bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward a document‐centered ontological theory for information architecture in corporations
Authors: B. Almeida Mauricio , R. Felipe Eduardo , Barcelos Renata
Published: January 2020

The beginning of the 21st century attested to the first movements toward information architecture (IA), originating from the field of library and information science (LIS). IA is acknowledged as an important meta‐discipline concerned with the design, implementation, and maintenance of digital information spaces. Despite the relevance of IA, there is little research about the subject within LIS, and still less if one considers initiatives for creating a theory for IA. In this article, we provide a theory for IA and describe the resources needed to create it through ontological models. We also choose the “document” as the key entity for such theory, contemplating kinds of documents that not only serve to register information, but also create claims and obligations in society. To achieve our goals, we provide a background for subtheories from LIS and from Applied Ontology. As a result, we present some basic theory for IA in the form of a formal framework to represent corporations in which IA activities take place, acknowledging that our approach is de facto a subset of IA we call the enterprise information architecture (EAI) approach. By doing this, we highlight the effects that documents cause within corporations in the scope of EIA.
Photoluminescence and structural analysis of trivalent europium doped MLaAl3O7 (M = Ba, Ca, Mg and Sr) nanophosphors
Authors: Kadyan Sonika , Singh Kuldeep , Singh Sitender , Sheoran Suman , Singh Jasbir , Singh Devender
Published: January 2020

The solution combustion technique was used to synthesize MLaAl3O7 (M = Ba, Ca, Mg, and Sr) nanophosphors‐doped with Eu3+ using metal nitrates as precursors. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra exhibited three peaks at 587–591, 610–616, and 653–654 corresponding to 5D0→7F1, 5D0→7F2, and 5D0→7F3 transitions, respectively. Upon excitation at 254 nm, these nanophosphors displayed strong red emission with the dominant peak attributed to the 5D0→7F2 transition of Eu3+. The materials were further heated at 900 and 1050°C for 2 h to examine the consequence of temperature on crystal lattice and PL emission intensity. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis proved that all the synthesized materials were of a crystalline nature. CaLaAl3O7 material has a tetragonal crystal structure with space group P421m. Scherer's equation was used to calculate the crystallite size of synthesized phosphors using XRD data. A Fourier transformation infrared study was used to observe the stretching vibrations of metal–oxygen bonds. Infrared peaks for stretching vibrations corresponding to lanthanum–oxygen and aluminium–oxygen bonds were found at 582 and 777 cm–1 respectively for CaLaAl3O7 phosphor material. Transmission electron microscopy images were used to determine the size of particles (18–37 nm for the as‐prepared materials) and also to analyze the three‐dimensional view of these materials. The experimental data indicate that these materials may be promising red‐emitting nanophosphors for use in white light‐emitting diodes.
Retracted: Alkannin represses growth of pancreatic cancer cells based on the down regulation of miR‐199a
Authors: Zhang Guochang , Zhai Nan , Zhang Xiaofen
Published: January 2020

Alkannin displays tumor suppressive activity by initiating apoptosis. Here, we corroborated its role in pancreatic carcinoma (PANC‐1) cells and addressed the molecular mechanism in which microRNA‐199a (miR‐199a) and Klotho might be implicated. PANC‐1 and MIN6 cells were treated by alkannin and its role was evaluated in cellular viability. Next we assessed the ability of PANC‐1 cells to proliferate, migrate, and invade as well as apoptosis process. Besides, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), CyclinD1, p53, and caspases were quantified using Western blot. miR‐199a was detected by qRT‐PCR. miR‐199a‐silenced or ‐replenished cells were established to study its function role in Klotho in conjunction with alkannin. Further, Klotho‐overexpressed or ‐silenced cells were constructed to investigate the alteration of mTOR and MEK/ERK pathways. Alkannin repressed the viability of PANC‐1 cells instead of MIN6 cells. Alkannin counteracted the growth of PANC‐1 cells through inhibiting proliferation, migration, and invasion and facilitating apoptosis, which was evidenced by the modulation on PCNA, CyclinD1, p53, and cleavage of caspases. The silence of miR‐199a by alkannin was also involved in the antitumor process. Alkannin enhanced Klotho expression possibly through silencing miR‐199a. Besides, mTOR and MEK/ERK signaling were counteracted by Klotho overexpression while facilitated by its silence. Alkannin inhibited the growth of PANC‐1 cells via modulating miR‐199a‐Klotho node. During this process, mTOR and MEK/ERK pathways were blunted.
Duloxetine and pregabalin in neuropathic pain of lung cancer patients
Authors: Gül Şule Karabulut , Tepetam Hüseyin , Gül Hakan Levent
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Neuropathic pain occurs in 1% of the population and is difficult to manage. This chronic pain causes psychological distress and impacts patient's quality of life, especially in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to show and compare the efficacy of pregabalin and duloxetine, which are reported in the group of first‐line treatment at European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) guidelines on the pharmacological treatment of neuropathic pain (2010 revision) in lung cancer patients by using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Sign (LANSS).

