bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Action groups as a participative strategy for leading whole‐school health promotion: Results on implementation from theINCLUSIVEtrial in English secondary schools
Authors: Warren Emily , Bevilacqua Leonardo , Opondo Charles , Allen Elizabeth , Mathiot Anne , West Grace , Jamal Farah , Viner Russell , Bonell Chris
Published: July 2019

Education policy increasingly promotes action groups as a key strategy for student and/or staff participation in school improvement and whole‐school health promotion. Such groups can coordinate multi‐component interventions, increase participation and engagement, and enable local adaptations, but few process evaluations have assessed this. We evaluated fidelity, feasibility and acceptability of action groups as part of a trial of a whole‐school intervention to reduce bullying and aggression and promote health in English secondary schools, which reported multiple health and educational impacts. Action groups involved students and staff, supported by external facilitators, and drew on data on student needs. They aimed to: coordinate implementation of restorative practices and a social and emotional competencies curriculum; review policies and rules; and enact local decisions to modify school environments. Our process evaluation used interviews, focus groups, observations and questionnaires to assess action groups’ fidelity, role in coordination, role in local adaptation, support from external facilitators and data on student needs, and acceptability in engaging members. Fidelity was high in the first two years but lower in the third year when external facilitators withdrew. Student needs data were perceived as useful, but views on external facilitators were mixed. Groups successfully reviewed policies and rules, planned activities and coordinated restorative practices, but were less successful in implementing the curriculum. Success was facilitated by the involvement of school leaders. Members reported high satisfaction and empowerment. Action groups are a promising strategy for leading whole‐school health promotion. Implementation is supported by external facilitation, local data and involvement of senior managers.
Synthesis and luminescence study of Eu3+‐doped SrYAl3O7 phosphor
Authors: Kadam A.R. , Dhoble S.J.
Published: July 2019

Rare‐earth ions play an important role in eco‐friendly solid‐state lighting for the lighting industry. In the present study we were interested in Eu3+ ion‐doped inorganic phosphors for near ultraviolet (UV) excited light‐emitting diode (LED) applications. Eu3+ ion‐activated SrYAl3O7 phosphors were prepared using a solution combustion route at 550°C. Photoluminescence characterization of SrYAl3O7:Eu3+ phosphors showed a 612 nm emission peak in the red region of the spectrum due to the 5D0→7F2 transition of Eu3+ ions under excitation at 395 nm in the near‐UV region and at the 466 nm blue excitation wavelength. These red and blue emissions are supported for white light generation for LED lighting. Structure, bonding between each element of the sample and morphology of the sample were analysed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which showed that the samples were crystallized in a well known structure. The phosphor was irradiated with a 60Co‐γ (gamma) source at a dose rate of 7.2 kGy/h. Thermoluminescence (TL) studies of these Eu3+‐doped SrYAl3O7 phosphors were performed using a Nucleonix TL 1009I TL reader. Trapping parameters of this phosphor such as activation energy (E), order of kinetics (b) and frequency factor (s) were calculated using Chen's peak shape method, the initial rise method and Ilich's method.
Free Marine Natural Products Databases for Biotechnology and Bioengineering
Authors: Barbosa Arménio J. M. , Roque Ana C. A.
Published: July 2019

Marine organisms and micro‐organisms are a source of natural compounds with unique chemical features. These chemical properties are useful for the discovery of new functions and applications of marine natural products (MNPs). To extensively exploit the potential implementations of MNPs, they are gathered in chemical databases that allow their study and screening for applications of biotechnological interest. However, the classification of MNPs is currently poor in generic chemical databases. The present availability of free‐access‐focused MNP databases is scarce and the molecular diversity of these databases is still very low when compared to the paid‐access ones. In this review paper, the current scenario of free‐access MNP databases is presented as well as the hindrances involved in their development, mainly compound dereplication. Examples and opportunities for using freely accessible MNP databases in several important areas of biotechnology are also assessed. The scope of this paper is, as well, to notify the latent potential of these information sources for the discovery and development of new MNPs in biotechnology, and push future efforts to develop a public domain MNP database freely available for the scientific community.
miR‐107 regulates growth and metastasis of gastric cancer cells via activation of the PI3K‐AKT signaling pathway by down‐regulating FAT4
Authors: Wang Li , Li Kunkun , Wang Chen , Shi Xiaoxin , Yang Huiyu
Published: July 2019

Purpose

To investigate the effect of miR‐107 on the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer (GC) and elucidate the probable mechanisms.

Methods

The expression of miR‐107 and FAT4 in GC tissues and cells were detected using qRT‐PCR. Bioinformatics and dual luciferase reporter gene assays were used to analyze the relationship between miR‐107 and FAT4. miR‐NC, miR‐107 inhibitor, pcDNA3.1‐FAT4 and siRNA‐FAT4 were transfected into AGS and MKN‐45 GC cell lines, respectively. The proliferation and migration abilities of GC cells after transfection were evaluated using the MTT assay, scratch test and transwell assay. The expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers: E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, vimentin and related proteins of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were determined using western blot. The xenograft tumors of nude mice were observed to assess the tumorigenicity of GC cells in vivo.

