bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of anlotinib as a third‐ or further‐line therapy in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer patients with different histologic types: Subgroup analysis in the ALTER0303 trial
Authors: Cheng Ying , Han Baohui , Li Kai , Wang Qiming , Zhang Li , Shi Jianhua , Wang Zhehai , He Jianxing , Shi Yuankai , Chen Weiqiang , Wang Xiuwen , Luo Yi , Nan Kejun , Jin Faguang , Li Baolan , Zhu Jing
Published: February 2020

Background

Anlotinib showed significant survival benefits in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients as a third‐ or further‐line treatment in the ALTER0303 trial. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of anlotinib in patients with different histologies.

Methods

The ALTER0303 trial was a randomized, open‐label, phase 3 study of anlotinib in NSCLC patients previously treated with at least two lines of chemotherapy or a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in 31 centers in China. Patients were randomly assigned at a 2:1 ratio to receive anlotinib (12 mg QD from days 1 to 14 of a 21‐day cycle) or placebo until progression or intolerable toxicity. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). We assessed the efficacy of anlotinib in histological subgroups in the full analysis set.

Results

In the ALTER0303 trial, 336 patients had the histological subtype of adenocarcinoma (ACC), 86 patients had the histological subtype of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and 15 patients had another subtype. In the ACC subgroup, the median OS time was significantly improved with anlotinib compared with placebo (9.6 months vs 6.9 months, P = .0051), as was the median progression‐free survival (PFS) time (5.5 months vs 1.4 months, P < .0001). In the SCC subgroup, the median OS time was 10.7 months in the anlotinib group and 6.5 months in the placebo group (P = .2570), and the median PFS time was 4.8 months and 2.7 months (P = .0004), respectively. The common adverse events observed in the SCC and ACC subgroups were similar.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that anlotinib significantly improves PFS and OS in ACC patients and has a tendency to prolong survival in SCC patients.
Collagen Strip Technique: A Novel Approach for Ridge Preservation and Concomitant Oroantral Communication Management After Implant Explantation
Authors: Cheng Guo‐Liang , Tatakis Dimitris N.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

This case report introduces a technique for managing oroantral communication (OAC) using a collagen membrane strip to repair the perforated sinus membrane and simultaneously graft the alveolar ridge.

Case Presentation

A 55‐year‐old Asian male presented for a second‐opinion consultation regarding an endosseous dental implant that had been placed overly subcrestal at #13 edentulous site. The 8 mm fixture had been placed 3 to 4 mm subcrestally with more than half the implant length into the maxillary sinus. The patient stated that no sinus augmentation procedure had been performed. The implant was considered to be non‐restorable and treatment planned for explantation with ridge preservation. Explantation revealed a sinus perforation with OAC. A collagen membrane strip (30 × 6 mm) was folded into a U‐shape, to hold bone allograft for ridge preservation, and placed with the bottom of the U‐shape level with the sinus floor and the ends extending to the buccal and palatal, beyond the crest. A second collagen membrane covered the graft at ridge crest level, followed by primary closure. Implant placement (4.1 × 10 mm) with indirect sinus augmentation was performed in 6 months. The implant was uncovered and subsequently restored following a 5‐month osseointegration period. The 13‐month follow‐up examination revealed successful outcomes, with normal clinical and radiographic parameters.

Conclusion

This novel technique achieved the dual goals of ridge preservation and repair of a sinus membrane perforation simultaneously after implant explantation in the posterior maxilla. It further allowed a successful implant placement with simultaneous sinus augmentation and subsequent restoration.
Left atrial global function in chronic heart failure patients with functional mitral regurgitation after MitraClip
Authors: Öztürk Can , Fasell Tamana , Sinning Jan‐Malte , Werner Nikos , Nickenig Georg , Hammerstingl Christoph , Schueler Robert
Published: February 2020

Background

Left atrial (LA) volumes and function are believed to improve following interventional reduction of mitral regurgitation (MR) with MitraClip. However, exact LA alterations after MitraClip in patients with functional MR and functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) are unknown.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the effect of MitraClip on LA volumes and global function in patients with FMR and its importance for patients' prognosis.

Methods

All patients underwent three‐dimensionally transthoracic echocardiography with an offline evaluation of LA geometry and strain analysis at baseline and follow‐up (FU). FU examinations were planned for 6 and 12 months after MitraClip.

Results

We prospectively included 50 consecutive surgical high‐risk (logistic EuroSCORE: 17.2 ± 13.9%) patients (77 ± 9 years, 22% female) with symptomatic moderate‐to‐severe to severe functional MR without atrial fibrillation.

Echocardiographic evaluation showed that the E/E' ratio was significantly higher at FU (15.6 ± 7.3, 24.1 ± 13.2, p = .05) without relevant changes in systolic left ventricle (LV) function (p = .5). LA volumes (end‐diastolic volume [LA‐EDV] and end‐systolic volume [LA‐ESV]) (LA‐EDV: 83.1 ± 39.5 ml, 115.1 ± 55.3 ml, p = .012; LA‐ESV: 58.4 ± 33.4 ml, 80.1 ± 43.9 ml, p = .031), muscular mass (105.1 ± 49.3 g, 145.4 ± 70.6 g, p = .013), as well as LA stroke volume (24.6 ± 12.5 ml, 34.9 ± 19.1 ml, p = .016) significantly increased after the procedure. LA ejection fraction (LA‐EF: 31.7 ± 12.8%, 31.1 ± 12.3%, p = .8) and atrial global strain (aGS: −10.8 ± 5.4%, −9.7 ± 4.45%, p = .4) showed no significant changes at FU.