Patients and Methods

A prospective, randomized, open label, 3 month of study was conducted. A total of 44 patients that were diagnosed with neuropathic pain (14 women and 30 men) were included in the study. Patient's LANSS and VAS values were recorded before treatment. Then, 22 patients undergo pregabalin and 22 patients undergo duloxetine therapy. But due to side effects (dizziness, constipation), two patients had stopped to use pregabalin. Their LANSS and VAS values were recorded after 1 and 3 months of therapy.

Results

When we compare LANSS and VAS scores before treatment, after 1 and 3 months of treatment with pregabalin and duloxetine, a significant decrease was observed in both groups at the 1 and 3 months (p < .01). Duloxetine is superior to pregabalin in reducing the LANSS scores when we compare two groups.

Conclusions

Both duloxetine and pregabalin are effective in the treatment of neuropathic pain of lung cancer patients. And as far as we know, this is the first study comparing the efficacy of duloxetine and pregabalin in the neuropathic pain of lung cancer patients.
Do firms with different levels of environmental regulatory pressure behave differently regarding complementarity among innovation practices?
Authors: García‐Marco Teresa , Zouaghi Ferdaous , Sánchez Mercedes
Published: January 2020

This study explores the complementary effects among environmental innovation, organizational innovation, and training for innovation and their effect on firm productivity, within a supermodularity framework. Furthermore, it attempts to understand whether different innovation practices are complements or substitutes for firm profitability according to the industrial environmental regulation context by distinguishing between clean and dirty industries. Using a Spanish technological innovation panel survey over the period 2008–2015, our findings indicate that the interrelationship between different innovation practices is complementary rather than substitutive, and the pattern of complementarity among innovation practices differs according to the environmental regulation under which an industry operates. Engaging in a broad range of innovation practices such as environmental and organizational innovations, clean industry can strengthen productivity. For dirty industries, our results indicate a greater affinity between training activities and environmental innovation than between environmental innovation and organizational innovation on firm productivity achievement. Taken all together, these results provide managers with considerable insights in terms of how to adapt the various combinatorial practices to the industrial environment in which they are embedded, taking market and regulatory pressure into account.
Enantioselective Bioamination of Aromatic Alkanes Using Ammonia: A Multienzymatic Cascade Approach
Authors: Wang Hui , Zheng Yu‐Cong , Chen Fei‐Fei , Xu Jian‐He , Yu Hui‐Lei
Published: January 2020

Chiral amines are common drug building blocks and important active pharmaceutical ingredients. Preparing these functionalized compounds from simple materials, such as alkanes, is of great interest. We recently developed an artificial bioamination cascade for the C−H amination of cyclic alkanes by combining P450 monooxygenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and amine dehydrogenase. Herein, this system has been extended to the synthesis of chiral aromatic amines. In the first hydroxylation step, process optimization increased the conversion to 77 %. Two stereoselectively complementary alcohol dehydrogenases and an amine dehydrogenase were selected for the bioconversion of aromatic hydrocarbons to amines. The amination reaction was optimized with respect to cofactor addition and enzyme dosage. Isopropanol was added to decrease ketone intermediate accumulation in the amination step, which further enhanced the overall conversion. This cascade system converted a panel of hydrocarbon substrates into the corresponding amines with excellent optical purity (>99 % ee) and moderate conversion ratios (13–53 %).
Molybdenum Disulfide Based Nanomaterials for Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Wu Junxiong , Ciucci Francesco , Kim Jang‐Kyo
Published: January 2020

The rapid development of electrochemical energy storage systems requires new electrode materials with high performance. As a two‐dimensional material, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has attracted increasing interest in energy storage applications due to its layered structure, tunable physical and chemical properties, and high capacity. In this review, the atomic structures and properties of different phases of MoS2 are first introduced. Then, typical synthetic methods for MoS2 and MoS2‐based composites are presented. Furthermore, the recent progress in the design of diverse MoS2‐based micro/nanostructures for rechargeable batteries, including lithium‐ion, lithium‐sulfur, sodium‐ion, potassium‐ion, and multivalent‐ion batteries, is overviewed. Additionally, the roles of advanced in situ/operando techniques and theoretical calculations in elucidating fundamental insights into the structural and electrochemical processes taking place in these materials during battery operation are illustrated. Finally, a perspective is given on how the properties of MoS2‐based electrode materials are further improved and how they can find widespread application in the next‐generation electrochemical energy‐storage systems.
Exploring the Biocatalytic Potential of Fe/α‐Ketoglutarate‐Dependent Halogenases
Authors: Voss Moritz , Honda Malca Sumire , Buller Rebecca
Published: January 2020

Freestanding Fe/α‐ketoglutarate‐dependent halogenases are oxidoreductases that catalyze the installation of halogen atoms into unactivated sp3‐hybridized carbon centers with high stereo‐ and regioselectivity. Since their discovery in 2014, a small number of indole alkaloid and amino acid halogenases have been identified and characterized. First enzyme engineering examples suggest that the accessible substrate range of these enzymes may be expanded through the use of rational enzyme design and directed evolution. Structural investigations of non‐heme iron halogenases acting on freestanding as well as tethered substrates are beginning to inform about the principles of the underlying halogenation mechanism.
Towards the Molecular Design of Spin‐Crossover Complexes of 2,6‐Bis(pyrazol‐3‐yl)pyridines
Authors: Nikovskiy Igor , Polezhaev Alexander , Novikov Valentin , Aleshin Dmitry , Pavlov Alexander , Saffiulina Elnara , Aysin Rinat , Dorovatovskii Pavel , Nodaraki Lydia , Tuna Floriana , Nelyubina Yulia
Published: January 2020

