bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal constrained objects for modelling neuronal dynamics
Authors: Nair Manjusha , Manchan Kannimoola Jinesh , Jayaraman Bharat , Nair Bipin , Diwakar Shyam
Published: July 2018

Background

Several new programming languages and technologies have emerged in the past few decades in order to ease the task of modelling complex systems. Modelling the dynamics of complex systems requires various levels of abstractions and reductive measures in representing the underlying behaviour. This also often requires making a trade-off between how realistic a model should be in order to address the scientific questions of interest and the computational tractability of the model.

Methods

In this paper, we propose a novel programming paradigm, called temporal constrained objects, which facilitates a principled approach to modelling complex dynamical systems. Temporal constrained objects are an extension of constrained objects with a focus on the analysis and prediction of the dynamic behaviour of a system. The structural aspects of a neuronal system are represented using objects, as in object-oriented languages, while the dynamic behaviour of neurons and synapses are modelled using declarative temporal constraints. Computation in this paradigm is a process of constraint satisfaction within a time-based simulation.

Results

We identified the feasibility and practicality in automatically mapping different kinds of neuron and synapse models to the constraints of temporal constrained objects. Simple neuronal networks were modelled by composing circuit components, implicitly satisfying the internal constraints of each component and interface constraints of the composition. Simulations show that temporal constrained objects provide significant conciseness in the formulation of these models. The underlying computational engine employed here automatically finds the solutions to the problems stated, reducing the code for modelling and simulation control. All examples reported in this paper have been programmed and successfully tested using the prototype language called TCOB. The code along with the programming environment are available at http://github.com/compneuro/TCOB_Neuron.

Discussion

Temporal constrained objects provide powerful capabilities for modelling the structural and dynamic aspects of neural systems. Capabilities of the constraint programming paradigm, such as declarative specification, the ability to express partial information and non-directionality, and capabilities of the object-oriented paradigm especially aggregation and inheritance, make this paradigm the right candidate for complex systems and computational modelling studies. With the advent of multi-core parallel computer architectures and techniques or parallel constraint-solving, the paradigm of temporal constrained objects lends itself to highly efficient execution which is necessary for modelling and simulation of large brain circuits.
Context‐specific dependence on FERONIA kinase activity
Authors: Duan Qiaohong , Cheung Alice Y.
Published: July 2018

Read the Original article at doi: 10.1002/1873‐3468.13157
Effects of label training and recall order on children's reports of a repeated event
Authors: Brubacher Sonja P. , Earhart Becky , Roberts Kim P. , Powell Martine B.
Published: July 2018

Children aged 6–8 (N = 84) were interviewed 1 week after participating in a repeated event. Half received training in labeling episodes of a repeated autobiographical event (Label Training); remaining children practiced talking about the same without label training (Standard Practice). Subsequently, children recalled the target event in two recall order conditions: script for the events followed by a specific instance (Generic‐first) or the reverse (Episodic‐first). Training effects were modest, but the research has important implications for interviewers' elicitation of children's labels for instances of repeated events because 98% of the labels generated were unique. The study provides additional support for the notion that recalling the script first can be beneficial. Children in the Generic‐first condition were more accurate for some types of details, and reported more information in the first half of the interview about details that changed across instances, than children in the Episodic‐first condition.
Perceptual load affects change blindness in a real‐world interaction
Authors: Murphy Gillian , Murphy Lisa
Published: July 2018

Change blindness is the striking inability to detect seemingly obvious changes that occur between views of a scene. The current study assessed perceptual load as a factor that may affect change blindness for human faces. The study had participants (n = 103) interact with a researcher in a testing room that imposed low or high perceptual load. Midway through the conversation, the researcher was replaced by another person. Thirty‐nine percent of participants failed to detect the change. There was a significant effect of perceptual load, with greater change detection under low load (71%) than high load (52%). This research suggests that the perceptual load imposed by a task may have a significant effect on the likelihood of change blindness and ought to be considered in future research.
Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of a Gradient Nanostructured 316L Stainless Steel Processed by Rotationally Accelerated Shot Peening
Authors: Li Jian‐Sheng , Gao Wei‐Dong , Cao Yang , Huang Zhao‐Wen , Gao Bo , Mao Qing‐Zhong , Li Yu‐Sheng
Published: July 2018

Rotationally accelerated shot peening (RASP) is an innovative surface nanocrystallization technique, which can effectively produce gradient nanostructured layers on bulk metallic materials. In current work, the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the RASP‐processed 316L stainless steels are systematically explored. The results show that deformation twinning plays a significant role in fabricating nano‐grains. At the depth of ≈200 µm, unidirectional parallel mechanical twins are observed as the dominated deformation activity in each grain. With the decrease of depth (to ≈100 µm), twin‐twin intersections occur under a higher strain rate, which divide coarse grains into finer blocks. Eventually, nano‐grains form via grain rotation and grain boundary sliding at the topmost surface. Deformation twinning is still acted as an operative grain refinement mechanism in the nano‐grains. Importantly, the strength of the treated 316L stainless steel is improved while the ductility is decent. The improved strength is obtained from grain refinement, a high density of dislocations, deformation twins, and strain‐induced martensitic phase. For the good ductility, it is ascribed to the existence of slightly deformed coarse grains, ultrafine/nano‐twins and strain gradient.
Thermally Controlled Adhesive Curing during the Production of Piezo‐Metal‐Compounds: Finite Element Modeling and Analyses
Authors: Landgraf Ralf , Ihlemann Jörn
Published: July 2018

