different halogens, ([X(HY)n]−). In this work we present the synthesis of anions of the type [X(HY)n]− (X=Br, I, ClO4; Y=Cl, Br, CN) stabilized by the [PPh4]+ and [PPN]+ cation. The obtained compounds have been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and quantum‐chemical calculations. In addition, the behavior of halide ions in hydrogen fluoride was investigated by using experimental and quantum‐chemical methods in order to gain knowledge on the acidity of hydrogen halides in HF.
Symptom burden trajectories experienced by patients with brain tumors
Authors: Lai Jin‐Shei , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Kupst Mary Jo , Peipert John Devin , Cella David , Fisher Allison Piazza , Goldman Stewart
Published: May 2020

Background

Survivors of childhood brain tumors experience persistent health concerns across their lifespan. In the current study, the authors evaluated changes in symptom burden over the course of 12 months using pediatric Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures.

Methods

Data from 202 survivors aged 8 to 21 years and 262 parents of survivors who were aged 5 to 21 years were analyzed. All completed a PROMIS Cognition short form and computerized adaptive tests of pediatric Anxiety, Depressive Symptoms, Fatigue, Mobility, Upper Extremity Function, and Peer Relationships. Approximately one‐half of participants (223 participants: 97 survivors of childhood brain tumors and 126 parents) completed the 12‐month follow‐up. Linear mixed‐effects models evaluated group‐level symptoms over time. Cox proportional hazard models explored whether symptoms predicted survival, and latent class growth analysis investigated patterns of individual‐level symptom changes over time.

Results

Linear mixed‐effects models demonstrated that patient‐reported Cognition and parent‐reported Anxiety worsened over time. Latent class growth analysis results indicated that patient and parent reports diverged, both with regard to the number of classes identified and in the trends of these classes. Parents and patients reported similar patterns of depression over time. For the other areas, parents either were more likely to observe different patterns (Peer Relationships and Mobility) or less likely to observe different patterns (Upper Extremity Function, Cognition, Anxiety, and Fatigue). Baseline patient‐reported Mobility and Upper Extremity Function were found to be associated with survival.

Conclusions

Survivors of childhood brain tumors demonstrated different trajectory patterns of symptom burden. Along with baseline functioning status and days since treatment, patient‐reported Mobility and Upper Extremity Function were associated with survival, suggesting a possible role for patient‐reported outcomes in clinical care, especially individualized, tailored assessments such as PROMIS.
Differential expression of drug resistance genes in CD146 positive dental pulp derived stem cells and CD146 negative fibroblasts
Authors: Tavangar Maryam S. , Attar Armin , Razmkhah Mahboobeh , Hosseini Seyed‐Mojtaba , Hosseini Ahmad , Monabati Ahmad , Shafiei Fereshteh
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The stem cell portion of the dental pulp derived cultures (DPSCs) showed a higher resistance to cytotoxic effect of restorative dental materials compared to pulpal fibroblasts (DPFs). Here, we aimed to compare the expression of some drug resistant genes between these cells.

Methods and materials

To separate DPSCs from DPFs, we used magnetic cell sorting technique based on CD146 expression. To assess the stem cell properties, the positive and negative portions underwent colony forming assays and were induced to be differentiated into the adipocytes, osteoblasts, hepatocytes, and neural cells. Cell surface antigen panels were checked using immune fluorescence and flow‐cytometry techniques. The mRNA expression of 14 ABC transporters including ABCA2, ABCB1, ABCB11, ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC3, ABCC4, ABCC5‐2, ABCC5‐4,ABCC5‐13, ABCC6, ABCC10, ABCC11, and ABCG2 genes was assessed, using quantitative RT‐PCR technique.

Results

Only the CD146 positive portion could be differentiated into the desired fates, and they formed higher colonies (16.7 ± 3.32 vs. 1.7 ± 1.67, p < .001). The cell surface antigen panels were the same, except for CD146 and STRO‐1 markers which were expressed only in the positive portion. Among the ABC transporter genes studied, the positive portion showed a higher expression (approximately two‐fold) of ABCA2, ABCC5‐13, and ABCC5‐2 genes.

