bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparable efficacy with similarly low risk of hypoglycaemia in patient‐ vs physician‐managed basal insulin initiation and titration in insulin‐naïve type 2 diabetic subjects: The Italian Titration Approach Study
Authors: Bonadonna Riccardo C. , Giaccari Andrea , Buzzetti Raffaella , Perseghin Gianluca , Cucinotta Domenico , Avogaro Angelo , Aimaretti Gianluca , Larosa Monica , Fanelli Carmine G. , Bolli Geremia B.
Published: March 2020

Aims

People with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2DM) often delay initiating and titrating basal insulin. Patient‐managed titration may reduce such deferral. The Italian Titration Approach Study (ITAS) compared the efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla‐300) initiation and titration using patient‐ (nurse‐supported) or physician‐management in insulin‐naïve patients with uncontrolled T2DM.

Materials and methods

ITAS was a multicentre, phase IV, 24‐week, open‐label, randomized (1:1), parallel‐group study. Insulin‐naïve adults with T2DM for ≥1 year with poor metabolic control initiated Gla‐300 after discontinuation of SU/glinides, and were randomized to self‐titrate insulin dose (nurse‐assisted) or have it done by the physician. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c. Secondary outcomes included hypoglycaemia incidence and rate, change in fasting self‐monitored plasma glucose, patient‐reported outcomes (PROs), and adverse events.

Results

Three hundred and fifty five participants were included in the intention‐to‐treat population. At Week 24, HbA1c reduction from baseline was non‐inferior in patient‐ vs physician‐managed arms [least squares mean (LSM) change (SE): −1.60% (0.06) vs −1.49% (0.06), respectively; LSM difference: −0.11% (95% CI: −0.26 to 0.04)]. The incidence and rates of hypoglycaemia were similarly low in both arms: relative risk of confirmed and/or severe nocturnal (00:00‐05:59 hours) hypoglycaemia was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.27 to 2.18). No differences were observed for improvement in PROs. No safety concerns were reported.

Conclusions

In the T2DM insulin‐naïve, SU/glinides discontinued population, patient‐managed (nurse‐assisted) titration of Gla‐300 may be a suitable option as it provides improved glycaemic control with low risk of hypoglycaemia, similar to physician‐managed titration.
Hydrochorous seed dispersal in riparian forests altered by urbanization
Authors: von Behren Christa , Yeakley J. Alan
Published: March 2020

While riparian habitat alterations from urban stream syndrome are known to affect vegetation establishment and survival, the degree to which riparian seed delivery by hydrochory is affected by urbanization is unclear. We hypothesized that (1) there would be a reduction in the overall number of seeds deposited by streams as watershed urbanization increased; and (2) in the most urbanized watersheds, seeds deposited by water would be predominantly from species with traits favoring dispersal in general, including tall stature and high seed production, and favoring deposition by water in particular, including large seed size and the presence of a dispersal appendage. Nine riparian forests, selected using a stratified random approach, were studied along a gradient of watershed impervious surface area (1–41%) in the Portland, Oregon, USA, metropolitan region. Seeds deposited by water were collected using turf traps four times over a 15‐month period that spanned both wet and dry seasonal conditions. Along the urbanization gradient of increasing total impervious area, there was a significant decrease in the total number of seeds deposited by hydrochory (adjusted R2 = 0.74; P < 0.01). Deposition of seeds from shade‐tolerant and native taxa by water decreased as surrounding urbanization increased (adjusted R2 = 0.57; P < 0.05). Deposition of non‐native seeds increased as urban development within 500 m from the riparian area increased (adjusted R2 = 0.79, P < 0.01). The findings demonstrate that seed dispersal patterns in riparian areas are altered by urbanization. During higher rainfall seasons, flashy hydrology and stream bank scour appear to alter seed delivery in highly urban watersheds. While the urban stream syndrome contributes to altered dispersal, other urbanization pressures that affect source populations, such as vegetation removal, also limit seed delivery to riparian sites. Overall, our results suggest that urbanization can limit the regeneration processes that maintain vegetation communities in riparian forests.
Partial migration in a subtropical wading bird in the southeastern United States
Authors: Picardi Simona , Frederick Peter C. , Borkhataria Rena R. , Basille Mathieu
Published: March 2020

The function of migration is to allow exploitation of resources whose availability is heterogeneous in space and time. Much effort has been historically directed to studying migration as a response to seasonal, predictable fluctuations in resource availability in temperate species. A deeper understanding of how different migration patterns emerge in response to different patterns of resource variation requires describing migration patterns of species inhabiting less predictable environments, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. We provide the first individual‐based, quantitative description of migratory patterns in a subtropical wading bird in the southeastern United States, the wood stork (Mycteria americana). UsingGPStracking data for 64 individuals tracked between 2004 and 2017, we classified migratory behavior at the individual‐year level using information theory‐based model selection on nonlinear models of net squared displacement. We found that the wood stork population is partially migratory, with 59% of individuals seasonally commuting between winter ranges in Florida and summer ranges elsewhere in the population range (migrants), and 28% remaining in a single area in Florida year‐round (residents). Additionally, 13% of storks act as facultative migrants, migrating in some years but not in others. Comparing the distribution of residents and migrants suggests that different migratory strategies might be associated with the use of different or differently distributed resources, possibly including food supplementation from human activities. The existence of facultative migrants shows the potential for plastic change in migratory patterns. Partial migration in wood storks may be an adaptation to high heterogeneity and unpredictability of food resources. We suggest that future research should focus on wading birds as model species for the study of partial migration as an adaptation to heterogeneous and unpredictable environments.
Frequently burned loblolly–shortleaf pine forest in the southeastern United States lacks the stability of longleaf pine forest
Authors: Matusick George , Hudson Stephen J. , Garrett Caleb Z. , Samuelson Lisa J. , Kent James D. , Addington Robert N. , Parker James M.
Published: March 2020

