bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Efficient Nondoped OLEDs with Negligible Efficiency Roll‐Off Fabricated from Aggregation‐Induced Delayed Fluorescence Luminogens
Authors: Huang Jian , Nie Han , Zeng Jiajie , Zhuang Zeyan , Gan Shifeng , Cai Yuanjing , Guo Jingjing , Su Shi‐Jian , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: August 2017

Purely organic emitters that can efficiently utilize triplet excitons are highly desired to cut the cost of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), but most of them require complicated doping techniques for their fabrication and suffer from severe efficiency roll‐off. Herein, we developed novel luminogens with weak emission and negligible delayed fluorescence in solution but strong emission with prominent delayed components upon aggregate formation, giving rise to aggregation‐induced delayed fluorescence (AIDF). The concentration‐caused emission quenching and exciton annihilation are well‐suppressed, which leads to high emission efficiencies and efficient exciton utilization in neat films. Their nondoped OLEDs provide excellent electroluminescence efficiencies of 59.1 cd A−1, 65.7 lm W−1, and 18.4 %, and a negligible current efficiency roll‐off of 1.2 % at 1000 cd m−2. Exploring AIDF luminogens for the construction of nondoped OLEDs could be a promising strategy to advance device efficiency and stability.
Evolution of the Ligand Shell Morphology during Ligand Exchange Reactions on Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Luo Zhi , Hou Jing , Menin Laure , Ong Quy Khac , Stellacci Francesco
Published: August 2017

Ligand exchange reactions are used to achieve nanoparticles coated with a mixture of ligand molecules. Currently, nothing is known on the evolution of the morphology of the ligand shell during the reaction. Here, we use a recently developed method (based on MALDI‐TOF) to follow the evolution of the ligand shell composition and morphology during the reaction. We observe the expected evolution in composition and we find that the ligand shell starts as a random mixture and gradually evolves towards a patchy morphology. When the composition has reached a plateau (i.e. when the reaction is generally assumed to be finished), the ligand shell morphology keeps evolving for days, slowly approaching its equilibrium configuration.
Versatile Tri(pyrazolyl)phosphanes as Phosphorus Precursors for the Synthesis of Highly Emitting InP/ZnS Quantum Dots
Authors: Panzer René , Guhrenz Chris , Haubold Danny , Hübner René , Gaponik Nikolai , Eychmüller Alexander , Weigand Jan J.
Published: August 2017

Tri(pyrazolyl)phosphanes (5R1,R2) are utilized as an alternative, cheap and low‐toxic phosphorus source for the convenient synthesis of InP/ZnS quantum dots (QDs). From these precursors, remarkably long‐term stable stock solutions (>6 months) of P(OLA)3 (OLAH=oleylamine) are generated from which the respective pyrazoles are conveniently recovered. P(OLA)3 acts simultaneously as phosphorus source and reducing agent in the synthesis of highly emitting InP/ZnS core/shell QDs. These QDs are characterized by a spectral range between 530–620 nm and photoluminescence quantum yields (PL QYs) between 51–62 %. A proof‐of‐concept white light‐emitting diode (LED) applying the InP/ZnS QDs as a color‐conversion layer was built to demonstrate their applicability and processibility.
Formation of Olefins by Eliminative Dimerization and Eliminative Cross‐Coupling of Carbenoids: A Stereochemical Exercise
Authors: Blakemore Paul R. , Hoffmann Reinhard W.
Published: August 2017

Two carbenoids combine to generate an olefin by a mechanism involving formation of an ate complex, 1,2‐metalate rearrangement, and β‐elimination. As each stage of this eliminative coupling is stereospecific, the overall stereochemical outcome can be understood and, in principle fully controlled, providing that the absolute stereochemical configurations of the reacting carbenoid species are defined. In contrast to traditional alkene syntheses, the eliminative cross‐coupling of carbenoids offers a connective approach to olefins capable of precisely targeting a given isomer regardless of the nature of the features distinguishing the isomers. The formation of olefins by the eliminative dimerization and eliminative cross‐coupling of carbenoids is reviewed with a range of illustrative examples, including the reactions of α‐lithiated haloalkanes, epoxides, and carbamates. An emphasis is placed on stereochemical analysis and methods to generate sp3‐hybridized carbenoids in stereodefined form are surveyed.
Chemo‐selective reduction of nitro and nitrile compounds using Ni nanoparticles immobilized on hyperbranched polymer‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Tabatabaei Rezaei Seyed Jamal , Mashhadi Malekzadeh Asemeh , Poulaei Sima , Ramazani Ali , Khorramabadi Hossein
Published: August 2017

The nitro and nitrile groups in aromatic and aliphatic compounds containing various reducible substituents such as carboxylic acid, ketone, aldehyde and halogen are selectively reduced to the corresponding amines in water as a green solvent with excellent yields by employing NaBH4 in the presence of Fe3O4@PAMAM/Ni(0)‐b‐PEG nanocatalyst. The morphology and structural features of the catalyst were characterized using various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The designed catalyst system because of it being covered with hydrophilic polymers is soluble in a wide range of solvents (e.g. water and ethanol) and suitable for immobilizing and stabilizing Ni nanoparticles in aqueous mediums. In addition, the catalyst can be easily recovered from a reaction mixture by applying an external magnetic field and can be reused up to six runs without significant loss of activity.
Porphyrin‐based polymer‐supported palladium as an excellent and recyclable catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction in water
Authors: Chen Jian , Zhang Ju , Zhu Dajian , Li Tao
Published: August 2017

