bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diacetyl (butanedione) – Method for the determination of diacetyl in workplace air using liquid chromatography (HPLC‐UV or HPLC‐MS) [Air Monitoring Methods, 2016]
Authors: Schuh C. , Kirchner M. , Hebisch R. , Brock T.H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: April 2017

This analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of 2,3‐butanedione (diacetyl) in workplace air in a concentration range of a tenth up to twice the currently valid Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) or MAK value. Sampling is performed by drawing a defined volume of air through a cartridge filled with silica gel impregnated with 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) using a suitable flow‐regulated pump with a volumetric flow rate of 1 mL/min. For sampling 1 hour or 15 min (checking the short‐term value) can be used. The formed diacetyl‐2,4‐DNPH derivatives are desorbed with acetonitrile containing a defined amount of DNPH and analysed by means of liquid chromatography (HPLC‐UV or HPLC‐MS). Quantitative evaluation is based on a 10‐point calibration using methacrolein‐2,4‐DNPH as internal standard. The limit of quantification for diacetyl is 0.002 mg/m3based on an air sample volume of approx. 60 L or 0.006 mg/m3based on an air sample volume of approx. 15 L (for short‐term value).

Joint Publication of the Analytical Subcommittee of the Chemistry Board of Experts of the Expert Committee Raw Materials and Chemical Industry of the German Social Accident Insurance and the Working Group “Air Monitoring Methods” of the Permanent Senate Commission of the DFG for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area.
Addendum to 1‐Butanol (n‐Butyl alcohol) [BAT Value Documentation 2015]
Authors: Weistenhöfer W. , Leng G. , Drexler H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: April 2017

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the BAT values (biological tolerance values) for 1‐butanol.

A capillary gas chromatographic head space technique developed by the Working Group “Analyses in Biological Materials” of the German Research Foundation (DFG) was used for determining 1‐butanol in urine. For this method hydrolysis is recommended neither for blood nor for urine investigation.

The BAT values of 10 mg 1‐butanol/g creatinine (sampling time at the end of exposure or end of shift) and 2 mg 1‐butanol/g creatinine (sampling time 16 hours after the end of shift (at the beginning of the next shift)) related to the MAK value of 100 ml/m
3
were confirmed.
Oleic acid [MAK Value Documentation, 2016]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: April 2017

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated oleic acid [
112‐80‐1
], which was classified as possible carcinogenic to humans in Carcinogen Category 3A, to derive a maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value), considering genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Oleic acid is irritating to the skin if applied repeatedly. It is not mutagenic in vitro, data in vivo are not available. Oleic acid showed skin tumour promoting activity in mice after initiation with 9,10‐dimethylbenzanthracen but not without initiation. In a general evaluation of the skin tumour initiation‐promotion‐test in mice published in 2015, the Commission concluded, that substances which only induce skin tumours after initiation, but not without initiation, do not have to be classified in a Carcinogen Category. Therefore, the former classification of oleic acid is withdrawn. Since it is not possible to derive a MAK value with the available data, oleic acid is assigned to Section II b of the List of MAK and BAT values.
Methyl bromide [MAK Value Documentation, 2011]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: April 2017

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated methyl bromide [
74‐83‐9
], considering all toxicological endpoints. Available publications and unpublished study reports are described in detail. Methyl bromide is a neurotoxin and an irritant to the upper respiratory tract. A NOAEC of 3 ml/m
3
for effects in the olfactory epithelium was obtained from the 29‐month inhalation study in the rat, for irritation, the most sensitive endpoint. Based on this, the maximum concentration at the work place (MAK value) for methyl bromide is set at 1 ml/m
3
(3.9 mg/m
3
). Since the critical effect of methyl bromide is local, Peak Limitation Category I is designated. In rats, signs of irritation are observed only at methyl bromide concentrations of 20 ml/m
3
and above, so an excursion factor of 2 can be given.

There is an adequate margin between NOAEC/L for developmental toxicity and the MAK value. However, methyl bromide is a neurotoxin and no data on developmental neurotoxicity exists. Therefore, methyl bromide is assigned to Pregnancy Risk Group D.

Methyl bromide is genotoxic in vitro and an alkylating substance in vivo. No increased tumour incidence was observed in inhalation studies in mice and rats. Together with the possible relationship between methyl bromide exposure and increased occurrence of prostate carcinomas in a historical cohort study in humans, methyl bromide is still suspected of being carcinogenic and remains in Carcinogen Category 3B. No clastogenic or aneugenic effects are found in vivo with prolonged inhalation and therefore the substance is not regarded as a germ cell mutagen. Skin contact is expected to lead to relatively minor contribution to systemic toxicity. There are no data on sensitization.