In this paper, finite element (FE) analyses of the production process of piezo‐metal‐compounds are considered. The compounds consist of two adhesively bonded metal sheets with embedded actuator/sensor patches. During the production process, the patches are placed inside an uncured adhesive layer and the prepared compound is formed to its final shape, while the uncured adhesive serves as a floating support and protects the actuator/sensor patch. Only after forming, the adhesive is fully cured in order to achieve a complete load transfer between the structure and the actuator/sensor patch. For the described production process, two different adhesives are investigated within finite element simulations: a cold‐curing, two‐component, epoxy based adhesive, and a heat‐curing, one‐component polyurethane adhesive. Both adhesives have already been investigated by different experimental methods to obtain the thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties and to formulate corresponding phenomenological models. Moreover, these models are implemented into the FE software ANSYS. This paper concentrates on the FE modeling and corresponding analyses of the spatially and temporally controlled thermal activation during the production process of piezo‐metal‐compounds. The basic applicability of both adhesive systems is evaluated and suitable ranges for process parameters, like temperature ranges or the duration of dwell times, are given.
Room Temperature Dielectric Pulse Effect in Organic Mixtures
Authors: Meng Peng , Wu Yulong , Zhang Quan , Cheng Guoan , Wu Xiaoling , Zheng Ruiting
Published: July 2018

The dielectric pulse effect is of interest for many applications such as sensors, smart triggers, and energy storage. In this paper, a general approach to achieve a room temperature dielectric pulse effect via solid–liquid phase transition in organic mixtures formed by conductive surfactants and insulating fluid is introduced. The dielectric pulse is caused by the self‐formed blocking layer appearing during the solid–liquid phase transition by mixing Span80 and hexadecane. Using 50 Vol% Span80/hexadecane mixture, the dielectric peak intensity of 1191.6 is achieved at 11.9 °C. The dielectric peak intensity and the trigger temperature of mixtures can be tuned by changing the proportions of the components, the temperature ramping rate, and the components. The generality of the approach is also demonstrated in other organic matter such as Span series, alcohols, alkanes and their mixtures.
3D Hybrid Plasmonic Nanostructures with Dense Hot Spots Using Monolayer MoS2 as Sub‐Nanometer Spacer
Authors: Li Zhen , Jiang Shouzhen , Huo Yanyan , Liu Aihua , Zhang Chao , Yu Jing , Wang Minghong , Li Chonghui , Lu Zhengyi , Man Baoyuan
Published: July 2018

Here, 3D hybrid plasmonic nanostructures using monolayer MoS2 as sub‐nanometer spacer with high density hot spots are fabricated. For the 3D hybrid assemblies, the hot spots exist not only on the 0.65 nm thick MoS2 gap regions between large and small nanoparticles (NP) but also between small and small NP. The high‐density hot spots induce prominently enhanced optical absorption, huge surface enhanced Raman scattering effect, excellent reproducibility, and ultralow limit of detection. Besides, the obvious electron transfer between MoS2 and metal NP is also found in the 3D hybrid assemblies indicating the strong interactions between MoS2 and Au or Ag. Combined with the long‐term stability, the 3D hybrid assemblies should perform excellent in plasmon‐enhanced sensor and photocatalysis applications.
Ultrastretchable Fiber Sensor with High Sensitivity in Whole Workable Range for Wearable Electronics and Implantable Medicine
Authors: Li Lianhui , Xiang Hongyi , Xiong Yan , Zhao Hui , Bai Yuanyuan , Wang Shuqi , Sun Fuqin , Hao Mingming , Liu Lin , Li Tie , Peng Zhenhuan , Xu Jiaqiang , Zhang Ting
Published: July 2018

Fast progress in material science has led to the development of flexible and stretchable wearable sensing electronics. However, mechanical mismatches between the devices and soft human tissue usually impact the sensing performance. An effective way to solve this problem is to develop mechanically superelastic and compatible sensors that have high sensitivity in whole workable strain range. Here, a buckled sheath–core fiber‐based ultrastretchable sensor with enormous stain gauge enhancement is reported. Owing to its unique sheath and buckled microstructure on a multilayered carbon nanotube/thermal plastic elastomer composite, the fiber strain sensor has a large workable strain range (>1135%), fast response time (≈16 ms), high sensitivity (GF of 21.3 at 0–150%, and 34.22 at 200–1135%), and repeatability and stability (20 000 cycles load/unload test). These features endow the sensor with a strong ability to monitor both subtle and large muscle motions of the human body. Moreover, attaching the sensor to a rat tendon as an implantable device allowes quantitative evaluation of tendon injury rehabilitation.
Morphology‐Controlled Aluminum‐Doped Zinc Oxide Nanofibers for Highly Sensitive NO2 Sensors with Full Recovery at Room Temperature
Authors: Sanger Amit , Kang Sung Bum , Jeong Myeong Hoon , Im Min Ji , Choi In Young , Kim Chan Ul , Lee Hyungmin , Kwon Yeong Min , Baik Jeong Min , Jang Ho Won , Choi Kyoung Jin
Published: July 2018