A porphyrin‐based polymer with high surface area was synthesized using 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenylporphyrin through a one‐pot Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction. Pd(II) was successfully supported on this polymer. This strategy provides an easy approach to produce highly stable Pd–porphyrin‐based polymer. The resulting Pd catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopies and N2 adsorption–desorption measurements. This porphyrin‐based polymer‐supported Pd was used as a heterogeneous catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction in water. The results demonstrated that this Pd catalyst indeed exhibited excellent catalytic activity and recycling performance in water, even for inactive aryl chloride substrate. A new heterogeneous strategy for catalyzing the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction in water is provided.
Special morphology and its role in mechanical enhancement of linear low‐density polyethylene/multiwalled carbon nanotubes composites
Authors: Shi Su‐yu , Wang Li‐na , Xin Chang‐zheng , Zhao Kang , Liu Chun‐tai , Zheng Guo‐qiang
Published: August 2017

In this work, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), as reinforcing agent, were blended with linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE), then molded by hot compression molding to prepare LLDPE/MWCNTs composites. Tensile tests indicate that the strength, Young's modulus, and toughness are all improved for LLDPE/MWCNTs composites containing 1 and 3 wt % MWCNTs. Compared with LLDPE, the Young's modulus of LLDPE/MWCNTs composites rises from 144.8 to 270.8 MPa at 1 wt % MWCNTs content. At the same time, increases of 18.5% in tensile strength and 16.6% in yield strength are achieved. Additionally, its toughness is enhanced by 26.7% than that of LLDPE. Microstructure characterizations, including differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy were performed to investigate the variations of microstructure and further to establish the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties. Homogeneous dispersion of MWCNTs, network formation, and development of an oriented nanohybrid shish‐kebab structure contribute to the enhanced strength and toughness. The increased crystallinity is beneficial to the reinforcement and increased modulus. Additionally, the thermal stability of the LLDPE/MWCNTs composites is enhanced as well. This work suggests a promising routine to optimize polymer/MWCNTs composites by tailoring the structural development. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45525.
Brief Report: Drug‐Free Long‐Term Remission in Severe Behçet's Disease Following Withdrawal of Successful Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor Treatment
Authors: Sfikakis Petros P. , Arida Aikaterini , Panopoulos Stylianos , Fragiadaki Kalliopi , Pentazos George , Laskari Katerina , Tektonidou Maria , Markomichelakis Nikos
Published: August 2017

Objective

To test the hypothesis that remission of Behçet's disease (BD) in patients with severe vital organ involvement is maintained after withdrawal of successful anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) treatment.

Methods

This single‐center, retrospective, longitudinal outcomes study focused on consecutive patients with disease refractory to treatment with conventional immunosuppressant agents who responded to add‐on long‐term anti‐TNF treatment that was subsequently discontinued. The end point was the proportion of patients remaining in complete remission for at least 3 years after withdrawal of anti‐TNF treatment.

Results

In our BD cohort comprising 87 patients, 29 were eligible for analysis. All of these patients had disease that was refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapy and had received successful anti‐TNF treatment for a median of 2 years (interquartile range [IQR] 1.1–2.0) before treatment discontinuation. Of these patients, 12 (41%) achieved the study end point. The remaining 17 patients experienced a relapse within 1 year (IQR 0.6–1.5) after discontinuation. Re‐treatment with anti‐TNF was safe and effective in 14 (82%) of 17 patients; so far, 4 of these patients also achieved the study end point. Overall, 16 patients have remained in complete remission (median 6.5 years [IQR 5.5–8]). Ten of these patients are in drug‐free remission (treated with anti‐TNF agents, mainly for sight‐threatening disease), and 6 are in azathioprine‐maintained remission (treated with anti‐TNF agents for ocular, intestinal, or central nervous system involvement). Notably, patients in drug‐free remission were significantly younger and had a significantly shorter duration of BD when anti‐TNF treatment was initiated compared to patients receiving azathioprine maintenance treatment.

Conclusion

Drug‐free, long‐term remission after withdrawal of successful anti‐TNF treatment is feasible in patients with severe BD. Because an anti‐TNF agent–induced “cure” cannot be differentiated from spontaneous remission by natural history, prospective studies should examine whether anti‐TNF agents should be used as first‐line treatment for the induction of remission in every patient with vital organ involvement.
Enhanced Hepatic Functions of Genetically Modified Mouse Hepatoma Cells by Spheroid Culture for Drug Toxicity Screening
Authors: Sarkar Joyita , Kumari Jyoti , Tonello Jane M. , Kamihira Masamichi , Kumar Ashok
Published: August 2017