Because methyl bromide can be absorbed through the skin from the gaseous phase at high concentrations when respiratory protection is used, biomonitoring studies are recommended in addition to personal protective measures. The BLW value of 12 mg bromide/l plasma or serum must be observed.
A Nanostructured Molybdenum Disulfide Film for Promoting Neural Stem Cell Neuronal Differentiation: toward a Nerve Tissue‐Engineered 3D Scaffold
Authors: Wang Shu , Qiu Jichuan , Guo Weibo , Yu Xin , Nie Jinhui , Zhang Jian , Zhang Xiaodi , Liu Zhirong , Mou Xiaoning , Li Linlin , Liu Hong
Published: April 2017

Physical cues from nanostructured biomaterials have been shown to possess regulating effects on stem cell fate. In this study, nanostructured molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) thin films (MTFs) are prepared by assembling MoS2 nanosheets on a flat substrate. These films are used as a new biocompatible platform for promoting neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation. The results show that the nanostructured MTFs exhibit significantly positive effects on NSC attachment and proliferation without measurable toxicity. More importantly, immunostaining and real‐time polymerase chain reaction assessments show that the nanostructured MTFs induce NSC differentiation into neural cells at higher efficiency. It is found that the MTFs have a good electrical conductivity and offer larger surface areas for NSC attachment and spreading compared with conventional tissue culture plates. Furthermore, multilayered cylindrical 3D living scaffolds are constructed by rolling up NSC‐cultured MoS2‐polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofiber films that are prepared by chemically assembling MoS2 nanostructures on electrospun PVDF flexible films. These living nerve scaffolds have a great potential for applications in nerve regeneration as cylindrical 3D living scaffolds.
Solid‐State Hybrid Fibrous Supercapacitors Produced by Dead‐End Tube Membrane Ultrafiltration
Authors: Yu Yange , Zhong Jing , Sun Wei , Kumar Rajesh , Koratkar Nikhil
Published: April 2017

The development of flexible supercapacitors with high volumetric performance is critically important for portable electronics applications, which are severely volume limited. Here, dead‐end tube membrane (DETM) ultrafiltration is used to produce densely compacted carbon‐nanotube/graphene fibrous films as solid‐state supercapacitor electrodes. DETM is widely used in the water purification industry, but to date its use has not been explored for making supercapacitor electrode materials. Compared with vacuum‐assisted filtration, dead‐end filtration of the mixture through a porous membrane is carried out under much higher pressure, and thus the solvent can be gotten rid of much faster, with less energy consumption and in an environmentally friendly manner. More importantly, phase separation of the solid constituents in the mixture, due to concentration increase, can be suppressed in DETM. Therefore, highly uniform and densely compacted supercapacitor electrodes can be obtained with very high volumetric energy and power density. The volumetric energy density in this work (≈2.7 mWh cm‐3) is at a higher level than all the all‐solid‐state fibrous supercapacitors reported to date. This can be attributed to the DETM process used, which produces a densely compacted network structure without compromising the availability of electrochemically active surface area.
Tuning the Structure and Ionic Interactions in a Thermochemically Stable Hybrid Layered Titanate‐Based Nanocomposite for High Temperature Solid Lubrication
Authors: Rodriguez Pablo Gonzalez , Lubbers Roy , Veldhuis Sjoerd A. , Narygina Olga , Lette Walter , Schipper Dik J. , ten Elshof Johan E.
Published: April 2017

Solid inorganic lubricants are thermally stable but they are often limited by their lack of deformability, while organic lubricants have limitations in terms of thermal stability. In this study, a novel solid organic–inorganic nanocomposite lubricant that synergistically combines the thermochemically stable structure of a layered oxide with the relative softness of an organic polymer is presented. The nanocomposite is made by intercalating 11‐aminoundecanoic acid in a lepidocrocite‐type protonated titanate, H1.07Ti1.73O4. The amino acid molecules rapidly arrange to form a paraffinic bilayer in the gallery region of the layered host. This topotactic reaction yields a well‐organized layered nanocomposite consisting of inorganic 2D titanate layers separated by amino acid molecules. Above elevated temperatures, 11‐undecanoic acid polymerizes into nylon‐11 confined between crystalline titanate monolayers. The lubricating properties of these nanocomposites up to 580 °C are determined using high‐temperature pin‐on‐disc experiments using steel‐steel contacts. The lubricative properties are based on the softening of the intercalated polymer above 200 °C. The encapsulation of the polymer chains by the inorganic titanate monolayers protects the organic component from thermal degradation and increases the thermal stability of the system.
2H‐Dinaphthopentacene: A Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Core for Metal‐Free Organic Sensitizers in Efficient Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Ren Yameng , Liu Jiao , Zheng Aibin , Dong Xiandui , Wang Peng
Published: April 2017

Continuous studies on the use of a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon as the central block of an organic photosensitizer have brought forth a new opportunity toward efficiency enhancement of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs). In this paper, a nonacyclic aromatic hydrocarbon 9,19‐dihydrodinaphtho[3,2,1‐de:3′,2′,1′‐op]pentacene, tethered with four 4‐hexylphenyl solubilizing groups is reported. The novel chromophore 9,9‐19‐19‐tetrakis(4‐hexylphenyl)‐9,19‐dihydrodinaphtho[3,2,1‐de:3′,2′,1′‐op]pentacene is further functionalized with diarylamines and 4‐(7‐ethynylbenzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazol‐4‐yl)benzoic acid to produce two donor–acceptor (D–A) organic photosensitizers, achieving good power conversion efficiencies up to 10.2% in DSCs.
Metal‐Nanowire‐Electrode‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells: Challenging Issues and New Opportunities
Authors: Ahn Jihoon , Hwang Hyewon , Jeong Sunho , Moon Jooho
Published: April 2017