The molecular design of spin‐crossover complexes relies on controlling the spin state of a transition metal ion by proper chemical modifications of the ligands. Herein, the first N,N’‐disubstituted 2,6‐bis(pyrazol‐3‐yl)pyridines (3‐bpp) are reported that, against the common wisdom, induce a spin‐crossover in otherwise high‐spin iron(II) complexes by increasing the steric demand of a bulky substituent, an ortho‐functionalized phenyl group. As N,N’‐disubstituted 3‐bpp complexes have no pendant NH groups that make their spin state extremely sensitive to the environment, the proposed ligand design, which may be applicable to isomeric 1‐bpp or other families of popular bi‐, tri‐ and higher denticity ligands, opens the way for their molecular design as spin‐crossover compounds for future breakthrough applications.
Preparation and evaluation of biselector bonded‐type multifunctional chiral stationary phase based on dialdehyde cellulose and 6‐monodeoxy‐6‐monoamino‐β‐cyclodextrine derivatives
Authors: Gao Jie , Quan Kaijun , Li Hui , Li Zhan , Zhao Liang , Qiu Hongdeng
Published: January 2020

A novel biselector bonded‐type multifunctional chiral stationary phase (MCSP) was prepared by covalently crosslinking dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) with 6‐monodeoxy‐6‐monoamino‐β‐cyclodextrine (CD) via Schiff base reaction. The biselector bonded‐type MCSP had good chiral and achiral chromatographic performance in normal phase (NP) and reversed phase (RP) modes. Seven and eight enantiomers were successfully separated on the prepared biselector bonded‐type MCSP in NP and RP modes, respectively. The biselector bonded‐type MCSP showed enhanced chiral resolution ability compared with single selector chiral stationary phases due to the simultaneous introduction of DAC and 6‐monodeoxy‐6‐monoamino‐β‐CD on the surface of silica gel. Aromatic compounds including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, anilines, phenols, phenylates, and aromatic acids were choosed as analytes to investigate the achiral chromatographic performance of the biselector bonded‐type MCSP in NP and RP modes. Chromatographic evaluation results showed that the above aromatic compounds were essentially capable of achieving baseline separation by hydrophobic interaction, π‐π interaction, and π‐π electron‐donor‐acceptor interaction. Moreover, the host‐guest inclusion effect of 6‐monodeoxy‐6‐monoamino‐β‐CD and the multiple interactions made the biselector bonded‐type MCSP have good steric selectivity. The preparation method of the biselector bonded‐type MCSP was simple and provided a new idea and strategy for the preparation of the subsequent novel biselector MCSP.
Chiral combinatorial preparation and biological evaluation of unique ceramides for inhibition of sphingomyelin synthase
Authors: Koolath Sajeer , Murai Yuta , Suga Yoshiko , Monde Kenji
Published: January 2020

Enantiomers or diastereomers of chiral bioactive compounds often exhibit different biological and toxicological properties. Here, we report the efficient synthesis of four stereoisomers of sphingosine and derivatization of unique chiral ceramides through a combinatorial chemistry by solid‐phase activated resin ester. In addition, to test the effectivity of stereochemistry of ceramide, we demonstrated a cell‐based assay of sphingomyelin synthase inhibition in the presence ofchiral unique ceramides, which suggested that libraries of this sort will be a rich source of biologically active synthetic molecules.
Effect of chemical structure of benzofuran derivatives and reaction conditions on enantioselective properties of Aureobasidium pullulans microorganism contained in Boni Protect antifungal agent
Authors: Kołodziejska Renata , Studzińska Renata , Tafelska‐Kaczmarek Agnieszka , Pawluk Hanna , Stasiak Bartosz , Kwit Marcin , Woźniak Alina
Published: January 2020

