bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Manipulation and Trapping of Magnetically Barcoded Materials
Authors: Hajiaghajani Amirhossein , Escobar Alberto Ranier , Dautta Manik , Tseng Peter
Published: November 2019

Manipulation of magnetic materials (including remote‐controlled motions or structural deformations) plays a major role in modern micro‐ to macro‐scale systems. Magnetic operations create highly predicable outcomes in the behavior of systems, however these have difficulty performing subordinate and/or higher‐order operations. This lack of selectivity remains a critical drawback of magnetic manipulation schemes. Here, a strategy of engineering highly selective magnetic responses is studied and implemented. This is achieved by combining magnetic barcodes (“keys” encoded with layers of magnetic anisotropy) with programmable magnetic platforms (locking select codes in place with matching spatiotemporal magnetic fields). Presently, barcodes are realized by encoding hydrogel with sequences of magnetic microchains with binary spatial orientations. A number of unique capabilities of this approach are studied, including the untethered, selective anchoring of magnetic barcodes to programmable sites, as well as the selective latching of barcodes against background magnetic tags during flow. This approach may be used as a building block in micro‐ to macro‐scale magnetic interfaces.
Cruciform Molecules Bearing Bis(phenylsulfonyl)benzene Moieties for High‐Efficiency Solution Processable OLEDs: When Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Meets Mechanochromic Luminescence
Authors: Zhou Di , Ryoo Chi Hyun , Liu Denghui , Wang Shengyue , Qian Gaowei , Zheng Yanqiong , Park Soo Young , Zhu Weiguo , Wang Yafei
Published: November 2019

Four crucifix‐shaped molecules, named TPA‐BPSB, DMAc‐BPSB, MTPA‐BPSB and MDMAc‐BPSB, bearing the same acceptor fragment of bis(phenylsulfonyl)benzene (BPSB) and different donor segments (TPA and MTPA are the diphenylamine derivatives while DMAc and MDMAc are the 9,9‐dimethylacridine derivatives) are synthesized and characterized by NMR, mass spectra, and single crystal X‐ray crystallography. The molecular structure–property relationship of these crucifix‐shaped molecules is systematically explored. All compounds display thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) in the region of 500–550 nm. In addition, charming mechanochromic luminescence properties are observed for all these TADF molecules under external stimuli, such as grinding and exposure to CH2Cl2 vapor. Four TADF molecules are used as the emitters in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) fabricated via solution process. MTPA‐BPSB‐based device presents a best performance with a highest external quantum efficiency of ≈21%, which is among the highest efficiencies for reported BPSB‐based solution‐processable OLEDs so far. This research has an important significance in designing high‐efficiency multifunctional TADF molecules.
Polarization‐Insensitive Metalens with Extended Focal Depth and Longitudinal High‐Tolerance Imaging
Authors: Zang XiaoFei , Xu WeiWei , Gu Min , Yao BingShuang , Chen Lin , Peng Yan , Xie JingYa , Balakin Alexey V. , Shkurinov Alexander P. , Zhu YiMing , Zhuang SongLin
Published: November 2019

Lenses with an extended focal depth have crucial applications in high‐precision optical alignment systems and optical disk readout systems. However, further development of lenses with an extended focal depth under radial and angular modulation is limited because of fabrication difficulties. Metasurfaces, 2D metamaterials, have shown unprecedented capabilities in the manipulation of the intensity, phase, and polarization of electromagnetic waves. Here, based on geometric metasurfaces, an approach for realizing a terahertz metalens is proposed and experimentally demonstrated with simultaneous extended focal depth and polarization insensitivity. Under the illumination of arbitrarily polarized light, this metalens shows a focal depth of ≈23 λ along the propagation direction, resulting in an ultralong longitudinal working distance. As a proof‐of‐concept, longitudinal high‐tolerance imaging based on the metalens is demonstrated. The unique approach for designing polarization‐insensitive metalenses with an extended focal depth may find applications in imaging, lithography, and information processing.
On the Origin of Dark Current in Organic Photodiodes
Authors: Simone Giulio , Dyson Matthew J. , Weijtens Christ H. L. , Meskers Stefan C. J. , Coehoorn Reinder , Janssen René A. J. , Gelinck Gerwin H.
Published: November 2019

Minimizing the reverse bias dark current while retaining external quantum efficiency is crucial if the light detection sensitivity of organic photodiodes (OPDs) is to compete with inorganic photodetectors. However, a quantitative relationship between the magnitude of the dark current density under reverse bias (  Jd) and the properties of the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) active layer has so far not been established. Here, a systematic analysis of Jd in state‐of‐the‐art BHJ OPDs using five polymers with a range of energy levels and charge transport characteristics is presented. The magnitude and activation energy of Jd are explained using a model that assumes charge injection from the metal contacts into an energetically disordered semiconductor. By relating Jd to material parameters, insights into the origin of Jd are obtained that enable the future selection of successful OPD materials.
TRIM14 Promotes Noncanonical NF‐κB Activation by Modulating p100/p52 Stability via Selective Autophagy
Authors: Chen Meixin , Zhao Zhiyao , Meng Qingcai , Liang Puping , Su Zexiong , Wu Yaoxing , Huang Junjiu , Cui Jun
Published: November 2019