While hepatic cell lines are mainly used for in vitro drug induced toxicity studies, they exhibit limited functionalities. To overcome this, the authors have employed genetically engineered mouse hepatoma cells, Hepa/8F5, wherein expression of liver enriched transcription factors is induced by doxycycline leading to increased functionality. Further enhancement in functionality is achieved by spheroid culture in a previously developed 3D cell culture platform. Cells are seeded in presence of temperature‐responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) on poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide­‐co‐gelatin) cryogel scaffold based high throughput platform. Cells seeded in presence of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) and induced with doxycycline exhibited highest functionalities. There is an increase of ≈26, 36, and 39% in albumin secretion, ammonia removal, and CYP3A4 activity, respectively. Morphological analysis showed arrest in cell proliferation and enlarged nucleus in presence of doxycyline and spheroid formation in presence of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide). Drug induced liver toxicity studies revealed that cells induced with doxycycline are resistive to tamoxifen but sensitive to acetaminophen whereas, cultures initiated in presence of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) are resistive to both the drugs which is indicative of diffusional barrier of the spheroids. The authors conclude that Hepa/8F5 cells show enhanced functionality in cryogel based spheroid culture platform which can be successfully used for high throughput screening of hepatic toxicity in vitro.
Impact of portal vein infiltration and type of venous reconstruction in surgery for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ravikumar R , Sabin C , Abu Hilal M , Al-Hilli A , Aroori S , Bond-Smith G , Bramhall S , Coldham C , Hammond J , Hutchins R , Imber C , Preziosi G , Saleh A , Silva M , Simpson J , Spoletini G , Stell D , Terrace J , White S , Wigmore S , Fusai G
Published: August 2017

Background

The International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) recommends operative exploration and resection of pancreatic cancers in the presence of reconstructable mesentericoportal axis involvement. However, there is no consensus on the ideal method of vascular reconstruction. The effect of depth of tumour invasion of the vessel wall on outcome is also unknown.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of pancreaticoduodenectomy with vein resection for T3 adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas across nine centres. Outcome measures were overall survival based on the impact of the depth of tumour infiltration of the vessel wall, and morbidity, in-hospital mortality and overall survival between types of venous reconstruction: primary closure, end-to-end anastomosis and interposition graft.

Results

A total of 229 patients underwent portal vein resection; 129 (56·3 per cent) underwent primary closure, 64 (27·9 per cent) had an end-to-end anastomosis and 36 (15·7 per cent) an interposition graft. There was no difference in overall morbidity (26 (20·2 per cent), 14 (22 per cent) and 9 (25 per cent) respectively; P = 0·817) or in-hospital mortality (6 (4·7 per cent), 2 (3 per cent) and 2 (6 per cent); P = 0·826) between the three groups. One hundred and six patients (47·5 per cent) had histological evidence of vein involvement; 59 (26·5 per cent) had superficial invasion (tunica adventitia) and 47 (21·1 per cent) had deep invasion (tunica media or intima). Median survival was 18·8 months for patients who had primary closure, 27·6 months for those with an end-to-end anastomosis and 13·0 months among patients with an interposition graft. There was no significant difference in median survival between patients with superficial, deep or no histological vein involvement (20·8, 21·3 and 13·3 months respectively; P = 0·111). Venous tumour infiltration was not associated with decreased overall survival on multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

In this study, there was no difference in morbidity between the three modes of venous reconstruction, and overall survival was similar regardless of tumour infiltration of the vein.
Investigation of pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of schisandrin B in rats by HPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Wang Zhuo , You Linjun , Cheng Yan , Hu Kaiyong , Wang Zhanbo , Cheng Yanan , Yang Jin , Yang Yong , Wang Guangji
Published: August 2017

Schisandrin B has received much attention owing to its various biological activities. The present study was aimed at the formulation development of schisandrin B and investigation of the pharmacokinetic profiles, distribution and excretion of schisandrin B in Sprague–Dawley rats. In this study, micronized schisandrin B particles with particle size of 10–20 μm were chosen as the research object. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a BDS Hypersil C18column (50 × 2.1 mm, i.d. 3.5 μm). Schisandrin B and deoxyschizandrin (internal standard) were detected without interference in the multiple reaction monitoring mode with positive electrospray ionization. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by a noncompartmental method. The area under concentration–time curve and the maximum concentration showed a significant difference in gender. The calculated absolute oral bioavailability of schisandrin B was ~55.0% for female rat and 19.3% for male rat. Schisandrin B exhibited linear pharmacokinetics properties within the range of the tested oral dose (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg). After oral administration of schisandrin B, it was extensively distributed in ovary and adipose tissue. The result also showed very low urinary, biliary and fecal excretion of schisandrin B implying that schisandrin B was excreted mainly in the forms of metabolites.
The medium latency muscle response to a vestibular perturbation is increased after depression of the cerebellar vermis
Authors: Lam Chris K. , Staines William R. , Tokuno Craig D. , Bent Leah R.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) is able to evoke distinct responses in the muscles used for balance. These reflexes, termed the short (SL) and medium latency (ML) responses, can be altered by sensory input; decreasing in size when additional sensory cues are available. Although much is known about these responses, the origin and role of the responses are still not fully understood. It has been suggested that the cerebellum, a structure that is involved in postural control and sensory integration, may play a role in the modulation of these reflexes.