In recent decades, conservation objectives have driven changes to the management of some pine forests in the southeastern United States. Forest thinning and frequent burning of old‐field and plantation pine forests have resulted in an open loblolly–shortleaf pine forest community which resembles the original longleaf pine forest. It is, however, unclear how the structure, composition, and function of the loblolly–shortleaf forest compare to natural longleaf pine forest, and whether it represents an alternative stable state, or simply a transitional state. Understanding the stability of open loblolly–shortleaf pine forest is critical, particularly because several threatened and endangered species are now reliant on it for habitat. The structure and composition of loblolly–shortleaf forest and natural longleaf pine forest were compared using data from permanent forest plots at Fort Benning, Georgia, USA. To assess the stability of the loblolly–shortleaf pine forest and determine whether it is an alternative stable or transitional state, the LANDIS‐II forest landscape simulation model was used to simulate changes in forest type cover under no disturbance, and a frequent‐fire regime at Fort Benning. Under both management scenarios, nearly all loblolly–shortleaf pine forest converted to mixed hardwood forest over the course of the simulation, with most conversion occurring within 60 yr. In contrast, longleaf pine forest cover increased under frequent fire. Several important structural and compositional differences may have contributed to the instability of loblolly–shortleaf pine forest compared to longleaf pine forest. These include, among other factors, higher densities of resprouting hardwood trees and shrubs in loblolly–shortleaf pine forest, including sweetgum, a resilient broadleaf species capable of transforming ecosystem structure. These results highlight the instability of the open loblolly–shortleaf pine forest community and confirm that is a transitional state, destined for mixed hardwood forest in the coming decades under either no disturbance or frequent fire alone. Future forest planning should consider an active transition from the loblolly–shortleaf pine forest in the coming decades if open pine forest is to be conserved for wildlife and conservation objectives.
Weak Intermolecular Interactions for Strengthening Organic Batteries
Authors: Wang Chengliang
Published: March 2020

Organic batteries have attracted a lot of attention due to the advantages of flexibility, light weight, vast resources, low cost, recyclability, and ease to be functionalized through molecular design. The biggest difference between organic materials and inorganic materials is the relatively weak intermolecular interactions in organic materials but strong covalent or ionic bonds in inorganic materials, which is the inherent reason of their different physiochemical and electrochemical characteristics. Therefore, the relatively weak intermolecular interactions can indisputably affect the electrochemical performance of organic batteries significantly. Herein, the intermolecular interactions that are closely related to organic redox‐active materials and unique in organic batteries are summarized into three parts: 1) between neighbor active molecules, 2) between active molecules and the conduction additives, and 3) between active molecules and the binders. We hope this short review can give a distinct viewpoint for better understanding the internal reasons of high‐performance batteries and stimulate the deep studies of relatively weak intermolecular interactions for strengthening the performance of organic batteries.
The roles of race, sex and cognitions in response to experimental pain
Authors: Day Melissa A. , Ward L. Charles , Grover Michelle P. , Ehde Dawn M. , Illingworth Oliver R. , Jensen Mark P.
Published: March 2020

Background

This study reports a multivariate test of sex and race differences in experimental pain, and the degree to which these differences could be uniquely attributable to three levels of cognition: primary appraisals (threat, challenge), secondary appraisals (pain catastrophizing) and/or cognitive processes (mindful observing, non‐reactivity). Both the predictive and mediator role of the cognitive variables was of interest.

Methods

The study employed a cross‐sectional experimental design, with the cold pressor task employed as the pain stimulus. The total sample included N = 355 healthy adults (67% female, 33% male; 70% Caucasian, 30% Asian).

Results

Significant sex and race differences on pain tolerance were found, with females and racial minorities reporting less pain tolerance (ps < 0.001). Males reported significantly higher challenge appraisals and non‐reactivity, and lower pain catastrophizing than females; Asians reported significantly higher threat appraisals and pain catastrophizing than Caucasians. In multivariate analyses, challenge appraisals and non‐reactivity emerged as the strongest predictors of pain tolerance. Furthermore, challenge appraisals mediated the sex‐pain tolerance association (p = .017).

Conclusions

This study showed that race and sex differences, at least in part, may be accounted for by differences in pain‐related cognitions.

