bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Protein‐Based, Water‐Insoluble, and Bendable Polymer with Ionic Conductivity: A Roadmap for Flexible and Green Electronics
Authors: Kadumudi Firoz Babu , Jahanshahi Mohammadjavad , Mehrali Mehdi , Zsurzsan Tiberiu‐Gabriel , Taebnia Nayere , Hasany Masoud , Mohanty Soumyaranjan , Knott Arnold , Godau Brent , Akbari Mohsen , Dolatshahi‐Pirouz Alireza
Published: January 2019

Proteins present an ecofriendly alternative to many of the synthetic components currently used in electronics. They can therefore in combination with flexibility and electroactivity uncover a range of new opportunities in the field of flexible and green electronics. In this study, silk‐based ionic conductors are turned into stable thin films by embedding them with 2D nanoclay platelets. More specifically, this material is utilized to develop a flexible and ecofriendly motion‐sensitive touchscreen device. The display‐like sensor can readily transmit light, is easy to recycle and can monitor the motion of almost any part of the human body. It also displays a significantly lower sheet resistance during bending and stretching regimes than the values typically reported for conventional metallic‐based conductors, and remains fully operational after mechanical endurance testing. Moreover, it can operate at high frequencies in the kilohertz (kHz) range under both normal and bending modes. Notably, our new technology is available through a simple one‐step manufacturing technique and can therefore easily be extended to large‐scale fabrication of electronic devices.
Refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts (RARS) and RARS with thrombocytosis: “2019 Update on Diagnosis, Risk‐stratification, and Management”
Authors: Patnaik Mrinal M. , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: January 2019

Disease Overview

Ring sideroblasts (RS) are erythroid precursors with abnormal perinuclear mitochondrial iron accumulation. Two myeloid neoplasms defined by the presence of RS, include refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts (RARS), now classified under myelodysplastic syndromes with RS (MDS‐RS) and RARS with thrombocytosis (RARS‐T); now called myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm with RS and thrombocytosis (MDS/MPN‐RS‐T).

Diagnosis

MDS‐RS is a lower‐risk MDS, with single or multilineage dysplasia (SLD/MLD), <5% bone marrow (BM) blasts and ≥ 15% BM RS (≥5% in the presence of SF3B1 mutations). MDS/MPN‐RS‐T, now a formal entity in the MDS/MPN overlap syndromes, has diagnostic features of MDS‐RS‐SLD, along with a platelet count ≥450 × 10(9)/L and large atypical megakaryocytes.

Mutations and Karyotype

Mutations in SF3B1 are seen in ≥80% of patients with MDS‐RS‐SLD and MDS/MPN‐RS‐T, and strongly correlate with the presence of BM RS; MDS/MPN‐RS‐T patients also demonstrate JAK2V617F, ASXL1, DNMT3A, SETBP1, and TET2 mutations. Cytogenetic abnormalities are uncommon in both.

Risk stratification

Most patients with MDS‐RS‐SLD are stratified into lower‐risk groups by the revised‐IPSS. Disease outcome in MDS/MPN‐RS‐T is better than that of MDS‐RS‐SLD, but worse than that of essential thrombocythemia. Both diseases have a low risk of leukemic transformation.

Treatment

Anemia and iron overload are complications seen in both and are managed similar to lower‐risk MDS and MPN. The advent of luspatercept, a first‐in‐class erythroid maturation agent will tremendously boost the ability to manage anemia. Aspirin therapy is reasonable in MDS/MPN‐RS‐T, especially in the presence of JAK2V617F, but the value of platelet‐lowering drugs remains uncertain.
STEFs: Activated Vinylogous Protein‐Reactive Electrophiles
Authors: Hansen Bente K. , Loveridge Christopher J. , Thyssen Stine , Wørmer Gustav J. , Nielsen Andreas D. , Palmfeldt Johan , Johannsen Mogens , Poulsen Thomas B.
Published: January 2019