Bioorganic asymmetric reduction of carbonyl compounds is one of the most important fundamental and practical reactions for producing chiral alcohols. The stereoselective bioreduction of prochiral ketones of benzofuran derivatives in the presence of yeast‐like fungus Aureobasidium pullulans contained in the antifungal Boni Protect agent was studied. Biotransformations were carried out under moderate conditions in an aqueous and two‐phase system and without multiplication of the bioreagent. Despite similar chemical structure, each of the used ketone has been reduced with varying efficiency and selectivity. One of the reasons for these results is the presence of a whole set of oxidoreductases in A. pullulans cells that are sensitive to the smallest changes in the structure of prochiral substrate. The unsymmetrical methyl ketones were biotransformed with the highest selectivity. Aureobasidium pullulans microorganism is less effective in the reduction of unsymmetrical halomethyl ketones. The presence of a heteroatom in the alkyl group significantly decreases the selectivity of the process. Finally, as a result of the preferred hydride ion transfer from the dihydropyridine ring of the cofactor to the carbonyl double bond on the re side, secondary alcohols of the S and R configuration were obtained with moderate to high enantioselectivity (55‐99%).
A mode transformation algorithm based on traffic prediction in virtual multi‐OLT PON
Authors: Zhan Nianfei , Gan Chaoqin , Lin Wei , Guo Yaqin , Liu Pengfei
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a mode transformation algorithm based on traffic prediction in virtual multiple optical line terminal (OLT) passive optical network (PON) is proposed. By proposing exponential smoothing algorithm based on weight update (WU‐ESA), user traffic is predicted well. WU‐ESA is a combination of two algorithms: exponential smoothing algorithm (ESA) and genetic algorithm (GA). The weight in ESA is optimized by GA based on real‐number encoding. By setting two periods, GA part and ESA part can be separated effectively. By presenting elastic packing algorithm (EPA), the load balance problem in virtual multi‐OLT PON is solved. EPA is implemented based on WU‐ESA. By the simulation and analysis, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms is demonstrated. Compared with traditional mode transformation algorithm, EPA shows good performances in delay, throughput, and packet loss. Compared with traditional mode transformation algorithm, the EPA makes the packet loss decrease by at least 5% when the system load is greater than 0.9. Meanwhile, the delay of the two subsystems can be kept at a relatively balanced level by the implement of EPA. For throughput, the use of EPA improves the throughput by 20% when the system load is high.
Oversight of Right‐to‐Try and Expanded Access Requests for Off‐Trial Access to Investigational Drugs
Authors: Chapman Carolyn Riley , Eckman Jared , Bateman‐House Alison S.
Published: January 2020

For decades, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided an “expanded access” pathway that allows patients who meet qualifying conditions to gain access outside a clinical trial to an investigational medical product being tested to see if it is safe and effective for a specific use. The Right to Try (RTT) Act, enacted in 2018, created a second mechanism for off‐trial, or non‐trial, access to investigational drugs. In contrast to the expanded access pathway, the federal RTT pathway does not require the involvement of the FDA or an institutional review board (IRB). Given that physicians, drug manufacturers, and medical institutions now have a choice whether to assist individual patients through the expanded access or the federal RTT pathway, we review the differences between these options and discuss the benefits and burdens of IRB involvement in requests to access interventions through the pathways. We also suggest ways in which IRB oversight may be further improved.
Larval dispersal in a changing ocean with an emphasis on upwelling regions
Authors: Bashevkin Samuel M. , Dibble Connor D. , Dunn Robert P. , Hollarsmith Jordan A. , Ng Gabriel , Satterthwaite Erin V. , Morgan Steven G.
Published: January 2020

Dispersal of benthic species in the sea is mediated primarily through small, vulnerable larvae that must survive minutes to months as members of the plankton community while being transported by strong, dynamic currents. As climate change alters ocean conditions, the dispersal of these larvae will be affected, with pervasive ecological and evolutionary consequences. We review the impacts of oceanic changes on larval transport, physiology, and behavior. We then discuss the implications for population connectivity and recruitment and evaluate life history strategies that will affect susceptibility to the effects of climate change on their dispersal patterns, with implications for understanding selective regimes in a future ocean. We find that physical oceanographic changes will impact dispersal by transporting larvae in different directions or inhibiting their movements while changing environmental factors, such as temperature, pH, salinity, oxygen, ultraviolet radiation, and turbidity, will affect the survival of larvae and alter their behavior. Reduced dispersal distance may make local adaptation more likely in well‐connected populations with high genetic variation while reduced dispersal success will lower recruitment with implications for fishery stocks. Increased dispersal may spur adaptation by increasing genetic diversity among previously disconnected populations as well as increasing the likelihood of range expansions. We hypothesize that species with planktotrophic (feeding), calcifying, or weakly swimming larvae with specialized adult habitats will be most affected by climate change. We also propose that the adaptive value of retentive larval behaviors may decrease where transport trajectories follow changing climate envelopes and increase where transport trajectories drive larvae toward increasingly unsuitable conditions. Our holistic framework, combined with knowledge of regional ocean conditions and larval traits, can be used to produce powerful predictions of expected impacts on larval dispersal as well as the consequences for connectivity, range expansion, or recruitment. Based on our findings, we recommend that future studies take a holistic view of dispersal incorporating biological and oceanographic impacts of climate change rather than solely focusing on oceanography or physiology. Genetic and paleontological techniques can be used to examine evolutionary impacts of altered dispersal in a future ocean, while museum collections and expedition records can inform modern‐day range shifts.
Earlier fall precipitation and low severity fire impacts on cheatgrass and sagebrush establishment
Authors: Bishop Tara B. B. , Nusink Baylie C. , Lee Molinari Rebecca , Taylor Justin B. , St. Clair Samuel B.
Published: January 2020