Recently, organometal halide perovskite (OMHP)‐based solar cells have been regarded as one of the most promising technologies in the research field of renewable energy applications. Along with successful demonstrations of high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), various characteristic strategies for fabricating functional OMHP‐based solar cells have been exploited to facilitate both their practical applicability and industrial suitability. As a part of such efforts, unconventional transparent conductive electrodes have been suggested based on the implementation of metal nanowires (MeNWs), which possess both high transparency and low sheet resistance, in order to replace traditional counterparts such as costly, limitedly‐flexible vacuum‐deposited conductive metal oxides. This allows for the facile fabrication of solution‐processable, low‐cost, highly flexible, high‐performance solar cell devices. In this review, the recent progress on OMHP solar cells integrated with MeNW‐network electrodes is investigated and the challenges associated with the integration of MeNW‐network electrodes are comprehensively addressed with the suggestion of possible solutions for resolving the critical issues.
Diphenylphosphoryl Azide (DPPA)‐Mediated One‐Pot Synthesis of Oxazolo[4,5‐c][1,8]naphthyridin‐4(5 H)‐ones, Oxazolo[4,5‐c]quinoline‐4(5 H)‐ones, and Tosyloxazol‐5‐yl Pyridines
Authors: Tangella Yellaiah , Manasa Kesari Lakshmi , Sathish Manda , Alarifi Abdullah , Kamal Ahmed
Published: April 2017

An operationally facile and efficient protocol has been developed for the construction of various 1,3‐oxazole‐containing heterocycles with excellent yields of up to 94 %. This protocol proceeds through a diphenylphosphoryl azide (DPPA)‐mediated reaction cascade on substituted 2‐aminonicotinic acids/2‐aminoanthranilic acids with ethyl isocyanoacetate/p‐toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanides by forming C−C, C−O, and C−N bonds in a single operation. The synthetic utility of this transformation is also extended through a scaled‐up synthesis and C−H activation. The salient features such as metal‐free, mild reaction conditions, higher yields, and clean reactions make the protocol a useful contribution to the synthesis of medicinally useful heterocycles.
Prognostic indicators in pediatric clinically isolated syndrome
Authors: Iaffaldano Pietro , Simone Marta , Lucisano Giuseppe , Ghezzi Angelo , Coniglio Gabriella , Brescia Morra Vincenzo , Salemi Giuseppe , Patti Francesco , Lugaresi Alessandra , Izquierdo Guillermo , Bergamaschi Roberto , Cabrera‐Gomez Jose Antonio , Pozzilli Carlo , Millefiorini Enrico , Alroughani Raed , Boz Cavit , Pucci Eugenio , Zimatore Giovanni Bosco , Sola Patrizia , Lus Giacomo , Maimone Davide , Avolio Carlo , Cocco Eleonora , Sajedi Seyed Aidin , Costantino Gianfranco , Duquette Pierre , Shaygannejad Vahid , Petersen Thor , Fernández Bolaños Ricardo , Paolicelli Damiano , Tortorella Carla , Spelman Tim , Margari Lucia , Amato Maria Pia , Comi Giancarlo , Butzkueven Helmut , Trojano Maria ,   on behalf of the Italian iMedWeb Registry and the MSBase Registry
Published: April 2017

Objective

To assess prognostic factors for a second clinical attack and a first disability‐worsening event in pediatric clinically isolated syndrome (pCIS) suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

Methods

A cohort of 770 pCIS patients was followed up for at least 10 years. Cox proportional hazard models and Recursive Partitioning and Amalgamation (RECPAM) tree‐regression were used to analyze data.

Results

In pCIS, female sex and a multifocal onset were risk factors for a second clinical attack (hazard ratio [HR], 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28, 1.06–1.55; 1.42, 1.10–1.84, respectively), whereas disease‐modifying drug (DMD) exposure reduced this risk (HR, 95% CI = 0.75, 0.60–0.95). After pediatric onset MS (POMS) diagnosis, age at onset younger than 15 years and DMD exposure decreased the risk of a first Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)‐worsening event (HR, 95% CI = 0.59, 0.42–0.83; 0.75, 0.71–0.80, respectively), whereas the occurrence of relapse increased this risk (HR, 95% CI = 5.08, 3.46–7.46). An exploratory RECPAM analysis highlighted a significantly higher incidence of a first EDSS‐worsening event in patients with multifocal or isolated spinal cord or optic neuritis involvement at onset in comparison to those with an isolated supratentorial or brainstem syndrome. A Cox regression model including RECPAM classes confirmed DMD exposure as the most protective factor against EDSS‐worsening events and relapses as the most important risk factor for attaining EDSS worsening.

Interpretation

This work represents a step forward in identifying predictors of unfavorable course in pCIS and POMS and supports a protective effect of early DMD treatment in preventing MS development and disability accumulation in this population. Ann Neurol 2017;81:729–739
A Practical High‐Energy Cathode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries Based on Uniform P2‐Na0.7CoO2 Microspheres
Authors: Fang Yongjin , Yu Xin‐Yao , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: April 2017