The noncanonical NF‐κB signaling pathway plays a critical role in a variety of biological functions including chronic inflammation and tumorigenesis. Activation of noncanonical NF‐κB signaling largely relies on the abundance as well as the processing of the NF‐κB family member p100/p52. Here, TRIM14 is identified as a novel positive regulator of the noncanonical NF‐κB signaling pathway. TRIM14 promotes noncanonical NF‐κB activation by targeting p100/p52 in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, a mechanistic study shows that TRIM14 recruits deubiquitinase USP14 to cleave the K63‐linked ubiquitin chains of p100/p52 at multiple sites, thereby preventing p100/p52 from cargo receptor p62‐mediated autophagic degradation. TRIM14 deficiency in mice significantly impairs noncanonical NF‐κB‐mediated inflammatory responses as well as acute colitis and colitis‐associated colon cancer development. Taken together, these findings establish the TRIM14‐USP14 axis as a crucial checkpoint that controls noncanonical NF‐κB signaling and highlight the crosstalk between autophagy and innate immunity.
Fast and Reversible Four‐Electron Storage Enabled by Ethyl Viologen for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries
Authors: Sun Yue , Zou Qingli , Lu Yi‐Chun
Published: November 2019

Magnesium (Mg) batteries are the most promising “post‐lithium‐ion” energy storage technologies owing to their high theoretical energy density, low cost, and intrinsic safety with air and moisture. However, the development of Mg batteries has been limited to cathode materials leading to low power, low reversible energy density, and poor cycle life. Here, a new Mg cathode is reported based on ethyl viologen (EV), which not only has a fast redox couple EV2+/EV0 but also is capable of coupling with redox‐active anions, such as iodide (I−), achieving a total four‐electron storage. The EV2+/EV0 redox couple demonstrates a superior rate performance (10 C) and stable cycle life (500 cycles) owing to intrinsic fast electrode kinetics. A high material utilization (>80%) can be achieved at 1.0 C under a high areal loading of 5 mg cm−2. When coupling with iodide I−, a reversible four‐electron storage is achieved with a high energy density (304.2 Wh kg−1) and a stable cycle life (>100 cycles). This study provides effective strategies for designing reversible multielectron storage for high‐rate and high‐energy rechargeable Mg batteries.
Wholesale and retail trade sector occupational fatal and nonfatal injuries and illnesses from 2006 to 2016: Implications for intervention
Authors: Putz Anderson Vern , Schulte Paul A. , Novakovich Jeanette , Pfirman Donna , Bhattacharya Anasua
Published: November 2019

Background

We analyzed the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) fatal and nonfatal injuries and illness data on U.S. workers in the wholesale and retail trade (WRT) sector from 2006 to 2016. The purpose was to identify elevated fatal and nonfatal injury and illness rates in WRT subsectors.

Methods

To assess the WRT health and economic burden, we retrieved multiple BLS data sets for fatal and nonfatal injury and illness data, affecting more than 20 million employees. We examined yearly changes in incidence rates for lost work‐time across event and exposure categories.

Results

In 2016, 553 100 injuries and illnesses and 461 fatalities occurred among WRT workers. WRT has a disproportionately 5% larger burden of nonfatal injuries for its size. From 2006 through 2016, wholesale sector fatality rates (4.9/100 000 FTE) exceeded private industry rates (3.8/100 000 FTE). The largest causal fatal factors were transportation in wholesale and violence in retail. Private industry and WRT experienced a decline in nonfatal injuries and illnesses. Wholesale subsectors with elevated nonfatal rates included durable and nondurable goods, recycling, motor parts, lumber, metal and mineral, grocery, and alcohol merchants. Retail subsectors with elevated rates included motor parts dealers, gasoline stations, nonstores, tire dealers, home and garden centers, supermarkets, meat markets, warehouse clubs, pet stores, and fuel dealers.

Discussion

Through the identification of safety and health risks, researchers and safety practitioners will be able to develop interventions and focus future efforts in advancing the safety and health of WRT employees.
Highly Acidic Conjugate‐Base‐Stabilized Carboxylic Acids Catalyze Enantioselective oxa‐Pictet–Spengler Reactions with Ketals
Authors: Zhu Zhengbo , Odagi Minami , Zhao Chenfei , Abboud Khalil A. , Kirm Helmi Ulrika , Saame Jaan , Lõkov Märt , Leito Ivo , Seidel Daniel
Published: November 2019

Acyclic ketone‐derived oxocarbenium ions are involved as intermediates in numerous reactions that provide valuable products, however, they have thus far eluded efforts aimed at asymmetric catalysis. We report that a readily accessible chiral carboxylic acid catalyst exerts control over asymmetric cyclizations of acyclic ketone‐derived trisubstituted oxocarbenium ions, thereby providing access to highly enantioenriched dihydropyran products containing a tetrasubstituted stereogenic center. The high acidity of the carboxylic acid catalyst, which exceeds that of the well‐known chiral phosphoric acid catalyst TRIP, is largely derived from stabilization of the carboxylate conjugate base through intramolecular anion‐binding to a thiourea site.
Controlling the Microstructure of Conjugated Polymers in High‐Mobility Monolayer Transistors via the Dissolution Temperature
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Bin Haijun , Jiao Xuechen , Wienk Martijn M. , Yan He , Janssen René A. J.
Published: November 2019

