bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable magnetic‐sensitive shape memory poly(ɛ‐caprolactone)/Fe3O4 nanocomposites
Authors: Gao Yuliang , Zhu Guangming , Xu Shuogui , Ma Tuotuo , Nie Jing
Published: August 2017

A novel biodegradable magnetic‐sensitive shape memory poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) nanocomposites, which were crosslinked with functionalized Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), were synthesized via in situ polymerization method. Fe3O4 MNPs pretreated with γ‐(methacryloyloxy) propyl trimethoxy silane (KH570) were used as crosslinking agents. Because of the crosslinking of functionalized Fe3O4 MNPs with poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) prepolymer, the properties of the nanocomposites with different content of functionalized Fe3O4 MNPs, especially the mechanical properties, were significantly improved. The nanocomposites also showed excellent shape memory properties in both 60 °C hot water and alternating magnetic field (f = 60, 90 kHz, H = 38.7, 59.8 kA m−1). In hot water bath, all the samples had shape recovery rate (Rr) higher than 98% and shape fixed rate (Rf) nearly 100%. In alternating magnetic field, the Rr of composites was over 85% with the highest at 95.3%. In addition, the nanocomposites also have good biodegradability. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45652.
Morphological and functional aspects of zeolite filled siloxane composite foams
Authors: Calabrese L. , Bonaccorsi L. , Bruzzaniti P. , Freni A. , Proverbio E.
Published: August 2017

One of the main objectives of the recent research and development activities on adsorption heat pumps is the improvement of the volume‐specific power while maintaining a reasonable thermodynamic efficiency. In this sense, a potentially effective approach is the development of adsorbent materials with high zeolite/support mass ratio such as zeolites‐based foam adsorbent composites. In this work, the influence of the morphological aspects on adsorption performances of innovative SAPO‐34 silicone composite foams has been investigated by varying zeolite filler content. The composite foam evidenced a mixed open/closed‐cell structure, depending on zeolite amount. At low zeolite content (20%), a mainly open cell structure was obtained, while at large zeolite content foams (up to 70 wt %), a mainly closed‐cell structure was obtained. Adsorption tests evidenced that SAPO‐34 zeolite foams have a high adsorption efficiency when compared with pure zeolite highlighting the active behavior of siloxane matrix during water vapor diffusion. Based on the morphological and physical properties of the foam, a simplified model for vapor diffusion flow process in composite foams was proposed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45683.
State‐Endorsed Popular Culture: A Case Study of the North Korean Girl Band Moranbong
Authors: Lim Tai Wei
Published: August 2017

This article examines the emergence of Moranbong as a new popular cultural phenomenon in North Korea. I am interested to examine the patron–client relationship in North Korea by analysing the personal patronage extended by North Korean autocrat Kim Jong‐un to the all‐female pop band Moranbong. In return for propaganda performances to convey images of material well‐being of the regime and extolling the virtues of the ultimate leader, the autocratic regime bestows social recognition, legitimacy and fame to Moranbong members as a reward. Through an analysis of patron–client relationship in the North Korean political system, I move on to examine the ideological contents of Moranbong and the propaganda value‐add they bring to the North Korean political system. Here, interpretations of Moranbong's symbolisms by both internal and external audiences are examined based on media reports and other writings that originated from both Korean and international sources.
Terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetry techniques for documenting fossil‐bearing palaeokarst with an example from the Drimolen Palaeocave System, South Africa
Authors: Armstrong Brian J. , Blackwood Alex F. , Penzo‐Kajewski Paul , Menter Colin G. , Herries Andy I.R.
Published: August 2017

This paper presents the results of a recent three‐dimensional (3D) survey at the Drimolen Makondo palaeontological deposits in the Hominid Sites of South Africa UNESCO World Heritage site. The Drimolen Makondo is a palaeokarstic feature that consists of a heavily eroded 2.6‐2.0 Ma fossil‐bearing palaeocave remnant. With photogrammetry and a laser scan survey, two 3D site models were created, georectified, and imported into geographical information system software. This paper outlines both of these survey techniques and provides an assessment of the relevant merits of each method and their applicability for detailed recording and archival documentation of palaeokarstic palaeontological and archaeological sites. Given the complex depositional context of many of the fossil‐bearing South African cave systems and their importance for understanding our evolutionary history, new methods are critical to visualising and analysing 3D spatial data. The utility of 3D models lies in their ability to integrate with total station survey techniques to accurately record and control excavations and provide a means of visualising stratigraphic, sedimentary, and spatial contexts in various geographical information system platforms. The use of low‐cost and time‐efficient digital photographic surveys to create accurate 3D models, if completed accurately, can provide researchers with a means of contextualising excavation data without the need for expensive and highly specialised equipment. The development of this method combined with differential global positioning systems provides a solution in more remote locations to recording highly accurate fossil and 3D site contexts with increasing ease. It also allows the sites to be recorded as part of an evolving landscape rather than as single isolated localities. This technique should be a standard technique implemented when working on irreplaceable UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the hominin‐bearing caves of South Africa.
Impact of Linear Alkyl Length on the Assembly of Twisted Perylene Bisimides: From Molecular Arrangement to Nanostructures
Authors: Guo Zongxia , Wang Kun , Yu Ping , Wang Xiangnan , Lan Shusha , Sun Kai , Yi Yuanping , Li Zhibo
Published: August 2017