Layered metal oxides have attracted increasing attention as cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, the application of such cathode materials is still hindered by their poor rate capability and cycling stability. Here, a facile self‐templated strategy is developed to synthesize uniform P2‐Na0.7CoO2 microspheres. Due to the unique microsphere structure, the contact area of the active material with electrolyte is minimized. As expected, the P2‐Na0.7CoO2 microspheres exhibit enhanced electrochemical performance for sodium storage in terms of high reversible capacity (125 mAh g−1 at 5 mA g−1), superior rate capability and long cycle life (86 % capacity retention over 300 cycles). Importantly, the synthesis method can be easily extended to synthesize other layered metal oxide (P2‐Na0.7MnO2 and O3‐NaFeO2) microspheres.
Cell reintegration: Stray epithelial cells make their way home
Authors: Wilson Tyler J. , Bergstralh Dan T.
Published: April 2017

Ongoing work shows that misplaced epithelial cells have the capacity to reintegrate back into tissue layers. This movement appears to underlie tissue stability and may also control aspects of tissue structure. A recent study reveals that cell reintegration in at least one tissue, the Drosophila follicular epithelium, is based on adhesion molecules that line lateral cell surfaces. In this article we will review these observations, discuss their implications for epithelial tissue development and maintenance, and identify future directions for study.
Chromatin SUMOylation in heat stress: To protect, pause and organise?
Authors: Niskanen Einari A. , Palvimo Jorma J.
Published: April 2017

Post‐translational modifications, e.g. SUMO modifications (SUMOylation), provide a mechanism for swiftly changing a protein's activity. Various stress conditions trigger a SUMO stress response (SSR) – a stress‐induced rapid change in the conjugation of SUMO to multiple proteins, which predominantly targets nuclear proteins. The SSR has been postulated to protect stressed cells by preserving the functionality of crucial proteins. However, it is unclear how it exerts its protective functions. Interestingly, heat stress (HS) increases SUMOylation of proteins at active promoters and enhancers. In promoters, HS‐induced SUMOylation correlates with gene transcription and stress‐induced RNA polymerase II (Pol2) pausing. Conversely, a disappearance of SUMOylation in HS occurs at chromatin anchor points that maintain chromatin‐looping structures and the spatial organisation of chromatin. In reviewing the literature, we hypothesise that the SSR regulates Pol2 pausing by modulating the interactions of pausing‐regulating proteins, whereas deSUMOylation alters the function of chromatin anchors.
Using size‐controlled multicellular spheroids of murine adenocarcinoma cells to efficiently establish pulmonary tumors in mice
Authors: Nishikawa Tomoko , Tanaka Yutaro , Kusamori Kosuke , Mizuno Narumi , Mizukami Yuya , Ogino Yuka , Shimizu Kazunori , Konishi Satoshi , Takahashi Yuki , Takakura Yoshinobu , Nishikawa Makiya
Published: April 2017

Previous studies demonstrated that multicellular spheroids developed using polydimethylsiloxane‐based microwells exhibited superior functions, such as insulin secretion from pancreatic cells, over suspended cells. To successfully apply these spheroids, the effect of spheroid size on cellular functions must be determined. In this study, using murine adenocarcinoma colon26 cells, the authors examined whether such spheroids were useful for developing tumor‐bearing animal models, which requires the efficient and stable engraftment of cancer cells at implanted sites and/or metastatic sites. The authors prepared microwells with widths of 360, 450, 560, and 770 μm through a micromolding technique, and obtained colon26 spheroids with average diameters of 169, 240, 272, and 341 μm, respectively. Small and medium spheroids were subsequently used. mRNA levels of integrin β1, CD44, and fibronectin, molecules involved in cell adhesion, increased with increasing colon26 spheroid size. Approximately 1.5 × 104 colon26 cells in suspension or in spheroids were intravenously inoculated into BALB/c mice. At 21 days after inoculation, the lung weight of both colon26 spheroid groups, especially the group injected with small spheroids, was significantly higher than that of mice in the suspended colon26 cell group. These results indicate that controlling cancer cell spheroid size is crucial for tumor development in tumor‐bearing mouse models.
Examining student heuristic usage in a hydrogen bonding assessment
Authors: Miller Kathryn , Kim Thomas
Published: April 2017

This study investigates the role of representational competence in student responses to an assessment of hydrogen bonding. The assessment couples the use of a multiple‐select item (“Choose all that apply”) with an open‐ended item to allow for an examination of students' cognitive processes as they relate to the assignment of hydrogen bonding within a structural representation. Response patterns from the multiple‐select item implicate heuristic usage as a contributing factor to students' incorrect responses. The use of heuristics is further supported by the students' corresponding responses to the open‐ended assessment item. Taken together, these data suggest that poor representational competence may contribute to students' previously observed inability to correctly navigate the concept of hydrogen bonding. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(5):411–416, 2017.
Using computer for measurement and visualization of rotating magnetic field in AC machines
Authors: Bjekić Miroslav , Šućurović Marko , Božić Miloš , Rosić Marko , Antić Sanja
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a new way of implementing a computer as a teaching tool in the teaching module “Rotating Magnetic Field in AC machines.” Software for simulation, measurement, and visualization of the rotating magnetic field using three‐axis hall sensor was created in the form of remote experiment. After students’ evaluation, it was found that remote experiments ensure better achievement of students regarding this particular topic, while also contributing to better quality of teaching rotating magnetic fields in the subject of electrical machines.
MiR‐372‐3p promotes cell growth and metastasis by targeting FGF9 in lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Qing , Liu Siyang , Zhao Xitong , Wang Yuan , Tian Dali , Jiang Wenjun
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to study the role of miR‐372‐3p in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) cell proliferation and invasion by suppressing FGF9. RT‐PCR was used to determine miR‐372‐3p and FGF9 mRNA expression in tissues and cells. Western blot was used to determine FGF9 expression in tissues and NCI‐H520 cell line. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to confirm that FGF9 can be directly targeted by miR‐372‐3p. MTT, colony formation assays were conducted to investigate the effects of ectopic miR‐372‐3p and FGF9 expression on NCI‐H520 cell growth. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the influence of miR‐372‐3p and FGF9 expression on cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. Transwell assay was also conducted to see the effects of miR‐372‐3p and FGF9 expression on NCI‐H520 cell invasiveness. MiR‐372‐3p was found significantly overexpressed in both LSCC tissues and cell lines, whereas FGF9 mRNA was found underexpressed in LSCC tissues. MiR‐372‐3p directly bound to wild‐type FGF9 mRNA 3′UTR, therefore led to the reduction in FGF9 expression. The upregulation of FGF9 or the downregulation of miR‐372‐3p substantially retarded LSCC cell growth, mitosis, and invasion. MiR‐372‐3p enhanced LSCC cell proliferation and invasion through inhibiting FGF9.
Elevated glypican‐1 expression is associated with an unfavorable prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lu Haizhen , Niu Fangfei , Liu Fang , Gao Jiajia , Sun Yulin , Zhao Xiaohang
Published: April 2017