It remains a challenge to precisely tailor the morphology of polymer monolayers to control charge transport. Herein, the effect of the dissolution temperature (Tdis) is investigated as a powerful strategy for morphology control. Low Tdis values cause extended polymer aggregation in solution and induce larger nanofibrils in a monolayer network with more pronounced π–π stacking. The field‐effect mobility of the corresponding monolayer transistors is significantly enhanced by a factor of four compared to devices obtained from high Tdis with a value approaching 1 cm2 V−1 s−1. Besides that, the solution kinetics reveal a higher growth rate of aggregates at low Tdis, and filtration experiments further confirm that the dependence of the fibril width in monolayers on Tdis is consistent with the aggregate size in solution. The generalizability of the Tdis effect on polymer aggregation is demonstrated using three other conjugated polymer systems. These results open new avenues for the precise control of polymer aggregation for high‐mobility monolayer transistors.
Zeise, Liebig, Jensen, Hückel, Dewar, and the Olefin π‐Complex Bonds
Authors: Wentrup Curt
Published: November 2019

Zeise's salt, KPt(C2H4)Cl3, was the first characterized organometallic compound; it was also the first olefin π‐complex. It was published in 1825–1830 in the middle of a fight between Dumas on the one hand and Berzelius and Liebig on the other, who defended the etherin (ethylene) and radical theories, respectively. Although Zeise's formulation as a compound containing ethylene was vindicated, the fight went on for many years. This was a time when the theories of organic chemistry were being developed, before any clear understanding of the nature of molecules, bonding, and structure. Zeise thought of the structure of his salt as a product of the addition of PtCl2 to ethylene. Jensen assumed a central bonding to ethylene but needed theoretical assistance to explain it. His attempt to obtain such an explanation from Hückel failed, and it was Dewar who explained the nature of π‐complexes in molecular orbital terms in 1951.
Green synthesis and formulation a modern chemotherapeutic drug of Spinacia oleracea L. leaf aqueous extract conjugated silver nanoparticles; Chemical characterization and analysis of their cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and anti‐acute myeloid leukemia properties in comparison to doxorubicin in a leukemic mouse model
Authors: Zangeneh Mohammad Mahdi
Published: November 2019

There is an increasing commercial demand for nanoparticles due to their wide applicability in various areas such as electronics, catalysis, chemistry, energy, and medicine. Recently, researchers have tried to synthesize the chemotherapeutic drugs from metallic nanoparticles especially gold and silver nanoparticles. In the current study, silver nanoparticles using Spinacia oleracea L. leaf aqueous extract (AgNPs) are reported for the first time to exert a dietary remedial property compared to doxorubicin in an animal model of acute myeloid leukemia. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using different techniques including UV‐Vis., EDS, TEM, FT‐IR, and FE‐SEM. UV‐Vis. indicates an absorption band at 462 nm that is related to the surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs. In EDS, metallic silver nanocrystals indicated an optical absorption peak at roughly 4keV. TEM and FE‐SEM images exhibited a uniform spherical morphology and diameters of 20–40 nm for the nanoparticles. FT‐IR findings suggested antioxidant compounds in the nanoparticles were the sources of reducing power, reducing silver ions to AgNPs. In vivo design, induction of acute myeloid leukemia was done by 7,12‐Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in 75 mice. Then, the animals were randomly divided into six subgroups, including control, untreated, AgNO3, S. oleracea, AgNPs, and doxorubicin. Similar to doxorubicin, AgNPs significantly (p ≤ 0.01) reduced the pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and the total WBC, blast, neutrophil, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil counts and increased the weight of the body, the anti‐inflammatory cytokines and the lymphocyte, platelet, and RBC parameters as compared to the untreated mice. DPPH free radical scavenging test was done to evaluate the antioxidant potentials of AgNO3, S. oleracea, AgNPs, and doxorubicin. DPPH test revealed similar antioxidant potentials for doxorubicin and AgNPs. For the analyzing of cytotoxicity effects of AgNO3, S. oleracea, AgNPs, and doxorubicin, MTT assay was used on HUVEC, Human HL‐60/vcr, 32D‐FLT3‐ITD, and Murine C1498 cell lines. AgNPs similar to doxorubicin had low cell viability dose‐dependently against Human HL‐60/vcr, 32D‐FLT3‐ITD, and Murine C1498 cell lines without any cytotoxicity on HUVEC cell line. These results reveal that the inclusion of S. oleracea leaf aqueous extract improves the remedial effects of AgNPs, which led to a significant enhancement in the antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and anti‐acute myeloid leukemia potentials of the nanoparticles. It seems that AgNPs can be applied as a chemotherapeutic supplement or drug for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in the clinical trial.
Modeling the valorization of poultry litter via thermochemical processing
Authors: Adeniyi Adewale G. , Ighalo Joshua O. , Onifade Damilola V. , Adeoye Samson A.
Published: November 2019