The effect of the length of linear alkyl chains substituted at imine positions on the assembly of tetrachlorinated perylene bisimides (1: PBI with −C6H13; 2: PBI with −C12H25) has been investigated. Solvent‐induced assembly was performed in solutions of THF and methanol with varying volume ratios. Morphological (SEM, AFM, and TEM) and spectral (UV/Vis, fluorescence, FTIR, and XRD) methods were used to characterize the assembled nanostructures and the molecular arrangement in the aggregates. It was found that uniform structures could be obtained for both molecules in solutions with a high ratio of methanol. PBI 1 formed rigid nanosheets, whereas 2 assembled into longer nanostripes with a high ratio of length to width. On combining the morphological data with the spectral data, it was suggested that π–π stacking predominated in assemblies of 1, and the synergetic effect of van der Waals interactions from the long alkyl chains and π–π stacking between neighboring building blocks facilitated the growth of the long‐range‐ordered nanostructures of 2. By changing the linear chain length, the hierarchical assembly of PBIs modified on bay positions could be manipulated effectively.
Comparison of behavioral intervention and sensory integration therapy on challenging behavior of children with autism
Authors: Lydon Helena , Healy Olive , Grey Ian
Published: August 2017

The current study used an AB crossover design to directly compare the effects of sensory integration therapy (SIT) and behavioral intervention (BI) on the challenging behavior of 10 participants with autism spectrum disorder. During the intervention phase, all participants received both treatments. Follow‐up probes were conducted 1 month following intervention for 4 participants implementing the more effective intervention. The results showed that BI successfully reduced challenging behavior to low‐ or near‐zero levels. In contrast, SIT resulted in higher and more variable rates of challenging behavior. One exception was noted for Participant 4 who engaged in a decreased level of challenging behavior during SIT. The findings are discussed in relation to implication for practice and future research.
Cofactor Engineering for Enhanced Production of Diols by Klebsiella pneumoniae From Co‐Substrate
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhou Yiou , Tan Tianwei
Published: August 2017

Diols, such as 1,3‐propanediol (1,3‐PDO) and 2,3‐butanediol (2,3‐BDO), have several promising properties for many synthetic reactions. Here, the cofactor engineering strategy, including the construction of Entner–Doudoroff pathway and transhydrogenase‐based NADH regeneration system, was applied in producing diols from mixtures of glucose and glycerol. Entner–Doudoroff pathway had a high regeneration rate of NAD(P)H. This work described a strategy to administrate intracellular NADH/NAD+ ratio and improved the concentration of diols. The improvement of NADH/NAD+ ratio also effected gene transcription level of the central carbon pathway and cell growth. Finally, the intracellular NADH/NAD+ ratio in KP‐APZDUT was increased by 92.8% compared to the KP‐T and the concentration, yield and productivity of diols were increased to 110.8 g L−1, 0.78 mol mol−1, and 3.46 g Lh−1, respectively. The strategy described here provides an approach to achieve a recombinant strain which is capable of producing diols with high yield and productivity. To the best of our knowledge, the Entner–Doudoroff pathway has not yet been used to produce 1,3‐PDO or 2,3‐BDO in Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Synthesis and gelation of copolypept(o)ides with random and block structure
Authors: Xiao Yan , Wang Jianqiang , Zhang Jun , Heise Andreas , Lang Meidong
Published: August 2017

Copolypept(o)ides of polysarcosine (PSar) and poly(N‐isopropyl‐L‐glutamine) (PIGA) with random and block sequence structures were synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of sarcosine N‐carboxyanhydrides (Sar‐NCA) and γ‐benzyl‐l‐glutamate N‐carboxyanhydrides (BLG‐NCA) and post modification. With different distribution of Sar along the main chain, H‐bonding pattern and secondary structure of polypeptides were turned, as well as aggregation and gelation behavior. Both copolypept(o)ides formed hydrogels above their critical gelation concentrations (CGCs) without thermo‐sensitivity, which was normally reserved for PEG copolypeptides (eg, PEG‐b‐PIGA). In particular, a different mechanism from previously reported micellar percolation or fibrillar entanglement was suggested for gelation of the random copolypept(o)ide. Therefore, hydrogels from copolymers of PSar and PIGA represented a new approach to construct easy‐handling, biocompatible, biodegradable and thermo‐stable gels that could potentially be applied in biomedical fields.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the tensor vastus intermedius: A topographic study based on anatomical dissections
Authors: Grob Karl , Manestar Mirjana , Gascho Dominic , Ackland Timothy , Gilbey Helen , Fretz Christian , Kuster Markus S.
Published: August 2017

The tensor of the vastus intermedius (TVI) is a newly described component of the extensor apparatus of the knee joint. The objective of this study was to evaluate the appearance of the TVI on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and its association with the adjacent vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus intermedius (VI) muscles and to compare these findings with the corresponding anatomy. MR images were analyzed from a cadaveric thigh where the TVI, as part of the extensor apparatus of the knee joint, had been dissected. The course of the TVI in relation to the adjacent VL and VI was studied. The anatomic dissection and MR imaging revealed a multilayered organization of the lateral extensor apparatus of the knee joint. The TVI is an intervening muscle between the VL and VI that combined into a broad flat aponeurosis in the midthigh and merged into the quadriceps tendon. Dorsally, the muscle fibers of the TVI joined those of the VL and VI and blended into the attachment at the lateral lip of the linea aspera. In this area, distinguishing between these three muscles was not possible macroscopically or virtually by MR imaging. In the dorsal aspect, the onion‐like muscle layers of the VL, TVI, and VI fuse to a hardly separable muscle mass indicating that these muscles work in conjunction to produce knee extension torque when knee joint action is performed. Clin. Anat. 30:1096–1102, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Comprehensive Review of H2S Scavenger Technologies from Oil and Gas Streams
Authors: Agbroko Obakore W. , Piler Karishma , Benson Tracy J.
Published: August 2017