Significance

The three levels of cognition investigated in this research represent changeable, important processes for potentially mitigating the impact of pain in vulnerable groups.
The Effect of Controlling Strategies of pH and Ammonia Concentration on Preparing Full Concentration Gradient Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1(OH)2 via Coprecipitation in a Pilot‐Scale Reactor
Authors: Duan Jihai , Zhang Ruchao , Zhu Quanhong , Xiao Hang , Huang Qingshan
Published: March 2020

Full concentration gradient (FCG)‐Ni1−x−yCoxMny(OH)2 is generally synthesized via varying the molar ratio of metal ions in feeding flow during coprecipitation. Accordingly, pH and [N] (ammonia concentration) should change with the reaction time given that the optimum pH and [N] are different with variations of x or y. Hence, the effect of the controlling strategies of pH and [N] on preparing the FCG‐precursor is explored, and the mechanism behind is revealed. The FCG‐precursor with the covariation of pH and [N] has the densest and firmest structure, highest tap density (2.115 g mL−1), and a well‐ordered layered crystal structure. In addition, its discharge capacity can reach as high as 189.4 mAh g−1 (capacity retention of 96.3%) after 200 cycles at 1 C rate, which is 9.1% and 15.8% higher than FCG‐NCM811 with constant pH, [N], and Homo‐NCM811. The match between pH and [N] is crucial to obtain the favorable FCG‐precursor and ‐NCM811.
Improved Capacitive Performances from Adjusted Graphite Microcrystallites with Multilayer Graphene Being In Situ Formed in Amorphous Carbons
Authors: Xu Zijie , Jin Qiaoran , Yang Liu , Cong Yao , Hu Zhonghua
Published: March 2020

The adjusted graphite microcrystallites (GMCs) in amorphous carbons have an important effect on their structures and capacitive performances. Samples with various accumulations of GMCs are prepared from carbon microspheres (CMSs). Their structures and capacitive performances are probed by morphology, spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption, and electrochemical methods. The carbons with multilayer graphene (MLG) being in situ formed possess the specific surface area, mesopore volume, and specific capacitance of about 2087 m2 g−1, 0.92 cm−3 g−1, and 250 F g−1, which is 2.33, 8.4, and 1.9 times larger than CMSs, respectively. The combination of ordered and disordered GMCs results from MLG being in situ formed in amorphous carbons, and makes the carbons possess obviously decreased electric and ionic transmission resistances and improved capacitive performances at large charge–discharge current densities. It is also found that the accumulation of GMCs in amorphous carbons can be adjusted by controlling the infiltration of sodium metals into the matrix.
Modeling and control of dynamic battery storage system used in hybrid grid
Authors: Sarita Kumari , Devarapalli Ramesh , Rai Pankaj
Published: March 2020

In renewable energy‐based grids, the most challenging tasks are to achieve uninterrupted, reliable, and continuous power supply from these grids. From literature, the problems in these grids and their associated solutions are (a) discrepancy between generation and demand: this is resolved by hybrid solar‐wind battery storage system (BSS), (b) requirement of improved efficiency and reliability: this is achieved by the use of state‐of‐the‐art controllers and innovative switching systems, (c) analysis of dynamic systems, optimization, and control: for these, mathematical modeling of systems is prepared, which is a tough task as solar, wind, and battery system contain nonlinear parameters. This article focuses on modeling and simulation of the wind turbine, photovoltaic (PV) arrays, and dynamic BSS. Moreover, control of variable speed wind turbines with pitch angle control, output power improvement of PV systems, and State‐of‐Charge (SoC) estimation of BSS with its characteristics parameters, temperature effects are analyzed in this work. The dynamic controller is provided which controls the charging/discharging of battery with the change in load, the power output of wind and solar system and makes the system reliable and efficient. In the result section, comparison of battery voltage and SoC is made by considering and neglecting the temperature effect.
The physicochemical properties of chitosan prepared by microwave heating
Authors: Cheng Jiaqi , Zhu Huaping , Huang Jianlian , Zhao Jianxin , Yan Bowen , Ma Shenyan , Zhang Hao , Fan Daming
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to compare the physicochemical properties of chitosan prepared by microwave and water bath heating with an equivalent quantity of heat intake. The structure and physicochemical properties of the chitosan obtained by these two methods were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The FTIR and XRD patterns show that there was no significant difference in the structure of chitosan produced by the two heat sources. The results showed that chitosan with 73.86% deacetylation was successfully prepared by microwave heating within 60 min, while a longer time of 180 min was required for the preparation of chitosan with the same deacetylation degree (74.47%) using the conventional heating method under the same heating rate. Even under the same temperature conditions, microwave technology can greatly reduce the reaction time by approximately 1/3, while the chitosan produced by microwaves can obtain relatively low molecular weight and viscosity. These results showed that microwaves may efficiently promote complete chemical reactions by the friction heating mechanism generated by molecular vibration beyond a rapid heating source, turning into a more efficient, energy‐saving, and environmentally friendly method for the further use of rigid shrimp shells and highly crystalline crustacean materials.
The Chemistry of Porous Polymers: The Holey Grail
Authors: Silverstein Michael S.
Published: March 2020

Porous polymers have been evolving continuously since the introduction of foam rubber in 1929. Today, pore diameters ranging from sub‐nanometre to millimetre can be generated controllably. Cutting‐edge porous polymers are now being applied at the forefront of critical problems with societal and environmental impact including advanced systems for biomedicine, water purification, energy storage, and gas purification and storage. The commonly‐used pore generation approaches include macromolecular design, self‐assembly, phase separation, solid and liquid templating, sol‐gel formation, and foaming. In each, The Chemistry of Polymers, both the polymerization chemistry and the macromolecular structural chemistry, must be applied advantageously to generate the empty volume within the polymer and then fix it in place. This essay will traverse the various pore size scales, describing the chemistries involved and discussing their implications.
Effect of current guidelines on prevention of pre‐eclampsia with low‐dose aspirin in primary settings: A population‐based case–control study
Authors: Premru‐Srsen Tanja , Kocic Zorana , Verdenik Ivan
Published: March 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effect of low‐dose aspirin, which was administered at or before the 16th week of pregnancy due to maternal characteristics and history of a pre‐existing medical condition, on prevention of pre‐eclampsia, and on the birth of a small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonate without pre‐eclampsia in nulliparas in primary settings.