Despite no relevant changes during FU, the baseline aGS was found to be the strongest predictor for mortality and adverse interventional outcome.

Conclusion

MitraClip increases atrial stroke volume, atrial volumes, and muscular mass in patients with FMR. We found that the baseline aGS the strongest predictor for mortality, rehospitalization, and higher residual MR at FU.
Highly Accurate Prediction Method for Thermophysical Properties of Cryogenic Phase Change Materials
Authors: Zhang Jinwen , Li Yajun
Published: February 2020

Considering the limitations of experimental studies on thermophysical properties of cryogenic phase change materials (PCMs), a highly accurate approach to predict the solid‐liquid equilibrium (SLE) of PCMs is proposed, in which the method of referenced state by a hypothetic path is used in the fugacity of PCMs in the solid phase and the Soave‐Redlich‐Kwong (SRK)‐UNIFAC model is applied in the liquid phase. Based on this method, the thermophysical properties of cryogenic composite PCMs including eutectic composition, eutectic temperature, and eutectic enthalpy are predicted with a minor deviation. Taking the liquid natural gas (LNG) air separation unit as an example, the established simulating method with high accuracy to predict the thermophysical properties of the PCMs is adopted for material selection and design for a cold storage unit in this project with high efficiency.
Black TiO2: What are exact functions of disorder layer
Authors: Kim Sungsoon , Cho Yoonjun , Rhee Ryan , Park Jong Hyeok
Published: February 2020

Among the substantial amount of photocatalyst materials, TiO2 has been enthusiastically studied for a few decades due to its outstanding photocatalytic activity and stability. Recently, black TiO2 consisting of approximately 2 nm of thin disorder layer around the surface showed surprisingly high solar hydrogen generation ability. The disorder layer of TiO2 can enhance its light absorption, charge separation, and surface reaction abilities, however exact fundamentals of photocatalytic water‐splitting pathways are still ambiguous. Herein, recent progress and investigations on exact functions of disorder layer and its application in photocatalytic CO2 reduction will be discussed. Throughout the comprehensive studies on disorder layer of TiO2, disorder engineering on photocatalyst materials will suggest the further extension of developing solar‐fuel production technologies.
Converting Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) into a Triple‐Responsive Polymer
Authors: Hils Christian , Fuchs Emma , Eger Franziska , Schöbel Judith , Schmalz Holger
Published: February 2020

Multiresponsive polymers that can respond to several external stimuli are promising materials for a manifold of applications. Herein, a facile method for the synthesis of triple‐responsive (pH, temperature, CO2) poly(N,N‐diethylaminoethyl methacrylamide) by a post‐polymerization amidation of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is presented. Combined with trivalent counterions ([Fe(CN)6]3−) both an upper and lower critical solution temperature (UCST/LCST)‐type phase behavior can be realized at pH 8 and 9. PMMA and PMMA‐based block copolymers are readily accessible by living anionic and controlled radical polymerization techniques, which opens access to various responsive polymer architectures based on the developed functionalization method. This method can also be applied on melt‐processed bulk PMMA samples to introduce functional, responsive moieties at the PMMA surface.
A Thioxanthone Sensitizer with a Chiral Phosphoric Acid Binding Site: Properties and Applications in Visible Light‐Mediated Cycloadditions
Authors: Pecho Franziska , Zou You‐Quan , Gramüller Johannes , Mori Tadashi , Huber Stefan M. , Bauer Andreas , Gschwind Ruth M. , Bach Thorsten
Published: February 2020

A chiral phosphoric acid with a 2,2’‐binaphthol core was prepared that displays two thioxanthone moieties at the 3,3’‐position as light‐harvesting antennas. Despite its relatively low triplet energy, the phosphoric acid was found to be an efficient catalyst for the enantioselective intermolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition of β‐carboxyl‐substituted cyclic enones (e.r. up to 93:7). Binding of the carboxylic acid to the sensitizer is suggested by NMR studies and by DFT calculations to occur by means of two hydrogen bonds. The binding event not only enables an enantioface differentiation but also modulates the triplet energy of the substrates.
Asymmetric Catalysis with Chiral Frustrated Lewis Pairs
Authors: Meng Wei , Feng Xiangqing , Du Haifeng
Published: February 2020

The chemistry of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) provides the most important approach for the metal‐free hydrogenation and hydrosilylations. Great progress has been achieved in this area for the past decade. Some promising results have also been obtained. This perspective article mainly focuses on the recent advances for the synthesis of chiral Lewis acidic boranes in category of three protocols, 1) hydroboration of chiral internal alkenes with Piers’ borane HB(C6F5)2; 2) in situ hydroboration of chiral alkenes or alkynes without any purification; 3) and substitution reaction of (C6F5)nBCl3–n with chiral organometallic reagents, as well as their applications in the metal‐free asymmetric hydrogenations and hydrosilylations.

image
Direct Growth of Graphene over Insulators by Gaseous‐Promotor‐Assisted CVD: Progress and Prospects
Authors: Liu Bingzhi , Sun Jingyu , Liu Zhongfan
Published: February 2020