Room‐temperature (RT) gas sensitivity of morphology‐controlled free‐standing hollow aluminum‐doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanofibers for NO2 gas sensors is presented. The free‐standing hollow nanofibers are fabricated using a polyvinylpyrrolidone fiber template electrospun on a copper electrode frame followed by radio‐frequency sputtering of an AZO thin overlayer and heat treatment at 400 °C to burn off the polymer template. The thickness of the AZO layer is controlled by the deposition time. The gas sensor based on the hollow nanofibers demonstrates fully recoverable n‐type RT sensing of low concentrations of NO2 (0.5 ppm). A gas sensor fabricated with Al2O3‐filled AZO nanofibers exhibits no gas sensitivity below 75 °C. The gas sensitivity of a sensor is determined by the density of molecules above the minimum energy for adsorption, collision frequency of gas molecules with the surface, and available adsorption sites. Based on finite‐difference time‐domain simulations, the RT sensitivity of hollow nanofiber sensors is ascribed to the ten times higher collision frequency of NO2 molecules confined inside the fiber compared to the outer surface, as well as twice the surface area of hollow nanofibers compared to the filled ones. This approach might lead to the realization of RT sensitive gas sensors with 1D nanostructures.
Pollination effectiveness of opportunistic Galápagos birds compared to that of insects: From fruit set to seedling emergence
Authors: Hervías‐Parejo Sandra , Traveset Anna
Published: July 2018

Premise of the Study

Relying on floral traits to assess pollination systems has been shown to underestimate the ecological service that novel mutualisms can provide. Although vertebrates with opportunistic food habits are common on islands, usually feeding upon flowers of entomophilous species (ES), little is known about how effective they are as pollinators. In a previous study, we had reported that native insectivorous and frugivorous Galápagos birds commonly visit ES flowers, without assessing whether they act as pollinators. Here we investigate this by focusing on three typically ES (Cryptocarpus pyriformis, Waltheria ovata, Cordia lutea) and one mostly ornithophilous species (OS), Opuntia echios.

Methods

The quantitative component (QNC: the product of floral visit frequency and number of flowers contacted) and qualitative components (QLC: fruit and seed set, fruit length, and mass and proportion of seedling emergence) of pollination effectiveness of birds was compared with that of insects.

Key Results

Birds were not quantitatively important pollinators compared to insects. However, selective exclusion experiments in the four plant species revealed that all qualitative components of fitness improved when both birds and insects visited the flowers. Our study is the first to confirm pollination effectiveness of ES by native opportunistic birds.

Conclusions

The Galápagos pollination systems are probably more generalized than previous data suggested and, given that ES dominate the flora of this archipelago, we argue that, contrary to expectation, birds might have an important role in maintaining the reproductive success and diversity of plant communities.
Rapid population sex‐ratio changes in the moss Ceratodon purpureus
Authors: Eppley Sarah M. , Rosenstiel Todd N. , Chmielewski Matthew W. , Woll S. Cody , Shaw Zoë M. , Shortlidge Erin E.
Published: July 2018

Premise of the Study

Sex‐ratio variation occurs widely in dioecious plants, but the mechanisms of population sex‐ratio bias are poorly understood. In bryophytes, sex ratios are often female biased, and little information is available about how and when bias forms.

Methods

To test whether population sex‐ratio variation can emerge during the gametophytic phase and is not purely a product of spore sex ratios, we created artificial populations of the moss Ceratodon purpureus, with male‐ and female‐biased sex ratios, and placed half under a stress treatment. We hypothesized that male‐majority populations would become female‐biased and that stress would increase this transition. After 18 mo, when sporophytes were initially forming, we used sex‐specific molecular markers to determine population sex ratios.

Key Results

Female‐majority populations did not differ significantly from their original bias, whereas male‐majority populations became significantly more female biased. The plants had only just produced their first spores, so these sex‐ratio changes occurred during the gametophytic generation, as a result of sex‐specific growth or survival. Sporophytes occurred only in populations with female‐biased final sex ratios, which suggests that females in male‐majority populations may have invested energy in ramets rather than in sporophyte production. The stress treatment was mild and had no effect on sex ratio.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that female bias can be generated during the gametophytic generation, before plants reach sexual maturity. These results, combined with those of previous work, suggest that both the gametophytic and the sporophytic stages drive population sex ratios in C. purpureus, thus indicating that multiple mechanisms operate to create biased population sex ratios.
Thiotepa, busulfan and fludarabine compared to busulfan and cyclophosphamide as conditioning regimen for allogeneic stem cell transplant from matched siblings and unrelated donors for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Saraceni Francesco , Beohou Eric , Labopin Myriam , Arcese William , Bonifazi Francesca , Stepensky Polina , Aljurf Mahmoud , Bruno Benedetto , Pioltelli Pietro , Passweg Jakob , Sociè Gerard , Santarone Stella , Yakoub‐Agha Ibrahim , Lanza Francesco , Savani Bipin N. , Mohty Mohamad , Nagler Arnon ,   Acute Leukemia Working Party (ALWP) of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT)
Published: July 2018