Conclusion

Dental pulp stem cells which can be separated from dental pulp fibroblasts based on CD146 expression, express higher levels of some drug resistance genes which probably accounts for their features of more resistance to cytotoxic effects of some dental materials. This needs to be more validated in future.
Syntheses and analytical characterizations of novel (2‐aminopropyl)benzo[b]thiophene (APBT) based stimulants
Authors: Brandt Simon D. , Carlino Laura , Kavanagh Pierce V. , Westphal Folker , Dreiseitel Wolfgang , Dowling Geraldine , Baumann Michael H. , Sitte Harald H. , Halberstadt Adam L.
Published: May 2020

Two groups of amphetamine‐like drugs with psychostimulant properties that were first developed during the course of scientific studies and later emerged as new psychoactive substances (NPS) are based on the (2‐aminopropyl)indole (API) and (2‐aminopropyl)benzofuran (APB) structural scaffolds. However, sulfur‐based analogs with a benzo[b]thiophene structure (resulting in (2‐aminopropyl)benzo[b]thiophene (APBT) derivatives) have received little attention. In the present investigation, all six racemic APBT positional isomers were synthesized in an effort to understand their structure–activity relationships relative to API‐ and APB‐based drugs. One lesson learned from the NPS phenomenon is that one cannot exclude the appearance of such substances on the market. Therefore, an in‐depth analytical characterization was performed, including various single‐ and tandem mass spectrometry (MS) and ionization platforms coupled to gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and solid phase and GC condensed phase infrared spectroscopy (GC‐sIR). Various derivatizations have also been explored; it was found that all six APBT isomers could be differentiated during GC analysis after derivatization with heptafluorobutyric anhydride and ethyl chloroformate (or heptafluorobutyric anhydride and acetic anhydride) under non‐routine conditions. Discriminating analytical features can also be derived from NMR, GC‐EI/CI‐ single‐ and tandem mass spectrometry, LC (pentafluorophenyl stationary phase), and various infrared spectroscopy approaches (including GC‐sIR). Availability of detailed analytical data obtained from these novel APBT‐type stimulants may be useful to researchers and scientists in cases where forensic and clinical investigations are warranted.
Assessment of the high risk and unmet need in patients with CAD and type 2 diabetes (ATHENA): US healthcare resource utilization, cost and burden of illness in the Diabetes Collaborative Registry
Authors: Wittbrodt Eric , Bhalla Narinder , Andersson Sundell Karolina , Gao Qi , Dong Liyan , Cavender Matthew A. , Hunt Phillip , Wong Nathan D. , Mellström Carl
Published: May 2020

Background

THEMIS (NCT01991795) showed that in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) but with no prior myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke, ticagrelor plus acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) decreased the incidence of ischaemic cardiovascular events compared with placebo plus ASA. To complement these findings, we assessed disease burden and healthcare resource utilization (HRU) in US patients with CAD and T2D, but without a prior MI or stroke.

Methods

This observational study used 2013‐2014 data from the Diabetes Collaborative Registry linked to Medicare administrative claims. Two cohorts of patients with T2D were studied: patients at high cardiovascular risk (THEMIS‐like cohort; N = 56 040) and patients at high cardiovascular risk or taking P2Y12 inhibitors (CAD‐T2D cohort; N = 69 790). Outcomes included the composite of all‐cause death, MI and stroke; the individual events from the composite endpoint; HRU; and costs.

Results

Median age was 73.0 years, and median follow‐up was 1.3 years in both cohorts. Event rates of the composite outcome were 16.34 (95% confidence interval: 16.31‐16.37) and 17.64 (17.61‐17.67) per 100 person‐years for the THEMIS‐like and CAD‐T2D cohorts, respectively. The incidence rate of bleeding events was 0.13 events per 100 person‐years in both cohorts. Healthcare costs per patient‐year were USD 8741 and USD 9150 in the THEMIS‐like and CAD‐T2D cohorts, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients in the THEMIS‐like cohort and the broader CAD‐T2D population had similarly substantial cardiovascular event rates and healthcare costs, indicating that patients with CAD and T2D similar to the THEMIS population are at an increased cardiovascular risk.
The Reaction Mechanism Between Tetraarylammonium Salts and Hydroxide
Authors: Gjineci Nansi , Aharonovich Sinai , Willdorf‐Cohen Sapir , Dekel Dario R. , Diesendruck Charles E.
Published: May 2020