Sour crudes containing > 0.5 % sulfur are of low quality and cause harm to equipment, the environment, and to humans. Therefore, sustainable measures for crude oil sweetening are of significant importance. Removal of H2S directly at the wellhead before the transport increases the value of crude oil and may be necessary to adhere to legal transport laws. Chemical agents known as scavengers are used to scrub H2S from crude oils. Scavengers are either of the regenerative or non‐regenerative type and are used depending on the pH or water content of the crude stream. The literature has been surveyed to reveal those absorbents that allow the most effective scavenging of H2S at wellhead applications. The chemical processing, including recovery of scavenger or end use of products, is discussed for decision‐making at the confluence of chemistry and chemical engineering for H2S removal. This work investigates how and why some scavengers perform better for some crudes and environmental conditions than others with the intent to develop designer scavengers and processing conditions for the crude oil industry.
A novel model to characterize structure and function of BRCA1
Authors: Lin Dong , Izadpanah Reza , Braun Stephen E. , Alt Eckhard
Published: August 2017

BRCA1 plays a central role in DNA repair. Although N‐terminal RING and C‐terminal BRCT domains are studied well, the functions of the central region of BRCA1 are poorly characterized. Here, we report a structural and functional analysis of BRCA1 alleles and functional human BRCA1 in chicken B‐lymphocyte cell line DT40. The combination of “homologous recombineering” and “RT‐cassette” enables modifications of chicken BRCA1 gene in Escherichia coli. Mutant BRCA1 knock‐in DT40 cell lines were generated using BRCA1 mutation constructs by homologous recombination with a targeting efficiency of up to 100%. Our study demonstrated that deletion of motifs 2–9 BRCA1Δ/Δ181‐1415 (Caenorhabditis elegans BRCA1 mimic) or deletion of motif 1 BRCA1Δ/Δ126‐136 decreased cell viability following cisplatin treatment. Furthermore, deletion of motifs 5 and 6 BRCA1Δ/Δ525‐881 within DNA‐binding region, even the conserved 7‐amino acid deletion BRCA1Δ/Δ872‐878 within motif 6, caused a decreased cell viability upon cisplatin treatment. Surprisingly, human BRCA1 is functional in DT40 cells as indicated by DNA damage‐induced Rad 51 foci formation in human BRCA1 knock‐in DT40 cells. These results demonstrate that those conserved motifs within the central region are essential for DNA repair functions of BRCA1. These findings provide a valuable tool for the development of new therapeutic modalities of breast cancer linked to BRCA1.
Simultaneous targeted inhibition of Sox2‐Oct4 transcription factors using decoy oligodeoxynucleotides to repress stemness properties in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Johari Behrooz , Zargan Jamil
Published: August 2017

Transcriptional master regulators like Sox2 and Oct4, which are expressed in various human tumors, have been shown to cause tumor growth promotion as well as epithelial dysplasia by means of interfering with progenitor cell differentiation. In order to investigate the potential of Sox2‐Oct4 transcription factor decoy (TFD) strategy for differentiation therapy, mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) were used in this study as a model of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Sox2‐Oct4 complex decoy ODNs (cd‐ODNs) were designed according to their elements in the promoter region of Sox2 gene. DNA–protein interactions between decoy ODNs and their corresponding proteins were examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Then, decoy and scrambled ODNs were transfected into mESCs with lipofectamine under 2 inhibitors (2i) conditions. Fluorescence and confocal microscopy, cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis analysis, alkaline phosphatase, embryoid body formation assay, and real‐time PCR were used to conduct further investigations. EMSA data showed that Sox2‐Oct4 decoy ODNs bound specifically to their recombinant proteins. The results revealed that the synthesized complex decoy can concomitantly target Sox2 and Oct4, which subsequently represses the stemness properties of mESCs compared to controls through decreasing cell viability, arresting cell cycle in G0/G1 phases, inducing apoptosis, and modulating differentiation in mESCs despite the presence of 2i/LIF in cell culture. While cd‐ODN strategy seems to offer great promise for cancer therapy, further studies are still required to put this powerful investigative tool in practice for a wide range of human cancers.
Assessment of pathogenesis of infective endocarditis by plasma IgG antibody titer test against periodontal bacteria
Authors: Isoshima Daichi , Yamashiro Keisuke , Matsunaga Kazuyuki , Shinobe Michitaka , Nakanishi Nagako , Nakanishi Izumi , Omori Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Tadashi , Takashiba Shogo
Published: August 2017

Key Clinical Message

Oral bacteria cause infective endocarditis (IE), so severe periodontitis is thought to be high risk for IE. We suggest the identification of high‐risk patients by an IgG antibody titer test against periodontal bacteria might become common screening test.
Extrinsic pulmonary artery compression mimicking acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Fang Jonathan Xinguo , Fang Benjamin Xinhao , Lam Cheung‐Chi Simon , Chan Pak‐Hei , Tam Frankie Choi‐Cheung , Siu Chung‐Wah
Published: August 2017