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal cancer in humans, with a 5‐year survival rate of <5%. Recently, glypican‐1 (GPC1)‐expressing circulating exosomes were found to be a promising diagnostic tool for PDAC. However, the aberrant expression of GPC1 has not been systematically evaluated in large‐scale clinical samples of PDAC. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of GPC1 mRNA and protein expression features. Included in this study were 178 PDAC patients from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and 186 subjects whose tissues were used in immunohistochemical staining assays. We demonstrated that GPC1 mRNA was silenced in normal pancreata; however, it was re‐expressed in PDAC tissues probably because of the promoter hypomethylation. The GPC1 protein was barely expressed in the normal and adjacent noncancerous pancreata. In tumor tissues, 59.7% (111/186) of the detected samples showed positive expression. Notably, GPC1 was elevated in 63.6% (34/55) of early stage cases. High levels of GPC1 were associated with poorer differentiation and larger tumor diameters. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a significant difference in overall survival between the groups categorized by GPC1 expression (P = 0.0028). Multivariate analyses indicated that GPC1 was a significant risk factor for poor overall survival with a 1.82‐fold increase in the hazard ratio (P = 0.0022). In conclusion, during pancreatic tumorigenesis, GPC1 was ectopically expressed and served as an independent poor prognostic factor. Our findings highlighted the alluring prospect of GPC1 as an early diagnostic and prognostic marker as well as a therapeutic target for PDAC.
Self‐Standing CoP Nanosheets Array: A Three‐Dimensional Bifunctional Catalyst Electrode for Overall Water Splitting in both Neutral and Alkaline Media
Authors: Liu Tingting , Xie Lisi , Yang Jianhui , Kong Rongmei , Du Gu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Sun Xuping , Chen Liang
Published: April 2017

It is highly attractive, but still remains a huge challenge, to develop efficient non‐noble‐metal electrocatalysts for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) under neutral and alkaline conditions. In this paper, we report that CoP nanosheet arrays on carbon cloth (CoP NA/CC), derived from α‐Co(OH)2 NA/CC, behaves as a three‐dimensional bifunctional water‐splitting catalyst electrode with high activity and durability in neutral and alkaline media. Such CoP NA/CC demands overpotentials of 145 and 52 mV to afford 10 mA cm−2 for the HER in 1.0 M phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and 1.0 M KOH, respectively, with much superior activity to α‐Co(OH)2 NA/CC. It can be attributed to the more thermo‐neutral hydrogen adsorption free energy for CoP than α‐Co(OH)2, according to density functional theory calculations. This electrode also demonstrates superior OER activity over α‐Co(OH)2 NA/CC and needs overpotentials of only 536 and 300 mV to drive 10 mA cm−2 at neutral and alkaline pH, respectively. The two‐electrode water electrolyzer using CoP NA/CC as both the cathode and anode shows a 2 mA cm−2 water‐splitting current at a cell voltage of 1.60 V in 1.0 M PBS and needs 1.65 V for 10 mA cm−2 under alkaline condition with excellent stability.
The Construction of Homochiral Lanthanide Quadruple‐Stranded Helicates with Multiresponsive Sensing Properties toward Fluoride Anions
Authors: Chen Wanmin , Tang Xiaoliang , Dou Wei , Wang Bei , Guo Lirong , Ju Zhenghua , Liu Weisheng
Published: April 2017

A series of unique homochiral lanthanide tetranuclear quadruple‐stranded helicates have been self‐assembled controllably by using the intrinsic advantages of chiral bridging ligands, (S)‐H2L and (R)‐H2L, and lanthanide ions with high coordination numbers. The self‐assembly process of these chiral helicates not only ensures the structural stability and quadruple‐stranded feature of lanthanide cluster in the solid state and solution, but also achieves effective transfer and amplification of the chirality code from the ligand to a higher supramolecular level. Moreover, through using optical rotation, circular dichroism spectra analysis, and luminescence measurements, we demonstrate that these chiral lanthanide helicates could serve as sensitive and multi‐responsive sensors to recognize and detect F− anions based on the change of chiral signal and NIR luminescence simultaneously, which represents a meaningful exploration for developing functional lanthanide‐based polynuclear clusters.
A new algorithm for computation of a regularization solution path for reinforced multicategory support vector machines
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Liu Xiexin , Lu Xiaoling , Chang Xiangyu , Liu Yufeng
Published: April 2017