Utilizing a direct chemical vapor deposition (CVD) approach to allow transfer‐free synthesis of graphene on insulating substrates is appealing. Nevertheless, the quality and uniformity of thus‐grown graphene without the aid of any catalyst stay normally inferior to that of graphene formed on metals by far. This mainly stems from the catalytic inertness of the insulating surface with regard to the decomposition of carbon feedstock. In this respect, delicate methodologies have been devised to date to boost the quality of directly‐grown graphene. In this Minireview, recent advances in the direct CVD growth of graphene on insulators by introducing various gaseous promotors is covered. The effects and mechanisms of different types of promotors on the direct growth are discussed. At the end, existing challenges and future perspectives in this field are further highlighted.
Hybrid Carbon Dioxide Reduction Photocatalysts Consisting of Macrocyclic Cobalt(III) Complexes Deposited on Semiconductor Surfaces
Authors: Huang Peipei , Pantovich Sebastian A. , Okolie Norbert O. , Deskins N. Aaron , Li Gonghu
Published: February 2020

Hybrid photocatalysts can be prepared by coupling metal‐ligand complexes with light‐harvesting semiconductors. It is often challenging and time consuming to derivatize ligands with anchoring groups to effectively attach onto surfaces. In this study, we synthesized hybrid carbon dioxide reduction photocatalysts by directly depositing two macrocyclic Co(III) complexes on three different semiconductor surfaces (TiO2, N−Ta2O5 and C3N4). The resulting hybrid photocatalysts were characterized with various techniques and tested in CO2 reduction reactions under different light conditions. Excellent visible‐light CO2‐reduction activity was obtained using C3N4 as the light‐harvesting semiconductor. Density functional theory calculations were conducted to help understand interactions between the cobalt complexes with a model TiO2 surface.
Recurrent genomic selection for wheat grain fructans
Authors: Veenstra Lynn D. , Poland Jesse , Jannink Jean‐Luc , Sorrells Mark E.
Published: February 2020

Fructans are carbohydrates found in many plants, including wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and they serve physiological roles in both plants and humans. Genomic selection (GS) could facilitate the rapid development of climate‐resilient, nutritionally improved wheat cultivars, such as high‐fructan cultivars, while decreasing resource‐intensive phenotyping requirements. However, few empirical studies have examined GS for nutritional quality breeding. Although GS can accelerate gain from selection, loss of genetic variation and inbreeding may limit the potential for long‐term gain. The objectives of this study were (a) to determine realized gain from GS for wheat grain fructan content with simple truncated selection (TS) and optimized contribution selection (OCS) methods, (b) to determine if gains agree with theoretical expectations, and (c) to compare impacts of selection on inbreeding, genetic variance, and indirect selection on agronomic characteristics. Over 2 yr, two cycles of GS were performed with equal contribution TS and inbreeding‐constrained OCS selection. Genomic selection with TS and OCS led to a 25 ± 12% and 34 ± 6.4% increase in wheat grain fructan content, respectively. Although positive gains from selection were observed for both populations, OCS populations exhibited these gains while simultaneously retaining greater genetic variance and lower inbreeding levels relative to TS populations. Selection for wheat grain fructan content did not change plant height but significantly decreased days to heading in OCS populations. In this study, GS effectively improved the nutritional quality of wheat, and OCS controlled the rate of inbreeding.
Build a relationship‐rich institution for increased student success
Authors: Sutton Halley , Editor Contributing
Published: February 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. — “The most important factors in any student outcome that we [as administrators] care about are the quality of peer and faculty and staff relationships,” said Peter Felten, Executive Director at the Center for Engaged Learning at Elon University. Felten was speaking at a session on the importance of creating relationship‐rich institutions for student success at the Association of American Colleges and Universities annual meeting.
Teaching is a critical issue in 21st‐century higher education
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: February 2020

I planned to write a column reviewing where we were in higher education in 2010 and comparing it to 2020 and beyond. Well, in the immortal words of Robert Burns, “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men/Gang aft a‐gley.” OK, so that's not exactly how “they” say it. The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Such is the case for this month's column.
Develop a skilled workforce while helping immigrant adult learners start a career
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2020

“Our unemployment rate is historically low here, and we have a very aging population. Maine's death rate has outpaced its birth rate,” said James Whitten, Dean of the Midcoast Campus and satellite centers of SMCC, and Head of Workforce Development and Continuing Education. The majority of population growth in the state comes from “New Mainers,” which includes immigrants and refugees who have recently settled in the state. “It's vital that we get everyone who wants to work into a job,” Whitten said.
A multicenter audit of outpatient care for adult anorexia nervosa: Symptom trajectory, service use, and evidence in support of “early stage” versus “severe and enduring” classification
Authors: Ambwani Suman , Cardi Valentina , Albano Gaia , Cao Li , Crosby Ross D. , Macdonald Pamela , Schmidt Ulrike , Treasure Janet
Published: February 2020

Background

We explored the utility of “staging” anorexia nervosa (AN) by duration of illness and psychological wellbeing. We also investigated 12‐month symptom trajectories and service usage in a large cohort of patients with AN assessed for outpatient treatment.

Method

We conducted secondary analyses on data from a multisite clinical trial of adults with AN (n = 187) recruited from 22 NHS England specialist eating disorder (ED) services into a digital treatment augmentation study. Clinical outcomes and service use were measured at postintervention (six weeks), 6 and 12 months. We grouped patients into two categories: “early stage” (illness duration <3 years; n = 60) and “severe and enduring” stage (SE‐AN; n = 41) indicated by distress (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales, DASS ≥60) and illness duration (≥7 years).