Key Clinical Message

Right ventricular strain patterns on electrocardiogram such as right axis derivation and S1Q3T3 are well known for their diagnostic value in cases of acute pulmonary embolism. Nonetheless, these changes are not pathognomonic. We report a patient with electrocardiographic evidence of right ventricular strain secondary to an unusual etiology.
Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy versus Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy for Surface Patterning
Authors: Sarkar Sujoy , Mandler Daniel
Published: August 2017

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) offers an alternative approach for precise local electrodeposition of micro‐ and nanometer structures driven by electrochemistry. The tip generation and substrate collection mode of SECM has been applied to deposit sub‐micron palladium structures by using a Pd microelectrode. This was compared with a different approach based on scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM). The latter was utilized also for the localized electrochemical deposition of Pd patterns using a pulled micropipette as a tip. The micropipette was filled with PdCl42− and biased versus a reference electrode placed in a NaCl solution. The application of a negative potential to the micropipette causes negatively charged ions, PdCl42−, to egress the pipette, which were electrochemically reduced on a conducting surface. The Pd patterns locally deposited by SECM and SICM were used for the local electroless deposition of Cu. Comparison between the two techniques shows that SICM is superior to SECM in terms of resolution and ease of tip preparation.
Viking Helmet Corroles: Activating Inert Oxidometal Corroles
Authors: Schweyen Peter , Brandhorst Kai , Hoffmann Martin , Wolfram Benedikt , Zaretzke Marc‐Kevin , Bröring Martin
Published: August 2017

Chemically inert oxidometal(V) corrols of molybdenum and rhenium undergo clean ligand‐exchange reactions upon the action of SiCl4. The resulting dichlorido complexes show trigonal prismatic coordination of the metal ion with the chlorine atoms residing in a cis configuration, and were studied by optical and resonance spectroscopy as well as DFT calculations. In situ reactivity studies with carbon nucleophiles indicate high reactivity for chlorine replacement. Treatment with sodium cyclopentadienide paves the way to robust molybdenum corrolocene half‐sandwich complexes. These organometallic compounds are the first corrole species that stabilize an air‐stable and diamagnetic low spin d2‐MoIV center. Structural, spectroelectrochemical, and chemical investigations prove a reversible MoIV/MoV redox couple close to the Fc/Fc+ potential for these systems. The high stability of the compounds in both redox states calls for future applications in catalysis and as redox switch.
A C(sp2)−H Dehydrogenation of Heteroarenes and Arenes by a Functionalized Aluminum Hydride
Authors: Chen Shimin , Li Bin , Wang Xiaoping , Huang Yanting , Li Jiancheng , Zhu Hongping , Zhao Lili , Frenking Gernot , Roesky Herbert W.
Published: August 2017

The 2‐aminophenylaluminum dihydride (2‐TMP‐C6H4)AlH2 (2) has been prepared and characterized for the first time. Compound 2 features an intramolecular N⋅⋅⋅Al donor–acceptor bond. 2 reacted with N‐methylpyrrole and N‐methylindole (both at 50 °C) by means of the elusive AlH C(sp2)−H dehydroalumination to aluminum heteroaryls (3 and 4). Moreover, 2 reacted with PhCCSiMe3 (at room temperature) and Ph2CCNR (R=iPr or 2,6‐iPr2C6H3, at −30 to 20 °C ) to yield aluminaindene heterocycle (8) and alumina‐aza‐naphthalene heterocycle (9 and 10), respectively. These reactions underwent hydroalumination followed by AlH C(sp2)−H dehydroalumination. The reaction mechanism has been studied by combining experiment and quantum chemical calculations, with the result that the key heteroarene or arene C(sp2)−H bond activation is involved under cooperative interaction by the inherent N/Al donor/acceptor pair. The reported reactions open a straightforward route to heteroaryl and unique heterocyclic aluminum compounds.
Absolute configuration of an axially chiral sulfonate determined from its optical rotatory dispersion, electronic circular dichroism, and vibrational circular dichroism spectra
Authors: Covington Cody L. , Raghavan Vijay , Smuts Jonathan P. , Armstrong Daniel W. , Polavarapu Prasad L.
Published: August 2017

The absolute configuration (AC) of an axially chiral sulfonate (aCSO), 3,5‐dimethyl‐2‐(naphthalen‐1‐yl)‐6‐(naphthalen‐1‐yl)benzenesulfonate (labeled as aCSO5), was investigated using optical rotatory dispersion (ORD), electronic circular dichroism (ECD), and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopies. All three methods led to the same conclusion and the AC of aCSO5 is reliably determined to be (−)‐(aR, aR), or conversely (+)‐(aS, aS).
A data‐driven fault detection approach with performance optimization
Authors: Li Linlin , Ding Steven X. , Peng Kaixiang , Han Huayun , Yang Ying , Yang Xu
Published: August 2017

This paper is concerned with the data‐driven realization of fault detection approach with performance optimization. For our purpose, the data‐driven realization form of linear kernel representations is studied first, which is essential in our work. It is followed by a data‐driven realization of kernel representation and its implementation in the design scheme of fault detection systems. Nevertheless, the basic idea behind this approach lies in the one‐step identification of kernel representation using LQ‐decomposition. Then, the recursive kernel representation is introduced and the so‐called gradient descent algorithm is applied to optimize the performance of the proposed data‐driven fault detection system. The effectiveness of the proposed approaches is illustrated by a numerical example and a case study on laboratory setup of a three‐tank system.
Potent Antimicrobial Activity of Lipidated Short α,γ‐Hybrid Peptides
Authors: Benke Sushil N. , Thulasiram Hirekodathakallu V. , Gopi Hosahudya N.
Published: August 2017