Waste management via thermochemical processing is gaining increasing importance as larger volumes of solid waste are generated yearly. The poultry industry generates a variety of wastes, of which the largest stream in terms of volume is the litter. In this study, three thermodynamic models were developed on ASPEN Plus v8.8 for pyrolysis, in‐line steam reforming, and gasification of poultry litter. At optimal pyrolysis of 450 °C, the product yield was 43.74 wt% bio‐oil, 6.71 wt% gas, and 49.55 wt% char. The optimal conditions for the in‐line steam reforming of poultry litter were observed to be 400 °C temperature and 12 kg kg−1 steam‐to‐feed ratio (STFR), yielding a syngas composition of 70.2 mol% H2, 29.4 mol% CO2, 0.22 mol% CH4, and a trace amount of CO. The optimal conditions for the gasification of poultry litter were 700 °C temperature and 0.2 kg kg−1, yielding a syngas composition of 52.6 mol% H2, 10.3 mol% CO2, 2.77 mol% CH4 and 34.3 mol% CO. Gasification gave a higher syngas yield but with less quality. Steam reforming gave better quality but a lower yield. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Energy eco‐innovations for sustainable development: Exploring organizational strategic capabilities through an energy cultures framework
Authors: Walton Sara , Zhang Annie , O'Kane Conor
Published: November 2019

This article reports on research on energy eco‐innovation using case studies of firms. Positioning energy efficiency changes in an organization as “eco‐innovations,” the paper examines the firm‐level resources involved for these to be successful. To identify these resources, the energy cultures (EC) framework, an organizing tool to understand energy behaviour, is drawn on. From an analysis of 142 case studies of successful business and energy change, three models are developed. It is found that the EC framework (consisting of norms, material culture, and practices) makes explicit key resources involved in developing energy eco‐innovations. The findings show that for an eco‐innovation capability, there is a need to align the physical resources with intangible resources to lead to learning and knowledge that, in turn, needs to be aligned with the firm strategies. This research has implications for developing company strategy and practice to drive energy eco‐innovations.
Effect of green innovation strategy on firm‐idiosyncratic risk: A competitive action perspective
Authors: Lin Woon Leong , Mohamed Azali Bin , Sambasivan Murali , Yip Nick
Published: November 2019

Despite increasing concern for corporate environmental responsibility in numerous industries, the relationship between green innovation strategy (GIS) and idiosyncratic risk is a rarely scrutinised topic, particularly in the automotive domain. In this study, we empirically explore the association between GIS and idiosyncratic risk and analyse the moderating role played by the firm's competitive action. We rely on the secondary information sourced for 132 top automotive firms, in the period ranging from 2011 to 2017 by applying the system generalised methods of moments estimator to the dynamic panel data model. Our findings indicate that GIS significantly reduces the idiosyncratic risk of all firms, and this relationship strengthens with the increase in the competitive action of the firms. Our evidence supports “it pays to be green” firm heterogeneity argument. This study highlights the academic and managerial implications and focuses on the environmental issues published in environmental management literature.
Influence of potato pulp on gluten network structure in wheat dough and steamed bread
Authors: Cao Yanfei , Yang Zhe , Zhang Haijing , Guo Peng , Dong Shuang , Li Hongjun
Published: November 2019

Background and objectives

Steamed bread is the traditional fermented wheat product in China and has popularity in other Asian, European, and some North American countries. Wheat flour replaced by potato pulp can be an effective way to improve nutritive values of steamed bread and promote potato consumption. The aim of this study was to investigate the influences of potato pulp on disulfide bond (S–S) contents, protein secondary structures, starch crystallinity, and microstructures of dough and steamed bread. Spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used for analyses.

Findings

The dough and steamed bread samples added with 10% potato pulp had higher S–S contents than the other tested samples. Compared with the control, the free sulfhydryl contents in the dough (3.2 μmol/g) and steamed bread (2.7 μmol/g) added with 30% potato pulp significantly increased, whereas those of the S–S decreased to 10.0 and 10.9 μmol/g, respectively. The contents of β‐sheet and α‐helix in the dough and steamed bread containing 10% potato pulp were higher than those in samples without the potato pulp. The relative crystallinity of starch in the dough significantly decreased with increasing potato pulp level (p < .05). The CLSM and SEM images showed that potato pulp significantly affected the microstructure. Sample with 10% potato pulp possessed improved gluten network structures. However, samples with high potato pulp contents (>20%) possessed more gas cells and a loose gluten network structure.

Conclusions

The results showed that the addition of potato pulp affected gluten network structural characteristics in wheat flour dough and steamed bread, but appropriate level of potato pulp could be produced for gluten network enhancement.

Significance and novelty

The study would contribute to better understanding of the effect of potato pulp on the structural characterization of gluten network in steamed bread making and provide theoretical basis for in‐depth application to wheat‐based products.
Neurosarcoidosis manifesting as panhypopituitarism
Authors: Oye Monique , Chahin Michael , Krishnan Nithya , Reddy Pramod
Published: November 2019

Panhypopituitarism secondary to Neurosarcoidosis is a rare however serious complication. This diagnosis should remain in the differential in patients with hypothalamic‐pituitary dysfunction. Biopsy of lesions will give definitive diagnosis.
Pervaporation Reactor for Enhanced Esterification of Lactic Acid and Isobutyl Alcohol
Authors: Chandane Vishal S. , Rathod Ajit P. , Wasewar Kailas L.
Published: November 2019