Reported here is the synthesis of a class of semi‐oxamide vinylogous thioesters, designated STEFs, and the use of these agents as new electrophilic warheads. This work includes preparation of simple probes that contain this reactive motif as well as its installation on a more complex kinase inhibitor scaffold. A key aspect of STEFs is their reactivity towards both thiol and amine groups. Shown here is that amine conjugations in peptidic and proteinogenic samples can be facilitated by initial, fast conjugation to proximal thiol residues. Evidence that both the selectivity and the reactivity can be tuned by the structure of STEFs is provided, and given the unique ability of this functionality to conjugate by an addition‐elimination mechanism, STEFs are electrophilic warheads that could find broad use in chemical biology.
Ultra‐Fast Synthesis of Multivalent Radical Nanoparticles by Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly
Authors: Le Dao , Dilger Marco , Pertici Vincent , Diabaté Silvia , Gigmes Didier , Weiss Carsten , Delaittre Guillaume
Published: January 2019

We report the straightforward, time‐efficient synthesis of radical core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) by polymerization‐induced self‐assembly. A nitroxide‐containing hydrophilic macromolecular precursor was prepared by ring‐opening metathesis copolymerization of norbornenyl derivatives of TEMPO and oligoethylene glycol and was chain‐extended in situ with norbornene in ethanolic solution, leading to simultaneous amphiphilic block copolymer formation and self‐assembly. Without any intermediate purification from the monomers to the block copolymers, radical NPs with tunable diameters ranging from 10 to 110 nm are obtained within minutes at room temperature. The high activity of the radical NPs as chemoselective and homogeneous, yet readily recyclable catalysts is demonstrated through oxidation of a variety of alcohols and recovery by simple centrifugation. Furthermore, the NPs show biocompatibility and antioxidant activity in vitro.
Structural characterization of disperse black 9 based Cu (II) complex and investigation of its some properties
Authors: Tümer Ferhan , Köse Muhammet , Akar Sultan , Güngör Seyit Ali , Tümer Mehmet
Published: January 2019

We obtained the azo‐imine ligand (2,2′‐[4‐(5‐methoxy salicylidene‐4‐iminophenylazo)phenylimino]diethanol) (HL) and its Cu (II) complex (CuL) from the ethanol solution. The complex Cu(L)2 was obtained as single crystals from the CH3OH solution and structurally characterized. The electronic and photoluminescence properties of the ligand and its Cu (II) complex were investigated both in DMF solution and solid state. The oxidation and reduction behaviours of the compounds were studied in the solution and found that the redox processes are irreversible. Thermal studies show that the ligand has higher thermal stability than the CuL complex. Single crystals of the complex were obtained from slow evaporation of a DMF solution of the complex. Crystals of the complex showed a diffraction pattern; however, the structure of the complex was able to be solved.
Composite latex production with high solid content
Authors: Delibaş Ali , Yıldız Ufuk , Tauer Klaus
Published: January 2019

Poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl acrylate) (PMMA‐co‐PBA) and poly(sytrene‐co‐butyl acrylate) (PSt‐co‐PBA) latexes in which solid content (SC) varied from 20% up to 40 wt % armored with laponite clay have been successfully synthesized using a simple method, which does not require modification of the clay particles prior to polymerization. Incorporation of quite high amounts of laponite nanoparticles into PMMA‐co‐PBA and PSt‐co‐PBA latexes with a certain amount of solids content was achieved. The nanocomposite latexes and polymer samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), contact angle, zeta potential, viscosimetry and analytical ultracentrifuge (AUC). Zeta potential values showed that stable latex was obtained and precipitation problem of the nanoparticles in the latex was not seen during the storage. Obtained nanocomposite latex showed fine particle size between 88 and 160 nm. TEM images and XRD results pointed out that the exfoliated nanocomposite structure for latexes was obtained. DSC analyzes showed that the glass‐transition temperature (T
g) values of nanocomposite films decreased slightly compared with those of pure (PMMA‐co‐PBA) films. Mechanical properties of laponite clay armored PMMA‐co‐PBA were tested and compared with those of pure PMMA‐co‐PBA, indicating that incorporated the Young's modulus and tensile strength are also improved to a noticeable extent after the incorporation of laponite. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47423.
Effect of modified ZnO nanoparticle on the properties of polylactide ultrafine fibers
Authors: Ryu Yeon Sung , Kim Ick‐Soo , Kim Seong Hun
Published: January 2019