Herein we report the potent antimicrobial activity of α,γ‐hybrid lipopeptides composed of 1:1 alternating α‐ and γ‐amino acids. Along with their potent antimicrobial activity against various Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, these hybrid lipopeptides were found to be less hemolytic. Studies into the mechanism of action revealed that these short cationic lipopeptides bind and disrupt the bacterial cell membrane. Time–kill kinetics analyses revealed that the potent α,γ‐hybrid lipopeptides completely inhibit bacterial growth in less than 20 minutes. Overall, the promising antimicrobial activity along with lower hemolytic activity displayed by these α,γ‐hybrid lipopeptides make them well suited for further exploration into the design of potent lipopeptide antibiotics.
A phase 1/1B trial of ADI‐PEG 20 plus nab‐paclitaxel and gemcitabine in patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lowery Maeve A. , Yu Kenneth H. , Kelsen David Paul , Harding James J. , Bomalaski John S. , Glassman Danielle C. , Covington Christina M. , Brenner Robin , Hollywood Ellen , Barba Adalberto , Johnston Amanda , Liu Kay Chia‐Wei , Feng Xiaoxing , Capanu Marinela , Abou‐Alfa Ghassan K. , O'Reilly Eileen M.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

ADI‐PEG 20 is a pegylated form of the arginine‐depleting enzyme arginine deiminase. Normal cells synthesize arginine with the enzyme argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS1); ADI‐PEG 20 selectively targets malignant cells, which lack ASS1.

METHODS

A single‐arm, nonrandomized, open‐label, phase 1/1B, standard 3 + 3 dose escalation with an expansion cohort of 9 patients at the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) was conducted. Patients who had metastatic pancreatic cancer, up to 1 line of prior treatment (the dose‐escalation cohort) or no prior treatment (the expansion cohort), and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 1 were included. Patients received both gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2) and nab‐paclitaxel (125 mg/m2) for 3 of 4 weeks and intramuscular ADI‐PEG 20 at 18 mg/m2 weekly (cohort 1) or at 36 mg/m2 weekly (cohort 2 and the expansion cohort).The primary endpoint was to determine the maximum tolerated dose and RP2D of ADI‐PEG 20 in combination with nab‐paclitaxel and gemcitabine.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were enrolled. No dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed in cohort 1; cohort 2 was expanded to 6 patients because of 1 DLT occurrence (a grade 3 elevation in bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase). The most frequent adverse events (AEs) of any grade were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, anemia, peripheral neuropathy, and fatigue; all 18 patients experienced grade 3/4 AEs. The most frequent grade 3/4 toxicities, regardless of the relation with any drugs, included neutropenia (12 patients or 67%), leukopenia (10 patients or 56%), anemia (8 patients or 44%), and lymphopenia (6 patients or 33%). The RP2D for ADI‐PEG 20 was 36 mg/m2 weekly in combination with standard‐dose gemcitabine and nab‐paclitaxel. The overall response rate among patients treated at the RP2D in the first‐line setting was 45.5% (5 of 11).The median progression‐free survival time for these patients treated at the RP2D was 6.1 months (95% confidence interval, 5.3‐11.2 months), and the median overall survival time was 11.3 months (95% confidence interval, 6.7 months to not reached).

CONCLUSIONS

ADI‐PEG 20 was well tolerated in combination with gemcitabine and nab‐paclitaxel. Activity was observed in previously treated and untreated patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and in patients with ASS1‐deficient and ‐proficient tumors. Cancer 2017;123:4556‐4565. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
CaO‐Based CO2 Sorbents Effectively Stabilized by Metal Oxides
Authors: Naeem Muhammad Awais , Armutlulu Andac , Imtiaz Qasim , Müller Christoph R.
Published: August 2017

Calcium looping (i.e., CO2 capture by CaO) is a promising second‐generation CO2 capture technology. CaO, derived from naturally occurring limestone, offers an inexpensive solution, but due to the harsh operating conditions of the process, limestone‐derived sorbents undergo a rapid capacity decay induced by the sintering of CaCO3. Here, we report a Pechini method to synthesize cyclically stable, CaO‐based CO2 sorbents with a high CO2 uptake capacity. The sorbents synthesized feature compositional homogeneity in combination with a nanostructured and highly porous morphology. The presence of a single (Al2O3 or Y2O3) or bimetal oxide (Al2O3‐Y2O3) provides cyclic stability, except for MgO which undergoes a significant increase in its particle size with the cycle number. We also demonstrate a direct relationship between the CO2 uptake and the morphology of the synthesized sorbents. After 30 cycles of calcination and carbonation, the best performing sorbent, containing an equimolar mixture of Al2O3 and Y2O3, exhibits a CO2 uptake capacity of 8.7 mmol CO2 g−1 sorbent, which is approximately 360 % higher than that of the reference limestone.
Electrochemical CO2 Reduction at Glassy Carbon Electrodes Functionalized by MnI and ReI Organometallic Complexes
Authors: Sun Cunfa , Rotundo Laura , Garino Claudio , Nencini Luca , Yoon Sam S. , Gobetto Roberto , Nervi Carlo
Published: August 2017