Results

At 12 months, patients reported large improvements in body mass index, small to moderate improvements in ED symptoms, mood, and work/social adjustment, and 23.6% met criteria for recovery. However, patients classified as SE‐AN reported higher rates of accessing intensive services, higher ED symptomatology, and poorer work/social adjustment at baseline, and lower rates of improvement in work/social adjustment at 12 months compared to “early stage” respondents.

Discussion

Although present findings suggest overall symptomatic improvements, exploratory results highlight marked differences in course and service use between people at different stages of AN, suggesting a need to consider staging for clinical decision‐making. Further research differentiating between clinical subtypes of AN and adoption of a more personalized approach may ensure that services and care pathways better fit patient needs.
Specific microbiota enhances intestinal IgA levels by inducing TGF‐β in T follicular helper cells of Peyer's patches in mice
Authors: Beller Alexander , Kruglov Andrey , Durek Pawel , von Goetze Victoria , Werner Katharina , Heinz Gitta Anne , Ninnemann Justus , Lehmann Katrin , Maier René , Hoffmann Ute , Riedel René , Heiking Kevin , Zimmermann Jakob , Siegmund Britta , Mashreghi Mir‐Farzin , Radbruch Andreas , Chang Hyun‐Dong
Published: February 2020

In humans and mice, mucosal immune responses are dominated by IgA antibodies and the cytokine TGF‐β, suppressing unwanted immune reactions but also targeting Ig class switching to IgA. It had been suggested that eosinophils promote the generation and maintenance of mucosal IgA‐expressing plasma cells. Here, we demonstrate that not eosinophils, but specific bacteria determine mucosal IgA production. Co‐housing of eosinophil‐deficient mice with mice having high intestinal IgA levels, as well as the intentional microbiota transfer induces TGF‐β expression in intestinal T follicular helper cells, thereby promoting IgA class switching in Peyer's patches, enhancing IgA+ plasma cell numbers in the small intestinal lamina propria and levels of mucosal IgA. We show that bacteria highly enriched for the genus Anaeroplasma are sufficient to induce these changes and enhance IgA levels when adoptively transferred. Thus, specific members of the intestinal microbiota and not the microbiota as such regulate gut homeostasis, by promoting the expression of immune‐regulatory TGF‐β and of mucosal IgA.
Diastereoselectivity in Passerini Reactions of Chiral Aldehydes and in Ugi Reactions of Chiral Cyclic Imines
Authors: Lambruschini Chiara , Moni Lisa , Banfi Luca
Published: February 2020

Diastereoselectivity in Passerini and Ugi reactions of chiral aldehydes/imines remains challenging. Moreover, the Ugi reaction of chiral acyclic imines is complicated by their easy racemization/epimerization, whereas this problem is nearly completely suppressed using chiral cyclic imines in a modification called Ugi‐Joullié reaction. Thus 3‐component modification also allows a better diastereoselectivity thanks to the higher steric rigidity of rings. This review presents an overview of the current knowledge on diastereoselective Passerini reaction of chiral aldehydes, and on diastereoselective Ugi‐Joullié reaction of chiral cyclic imines, focusing on the results gathered by the authors' research group.
tert‐Butyl 3‐Diazo‐2‐oxopyrrolidine‐1‐carboxylate – A New Reagent for Introduction of the 2‐Oxopyrrolidin‐3‐yl Motif via RhII‐Catalyzed X–H Insertion Reactions
Authors: Zhukovsky Daniil , Dar'in Dmitry , Krasavin Mikhail
Published: February 2020

tert‐Butyl 3‐diazo‐2‐oxopyrrolidine‐1‐carboxylate synthesized on multigram scale has been employed to introduce a privilegedNH‐2‐pyrrolidone moiety via oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen atom to partner molecules via RhII‐catalyzed X–H insertion followed by Boc group removal. Further manipulation of pyrrolidine moiety has been exemplified.
Formation of 3,4‐Diarylpyrrole‐ and Pyrrolocoumarin Core of Natural Marine Products via Barton–Zard Reaction and Selective O‐Demethylation
Authors: Silyanova Eugenia A. , Samet Alexander V. , Salamandra Lev K. , Khrustalev Victor N. , Semenov Victor V.
Published: February 2020

A metal‐free approach to 3,4‐diarylpyrrole‐2‐carboxylate and pyrrolocoumarin cores of lamellarins and related natural products based on Barton–Zard reaction of nitrostilbenes with ethyl isocyanoacetate was developed. In the case of diarylpyrrole‐2‐carboxylates with a 3‐(o‐methoxyphenyl) fragment, treatment with 1 equiv. of. BBr3 resulted in selective O‐demethylation of the ortho‐methoxy group, while other methoxy groups in the molecule remained intact. The resulting 3‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)pyrrole‐2‐carboxylates underwent base‐induced lactonization to form the target pyrrolocoumarins.
The new micropatterned interdigitated electrode for selective assessment of the nociceptive system
Authors: Di Stefano Giulia , Di Lionardo Andrea , La Cesa Silvia , Di Pietro Giuseppe , Fasolino Alessandra , Galosi Eleonora , Leone Caterina , Cruccu Giorgio , Marinelli Lucio , Leandri Massimo , Truini Andrea
Published: February 2020

Background

In this neurophysiological study, we aimed at verifying the nociceptive selectivity of the new, micropatterned electrode (150IDE), recently designed to generate an electric field limited to the intraepidermal free nerve endings.