Zinc oxide (ZnO) was modified with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS) to obtain hydrophobicity and used to reinforce polylactide (PLA), an environmentally friendly polymer. The PLA/HDTMS‐modified ZnO (m‐ZnO) nanocomposite prepared by adding m‐ZnO to the PLA matrix was fabricated into ultrafine fiber using electrospinning. Neat PLA and PLA/ZnO were used for comparisons. Structural analysis of the nanoparticles proved that the ZnO was modified successfully, and that the modification affected dispersibility and hydrophobicity, as observed by morphological, visual, and water repellency tests. The morphological analysis of the electrospun ultrafine fabrics under suitable conditions confirmed that the nanoparticles were well incorporated, and the desired functional changes were observed. Measurement of water repellency and mechanical, thermal properties were used to analyze the effect of nanoparticle modification and composition on fabrics. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47446.
Coupled analysis on heterogeneous oxidative aging and viscoelastic performance of rubber based on multi‐scale simulation
Authors: Zhi Jieying , Wang Qinglin , Zhang Mengjie , Li Manjia , Jia Yuxi
Published: January 2019

An oxidative aging‐viscoelastic constitutive model was established to study the coupled heterogeneous oxidation and viscoelastic performance of rubber during aging process. The basic elasticity and viscoelasticity of rubber materials were comparatively considered as the function of ongoing aging. The dynamic compression process of natural rubber at different aging times was analyzed by the finite element method. And then the effects of oxygen uptake, diffusion, and oxidative reactions on the dynamic viscoelasticity of rubber were analyzed. The permeability of the oxygen in natural rubber was determined by means of molecular dynamics simulation. The results reveal that the heterogeneous degradation caused by diffusion‐limited oxidation can lead to a complex stress distribution in the natural rubber specimen under dynamic loading condition; the relaxation time and the energy dissipation of the rubber specimen also increased after aging. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47452
HPAM‐g‐PEOPPO: Rheological modifiers in aqueous media of high temperature and high ionic strength
Authors: de Lima Bruna Luiza Batista , Marques Nívia do Nascimento , Villetti Marcos Antônio , Balaban Rosangela de Carvalho
Published: January 2019

Partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) is widely used as thickener in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), but the high temperature and salinity of oil reservoirs can reduce the viscosity and lead to polymer precipitation. To improve the performance of HPAM in high‐salinity and high‐temperature environments, the responsive amino‐terminated poly(ethylene oxide‐co‐propylene oxide) (PEOPPO) (EO/PO = 19/03) was grafted onto a HPAM backbone. The copolymers were prepared in water using 1‐ethyl‐3‐[3‐(dimethylamino)‐propyl]carbodiimide hydrochloride/N‐hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) as activators. Structural characterization was performed by1H NMR and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and the responsive behavior was investigated by UV–Vis and rheology. Spectroscopic analyses confirmed that copolymers were successfully synthesized. UV–Vis showed that copolymers have combined salt and thermoresponsive character. Rheology in saline medium (ionic strength = 3.75 mol.L−1) revealed that, contrary to unmodified HPAM, HPAM‐g‐PEOPPO have thermothickening behavior and also higher viscosity than HPAM at 70 °C, suggesting the utilization of these copolymers as rheological modifiers under harsh conditions of temperature and salinity, such as the ones found in EOR applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47453.
Designing triple‐shape memory polymers from a miscible polymer pair through dual‐electrospinning technique
Authors: Sabzi Mohammad , Ranjbar‐Mohammadi Marziyeh , Zhang Qiwei , Kargozar Saeid , Leng Jinsong , Akhtari Tahereh , Abbasi Robabeh
Published: January 2019

Recently, multiple‐shape memory polymers (SMPs) have attracted a great deal of attention in biomedical applications. Therefore, a series of triple‐SMPs were developed by simply blending of two immiscible SMPs exhibiting two distinct transition temperatures, which is required for triple‐shape memory (SM) effect. However, fabrication of triple‐SMPs from completely miscible polymer pairs using the conventional blending approach is a challenging problem. Because this type of blends consists of one homogeneous phase and thereby exhibit only one transition temperature and dual‐SM behavior. To overcome this problem, herein, a novel and versatile strategy is introduced for preparation of phase separated blends from a completely miscible polymer pair, exhibiting triple‐SM behavior. Dual‐electrospinning technique was utilized to simultaneously electrospin poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), as a model miscible polymer pair, to obtain an interwoven polymer composite with two well‐separated thermal transitions, as revealed by dynamic mechanical analyze. Consequently, the SM experiments revealed that the electrospun PLA/PVAc composites have triple‐SM behavior. Furthermore, incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets into the composite fibers significantly improved the triple‐SM properties of samples. Additionally, excellent adherence and spreading of the osteoblasts on the fibrous scaffolds containing graphene were observed. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47471.
Centralized sliding mode frequency regulation approach for an uncertain islanded micro grid integrated with disturbance observer
Authors: Deepika Deepika , Kaur Sandeep , Narayan Shiv
Published: January 2019