Results

MiR‐107 was up‐regulated, while FAT4 was down‐regulated in GC tissues and cells (P < 0.05); FAT4 was targeted and negatively regulated by miR‐107. Down‐regulating miR‐107 or up‐regulating FAT4 inhibited the GC cells proliferation, migration, invasion and tumorigenicity, and could also reduce the expression of N‐cadherin, vimentin, p‐PI3K and p‐Akt expression and up‐regulate E‐cadherin.

Conclusions

miR‐107 promotes growth and metastasis in GC via activation of PI3K‐AKT signaling by targeting FAT4, which may be a target for GC treatment.
Rational application of the first‐line chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Cao Rui , Ma Jie‐Tao , Zhang Shu‐Ling , Sun Li , Liu Yang , Zhang Xiang‐Yan , Jing Wei , Huang Le‐Tian , Han Cheng‐Bo
Published: July 2019

Objective

To compare the relative efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) or chemotherapy (CT) alone, or their combination modality in the first‐line treatment of advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

This meta‐analysis was performed on the eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) after searching web databases and meeting abstracts. The main research endpoints were the comparisons of median overall survival (mOS), the OS rate of 6 months (OSR6m), 1 year (OSR1y) and 2 years (OSR2y), median progression‐free survival (mPFS), the PFS rate of 6 months (PFSR6m) and 1‐year (PFSR1y), objective response rates (ORR), and treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs).

Results

Eleven RCTs comprising 6278 cases were included. In the subgroup of programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) ≥50%, compared with chemotherapy, the ICIs showed similar OSR6m (P > 0.05), but significantly improved efficacy in mOS, OSR1y, OSR2y, and ORR (all P < 0.05), also had less grade ≥ 3 TRAEs. Compared with pembrolizumab alone, pembrolizumab plus CT in the subgroup of PD‐L1 ≥ 50% had similar mOS, OSR6m, OSR1y, and PFSR1y (all P > 0.05), but significantly improved mPFS, PFSR6m, and ORR (all P < 0.05 for interaction). Compared with the CT group, ICIs plus CT group with PD‐L1 ≥ 50% or <1% showed significant benefit in OS, PFS, and ORR (all P < 0.05). However, in the ICIs plus CT group with 1% ≤ PD‐L1 ≤ 49%, only PFS and ORR showed significant benefit compared with CT group (all P < 0.05), but not for results of OS.

Conclusions

The findings support the rationale for using pembrolizumab alone in the first‐line treatment of PD‐L1 ≥ 50% advanced NSCLC due to the similar OS and lower grade ≥ 3 TRAEs. However, the combination of ICIs and chemotherapy is strongly recommended in patients with PD‐L1 ≤ 49% for significant survival benefit.
Bonding and bridging social capital and their associations with self‐evaluated community resilience: A comparative study of East Asia
Authors: Lee Juheon
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study is to test key social capital indicators in a disaster context by considering the bonding and bridging types of social capital. Using the East Asian Social Survey, this study chooses three behavioural/cognitive elements of social capital—social trust, voluntary association membership, and personal networks—and divides them into bonding and bridging social capital, in‐group and out‐group trust, homogeneous and heterogeneous membership, and strong and weak ties to test their effects on self‐evaluated community resilience to natural hazards. The results showed that social trust and personal networks had strong positive effects, but the effect of voluntary association membership was positive in societies with high rates of membership (Japan and South Korea) and negative in a society with a low rate of membership (Taiwan). Furthermore, while bonding social capital generally showed a stronger effect than bridging social capital in East Asia, a society with more frequent and intense disasters (Japan) showed a strong effect of heterogenous membership on self‐evaluated community resilience. This study connects two aspects of social capital studies—the elements and the types of social capital—and the findings imply that the relationship between social capital and community resilience may have some mediator variables.
Collective guilt, moral outrage, and support for helping the poor: A matter of system versus in‐group responsibility framing
Authors: Krauth‐Gruber Silvia , Bonnot Virginie
Published: July 2019

We examined how the framing of responsibility for reducing socio‐economic inequality affects individuals' emotional reactions towards the poor and the willingness to engage in prosocial actions. Attribution of responsibility to either the system (government and institutions), the less deprived in‐group, or the disadvantaged out‐group (poor) was measured (Study 1) and manipulated (Study 2). Consistent with our hypotheses, moral outrage was higher than collective guilt when system responsibility for inequalities was put forth, but collective guilt arose to reach the level of moral outrage when in‐group responsibility was emphasized. Moreover, distinguishing between collective guilt for action and for inaction, we found guilt for inaction more difficult and thus less likely to arise, unless responsibility was put on the in‐group. Collective emotions were also found to be negatively linked to system justification motivation illustrating the palliative function of legitimization processes. Finally, moral outrage predicted the willingness to act upon socio‐economic inequalities both when the system's and in‐group's responsibility was emphasized, whereas collective guilt for action (but not for inaction) predicted support for prosocial actions only when the in‐group's responsibility was engaged. These findings suggest that the specific group‐based emotions in response to poverty depend on whether the system or the in‐group is held responsible and differentially predict individuals' commitment to act.
Inherent control of hepatocyte proliferation after subtotal liver resection
Authors: Elchaninov Andrey , Fatkhudinov Timur , Makarov Andrey , Vorobieva Iva , Lokhonina Anastasia , Usman Natalia , Kananykhina Evgeniya , Vishnyakova Polina , Nikitina Maria , Goldshtein Dmitry , Bolshakova Galina , Glinkina Valeria , Sukhikh Gennady
Published: July 2019