Methods

The cerebellar vermis was temporarily depressed using continuous theta burst stimulation and SL, ML and overall vestibular electromyographic and force plate shear response amplitudes were compared before and after cerebellar depression.

Results

There were no changes in force plate shear amplitude and a non‐significant increase for the SL muscle response (p = .071), however, we did find significant increases in the ML and overall vestibular muscle response amplitudes after cerebellar depression (p = .026 and p = .016, respectively). No changes were evoked when a SHAM stimulus was used.

Discussion

These results suggest that the cerebellar vermis plays a role in the modulation of vestibular muscle reflex responses to GVS.
Out‐group peer involvement in youth alcohol consumption
Authors: Gallage H.P. Samanthika , Tynan Caroline , Heath Teresa
Published: August 2017

Recent studies of alcohol consumption among students have consistently linked in‐group influence with excessive drinking. Concurrently, these studies have largely overlooked the influence of non‐alcohol‐consuming peers (the out‐group) on the in‐group's decisions to consume alcohol. However, out‐groups can have a significant impact on in‐group members' decisions regarding publicly consumed products (White, Simpson, & Argo, ), such as is the case of alcohol. In light of this, our study aims to explore how in‐group members' views of their consumption of alcohol are influenced by their out‐group. This study uses Social Identity Theory as the theoretical lens to explain consumer interaction with the out‐group (abstainers) and subsequent views of in‐group members (alcohol consumers). A social constructivist approach is adopted to enable this exploration of meaning, with concomitant use of the qualitative narrative methodology. A sample of 18 postgraduate students studying in the UK was selected. Narratives were collected and analysed using thematic analysis. Although the widely accepted view is that people tend to avoid products or behaviours that are linked with an out‐group, this paper demonstrates conditions in which alcohol consumers appreciate the out‐group. Furthermore, it reveals how drinkers' interaction with their out‐group can lead to negative attitudes towards their in‐group and their own consumption of alcohol. Based on their views of out‐groups, we propose a categorisation of alcohol consumers into 3 groups: avoiders, open admirers, and covert admirers. Finally, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications for social marketers and policy makers.
Aggressive squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder associated with a history of large bladder stone – a case report
Authors: Fernando Manoj Hilary , Jayarajah Umesh , Herath Kasun Bandara , de Silva M. Vipula Chandu , Goonewardena Serozsha Anura Sahadeva
Published: August 2017

Key Clinical Message

History of large bladder stones suggests a long‐standing chronic irritation of the bladder, a known risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, in such patients, we suggest random biopsies to detect presence of dysplasia or malignancy and a follow‐up cystoscopy for early detection of a possible tumor.
Microbial Desalination Cells with Efficient Platinum‐Group‐Metal‐Free Cathode Catalysts
Authors: Santoro Carlo , Talarposhti Morteza Rezaei , Kodali Mounika , Gokhale Rohan , Serov Alexey , Merino‐Jimenez Irene , Ieropoulos Ioannis , Atanassov Plamen
Published: August 2017

An iron‐nitrogen‐carbon‐based catalyst was used at the cathode of a microbial desalination cell (MDC) and compared with platinum (Pt) and an activated carbon (AC) cathode. The Fe‐N−C catalyst was prepared by using nicarbazin (NCB) as the organic precursor through a sacrificial support method (SSM). Rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) experiments show that Fe‐NCB had a higher electrocatalytic activity compared to AC and Pt. The utilization of Fe‐NCB in the cathode substantially improved the performance output with an initial maximum power density of 49±2 μW cm−2 in contrast to Pt and AC catalysts, which show lower values of 34±1 and 23.5±1.5 μW cm−2, respectively. After four cycles, Fe‐NCB catalyst lost 15 % of its initial performance, but still was 1.3 and 1.8 times more active than Pt and AC, respectively. Solution conductivity inside the desalination chamber (DC) decreased by 46–55 % with every cycle. The pH of the cathodic chamber and the DC increased to 10–11, owing to the production of OH− during the oxygen reduction reaction and the migration of OH− into the DC. Chemical organic demand decreased by 73–83 % during each cycle. It was shown that Fe‐NCB and Pt had a similar coulombic efficiency (CE) of 39±7 % and 38±2 %, whereas AC had lower CE (24±5 %).
Synthesis of Sialic Acids, Their Derivatives, and Analogs by Using a Whole‐Cell Catalyst
Authors: Lv Xun , Cao Hongzhi , Lin Baixue , Wang Wei , Zhang Wande , Duan Qian , Tao Yong , Liu Xue‐Wei , Li Xuebing
Published: August 2017

Sialic acids (Sias) are important constituents of cell surface glycans. Ready access to Sias in large quantities would facilitate the development of carbohydrate‐based vaccines and small‐molecule drugs. We now present a facile method for synthesizing various natural forms and non‐natural derivatives or analogs of Sias by using a whole‐cell catalyst, which is constructed by adding a plasmid containing necessary enzyme genes into a metabolically engineered strain of Escherichia coli. The flexible substrate tolerance of incorporated enzymes (N‐acetylglucosamine 2‐epimerase and N‐acetylneuraminic acid aldolase) allows the cellular catalyst to convert a wide range of simple and inexpensive sugars into various Sia‐related compounds through an easily scalable fermentation process. Further, syntheses using this whole‐cell biotransformation in combination with three conventional enzymatic reactions provide a series of complex Sia‐containing glycans (sialyloligosaccharides) and their derivatives bearing different substituents. The processes described herein should permit the large‐scale and economical production of both Sias and sialyloligosaccharides, and may complement existing chemical and enzymatic strategies.
Organocatalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of trans‐γ‐Lactams
Authors: Dong Shunxi , Frings Marcus , Zhang Duo , Guo Qianqian , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Cheng Hanchao , Bolm Carsten
Published: August 2017