This paper proposes a novel secondary frequency regulation technique for an uncertain islanded micro grid (MG). The major motivation of the work is to integrate the intrinsic robustness of the sliding mode control scheme with the disturbance observer to estimate and alleviate the unknown mismatched uncertainties caused by renewable resources and load variations. To this end, a dynamical sliding manifold is first utilized and then a control law is derived with Lyapunov's method which stabilizes the MG dynamics. Moreover, in order to ensure faster time domain responses of the closed‐loop system, we employ a power rate reaching law in our proposed control design. Thereafter, the performances of the introduced control strategy are tested on an islanded MG using MATLAB/Simulink, and robustness analysis is also carried out by considering five different case studies. Further, in contrast to the existing approaches such as robust H∞ and robust PID control, the proposed strategy renders appealing time domain characteristics such as settling time, peak overshoot, and integral absolute frequency error.
Changing Perspectives on Outside Surcharges: Understanding New Criteria
Authors: Clumpner Greg
Published: January 2019

As the way in which surcharges for outside water customers evolves, certain questions should be asked when new or existing surcharges are being evaluated.
Prioritizing research for patients requiring surgery in low- and middle-income countries
Authors:   National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery, Nepogodiev D , Moore R , Biccard B , Rayne S , Costas-Chavarri A , Lapitan M C , Makupe A , Oluseye Adisa A , Uzair Qureshi A , Drake T M , Ademuyiwa A , Alexander P , Allen Ingabire J C , Al-Saqqa S W , Khairy Salem H , Teddy Kojo Anyomih T , Lawani I , Lorena Aguilera M , Ramos-De la Medina A , Spence R , Tabiri S , Yepez R , Smart N , Chu K , Davies J , Fitzgerald J E , Ghosh D , Koto Z , Magill L , Muller E , Ots R , Shaw C , Verjee A , Harrison E M , James Garden O , Sundar S , Glasbey J C , Chakrabortee S , Martin J , Lilford R , Smith M , Brocklehurst P , Morton D G , Bhangu A
Published: January 2019

Background

The National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery is establishing research Hubs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study was for the Hubs to prioritize future research into areas of unmet clinical need for patients in LMICs requiring surgery.

Methods

A modified Delphi process was overseen by the research Hub leads and engaged LMIC clinicians, patients and expert methodologists. A four-stage iterative process was delivered to prioritize research topics. This included anonymous electronic voting, teleconference discussions and a 2-day priority-setting workshop.

Results

In stage 1, Hub leads proposed 32 topics across six domains: access to surgery, cancer, perioperative care, research methods, acute care surgery and communicable disease. In stages 2 and 3, 40 LMICs and 20 high-income countries participated in online voting, leading to identification of three priority research topics: access to surgery; outcomes of cancer surgery; and perioperative care. During stage 4, specific research plans to address each topic were developed by Hub leads at a priority-setting workshop.

Conclusion

This process identified three priority areas for future research relevant to surgery in LMICs. It was driven by front-line LMIC clinicians, patients and other stakeholders representing a diverse range of settings. The results of the prioritization exercise provide a future framework for researchers and funders.
Caesarean section performed by medical doctors and associate clinicians in Sierra Leone
Authors: van Duinen A J , Kamara M M , Hagander L , Ashley T , Koroma A P , Leather A , Elhassein M , Darj E , Salvesen Ø , Wibe A , Bolkan H A
Published: January 2019

Background

Many countries lack sufficient medical doctors to provide safe and affordable surgical and emergency obstetric care. Task-sharing with associate clinicians (ACs) has been suggested to fill this gap. The aim of this study was to assess maternal and neonatal outcomes of caesarean sections performed by ACs and doctors.