Methods

Using the new 150IDE, we recorded evoked potentials after stimulation of the face and hand dorsum in 22 healthy participants and in patients with exemplary conditions selectively affecting the nociceptive system. We also measured the peripheral conduction velocity at the upper arm and verified the nociceptive selectivity of 150IDE assessing the effect of a selective block of nociceptive nerve fibres of radial nerve with local anaesthetic infiltration. In healthy participants and in patients, we have also compared the 150IDE‐evoked potentials with laser‐evoked potentials.

Results

In healthy participants, the 150IDE‐evoked pinprick sensation and reproducible scalp potentials, with latency similar to laser‐evoked potentials. The mean peripheral conduction velocity, estimated at the upper arm, was 12 m/s. The selective nociceptive fibre block of the radial nerve abolished the scalp potentials elicited by the 150IDE stimulation. In patients, the 150IDE‐evoked potentials reliably detected the selective damage of the nociceptive system.

Conclusions

Our neurophysiological study shows that this new 150IDE provides selective information on nociceptive system.

Significance

150IDE is a promising new tool for investigating nociceptive system in patients with neuropathic pain.
Development of Archimedean t‐norm and t‐conorm‐based interval‐valued dual hesitant fuzzy aggregation operators with their application in multicriteria decision making
Authors: Sarkar Arun , Biswas Animesh
Published: February 2020

In this article, Archimedean t‐norm and t‐conorm (At‐N&t‐CN)‐based aggregation operators are developed for aggregating the interval‐valued dual hesitant fuzzy (IVDHF) elements (IVDHFEs), which can cover a wide variety of existing aggregation operators. After introducing the concept of IVDHF set, several related terms, viz., score function, accuracy function, and degree of hesitancy are defined. Using At‐N&t‐CN, different operations for IVDHFEs are presented. Conversion processes from the developed operators to other forms of operators in several variants of fuzzy environments are discussed. An approach to solve multicriteria decision making problem in IVDHF context is presented using the developed concepts. To demonstrate proficiency of the developed method, an illustrative example is presented. Furthermore, several numerical examples, studied previously, are also solved, and achieved solutions are compared with the existing ones to establish the robustness of the proposed operator.
High Electrochemical Performance of 2.5 V Aqueous Symmetric Supercapacitor Based on Nitrogen‐Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Thareja Sahil , Kumar Anil
Published: February 2020

Herein, the high potential window of 2.5 V (from −1.35 to +1.15 V) is achieved using nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide (N‐rGO) as an electrode in neutral 0.5 m K2SO4 electrolyte after running 150 electrochemical cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles. During these CV cycles, K+ ions are increasingly adsorbed at the active sites of the electrode, restricting the recombination of nascent hydrogen to generate dihydrogen (H2), thereby enhancing the negative potential stability up to −1.35 V. As‐synthesized N‐rGO obtained by effective functionalization of carbon is used to fabricate high‐voltage (2.5 V) symmetric supercapacitors (N‐rGO//N‐rGO) in aqueous neutral electrolyte (0.5 m K2SO4), providing a high energy density of 128 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 813 W kg−1 with superior cyclic stability. The formation of a tandem device by connecting three as‐designed symmetric supercapacitor cells in series increases the output voltage to 7.5 V, which exhibits long‐term cyclability up to 10 000 cycles, thus making it sustainable for energy‐storage applications. This system demonstrates the highest cell voltage for a carbon‐based aqueous symmetric supercapacitor with a high energy density.
Comparison of various atomic compositions of Au@Pd/C, Pd/C, and AuPd/C electrocatalysts for direct ethanol fuel cells
Authors: Fontes Eric H. , Nandenha Júlio , Piasentin Ricardo M. , De Souza Rodrigo F. B. , Neto Almir O.
Published: February 2020

Pd/C, Au@Pd/C (core‐shell), and AuPd/C (AR—consisting in Au microparticles) were used as electrocatalysts for ethanol oxidation in alkaline medium. A synergistic effect between Au and Pd atoms in Au@Pd/C makes the binding between ethanol and Au@Pd/C stronger. This leads to product formation in higher potentials and can be useful to select ethanol products. We also showed that the atomic composition of the electrocatalysts to be used in fuel cells and in powder form to be used in electrochemical experiments are very similar, reaching high values of correlation. The depth profiling X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy for the anode catalysts to be used in fuel cells can provide new insights about ethanol oxidation in direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs), for instance, metal oxide species can act in fuel cells environment. In terms of electric generation, Au@Pd/C presented a better performance in electrochemical experiments; the current density was about 1.6 times higher than the peak current density obtained for Pd/C. In terms of electrochemical stability, Au@Pd/C presented better final current density when compared to Pd/C and AuPd/C electrocatalysts. However, in DEFC experiments, Pd/C showed better performance.
Assessing the fire behavior of woods modified by N‐methylol crosslinking, thermal treatment, and acetylation
Authors: Rabe Sebastian , Klack Patrick , Bahr Horst , Schartel Bernhard
Published: February 2020