An N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed highly diastereo‐ and enantioselective formal [3+2] reaction of o‐hydroxy aromatic aldimines and cinnamaldehydes for the preparation of enantioenriched trans‐γ‐lactams was developed. An internal hydrogen bond between the o‐hydroxy and the imine function was crucial for the reactivity and chemical selectivity. Trans‐γ‐lactam 3 d was easily oxidized to multifunctional 1,4‐benzoquinone 8, which could further be transformed to biaryl 9 in the presence of a phosphoric acid. Finally, preliminary results for a kinetic resolution of (±)‐trans‐γ‐lactam 3 d under asymmetric NHC catalysis are reported.
ER/Golgi trafficking is facilitated by unbranched actin filaments containing Tpm4.2
Authors: Kee Anthony J. , Bryce Nicole S. , Yang Lingyan , Polishchuk Elena , Schevzov Galina , Weigert Roberto , Polishchuk Roman , Gunning Peter W. , Hardeman Edna C.
Published: August 2017

We have identified novel actin filaments defined by tropomyosin Tpm4.2 at the ER. EM analysis of mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) isolated from mice expressing a mutant Tpm4.2 (Tpm4Plt53/Plt53), incapable of incorporating into actin filaments, revealed swollen ER structures compared with wild‐type (WT) MEFs (Tpm4+/+). ER‐to‐Golgi, but not Golgi‐to‐ER trafficking was altered in the Tpm4Plt53/Plt53 MEFs following the transfection of the temperature sensitive ER‐associated ts045‐VSVg construct. Exogenous Tpm4.2 was able to rescue the ER‐to‐Golgi trafficking defect in the Tpm4Plt53/Plt53 cells. The treatment of WT MEFs with the myosin II inhibitor, blebbistatin, blocked the Tpm4.2‐dependent ER‐to‐Golgi trafficking. The lack of an effect on ER‐to‐Golgi trafficking following treatment of MEFs with CK666 indicates that branched Arp2/3‐containing actin filaments are not involved in anterograde vesicle trafficking. We propose that unbranched, Tpm4.2‐containing filaments have an important role in maintaining ER/Golgi structure and that these structures, in conjunction with myosin II motors, mediate ER‐to‐Golgi trafficking.
Making the grade: The newest US Preventive Services Task Force prostate cancer screening recommendation
Authors: Hoffman Richard M. , Volk Robert J. , Wolf Andrew M. D.
Published: August 2017

The US Preventive Services Task Force recently issued a draft guideline supporting individualized decision making for prostate cancer screening. Although the authors believe this guideline appropriately reflects changing evidence regarding the benefits and harms of screening, they raise concerns about achieving decision making, interpreting active surveillance data, and initiating screening for African American men.
Bevacizumab alone or in combination with TRC105 for patients with refractory metastatic renal cell cancer
Authors: Dorff Tanya B. , Longmate Jeff A. , Pal Sumanta K. , Stadler Walter M. , Fishman Mayer N. , Vaishampayan Ulka N. , Rao Amol , Pinksi Jacek K. , Hu James S. , Quinn David I. , Lara Primo N.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway has improved outcomes in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC); however, resistance inevitably occurs. CD105 (endoglin) is an angiogenic pathway that is strongly upregulated after VEGF inhibition, potentially contributing to resistance. The authors tested whether TRC105, a monoclonal antibody against endoglin, impacted disease control in patients with previously treated RCC who were receiving bevacizumab.

METHODS

Eligible patients with metastatic RCC who had previously received 1 to 4 prior lines of therapy, including VEGF‐targeted agents, were randomized 1:1 to receive bevacizumab 10 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks (arm A) or the same plus TRC105 10 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks (arm B). The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS) at 12 and 24 weeks. Correlative studies included serum transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and CD105 levels as well as tissue immunostaining for TGFβ receptors.

RESULTS

Fifty‐nine patients were enrolled (28 on arm A and 31 on arm B), and 1 patient on each arm had a confirmed partial response. The median PFS for bevacizumab alone was 4.6 months compared with 2.8 for bevacizumab plus TRC105 (P = .09). Grade ≥ 3 toxicities occurred in 16 patients (57%) who received bevacizumab compared with 19 (61%) who received bevacizumab plus TRC105 (P = .9). Baseline serum TGFβ levels below the median (<10.6 ng/mL) were associated with longer median PFS (5.6 vs 2.1 months; P = .014).