Busulfan plus cyclophosphamide (BuCy) is the traditional conditioning regimen for allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo‐SCT) for young, fit patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The thiotepa‐busulfan‐fludarabine (TBF) protocol has recently demonstrated promising outcome in cord blood and haploidentical SCT; however, there is limited evidence about this regimen in transplant from matched siblings (MSD) and unrelated donors (UD). We retrospectively compared outcomes of 2523 patients aged 18‐50 with AML in remission, undergoing transplant from MSD or UD prepared with either TBF or BuCy conditioning. A 1:3 pair‐matched analysis was performed: 146 patients receiving TBF were compared with 438 patients receiving BuCy. Relapse risk was significantly lower in the TBF when compared with BuCy group (HR 0.6, P = .02), while NRM did not differ. No significant difference was observed in LFS and OS between the two regimens. TBF was associated with a trend towards higher risk of grades III‐IV aGVHD (HR 1.8, P = .06) and inferior cGVHD (HR 0.7, P = .04) when compared with BuCy. In patients undergoing transplant in first remission, the advantage for TBF in terms of relapse was more evident (HR 0.4, P = .02), leading to a trend for better LFS in favor of TBF (HR 0.7, P = .10), while OS did not differ between the two cohorts. In conclusion, TBF represents a valid myeloablative conditioning regimen providing significantly lower relapse and similar survival when compared with BuCy. Patients in first remission appear to gain the most from this protocol, as in this subgroup a tendency for better LFS was observed when compared with BuCy.
Oxygen‐dependent flow of sickle trait blood as an in vitro therapeutic benchmark for sickle cell disease treatments
Authors: Lu Xinran , Chaudhury Anwesha , Higgins John M. , Wood David K.
Published: July 2018

Although homozygous sickle cell disease is often clinically severe, the corresponding heterozygous state, sickle cell trait, is almost completely benign despite the fact that there is only a modest difference in sickle hemoglobin levels between the two conditions. In both conditions, hypoxia can lead to polymerization of sickle hemoglobin, changes in red cell mechanical properties, and impaired blood flow. Here, we test the hypothesis that differences in the oxygen‐dependent rheological properties in the two conditions might help explain the difference in clinical phenotypes. We use a microfluidic platform that permits quantification of blood rheology under defined oxygen conditions in physiologically sized microchannels and under physiologic shear rates. We find that, even with its lower sickle hemoglobin concentration, sickle trait blood apparent viscosity increases with decreasing oxygen tension and may stop flowing under completely anoxic conditions, though far less readily than the homozygous condition. Sickle cell trait blood flow becomes impaired at significantly lower oxygen tension than sickle cell disease. We also demonstrate how sickle cell trait can serve as a benchmark for sickle cell disease therapies. We characterize the rheological effects of exchange transfusion therapy by mixing sickle blood with nonsickle blood and quantifying the transfusion targets for sickle hemoglobin composition below which the rheological response resembles sickle trait. These studies quantify the differences in blood flow phenotypes of sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait, and they provide a potentially powerful new benchmark for evaluating putative therapies in vitro.
Duvelisib, an oral dual PI3K‐δ, γ inhibitor, shows clinical activity in indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in a phase 1 study
Authors: Flinn Ian W. , Patel Manish , Oki Yasuhiro , Horwitz Steven , Foss Francine F. , Allen Kerstin , Douglas Mark , Stern Howard , Sweeney Jennifer , Kharidia Jahnavi , Kelly Patrick , Kelly Virginia M. , Kahl Brad
Published: July 2018

Duvelisib (IPI‐145) is an oral dual inhibitor of phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase (PI3K)‐δ and ‐γ in clinical development for the treatment of hematologic malignancies, including indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL). In a Phase 1, open‐label study to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical activity, and safety of duvelisib monotherapy in patients with advanced hematologic malignancies, duvelisib was administered at eight dose levels (8‐100 mg BID) in a dose‐escalation phase (n = 31 evaluable patients). Two dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs), Grade 3 transaminase elevations and Grade 3 rash, occurred at 100 mg BID, and the MTD was determined to be 75 mg BID. Across all doses, 58.1% of iNHL patients had a response (19.4% complete, 35.5% partial, and 3.2% minor); median time to response was 1.84 months and duration of response was 16.9 months. Median progression‐free survival was 14.7 months, and the probability of overall survival at 24 months was 71.7%. Severe (Grade ≥ 3) adverse events included elevated liver enzymes (38.7%), diarrhea (25.8%), and neutropenia (29.0%). Three patients, all in the 75 mg BID cohort, experienced fatal AEs: E. coli sepsis, acute respiratory failure, and fungal pneumonia. No iNHL patients experienced Pneumocystis pneumonia. Duvelisib demonstrated favorable clinical activity and an acceptable safety profile in these high‐risk, heavily pretreated, relapsed/refractory iNHL patients, with 25 mg BID selected for further clinical development.
Lipid Oxidation and Degradation Products in Raw Materials: Low‐Fat Topical Skin‐Care Formulations
Authors: Thomsen Birgitte R. , Taylor Richard , Hyldig Grethe , Blenkiron Peter , Jacobsen Charlotte
Published: July 2018

Topical skin formulations with a lipid content below 15% were stored for 6 months at 5, 20, or 40 °C or for 2 weeks at 50 °C in darkness or at 20 °C with exposure to light for 6 months. The volatile lipid‐oxidation compounds formed during this storage period were compared to those formed in the raw materials during 3 months of accelerated stability storage at 40 °C. The volatile compounds were collected by dynamic headspace and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. It was possible to link eight out of nine volatile compounds detected during storage of topical skin formulations to the raw materials. In addition, a possible link between the appearance of butane nitrile and the decomposition of an initiator used for polyacrylate crosspolymer‐6 production was observed. The polymer may originate from texture modifiers added to the topical skin formulation or from plastics used for packaging of topical skin formulations. Furthermore, six well‐known lipid‐oxidation and nonenzymatic browning products were suggested to originate from the two raw materials, tricaprylin/tricaprin and coconut oil.
Formation of 4‐Hydroxy‐2‐Trans‐Nonenal, a Toxic Aldehyde, in Thermally Treated Olive and Sunflower Oils
Authors: Yuan Jieyao , Shoeman Don W. , Csallany A. Saari
Published: July 2018