At the normal physiological conditions, hepatocytes predominantly reside in G0 phase of cell cycle; they actively proceed to G1 phase upon damage to the organ. As it was shown in experiments with restoration of liver mass in rats after subtotal hepatectomy (resection of 80% of the organ mass may be considered as a model of the ‘small for size’ liver syndrome), the growth inhibition is due to prolonged arrest of hepatocyte proliferation, molecular mechanisms of which remain understudied. In a rat model of liver regeneration after surgical removal of 80% of its mass, we observe a delayed onset of hepatocyte proliferation: Ki67+ hepatocytes begin to appear as late as at 30 h after liver subtotal resection. Their appearance coincides with the beginning of transcription of genes for cyclins A2, B1, D
1, and E
1 at 24–30 h after surgery. The corresponding increase in concentrations of cyclin D
1 and E proteins is further delayed till 48 h after liver resection. We have also observed a prolonged decrease in the expression of proto‐oncogene c‐met (the hepatocyte growth factor receptor‐encoding gene
Met), an increase in expression of the transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ
1) receptor‐encoding gene
Tgfbr2. At the same time, irreversible block of hepatocyte proliferation is prevented by expression of certain factors, notably of the TWEAK/Fn14 signaling pathway: concentrations of the corresponding proteins in remnant livers have peaked from 24 to 48 h after liver subtotal resection.
A Flexible Quasi‐Solid‐State Bifunctional Device with Zinc‐Ion Microbattery and Photodetector
Authors: Bi Songshan , Wan Fang , Huang Shuo , Wang Xiaojun , Niu Zhiqiang
Published: July 2019

The development of flexible and wearable electronics has raised the demand for their power sources, which will be not only adequately compact, but also integrated on one flexible substrate. Therefore, microscale batteries with high flexibility and performance are desired to meet the requirement for miniaturizing energy storage devices and integrating them with other flexible electronics together. Here, a flexible quasi‐solid‐state bifunctional system with zinc‐ion microbattery and photodetector was designed based on polyaniline and Zn microelectrodes. The bifunctional device not only displays the intrinsic behavior of microscale zinc‐ion batteries with excellent energy and power densities, but also has the ability of photodetection. Furthermore, such bifunctional devices with desired sizes and shapes can be designed in series or in parallel on one chip to output enhanced voltage or current without external connection. More importantly, owing to the ultrathin thickness and unique all‐in‐one architecture, the bifunctional device can remain stable electrochemical performance and photocurrent response even under bending states. The novel design of such flexible bifunctional systems would pave a way for integrating energy storage devices and other electronics into flexible systems.
Relationship between enantioselective transformation of racemic quizalofop‐ethyl and soil bacterial diversity: A destructive approach
Authors: Zhou Qing , Zhang Xu , Huang Junxing
Published: July 2019

This study investigated the resilience of bacterial diversity in soils restored after autoclaving, in terms of richness, evenness and community structure, and its feedback on the enantioselective transformation of racemic quizalofop‐ethyl (rac‐QE). Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and bacterial richness (indexed by operational taxonomic units [OTUs]) in restored soil recovered to approximately 50% and 29%, respectively, of the native soil within 43 days. Bacterial evenness was much lower in restored soil than in native soil. The relative proportions of dominant bacterial genera differed significantly (P < .05) between restored and native soils. Importantly, two major bacterial genera that recolonized restored soil were not detected in native soil. Highly enantioselective transformation of rac‐QE was observed in restored soils, whereas QE enantiomers exhibited comparable transformation rates in native soils. The second‐round enantioselective transformation of rac‐QE was altered by the first‐round transformation of enantiopure quizalofop‐P‐ethyl (R‐P‐QE) in restored and native soils through selective effects of R‐P‐QE on the bacterial community. The transformation rate of rac‐QE was predominantly determined by bacterial abundance and richness, while the enantioselectivity was correlated more with bacterial structure.
A directional look at F‐tests
Authors: Mccormack Andrew , Reid Nancy , Sartori Nicola , Theivendran Sri‐Amirthan
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Directional testing of vector parameters, based on higher order approximations of likelihood theory, can ensure extremely accurate inference, even in high‐dimensional settings where standard first order likelihood results can perform poorly. Here we explore examples of directional inference where the calculations can be simplified, and prove that in several classical situations, the directional test reproduces exact results based on F‐tests. These findings give a new interpretation of some classical results and support the use of directional testing in general models, where exact solutions are typically not available. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 47: 619–627; 2019 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canada
Using qualitative research to reduce readmissions and optimize perioperative cystectomy care
Authors: Smith Angela B. , Mueller Dana , Garren Brandon , Tan Hung‐Jui , Wallen Eric , Woods Michael , Pruthi Raj , Nielsen Matthew
Published: July 2019

Background

Preventable complications and readmissions after cystectomy may be detectable via postoperative monitoring of patient‐reported outcomes (PROs). However, no study has defined meaningful PROs or the use of mobile communication devices (mobile health [mHealth]) to capture them. The objectives of this study were to determine which high‐priority PROs influence patients' perioperative experience, what processes influence these outcomes, how patients and caregivers differ in their experiences, and how mHealth might be used to improve outcomes.

Methods

Forty‐five semistructured, in‐depth interviews were conducted with readmitted cystectomy patients, caregivers, and providers with an interview guide that addressed perioperative education, symptoms, function, and the potential for mHealth interventions. Among 15 patients, 10 had an interviewed partner. A thematic analysis of interviews conducted with readmitted patients, caregivers, and providers was performed to examine processes that affected perioperative care and readmission and to determine how mHealth interventions might be implemented.

Results

Readmitted patients and caregivers ranged in age from 33 to 78 years and were diverse in race and stage. The providers included a diverse representation of physicians, nurses, and other specialists. Cystectomy preoperative education was overwhelming and lacked personalization, and this contributed to a fundamental lack of knowledge regarding normal and abnormal symptoms after surgery. Three connecting themes were identified: 1) cystectomy education overload, 2) a need to define normal symptoms, and 3) education with incremental learning through mHealth.

Conclusions

A personalized mHealth intervention addressing themes of education overload, the definition of normality, and incremental learning could be realized through mHealth technology and provide the right information for the right patient at the right time.
An unstructured CFD mini‐application for the performance prediction of a production CFD code
Authors: Owenson A. M. B. , Wright S. A. , Bunt R. A. , Ho Y. K. , Street M. J. , Jarvis S. A.
Published: July 2019

Maintaining the performance of large scientific codes is a difficult task. To aid in this task, a number of mini‐applications have been developed that are more tractable to analyze than large‐scale production codes while retaining the performance characteristics of them. These “mini‐apps” also enable faster hardware evaluation and, for sensitive commercial codes, allow evaluation of code and system changes outside of access approval processes. In this paper, we develop MG‐CFD, a mini‐application that represents a geometric multigrid, unstructured computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, designed to exhibit similar performance characteristics without sharing commercially sensitive code. We detail our experiences of developing this application using guidelines detailed in existing research and contributing further to these. Our application is validated against the inviscid flux routine of HYDRA, a CFD code developed by Rolls‐Royce plc for turbomachinery design. This paper (1) documents the development of MG‐CFD, (2) introduces an associated performance model with which it is possible to assess the performance of HYDRA on new HPC architectures, and (3) demonstrates that it is possible to use MG‐CFD and the performance models to predict the performance of HYDRA with a mean error of 9.2% for strong‐scaling studies.
Reach Out and Recover: Intentions to seek treatment in individuals using online support for eating disorders
Authors: McLean Siân A. , Caldwell Belinda , Roberton Michelle
Published: July 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore characteristics and treatment‐seeking intentions of consumers accessing an online resource for eating disorders support, Reach Out and Recover (ROAR). Factors associated with treatment‐seeking intent among visitors to ROAR were also examined.

Method

Participants were 200 visitors to the website aged 18 to 60 plus. The majority of participants (93.5%) identified as women. Responses to self‐report questions assessing treatment‐seeking intention, eating disorder symptoms and their impact on health, and attitudes to treatment were collected.

Results

Participants experienced a range of eating disorder symptoms, yet the majority (86.0%) was not receiving treatment. Importantly, of those not in treatment, the majority (82.6%) indicated that they planned to get treatment. In addition, more than half of participants (52.9%) downloaded a report to present to their health practitioner to facilitate communication with a health professional. Intention to seek treatment and download of the report were positively associated with motivation to change, confidence to achieve change, greater frequency of binge eating, and greater recognition of the impact of eating disorder symptoms on relationships and well‐being but not with stigma or ambivalence.

Discussion

Study findings indicated that the ROAR website was accessed by individuals for whom it was designed, namely those experiencing eating disorder symptoms who are not receiving treatment. Encouragingly, participants had strong intentions to seek treatment, and the majority downloaded a report that could be used to facilitate the first step toward treatment. Greater focus on enhancing motivation and confidence to change may further promote treatment‐seeking.
Periodical cicada emergence resource pulse tracks forest expansion in a tallgrass prairie landscape
Authors: Whiles Matt R. , Snyder Bruce A. , Brock Brent L. , Bonjour Sophia , Callaham Mac A. , Meyer Clinton K. , Bell Alex
Published: July 2019

Understanding factors that influence resource pulses is an important aspect of ecosystem ecology. We quantified below‐ to aboveground energy and nutrient fluxes during the 2015 periodical cicada emergence from forest habitats in a tallgrass prairie matrix and compared results to our prior studies of the 1998 emergence in the same watershed. We estimated 35.2 million cicadas emerged across 159 ha in 2015, almost 2× more than the 19.6 million across 98 ha in 1998. The 2015 emergence resulted in below‐ to aboveground fluxes of 9.4 metric tons of ash‐free dry mass and 1.12 metric tons of N, both ~2× greater than 1998. This corresponds to 59 kg C/ha and 7 kg N/ha in and adjacent to forested areas in 2015. Increased emergence in 2015 was a result of spatial expansion of cicadas, not higher densities. Periodical cicadas are expanding with forest habitats in this region. Cicadas expand into and oviposit in ~40% of available forest habitat during each emergence. Accordingly, we predict the 2032 emergence will span ~245 ha. Our study demonstrates how human alterations to a landscape, in this case forest expansion linked to fire suppression and reduced grazing, can alter the magnitude and extent of a resource pulse.
Study and experimental performance evaluation of flux intensifying PM motor with variable leakage magnetic flux
Authors: Aoyama Masahiro , Noguchi Toshihiko
Published: July 2019

This paper describes a flux intensifying permanent‐magnet (PM) motor with variable leakage magnetic flux. The unique feature of this proposed motor is the ability to passively adjust the magnetic flux linkage into the armature windings in proportion to the armature magnetomotive force and/or armature current phase. The magnetic circuit topology of the flux intensifying PM motor and the passive variable leakage magnetic flux are determined through FE analysis. Then, the driving performance is experimentally elucidated through comparison with that of a reverse salient pole type (flux weakening) PM motor without variable leakage magnetic flux.
A generation method of artificial fluctuation data of wind power output considering smoothing effect
Authors: Nishigami Hiroki , Tsuji Takao , Oyama Tsutomu
Published: July 2019

To use realistic wind power fluctuation data is important in simulating frequency change of power systems. It is well known that the smoothing effect must be taken into account when generating the artificial wind power output. Therefore, this paper proposed a new method to generate fluctuation waveform considering smoothing effect based on random number to fulfill the correlation among multiple sites and autoregression model. The effectiveness of the proposed method was tested by using practical wind speed data measured in Tohoku district.
Virtual synchronous generator model control of PV for improving transient stability and damping in a large‐scale power system
Authors: Nogami Shun , Yokoyama Akihiko , Daibu Takashi , Hono Yuuki
Published: July 2019

Because of the significant changes in environmental policies and electric power deregulation in the last decade, a lot of photovoltaic generations (PV) have been and will be installed into the power system in Japan and the ratio of PVs to other synchronous generators will be increased. As a countermeasure against the decrease in the rotational inertia in the whole power system, a virtual synchronous generator (VSG) model control of the PV has so far been proposed. However, the system stabilization effect of the VSG in large‐scale power systems has been unclear. In this paper, a virtual step‐out blocking method of VSG for improving the transient stability is proposed. In addition, the necessity of governor control of VSG in a large‐scale power system is discussed. Finally, the rated kw and kwh capacities of the battery required for realizing the VSG‐model control are evaluated.
Utility and safety of tocilizumab in Takayasu arteritis with severe heart failure and muscle wasting
Authors: Yano Toshiyuki , Osanami Arata , Shimizu Masaki , Katano Satoshi , Nagano Nobutaka , Kouzu Hidemichi , Koyama Masayuki , Muranaka Atsuko , Harada Ryo , Doi Hirosato , Kawaharada Nobuyoshi , Miura Tetsuji
Published: July 2019

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a large vessel vasculitis of unknown aetiology characterized by chronic inflammatory changes of the aorta and its major branches. We report the active TA case who had severe heart failure due to acute myocardial infarction and aortic regurgitation. Bentall procedure was successfully performed, but he had severely depressed left ventricular function and muscle wasting together with vascular inflammation. The treatment with tocilizumab, an interleukin‐6 receptor monoclonal antibody, in addition to prednisolone and standard heart failure therapy led to prompt remission of TA activity and improvement of left ventricular function and muscle wasting. Taken together with possible involvement of interleukin‐6 in the pathogenesis of heart failure and muscle wasting, inhibition of interleukin‐6 receptor signalling by tocilizumab may be a safe and reasonable approach in the treatment of active TA with heart failure and muscle wasting.
Binuclear Cu(I) and Mn(0) Complexes with a Tridentate Pyridine‐NHC‐Phosphane Ligand in a µ‐κ2Ĉ,N‐M;κ1P‐M Coordination Mode
Authors: Willot Jérémy , Lugan Noël , Valyaev Dmitry A.
Published: July 2019

The reaction of a non‐symmetrical pyridine‐NHC‐phosphane (NĈP) ligand – generated in situ upon the deprotonation of the corresponding imidazolium salt – with equimolar amount of [Cu(NCMe)4](BF4) or Mn2(CO)10 leads to the formation of bimetallic complexes [Cu2(NĈP)2(NCMe)](BF4)2 and [Mn2(CO)7(NĈP)], respectively, in which the tridentate ligand exhibits an unusual µ‐κ2Ĉ,N‐M;κ1P‐M coordination mode. According to NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, the binuclear copper complex is in equilibrium in MeCN solution with two mononuclear species, namely [Cu(κ2Ĉ,P‐NĈP)2](BF4) and [Cu(κ3‐N,Ĉ,P‐NĈP)(NCMe)](BF4).
HF‐Free Solid‐State Synthesis of the Oxyfluoride Phosphor K3MoOF7:Mn4+
Authors: Stoll Christiane , Seibald Markus , Baumann Dominik , Huppertz Hubert
Published: July 2019

K3MoOF7:Mn4+ was synthesized through a facile two‐step solid‐state synthesis route without using HF. The first step was carried out in copper ampules, which were shut by welding, followed by the second step, a ball milling experiment. The sample was characterized by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction, EDX, and luminescence spectroscopy. K3MoOF7 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 (no. 2). It features [MoOF5]– units as a main structural motif. At room temperature, seven emission lines are noticeable. The maximum emission line is located at λmax = 627 nm. CIE1931 coordinates could be determined to 0.690(1) and 0.310(1) for x and y, respectively. A luminous efficacy of radiation (LER) of 218 lm Wopt–1 was achieved. Furthermore, temperature dependent luminescence measurements in the range of 25 °C to 100 °C were conducted.
Synthesis of Chiral Tetrahydrofuran Building Blocks from Pantolactones: Application in the Synthesis of Empagliflozin and Amprenavir Analogs
Authors: Athawale Paresh R. , Kumari Neeta , Dandawate Monica R. , Kashinath K. , Srinivasa Reddy D.
Published: July 2019

Chiral 4,4–dimethyl tetrahydrofuran (THF) derivatives were synthesized from commercially available D‐(–)/ l‐(+) pantolactones, which can serve as chiral building blocks in medicinal chemistry. In addition, two of the synthesized building blocks were utilized for the synthesis of new amprenavir (HIV protease inhibitor) and empagliflozin (anti‐diabetic) analogs. The synthesized analogs may have beneficial effects in terms of pharmacokinetics and modulation of bioactivity.
Dehydrative Coupling of Benzylic Alcohols Catalyzed by Brønsted Acid/Lewis Base
Authors: Böldl Marlene , Fleischer Ivana
Published: July 2019

Traditional cross‐coupling reactions show some disadvantages like the use of organohalides or the production of stoichiometric amounts of waste. The dehydrative homo‐ or heterocoupling of alcohols therefore arises as an interesting approach for a highly atom‐economical formation of carbon–carbon bonds, since water is produced as the only by‐product. We herein report a simple and direct, metal‐free protocol for the synthesis of olefins by applying catalytic amounts of a sulfonic acid and triphenylphosphane under air. A variety of olefins could be synthesized from benzylic alcohols under relatively mild conditions. Additionally, dehydrative hydroarylation of benzylic alcohols with electron‐rich arenes was possible by using only Brønsted acid under otherwise same reaction conditions. We could show that phosphane additives are essential to overcome oligomerization as main side reaction by the occupancy of the reactive carbocation intermediate.
Tandem Oxidative Cyclocondensation towards 2,3‐Disubstituted Quinazolinones in the Presence of [Bmim][BF4] and Iodine
Authors: Sofi Firdoos Ahmad , Sharma Rohit , Chakraborti Asit K. , Bharatam Prasad V.
Published: July 2019

The metal‐free synthesis of 2‐aryl‐3‐arylmethylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐one is achieved through ionic liquid mediated and I2‐promoted tandem oxidative cyclocondensation of isatoic anhydrides with arylmethylamines as the common precursor for the 2‐aryl and 3‐arylmethyl moieties. Radical quenching experiments suggest a non‐radical mechanistic pathway and the operation under anaerobic condition confirms the essential role of I2 as the oxidant. Metal‐free synthesis, reduced reaction times to afford higher product yields, recyclability of the IL used as the reaction medium, and the feasibility of gram scale operation are some advantages.
Evaluating the Effect of four Hosting Ionophores on the Performance of Anion Selective Potentiometric Sensor
Authors: Saad Ahmad S. , Essam Hebatallah M.
Published: July 2019

A systematically designed practical approach was carried out for the optimization of an anion selective electrode for the determination of an anionic laxative, docusate sodium (DS). The PVC membrane composition and the sensor assembly were systematically optimized. Different sensors were fabricated using tetradodecylammonium bromide (TDAB), tridodecylmethylammonium bromide, tetraheptylammonium bromide as ion exchangers. The effect of ionophore was evaluated using four different host‐guest ionophores, namely; calix[8]arene, β‐cylodextrin, hydroxypropyl‐β‐cylodextrin and carboxymethyl‐β‐cylodextrin to reach the optimum membrane composition. Sensors were constructed in both liquid membrane and solid contact sensor‐assemblies. The slope, linear range, LOQ and response time for each sensor was calculated to assess their performance characteristics. Best Nernstian slope of −61.38 mV/decade and lowest quantification limit of 7.62×10−7 M was achieved by the sensor containing TDAB as ion exchanger and Calix[8]arene as ionophore in the PVC matrix using the gold wire solid contact sensor assembly. Electrode selectivity was assured in the presence of DS potential degradation product, common interfering ions and industrial excipients of tablet and gel formulations. Validation was carried out regarding the ICH validation parameters.
Heritability estimation of dichotomous phenotypes using a liability threshold model on ascertained family‐based samples
Authors: Kim Wonji , Kwak Soo Heon , Won Sungho
Published: July 2019

Numerous methods for estimating heritability have been proposed; however, unlike quantitative phenotypes, heritability estimation for dichotomous phenotypes is computationally and statistically complex, and the use of heritability is infrequent. In this study, we developed a statistical method to estimate heritability of dichotomous phenotypes using a liability threshold model in the context of ascertained family‐based samples. This model assumes that dichotomous phenotypes are determined by unobserved latent variables that are normally distributed and can be applied to general pedigree data. The proposed methods were applied to simulated data and Korean type‐2 diabetes family‐based samples, and the accuracy of the estimates provided by the experimental methods was compared with that of the established methods.
Early signal from the hippocampus for memory encoding
Authors: Raynal Elsa , Schnider Armin , Manuel Aurélie L.
Published: July 2019

The mediotemporal lobe (MTL), including the hippocampus, is involved in all stages of episodic memory including memory encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. However, the exact timing of the hippocampus' involvement immediately after stimulus encounter remains unclear. In this study, we used high‐density 156‐channel electroencephalography to study the processing of entirely new stimuli, which had to be encoded, in comparison to highly overlearned stimuli. Sixteen healthy subjects performed a continuous recognition task with meaningful pictures repeated up to four consecutive times. Waveform and topographic cluster analyses of event‐related potentials revealed that new items, in comparison to repetitions, were processed significantly differently at 220–300 ms. Source estimation localized activation for processing new stimuli in the right MTL. Our study demonstrates the occurrence of a transient signal from the MTL in response to new information already at 200–300 ms poststimulus onset, which presumably reflects encoding as an initial step toward memory consolidation.
Visualizing the knowledge structure of medication‐adherence research: A bibliometric analysis (1997‐2016)
Authors: Ye Liping , Zhang Xinping
Published: July 2019

This study involves a bibliometric analysis of the medication‐adherence research and covers publications from 1997 to 2016. A database of 19 621 publications and 335 208 references from the Web of Science was investigated using the CiteSpace software. Some interesting findings were obtained. First, the most significant developments and progress in the medication‐adherence research have occurred in North America and Europe. Second, Osterberg L. and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) are the most cited author and journal, respectively, with the strongest academic influence. Third, the existing studies on medication adherence primarily focus on pharmacology/pharmacy, psychiatry, public environmental occupational health, and general internal medicine. Fourth, research hotspots showed a diversifying trend and increasingly covered chronic diseases. Moreover, the topic of integrating formal outcome evaluations into adherence interventions is one long‐term research hotspot. In addition, the research frontiers mainly focus on medication adherence for HIV/AIDS patients, especially active antiretroviral therapy. Finally, the evolution of the medication‐adherence research has occurred in approximately three stages: The first stage involved the introduction of the term “compliance” into medicine, then the primary focus shifted to patient adherence to HIV/AIDS medication, and the final stage has involved a diversifying trend with more diseases and methods for measuring adherence being researched in the current stage. Furthermore, because of an aging population and a disease spectrum change in the current phase, the focus of medication‐adherence research has gradually shifted from infectious diseases to chronic diseases.
Influences of Drought and Microbial Water‐Retention Fertilizer on Leaf Area Index and Photosynthetic Characteristics of Flue‐Cured Tobacco
Authors: Yang Xu , Shao Xiaohou , Mao Xinyu , Li Minhui , Zhao Tingchao , Wang Feng , Chang Tingting , Guang Jianfang
Published: July 2019

Drought has become a severe and frequently happening issue in the Guizhou province of China due to unevenly distributed rainfall and long‐term continuous cropping. Since drought and continuous cropping could be significant in causing the soil environment to deteriorate, measures which are beneficial for improving the growth of crops need are of great concern. In this study, drought conditions and a microbial water‐retention fertilizer (MWF) were applied as influencing factors for the leaf area index (LAI) and photosynthetic characteristics of flue‐cured tobacco. Under different drought conditions, the largest leaf area was obtained in normal conditions combined with 45 g basin−1 MWF (T13), which significantly increased by 32.0% when compared to normal conditions combined with 0 g basin−1 MWF (T1). An index model was further used to validate the above‐mentioned results and the correlation coefficients of LAI among different treatments were precisely simulated (0.981–0.993). The MWF had remarkable effects on tobacco's net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and transpiration rate (Tr). Furthermore, normal conditions (550 mm irrigation) combined with MWF (45 g basin−1) proved to be the preferable strategy for improving water use efficiency as well as the tobacco plantation. The results might provide theoretical and practical guidance for the growth of crops in areas with water shortage. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly hydrophilic cationic gold nanorods stabilized by novel quaternary ammonium surfactant with negligible cytotoxicity
Authors: Salajkova Sarka , Sramek Michal , Malinak David , Havel Filip , Musilek Kamil , Benkova Marketa , Soukup Ondrej , Vasicova Pavla , Prchal Lukas , Dolezal Rafael , Hodny Zdenek , Bartek Jiri , Zarska Monika , Kuca Kamil
Published: July 2019

The photothermal cancer therapy using cationic gold nanorods (GNRs) stabilized by quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) have a great potential to enhance conventional cancer treatment as it promises the effective eradication of cancer cells including cells resistant to radio‐ and chemo‐therapy and the stimulation of anti‐tumor immune response. However, as the cytotoxicity of the conventional alkanethiol‐QAS compounds limits their utility in medicine, here we developed GNRs modified by novel highly hydrophilic cationic surfactant composed of the quaternary ammonium group and ethylene glycol chain N,N,N‐trimethyl‐3,6,9,12,15‐pentaoxaheptadecyl‐17‐sulfanyl‐1‐ammonium bromide (POSAB) showing insignificant cytotoxicity in the free state. Surface modification of GNRs by POSAB allowed to prepare nanoparticles with good stability in water, high cellular uptake and localization in lysosomes that are a promising alternative to alkanethiol‐stabilized GNRs especially for biomedical applications.
Methotrexate anticancer drug delivery to breast cancer cell lines by iron oxide magnetic based nanocarrier
Authors: Attari Elahe , Nosrati Hamed , Danafar Hossein , Kheiri Manjili Hamidreza
Published: July 2019

In this study, we have achieved to provide an efficient method for production of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with arginine capping using in situ and one‐pot co‐precipitation method. As a novel drug delivery system, methotrexate (MTX) was conjugated to the obtained nanoparticles. These MNPs conjugate can potentially use in controlled drug delivery as carrier, and in magnetic resonance imaging as a contrast agent. Also, these nanoparticles can serve as a target in cancer therapy and diagnosis. These MNPs were covalently bond with MTX and can target the majority of cancer cells that their surfaces overexpressed by folate receptors. These conjugated nanoparticles were obtained through amide bond between the amine groups on their surface and the carboxylic acid end groups on MTX due to being functionalized with arginine. MTX was cleaved from nanoparticles according to drug release experiments in the presence of protease‐like lysosomal conditions. Fe‐Arg‐MTX was characterized by transmission electron microscopes, dynamic light scattering, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, vibrating sample magnetometry analysis showed excellent magnetic properties of them. The average particle size of Fe‐Arg‐MTX was approximately 27 nm. The result revealed that the bare nanoparticles have no cytotoxicity against MCF‐7, 4T1, and HFF‐2 cell lines. Hemolysis assay showed that these nanoparticles are biocompatible. Regarding the research success, an efficient technique can be presented for drug delivery and controlled release and for studying cancer‐fighting in alive creature's bodies.
Identification of a 4‐miRNA signature as a potential prognostic biomarker for pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Xin , Deng Tong‐Xing , Ma Zhao
Published: July 2019

An microRNA (miRNA) signature to predict the clinical outcome of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is still lacking. In the current study, we aimed at identifying and evaluating a prognostic miRNA signature for patients with PAAD. The miRNA expression profile and the clinical information regarding patients with PAAD were recruited from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified between normal and tumor samples. By means of survival analysis, a 4‐miRNA signature for predicting patients' with PAAD overall survival (OS) was constructed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was applied to determine the efficiency of survival prediction. Furthermore, the biological function of the predicted miRNAs was evaluated using a bioinformatics approach. Four (hsa‐mir‐126, hsa‐mir‐3613, hsa‐mir‐424, and hsa‐mir‐4772) out of 17 differentially expressed miRNAs were associated to the OS of patients with PAAD. Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) of the constructed 4‐miRNA signature associated to patients' with PAAD 2‐year survival was 0.789. The multivariate Cox's proportional hazards regression model suggested that this 4‐miRNA signature was an independent prognostic factor of other clinical parameters in patients with PAAD. Further pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the miRNAs in the 4‐miRNA signature might regulate genes that affect focal adhesion, Wnt signaling pathway, and PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. Thus, these findings indicated that the 4‐miRNA signature might be an effective independent prognostic biomarker in the prediction of PAAD patients' survival.
Neurexophilin and PC‐esterase domain family member 4 (NXPE4) and prostate androgen‐regulated mucin‐like protein 1 (PARM1) as prognostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Ya‐Rui , Hu Yang , Zeng Ying , Li Zhi‐Xing , Zhang Hai‐Bo , Deng Jun‐Li , Wang Guo
Published: July 2019

Owing to the high morbidity and mortality, novel biomarkers in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC) are needed nowadays. In this study, the CRC‐related datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. After screening the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in R software, a total of 238 upregulated and 199 downregulated DEGs were revealed simultaneously. Then the Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to reveal the prognostic function of these DEGs. Neurexophilin and PC‐esterase domain family member 4 (NXPE4) and prostate androgen‐regulated mucin‐like protein 1 (PARM1) were two outstanding independent overall survival (OS) and relapse‐free survival (RFS) prognostic genes of CRC in TCGA database. We next verified the expression of NXPE4 and PARM1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were significantly lower in CRC tumor tissue than in the adjacent noncancerous tissue in our clinical samples, and NXPE4 mRNA expression level was related to the tumor location and tumor size, while PARM1 was related to tumor location, lymph nodes metastasis, and tumor size. This study demonstrated that NXPE4 and PARM1 might be two potential novel prognostic biomarkers for CRC.