CONCLUSIONS

TRC105 failed to improve PFS when added to bevacizumab. TGFβ warrants further study as a biomarker in RCC. Cancer 2017;123:4566‐4573. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Computational Study of the Molecular Structure and Hydrogen Bonding in the Hamilton Wedge/Cyanuric Acid Binding Motif
Authors: Limacher Peter A. , Klopper Wim
Published: August 2017

Intermolecular binding between a Hamilton wedge and cyanuric acid, a frequently employed binding motif to achieve self‐assembly of single‐chain polymer nanoparticles, is studied by means of ab initio quantum‐chemical and DFT calculations. A conformational analysis of the isolated compounds and the hydrogen‐bonded complex reveals several low‐energy structures, which are characterized based on their nonplanarity and binding energy. New hypothetical binding motifs are proposed and proven to possess a superior binding energy, upon becoming planar. Comparison to experimentally measured NMR spectroscopy data is made and cases of disagreement are traced back to solvent effects for isolated substituents or to thermally stretched intermolecular bonds for hydrogen‐bonded species. Strong linear correlations between NMR chemical shifts and hydrogen‐bond lengths are established for all compounds investigated.
Predators do not spill over from forest fragments to maize fields in a landscape mosaic in central Argentina
Authors: Ferrante Marco , González Ezequiel , Lövei Gábor L.
Published: August 2017

South America is undergoing a rapid and large‐scale conversion of natural habitats to cultivated land. Ecosystem services still remain important but their level and sustainability are not known. We quantified predation intensity in an Argentinian agricultural landscape containing remnants of the original chaco serrano forest using artificial sentinel prey. We sought to identify the main predators and the effect of landscape configuration and maize phenology on predation pressure by invertebrate and vertebrate predators in this landscape. The most common predators were chewing insects (50.4% predation events), birds (22.7%), and ants (17.5%). Overall predation rates in forest fragments (41.6% per day) were significantly higher than in the surrounding maize fields (21.5% per day). Invertebrate predation was higher inside and at the edge of forest fragments than within fields, and did not change with increasing distance from a fragment edge, indicating a lack of spillover from the native habitat remnants to the cultivated matrix at the local scale. Distance from a continuous forest had a positive impact on predation by invertebrates and a negative impact on vertebrate predation.
Enhanced effects of biotic interactions on predicting multispecies spatial distribution of submerged macrophytes after eutrophication
Authors: Song Kun , Cui Yichong , Zhang Xijin , Pan Yingji , Xu Junli , Xu Kaiqin , Da Liangjun
Published: August 2017

Water eutrophication creates unfavorable environmental conditions for submerged macrophytes. In these situations, biotic interactions may be particularly important for explaining and predicting the submerged macrophytes occurrence. Here, we evaluate the roles of biotic interactions in predicting spatial occurrence of submerged macrophytes in 1959 and 2009 for Dianshan Lake in eastern China, which became eutrophic since the 1980s. For the four common species occurred in 1959 and 2009, null species distribution models based on abiotic variables and full models based on both abiotic and biotic variables were developed using generalized linear model (GLM) and boosted regression trees (BRT) to determine whether the biotic variables improved the model performance. Hierarchical Bayesian‐based joint species distribution models capable of detecting paired biotic interactions were established for each species in both periods to evaluate the changes in the biotic interactions. In most of the GLM and BRT models, the full models showed better performance than the null models in predicting the species presence/absence, and the relative importance of the biotic variables in the full models increased from less than 50% in 1959 to more than 50% in 2009 for each species. Moreover, co‐occurrence correlation of each paired species interaction was higher in 2009 than that in 1959. The findings suggest biotic interactions that tend to be positive play more important roles in the spatial distribution of multispecies assemblages of macrophytes and should be included in prediction models to improve prediction accuracy when forecasting macrophytes’ distribution under eutrophication stress.
Sensitive phosphoprotein detection in SDS‐PAGE via Anthracene Chrome Red A stain
Authors: Hwang Sun‐Young , Choi Jung‐Kap
Published: August 2017

Protein phosphorylation, one of the most important post‐translational modifications, plays critical roles in many biological processes. Thus, it is necessary to precisely detect, identify and understand the phosphoproteins from protein mixture for the study of cell biology. We introduce a sensitive and specific detection method for phosphoproteins in sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). Anthracene Chrome Red A (ACRA) combined with the trivalent metal ion (Al3+) is converted to fluorescent complex and the fluorescence is sharply increased by a change of pH environment. Phosphoproteins and non‐phosphoproteins can be easily distinguished by the fluorescence quenching due to the structural change of ACRA‐Al3+‐phosphoprotein complex, unlike non‐phosphoprotein complex. The method using ACRA is a negative staining based on the fluorescence quenching and has a high sensitivity comparable to Pro‐Q Diamond stain. ACRA stain can detect 1–2 ng of α‐casein and β‐casein, 8–16 ng of ovalbumin (OVA) and κ‐casein within 130 min. Moreover, the ACRA stain showed similar linear dynamic ranges and RSD to Pro‐Q stain. The linear dynamic ranges of ACRA and the values of correlation coefficient were for OVA (8–500 ng, correlation coefficient r = 0.999), α‐casein (4–500 ng, r = 0.992), β‐casein (4–500 ng, r = 0.996), and κ‐casein (8–500 ng, 0.998), respectively. On the other hand, the values of the relative standard deviations (RSD) ranged from 2.33 to 3.56% for ACRA. The method is sensitive, specific, simple, rapid and compatible with total protein stain such as SYPRO Ruby stain. Therefore, ACRA stain can be an advanced method for phosphoprotein detection in gels.
Kallar grass (Leptochloa fusca L. Kunth) as a feedstock for ethanol fermentation with the aid of response surface methodology
Authors: Gul Ambreen , Irfan Muhammad , Nadeem Muhammad , Syed Quratulain , Haq Ikram ul
Published: August 2017