In arid and semiarid ecosystems, invasion by exotic grasses may be driving state changes in vegetation defined by losses of native shrub communities. Changes in wildfire regimes and fall precipitation timing related to climate change may promote fluctuations in resource availability that reinforces invasion and state changes in vegetation. The objective of this study was to investigate how earlier fall precipitation timing and fire affected the germination, establishment, and growth of the dominant native shrub Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentatasubsp.wyomingensis), and one of the most problematic invaders, cheatgrass (Bromus tectorumL.) in the Great Basin. We extracted soil cores from Rush Valley, Utah (UT),USA, on the eastern side of the Great Basin ecoregion and placed them in a common garden in Provo,UT, and planted seeds of sagebrush and cheatgrass in individual cores. We measured the response of sagebrush and cheatgrass to experimental fire and two fall precipitation timing pulses in a full factorial design. Water was added for two weeks in early September (early fall treatment) and mid‐October (late fall treatment). We measured seedling emergence, plant height, biomass, density, seed production, and survival. Early fall precipitation did not significantly affect the amount of cheatgrass or sagebrush seedling emergence. Early fall precipitation significantly increased cheatgrass density, height, biomass, and seed production, and sagebrush height and biomass, but not density. Surprisingly, cheatgrass did not respond positively to fire. In contrast, fire increased sagebrush density (twofold) and survival. These findings indicate that fire can have positive impacts on sagebrush establishment. The data suggest that projected increases in fall moisture in the Great Basin due to climate change are likely to have positive impacts on both cheatgrass and sagebrush. However, additional studies are needed to identify how fall precipitation timing and fire might impact competitive interactions between sagebrush and cheatgrass and the bearing on invasion success at influencing state changes in the Great Basin.
H2FPEF score for predicting future heart failure in stable outpatients with cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Suzuki Satoru , Kaikita Koichi , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Sueta Daisuke , Yamamoto Masahiro , Ishii Masanobu , Ito Miwa , Fujisue Koichiro , Kanazawa Hisanori , Araki Satoshi , Arima Yuichiro , Takashio Seiji , Usuku Hiroki , Nakamura Taishi , Sakamoto Kenji , Izumiya Yasuhiro , Soejima Hirofumi , Kawano Hiroaki , Jinnouchi Hideaki , Matsui Kunihiko , Tsujita Kenichi
Published: January 2020

Aims

The prediction of future heart failure (HF) in stable outpatients is often difficult for general practitioners and cardiologists. Recently, the H2FPEF score (0–9 points) has been proposed for the discrimination of HF with preserved ejection fraction from non‐cardiac causes of dyspnoea. The six clinical and echocardiographic variables that constitute the H2FPEF score include the following: (i) obesity (H); (ii) the use of ≥2 antihypertensive drugs (H); (iii) atrial fibrillation (F); (iv) pulmonary hypertension (P); (v) an age > 60 years (E); and (vi) E/e' > 9 (F). We performed an external validation study that investigated whether the H2FPEF score could predict future HF‐related events in stable outpatients with cardiovascular risk factor(s) in Japan.

Methods and results

In this prospective cohort study, after exclusion of 195 from 551 consecutive, stable Japanese outpatients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor who were enrolled between September 2010 and July 2013, the remaining 356 outpatients (171 men, 185 women, mean age 73.2 years) were eligible for the analysis. We calculated the H2FPEF score (0–9 points), and followed up the patients for an average of 517 days. In all of the 356 patients, the mean H2FPEF score was 3.1 ± 1.8, and 15 developed HF‐related events during the follow‐up period, including cardiovascular death (n = 2) and hospitalization for HF decompensation (n = 13). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that the H2FPEF score was an independent predictor of future HF‐related events (P < 0.001 for all three models). Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed a significantly higher probability of HF‐related events in the outpatients with a high H2FPEF score (P < 0.001). In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the H2FPEF score was significantly associated with the occurrence of future HF‐related events (P < 0.001). In ROC curve analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio of a H2FPEF score of 7 points to predict HF‐related events were 47%, 96%, and 11.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

The H2FPEF score could provide useful information for future HF‐related events in stable outpatients with cardiovascular risk factor(s) in Japan.
Stroke risk and atrial mechanical dysfunction in cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Ballantyne Brennan , Manian Usha , Sheyin Olusegun , Davey Ryan , De Sabe
Published: January 2020

Amyloidosis is associated with poor prognosis, and patients with cardiac involvement have especially poor outcomes. Cardiac amyloidosis leads to higher rates of atrial arrhythmia and an increased risk of intracardiac thrombus formation. However, atrial mechanical dysfunction due to protein deposition in amyloidosis may lead to thrombus formation in the absence of atrial arrhythmia. We present a 42‐year‐old male patient with familial transthyretin amyloidosis who suffered an embolic stroke that originated from a left atrial appendage thrombus in the absence of any documented atrial fibrillation. This case highlights atrial mechanical dysfunction in patients with cardiac amyloidosis and the need to better stratify thrombotic risk in this population with integration of echocardiographic parameters and transesophageal echocardiography.
Copper‐Catalyzed Direct Carbamoylation of Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones with Hydrazinecarboxamides Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Chu Xianglong , Wu Yujuan , Lu Haigen , Yang Bingchuan , Ma Chen
Published: January 2020

A direct C–H bond carbamoylation of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones with hydrazinecarboxamides has been developed. This reaction provides a series of 3‐carbamoylquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐one derivatives in moderate to good yields under mild conditions with a broad range of substrates and functional group tolerance. The present methodology affords a convenient and practical access to pharmaceutically active 3‐carbamoylquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐one derivatives.
Pd/CNT Catalysts for Glycerol Electro‐oxidation: Effect of Pd Loading on Production of Valuable Chemical Products
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Sheraz , Cheng Chin Kui , Kumar Ravinder , Singh Sharanjit , Saeed Khater Ahmed , Ong Huei Ruey , Abdullah Hamidah , Khan Maksudur Rahman
Published: January 2020