The catalytic activities towards electrochemical CO2 reduction of two new rhenium and manganese complexes, namely fac‐Mn(apbpy)(CO)3Br (1) and fac‐Re(apbpy)(CO)3Cl (2) (apbpy=4‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine), in both homogeneous and heterogeneous phases are compared. A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface has been functionalized with complexes 1 and 2 by two approaches: a) direct electrochemical oxidation of the amino group with formation of C−N bonds, and b) electrochemical reduction of the corresponding diazonium salts with formation of C−C bonds. The chemically modified GCEs show efficient conversion of CO2 into CO, with turnover numbers (TONs) about 60 times higher than those of the corresponding catalysts in homogeneous solutions, and in a much shorter time.
Critical Issues and Optimized Practices in Quantification of Protein Abundance Level to Determine Interindividual Variability in DMET Proteins by LC‐MS/MS Proteomics
Authors: Bhatt Deepak Kumar , Prasad Bhagwat
Published: August 2017

Protein quantification data on drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters (collectively referred as DMET proteins) in human tissues are useful in predicting interindividual variability in drug disposition. While targeted proteomics is an emerging technique for quantification of DMET proteins, the methodology involves significant technical challenges especially when multiple samples are analyzed in a single study over a long period of time. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly address the critical variables that could affect DMET protein quantification.
Biogeography and systematics of endemic island damselflies: The Nesobasis and Melanesobasis (Odonata: Zygoptera) of Fiji
Authors: Beatty Christopher D. , Sánchez Herrera Melissa , Skevington Jeffrey H. , Rashed Arash , Van Gossum Hans , Kelso Scott , Sherratt Thomas N.
Published: August 2017

The study of island fauna has greatly informed our understanding of the evolution of diversity. We here examine the phylogenetics, biogeography, and diversification of the damselfly genera Nesobasis and Melanesobasis, endemic to the Fiji Islands, to explore mechanisms of speciation in these highly speciose groups. Using mitochondrial (COI, 12S) and nuclear (ITS) replicons, we recovered Garli‐part maximum likelihood and Mrbayes Bayesian phylogenetic hypotheses for 26 species of Nesobasis and eight species/subspecies of Melanesobasis. Biogeographical patterns were explored using Lagrange and Bayes‐Lagrange and interpreted through beast relaxed clock dating analyses. We found that Nesobasis and Melanesobasis have radiated throughout Fiji, but are not sister groups. For Nesobasis, while the two largest islands of the archipelago—Viti Levu and Vanua Levu—currently host two distinct species assemblages, they do not represent phylogenetic clades; of the three major groupings each contains some Viti Levu and some Vanua Levu species, suggesting independent colonization events across the archipelago. Our Beast analysis suggests a high level of species diversification around 2–6 Ma. Our ancestral area reconstruction (Rasp‐Lagrange) suggests that both dispersal and vicariance events contributed to the evolution of diversity. We thus conclude that the evolutionary history of Nesobasis and Melanesobasis is complex; while inter‐island dispersal followed by speciation (i.e., peripatry) has contributed to diversity, speciation within islands appears to have taken place a number of times as well. This speciation has taken place relatively recently and appears to be driven more by reproductive isolation than by ecological differentiation: while species in Nesobasis are morphologically distinct from one another, they are ecologically very similar, and currently are found to exist sympatrically throughout the islands on which they are distributed. We consider the potential for allopatric speciation within islands, as well as the influence of parasitic endosymbionts, to explain the high rates of speciation in these damselflies.
Sapling growth rates reveal conspecific negative density dependence in a temperate forest
Authors: Ramage Benjamin S. , Johnson Daniel J. , Gonzalez‐Akre Erika , McShea William J. , Anderson‐Teixeira Kristina J. , Bourg Norman A. , Clay Keith
Published: August 2017

Local tree species diversity is maintained in part by conspecific negative density dependence (CNDD). This pervasive mechanism occurs in a variety of forms and ecosystems, but research to date has been heavily skewed toward tree seedling survival in tropical forests. To evaluate CNDD more broadly, we investigated how sapling growth rates were affected by conspecific adult neighbors in a fully mapped 25.6 ha temperate deciduous forest. We examined growth rates as a function of the local adult tree neighborhood (via spatial autoregressive modeling) and compared the spatial positioning of faster‐growing and slower‐growing saplings with respect to adult conspecific and heterospecific trees (via bivariate point pattern analysis). In addition, to determine whether CNDD‐driven variation in growth rates leaves a corresponding spatial signal, we extended our point pattern analysis to a static, growth‐independent comparison of saplings and the next larger size class. We found that negative conspecific effects on sapling growth were most prevalent. Five of the nine species that were sufficiently abundant for analysis exhibited CNDD, while only one species showed evidence of a positive conspecific effect, and one or two species, depending on the analysis, displayed heterospecific effects. There was general agreement between the autoregressive models and the point pattern analyses based on sapling growth rates, but point pattern analyses based on single‐point‐in‐time size classes yielded results that differed markedly from the other two approaches. Our work adds to the growing body of evidence that CNDD is an important force in temperate forests, and demonstrates that this process extends to sapling growth rates. Further, our findings indicate that point pattern analyses based solely on size classes may fail to detect the process of interest (e.g., neighborhood‐driven variation in growth rates), in part due to the confounding of tree size and age.
Safety and efficacy of MitraClip™ therapy in patients with severely impaired left ventricular ejection fraction: results from the German transcatheter mitral valve interventions (TRAMI) registry
Authors: Geis Nicolas A. , Puls Miriam , Lubos Edith , Zuern Christine S. , Franke Jennifer , Schueler Robert , von Bardeleben Ralph S. , Boekstegers Peter , Ouarrak Taoufik , Zahn Ralf , Ince Hüseyin , Senges Jochen , Katus Hugo A. , Bekeredjian Raffi
Published: August 2017

Aims

The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous mitral valve repair using the MitraClip™ device in patients with severely reduced systolic left ventricular (LV) function.