The mechanism of the reaction between tetraaryl ammonium salts and hydroxide is studied experimentally for different N,N‐diaryl carbazolium salts. The N,N‐diarylcarbazolium salts are designed, synthesized, characterized, and reacted with hydroxide under different conditions. The products of the reactions were directly characterized or isolated when possible and, using different substituents, the reaction mechanisms were compared. An unexpected H/D exchange observed in these salts helped to discard the classical SNAr mechanisms, supporting instead a radical mechanism initiated by a single‐electron transfer from the hydroxide. By understanding the preferred reaction pathways, better quaternary ammonium salts can be designed to withstand aggressive alkaline environments, critical for many practical applications such as anion‐exchange membrane fuel cells.
Development of Miniature Solid Contact Ion Selective Electrodes for in situ Instrumentation
Authors: Jaramillo E. A. , Noell A. C.
Published: May 2020

Using a standardized miniature format ion selective electrode, five different carbon based solid contact materials, including a novel commercially available graphene oxide assisted carbon nanotube dispersion (FlexipheneTM), were compared. The electromotive force (EMF) response, stability, and behavior following storage was evaluated. Bulk resistance for the novel graphene oxide/carbon nanotube (GO‐CNT) based ISE was observed to be 0.09±0.03 MΩ, which is two orders of magnitude lower than reported for either component in isolation. The results for previously described solid contact materials are in general agreement with the literature, and the tradeoffs between solid contact layer material choices are discussed. Performance of GO‐CNT solid contact ion selective electrodes were then evaluated in a 3D‐printed fluidic array to determine their suitability for future in situ instruments.
Experimental thermodynamic evaluation of a real cooling system with seawater‐source and heat pump for a hotel in Turkey
Authors: Ural Tolga , Keçebaş Ali , Saçkan Ömer
Published: May 2020

It is noteworthy that energy consumption is very high in hotels in order to provide the comfort requirements of human beings. Especially in summer season, cooling is an important condition for comfort in a hotel. In hotel cooling, seawater is an indispensable heat sink. In this study, the thermodynamic performance of a hotel cooling system with seawater‐source and heat pump used with the aim of cooling a hotel located by sea is investigated. Using hourly data collected from the existing system during the summer of 2016, exergy analysis is performed. As the cooling system is at an industrial‐scale involving copious equipment, it is divided into five different cooling zones. For cooling of a selected hotel room, the heat pump and variable refrigerant flow system in the zone where the room was located is also assessed. The results indicated that the hotel cooling system has the coefficient of performance, exergy efficiency, and improvement potential of 4.37, 66.5% and 77.7% on average, respectively. The zone requiring priority improvement is the fifth cooling zone due to air‐conditioning plants and long pipelines. The equipment with the highest exergy destruction is the seawater heat exchanger. Due to low temperature difference between hotel room and seawater, it is necessary to increase use of these systems and develop them in terms of technology.
Hydrogen generation from Al‐water reaction catalyzed by Fe/AlOOH composite
Authors: Gai Wei‐Zhuo , Zhang Xianghui , Sun Kexi , Yang Yang , Deng Zhen‐Yan
Published: May 2020

Hydrogen generation via Al‐water reaction promoted by special catalysts has great potential, which can provide hydrogen source for portable fuel cells. In this work, we use wet chemical reduction method to prepare a high‐activity Fe/AlOOH composite with better stability and demonstrate its usage as a catalyst for Al‐water reaction. It is found that Fe/AlOOH composite not only significantly promotes the Al‐water reaction but also shortens the induction time. The catalytic activity of Fe/AlOOH directly correlated with its active area, which, in turn, is closely related to the AlOOH:Fe molar ratio. In addition, increasing the weight content of Fe/AlOOH, reaction temperature, and the Al:water ratio improve the hydrogen generation performance of Al‐water reaction. Mechanism analyses show that water dissociation on AlOOH surface and galvanic microinteractions between Fe and Al promotes the hydration of surface passivating oxide film of Al particle, which improves the Al‐water reaction dynamics. The present work provides a new way to produce hydrogen from Al‐water reaction for portable devices.
The WELL diet score correlates with the alternative healthy eating index‐2010
Authors: Springfield Sparkle , Cunanan Kristen , Heaney Catherine , Peng Katy , Gardner Christopher
Published: May 2020