The esterification of lactic acid and isobutyl alcohol to isobutyl lactate and water was intensified. An ex situ pervaporation reactor (PVR) shifted the equilibrium towards the formation of isobutyl lactate. The effects of temperature, molar acid/alcohol ratio, catalyst loading, and ratio of effective membrane area to total reaction volume were investigated with and without a PVR. Lactic acid conversion beyond reaction equilibrium was enhanced with such a reactor. The partial fluxes of the individual components were evaluated for each reaction parameter indicating that the membrane was selective towards separation of water and exhibited a good performance. The performance of the ex situ PVR was studied, which revealed that the water removal rate exceeded the water production rate.
QSAR and docking studies on Triazole Benzene Sulfonamides with human Carbonic anhydrase IX inhibitory activity
Authors: Gopinath P. , Kathiravan M.K.
Published: November 2019

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and breast cancer accounts for 2.09 million cases in the year 2018. Hypoxia‐related human carbonic anhydrase IX enzyme was found to play a key role in metastasis also. In this view, quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) studies were carried out by QSARINS on triazole benzene sulfonamide derivatives for carbonic anhydrase IX inhibitory activity targeting breast cancer. A new scope to explore 3D‐MoRSE descriptors in carbonic anhydrase inhibition has been initiated by this study. The best model 3 generated includes five variables MoRSEV22, MoRSEC17, MoRSEV1, MoRSEC4, and MoRSEE2 with statistical values R2 = 0.7852, CCCtr = 0.8797, Q2LOO = 0.7237, Q2LMO = 0.7071, CCCcv = 0.8472, R2ext = 0.7894, and CCCext = 0.8784. The developed QSAR model suggests that the atomic volume, atomic charges, and Sanderson's electronegativity play key roles and were extremely helpful in designing and optimizing the lead. Molecular docking studies were performed using Autodock v 4.2.6 and the residues of active site region involving both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts interacted with best predicted active compounds 1d, 3e, 6f and 9f. The study leads to the development of new inhibitors targeting breast cancer.
Impact of immune thrombocytopenic purpura on clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Chehab Omar , Abdallah Nadine , Kanj Amjad , Pahuja Mohit , Adegbala Oluwole , Morsi Rami Z. , Mishra Tushar , Afonso Luis , Abidov Aiden
Published: November 2019

Background

Patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) admitted with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may be challenging to manage given their increased risk of bleeding complications. There is limited evidence in the literature guiding appropriate interventions in this population. The objective of this study is to determine the difference in clinical outcomes in AMI patients with and without ITP.

Methods

Using the United States national inpatient sample database, adults aged ≥18 years, who were hospitalized between 2007 and 2014 for AMI, were identified. Among those, patients with ITP were selected. A propensity‐matched cohort analysis was performed. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were coronary revascularization procedures, bleeding and cardiovascular complications, and length of stay (LOS).

Results

The propensity‐matched cohort included 851 ITP and 851 non‐ITP hospitalizations for AMI. There was no difference in mortality between ITP and non‐ITP patients with AMI (6% vs7.3%, OR:0.81; 95% CI:0.55‐1.19; P = .3). When compared to non‐ITP patients, ITP patients with AMI underwent fewer revascularization procedures (40.9% vs 45.9%, OR:0.81; 95% CI:0.67‐0.98; P = .03), but had a higher use of bare metal stents (15.4% vs 11.3%, OR:1.43; 95% CI:1.08‐1.90; P = .01), increased risk of bleeding complications (OR:1.80; CI:1.36‐2.38; P < .0001) and increased length of hospital stay (6.14 vs 5.4 days; mean ratio: 1.14; CI:1.05‐1.23; P = .002). More cardiovascular complications were observed in patients requiring transfusions.

Conclusions

Patients with ITP admitted for AMI had a similar in‐hospital mortality risk, but a significantly higher risk of bleeding complications and a longer LOS compared to those without ITP. Further studies are needed to assess optimal management strategies of AMI that minimize complications while improving outcomes in this population.
The impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on insurance coverage and cancer‐directed treatment in HIV‐infected patients with cancer in the United States
Authors: Corrigan Kelsey L. , Nogueira Leticia , Yabroff K. Robin , Lin Chun Chieh , Han Xuesong , Chino Junzo P. , Coghill Anna E. , Shiels Meredith , Jemal Ahmedin , Suneja Gita
Published: November 2019

Background

To the authors' knowledge, little is known regarding the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) on people living with HIV and cancer (PLWHC), who have lower cancer treatment rates and worse cancer outcomes. To investigate this research gap, the authors examined the effects of the ACA on insurance coverage and receipt of cancer treatment among PLWHC in the United States.

Methods

HIV‐infected individuals aged 18 to 64 years old with cancer diagnosed between 2011 and 2015 were identified in the National Cancer Data Base. Health insurance coverage and cancer treatment receipt were compared before and after implementation of the ACA in non–Medicaid expansion and Medicaid expansion states using difference‐in‐differences analysis.