4‐Hydroxy‐2‐trans‐nonenal (HNE) is a toxic aldehyde produced mostly in oils containing polyunsaturated fatty acid due to heat‐induced lipid peroxidation. The present study examined the effects of the heating time, the degree of unsaturation, and the antioxidant potential on the formation of HNE in two light olive oils (LOO) and two sunflower oils (one high oleic and one regular) at frying temperature. HNE concentrations in these oil samples heated for 0, 1, 3, and 5 hours at 185 °C were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography. The fatty‐acid distribution and the antioxidant capacity of these four oils were also analyzed. The results showed that all oils had very low HNE concentrations (<0.5 μg g−1 oil) before heating. After 5 hours of heating at 185 °C, HNE concentrations were increased to 17.98, 25.00, 12.51, and 40.00 μg g−1 in the two LOO, high‐oleic sunflower oil (HOSO), and regular sunflower oil (RSO), respectively. Extending the heating time increased HNE formation in all oils tested. It is related to their fatty‐acid distributions and antioxidant capacities. RSO, which contained high levels of linoleic acid (59.60%), a precursor for HNE, was more susceptible to degradation and HNE formation than HOSO and LOO, which contained only 6–8% linoleic acid.
Structural Characterization and Functional Properties of Proteins from Oat Milling Fractions
Authors: Walters Mallory E. , Udenigwe Chibuike C. , Tsopmo Apollinaire
Published: July 2018

The aim of this work was to study the structure and functionalities of proteins from commercial oat milling fractions. Protein isolates obtained from fine (FB), medium (MB), and low (LB) oat brans, and whole oat groat flour (WF) contained 75.0–97.1% proteins. However, the protein content of the products of 15% (15% high glucan [15HG]) and 20% (20% high glucan [20HG]) HG flours were four fold less because of their high carbohydrate contents (~75%). There was no apparent difference in molecular weights of the polypeptides (20, 35, 60, and 150 kDa) contained in these protein products. Protein profiling using mass spectrometry showed that avenin was not detected in FB and MB because of their relatively high concentrations of 11–12S globulins. Secondary structural features of the molecules and microstructure details of the gelled proteins were similar for proteins from FB, MB, LB, and WF, but different from those of 15HG and 20HG. Similarly, these differences in the structural features of proteins of the milling fractions were reflected in their water‐holding capacity and the solubility properties of the protein products.
Expandable graphite encapsulated by magnesium hydroxide nanosheets as an intumescent flame retardant for rigid polyurethane foams
Authors: Wang Yintao , Wang Feng , Dong Quanxiao , Yuan Wenjing , Liu Peng , Ding Yanfen , Zhang Shimin , Yang Mingshu , Zheng Guoqiang
Published: July 2018

Encapsulation of expandable graphite (EG) particles by organic or inorganic shells has been proved to efficiently enhance the expandability of EG, and thus to improve the flame‐retardant efficiency of EG. In this study, magnesium hydroxide (MH) nanosheets were utilized to fabricate core–shell EG@MH flame‐retardant particles through a heterocoagulation method. It was observed that after the encapsulation by MH nanosheets, the edges of the char residue of the EG layer were sealed after combustion, which contributed to the enhancement of expandability. The expansion volume of EG@MH increased dramatically to 456 mL/g, in contrast to 338 mL/g for pure EG. By incorporating 11.5 wt % of flame‐retardant particles, polyurethane foam containing EG@MH (here PU‐EG@MH) displayed excellent flame retardancy. Compared with the physically mixed sample, PU‐EG+MH, the limiting oxygen index value for the PU‐EG@MH sample increased from 29.8% to 32.6%. Furthermore, the shell of MH nanosheets was beneficial for improving the interfacial adherence between EG and the rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) matrix, due to the reaction between isocyanate functional groups and MH. The cell structure and storage modulus of PU‐EG@MH were improved. In other words, the shell of MH nanosheets successfully improved the flame‐retardant efficiency and enhanced the interface adhesion between EG and the matrix. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46749.
Preparation and performance of nanoparticle‐reinforced chitosan proton‐exchange membranes for fuel‐cell applications
Authors: Ahmed Saad , Cai Yangben , Ali Muhammad , Khanal Santosh , Xu Shiai
Published: July 2018

In this study, we incorporated commercially available p‐toluene sulfonic acid coated boehmite nanofillers (commercially known as OS1) into the chitosan (CS) matrix to fabricate CS–OS1 nanocomposite membranes with a high proton conductivity for fuel‐cell applications. These nanocomposite membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Their mechanical properties, water uptake, ion‐exchange capacity, and proton conductivity were also determined. The results show that the incorporation of OS1 to CS chains can inhibit the mobility of CS chains and, hence, enhance the thermal stability and mechanical properties of CS–OS1 nanocomposite membranes. The composite membrane with 5 wt % OS1 showed a proton conductivity of 0.032 S/cm; this was almost equal to that of commercially available Nafion 117. We concluded that CS–OS1 nanocomposite membranes have potential for fuel‐cell applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 46904.
Dynamic Core–Shell Bioconjugates for Targeted Protein Delivery and Release
Authors: Seidler Christiane , Zegota Maksymilian Marek , Raabe Marco , Kuan Seah Ling , Ng David Y. W. , Weil Tanja
Published: July 2018