Glycerol (C3H8O3), a waste product of biodiesel, is considered as a suitable substrate for electro‐oxidation process to generate high value‐added products. A suitable active catalyst could improve the yield of desirable organic compounds from electro‐oxidation of glycerol. In this work, palladium nanoparticles supported over activated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with varying loadings of 5 %–40 % were prepared using chemical reduction method and used to study their potential for electro‐oxidation of glycerol to produce various high value‐added products. The catalysts were characterized by different physicochemical methods, such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption‐desorption, and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), whereas the electro‐oxidation activity of the catalysts was analysed using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA), and the products were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The electrochemical surface area (SESA) and mass activity (MA) were increased from 176.98 m2 g−1 to 282.29 m2 g−1 and 12.22 mA mg−1 to 49.53 mA mg−1 by increasing the Pd‐loading from 5 % to 20 %, respectively. While the further increase to 40 % Pd loading, the SESA and MA values decreased to 231.45 m2 g−1 and 47.63 mA mg−1respectively. The results found that the optimum 20 % Pd‐loading showed the excellent electrochemical properties due to uniform distribution of Pd‐metal particles over MWCNTs. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed the tartronic acid, glyceric acid and glyceraldehyde as dominant products. Mechanism of the reaction has also been proposed based on product distribution.
Assessing Field-Scale Risks of Foliar Insecticide Applications to Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Larvae
Authors: Krishnan Niranjana , Zhang Yang , Bidne Keith G. , Hellmich Richard L. , Coats Joel R. , Bradbury Steven P.
Published: January 2020

Establishment and maintenance of milkweed plants (Asclepias spp.) in agricultural landscapes of the north central United States are needed to reverse the decline of North America's eastern monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) population. Because of a lack of toxicity data, it is unclear how insecticide use may reduce monarch productivity when milkweed habitat is placed near maize and soybean fields. To assess the potential effects of foliar insecticides, acute cuticular and dietary toxicity of 5 representative active ingredients were determined: beta-cyfluthrin (pyrethroid), chlorantraniliprole (anthranilic diamide), chlorpyrifos (organophosphate), and imidacloprid and thiamethoxam (neonicotinoids). Cuticular median lethal dose values for first instars ranged from 9.2 × 10–3 to 79 μg/g larvae for beta-cyfluthrin and chlorpyrifos, respectively. Dietary median lethal concentration values for second instars ranged from 8.3 × 10–3 to 8.4 μg/g milkweed leaf for chlorantraniliprole and chlorpyrifos, respectively. To estimate larval mortality rates downwind from treated fields, modeled insecticide exposures to larvae and milkweed leaves were compared to dose–response curves obtained from bioassays with first-, second-, third-, and fifth-instar larvae. For aerial applications to manage soybean aphids, mortality rates at 60 m downwind were highest for beta-cyfluthrin and chlorantraniliprole following cuticular and dietary exposure, respectively, and lowest for thiamethoxam. To estimate landscape-scale risks, field-scale mortality rates must be considered in the context of spatial and temporal patterns of insecticide use. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:923–941. © 2020 SETAC
The Effect of Membrane Casting Irregularities on Initial Fuel Cell Performance
Authors: Phillips A. , Ulsh M. , Mackay J. , Harris T. , Shrivastava N. , Chatterjee A. , Porter J. , Bender G.
Published: January 2020

Membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) may possess as‐manufactured non‐uniformities in any of its constituent components. This work studies casting irregularities located within the PEM to understand their potential impact on MEA initial performance. Membrane material was cast on a lab‐scale polymer casting line operating either within or at the boundaries of the process window. The resulting membrane material was either pristine in the former case, or, in the latter case, contained air bubbles, cracks, and other irregularities, ranging in size from about 0.6 to 3 mm. Spatial polarization experiments were conducted using a 121‐channel segmented fuel cell system, and thermal imaging was performed subsequently to map hydrogen crossover to spatial performance. While total‐cell polarization data was minimally impacted by the irregularities, the spatial diagnostics showed local performance impacts that, in operation over time, could cause degradation in performance or earlier failure of the MEA. Such impacts could lead to these irregularities being classified as defects, i.e., manufacturing variations that should be identified and not included in a fuel cell stack. Classification of irregularities as defects will ultimately assist the industry by contributing to the development of threshold detection limits for in‐line quality control diagnostics.
A sales tax is better at promoting healthy diets than the fat tax and the thin subsidy
Authors: Kalamov Zarko
Published: January 2020