In this study, Leptochloa fusca L. Kunth or Kallar grass (KG) was thermochemically (0.625M NaOH solution followed by steam treatment at 121°C for 1 h) pretreated and utilized as a substrate for ethanol production in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process. A four‐factor, full factorial, rotatable central composite design of response surface methodology was used to develop a statistical model for the optimization of process variables such as substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, temperature, and time. Analysis of variance for ethanol production and the substrate conversion efficiency (SCE) by Kluyveromyces marxianus demonstrated that 10% pretreated KG, 0.6 mg/mL enzyme concentration, 40°C temperature and 48 h of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation time were the optimized variables. At optimum factor setting, predicted values of ethanol production and SCE were 30 g/L and 82%, respectively. The Experimental/validation experiment was in close agreement with the predictive model and the results obtained was 40 g/L and 83.74% for ethanol production and SCE, respectively. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 569–576, 2018
The Plant—An experiment in urban food sustainability
Authors: Chance Eva , Ashton Weslynne , Pereira Jonathan , Mulrow John , Norberto Julia , Derrible Sybil , Guilbert Stephane
Published: August 2017

Indoor farming and food production systems present a unique opportunity for altering the sustainability of the urban food landscape through innovations in food, energy, and water (FEW) flows. Compared to traditional farming, growing indoors has been shown to be significantly more efficient with water usage and can reduce the amount of organic waste in runoff. However, indoor farming requires large amounts of energy for lighting and climate control, which can in turn exacerbate environmental impacts. Many experiments in indoor farming are taking place in cities across the world. This article presents a case study of The Plant, a renovated former meat‐packing facility in Chicago's South Side, which is being repurposed into a collaborative community of food businesses committed to reducing waste. We utilize a Material Flow Analysis (MFA) framework to gather and analyze the FEW flows, but we also illustrate the social impacts, which are important as part of the broader sustainability impacts of the facility. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges in assessing the flow of FEW resources in experimental facilities such as The Plant, and we emphasize the need for ongoing study of such systems in order to determine a path towards sustainable management of food, energy, water, and waste in cities. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 82–90, 2018
Love mode surface acoustic wave and impedance sensors for water toxicity sensing
Authors: Furniss Jonathan , Qin Lifeng , Ng Simon , Voiculescu Ioana , Li Fang
Published: August 2017

Clean water supply systems and infrastructure require periodic testing of water samples to maintain water quality. To enable this, toxicity tests need to be rapid, accurate, portable, and low cost to provide affordable water security especially in developing countries. Qualitative and quantitative measurement of contaminants in water is classically done by standard analytic chemical methods, which are time‐consuming, labor‐intensive, expensive, and cannot be performed easily outside the laboratory. An alternative to these methods is cell‐based sensors, which can detect the presence of a wide range of toxicants by monitoring the cell states.

Although electric cell‐substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) has been demonstrated to be an effective method for water toxicity sensing, the use of ECIS only is not sensitive enough to detect many toxicants at low concentrations. Merging a sensor platform with multiparametric measurement capabilities could increase the security of detection. Love mode surface acoustic wave (SAW) device is considered as one of the powerful candidates for cell‐based toxicity biosensors. In this study, a hybrid Love mode SAW/ECIS sensor was developed. Theoretical analysis and experiments were performed to demonstrate the capability of two sensing techniques (i.e., SAW and ECIS) for toxicity sensing. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 172–179, 2018
The association of antidepressant treatment with COPD maintenance medication use and adherence in a comorbid Medicare population: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Wei Yu‐Jung , Simoni‐Wastila Linda , Albrecht Jennifer S. , Huang Ting‐Ying , Moyo Patience , Khokhar Bilal , Harris Ilene , Langenberg Patricia , Netzer Giora , Lehmann Susan W.
Published: August 2017

Background

The effect of treating comorbid depression to achieve optimal management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not yet empirically tested. We examined the association between antidepressant treatment and use of and adherence to COPD maintenance medications among patients with new‐onset COPD and comorbid depression.

Methods

Using 2006‐2012 Medicare data, this retrospective cohort study identified patients with newly diagnosed COPD and new‐onset major depression. Two exposures—antidepressant use (versus non‐use) and adherence measured by proportion of days covered (PDC) (PDC ≥0.8 versus <0.8)—were assessed quarterly. We used marginal structural models to estimate the effects of prior antidepressant use and adherence on subsequent COPD maintenance inhaler use and adherence outcomes, accounting for time‐varying confounders.