The recently proposed Reinforced Multicategory Support Vector Machine (RMSVM) has been proven to have desirable theoretical properties as well as competitive numerical accuracy for multi‐class classification problems. Currently solving the RMSVM is based on a grid search approach for selecting the tuning parameter , which dramatically increases its computational complexity. To overcome this hurdle we develop a new algorithm RMSVMPATH to compute a regularization solution path for RMSVM. We relax the commonly used continuity assumption and propose a new linear programming approach. Numerical simulations and real data analyses demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can yield a valid solution path at a low computational cost. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 45: 149–163; 2017 © 2017 Statistical Society of Canada
Immunotherapy with single agent nivolumab for advanced leiomyosarcoma of the uterus: Results of a phase 2 study
Authors: Ben‐Ami Eytan , Barysauskas Constance M. , Solomon Sarah , Tahlil Kadija , Malley Rita , Hohos Melissa , Polson Kathleen , Loucks Margaret , Severgnini Mariano , Patel Tara , Cunningham Amy , Rodig Scott J. , Hodi F. Stephen , Morgan Jeffrey A. , Merriam Priscilla , Wagner Andrew J. , Shapiro Geoffrey I. , George Suzanne
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Immunotherapy has changed the therapeutic landscape in oncology. Advanced uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS) remains an incurable disease in most cases, and despite new drug approvals, improvements in overall survival have been modest at best. The goal of this study was to evaluate programmed‐death 1 (PD‐1) inhibition with nivolumab in this patient population.

METHODS

This single‐center phase 2 trial completed enrollment between May and October 2015. Patients received 3 mg/kg of intravenous nivolumab on day 1 of each 2‐week cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was objective response rate. We assessed PD‐1, PD‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), and PD‐L2 expression in archival tumor samples and variations in immune‐phenotyping of circulating immune cells during treatment.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were enrolled in the first stage of the 2‐stage design. A median of 5 (range, 2‐6) 2‐week cycles of nivolumab were administered. Of the 12 patients, none responded to treatment. The overall median progression‐free survival was 1.8 months (95% confidence interval, 0.8‐unknown). The study did not open the second stage due to lack of benefit as defined by the statistical plan. Archival samples were available for 83% of patients. PD‐1 (>3% of cells), PD‐L1, and PD‐L2 (>5% and >10% of tumor cells, respectively) expression were observed in 20%, 20%, and 90% of samples, respectively. No significant differences were observed between pre‐ and posttreatment cell phenotypes.

CONCLUSION

Single‐agent nivolumab did not demonstrate a benefit in this cohort of previously treated advanced ULMS patients. Further biomarker‐driven approaches and studies evaluating combined immune checkpoint‐modulators should be considered. Cancer 2017;123:3285‐90. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Silver(I) Complexes of 12‐Phenylalkynyl‐ and 12‐Triisopropylalkynylcarba‐closo‐dodecaborate Anions
Authors: Wolf Natalia , Hailmann Michael , Finze Maik
Published: April 2017

The silver(I) salts of the 12‐alkynylcarba‐closo‐dodecaborate anions [12‐RC≡C‐closo‐1‐CB11H11]– {R = Ph (1), SiiPr3 (2)} were obtained by metathesis reactions in aqueous solution. Related reactions afforded the imidazolium salts [EMIm]1 and [MMIm]1. Single crystals of dimeric [(C6H6)Ag1]2 were obtained from benzene. The Ag+ cations are coordinated to the C≡C moiety and to one B–H unit of each anion, and they exhibit further η2‐coordination to one of the benzene molecules. [MMIm]1 was studied by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The triphenylphosphane complexes [(PPh3)Ag1], [(PPh3)Ag2], [(PPh3)2Ag1], and [(PPh3)2Ag2] were obtained from the silver(I) salt and PPh3. In solid [(PPh3)2Ag1] and [(PPh3)2Ag2], the cationic fragment {(PPh3)2Ag}+ interacts with the C≡C moiety, as shown by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The interaction of the silver(I) cations in [Ag1] and [Ag2] and the {(PPh3)nAg}+ fragments in the respective coordination compounds is evident from the IR spectra and Raman spectra of solid samples and by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy in solution. Spectroscopic and structural data, as well as theoretical data (DFT calculations), display a decrease in the interaction strength between the alkynyl moiety and the silver(I) unit, in the order: Ag+ > {(PPh3)Ag}+ > {(PPh3)2Ag}+.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Chemo‐ and Regioselective Oxidative Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling of Acetanilides with Benzothiazole
Authors: Kianmehr Ebrahim , Fardpour Maryam , Kharat Ali Nemati
Published: April 2017