We analyze how a sales tax levied on all food products impacts the consumption of healthy food, unhealthy food, and obesity. The sales tax can stimulate the consumption of healthy meals by lowering the time costs of food preparation. Moreover, the sales tax lowers obesity under more general conditions than a tax on unhealthy food (fat tax) and a subsidy on healthy food (thin subsidy). We calibrate the model using recent consumption and time use data from the US. The thin subsidy is counterproductive and increases weight. While both the sales tax and the fat tax mitigate obesity, the former imposes a lower excess burden on consumers.
Multicenter Validation of Association Between Decline in MRI‐PDFF and Histologic Response in NASH
Authors: Loomba Rohit , Neuschwander‐Tetri Brent A , Sanyal Arun , Chalasani Naga , Diehl Anna Mae , Terrault Norah , Kowdley Kris , Dasarathy Srinivasan , Kleiner David , Behling Cynthia , Lavine Joel , Van Natta Mark , Middleton Michael , Tonascia James , Sirlin Claude ,   for the NASH Clinical Research Network
Published: January 2020

Background and Aims

Emerging data from a single‐center study suggests that a 30% relative reduction in liver fat content as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging–proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF) from baseline may be associated with histologic improvement in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). There are limited multicenter data comparing an active drug versus placebo on the association between the quantity of liver fat reduction assessed by MRI‐PDFF and histologic response in NASH. This study aims to examine the association between 30% relative reduction in MRI‐PDFF and histologic response in obeticholic acid (OCA) versus placebo‐treated patients in the FLINT (farnesoid X receptor ligand obeticholic acid in NASH trial).

Approach and Results

This is a secondary analysis of the FLINT trial including 78 patients with MRI‐PDFF measured before and after treatment along with paired liver histology assessment. Histologic response was defined as a 2‐point improvement in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score without worsening of fibrosis. OCA (25 mg orally once daily) was better than placebo in improving MRI‐PDFF by an absolute difference of −3.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], −6.5 to −0.2%, P value = 0.04) and relative difference of −17% (95% CI, −34 to 0%, P value = 0.05). The optimal cutoff point for relative decline in MRI‐PDFF for histologic response was 30% (using Youden’s index). The rate of histologic response in those who achieved less than 30% decline in MRI‐PDFF versus those who achieved a 30% or greater decline in MRI‐PDFF (MRI‐PDFF responders) relative to baseline was 19% versus 50%, respectively. Compared with MRI‐PDFF nonresponders, MRI‐PDFF responders demonstrated both a statistically and clinically significant higher odds 4.86 (95% CI, 1.4‐12.8, P value < 0.009) of histologic response, including significant improvements in both steatosis and ballooning.

Conclusion

OCA was better than placebo in reducing liver fat. This multicenter trial provides data regarding the association between 30% decline in MRI‐PDFF relative to baseline and histologic response in NASH.
Identification and characterization of protective CD8+ T‐epitopes in a malaria vaccine candidate SLTRiP
Authors: Quadiri Afshana , Kalia Inderjeet , Kashif Mohammad , Singh Agam P.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Efforts are required at developing an effective vaccine that can inhibit malaria prevalence and transmission. Identifying the critical immunogenic antigens and understanding their interactions with host proteins forms a major focus of subunit vaccine development. Previously, our laboratory showed that SLTRiP conferred protection to the liver stage of Plasmodium growth in rodents. In the follow‐up of earlier research, we demonstrate that SLTRiP‐mediated protection is majorly concentrated in specific regions of protein.

Method

To identify particular protective regions of protein, we synthesized multiple nonoverlapping fragments from SLTRiP protein. From this, we designed a panel of 8‐20mer synthetic peptides, which were predicted using T‐epitope‐based prediction algorithm. We utilized the IFN‐γ enzyme‐linked immunosorbent spot assay to identify immunodominant peptides. The latter were used to immunize mice, and these mice were challenged to assess protection.

Results

The protective polypeptide fragment SLTRiP C3 and SLTRiP C4 were identified, by expressing and testing multiple fragments of PbSLTRiP protein. The immune responses generated by these fragments were compared to identify the immunodominant fragment. The T‐epitopes were predicted from SLTRiP protein using computer‐based algorithms. The in vitro immune responses generated by these peptides were compared with each other to identify the immunodominant T‐epitope. Immunization using these peptides showed significant reduction in parasite numbers during liver stage.

Conclusion

Our findings show that the protective efficacy shown by SLTRiP is localized in particular protein fragments. The peptides designed from such regions showed protective efficacy equivalent to whole protein. The sequence conservation analysis with human Plasmodium species also showed that these peptides were conserved. In conclusion, these peptides or their equivalent from other Plasmodium species could impart protection against malaria in their respective hosts too. Our studies provide a basis for the inclusion of these peptides in clinical vaccine constructs against malaria.
Patient characteristics and pregnancy outcomes among Zika‐infected pregnant women: Epidemiologic surveillance data from two cities in Colombia, 2015–2016
Authors: Ocampo Cañas Jovana A. , Caviedes Combita David , Molina Leon Helvert F. , Garcia Sierra Andrés M. , Hernández Florez Luis J.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To describe the characteristics of pregnant women infected with Zika virus in two representative regions of Colombia, examine their pregnancy outcomes, and outline findings of the epidemiologic surveillance program established during the peak of the 2015–2016 epidemic.

Methods

A cohort study conducted in the municipalities of Cali and Villavicencio using data from the National Public Health Surveillance System (SIVIGILA) and clinical follow‐up data from pregnant women. We describe sociodemographic characteristics, health insurance status, Zika virus, pregnancy‐related characteristics, and pregnancy outcomes.