The quality of one's overall diet has proven to be of great importance to health and well‐being. Unfortunately, diet quality is time‐consuming to assess. The Stanford Wellness Living Laboratory (WELL) administered an online survey that included the WELL Diet Score (a novel diet quality assessment calculated from 12 diet‐related items). Subsequently, WELL participants were asked to complete the 127‐item Block Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) online. The present study's primary objective was to compare the WELL Diet Score with the established FFQ‐based Alternative Healthy Eating Index‐2010 (AHEI‐2010), in a subset of WELL participants (n = 248) who completed both dietary measures through WELL’s online platform. The two scores were significantly correlated (r = .69; p < .0001). Regression analyses demonstrated that the WELL Diet Score was positively significantly associated with sociodemographic determinants of diet quality and protective health factors, including older age, higher education, lower BMI, and higher physical activity. In summary, the WELL Diet Score, derived from 12 small diet‐related items that can be completed in 5 min, was significantly positively correlated with the AHEI‐2010 derived from the lengthy 127‐item FFQ, suggesting the potential utility of the WELL Diet Score in future large‐scale studies, including future WELL studies.
Benchmarks in the spotlight: The impact on exchange traded markets
Authors: Aspris Angelo , Foley Sean , O'Neill Peter
Published: May 2020

The Fix for precious metals is a global pricing benchmark that provides pricing and liquidity provision for market participants. We exploit the gradual change in the century old auction process to quantify the efficiencies related to more transparent pricing. Our focus is in the market impact of this change on exchange listed products. We find that reforms to the Fix have reduced quoted and effective bid‐ask spreads and improved overall market depth. The results imply a positive spillover effect stemming from timelier and more accurate pricing information. The conditions under which we observe the benefits from transparency are related to product liquidity and the degree of market segmentation.
Evolution of Systemic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Finn Richard S. , Zhu Andrew X.
Published: May 2020

Despite being one of the leading causes of cancer death globally, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has historically not been the focus of novel drug development. That has changed in the past several years, with the results from a number of hallmark phase 3 studies in advanced HCC. In HCC, immune‐oncology approaches have garnered much attention; there is still a need to better understand criteria for patient selection and to optimize combination strategies to maximize the potential of these approaches. The next generation of studies will aim at translating our increased understanding of tumor biology into clinical trial design.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Advanced Liver Disease: An Exploratory Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Violi Francesco , Vestri Annarita , Menichelli Danilo , Di Rocco Arianna , Pastori Daniele , Pignatelli Pasquale
Published: May 2020

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have had a positive impact in preventing cardioembolic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who were associated with lower bleeding complications; however, data on subjects with concomitant advanced liver diseases (ALDs) are poor. This meta‐analysis evaluates bleeding and thromboembolic complications in patients with coexisting AF and ALD who were treated with DOACs or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). We performed a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies identified by the PubMed and Embase databases using a combination of the following keywords: “direct oral anticoagulants,” “advanced liver disease,” “cirrhosis,” “bleeds,” “stroke.” No time restriction was applied to the research. Two physicians reviewed data on outcome measures and assessed the quality rating. The main outcome was major bleeding, and the secondary outcomes were bleedings (all, intracranial, and gastrointestinal) and ischemic strokes. A total of four studies (one prospective, three retrospective) were identified involving 3,483 subjects with AF and ALD; of these, 1,547 were on VKAs and 1,936 on DOACs. Advanced liver disease was defined as liver cirrhosis or fibrosis‐4 score >3.25. Compared to VKA use, DOAC use was associated with reduced risk for major bleedings (hazard ratio [HR], 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44‐0.77; P < 0.001), total bleedings (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.36‐0.55; P < 0.05), intracranial hemorrhage (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.32‐0.80; P < 0.004), and gastrointestinal bleedings (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.42‐0.88; P < 0.008). Efficacy analysis showed no significant difference between VKA‐ and DOAC‐treated patients (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.58‐1.15; P = 0.31). Conclusion: In patients with AF and ALD, the safety and efficacy profile of DOACs did not appear to differ from those with AF without ALD.
Moral in whose eyes? Cross‐cultural differences in moral decision making and behaviour
Authors: Seo Minjae , Na Jinkyung , Kim Young‐Hoon
Published: May 2020

All people want to feel that they are morally adequate. People tend to evaluate their moral adequacy by judging their behaviour through their own eyes (first‐person perspective) or the eyes of others (third‐person perspective). People in all cultures use both perspectives, but there may be cultural variations in which perspective takes precedence. By conducting two studies, we explore the way people in face cultures are more likely to secure their moral self‐regard through the eyes of others (vs. their own eyes), whereas the opposite is true in case of people from dignity cultures. Study 1 found that people from face culture (Korean participants) cheated to a lesser extent when others were invoked (vs. not invoked), but people from dignity culture (American participants) were not affected by this priming. Study 2 found that moral intentions were more strongly influenced by what participants perceived others to do in moral situations in face (vs. dignity) cultures. In contrast, moral intentions were found to be more strongly influenced by what they believed they should do in moral situations in dignity (vs. face) cultures.
Interfacial structure design of MXene‐based nanomaterials for electrochemical energy storage and conversion
Authors: Luo Jianmin , Matios Edward , Wang Huan , Tao Xinyong , Li Weiyang
Published: May 2020