Methods

We performed a case–control study using population‐based data on 47 271 nulliparas with a singleton pregnancy who delivered in Slovenia from 2013 to 2017. The treated group received low‐dose aspirin. For the untreated group, propensity score matching was used to perform a 1:1 matching. In the matched sample, we calculated the odds ratios (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) with a two‐way test for pre‐eclampsia, as well as SGA neonates.

Results

In the treated group (n=584), the odds for an SGA neonate were significantly increased by 42.7% (OR 1.427, 95% CI 1.001–2.034). However, we found no significant effect on the odds for pre‐eclampsia (OR 1.308, 95% CI 0.847–2.022).

Conclusions

In anticipation of more substantial population‐based data studies, in the Slovenian population, preventive treatment with low‐dose aspirin due to maternal characteristics and history of a pre‐existing medical condition is not beneficial for the prevention of pre‐eclampsia and can harm fetal growth.
Estimation of firm‐level productivity in the presence of exports: Evidence from China's manufacturing
Authors: Malikov Emir , Zhao Shunan , Kumbhakar Subal C.
Published: March 2020

Motivated by the long‐standing interest of economists in understanding the nexus between firm productivity and export behavior, this paper develops a novel structural framework for control‐function‐based nonparametric identification of the gross production function and latent firm productivity in the presence of endogenous export opportunities that is robust to recent unidentification critiques of proxy estimators. We provide a workable identification strategy, whereby the firm's degree of export orientation provides the needed (excluded) relevant independent exogenous variation in endogenous freely varying inputs, thus allowing us to identify the production function. We estimate our fully nonparametric instrumental variable model using the Landweber–Fridman regularization with the unknown functions approximated via artificial neural network sieves with a sigmoid activation function, which are known for their superior performance relative to other popular sieve approximators, including the polynomial series favored in the literature. Using our methodology, we obtain robust productivity estimates for manufacturing firms from 28 industries in China during the 1999–2006 period to take a close look at China's exporter productivity puzzle, whereby exporters are found to exhibit lower productivity levels than nonexports.
Chronic Kidney Disease Increases the Risk of Hip Fracture: A Prospective Cohort Study in Korean Adults
Authors: Kim Se Hwa , Yi Sang-Wook , Yi Jee-Jeon , Kim Yoo Mee , Won Young Jun
Published: March 2020

This study was conducted to examine the association between renal function and hip fracture. We followed up 352,624 Korean adults, who participated in health examinations during 2009–2010 until 2013. Kidney function was assessed by creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria using urine reagent strip results. The incidence of hip fracture was examined by hospital discharge records. Hazard ratios (HRs) for hip fracture were calculated using Cox proportional hazard models after adjusting for multiple confounders. During a mean follow-up of 4.0 years, 1177 participants suffered a hip fracture. Lower eGFR and more severe albuminuria were associated with a higher risk of hip fracture. The HRs for hip fracture were 1.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47–2.43) and 3.75 (95% CI 2.30–6.11) among participants with eGFRs of 30 to 44 and 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73m2 relative to those with an eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73m2, respectively. The HRs were 1.30 (95% CI 1.02–1.65) for moderate albuminuria and 1.58 (95% CI 1.07–2.35) for severe albuminuria (p for trend = 0.002). Participants with albuminuria had a higher risk of hip fracture than those without albuminuria, even when they belonged to the same eGFR category (HR = 1.75 versus 3.30 for an eGFR of 30 to 44 mL/min/1.73m2; HR = 2.72 versus 7.84 for an eGFR of 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73m2). The effects of each 10 mL/min/1.73m2 decrease in eGFR were stronger with advancing albuminuria severity (pinteraction = 0.016). In conclusion, both low eGFR and albuminuria were risk factors for incident hip fracture in Korean adults. Moreover, these factors exerted a synergistic effect on the risk of hip fracture. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Pregnancy-Related Bone Mineral and Microarchitecture Changes in Women Aged 30 to 45 Years
Authors: Ó Breasail Mícheál , Prentice Ann , Ward Kate
Published: March 2020