Results

Of the 4794 PLWHC analyzed, approximately 49% resided in nonexpansion states and were more often uninsured (16.7% vs 4.2%), nonwhite (65.2% vs 60.2%), and of low income (36.3% vs 26.9%) compared with those in Medicaid expansion states. After 2014, the percentage of uninsured individuals decreased in expansion states (from 4.9% to 3%; P = .01) and nonexpansion states (from 17.6% to 14.6%; P = .06), possibly due to increased Medicaid coverage in expansion states (from 36.9% to 39.2%) and increased private insurance coverage in nonexpansion states (from 29.5% to 34.7%). There was no significant difference in cancer treatment receipt noted between Medicaid expansion and nonexpansion states. However, the percentage of PLWHC treated at academic facilities increased significantly only in expansion states (from 40.2% to 46.7% [P < .0001]; difference‐in‐differences analysis: 7.2 percentage points [P = .02]).

Conclusions

The implementation of the ACA was associated with improved insurance coverage among PLWHC. Lack of insurance still is common in non–Medicaid expansion states. Patients with minority or low socioeconomic status more often resided in nonexpansion states, thereby highlighting the need for further insurance expansion.
A machine learning method correlating pulse pressure wave data with pregnancy
Authors: Chen Jianhong , Huang Huang , Hao Wenrui , Xu Jinchao
Published: November 2019

Pulse feeling , representing the tactile arterial palpation of the heartbeat, has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to diagnose various diseases. The quantitative relationship between the pulse wave and health conditions however has not been investigated in modern medicine. In this paper, we explored the correlation between pulse pressure wave (PPW), rather than the pulse key features in TCM, and pregnancy by using deep learning technology. This computational approach shows that the accuracy of pregnancy detection by the PPW is 84% with an area under the curve (AUC) of 91%. Our study is a proof of concept of pulse diagnosis and will also motivate further sophisticated investigations on pulse waves.
Reduction of Transient Histidine Radicals by Tyrosine: Influence of the Protonation State of Reactants
Authors: Morozova Olga B.
Published: November 2019

The role of tyrosine radicals as mediators of electron transfer reactions in enzymes is well established, as is the involvement of histidine as a binding partner. But how environmental factors affect these reactions remains poorly explored. In the study presented here, kinetic data on the influence of the protonation state of the reactants on the reduction of transient histidine radicals by tyrosine were obtained in neutral and basic aqueous solution (pH 6–12) using time‐resolved chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (CIDNP). The histidine radicals were generated in the photo‐induced reaction with the photosensitizer 3,3′,4,4′‐tetracarboxy benzophenone. From model simulations of the detected CIDNP kinetics, pH dependent second‐order rate constants of the reduction of histidine radicals were obtained for four possible combinations of the amino acids and their N‐acetyl derivatives, and also for the systems histidine‐phenylalanine dipeptide/N‐acetyl tyrosine, and N‐acetyl histidine/tyrosine‐glutamine dipeptide. The pH dependences of the rate constant of the reduction reaction are explained accounting for the protonation states of reactants, and also protonation state of the equilibrium form of the product ‐ reduced form of histidine radical, which is histidine with neutral or a positively charged imidazole.
Insights into the Optical Properties of Triarylboranes with Strongly Electron‐Accepting Bis(fluoromesityl)boryl Groups: when Theory Meets Experiment
Authors: Belaidi Houmam , Rauch Florian , Zhang Zuolun , Latouche Camille , Boucekkine Abdou , Marder Todd B. , Halet Jean‐François
Published: November 2019

The photophysical properties (absorption, fluorescence and phosphorescence) of a series of triarylboranes of the form 4‐D−C6H4−B(Ar)2 (D=tBu or NPh2; Ar=mesityl (Mes) or 2,4,6‐tris(trifluoromethylphenyl (Fmes)) were analyzed theoretically using state‐of‐the‐art DFT and TD‐DFT methods. Simulated emission spectra and computed decay rate constants are in very good agreement with the experimental data. Unrestricted electronic computations including vibronic contributions explain the unusual optical behavior of 4‐tBu−C6H4−B(Fmes)2 2, which shows both fluorescence and phosphorescence at nearly identical energies (at 77 K in a frozen glass). Analysis of the main normal modes responsible for the phosphorescence vibrational fine structure indicates that the bulky tert‐butyl group tethered to the phenyl ring is strongly involved. Interestingly, in THF solvent, the computed energies of the singlet and triplet excited states are very similar for compound 2 only, which may explain why 2 shows phosphorescence in contrast to the other members of the series.
Continuous Flow Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation with Long Catalyst Lifetime and Low Metal Leaching
Authors: Kawakami Yuji , Borissova Antonia , Chapman Michael R. , Goltz Gert , Koltsova Eleonora , Mitrichev Ivan , Blacker A. John
Published: November 2019

Homogenous iridium complexes with asymmetric ligands and different tether lengths have been solid‐supported and prepared in multi‐gram quantities. Packed in a fixed‐bed, they have been used in continuous flow for up to 120 hours in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of APs in 2‐propanol to make 1‐phenethyl alcohols in > 95 % conversion and ee. The CsDPEN ligand and C5 tether showed higher performance than TsDPEN and the C14 tether, whilst the ketone feed concentration and reaction temperature were optimized to enable the catalyst to be used at 5 mol‐% loading with a residence time of 39 minutes. The total amount iridium leaching of from the support during sustained operation was 58–147 ppm. The flow system gives higher catalyst turnover numbers than the related batch reactions, but the nature and concentration of the base were found to influence strongly the catalyst's performance, with the finding that triethylamine maintains high enantioselectivity but slowly deactivates the catalyst, whilst potassium tert‐butoxide does the opposite. The utility of the system is shown in the high ee's and good conversions achieved for a range of aryl alcohols.
Fabrication of hexagonal boron nitride based 2D nanopore sensor for the assessment of electro‐chemical responsiveness of human serum transferrin protein
Authors: Saharia Jugal , Bandara Y. M. Nuwan D. Y. , Lee Jung Soo , Wang Qingxiao , Kim Moon J. , Kim Min Jun
Published: November 2019