Dynamic covalent chemistry is a versatile and powerful tool that integrates both stable chemical bonds and stimulus responsiveness into the construction of smart biotherapeutics. With minimalistic molecular design, a dynamic covalent protein assembly that incorporates selective targeting and intracellular release upon pH stimulus is presented. The construct comprises an active enzymatic protein core (cytochrome c) self‐assembled with cancer cell targeting motifs (somatostatin) through boronic acid/salicylhydroxamate chemistry. The bioorthogonal assembly takes place rapidly under neutral aqueous conditions while the release of the protein is initiated under acidic conditions found within cellular vesicles during uptake. By demonstrating that these modular components act in synergy, we show the broad applicability of such chemical strategies to advance the frontier of modern nanomedicine.
Recent Advances in the Organocatalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Functionalized β‐Lactones
Authors: Mukherjee Subrata , Biju Akkattu T.
Published: July 2018

This Focus Review highlights recent developments in the organocatalytic enantioselective synthesis of β‐lactone derivatives. Owing to the importance of β‐lactones as a heterocyclic motif that is present in a variety of natural products and biologically active molecules, several catalytic methods have been developed for the synthesis of these compounds in their enantiomerically pure form. Organocatalytic methods that employ N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), cinchona alkaloids, isothioureas, 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) derivatives, and phosphines have allowed the highly enantioselective synthesis of β‐lactones from cheap and readily available starting materials. Moreover, the inherent strain in the four‐membered ring of β‐lactones has also been utilized in further synthetic transformations, thus making β‐lactones a versatile intermediate in organic synthesis.
β‐Cyclodextrin Functionalized Nanoporous Graphene Oxides for Efficient Resolution of Asparagine Enantiomers
Authors: Qie Fengxiang , Guo Jiahui , Tu Bin , Zhao Xing , Zhang Yuchun , Yan Yong
Published: July 2018

Efficient resolution of racemic mixture has long been an attractive but challenging subject since Pasteur separated tartrate enantiomers in 19th century. Graphene oxide (GO) could be flexibly functionalized by using a variety of chiral host molecules and therefore, was expected to show excellent enantioselective resolution performance. However, this combination with efficient enantioselective resolution capability has been scarcely demonstrated. Here, nanoporous graphene oxides were produced and then covalently functionalized by using a chiral host material‐β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD). This chiral GO displayed enantioselective affinity toward the l‐enantiomers of amino acids. In particular, >99 % of l‐asparagine (Asn) was captured in a racemic solution of Asn while the adsorption of d‐enantiomer was not observed. This remarkable resolution performance was subsequently modelled by using an attach‐pull‐release dynamic method. We expect this preliminary concept could be expanded to other chiral host molecules and be employed to current membrane separation technologies and finally show practical use for many other racemates.
Integration von FM‐Prozessdaten in ein digitales Gebäudemodell
Authors: Otto Jens , Bartels Niels
Published: July 2018

Building Information Modeling (BIM) ist derzeit einer der am meisten diskutierten Begriffe der Bau‐ und Immobilienbranche. Auch im Facility‐Management (FM) gewinnt der Einsatz von BIM immer mehr an Bedeutung. Das Ziel eines integrierten BIM‐Prozesses stellt ein digitales Gebäudemodell dar, in dem alle erforderlichen Daten des gesamten Lebenszyklus enthalten und zugänglich sind. Eine Grundlage für den Datenaustausch bilden die Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), ein offener Standard zur Verbesserung der Interoperabilität von Planungsprozessen in der Bau‐ und Immobilienbranche. Auf IFC basieren weitere Schnittstellenstandards wie COBie und CAFM‐Connect. Sowohl IFC als auch COBie und CAFM‐Connect ermöglichen eine Übertragung von Bestandsdaten aus der Planungs‐ und Ausführungsphase in Systeme des Facility‐Managements. Die Prozessdaten sowie die Historisierung der Prozessdaten, die im Rahmen des Facility‐Managements entstehen, spielen jedoch in den vorgenannten Standards derzeit keine Rolle. Um ein vollständiges digitales Gebäudemodell über den gesamten Lebenszyklus zu erhalten, muss der IFC‐Standard um weitere Property Sets zu Prozessdaten erweitert werden. Diese Property Sets enthalten sowohl Auftragsdaten, die durch den Auftraggeber definiert werden, als auch Zustands‐ und Verbrauchsdaten, die durch das FM generiert werden. Diese Daten können nach deren Erfassung nicht nur ausgewertet, sondern auch ohne Medienbruch an weitere Dienstleister im Rahmen des digitalen Gebäudemodells übergeben werden.
The developing significance of context and function: Neuroscience and law
Authors: Freedman David , Woods George W.
Published: July 2018

Neuroscience has already changed the understanding of how intent forms and is acted upon, how an individual's cognitive processes shape behavior, and how bio‐psychosocial history and neurodevelopmental approaches provide information that has been largely missing from the assessment of intent. In this paper, we first review the state of forensic assessment of mental condition and intent, focused primarily on the weaknesses of the current approach. In Section 2, we discuss neurobehavioral forensic assessment, which is a neuroscience‐based approach. Section 3 focuses on the changing understanding of mental illness and how neuroscience is pushing law towards a functional capacity‐and‐ability model and away from a diagnostic cut‐off model. Finally, in Sections 4 and 5, we turn to the role of social and environmental context in shaping behavior and propose a model of behavioral intent in line with the scientific evidence.
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator in a patient with triple mechanical valves
Authors: Tan Alex W. X. , Ho Kah L. , Ching Chi K. , Chua Kelvin C. M.
Published: July 2018