At birth, the neonatal skeleton contains 20 to 30 g calcium (Ca). It is hypothesized maternal bone mineral may be mobilized to support fetal skeletal development, although evidence of pregnancy-induced mineral mobilization is limited. We recruited healthy pregnant (n = 53) and non-pregnant non-lactating (NPNL; n = 37) women aged 30 to 45 years (mean age 35.4 ± 3.8 years) and obtained peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) and high-resolution pQCT (HR-pQCT) scans from the tibia and radius at 14 to 16 and 34 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, with a similar scan interval for NPNL. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess group differences in change between baseline and follow-up; differences are expressed as standard deviation scores (SDS) ± SEM. Decreases in volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) outcomes were found in both groups; however, pregnancy-related decreases for pQCT total and trabecular vBMD were −0.65 ± 0.22 SDS and −0.50 ± 0.23 SDS greater (p < .05). HR-pQCT total and cortical vBMD decreased compared with NPNL by −0.49 ± 0.24 SDS and −0.67 ± 0.23 SDS, respectively; trabecular vBMD decreased in both groups to a similar magnitude. Pregnancy-related changes in bone microarchitecture significantly exceeded NPNL change for trabecular number (0.47 ± 0.23 SDS), trabecular separation (−0.54 ± 0.24 SDS), cortical thickness (−1.01 ± 0.21 SDS), and cortical perimeter (0.78 ± 0.23 SDS). At the proximal radius, cortical vBMD and endosteal circumference increased by 0.50 ± 0.23 SDS and 0.46 ± 0.23 SDS, respectively, compared with NPNL, whereas cortical thickness decreased −0.50 ± 0.22 SDS. Pregnancy-related decreases in total and compartment-specific vBMD exceed age-related change at the distal tibia. Changes at the radius were only evident with pQCT at the cortical-rich proximal site and suggest endosteal resorption. Although the magnitude of these pregnancy-related changes in the appendicular skeleton are small, if they reflect global changes across the skeleton at large, they may contribute substantially to the Ca requirements of the fetus. © 2020 Crown copyright. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR). This article is published with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen's Printer for Scotland.
Identification of functional circRNA/miRNA/mRNA regulatory network for exploring prospective therapy strategy of colorectal cancer
Authors: Xu Dongping , Wu Yutong , Wang Xiufang , Hu Xiaoyun , Qin Wenyan , Li Yalun , Wang Yilin , Zhang Zhen , Lu Senxu , Sun Tong , Wu Zhikun , Fu Dandan , Fu Boshi , Zhang Jing , Chen Qiuchen , Wei Minjie , Zhao Lin , Wu Huizhe
Published: March 2020

Circular RNA (circRNA) has been reported to have great scientific significance and clinical value in multiple cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the biological function of most circRNAs in CRC is still in its infancy. Herein, we discovered the differential expressed circRNAs (DECs) between CRC tissues and matched adjacent using deep RNA sequencing and further confirmed the DECs expression by combining with another Gene Expression Omnibus dataset. Furthermore, we validated the expression of the top four upregulated circRNAs (hsa_circ_0030632, hsa_circ_0004887, hsa_circ_0001550, and hsa_circ_0001681) in both of paired CRC tissues and CRC cell lines. Then, a circRNA/microRNA/messenger RNA regulatory network was established and the Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis showed these four circRNAs participated in various biological processed including apoptotic process and multiple metabolic processes. Moreover, based on the regulatory network, three bioactive compounds (pergolide, pivampicillin, and methylergometrine) for the treatment of CRC were also found. In conclusion, this study improved our understanding of circRNAs and may also facilitate the finding of promising targets and biomarkers in CRC.
Rare earth–porphyrin complex catalysts for transforming CO2 into cyclic carbonate under mild conditions
Authors: Wang Wenzhen , Fan Wei , Jia Xingang , Li Leilei
Published: March 2020

A series of rare earth metal complexes RE(TPP)(acac) (RE = NdIII, YbIII, EuIII, ErIII, PrIII, and LuIII; TPP = 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenylporphyrin) were synthesized and characterized via UV–vis, IR, and elemental analyses. Their catalytic activities on the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from carbon dioxide and epoxides under different reaction conditions (temperature, pressure, and reaction time) were investigated. Catalytic reaction tests showed that the complex Lu(TPP)(acac) could significantly enhance the catalytic reactivity under mild conditions without any co‐solvent.
CircRNA_103762 promotes multidrug resistance in NSCLC by targeting DNA damage inducible transcript 3 (CHOP)
Authors: Xiao Guanhua , Huang Wenqi , Zhan Yongzhong , Li Jing , Tong Wancheng
Published: March 2020

Background

CircRNAs have been found to play crucial roles in multiple tumor including non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we researched the correlation between circRNA_103762 and chemotherapy resistance.

Methods

RT‐PCR assay was performed to detect circRNA_103762 and DNA damage inducible transcript 3 (CHOP) expression. CCK8 assay was performed to examine cell proliferation and IC50 of different drug. Migration and invasion assay was used to detect cell migration and invasion.

Results

In our study, circRNA_103762 expression was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell. Knockdown of circRNA_103762 can inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in NSCLC. In addition, downregulation of circRNA_103762 promoted CHOP expression and inhibited multidrug resistance (MDR) in NSCLC.