Methods and results

Among 777 MitraClip™ implantations included in the German mitral valve registry, we identified 256 patients suffering from severely reduced LV function [ejection fraction (EF) <30%] in whom successful percutaneous mitral valve repair was performed. Procedural safety, efficacy, and 1‐year outcome was compared with 241 patients with preserved LV function (EF >50%) and 280 patients presenting with an EF 30–50% prior to MitraClip™ therapy. High procedural success rates, low periprocedural complication rates, and low residual mitral regurgitation grades at discharge were achieved throughout all groups. In‐hospital mortality was low and comparable in all groups. After 1 year, mortality rates were 24.2% (EF <30%), 17.3% (EF 30–50%), and 18.9% (EF >50%). Major adverse cardiac or cardiovascular event rates were 29.7% (EF <30%), 24.4% (EF 30–50%), and 23.5% (EF >50%). Procedural failure was the main predictor for mortality in EF <30% patients (hazard ratio 10.38; 95% CI 3.71–29.02). Improved clinical symptoms were observed in the majority of patients in all groups. Thus, 69.5% of EF <30% patients improved by one or more New York Heart Association functional class. Compared with patients with preserved LV function, this is a significantly larger proportion (EF >50%: 56.8%; P < 0.05). Moreover, quality of life, being very poor at baseline, improved distinctively in severe heart failure patients.

Conclusion

In patients with severely reduced systolic LV function undergoing MitraClip™ therapy, procedural safety, efficacy, and clinical improvement after 1 year are comparable to patients with preserved LV function.
TCR signalling network organization at the immunological synapses of murine regulatory T cells
Authors: van Ham Marco , Teich René , Philipsen Lars , Niemz Jana , Amsberg Nicole , Wissing Josef , Nimtz Manfred , Gröbe Lothar , Kliche Stefanie , Thiel Nadine , Klawonn Frank , Hubo Mario , Jonuleit Helmut , Reichardt Peter , Müller Andreas J. , Huehn Jochen , Jänsch Lothar
Published: August 2017

Regulatory T (Treg) cells require T‐cell receptor (TCR) signalling to exert their immunosuppressive activity, but the precise organization of the TCR signalling network compared to conventional T (Tconv) cells remains elusive. By using accurate mass spectrometry and multi‐epitope ligand cartography (MELC) we characterized TCR signalling and recruitment of TCR signalling components to the immunological synapse (IS) in Treg cells and Tconv cells. With the exception of Themis which we detected in lower amounts in Treg cells, other major TCR signalling components were found equally abundant, however, their phosphorylation‐status notably discriminates Treg cells from Tconv cells. Overall, this study identified 121 Treg cell‐specific phosphorylations. Short‐term triggering of T cell subsets via CD3 and CD28 widely harmonized these variations with the exception of eleven TCR signalling components that mainly regulate cytoskeleton dynamics and molecular transport. Accordingly, conjugation with B cells indeed caused variant cellular morphology and revealed a Treg cell‐specific recruitment of TCR signalling components such as PKCθ, PLCγ1 and ZAP70 as well as B cell‐derived CD86 into the IS. Together, results from this study support the existence of a Treg cell‐specific IS and suggest Treg cell‐specific cytoskeleton dynamics as a novel determinant for the unique functional properties of Treg cells.
Synthesis of Dimer Fatty Acid Methyl Esters by Catalytic Oxidation and Reductive Amination: An Efficient Route to Branched Polyamides
Authors: von Czapiewski Marc , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: August 2017

A novel and versatile route toward dimer fatty acid methyl esters (dimer FAMEs) via catalytic oxidation and reductive amination is described. The oxyfunctionalization of mono‐unsaturated FAMEs bearing different chain lengths (C11, C18, C22) is accomplished by a co‐catalyst‐free Wacker Oxidation process in a high pressure reactor. The applied catalytic system of palladium(II) chloride in a dimethylacetamide/water mixture enabled the formation of keto‐FAMEs in the presence of molecular oxygen as sole re‐oxidant. In a first attempt, partially renewable dimer FAMEs are synthesized by reductive amination of keto‐FAME (C18) in the presence of various aliphatic and aromatic diamines and sodium triacetoxyborohydride as selective reducing agent. In another approach, the keto‐FAMEs directly underwent reductive amination using Raney‐Nickel in order to obtain the corresponding amino‐FAMEs. Subsequently, the keto‐ and amino‐FAMEs are used for the synthesis of fully renewable dimer FAMEs via reductive amination with sodium triacetoxyborohydride as reducing agent. In order to demonstrate a possible application for these new dimer FAMEs, three out of the thirteen synthesized dimer FAMEs are selected and studied in a polycondensation with renewable 1,10‐diaminodecane using TBD as catalyst. The polyamides are obtained in molecular weights (Mn) of up to 33 kDa and are carefully characterized by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy, FTIR, SEC, and DSC analysis.