Wood products are often treated by different techniques to improve their longevity when used as building materials. Most of the time, the goal is to increase their resistance to weathering effects, deformations in material dimensions or biotic decomposition. These wood treatment techniques have a significant impact on pyrolysis and burning behavior. The general effects of three different common wood treatments on flame retardancy were investigated by comparing treated woods with their untreated counterparts and with other kinds of wood. While the acetylation of beech leads to a slightly increased fire hazard, the thermal treatment of wood and crosslinking of cellulose microfibrils dimethyloldihydroxy‐ethyleneurea show a limited flame retarding effect. Switching to woods with a higher lignin content, and thus higher char yield, however, results in a more pronounced improvement in flame retardancy performance. This article delivers a comprehensive and balanced assessment of the general impact of different wood modifications on the fire behavior. Further, it is a valuable benchmark for assessing the flame retardancy effect of other wood modifications.
Kriechförmig verlaufende Großmassenbewegungen – Charakterisierung und Bewertungen des Sicherheitszustands
Authors: Marte Roman , Hofmann Robert
Published: February 2020

This article investigates to what extent a ”condition and safety assessment“ with a classically defined safety factor η (now partial safety factor or load factor) is useful or indeed possible for creeping slides of large masses as are often encountered in the Alps, or whether different quantities like the displacement rate and its change with time are more useful for the description of the condition of such large‐scale slides. This discussion is held under the viewpoint that various procedures with different results are available for the determination of such a ”safety factor“ and consequently there are also justified discrepancies between experts in the assessment of such a ”safety factor for the current state“ of the moving slope. The authors are of the opinion that the partial safety factors required by standards or former ”safety factors“ are predominantly intended for engineering structures, earthworks and dams but not generally for creeping slopes. In this case, classification of creep rate and the geological engineering assessment are always preferred. This is illustrated with two examples.
Innovative methods to monitor rock and mountain slope deformation
Authors: Hormes Anne , Adams Marc , Amabile Anna Sara , Blauensteiner Franz , Demmler Christian , Fey Christine , Ostermann Marc , Rechberger Christina , Sausgruber Thomas , Vecchiotti Filippo , Vick Louise M. , Zangerl Christian
Published: February 2020

Displacement rates of mountain slope deformations that can affect entire valley mountain flanks are often measured spatially distributed in‐situ without spatial significance. The spatially explicit measurement and recording of time series of slope deformations is a challenge, as the unstable slopes are often disintegrated into several subdomains, which move with different deformation rates. The current state‐of‐the‐art monitoring systems detect slow to very slow deformation rates between mm/a and several m/a. Using the examples of slope deformations in Saalbach‐Hinterglemm and the deep rock slide Marzellkamm in Austria this paper presents the results of terrestrial laser scans, extensometer measurements, Spaceborne InSAR data, unmanned Aerial System Photogrammetry (UAS‐P), and fixed‐point measurements. The different measurements complement each other and are optimally aligned for different application areas. InSAR data can help to identify hot spots on regional and local scale, while UAS‐P enables for spatially high level accuracy in the detection of subdomains moving at different speeds. For local warning systems TLS, extensometers and GBInSAR deliver higher accuracy.
Endogenous opioid peptides and brain development: Endomorphin‐1 and Nociceptin play a sex‐specific role in the control of oligodendrocyte maturation and brain myelination
Authors: Mohamed Esraa , Paisley Caitlin E. , Meyer Logan C. , Bigbee John W. , Sato‐Bigbee Carmen
Published: February 2020

The generation of fully functional oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the central nervous system, is preceded by a complex maturational process. We previously showed that the timing of oligodendrocyte differentiation and rat brain myelination were altered by perinatal exposure to buprenorphine and methadone, opioid analogs used for the management of pregnant addicts. Those observations suggested the involvement of the μ‐opioid receptor (MOR) and the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOR). However, it remained to be determined if these receptors and their endogenous ligands could indeed control the timing of myelination under normal physiological conditions of brain development. We now found that the endogenous MOR ligand endomorphin‐1 (EM‐1) exerts a striking stimulatory action on cellular and morphological maturation of rat pre‐oligodendrocytes, but unexpectedly, these effects appear to be restricted to the cells from the female pups. Critically, this stimulation is abolished by coincubation with the endogenous NOR ligand nociceptin. Furthermore, NOR antagonist treatment of 9‐day‐old female pups results in accelerated brain myelination. Interestingly, the lack of sex‐dependent differences in developmental brain levels of EM‐1 and nociceptin, or oligodendroglial expression of MOR and NOR, suggests that the observed sex‐specific responses may be highly dependent on important intrinsic differences between the male and female oligodendrocytes. The discovery of a significant effect of EM‐1 and nociceptin in the developing female oligodendrocytes and brain myelination, underscores the need for further studies investigating brain sex‐related differences and their implications in opioid use and abuse, pain control, and susceptibility and remyelinating capacity in demyelinating disease as multiple sclerosis.
Lipopolysaccharide Reverses Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation Through Modulation of cMyb, Small Mothers Against Decapentaplegic, and CCAAT/Enhancer‐Binding Protein C/EBP Transcription Factors
Authors: Sharma Akanksha , Verma Alok K. , Kofron Matthew , Kudira Ramesh , Miethke Alexander , Wu Tong , Wang Jiang , Gandhi Chandrashekhar R.
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

During liver injury, quiescent hepatic stellate cells (qHSCs) transdifferentiate into proliferative and fibrogenic activated myofibroblastic phenotype (activated hepatic stellate cell; aHSCs) expressing smooth muscle α‐actin (αSMA) and platelet‐derived growth factor beta receptor (PDGFβR). Their interactions with gut‐derived bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are implicated in hepatic fibrogenesis. However, LPS can also attenuate fibrogenic characteristics of aHSCs.