Conclusion

Together, we demonstrated that circRNA_103762 is upregulated in NSCLC and functions as an oncogene in NSCLC, and circRNA_103762 enhanced MDR by inhibited CHOP expression in NSCLC cells. These results will help us understand the MDR of NSCLC, providing better effective therapy strategies for patients.
Electrochemical oxidation of the pesticide nitenpyram using a Gd‐PbO2 anode: operation parameter optimization and degradation mechanism
Authors: Yang Yang , Xia Yun , Wei Feng , Zhang Liman , Yao Yingwu
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Nitenpyram is a neonicotinoid insecticide widely used in agriculture and horticulture, which is stable and builds up in wastewater, causing serious environmental concerns. In this work, the process of advanced electrochemical oxidation for degrading nitenpyram was investigated in detail. The influences of operation parameters (including applied current density, initial nitenpyram concentration, Na2SO4 concentration and pH value) on the electrochemical removal of nitenpyram and its relative degradation mechanism were studied by a gadolinium‐doped lead dioxide (Gd‐PbO2) anode.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that the electrochemical oxidation of nitenpyram follows pseudo‐first‐order reaction kinetics under different operation conditions. After that, 95.44% of nitenpyram and 79.22% of COD could be eliminated from 0.15 mol L−1 Na2SO4 solution dissolving 75 mg L−1 nitenpyram under 70 mA cm−2 at pH = 5.0. Ultimately, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and HPLC/mass spectroscopy (MS) were adopted to discover the degradation by‐products during the nitenpyram oxidization process, and up to 14 by‐products were successfully identified. Then a typical nitenpyram degradation pathway was proposed based on these by‐products, comprising two divided parallel sub‐routes. Indirect electrochemical oxidation was responsible for nitenpyram degradation by Gd‐PbO2 anode, and hydroxyl radicals were the main reactive oxygen species.

CONCLUSION

The Gd‐PbO2 electrode presented remarkable performance in nitenpyram degradation. Therefore, the electrochemical oxidation method by Gd‐PbO2 anode is considered to be a very promising and practical mode of herbicide wastewater treatment. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Fabrication of a ternary carbon dots/CoO/g‐C3N4 nanocomposite photocatalyst with enhanced visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Shi Weilong , Wang Jingbo , Yang Shuang , Lin Xue , Guo Feng , Shi Junyou
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production using sunlight is a promising solution for obtaining clean renewable energy. Therefore, the study of efficient, nontoxic and stable photocatalysts is very important.

RESULTS

A novel ternary carbon dots/cobalt monoxide/graphitic carbon nitride (CDs/CoO/g‐C3N4) composite photocatalyst was prepared by a simple solvothermal method for photocatalytic H2 production under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). Compared with single semiconductors CoO and g‐C3N4, and binary composite CoO/g‐C3N4, the ternary CDs/CoO/g‐C3N4 nanocomposite exhibited higher photocatalytic performance. The optimal photocatalytic H2 rate of CDs/CoO/g‐C3N4 photocatalyst was 987.4 μmol g−1·h−1 with the apparent quantum efficiency of 2.39% at 420 nm. This enhanced photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the synergy effect of strong absorption and electron buffer property of CDs as well as the merits of the internal heterojunction formed between CoO and g‐C3N4.

CONCLUSIONS

This work provides a new approach to the design of a high‐efficiency composite photocatalyst for converting solar energy into chemical fuel. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
West Nile neuroinvasive disease. Report of four cases in Northern Greece, 2018
Authors: Papagiannis Ioannis , Tsolaki Magda , Kiryttopoulos Andreas , Antoniadi Eleni , Kyriakogianni Chrysanthi , Fotiou Dimitrios , Notas Konstantinos , Liougka Evangelia , Myrou Athina , Hatzitolios Apostolos , Haloudis Pantelis , Papaioannou Maria , Spilioti Martha , Papa Anna , Tegos Thomas
Published: March 2020

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito‐borne RNA flavivirus which caused several epidemics worldwide. The year 2018 was a WNV record year for Europe, including Greece, with earlier and longer transmission season with higher than the previous number of cases. It has been proposed that some simple biochemical markers may be helpful for the recognition of WNV neuroinvasive disease, its differential from other neurological infectious diseases and prognosis. We describe four cases that suffered from WNV meningitis and/or encephalitis hospitalized in 2018 in a tertiary hospital in Thessaloniki, Greece, and investigate the importance of simple biomarkers for the recognition of WNV etiology.
Field‐matching at the compact SIW horn antenna aperture using genetic algorithm
Authors: Mohammadi‐Parastoo Mahdi , Mohammad‐Ali‐Nezhad Sajad , Saviz Soorena
Published: March 2020

A compact substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) horn antenna is proposed with improvements in antenna gain and back lobe level. By pixelating the metal part of the antenna aperture and considering the presence or absence of metal in each pixel using Genetic Algorithm (GA), the electromagnetic field distribution could be controlled especially in the front panel of the antenna. As a result, an increase of 4 dBi occurs in gain and back lobe level is 10.8 dB better than the conventional SIW horn antenna. The proposed antenna works at the frequency of 30.2 GHz and without adding any parts to conventional SIW Horn antenna we do not leave the antenna in compact mode. In order to verify the simulation results, two commercial software has been used and the results are good both in CST and HFSS.
Glial Periorbital Heterotopia
Authors: di Pasquo Elvira , Kuleva Marina , Sonigo Pascale , Millischer Anne E. , Bremond‐Gignac Dominique , Ville Yves , Salomon Laurent J.
Published: March 2020