Practical Applications: The described catalytic route to defined dimer fatty acids has potential applications in lubricants, detergents, polymeric materials, and others. Compared to commercially available dimer fatty acids, a molecularly highly defined mixture of regioisomers is obtained, without contamination of monofunctional or trifunctional fatty acid derivatives, which is advantegous for most of the mentioned applications. Especially for polycondensations, the known stoichiometry of exactly two is a considerable benefit.

The synthesis of keto‐fatty acid methyl esters via a straightforward co‐catalyst‐free Wacker oxidation process allows access to partially and fully renewable dimer fatty acid methyl esters, by using the obtained keto‐fatty acid methyl esters as renewable raw materials in a reductive amination process. Some of the obtained dimer fatty acids are exemplarily studied as monomers for polyamide synthesis.
A new method to quantify the health risks from sources of perfluoroalkyl substances, combined with positive matrix factorization and risk assessment models
Authors: Xu Jiao , Shi Guo-liang , Guo Chang-Sheng , Wang Hai-Ting , Tian Ying-Ze , Huangfu Yan-Qi , Zhang Yuan , Feng Yin-Chang , Xu Jian
Published: August 2017

A hybrid model based on the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model and the health risk assessment model for assessing risks associated with sources of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water was established and applied at Dianchi Lake to test its applicability. The new method contains 2 stages: 1) the sources of PFASs were apportioned by the PMF model and 2) the contribution of health risks from each source was calculated by the new hybrid model. Two factors were extracted by PMF, with factor 1 identified as aqueous fire-fighting foams source and factor 2 as fluoropolymer manufacturing and processing and perfluorooctanoic acid production source. The health risk of PFASs in the water assessed by the health risk assessment model was 9.54 × 10−7 a−1 on average, showing no obvious adverse effects to human health. The 2 sources’ risks estimated by the new hybrid model ranged from 2.95 × 10−10 to 6.60 × 10−6 a−1 and from 1.64 × 10−7 to 1.62 × 10−6 a−1, respectively. The new hybrid model can provide useful information on the health risks of PFAS sources, which is helpful for pollution control and environmental management. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:107–115. © 2017 SETAC
Options‐based benchmark indices—A review of performance and (in)appropriate measures
Authors: Natter Markus
Published: August 2017

This paper reviews the performance and profitability of different option strategy benchmark indices provided by the CBOE. Using different performance approaches, I show that performance measurement of these indices is highly complex and sensitive to the model choice. Moreover, this study controls for time‐varying delta exposure via linear timing approaches and uses a linear option‐factor model that is independent from the portfolio composition. Splitting the sample, I find that outperformance reported by previous studies is mostly driven by limited data. Moreover, the profitability of option strategies for private investors is evaluated based on easily investable investment products.
Estimation of greenhouse gas emissions in China 1990–2013
Authors: Ding Tao , Ning Yadong , Zhang Yan
Published: August 2017

Considering the little attention given to building China's greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventories, a long timescale and detailed GHG inventory is presented based on the latest released official statistical data in China from 1990 to 2013. GHG emissions estimated by different versions of statistical data are compared and analyzed, and the effects of data adjustment on GHG emission reduction targets are discussed. The inventory covers the sources of energy activities, industrial processes, agricultural activities, waste treatments, and reports four types of GHGs: CO2, CH4, N2O, and F‐GHGs. The total GHG emissions in China increased from 3487.7 Mt CO2‐eq in 1990 to 12550.2 Mt CO2‐eq in 2013. As the largest emission source, energy activities increased its share from 77.8% to 82.1% during the period. In GHG gas type, CO2 emissions accounted for 86.2% of the total in 2013, followed by CH4 (8.1%), N2O (3.3%) and F‐GHGs (2.4%). CO2 emissions were mainly emitted from energy activities, while the total CH4 emissions were essentially determined by sources of coal mining, enteric fermentation and rice cultivation. Both direct emission from agricultural lands and adipic acid production accounted for over 50% of N2O emissions. China's F‐GHG emissions increased by 129.3 times during the period. In addition, after the energy data revision, CO2 emissions from energy activities was estimated significantly larger than most previous studies. The data revision also had a profound effect on the accomplishment of CO2 emission reduction target in relative quantity. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brain activity induced by implicit processing of others' pain and pleasure
Authors: Chiesa Patrizia Andrea , Liuzza Marco Tullio , Macaluso Emiliano , Aglioti Salvatore Maria
Published: August 2017

Studies indicate that both explicit and implicit processing of affectively charged stimuli may be reflected in specific behavioural markers and physiological signatures. Here, we investigated whether the pleasantness ratings of a neutral target were affected by the subliminal perception of a painful (a slap) or pleasant (a caress) touch delivered to others. In particular, we combined the continuous flash suppression technique with the affective misattribution procedure to explore subliminal processing of observed pain and pleasure in others. Results show that participants rated the neutral target as more or less likeable depending on whether they were subliminally primed with the pleasant or painful facial expression, respectively. The fMRI activity associated with painful and pleasant subliminal priming was mainly present in the anterior prefrontal cortex and the primary sensorimotor cortex, respectively. Thus, our study provides behavioural and neuro‐physiological evidence that: (i) emotional reactivity toward positive or negative states of others can occur at an entirely subliminal level; (ii) specific neural substrates underpin reactivity to positive‐ and negative‐valence of social emotions. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5562–5576, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.