Results

A total of 25 458 COPD‐depression patients, 82% with antidepressant treatment, were followed for a median of 2.5 years. Nearly half (48%) used at least 1 COPD maintenance inhaler in any given quarter; among users, 3 in 5 (61%) had a PDC of <0.8. Compared to patients with no antidepressant treatment, those with antidepressant use were more likely to use (relative ratio [RR] = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12‐ 1.17) and adhere to (RR = 1.08, 95% = 1.03‐1.14) their COPD maintenance inhalers. Patients who adhered to antidepressant treatment were more likely to use and adhere to COPD maintenance inhalers.

Conclusion

Regularly treated depression may increase use of and adherence to necessary maintenance medications for COPD. Antidepressant treatment may be a key determinant to improving medication‐taking behaviors among COPD patients comorbid with depression.
How to design the cost‐effectiveness appraisal process of new healthcare technologies to maximise population health: A conceptual framework
Authors: Johannesen Kasper M. , Claxton Karl , Sculpher Mark J. , Wailoo Allan J.
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a conceptual framework to analyse the design of the cost‐effectiveness appraisal process of new healthcare technologies. The framework characterises the appraisal processes as a diagnostic test aimed at identifying cost‐effective (true positive) and non‐cost‐effective (true negative) technologies. Using the framework, factors that influence the value of operating an appraisal process, in terms of net gain to population health, are identified. The framework is used to gain insight into current policy questions including (a) how rigorous the process should be, (b) who should have the burden of proof, and (c) how optimal design changes when allowing for appeals, price reductions, resubmissions, and re‐evaluations.

The paper demonstrates that there is no one optimal appraisal process and the process should be adapted over time and to the specific technology under assessment. Optimal design depends on country‐specific features of (future) technologies, for example, effect, price, and size of the patient population, which might explain the difference in appraisal processes across countries. It is shown that burden of proof should be placed on the producers and that the impact of price reductions and patient access schemes on the producer's price setting should be considered when designing the appraisal process.
The impact of spousal bereavement on hospitalisations: Evidence from the Scottish Longitudinal Study
Authors: Tseng Fu‐Min , Petrie Dennis , Wang Shaolin , Macduff Colin , Stephen Audrey I.
Published: August 2017

This paper estimates the impact of spousal bereavement on hospital inpatient use for the surviving bereaved by following the experience of 94,272 married Scottish individuals from 1991 until 2009 using a difference‐in‐difference model. We also consider the sample selection issues related to differences in survival between the bereaved and non‐bereaved using a simple Cox Proportional‐Hazard model. Before conducting these estimations, propensity score approaches are used to re‐weight the non‐bereaved to generate a more random‐like comparison sample for the bereaved.

We find that those bereaved who survive are both more likely to be admitted and to stay longer in hospital than a comparable non‐bereaved cohort. Bereavement is estimated to induce on average an extra 0.24 (95% CI [0.15, 0.33]) hospital inpatient days per year. Similar to previous studies, we estimate the bereaved have a 19.2% (95% CI [12.5%, 26.3%]) higher mortality rate than the comparable non‐bereaved cohort.
The effectiveness of medical and vocational interventions for reducing sick leave of self‐employed workers
Authors: Baert Stijn , van der Klaauw Bas , van Lomwel Gijsbert
Published: August 2017

We investigate whether interventions by (a) medical doctors and (b) occupational specialists are effective in reducing sick leave durations among self‐employed workers. Therefore, we exploit unique administrative data comprising all sick leave claims by self‐employed workers insured with a major Dutch private insurer between January 2009 and March 2014. We estimate a multivariate duration model dealing with nonrandom selection into the two intervention types by controlling for observable and unobservable claimant characteristics. We find adverse treatment effects for both interventions, irrespective of whether they are started early or (middle) late in the sickness spell.
Exploring women's experiences with a decision aid for neoadjuvant systemic therapy for operable breast cancer
Authors: Herrmann Anne , Boyle Frances , Butow Phyllis , Hall Alix E. , Zdenkowski Nicholas
Published: August 2017

Background

Some women with operable breast cancer have a choice between receiving upfront surgery followed by chemotherapy or neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) prior to receiving surgery. While survival outcomes are equivalent for both options, the decision about treatment sequence can be difficult due to its complexity and perceived urgency. A decision aid has been developed to help patients decide on whether to receive NAST.

Aims

To explore, qualitatively, women's use and perceived benefit of a decision aid to help with their decision on NAST.

Methods

A framework analysis process was conducted on a purposeful sample of 20, one‐on‐one, semistructured phone interviews with early‐stage breast cancer patients eligible for NAST. Participants had recently decided on whether or not to have NAST.

Results

Patients perceived the decision aid as useful to becoming more informed and involved in making a decision as to whether they receive NAST. They described the information provided in the decision aid as reliable, relevant, sufficient in terms of amount, and tailored to their needs. Reading and rereading the decision aid at home in‐between the consultations with their surgeon and their medical oncologist allowed women to better understand their treatment options and easily integrate the decision aid into their care. The decision aid seemed to confirm but not change women's decisions on NAST.

Conclusion

The decision aid appears to help breast cancer patients support their decision about whether to receive NAST. Patients' ability to review the decision aid in‐between two consultations seems to be an acceptable and feasible way of integrating the decision aid into patients' care.