Congenital orbital masses are rare disorders. A wide variety of lesions, including malignant and benign tumors, may develop around the orbit; hemangioma, lymphangioma, and optic nerve meningioma are the most common. Counseling for the prognosis and postnatal treatment depends on antenatal suspicion. Glial heterotopia should also be considered for the differential diagnosis. Integration of antenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics could help in the differential diagnosis. For the first time to our knowledge, a literature review on fetal orbital tumors was performed, along with a systematic description of imaging characteristics, treatment, and the prognosis.
Tumor Proliferation and Invasiveness Derived From Ultrasound Appearances of Invasive Breast Cancers
Authors: Li Jia‐Wei , Tong Yu‐Yang , Zhou Jin , Shi Zhao‐Ting , Sun Pei‐Xuan , Chang Cai
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To investigate the correlation between ultrasound (US) appearances of invasive breast cancers and tumor proliferation and invasiveness measured according to the histologic grade, Ki‐67 expression, axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM), and lymphovascular invasion (LVI).

Methods

This study evaluated 676 patients who underwent primary surgical treatment of invasive breast cancers. The preoperative US reports and postoperative pathologic and immunohistochemical results of the patients were retrospectively reviewed. Ultrasound characteristics were evaluated according to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS) lexicon. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictive US features that were correlated with tumor proliferation and invasiveness of breast cancers. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated.

Results

Posterior acoustic enhancement and calcifications on US images were independent predictive factors of a higher histologic grade and a higher Ki‐67 level (OR, 1.69–6.54; P < .05). Meanwhile, a noncircumscribed margin (OR, 2.61; P < .05) and posterior acoustic shadow (OR, 1.62; P < .05) were independent predictors of ALNM. An irregular shape (OR, 2.13; P < .05) and calcifications (OR, 1.69; P < .05) were independent risk factors for LVI. Infiltrative breast cancers scored as BI‐RADS category 5 had higher probability to be associated with ALNM (OR, 3.33; P < .0005) and LVI (OR, 2.87; P < .0005).

Conclusions

Ultrasound features of invasieve breast cancers might have a predictive value for tumor proliferation and invasiveness. The US features correlated with a high cellular proliferation rate were different from those associated with ALNM. The tumor shape, margin, posterior acoustic pattern, and calcifications at US are suggested to be considered by clinicians when making clinical decisions.
Characterization of a PLDζ2 Homology Gene from Developing Castor Bean Endosperm
Authors: Tian Bo , Sun Meijuan , Jayawardana Kethmi , Wu Ding , Chen Guanqun
Published: March 2020

Castor oil contains approximately 90% ricinoleic acid (RA) which is stored mainly in the form of tri‐ricinoleic acid containing triacylglycerols (TAG). Ricinoleate is synthesized from oleate (18:1n‐9) esterified to the sn‐2 position of phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) catalyzed by oleoyl‐12‐hydroxylase. PtdCho‐derived diacylglycerol (DAG) is an important substrate pool for TAG synthesis, and the interconversion between PtdCho and DAG has been shown to play a critical role in channeling hydroxy fatty acids (HFA) to TAG. Although phospholipase D (PLD) has been reported to catalyze the hydrolysis of PtdCho to produce phosphatidic acid which can then be converted to DAG, its potential functions in the channeling of RA from PtdCho to DAG and the assembly of RA on TAG is largely unknown. In the present study, 11 PLD genes were identified from the Castor Bean Genome Database. Gene expression analysis indicated that RcPLD9 is expressed at relatively high levels in developing seeds compared to other plant tissues. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed that RcPLD9 is a homolog of Arabidopsis PLDζ2. Overexpression of RcPLD9 in the Arabidopsis CL7 line producing C18‐HFA resulted in RA content reductions in the polar lipid fraction (mainly PtdCho) and mono‐HFA‐TAG, but increased RA content in di‐HFA‐TAG. Since part of RA in di‐HFA‐TAG is derived from HFA‐DAG, the results indicated that RcPLD9 facilitates the channeling of RA from PtdCho to DAG for its assembly on TAG in developing seeds.
Portable, low‐cost hypoxia chamber for simulating hypoxic environments: Development, characterization and applications
Authors: Saxena Shivanjali , Agrawal Ishan , Singh Pratibha , Jha Sushmita
Published: March 2020

Hypoxia is a pathological condition known to occur in several diseases including stroke and certain cancers. The development and testing of a portable hypoxia chamber remains a challenge. Hypoxia simulating devices typically consist of a sealed chamber that is placed inside the existing laboratory incubator at 37°C. Existing devices for simulating hypoxic environments are cost and space inefficient. This study describes the development of a portable, cost‐efficient hypoxia chamber with a small footprint and low running cost. Performance of the chamber was validated through cell and microbial culture as well as gene and protein expression experiments. The hypoxia dependent protein expression changes were established using HIF‐1α and VEGF as hypoxia marker. Our hypoxia chamber is able to maintain hypoxic environment for up to 12 hr.
Association between CYP2B6 polymorphism and acute leukemia in a Han population of Northwest China
Authors: Yu Li‐Li , Zhang Wei , Li Juan , Zhao Li
Published: March 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate potential associations between CYP2B6 c.516G>T polymorphism and the occurrence and prognosis of acute leukemias (AL) in the Han population of Northwest China.

Methods

The CYP2B6 gene polymorphism was analyzed by PCR‐RFLP and Sanger DNA sequencing in 126 patients with AL and 161 healthy controls.