Results

A total of 1259 Zika‐infected pregnant women were identified in Cali; of these, 2.3% (n=27) experienced pregnancy loss, 9.5% (n=113) had preterm birth, and 7.9% (n=91) had a low birthweight neonate. In Villavicencio, 3.0% (n=13) experienced pregnancy loss, 6.9% (n=30) had preterm birth, and 6.7% (n=28) had a low birthweight neonate. Compared with the general population, this population of Zika‐infected pregnant women did not experience an increased frequency of preterm birth or low birthweight (relative risk of prematurity and low birthweight infant <1).

Conclusions

Epidemiologic surveillance data showed that most neonates of Zika‐infected pregnant women were born at term, and that the frequency of low birthweight neonates was low. Good quality data were obtained from the surveillance registries.
How do mothers feel? Life with children with congenital Zika syndrome
Authors: Freitas Paula S.S. , Soares Gabriella B. , Mocelin Helaine J.S. , Lamonato Larissa C.X.L. , Sales Carolina M.M. , Linde‐Arias Ana R. , Bussinger Elda C.A. , Maciel Ethel L.N.
Published: January 2020

Objective

To describe the repercussions, from the perspectives of caregiver mothers, of confirmed congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) in their offspring.

Methods

A descriptive‐exploratory study with a qualitative approach was carried out in the state of Espírito Santo in southeastern Brazil, with 25 women who had a child diagnosed with CZS.

Results

Emerging themes from the content analysis were grouped into two categories: (1) inequalities experienced by mothers, including social inequality, poverty, and gender inequality; (2) the impact of a child with CZS on mothering, including feelings at the time of diagnosis, maternal isolation and mental health, experiences of stigma and prejudice, and exhausting itineraries searching for therapeutic care.

Conclusion

The repercussions of CZS were a huge burden on already vulnerable women, and social inequalities and poverty were important markers in the mothers’ reports. Many of the families affected by CZS already lived in precarious social conditions and these conditions were exacerbated further. Robust public and social policies to support these mothers need effective implementation given that babies born with CZS need long‐term care and support.
A prospective pilot study of the T‐lymphocyte response to fine particulate matter exposure
Authors: Al Zallouha Margueritta , Landkocz Yann , Méausoone Clémence , Ledoux Fréderic , Visade Fabien , Cazier Fabrice , Martin Perrine J. , Borgie Mireille , Vitagliano Jean‐Jacques , Trémolet Gauthier , Cailliez Jean‐Charles , Gosset Pierre , Courcot Dominique , Billet Sylvain
Published: January 2020

Exposure to air pollution is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Once the fine atmospheric particulate matter (FP) is inhaled, some of its compounds can pass through the lungs and reach the bloodstream where they can come into contact with immune cells. Exposure to FP particularly affects sensitive populations such as the elderly. Aging affects the immune system, making the elderly more vulnerable. The project aims to determine the effects of FP exposure on human T cells while looking for biomarkers associated with exposure. Blood samples from 95 healthy subjects in three different age groups (20‐30, 45‐55 and 70‐85 years) were collected to determine a potential age effect. T lymphocytes were isolated to be exposed ex vivo for 72 hours to 45 μg/mL of FP collected in Dunkirk and chemically characterized. Overexpression of the CYP1A1, CYP1B1 and CYP2S1 genes was therefore measured after exposure of the T cells to FP. These genes code for enzymes known to be involved in the metabolic activation of organic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons detected in the FP sample. T‐cell profiling allowed us to suggest a mixed T‐helper 1/2 profile caused by exposure to FP. With regard to the influence of age, we have observed differences in the expression of certain genes, as well as an increase in interleukin‐4 and ‐13 concentrations in the elderly. These results showed that exposure of T lymphocytes to FP causes effects on both transcriptomic and cytokine secretion levels.
Dual‐ and single‐shot susceptibility ratio measurements with circular polarizations in second‐harmonic generation microscopy
Authors: Golaraei Ahmad , Kontenis Lukas , Karunendiran Abiramy , Stewart Bryan A. , Barzda Virginijus
Published: January 2020

Polarization‐resolved second‐harmonic generation (P‐SHG) microscopy is a technique capable of characterizing nonlinear optical properties of noncentrosymmetric biomaterials by extracting the nonlinear susceptibility tensor components ratio , with z‐axis parallel and x‐axis perpendicular to the C6 symmetry axis of molecular fiber, such as a myofibril or a collagen fiber. In this paper, we present two P‐SHG techniques based on incoming and outgoing circular polarization states for a fast extraction of : A dual‐shot configuration where the SHG circular anisotropy generated using incident right‐ and left‐handed circularly‐polarized light is measured; and a single‐shot configuration for which the SHG circular anisotropy is measured using only one incident circular polarization state. These techniques are used to extract the of myosin fibrils in the body wall muscles of Drosophila melanogaster larva. The results are in good agreement with values obtained from the double Stokes‐Mueller polarimetry. The dual‐ and single‐shot circular anisotropy measurements can be used for fast imaging that is independent of the in‐plane orientation of the sample. They can be used for imaging of contracting muscles, or for high throughput imaging of large sample areas.