Approach and Results

We examined molecular mechanisms of antifibrogenic effects of LPS on aHSCs in vitro and in vivo. Culture‐activated rat HSCs were exposed to 0‐100 ng/mL of LPS or its active component, diphosphoryl‐lipid A (DPLA), and parameters of fibrosis and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines were determined by qRT‐PCR, western, and immunohistochemical analyses. In vivo, HSCs were activated by repeated CCl4 administration to rats every 3 days for 3 or 8 weeks, then challenged with LPS (5 mg/kg; IP). HSCs were isolated 24 hours later, and fibrogenic/inflammatory parameters were analyzed. LPS induced phenotypic changes in aHSCs (rounding, size reduction) and loss of proliferation. LPS down‐regulated expression of αSMA, PDGFβR, transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFβR1), collagen 1α1 (Col1α1), and fibronectin while up‐regulating tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin‐6, and C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 1 expression. LPS did not increase peroxisome proliferation‐activated receptor gamma expression or lipid accumulation typical of qHSCs. DPLA elicited the same effects as LPS on aHSCs, indicating specificity, and monophosphoryl lipid A down‐regulated fibrogenic markers, but elicited very weak inflammatory response. LPS down‐regulated the expression of cMyb, a transcription factor for αSMA, and up‐regulated small mother against decapentaplegic (SMAD)7 and CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein (C/EBP)δ, the transcriptional inhibitors of Col1α1 expression. In vivo LPS treatment of aHSCs inhibited their proliferation, down‐regulated PDGFβR, αSMA, TGFβR1, Col1α1, and cMyb expression, and increased expression of SMAD7, C/EBPα, and C/EBPδ.

Conclusions

In conclusion, LPS induces a unique phenotype in aHSCs associated with down‐regulation of key fibrogenic mechanisms and thus may have an important role in limiting fibrosis.
REACH Specific Environmental Release Categories for Plant Protection Product Applications
Authors: Dobe Christopher , Bonifay Sébastien , Krass Joachim D , McMillan Claire , Terry Adrian , Wormuth Matthias
Published: February 2020

The European Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation requires that quantitative environmental risk assessment is carried out for hazardous substances used as coformulants in plant protection products (PPPs), if registered above 10 t/y. The European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) has developed generic exposure scenarios and specific environmental release categories (SpERCs) to support these risk assessments. The SpERCs offer refinements to the default release factors defined in environmental release categories (ERCs) and are intended to be used with nested multimedia mass balance models as part of the assessment of regional predicted environmental concentrations. Based on the application method of PPPs, 2 scenarios were defined for which SpERCs were developed: 1) spraying of PPPs and 2) direct application of granular products or treated seeds to soil. The SpERC for spray applications includes release factors to air and soil that depend on the vapor pressure of the coformulant. Calculations are presented to support the subSpERCs describing the transition from nonvolatile to volatile behavior. The most recent version of the spray application SpERC defines a release factor for surface water and more conservative release factors to soil compared with previous versions. Use of the ECPA SpERCs allows the coformulant emissions from PPPs to be fully accounted for in the regional-scale environmental risk assessment for a given substance, along with all other sources of emissions. Qualitative and quantitative justification for the ECPA-derived SpERCs is presented and serves as the background documentation to the online European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) SpERC factsheets. The approach developed here whereby regional-scale SpERCs are used in combination with a customized local-scale exposure model is potentially applicable for other sectors that are required to conduct exposure assessments outside the scope of the standard environmental REACH models. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:472–480. © 2020 Syngenta Crop Protection AG. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)
Cutaneous melanomas attributable to ultraviolet radiation exposure by state
Authors: Islami Farhad , Sauer Ann Goding , Miller Kimberly D. , Fedewa Stacey A. , Minihan Adair K. , Geller Alan C. , Lichtenfeld J. Leonard , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: February 2020

Information on cutaneous melanoma (melanoma) burden attributable to ultraviolet (UV) radiation by state could inform state and local public health policies to mitigate the burden. We estimated numbers, proportions and age‐standardized incidence rates of malignant melanomas attributable to UV radiation in each US state by calculating the difference between observed melanomas during 2011–2015 and expected cases based on historically low incidence rates among whites in Connecticut from 1942 to 1954. The low melanoma burden in Connecticut during this period likely reflected UV exposure accumulated in the 1930s or earlier, when exposure was likely minimized by clothing style and limited recreational exposure. The estimated number of melanoma cases attributable to UV exposure during 2011–2015 in the United States was 338,701, or 91.0% of the total cases (372,335); 94.3% (319,412) of UV‐attributable cases occurred in non‐Hispanic whites. By state, the attributable proportion among non‐Hispanic whites ranged from 87.6% in the District of Columbia to 97.3% in Hawaii. The attributable age‐standardized rate (per 100,000) among non‐Hispanic whites ranged from 15.1 (95% CI, 13.4–16.7) in Alaska to 65.1 (95% CI, 61.4–68.9) in Hawaii and was ≥23.3 in half of states. Considerable proportions and incidence rates of melanoma attributable to UV radiation in all states underscores the need for broad implementation or enforcement of preventive measures across states, with priority for states with higher burden.
Mechanistic Insights on the Formation of High‐Valent MnIII/IV=O Species Using Oxygen as Oxidant: A Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Sen Asmita , Vyas Nidhi , Pandey Bhawana , Jaccob Madhavan , Rajaraman Gopalan
Published: February 2020