Results

Compared with controls, there were significantly higher frequencies of GT and TT genotypes and T alleles in AL patients (p < .05), particularly in fusion gene‐positive AL patients. There was no significant difference in CYP2B6 polymorphic genotypes and T alleles between AL patients with complete remission after the first course of chemotherapy and controls (p > .05), while the frequencies in AL patients with partial remission and no remission were significantly higher. The CYP2B6 allele frequency in Han Chinese in Northwest China was significantly different to that reported in Han Chinese and other ethnic minorities in southern China, Uygur Chinese, Vietnamese, African, German, British, Spanish, Turkish, and Argentinian populations; however, there was no significant difference compared with allele frequencies reported in Tibetan and Mongolian Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and American populations.

Conclusion

Our findings show a strong correlation of the CYP2B6 c.516G>T polymorphism in the Han population of Northwest China with AL, especially fusion gene‐positive AL, and indicate a poor prognosis after the first course of chemotherapy. Our findings also implicate the T allele in AL susceptibility and indicate the existence of racial and geographical differences in allele frequencies of CYP2B6 c.516G>T polymorphism.
Synthesis, Evaluation and Proposed Binding Pose of Substituted Spiro‐Oxindole Dihydroquinazolinones as IRAP Inhibitors
Authors: Engen Karin , Vanga Sudarsana Reddy , Lundbäck Thomas , Agalo Faith , Konda Vivek , Jensen Annika Jenmalm , Åqvist Johan , Gutiérrez‐de‐Terán Hugo , Hallberg Mathias , Larhed Mats , Rosenström Ulrika
Published: March 2020

Insulin‐regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) is a new potential macromolecular target for drugs aimed for treatment of cognitive disorders. Inhibition of IRAP by angiotensin IV (Ang IV) improves the memory and learning in rats. The majority of the known IRAP inhibitors are peptidic in character and suffer from poor pharmacokinetic properties. Herein, we present a series of small non‐peptide IRAP inhibitors derived from a spiro‐oxindole dihydroquinazolinone screening hit (pIC50 5.8). The compounds were synthesized either by a simple microwave (MW)‐promoted three‐component reaction, or by a two‐step one‐pot procedure. For decoration of the oxindole ring system, rapid MW‐assisted Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐couplings (1 min) were performed. A small improvement of potency (pIC50 6.6 for the most potent compound) and an increased solubility could be achieved. As deduced from computational modelling and MD simulations it is proposed that the S‐configuration of the spiro‐oxindole dihydroquinazolinones accounts for the inhibition of IRAP.
Strain hardening behaviors and mechanisms of polyurethane under various strain rate loading
Authors: Miao Yinggang , He He , Li Zhihui
Published: March 2020

The uniaxial tension experiments are performed on thermoplastic polyurethane to investigate its mechanical behaviors and related potential mechanisms, and the loading strain rate is designing to be wide ranging from 0.0001 to 1 s−1. It is found that the polyurethane presents an obvious rate‐dependence, and the stress strain curves share distinct strain hardening characteristics under the investigated strain rates. Furthermore, the strain hardening ratios are sharing nearly same trends and appear to be influenced by both strain rate and the induced adiabatic heating. Besides, the ratio is also strain‐dependent on previous loading history. Then, a two‐dimension unit cell model is built to investigate potential equivalent mechanisms, of which the hard phase as inclusion is equivalent with crystallization zone, crosslinking sites, and so forth. The simulation results facilitate to explain the distinct strain hardening ratios, even for the matrix from the extrapolated curves under super‐low strain rate loading. Finally, the analogic mechanisms of equivalent hard inclusions are proposed, which can reasonably explain the strain rate‐ and strain‐dependence characteristics of polyurethane mechanical behaviors.
Fata Morgana im Wasserbecken
Authors: Vollmer Michael , Möllmann Klaus‐Peter
Published: March 2020

Im Sommer sieht man sie oft über heißen Straßen: flimmernde und wabernde Luftspiegelungen. Die Ursache sind Krümmungen von Lichtstrahlen in der Atmosphäre, die eine bestimmte Dichteschichtung aufweist. In einem Wasserbecken lässt sich eine ähnliche Situation nachstellen und mit Zeitraffervideos die zeitliche Entwicklung verfolgen.
Tolstois physikalische Geschichtsdynamik
Authors: Mecke Klaus
Published: March 2020

In seinem epischen Roman „Krieg und Frieden“ entwickelt Lew Tolstoi eine Theorie der Geschichte, die zentral auf Newtons mechanischem Weltbild der Physik und dem mathematischen Konzept der Integration von „Differentialen der Geschichte“ basiert.
Thin films of nanocrystalline graphene/graphite: An overview of synthesis and applications
Authors: Simionescu Octavian‐Gabriel , Popa Radu C. , Avram Andrei , Dinescu Gheorghe
Published: March 2020

Nanocrystalline graphite/graphene (NCG) has been studied well before graphene was successfully produced in 2004. Despite the fact that NCG thin films cannot reach the high performance of large‐area graphene in some of its properties, they are able to provide significant benefits for various applications, besides being easier to produce and integrate into devices with current processing technologies. We present here, a comprehensive account of the large variety of synthesis methods, as well as of the already large range of potential applications for NCG thin films.