Key Clinical Message

A patient with permanent atrial fibrillation, triple mechanical prosthetic valve replacements, and nonischemic cardiomyopathy presented with symptomatic high‐grade atrioventricular block. A transvenous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator system was achieved with the defibrillator lead and bipolar pace‐sense lead in separate anterolateral branches of the coronary sinus with successful defibrillation testing.
Disappearance of multiple pancreatic cysts after prednisolone treatment in a patient with autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Kohisa Junji , Tsuchiya Atsunori , Ikemi Masatoshi , Terai Shuji
Published: July 2018

Key Clinical Message

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) with multiple pancreatic cysts is rare. The severe narrowing of the branched pancreatic ducts found in active AIP with a chronic pancreatitis background may have caused pancreatic juice outflow obstruction, resulting in multiple cysts. Oral steroid therapy resolved the stenosis, resulting in disappearance of the cysts.
Wunderlich syndrome
Authors: Chamarthi Gajapathiraju , Koratala Abhilash
Published: July 2018

Key Clinical Message

End‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are predisposed to bleeding diathesis in the setting of uremic platelet dysfunction and endothelial abnormalities. One should have high index of suspicion for spontaneous renal hemorrhage when these patients present with abdominal pain and/or unexplained drop in hemoglobin and appropriate imaging should be undertaken without delay.
The Road Travelled: After Main‐Group Elements as Transition Metals
Authors: Weetman Catherine , Inoue Shigeyoshi
Published: July 2018

Since the latter quarter of the twentieth century, main group chemistry has undergone significant advances. Power's timely review in 2010 highlighted the inherent differences between the lighter and heavier main group elements, and that the heavier analogues resemble transition metals as shown by their reactivity towards small molecules. In this concept article, we present an overview of the last 10 years since Power's seminal review, and the progress made for catalytic application. This examines the use of low oxidation state and/or low coordinate group 13 and 14 complexes towards small molecule activation (oxidative addition step in a redox based cycle) and how ligand design plays a crucial role in influencing subsequent reactivity. The challenge in these redox based catalytic cycles still centres on the main group complexes’ ability to undergo reductive elimination, however considerable progress in this field has been reported via reversible oxidative addition reactions. Within the last 5 years the first examples of well‐defined low valent main group catalysts have begun to emerge, representing a bright future ahead for main group chemistry.
Three‐Dimensional Flower‐Like MoS2@Carbon Nanotube Composites with Interconnected Porous Networks and High Catalytic Activity as Cathode for Lithium‐Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Long Jianping , Hu Anjun , Shu Chaozhu , Wang Sha , Li Jiabao , Liang Ranxi
Published: July 2018

Lithium‐oxygen (Li−O2) batteries show great potential to become one of the most promising energy‐storage and conversion systems owing to their ultrahigh theoretical specific energy (∼3505 Wh kg−1). However, commercialization of Li‐O2 batteries is constrained by a large charging overpotential caused by the sluggish electrode kinetics and low conductivity of the discharge product, resulting in unsatisfied energy efficiency and poor cyclability. In this paper, aiming to address these issues, we propose unique orderly arranged three‐dimensional (3D) flower‐like MoS2 nanospheres combined with carbon nanotubes (f‐MoS2@CNTs) as an efficient cathode catalyst for Li−O2 batteries. Homogeneously dispersed CNTs on the surface of MoS2 can not only increase the electrical conductivity and thereby lowering the charge overpotential, but also maintain the structural integrity of the cathode, improving the cyclic reversibility. Benefiting from the unique 3D flower‐like structure with an interconnected porous network and the excellent catalytic activity of MoS2, the Li−O2 battery with a f‐MoS2@CNTs catalyst achieved a lower charge overpotential (1.02 V) and exhibited excellent cyclic reversibility with 141 cycles until the terminal voltage decreased below 2 V at a current density of 500 mA g−1. The reasonable design of the f‐MoS2@CNTs‐based cathode thus provides a promising solution for practical applications of Li−O2 batteries.
Synthesis of Doubly Annulated m‐Terphenyl‐Based Molecular Tweezers and Their Charge‐Transfer Complexes with DDQ as a Guest
Authors: Thakur Khushabu , Wang Denan , Lindeman Sergey V. , Rathore Rajendra
Published: July 2018

The synthesis of a doubly‐annulated m‐terphenyl‐based tweezer platform has been developed, which affords ready incorporation of various pincer units from monobenzenoid to polybenzenoid electron donors. The complexation study with 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ) as guest has been carried out, and the crystal structure of T‐Py∩DDQ reveals the sandwich‐type binding mode in the solid state.
Intramolecular Pd‐Catalyzed Formal anti‐Carboalkoxylation of Alkynes: Access to Tetrasubstituted Enol Ethers
Authors: Schitter Theresa , Jones Peter G. , Werz Daniel B.
Published: July 2018