High‐valent metal−oxo species are of great interest as they serve as a robust catalyst for various organic transformations, and at the same time, they offer significant insight into the reactivity of various metalloenzymes. Formation of Mn−Oxo species is of great interest as they are involved in the Oxygen Evolving Complex of Photosystem II, and various bio‐mimic models were synthesized to understand its reactivity. In this context, using urea decorated amine ligands, Borovik et al. have reported the facile formation of MnIII=O and MnIV=O species from [MnIIH2buea]2− (here H2buea=tris[(N′‐tert‐butylureayl)‐N‐ethyl]amine) precursor complex using oxygen as the oxidant. While reactivity of these species is thoroughly studied, mechanism of formation of such species is scarcely explored. In this work, we have attempted to establish the formation of these species from the MnII precursor using the experimental conditions. Our calculations reveal the following fundamental steps in the formation of such species: i) O2 activation by MnII lead to formation of MnII−superoxide species wherein the oxidation state of the MnII found to be intact upon O2 binding facilitated by the deprotonated nitrogen atom present in the cavity (ii) in the second step, superoxo species is converted to MnII−hydroperoxo species, [MnIIH2buea(OOH)]2− using dimethylacetamide solvent as source for HAT reaction (iii) presence of water molecule found to aid the O−O bond cleavage in [MnIIH2buea(OOH)]2− species leading to the formation of the putative MnIII=O species, [MnIIIH3buea(O)]2− (iv) one‐electron oxidation of MnIII=O, leads to the formation of [MnIVH3buea(O)]− species and this step is endothermic and need some external oxidants for its formation. While various spin‐states and their roles are explored, our calculations reveal that the Mn atom prefers to be in the high‐spin state across the potential energy surface studied. However, the nature of the formation is strongly correlated to the spin state arising from the radical nature present in the O2 moiety and also in the deprotonated nitrogen atom. This offers a unique multistate reactivity channel for the formation these species easing various kinetic barriers across the potential energy surface. Further, we have also computed the spectral parameters for the experimentally observed species, which are in agreement with the reported data offering confidence on the mechanism established. To this end, our study unveils a facile formation of high‐valent Mn−Oxo species using O2 as oxidant and role of water molecules in the formation of such species, and these mechanistic insights are likely to have implications beyond the example studied here.
Heparin/poly‐l‐lysine nanoplatform with growth factor delivery for surface modification of cardiovascular stents: The influence of vascular endothelial growth factor loading
Authors: Tan Jianying , Cui Yuanyuan , Zeng Zheng , Wei Lai , Li Li , Wang Huanran , Hu Huiyi , Liu Tao , Huang Nan , Chen Junying , Weng Yajun
Published: February 2020

The rapid re‐endothelialization of the vascular stent surface is desirable for preventing thrombosis or reducing restenosis. Many biological factors that promote the biological behavior of endothelial cells have been used for the surface modification of stents. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which plays an important role in angiogenesis, induces strong vascular growth. In this study, we investigated different VEGF concentrations (50 to 500 ng/ml) to determine the optimum concentration for biocompatibility. First, VEGF‐loaded heparin/poly‐l‐lysine (Hep‐PLL) nanoparticles were created by electrostatic interactions. Then, the VEGF‐loaded nanoparticles were immobilized on dopamine‐coated 316 L stainless steel (SS) surfaces. The physical and chemical properties of the modified surface were characterized and the biocompatibility was evaluated in vitro. The results indicated that the VEGF‐loaded nanoparticles were immobilized successfully on the 316LSS surface, as evidenced by the results of Alcian Blue staining and water contact angle (WCA) measurements. The low platelet adhesion and activation indicated that the modified surfaces had good blood compatibility. The modified surfaces showed a good inhibitory effect on smooth muscle cells, indicating that they inhibited tissue hyperplasia. In addition, the modified surfaces significantly promoted endothelial cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and biological activity, especially VEGF concentration was 350 ng/ml (NPV350). The optical VEGF concentration of the surface modified Hep‐PLL nanoparticles was 350 ng/ml. The proposed method shows promise for potential applications for cardiovascular devices.
Evaluating the cytotoxicity of graphene oxide using embryonic stem cells‐derived cells
Authors: Hu Le , Fu Yan , Rong Liyuan , Yang Xinji , Li Yueyue , Wang Liqiang , Wu Wei
Published: February 2020

Graphene oxide (GO) has several potential biomedical applications and therefore cytotoxic evaluation of GO is very important. However, the two most common in vitro models for testing cytotoxicity—primary human cells and immortalized cell lines—suffer serious limitations, namely limited supplies of cells and unrealistic cellular responses, respectively. Here, we demonstrate the use of embryonic stem cell (ESC)‐derived cells to study GO cytotoxicity. We tested the use of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells derived from three‐dimensional human ESC cultures (“ESC‐RPE” cells) as a model of GO cytotoxicity by exposing them to varying concentrations of GO nanosheets. For comparison, we also performed the same test with primary human retinal pigment epithelium cells (“hRPE”), and with cells derived from a human RPE cell line (“ARPE19” cells). We found that cytotoxicity metrics (viability, apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial membrane potential) were very similar in ESC‐RPE cells and hRPE cells, and those in ARPE19 cells were very different. We conclude that cell models of GO cytotoxicity derived from ESCs are an excellent alternative to primary human cells, without the limitations of tissue availability.