In this work, we present a step‐by‐step workflow for the fabrication of 2D hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) nanopores which are then used to sense holo‐human serum transferrin (hSTf) protein at pH ∼8 under applied voltages ranging from +100 mV to +800 mV. 2D nanopores are often used for DNA, however, there is a great void in the literature for single‐molecule protein sensing and this, to the best of our knowledge, is the first time where h‐BN—a material with large band‐gap, low dielectric constant, reduced parasitic capacitance and minimal charge transfer induced noise—is used for protein profiling. The corresponding ΔG (change in pore conductance due to analyte translocation) profiles showed a bimodal Gaussian distribution where the lower and higher ΔG distributions were attributed to (pseudo‐) folded and unfolded conformations respectively. With increasing voltage, the voltage induced unfolding increased (evident by decrease in ΔG) and plateaued after ∼400 mV of applied voltage. From the ΔG versus voltage profile corresponding to the pseudo‐folded state, we calculated the molecular radius of hSTf, and was found to be ∼3.1 nm which is in close concordance with the literature reported value of ∼3.25 nm.
Effect of thermal cycling and hydro‐thermal cycling on physical and mechanical properties of sandstone
Authors: Liu Pengfei , Liu Xingfei , Tian Guodong , Gan Fei , Bi Jing
Published: November 2019

Thermal storage of sandstone is widely distributed in sedimentary basins in China with a very high degree of exploitation and utilization, while the low recharge rate is the bottleneck of its sustainable development. A new method is proposed to discover the physical and mechanical behaviors of sandstone after thermal cycling and hydro‐thermal cycling treatments in this study. The stress‐strain curves, strength, failure behavior, acoustic emission (AE), P‐wave velocity, density features, X‐ray, and microscope images of specimens are analyzed in detail to investigate and describe the differences of the sandstone after the two different experimental treatments. The results indicate that multiple thermal cycling and hydro‐thermal cycling have an obvious effect on the compaction stage of sandstone at the temperature of 100°C. Meanwhile, strengths and Young's modulus of specimens after hydro‐thermal cycling treatment decrease with cycling times and the reduce degree is greater than that of the thermal cycling treatment on sandstone. The brittleness of the sandstone decreases as the hydro‐thermal cycling number increases from 0 to 15, and the influence of hydro‐thermal cycling is greater than that of thermal cycling on sandstone. In addition, based on the limited cycling experimental results, the action of the thermal cycling leaded the thermal stress of the crystal to nonuniform, which leaded to micronarrow and sharp cracks in specimens. Furthermore, the action of the hydro‐thermal cycling generated thermal stress and ablation coupling effect, which leaded wider and rounder cracks than that of the specimen under thermal cycling condition. Finally, it indicates that hydro‐thermal cycling has a greater effect than that of the thermal cycling treatment on the physical and mechanical properties of sandstone on the macro‐ and microlevels.
Antimicrobial efficacy of Lippia citriodora natural extract against Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis in “Piel de Sapo” melon juice
Authors: Rúa Javier , López‐Rodríguez Iván , Sanz Javier , del Valle Fernández Pilar , Garcia Maria del Camino , Garcia Armesto Maria Rosario
Published: November 2019

Background

The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of an aqueous extract of Lippia citriodora with reported functional properties (PLX®) was determined on two strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) belonging to serogroups commonly associated with foodborne illnesses (E. coli O157:H7 ATCC 700728 and E. coli O111 isolate 172) in vegetable products and two control strains for antimicrobial tests assays (E. coli ATCC 25922 and Enterococcus–En. faecalis ATCC 29212).

Results

Mean MIC values at standard pH (7.4) in broth for the E. coli strains tested ranged from 4,444 µg/ml (35ºC) to 1,250 µg/ml (10ºC) and to 182 µg/ml (4ºC). At pH 5.5, conditions resembling those of melon juice, MIC was about 2 times higher at 35 and 10ºC compared with 4ºC. The MIC of En. faecalis was similar or slightly lower than those of E. coli at the conditions tested. In melon juice fortified with PLX® (2,500 µg/ml, maximum sensorial acceptable limit), the three strains of E. coli maintained their viability although none showed growth potential after 4 days at 4ºC.

Conclusions

PLX® could be added to melon juice to control E. coli O157:H7 and E. coli O111 during refrigerated storage, reducing the risk of microbiological contamination in this food.
Total per‐visit medical expenses incurred by outpatients with diabetes—Evidence from six provinces in eastern China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaona , Yang Shiyu
Published: November 2019

Background

Chronic diseases associated with diabetes threaten the health of Chinese people and contribute to poverty.