A practical, versatile, and efficient method for the palladium‐catalyzed direct heteroarylation of acetanilides was developed. In this method, a wide range of acetanilides bearing electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing groups are well tolerated, and the desired 2‐arylbenzothiazoles are generated in good to high yields through a cross‐dehydrogenative coupling process.
Queen Bees and Alpha Males: Are successful women more competitive than successful men?
Authors: Faniko Klea , Ellemers Naomi , Derks Belle
Published: April 2017

Two studies carried out in Switzerland examined different explanations for the “Queen Bee (QB)‐phenomenon.” In Study 1 (N = 315), female managers (vs. subordinates) identified with successful women and supported measures that would benefit these women—even though they are their direct competitors. However, they were disinclined to identify with women who put their family first, viewed themselves as different (more masculine) than junior women, and were reluctant to endorse measures to support them. Study 2 (N = 277) compared QB‐responses of women to Alpha Male (AM) responses of men. We found evidence of QB and AM effects: both female and male managers rated their own masculinity as higher than that of same‐gender junior colleagues. Compared to their male colleagues, women in managerial positions were more inclined to identify with successful same‐gender colleagues. This counters explanations for the QB effect as being due to increased competitiveness of successful women.
Perceived social diversity and neighbourhood attachment: The role of intergroup ties and affective appraisals of the environment. Evidence from Poland
Authors: Toruńczyk‐Ruiz Sabina , Lewicka Maria
Published: April 2017

This paper investigates the relationship between perceived ethnic, age and income diversity and neighbourhood attachment, accounting for measures of objective diversity calculated for small, individualised neighbourhoods. With data from Warsaw in Poland, we examine whether neighbourhood ties with people of different ethnicity, age and income moderate the relationship between perceived diversity and attachment. We also test affective appraisals of the environment (excitement and irritation) as a mediator between perceived diversity and attachment. Perceived ethnic diversity was positively related to neighbourhood attachment, and this link was mediated by the emotion of excitement. Perceived income diversity undermined attachment regardless of the neighbourhood ties, and this link was not mediated by affective appraisals. Perceived age diversity was related to lower neighbourhood attachment only for individuals who had few ties with neighbours of different ages. We argue that the effects of diversity may depend on the socio‐cultural context, specifically on the level and meaning of diversity in a given society.
The endorsement of unity in diversity: The role of political orientation, education and justifying beliefs
Authors: Verkuyten Maykel , Martinovic Borja , Smeekes Anouk , Kros Mathijs
Published: April 2017

Using data from three national surveys, the present research investigates among the native Dutch (Studies 1 to 3) and three immigrant‐origin groups (Study 3) the endorsement of a shared sense of national belonging across cultural differences. The endorsement is examined in relation to political orientation and education, and sociocultural (deprovincialization) and egalitarian (autochthony) beliefs. In all three studies, a more right‐wing orientation and lower education were associated with lower endorsement of common national belonging. Furthermore, deprovincialization and autochthony were independent mediating beliefs in these associations. The findings were similar for native majority members and immigrants, with the exception of the role of autochthony belief. The results are discussed in relation to future research on cultural diversity and the societal importance of developing a shared sense of belonging despite group differences.
Ecotoxicity testing of microplastics: Considering the heterogeneity of physicochemical properties
Authors: Lambert Scott , Scherer Christian , Wagner Martin
Published: April 2017

“Microplastic” is an umbrella term that covers many particle shapes, sizes, and polymer types, and as such the physical and chemical properties of environmental microplastics will differ from the primary microbeads commonly used for ecotoxicity testing. In the present article, we discuss the physical and chemical properties of microplastics that are potentially relevant to their ecotoxicity, including particle size, particle shape, crystallinity, surface chemistry, and polymer and additive composition. Overall, there is a need for a structured approach to the testing of different properties to identify which are the most relevant drivers of microplastic toxicity. In addition, the properties discussed will be influenced by and change depending on environmental conditions and degradation pathways. Future challenges include new technologies that will enter the plastic production cycle and the impact of these changes on the composition of environmental microplastics. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:470–475. © 2017 SETAC

Key Points

In this commentary piece, we discuss the following aspects important for the hazard characterization of microplastics: 1) physical properties, including particle size, particle shape, surface area, and crystallinity; 2) chemical properties, including polymer type, additives compounds, and changes to surface properties; and 3) future innovations for the plastics industry, including new polymer types and the introduction of nanomaterials.
Sources and dispersive modes of micro-fibers in the environment
Authors: Carr Steve A
Published: April 2017

Understanding the sources and distribution of microfibers (MFs) in the environment is critical if control and remediation measures are to be effective. Microfibers comprise an overwhelming fraction (>85%) of microplastic debris found on shorelines around the world. Although primary sources have not been fully vetted, until recently it was widely believed that domestic laundry discharges were the major source. It was also thought that synthetic fibers and particles having dimensions <5 mm easily bypassed filtration and other solid separation processes at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and entered oceans and surface waters. A more thorough assessment of WWTP effluent discharges indicates, however, that fiber and particulate counts do not support the belief that plants are the primary vectors for fibers entering the environment. This finding may bolster concerns that active and pervasive shedding of fibers from common fabrics and textiles could be contributing significantly, via direct pathways, to burgeoning environmental loads. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:466–469. © 2017 SETAC.