An intramolecular Pd‐catalyzed formal anti‐carboalkoxylation reaction is presented that provides access to tetrasubstituted enol ethers. The key to success is a cascade consisting of a formal anti‐carbopalladation of a carbon–carbon triple bond followed by a nucleophilic attack of a hydroxy group at the emerging vinyl organopalladium species. The desired transformation proceeded smoothly with primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols, and even with phenols. Depending on the substitution pattern of the enol ethers, a further Tsuji–Trost‐type step may occur resulting in oligocyclic ketals.
Rationale and design of the Virginia Commonwealth University–Anakinra Remodeling Trial‐3 (VCU‐ART3): A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded, multicenter study
Authors: Van Tassell Benjamin W. , Lipinski Michael J. , Appleton Darryn , Roberts Charlotte S. , Kontos Michael C. , Abouzaki Nayef , Melchior Ryan , Mueller George , Garnett James , Canada Justin , Carbone Salvatore , Buckley Leo F. , Wohlford George , Kadariya Dinesh , Trankle Cory R. , Oddi Erdle Claudia , Sculthorpe Robin , Puckett Laura , DeWilde Christine , Shah Keyur , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Vetrovec George , Biondi‐Zoccai Giuseppe , Arena Ross , Abbate Antonio
Published: July 2018

There is clear association between the intensity of the acute inflammatory response during acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and adverse prognosis after AMI. Interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine released during AMI and involved in adverse remodeling and heart failure (HF). We describe a study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IL‐1 blockade using an IL‐1 receptor antagonist (anakinra) during the acute phase of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The Virginia Commonwealth University–Anakinra Remodeling Trial‐3 (VCU‐ART3; http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01950299) is a phase 2, multicenter, double‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial comparing anakinra 100 mg once or twice daily vs matching placebo (1:1:1) for 14 days in 99 patients with STEMI. Patients who present to the hospital with STEMI within 12 hours of symptom onset will be eligible for enrollment. Patients will be excluded for a history of HF (functional class III–IV), severe valvular disease, severe kidney disease (stage 4–5), active infection, recent use of immunosuppressive drugs, active malignancy, or chronic autoimmune/auto‐inflammatory diseases. We will measure the difference in the area under the curve for C‐reactive protein between admission and day 14, separately comparing each of the anakinra groups with the placebo group. The P value will be considered significant if <0.025 to adjust for multiple comparisons. Patients will also be followed for up to 12 months from enrollment to evaluate cardiac remodeling (echocardiography), cardiac function (echocardiography), and major adverse cardiovascular outcomes (cardiovascular death, MI, revascularization, and new onset of HF).
Unmet need for clinician engagement regarding financial toxicity after diagnosis of breast cancer
Authors: Jagsi Reshma , Ward Kevin C. , Abrahamse Paul H. , Wallner Lauren P. , Kurian Allison W. , Hamilton Ann S. , Katz Steven J. , Hawley Sarah T.
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Little is known regarding whether growing awareness of the financial toxicity of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment has increased clinician engagement or changed the needs of current patients.

METHODS

The authors surveyed patients with early‐stage breast cancer who were identified through population‐based sampling from 2 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) regions and their physicians. The authors described responses from approximately 73% of surgeons (370 surgeons), 61% of medical oncologists (306 medical oncologists), 67% of radiation oncologists (169 radiation oncologists), and 68% of patients (2502 patients).

RESULTS

Approximately one‐half (50.9%) of responding medical oncologists reported that someone in their practice often or always discusses financial burden with patients, as did 15.6% of surgeons and 43.2% of radiation oncologists. Patients indicated that financial toxicity remains common: 21.5% of white patients and 22.5% of Asian patients had to cut down spending on food, as did 45.2% of black and 35.8% of Latina patients. Many patients desired to talk to providers about the financial impact of cancer (15.2% of whites, 31.1% of blacks, 30.3% of Latinas, and 25.4% of Asians). Unmet patient needs for engagement with physicians about financial concerns were common. Of 945 women who worried about finances, 679 (72.8%) indicated that physicians and their staff did not help. Of 523 women who desired to talk to providers regarding the impact of breast cancer on employment or finances, 283 (55.4%) reported no relevant discussion.

CONCLUSIONS

Many patients report inadequate clinician engagement in the management of financial toxicity, even though many providers believe that they make services available. Clinician assessment and communication regarding financial toxicity must improve; cure at the cost of financial ruin is unacceptable. Cancer 2018;000:000‐000. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Continuous Flow Photochemical Benzylic Bromination of a Key Intermediate in the Synthesis of a 2‐Oxazolidinone
Authors: Chen Yuesu , de Frutos Oscar , Mateos Carlos , Rincon Juan A. , Cantillo David , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: July 2018

A continuous flow procedure for the benzylic photobromination of methyl N,N‐bis (tert‐butoxycarbonyl) phenylalaninate is presented. This photochemical transformation generating the brominated intermediate is the critical step in the synthesis of the oxazolidinone methyl (4S,5R)‐3‐N‐tert‐Butoxycarbonyl‐5‐phenyl‐1,3‐oxazolidin‐2‐oxo‐4‐carboxylate, a key intermediate for the preparation of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The reaction was optimized in three continuous flow photoreactors: A self‐made reactor based on a T5 8 W black light lamp, as well as the commercially available VapourTec® UV‐150 and Corning® Advanced‐Flow™ reactors, both equipped with LED light sources. Under optimal conditions, concentrated solutions (95 g/L) of the starting material could be processed on a multi‐gram scale, providing high conversion (96 %) within 7 min at 30 °C, using 2 equivalents of N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS).