bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation‐Restructuring Induced Anisotropic Epitaxial Growth for Fabrication of Asymmetric Diblock and Triblock Mesoporous Nanocomposites
Authors: Li Xiaomin , Zhao Tiancong , Lu Yang , Wang Peiyuan , El‐Toni Ahmed Mohamed , Zhang Fan , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: June 2017

A novel degradation‐restructuring induced anisotropic epitaxial growth strategy is demonstrated for the synthesis of uniform 1D diblock and triblock silica mesoporous asymmetric nanorods with controllable rod length (50 nm to 2 µm) and very high surface area of 1200 m2 g−1. The asymmetric diblock mesoporous silica nanocomposites are composed of a 1D mesoporous organosilicate nanorod with highly ordered hexagonal mesostructure, and a closely connected dense SiO2 nanosphere located only on one side of the nanorods. Furthermore, the triblock mesoporous silica nanocomposites constituted by a cubic mesostructured nanocube, a nanosphere with radial mesopores, and a hexagonal mesostructured nanorod can also be fabricated with the anisotropic growth of mesopores. Owing to the ultrahigh surface area, unique 1D mesochannels, and functionality asymmetry, the obtained match‐like asymmetric Au‐NR@SiO2&EPMO (EPMO = ethane bridged periodic mesoporous organosilica) mesoporous nanorods can be used as an ideal nanocarrier for the near‐infrared photothermal triggered controllable releasing of drug molecules.
Symmetrization of the Crystal Lattice of MAPbI3 Boosts the Performance and Stability of Metal–Perovskite Photodiodes
Authors: Shi Zhifang , Zhang Yi , Cui Chao , Li Binghan , Zhou Wenjia , Ning Zhijun , Mi Qixi
Published: June 2017

Semiconducting lead triiodide perovskites (APbI3) have shown remarkable performance in applications including photovoltaics and electroluminescence. Despite many theoretical possibilities for A+ in APbI3, the current experimental knowledge is largely limited to two of these materials: methylammonium (MA+) and formamidinium (FA+) lead triiodides, neither of which adopts the ideal, cubic perovskite structure at room temperature. Here, a volume‐based criterion is proposed for cubic APbI3 to be stable, and two perovskite materials MA1−xEAxPbI3 (MEPI, EA+ = ethylammonium) and MA1−yDMAyPbI3 (MDPI, DMA+ = dimethylammonium) are introduced. Powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results reveal that MEPI and MDPI are solid solutions possessing the cubic perovskite structure, and the EA+ and DMA+ cations play similar roles in the symmetrization of the crystal lattice of MAPbI3. Single crystals of MEPI and MDPI are grown and made into plates of a range of thicknesses, and then into metal–perovskite photodiodes. These devices exhibit tripled diffusion lengths and about tenfold enhancement in stability against moisture, both relative to the current benchmark MAPbI3. In this study, the systematic approach to materials design and device fabrication greatly expands the candidate pool of perovskite semiconductors, and paves the way for high‐performance, single‐crystal perovskite devices including solar cells and light emitters.
Recent Advances in Materials with Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence: Photophysics for Triplet Exciton Stabilization
Authors: Hirata Shuzo
Published: June 2017

Room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP), which has a much longer emission lifetime than fluorescence, often enables unique material characteristics and fabrication of state‐of‐the‐art optoelectronic devices that cannot be realized using conventional fluorescent materials. The triplet exciton characteristics related to the appearance of efficient RTP also often provide intrinsic intra‐ and inter‐molecular physical information about the materials. This article reviews recently reported aromatic materials that present RTP characteristics. Various aromatic materials with RTP characteristics are classified in terms of their radiative rates and radiationless rates from the lowest triplet excited state (T1) while taking the presence and absence of heavy atoms and charge transfer characteristics at T1 into consideration. Statistical arrangements based on physical factors of RTP materials indicate that the recent appearance of RTP in various metal‐free aromatic structures is related to a large reduction in quenching caused by strong intermolecular interaction between the aromatics and the surrounding materials; additionally, intrinsic factors of the aromatics including the radiative rate and the nonradiative rate caused by intramolecular vibration are still not well controlled. Intrinsic control of these rates is important for overall control of the RTP yield and lifetime for potential material applications. Finally, recent applications using the RTP characteristics are highlighted.
Three‐Stage Inter‐Orthorhombic Evolution and High Thermoelectric Performance in Ag‐Doped Nanolaminar SnSe Polycrystals
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Wang Jianli , Sun Qiao , Qin Peng , Cheng Zhenxiang , Ge Zhenhua , Li Zhen , Dou Shixue
Published: June 2017

The ultrahigh thermoelectric performance of SnSe‐based single crystals has attracted considerable interest in their polycrystalline counterparts. However, the temperature‐dependent structural transition in SnSe‐based thermoelectric materials and its relationship with their thermoelectric performance are not fully investigated and understood. In this work, nanolaminar SnSe polycrystals are prepared and characterized in situ using neutron and synchrotron powder diffraction measurements at various temperatures. Rietveld refinement results indicate that there is a complete inter‐orthorhombic evolution from Pnma to Cmcm by a series of layer slips and stretches along the a‐ and b‐axes over a 200 K temperature range. This phase transition leads to drastic enhancement of the carrier concentration and phonon scattering above 600 K. Moreover, the unique nanolaminar structure effectively enhances the carrier mobility of SnSe. Their grain and layer boundaries further improve the phonon scattering. These favorable factors result in a high ZT of 1.0 at 773 K for pristine SnSe polycrystals. The thermoelectric performances of polycrystalline SnSe are further improved by p‐type and n‐type dopants (i.e., doped with Ag and SnCl2, respectively), and new records of ZT are achieved in Ag0.015Sn0.985Se (ZT of 1.3 at 773 K) and SnSe0.985Cl0.015 (ZT of 1.1 at 773 K) polycrystals.
Cesium Doped NiOx as an Efficient Hole Extraction Layer for Inverted Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Wei , Liu Fang‐Zhou , Feng Xi‐Yuan , Djurišić Aleksandra B. , Chan Wai Kin , He Zhu‐Bing
Published: June 2017

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells have resulted in tremendous interest in developing next generation photovoltaics due to high record efficiency exceeding 22%. For inverted structure perovskite solar cells, the hole extraction layers play a significant role in achieving efficient and stable perovskite solar cell by modifying charge extraction, interfacial recombination losses, and band alignment. Here, cesium doped NiOx is selected as a hole extraction layer to study the impact of Cs dopant on the optoelectronic properties of NiOx and the photovoltaic performance. Cs doped NiOx films are prepared by a simple solution‐based method. Both doped and undoped NiOx films are smooth and highly transparent, while the Cs doped NiOx exhibits better electron conductivity and higher work function. Therefore, Cs doping results in a significant improvement in the performance of NiOx‐based inverted planar perovskite solar cells. The best efficiency of Cs doped NiOx devices is 19.35%, and those devices show high stability as well. The improved efficiency in devices with Cs:NiOx is attributed to a significant improvement in the hole extraction and better band alignment compared to undoped NiOx. This work reveals that Cs doped NiOx is very promising hole extraction material for high and stable inverted perovskite solar cells.
The befuddling nature of mouse lemur hands and feet at Bezà Mahafaly, SW Madagascar
Authors: Agostini Gina , Rasoazanabary Emilienne , Godfrey Laurie R.
Published: June 2017

The reddish‐gray mouse lemur (Microcebus griseorufus) possesses striking phenotypic and behavioral variation. This project investigates differences in autopod proportions in neighboring populations of M. griseorufus from the Special Reserve at Bezà Mahafaly in southwest Madagascar. One population resides in an environment generally preferred by M. griseorufus—a spiny forest with large‐trunked trees, vertically‐oriented supports, and more open ground, while the other resides in a gallery forest with abundant small, often horizontal peripheral branches in high canopy. We demonstrate significant interpopulation differences in autopod morphophology despite no evidence of divergence in mitochondrial cytochrome b. We test two hypotheses regarding ultimate causation. The first, based on the Fine Branch Arborealism Hypothesis (FBAH), holds that autopod differences are related to different locomotor practices in the two environments, and the second, based on the Narrow Niche Hypothesis (NNH), holds that the observed differences reflect a relaxation (from ancestral to descendant conditions) of selective pressure for terrestrial locomotion and/or use of large, vertical supports combined with positive selection for locomoting in peripheral branch settings. Our data conform well to FBAH expectations and show some support for the NNH. Individuals from the gallery forest possess disproportionally long posterior digits that facilitate locomotion on small, flexible canopy supports while individuals from the spiny forest possess shorter posterior digits and a longer pollex/hallux that increase functional grasping diameter for large vertical supports and facilitate efficient ground locomotion. Focal individual data confirm differences in how often individuals descend to the ground and use vertical supports. We further show that predispersal juveniles, like adults, possess autopod morphologies suited to their natal forest. We explore two proximate mechanisms that could generate these cheiridial differences. The first posits an in vivo plastic response to different locomotor behaviors, the second posits differences that manifest in early development.
Carbon, nitrogen and oxygen isotope fractionation during food cooking: Implications for the interpretation of the fossil human record
Authors: Royer Aurélien , Daux Valérie , Fourel François , Lécuyer Christophe
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Stable isotope data provide insight into the reconstruction of ancient human diet. However, cooking may alter the original stable isotope compositions of food due to losses and modifications of biochemical and water components.

Methods

To address this issue, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen isotope ratios were measured on meat aliquots sampled from various animals such as pork, beef, duck and chicken, and also from the flesh of fishes such as salmon, European seabass, European pilchard, sole, gilt‐head bream, and tuna. For each specimen, three pieces were cooked according to the three most commonly‐known cooking practices: boiling, frying and roasting on a barbecue.

Results

Our data show that cooking produced isotopic shifts up to 1.8‰, 3.5‰, and 5.2‰ for δ13C, δ15N, and δ18O values, respectively. Such variations between raw and cooked food are much greater than previously estimated in the literature; they are more sensitive to the type of food rather than to the cooking process itself, except in the case of boiling.

Conclusions

Reconstructions of paleodietary may thus suffer slight bias in cases of populations with undiversified diets that are restrained toward a specific raw or cooked product, or using a specific cooking mode. In cases of oxygen isotope compositions from skeletal remains (bones, teeth), they not only constitute a valuable proxy for reconstructing past climatic conditions, but they could also be used to improve our knowledge of past human diet.
Efficient Synthesis of Polycyclic γ‐Lactams by Catalytic Carbonylation of Ene‐Imines via Nickelacycle Intermediates
Authors: Hoshimoto Yoichi , Ashida Keita , Sasaoka Yukari , Kumar Ravindra , Kamikawa Ken , Verdaguer Xavier , Riera Antoni , Ohashi Masato , Ogoshi Sensuke
Published: June 2017

The nickel(0)‐catalyzed carbonylative cycloaddition of 1,5‐ and 1,6‐ene‐imines with carbon monoxide (CO) is reported. Key to this reaction is the efficient regeneration of the catalytically active nickel(0) species from nickel carbonyl complexes such as [Ni(CO)3L]. A variety of tri‐ and tetracyclic γ‐lactams were thus prepared in excellent yields with 100 % atom efficiency. Preliminary results on asymmetric derivatives promise potential in the synthesis of enantioenriched polycyclic γ‐lactams.
Alkine als alternativer Einstieg in elektrophile und nukleophile Übergangsmetall‐katalysierte Allylierungen
Authors: Haydl Alexander M. , Breit Bernhard , Liang Tao , Krische Michael J.
Published: June 2017

Eine Reihe von Übergangsmetall‐Katalysatoren ist in der Lage, terminale und interne Alkine intermediär in entsprechende Allylmetall‐Verbindungen zu überführen, die ihrerseits elektrophile oder nukleophile Reaktivitäten aufweisen können. Während klassische Methoden zur Herstellung von Allylmetall‐Spezies oftmals von der Bildung stöchiometrischer Mengen an Nebenprodukten begleitet sind, ermöglicht der Einsatz von Alkinen als Allylmetall‐Vorstufen vollständig atomökonomische katalytische Prozesse, die außerdem mit hohen Enantioselektivitäten ablaufen.
Carbon–Halogen Bond Activation by Selenium‐Based Chalcogen Bonding
Authors: Wonner Patrick , Vogel Lukas , Düser Maximilian , Gomes Luís , Kniep Florian , Mallick Bert , Werz Daniel B. , Huber Stefan M.
Published: June 2017

Chalcogen bonding is a little explored noncovalent interaction similar to halogen bonding. This manuscript describes the first application of selenium‐based chalcogen bond donors as Lewis acids in organic synthesis. To this end, the solvolysis of benzhydryl bromide served as a halide abstraction benchmark reaction. Chalcogen bond donors based on a bis(benzimidazolium) core provided rate accelerations relative to the background reactivity by a factor of 20–30. Several comparative experiments provide clear indications that the observed activation is due to chalcogen bonding. The performance of the chalcogen bond donors is superior to that of a related brominated halogen bond donor.
Polydiacetylene/Anti‐HBs Complexes for Visible and Fluorescent Detection of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen on a Nitrocellulose Membrane
Authors: Roh Jinkyu , Lee Su Yeon , Park Sangho , Ahn Dong June
Published: June 2017

The immunochromatographic assay (ICA) using a nitrocellulose (NC) membrane offers several advantages. This technique is a rapid and straightforward method in contrast to other immunoassays. Polydiacetylene (PDA) vesicles have unique optical properties, displaying red color and red fluorescence at the same time. In this system, red‐phase PDA vesicles are used as a fluorescent dye as well as a surface for immobilized hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb). PDA has a remarkable stability compared with other fluorescent dyes. In this study, the most suitable PDA/HBsAb complexes are introduced for detecting hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Then, the PDA/HBsAb complexes affixed antibody is attached to NC membrane, which has two lines to confirm detection of HBsAg. The main advantage of this system is that the detection of HBsAg can be observed in both visible and fluorescent images due to the optical properties of polydiacetylene. Detection of HBsAg is observed up to 0.1 ng mL−1 by fluorescent analysis and confirmed by red line on the NC membrane up to 1 ng mL−1 (HBsAg) using the naked eye. Consequently, these results show that PDA/HBsAb complexes were successfully applied to ICA for the diagnosis of hepatitis B.
Gain insight into intersection between law, ethics, and athletics
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: June 2017

Title IX may have arrived too late for Jayma Meyer, J.D., to achieve her athletic dreams, but it helped shape her career as an attorney. After years of representing clients on antitrust and sports issues, Meyer brought her knowledge and perspective to her alma mater, Indiana University, where since 2014, she has been a visiting clinical professor in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She is also on the board of directors of the Women's Sports Foundation and the National Women's Law Center.
Mutation of Conserved Residues Increases in Vitro Activity of the Formylglycine‐Generating Enzyme
Authors: Knop Matthias , Lemnaru Roxana , Seebeck Florian P.
Published: June 2017

The formylglycine‐generating enzyme (FGE) recognizes proteins with a specific cysteine‐containing six‐amino‐acid motif and converts this cysteine residue into formylglycine. The resulting aldehyde function provides a unique handle for selective protein labeling. We have identified two mutations in FGE from Thermomonospora curvata that increase this catalytic efficiency more than 40‐fold. The resulting activity and stability, as well as its ease of recombinant production, make this FGE variant a practical reagent for in vitro protein engineering.
Emulation of Bubble‐Induced Turbulence Using Randomly Moving Particles in a Grid Structure
Authors: Haase Katharina , Kück Ulf D. , Thöming Jörg , Kähler Christian J.
Published: June 2017

An approach to generate turbulence with systematically controllable properties and statistically comparable to real bubble‐induced turbulence is evaluated. Particles are arranged in a flexible regular grid and can move freely in the directions perpendicular to the flow direction. The flow induced by different grid configurations is characterized by particle image velocimetry and electrodiffusion measurement. With these techniques, spatially resolved velocity fields and time‐resolved energy spectra are achieved. Homogeneous turbulence with the intensity comparable to regular bubble flow is obtained downstream from the particle grid. The energy spectra of these emulated turbulent flows agree with the energy spectra of real bubble‐induced turbulence. The proposed concept of turbulence generation is suitable for detailed scientific investigations of bubbles in turbulent flows using sophisticated optical measurement techniques.
Development of a Model for Water Scrubbing‐Based Biogas Upgrading and Biomethane Compression
Authors: Ghaib Karim
Published: June 2017

Biomethane is an easily storable, renewable energy source that is applicable to the sectors electricity, heat, and transport. It is mostly obtained from biogas by different upgrading technologies. At present, the most common technology is water scrubbing because of its reliability and simplicity. A methodology for designing as well as for evaluating and optimizing water scrubbing plants including biomethane compression is introduced. To demonstrate possible applications of this methodology, a zero‐emission water scrubbing process characterized by under‐pressure regeneration of washing water is modeled and investigated by a sensitivity analysis.
Analysis of Magnetic Anisotropy and the Role of Magnetic Dilution in Triggering Single‐Molecule Magnet (SMM) Behavior in a Family of CoIIYIII Dinuclear Complexes with Easy‐Plane Anisotropy
Authors: Palacios María A. , Nehrkorn Joscha , Suturina Elizaveta A. , Ruiz Eliseo , Gómez‐Coca Silvia , Holldack Karsten , Schnegg Alexander , Krzystek Jurek , Moreno José M. , Colacio Enrique
Published: June 2017

Three new closely related CoIIYIII complexes of general formula [Co(μ‐L)(μ‐X)Y(NO3)2] (X−=NO3− 1, benzoate 2, or 9‐anthracenecarboxylato 3) have been prepared with the compartmental ligand N,N′,N′′‐trimethyl‐N,N′′‐bis(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐5‐methylbenzyl)diethylenetriamine (H2L). In these complexes, CoII and YIII are triply bridged by two phenoxide groups belonging to the di‐deprotonated ligand (L2−) and one ancillary anion X−. The change of the ancillary bridging group connecting CoII and YIII ions induces small differences in the trigonally distorted CoN3O3 coordination sphere with a concomitant tuning of the magnetic anisotropy and intermolecular interactions. Direct current magnetic, high‐frequency and ‐field EPR (HFEPR), frequency domain Fourier transform THz electron paramagnetic resonance (FD‐FT THz‐EPR) measurements, and ab initio theoretical calculations demonstrate that CoII ions in compounds 1–3 have large and positive D values (≈50 cm−1), which decrease with increasing the distortion of the pseudo‐octahedral CoII coordination sphere. Dynamic ac magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that compound 1 exhibits field‐induced single‐molecule magnet (SMM) behavior, whereas compounds 2 and 3 only display this behavior when they are magnetically diluted with diamagnetic ZnII (Zn/Co=10:1). In view of this, it is always advisable to use magnetically diluted complexes, in which intermolecular interactions and quantum tunneling of magnetism (QTM) would be at least partly suppressed, so that “hidden single‐ion magnet (SIM)” behavior could emerge. Field‐ and temperature‐dependence of the relaxation times indicate the prevalence of the Raman process in all these complexes above approximately 3 K.
Hydrogen‐Bond Strength of CC and GG Pairs Determined by Steric Repulsion: Electrostatics and Charge Transfer Overruled
Authors: van der Lubbe Stephanie C. C. , Fonseca Guerra Célia
Published: June 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue are Stephanie C. C. van der Lubbe and Célia Fonseca Guerra at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and at Leiden University. The image depicts the importance of steric repulsion in hydrogen bonds between two base pairs and has implications in understanding and predicting the hydrogen bonding mechanism. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201701821.
A General Cp*CoIII‐Catalyzed Intramolecular C−H Activation Approach for the Efficient Total Syntheses of Aromathecin, Protoberberine, and Tylophora Alkaloids
Authors: Lerchen Andreas , Knecht Tobias , Koy Maximilian , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Glorius Frank
Published: June 2017

Herein, we report a Cp*CoIII‐catalyzed C−H activation approach as the key step to create highly valuable isoquinolones and pyridones as building blocks that can readily be applied in the total syntheses of a variety of aromathecin, protoberberine, and tylophora alkaloids. This particular C−H activation/annulation reaction was achieved with several terminal as well as internal alkyne coupling partners delivering a broad scope with excellent functional group tolerance. The synthetic applicability of this protocol reported herein was demonstrated in the total syntheses of two Topo‐I‐Inhibitors and two 8‐oxyprotoberberine cores that can be further elaborated into the tetrahydroprotoberberine and the protoberberine alkaloid core. Moreover these building blocks were also transformed to six different tylophora alkaloids in expedient fashion.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral α‐Substituted Mercaptoglycine Derivatives via α‐Sulfenylation of Ni(II) Complex of Glycine and S‐Substituted 4‐Methylbenzenesulfonothioate
Authors: Li Jia , Song Xiaohan , Zhou Shengbin , Wang Jiang , Liu Hong
Published: June 2017

The asymmetric α‐sulfenylation of Ni(II) complex of glycine with S‐substituted 4‐methylbenzenesulfonothioate is reported. Due to the mild and simple reaction conditions, this asymmetric reaction is compatible with various functional groups.
A predictive analysis of the SP120 and 10D7G2 antibodies for human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treated with adjuvant gemcitabine
Authors: Kalloger Steve E , Riazy Maziar , Tessier‐Cloutier Basile , Karasinska Joanna M , Gao Dongxia , Peixoto Renata D , Samimi Setareh , Chow Christine , Wong Hui‐Li , Mackey John R , Renouf Daniel J , Schaeffer David F
Published: June 2017

Expression of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been postulated to be a marker of sensitivity to gemcitabine. However, heterogeneity in the studies attempting to quantify hENT1 expression in patients with PDAC treated with gemcitabine has yielded inconclusive results that impede the adoption of hENT1 expression as a predictive biomarker. Tissue microarrays consisting of PDAC specimens from 227 patients acquired between 1987 and 2013 annotated with treatment and outcome information were subjected to staining with two antibodies for hENT1 (10D7G2 and SP120) on a single automated platform and scored by two independent pathologists blinded to treatment and outcome. The resultant scores were subjected to individual predictive disease‐specific survival analysis and to unsupervised hierarchical clustering to generate a multi‐marker classification. Tumour cell staining prevalence using either SP120 or 10D7G2 was predictive of gemcitabine sensitivity (p = 0.02; p = 0.01). When combined, three groups emerged, classified as SP120Low_10D7G2Low, SP120Low_10D7G2High, and SP120High_10D7G2High, in which adjuvant gemcitabine conferred median survival differences of 0.2, 0.8, and 1.5 (p = 0.76, p = 0.06, p = 0.01) years, respectively. These results were largely replicated in multivariable analysis with the P value for the SP120Low_10D7G2High cluster achieving statistical significance (p = 0.03). These data suggest that either antibody for hENT1 can be used to predict gemcitabine sensitivity in resected PDAC. However, using both antibodies adds valuable information that enables the stratification of patients who can expect to have a good, intermediate, and poor response to adjuvant gemcitabine.
Cardiovascular adverse events in the drug‐development program of bupropion for smoking cessation: A systematic retrospective adjudication effort
Authors: Kittle Jessie , Lopes Renato D. , Huang Mingyan , Marquess Marsha L. , Wilson Matthew D. , Ascher John , Krishen Alok , Hasselblad Vic , Kolls Brad J. , Roe Matthew T. , McGuire Darren K. , Russell Stuart D. , Mahaffey Kenneth W.
Published: June 2017

Background

In 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration requested that GlaxoSmithKline perform retrospective adjudication of cardiovascular (CV) events reported in the bupropion drug‐development trials for smoking cessation.

Hypothesis

Retrospective adjudication of clinical trial data will not increase the identification of adverse events.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive retrospective analysis of adverse events in 19 previously completed controlled US clinical trials of bupropion marketed for the treatment of smoking cessation, yielding 9479 subjects (5290 bupropion, 2927 placebo, 1018 active control [ACT], and 244 treated concurrently with bupropion and ACT). All adverse events were sent to the Duke Clinical Research Institute for adjudication by Clinical Events Classification (CEC) physician reviewers. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse CV events: CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and nonfatal stroke.

Results

Overall, 416 nonfatal CV events in 366 subjects, and 22 deaths, were identified and processed for adjudication. Of these, 7 nonfatal MIs (4 bupropion, 3 placebo, 0 ACT), 5 nonfatal strokes (1 bupropion, 3 placebo, 1 ACT), and 9 CV deaths (4 bupropion, 4 placebo, 1 ACT) were confirmed by the CEC Committee. The primary endpoint occurred in 3/4297 (0.07%) subjects in the bupropion group and in 4/2927 (0.14%) subjects in the placebo group (log‐rank P value: 0.613).

Conclusions

CV events in bupropion clinical trials for smoking cessation were uncommon, with no observed increase among subjects assigned to bupropion vs placebo. However, this effort was limited by a paucity of quality data.
Disparities in abnormal mammogram follow‐up time for Asian women compared with non‐Hispanic white women and between Asian ethnic groups
Authors: Nguyen Kim H. , Pasick Rena J. , Stewart Susan L. , Kerlikowske Karla , Karliner Leah S.
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Delays in abnormal mammogram follow‐up contribute to poor outcomes. In the current study, the authors examined differences in abnormal screening mammogram follow‐up between non‐Hispanic white (NHW) and Asian women.

METHODS

The authors used a prospective cohort of NHW and Asian women with a Breast Imaging, Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS) abnormal result of category 0 or 3‐plus in the San Francisco Mammography Registry between 2000 and 2010. Kaplan‐Meier estimation for the median number of days to follow‐up with a diagnostic radiologic test was performed, and the authors compared the percentage of women with follow‐up at 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days and no follow‐up at 1 year for Asian women overall (and Asian ethnic groups) and NHW women. In addition, the authors assessed the relationship between race/ethnicity and time to follow‐up with adjusted Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Among Asian women, Vietnamese and Filipina women had the longest, and Japanese women the shortest, median follow‐up (32 days, 28 days, and 19 days, respectively) compared with NHW women (15 days). The percentage of women receiving follow‐up at 30 days was lower for Asians versus NHWs (57% vs 77%; P<.0001), and these disparities persisted at 60 days and 90 days for all Asian ethnic groups except Japanese. Asian women had a reduced hazard of follow‐up compared with NHW women (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.69‐0.72). Asian women also had a higher rate of receiving no follow‐up compared with NHW women (15% vs 10%; P<.001); among Asian ethnic groups, Filipinas were found to have the highest percentage of women with no follow‐up (18.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Asian women, particularly Filipina and Vietnamese women, were less likely than NHW women to receive timely follow‐up after an abnormal screening mammogram. Research should disaggregate Asian ethnicity to better understand and address barriers to effective cancer prevention. Cancer 2017;123:3468‐75. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
TiO2 Anatase Solutions for Electron Transporting Layers in Organic Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: El Kass Moustafa , Brohan Luc , Gautier Nicolas , Béchu Solène , David Céline , Lemaitre Noëlla , Berson Solenn , Richard‐Plouet Mireille
Published: June 2017

Reflux of a solution of [Ti8O12(H2O)24]Cl8⋅HCl⋅7 H2O as titanium precursor at 120 °C for 24 h leads to a transparent colloidal solution of nanosized crystallized anatase TiO2. The adjustment of the particle size and composition of the dispersant is monitored through the initial water content while controlling the conversion of propylene carbonate into propylene glycol during reflux. The solutions were processed as thin films to produce electron transporting layers in hybrid bulk heterojunction solar cells, by using a blend of P3HT:PCBM polymers as absorbers, in inverted architectures. The solutions obtained by reflux were demonstrated to produce suitable electron transporting layers.
Selection of a Single Isotope of Multiply Charged Xenon (AXez+, A=128–136, z=1–6) by Using a Bradbury–Nielsen Ion Gate
Authors: Kitashoji Akihiro , Yoshikawa Taiki , Fujihara Akimasa , Kamamori Takaaki , Nashima Shigeki , Yatsuhashi Tomoyuki
Published: June 2017

The inclusion of an ion gate in a tandem mass spectrometer allows a specific precursor ion to be selected, and the fragment ions are then used for structure analysis and to investigate chemical reactions. However, the performance of an ion gate has been judged simply by whether or not the target ion was selected. In this study, we designed, manufactured, constructed, and characterized a Bradbury–Nielsen ion gate (BNG). The actual ion selection ability, i.e. the gate function, of the BNG was measured for isotopes of Xez+ (z=1–6). The gate function of the BNG was 36.5±0.5 ns in width and 3–13 ns in rise and fall times. The BNG provides a simple way to select multiply charged molecular cations of small organic molecules as well as large molecules such as proteins and peptides.
In Situ Industrial Bimetallic Catalyst Characterization using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy and X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy at One Atmosphere and Elevated Temperature
Authors: Prestat Eric , Kulzick Matthew A. , Dietrich Paul J. , Smith Mr. Matthew , Tien Mr. Eu‐Pin , Burke M. Grace , Haigh Sarah J. , Zaluzec Nestor J.
Published: June 2017

We have developed a new experimental platform for in situ scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) which allows real time, nanoscale, elemental and structural changes to be studied at elevated temperature (up to 1000 °C) and pressure (up to 1 atm). Here we demonstrate the first application of this approach to understand complex structural changes occurring during reduction of a bimetallic catalyst, PdCu supported on TiO2, synthesized by wet impregnation. We reveal a heterogeneous evolution of nanoparticle size, distribution, and composition with large differences in reduction behavior for the two metals. We show that the data obtained is complementary to in situ STEM electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and when combined with in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) allows correlation of bulk chemical state with nanoscale changes in elemental distribution during reduction, facilitating new understanding of the catalytic behavior for this important class of materials.
Measuring the Value of Pharmacogenomics Evidence
Authors: Patrinos GP , Mitropoulou C
Published: June 2017

In recent years, there is a growing need to measure the value of pharmacogenomics testing so that policymakers are well informed to decide about adopting and reimbursing pharmacogenomics testing, prioritizing pharmacogenomics research and development, and encouraging the application of companion diagnostics. Presently, there are limited economic evaluation studies of genome‐guided treatment modalities that would allow decision‐makers to comparatively assess the value and clinical utility of such interventions.
Electrospinning Hetero‐Nanofibers of Fe3C‐Mo2C/Nitrogen‐Doped‐Carbon as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Lin Huanlei , Zhang Wenbiao , Shi Zhangping , Che Minwei , Yu Xiang , Tang Yi , Gao Qingsheng
Published: June 2017

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Qingsheng Gao at Jinan University. The image shows the synergistically improved kinetics on Fe3C‐Mo2C hetero‐interfaces for hydrogen evolution, as illustrated by the easily passed hurdles in hurdle race. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201700207.
Federal jury awards deaf student compensatory damages against Keiser U
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: June 2017

A federal jury in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, held that Keiser University intentionally discriminated against a deaf student by denying her admission to the Keiser radiology technician program, and the jury awarded the student $75,000 (Daniel‐Rivera v. Everglades College, d/b/a Keiser University, Case No. 0:16.‐cv‐60044‐WPD (S.D. Florida 04/18/17)).
Creating accessible admissions portal improves experience for all
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: June 2017

MINNEAPOLIS — In 2015, the University of Colorado at Boulder received a letter from the Department of Justice stating the institution was out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and citing a list of items to be adjusted, or the institution would face consequences. It was a huge wake‐up call for the university and forced some much‐needed change. In a session at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers annual conference, Dustin Moody, assistant director of communications and technology at CU Boulder, shared lessons learned from the experience of updating the institution's technology to achieve ADA compliance. Read on for ways to determine whether your admissions and recruiting webpages are in compliance with the ADA.
Tropical soils degraded by slash‐and‐burn cultivation can be recultivated when amended with ashes and compost
Authors: Gay‐des‐Combes Justine Marie , Sanz Carrillo Clara , Robroek Bjorn Jozef Maria , Jassey Vincent Eric Jules , Mills Robert Thomas Edmund , Arif Muhammad Saleem , Falquet Leia , Frossard Emmanuel , Buttler Alexandre
Published: June 2017

In many tropical regions, slash‐and‐burn agriculture is considered as a driver of deforestation; the forest is converted into agricultural land by cutting and burning the trees. However, the fields are abandoned after few years because of yield decrease and weed invasion. Consequently, new surfaces are regularly cleared from the primary forest. We propose a reclamation strategy for abandoned fields allowing and sustaining re‐cultivation. In the dry region of south‐western Madagascar, we tested, according to a split‐plot design, an alternative selective slash‐and‐burn cultivation technique coupled with compost amendment on 30–year‐old abandoned fields. Corn plants (Zea mays L.) were grown on four different types of soil amendments: no amendment (control), compost, ashes (as in traditional slash‐and‐burn cultivation), and compost + ashes additions. Furthermore, two tree cover treatments were applied: 0% tree cover (as in traditional slash‐and‐burn cultivation) and 50% tree cover (selective slash‐and‐burn). Both corn growth and soil fertility parameters were monitored during the growing season 2015 up to final harvest. The amendment compost + ashes strongly increased corn yield, which was multiplied by 4–5 in comparison with ashes or compost alone, reaching 1.5 t/ha compared to 0.25 and 0.35 t/ha for ashes and compost, respectively. On control plots, yield was negligible as expected on these degraded soils. Structural equation modeling evidenced that compost and ashes were complementary fertilizing pathways promoting soil fertility through positive effects on soil moisture, pH, organic matter, and microbial activity. Concerning the tree cover treatment, yield was reduced on shaded plots (50% tree cover) compared to sunny plots (0% tree cover) for all soil amendments, except ashes. To conclude, our results provide empirical evidence on the potential of recultivating tropical degraded soils with compost and ashes. This would help mitigating deforestation of the primary forest by increasing lifespan of agricultural lands.
Post‐fire vegetation response at the woodland–shrubland interface is mediated by the pre‐fire community
Authors: Urza Alexandra K. , Weisberg Peter J. , Chambers Jeanne C. , Dhaemers Jessica M. , Board David
Published: June 2017

Understanding the drivers of ecosystem responses to disturbance is essential for management aimed at maintaining or restoring ecosystem processes and services, especially where invasive species respond strongly to disturbance. In this study, we used repeat vegetation surveys from a network of prescribed fire treatments at the woodland–shrubland interface in the Shoshone Mountains, Nevada, USA, to investigate post‐fire responses of the understory plant community. First, we characterized post‐fire community trajectories for sites located along an elevational gradient, hypothesizing a positive relationship between elevation and resistance to invasion. Unburned understory communities and their responses to disturbance differed along the gradient. As hypothesized, lower elevations experienced greater species turnover and higher invasive annual grass (Bromus tectorum) cover after fire. Second, we characterized post‐fire plant community trajectories for sites with varying levels of pre‐fire pinyon and juniper cover, hypothesizing that pre‐fire tree dominance and associated reductions in perennial understory species lead to less predictable post‐fire trajectories. Among sites with low‐to‐moderate tree cover, burning largely eliminated differences in understory composition, suggesting that biotic legacies were sufficient to result in predictable trajectories. In contrast, sites with high pre‐fire tree cover transitioned into an annual forb‐dominated community with sparse vegetation cover, suggesting that the loss of the understory community initiated unpredictable and divergent post‐fire trajectories. Because plant communities were still changing four years after fire, it is unclear whether the alternate trajectories in sites with high tree cover will result in the formation of alternate states, or whether community composition will eventually converge with other sites at the same elevation. Results indicate that careful evaluation of site characteristics can be used to predict treatment outcomes at the woodland–shrubland interface, and to guide the appropriate use of prescribed fire or other management practices.
Cobalt(III)‐Catalyzed Allylation of Arene C–H Bonds
Authors: Ramachandran Kuppan , Anbarasan Pazhamalai
Published: June 2017

The cobalt(III)‐catalyzed chelation‐assisted allylation of arene C–H bonds was accomplished by employing allyl carbonates. The important features of the present reaction include the use of directing groups such as pyrazoles and pyridines, wide functional‐group tolerance, and the synthesis of various allylated (hetero)arenes in good to excellent yields. On the basis of the observations, a plausible mechanism is also proposed involving the formation of a π‐allyl species.
Total Syntheses of the Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids Zephycandidine III and Lycosinine A and Their Evaluation as Inhibitors of Acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Xu Xingjun , Kim Hye‐Sun , Chen Wei‐Min , Ma Xiang , Correy Galen J. , Banwell Martin G. , Jackson Colin J. , Willis Anthony C. , Carr Paul D.
Published: June 2017

The title alkaloids, 1 and 2, have been prepared using cross‐coupling chemistries and together with various analogues they have been evaluated for their capacity to inhibit acetylcholinesterase. Contrary to an earlier report, it was found that biaryl 1 is not a significant inhibitor of this enzyme, and neither are any of its congeners, including alkaloid 2.
Nonstationary POT modelling of air pollution concentrations: Statistical analysis of the traffic and meteorological impact
Authors: Gyarmati‐Szabó János , Bogachev Leonid V. , Chen Haibo
Published: June 2017

Predicting the occurrence, level, and duration of high air pollution concentrations exceeding a given critical level enables researchers to study the health impact of road traffic on local air quality and to inform public policy action. Precise estimates of the probabilities of occurrence and level of extreme concentrations are formidable due to the combination of complex physical and chemical processes involved. This underpins the need for developing sophisticated extreme value models, in particular allowing for nonstationarity of environmental time series. In this paper, extremes of nitrogen oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) concentrations are investigated using two models. Model I is based on an extended peaks‐over‐threshold (POT) approach developed by A. C. Davison and R. L. Smith, whereby the parameters of the underlying generalized Pareto distribution (GPD) are treated as functions of covariates (i.e., traffic and meteorological factors). The new Model II resolves the lack of threshold stability in the Davison–Smith model by constructing a special functional form for the GPD parameters. For each of the models, the effects of traffic and meteorological factors on the frequency and size of extreme values are estimated using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Finally, appropriate goodness‐of‐fit tests and model selection criteria confirm that Model II significantly outperforms Model I in estimation and forecasting of extremes.
Artificial neural network modeling for removal of azo dye from aqueous solutions by Ti anode coated with multiwall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Nabizadeh Chianeh Farideh , Basiri Parsa Jalal , Rezaei Vahidian Hadi
Published: June 2017

In this study, a titanium based electrode, coated with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs/Ti) was applied as anode in a laboratory‐made electrochemical reactor. The MWCNTs/Ti electrode was prepared by the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method in an aqueous solution and was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The prepared electrode was used as anode in decolorization of C.I. Acid Red 33 as typical target pollutant in aqueous solutions. Effect of pH, current density, and reaction time was evaluated on color removal efficiency. The experimental studies revealed that color removal efficiency and TOC removal efficiency were 90 and 15%, respectively, at optimum conditions: pH = 8, current density of 5.5 mA/cm2 and reaction time of 60 min. Also, the electrochemical decolorization was modeled using a three‐layered feed‐forward back propagation artificial neural network (ANN), consisting of “trainbfg” as learning algorithm, “tansig” transfer function in the hidden layer with 10 neuron and “purelin” as output transfer function in order to predict the color removal efficiency. Comparison between the predicted values and selective experimental data showed that the developed ANN model has a high correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.995 and can predict decolorization efficiency with acceptable accuracy. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1778–1784, 2017
Density forecast comparisons for stock prices, obtained from high‐frequency returns and daily option prices
Authors: Fan Rui , Taylor Stephen J. , Sandri Matteo
Published: June 2017

This paper presents the first comparison of the accuracy of density forecasts for stock prices. Six sets of forecasts are evaluated for DJIA stocks, across four forecast horizons. Two forecasts are risk‐neutral densities implied by the Black–Scholes and Heston models. The third set are historical lognormal densities with dispersion determined by forecasts of realized variances obtained from 5‐min returns. Three further sets are defined by transforming risk‐neutral and historical densities into real‐world densities. The most accurate method applies the risk transformation to the Black–Scholes densities. This method outperforms all others for 87% of the comparisons made using the likelihood criterion.
Integrative gene set enrichment analysis utilizing isoform‐specific expression
Authors: Li Lie , Wang Xinlei , Xiao Guanghua , Gazdar Adi
Published: June 2017

Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) aims at identifying essential pathways, or more generally, sets of biologically related genes that are involved in complex human diseases. In the past, many studies have shown that GSEA is a very useful bioinformatics tool that plays critical roles in the innovation of disease prevention and intervention strategies. Despite its tremendous success, it is striking that conclusions of GSEA drawn from isolated studies are often sparse, and different studies may lead to inconsistent and sometimes contradictory results. Further, in the wake of next generation sequencing technologies, it has been made possible to measure genome‐wide isoform‐specific expression levels, calling for innovations that can utilize the unprecedented resolution. Currently, enormous amounts of data have been created from various RNA‐seq experiments. All these give rise to a pressing need for developing integrative methods that allow for explicit utilization of isoform‐specific expression, to combine multiple enrichment studies, in order to enhance the power, reproducibility, and interpretability of the analysis. We develop and evaluate integrative GSEA methods, based on two‐stage procedures, which, for the first time, allow statistically efficient use of isoform‐specific expression from multiple RNA‐seq experiments. Through simulation and real data analysis, we show that our methods can greatly improve the performance in identifying essential gene sets compared to existing methods that can only use gene‐level expression.
AHNS Series – Do you know your guidelines? Lip cancer
Authors: Dougherty William , Givi Babak , Jameson Mark J. ,   Education Committee of the American Head and Neck Society
Published: June 2017

Background

Lip cancer is one of the most curable primary head and neck malignancies, as the prominent location typically lends to an early diagnosis. The incidence of lip cancer varies by sex, ethnicity, and region, but is estimated to be up to 2.5/100 000 in the United States (squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]).

Methods

This article will review the current literature and National Comprehensive Cancer Network practice guidelines in the treatment of lip cancer.

Results

Resection of lip cancer with negative margins remains the mainstay of therapy. Positive nodal disease should be treated with neck dissection and adjuvant radiotherapy.

Conclusion

Lip cancer remains highly curable when diagnosed at an early stage. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial to treating patients with advanced‐stage lip cancer.