Methods

Medical service utilization records of 78 124 visits by outpatients with diabetes to medical institutions in China's eastern region between 2013 and 2015 were randomly selected from the Medical Insurance Department (MID) database. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the average total per‐visit, out‐of‐pocket (OOP), and medical insurance (MI) fund expenses between variables. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify possible risk factors affecting total per‐visit medical expenses.

Results

Average total per‐visit medical expenses were 244.59, 285.56, and 435.33 yuan in primary, secondary, and tertiary medical institutions, respectively. Significant differences were found for average total per‐visit medical expenses by year of visit, age, type of medical insurance, and levels of medical institutions. No significant differences were found for average total per‐visit medical expenses by gender.

Conclusion

The functions of medical networks at all levels should be clarified and the Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI) reimbursement ratio improved to ensure equal access to medical services irrespective of medical insurance type. Patients with chronic diseases should be encouraged to visit primary medical institutions to reduce medical expenses.
The impact of religious beliefs on the health of the residents—Evidence from China
Authors: Han Junqiang , Zhou Xiang , Meng Yingying
Published: November 2019

This study conducted empirical research on Chinese residents to explore the relationship between religious beliefs and health based on the China General Social Survey (CGSS) data for 2015. Considering the reciprocal correlations between religion and health, this paper uses an instrumental variable to recognize religion's influence on health. The instrumental variable was the number of religious sites per 10 000 residents in every province (including autonomous regions and municipalities) in 2004. The results indicate that religion had different impacts on the health of different groups in China. It was found that religion significantly improved the health of those aged 60 or older; however, for those younger than 60 years old, their health was not affected by following a religion. Second, after classifying the samples according to urban and rural areas, it was found that religion significantly improved the health of urban residents, while rural residents were not affected by this factor.
The expression and methylation status of vitamin D receptor gene in Behcet's disease
Authors: Shirvani Sam Seydi , Nouri Mohammad , Sakhinia Ebrahim , Babaloo Zohreh , jadideslam Golamreza , Shahriar Alipour , Farhadi Jafar , khabbazi Alireza
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Vitamin D has important roles as a natural immune modulator via regulating the expression of genes which have been implicated in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D function and its deficiency have been linked to a wide range of metabolic disorders including disorders of calcium metabolism, malignant, cardiovascular, infectious, neuromuscular, and inflammatory diseases. Environmental factors, genetic factors, and epigenetic changes contribute to Behcet's disease (BD) development. The aim of our study was to analyze the expression level and methylation status of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene promoter in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with BD.

Methods

In a case‐control study, 48 Iranian Azeri patients with BD and 60 age‐, sex‐ and ethnically‐matched healthy controls were included. Venous blood samples were collected and PBMCs were isolated by Ficoll protocol. The DNA and RNA were subsequently extracted. Promoter methylation levels were evaluated by MeDIP‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The expression of VDR was evaluated by real‐time PCR.

Results

The results of quantitative real‐time PCR analysis showed that the level of VDR expression in patients with BD was significantly lower than the control group (P = .013). There was no significant difference in the level of DNA methylation in the BD and control groups (P > .05). As the results show, the expression level of VDR gene was significantly different between female and male in the patient group (P = .001). VDR gene expression was significantly higher in subjects with phlebitis. No correlation was observed between VDR gene expression rate and BD activity.

Conclusion

VDR gene expression decreased in patients with BD. However, there is no suggestion evidence that the expression level of VDR is regulated by a unique DNA methylation mechanism. No correlation exists between VDR gene expression and BD activity.
STAT1 inhibits T‐cell exhaustion and myeloid derived suppressor cell accumulation to promote antitumor immune responses in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ryan Nathan , Anderson Kelvin , Volpedo Greta , Hamza Omar , Varikuti Sanjay , Satoskar Abhay R. , Oghumu Steve
Published: November 2019

Cancers of the oral cavity remain the sixth most diagnosed cancer worldwide, with high rates of recurrence and mortality. We determined the role of STAT1 during oral carcinogenesis using two orthotopic models in mice genetically deficient for Stat1. Metastatic (LY2) and nonmetastatic (B4B8) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines were injected into the oral cavity of Stat1 deficient (Stat1−/−) and Stat1 competent (Stat1+/+) mice. Stat1−/− mice displayed increased tumor growth and metastasis compared to Stat1+/+ mice. Mechanistically, Stat1−/− mice displayed impaired CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell expansion compared to Stat1+/+ mice. This was associated with enhanced T‐cell exhaustion, and severely attenuated T‐cell antitumor effector responses including reduced expression of IFN‐γ and perforin at the tumor site. Interestingly, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α production by T cells in tumor‐bearing mice was suppressed by Stat1 deficiency. This deficiency in T‐cell expansion and functional responses in mice was linked to PD‐1 and CD69 overexpression in T cells of Stat1−/− mice. In contrast, we observed increased accumulation of CD11b+ Ly6G+ myeloid derived suppressor cells in tumors, draining lymph nodes, spleens and bone marrow of tumor‐bearing Stat1−/− mice, resulting in a protumorigenic microenvironment. Our data demonstrates that STAT1 is an essential mediator of the antitumor response through inhibition of myeloid derived suppressor cell accumulation and promotion of T‐cell mediated immune responses in murine head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Selective induction of STAT1 phosphorylation in HNSCC patients could potentially improve oral tumor outcomes and response to therapy.