2D transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides known as MXenes possess high electrical conductivity, large redox active surface area, rich surface chemistry, and tunable structures. Benefiting from these exceptional chemical and physical properties, the applications of MXenes for electrochemical energy storage and conversion have attracted increasing research interests around the world. Notably, the electrochemical performances of MXenes are directly dependent on their synthesis conditions, interfacial chemistries and structural configurations. In this review, we summarize the synthesis techniques of MXenes, as well as the recent advances in the interfacial structure design of MXene‐based nanomaterials for electrochemical energy storage and conversion applications. Additionally, we provide an in‐depth discussion on the relationship between interfacial structure and electrochemical performance from the perspectives of energy storage and electrocatalysis mechanisms. Finally, the challenges and insights for the future research of interfacial structure design of MXenes are outlined.

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Assessment of zebrafish embryo photomotor response sensitivity and phase‐specific patterns following acute‐ and long‐duration exposure to neurotoxic chemicals and chemical weapon precursors
Authors: Carbaugh Chance M. , Widder Mark W. , Phillips Christopher S. , Jackson David A. , DiVito Valerie T. , van der Schalie William H. , Glover Kyle P.
Published: May 2020

Zebrafish are an attractive model for chemical screening due to their adaptability to high‐throughput platforms and ability to display complex phenotypes in response to chemical exposure. The photomotor response (PMR) is an established and reproducible phenotype of the zebrafish embryo, observed 24 h post‐fertilization in response to a predefined sequence of light stimuli. In an effort to evaluate the sensitivity and effectiveness of the zebrafish embryo PMR assay for toxicity screening, we analyzed chemicals known to cause both neurological effects and developmental abnormalities, following both short (1 h) and long (16 h+) duration exposures. These include chemicals that inhibit aerobic respiration (eg, cyanide), acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors (organophosphates pesticides) and several chemical weapon precursor compounds with variable toxicity profiles and poorly understood mechanisms of toxicity. We observed notable concentration‐responsive, phase‐specific effects in the PMR after exposure to chemicals with a known mechanism of action. Chemicals with a more general toxicity profile (toxic chemical weapon precursors) appeared to reduce all phases of the PMR without a notable phase‐specific effect. Overall, 10 of 20 chemicals evaluated elicited an effect on the PMR response and eight of those 10 chemicals were picked up in both the short‐ and long‐duration assays. In addition, the patterns of response uniquely differentiated chemical weapon precursor effects from those elicited by inhibitors of aerobic respiration and organophosphates. By providing a rapid screening test for neurobehavioral effects, the zebrafish PMR test could help identify potential mechanisms of action and target compounds for more detailed follow‐on toxicological evaluations.

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Windmill‐shaped antenna with artificial magnetic conductor‐backed structure for wearable medical applications
Authors: Prudhvi Nadh Badugu , Madhav Boddapati Taraka Phani , Siva Kumar Munuswamy , Anilkumar Tirunagari , Venkateswara Rao Manikonda , Kishore Poluri Venkata Vijay
Published: May 2020

This article presents the design of low‐profile single band antenna on flexible substrate material. The proposed antenna is designed on the polyimide substrate with overall size of 30 mm×30 mm×0.2 mm. The designed antenna operates in the frequency range of 5.71 to 5.99 GHz with impedance bandwidth of 4.8% and covers the Industrial Scientific Medical band for medical body area network applications. The antenna is enabled by placing artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) with two by two array elements under the ground plane. The AMC structure acts as an isolation for the ground plane and main radiator to reduce back radiation. Compared with literature in the wearable antenna designs, the proposed antenna is compact in structure with high gain of 8.31 dBi with AMC‐backed structure. The specific absorption rate values are observed by placing the antenna on the three‐layered human body model and the observed values are 1.26 and 0.72 W/Kg without AMC and with AMC, respectively. The obtained values are in conjunction with ICNIRP standards, that is, 2 W/Kg should be averaged over 10 g of tissue. The proposed antenna can be used for the smart clothing and wearable electronics applications.