Key Points

Polyester fibers make up a majority of microplastic pollution in the oceans. Fibers are likely to have multiple distribution pathways in the environment. There is a need to examine all processes of microfiber generation. Synthetic fabric and textiles continuously shed microfibers during wear.
Evaluation of three different decontamination techniques on biofilm formation, and on physical and chemical properties of resin composites
Authors: André Carolina Bosso , dos Santos Andressa , Pfeifer Carmem Silvia , Giannini Marcelo , Girotto Emerson Marcelo , Ferracane Jack Liborio
Published: April 2017

Objectives

This study evaluated three different sterilization/disinfection techniques for resin composites on bacterial growth and surface modification after decontamination.

Methods

Two resin composites were sterilized/disinfected with three different techniques: UV light, 1% chloramine T, and 70% ethanol. Four different times were used for each technique to determine the shortest time that the solution or UV light was effective. The influence of sterilization/disinfection technique on bacterial growth was evaluated by analyzing the metabolic activity, using the AlamarBlue™ assay, bacterial viability, and SEM images from biofilms of Streptococcus mutans. The surface change, after the process, was analyzed with ATR/FTIR and SEM images. The solutions used for decontamination (1% chloramine‐T and 70% ethanol) were analyzed with 1H‐NMR to identify any resin compounds leached during the process.

Results

One minute of decontamination was efficient for all three methods tested. Chloramine‐T increased the surface porosity on resin composites, no changes were observed for UV light and 70% ethanol, however, 1H‐NMR identified leached monomers only when 70% ethanol was used. No chemical change of the materials was found under ATR/FTIR analyses after the decontamination process. Chloramine‐T, with no previous wash, increased the bacterial viability for both resin composites and increased the bacterial metabolism for the resin composite without fluoride.

Conclusion

UV light had no interference on the resin composites properties tested using 1 min of exposure compared to the other decontamination methods. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 945–953, 2018.
New Bis(dihydropyridine‐3,5‐dicarbonitrile) Derivatives: Green Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activity Evaluation
Authors: Abdelmoniem Amr M. , Salaheldin Taher A. , Abdelhamid Ismail A. , Elwahy Ahmed H. M.
Published: April 2017

A synthesis of bis(dihydropyridine‐3,5‐dicarbonitrile) by a three‐component reaction of one equivalent of bis‐cyanoacetamides with two equivalents of both arylaldehydes and malononitrile in ethanol‐containing piperidine is reported. Bis‐cyanopyridones could also be obtained by the condensation of bis‐cyanoacetamides with substituted arylidenemalononitriles in the presence of piperidine, chitosan, or montmorillonite as basic catalysts. The cytotoxicity of the synthesized products against the heterogeneous human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco‐2) was assessed by WST‐1 assay with concentration dependent cellular growth inhibitory effect especially for compounds 5l, 5h, and 5d. The dose response curves indicate that IC50 were 87 ± 3.11 μg/mL, 104 ± 4.78 μg/mL, and 108 ± 5.12 μg/mL, respectively.
A novel method of brazing Cu/Cu‐7.0Ni‐9.3Sn‐6.3P/Cu using microwave hybrid heating
Authors: Maisarah L. , Yusof F. , Ramesh S. , Ariga T. , Hamdi M.
Published: April 2017

Bulk copper and Cu‐7.0Ni‐9.3Sn‐6.3P (in wt %) filler alloys were brazed by microwave hybrid heating (MHH) and the results were compared with brazing using conventional furnace heating. Characterizations of the brazed joint were investigated through field emission scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, shear strength test and Vicker's microhardness test. It was observed that microwave heating decreased to 94 % of total processing time compared to conventional heating. Metallurgical study showed the formation of the alpha‐copper, copper phosphide and nickel phosphide intermetallics at the joint interface for both heating methods. The reaction layer thickness of microwave brazed joint was three times thinner compared to the conventionally brazed joint. The optimum shear strength of the microwave brazed joints was found to be 108.8 MPa while it was 16 % higher for the samples brazed using the conventional method. The failures of the microwave brazed joints showed a brittle cleavage structure while a mixed cleavage structure with tearing regions was observed for the conventionally brazed joints.
Sealing capability and hyperelastic behaviour of silicone biocomposites via compression test
Authors: Bahrain S.H. Kamarul , Radzi N.S. Mohd , Mahmud J.
Published: April 2017

Due to the excellent chemical flexibility and elastic properties of silicone rubber, Arenga pinnata‐silicone rubber biocomposites were introduced as a candidate for sealing applications. Its sealing properties were investigated via compressive properties between oil soaked and unsoaked specimens. Compression test based on ASTM D395 was employed to obtain the compression sets and its material constants are acquired using hyperelastic material models i. e. Neo‐Hookean and Mooney‐Rivlin models. Unsoaked specimens consist of 0 wt %, 4 wt %, 8 wt % and 16 wt % fibre content while for soaked specimens, only those with 0 wt % (lowest) and 16 wt % (highest) were prepared for comparison purposes. The results indicated that 16 wt % soaked specimens exhibit the highest compressive stress compared to both soaked and unsoaked 0 wt % specimens, while the compression sets of both 0 wt % and 16 wt % soaked specimens showed lower values compared to all unsoaked specimens. Using hyperelastic material models, the 16 wt % soaked specimens indicated higher material constants than unsoaked specimens while pure silicone showed the opposite. Thus, this study has found that the silicone biocomposites have the capability in sealing applications as its compressive stress shows superior properties especially for soaked specimens compared to pure silicone rubber.