Methods

All nine hospitals in Sierra Leone where both ACs and doctors performed caesarean sections were included in this prospective observational multicentre non-inferiority study. Patients undergoing caesarean section were followed for 30 days. The primary outcome was maternal mortality, and secondary outcomes were perinatal events and maternal morbidity.

Results

Between October 2016 and May 2017, 1282 patients were enrolled in the study. In total, 1161 patients (90·6 per cent) were followed up with a home visit at 30 days. Data for 1274 caesarean sections were analysed, 443 performed by ACs and 831 by doctors. Twin pregnancies were more frequently treated by ACs, whereas doctors performed a higher proportion of operations outside office hours. There was one maternal death in the AC group and 15 in the doctor group (crude odds ratio (OR) 0·12, 90 per cent confidence interval 0·01 to 0·67). There were fewer stillbirths in the AC group (OR 0·74, 0·56 to 0·98), but patients were readmitted twice as often (OR 2·17, 1·08 to 4·42).

Conclusion

Caesarean sections performed by ACs are not inferior to those undertaken by doctors. Task-sharing can be a safe strategy to improve access to emergency surgical care in areas where there is a shortage of doctors.
The h‐SbxWO3+2x Oxygen Excess Antimony Tungsten Bronze
Authors: von Rohr Fabian O. , Ryser Alice , Ji Huiwen , Stolze Karoline , Tao Jing , Frick Jessica J. , Patzke Greta R. , Cava Robert J.
Published: January 2019

We describe the previously unreported oxygen excess hexagonal antimony tungsten bronze with composition Sb0.5W3O10, in the following denoted as h‐SbxWO3+2x with x=0.167, to demonstrate its analogy to classical AxWO3 tungsten bronzes. This compound forms in a relatively narrow temperature range between 580 °C<T<620 °C. It was obtained as a dark‐blue polycrystalline powder, and as thin, needle‐shaped, blue single crystals. h‐SbxWO3+2x crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P6/mmm with the cell parameters a=7.4369(4) Å and c=3.7800(2) Å. The antimony and excess oxygen occupy the hexagonal channels within the network of corner‐sharing WO6 octahedra. h‐SbxWO3+2x has a resistivity of ρ300 K≈1.28 mΩ cm at room temperature, with little if any temperature‐dependence on cooling. DFT calculations on a simplified model for this compound find a metallic‐like electronic structure with the Fermi level falling within rather flat bands, especially around the Γ point.
FeOOH Nanocubes Anchored on Carbon Ribbons for Use in Li/O2 Batteries
Authors: Lin Zhipeng , Zhang Hao , Liang Guofeng , Jin Yanqi , Zeng Hongbin , Li Jiawang , Chen Jian , Zhang Weihong , Xie Fangyan , Jin Yanshuo , Meng Hui
Published: January 2019

A composite of FeOOH nanocubes anchored on carbon ribbons has been synthesized and used as a cathode material for Li/O2 batteries. Fe2+ ion‐exchanged resin serves as a precursor for both FeOOH nanocubes and carbon ribbons, which are formed simultaneously. The as‐prepared FeOOH cubes are proposed to have a core–shell structure, with FeOOH as the shell and Prussian blue as the core, based on information from XPS, TEM, and EDS mapping. As a cathode material for Li/O2 batteries, FeOOH delivers a specific capacity of 14816 mA h g−1cathode with a cycling stability of 67 cycles over 400 h. The high performance is related to the low overpotential of the oxygen reduction/evolution reaction on FeOOH. The cube structure, the supporting carbon ribbons, and the ‐OOH moieties all contribute to the low overpotential. The discharge product Li2O2 can be efficiently decomposed in the FeOOH cathode after a charging process, leading to higher cycling stability. Its high activity and stability make FeOOH a good candidate for use in non‐aqueous Li/O2 batteries.
Synthesis of Porous Fe3C‐Based Composite Beads as Heterogeneous Oxidation Catalysts
Authors: Wang Zhe , Jiang Yanqiu , Li Yudong , Huo Hang , Zhao Tingting , Li Defeng , Lin Kaifeng , Xu Xianzhu
Published: January 2019

A series of multiscale cementite/iron/porous carbon (CIPC‐T) composites with extremely low nitrogen content and millimeter‐size spherical morphology were prepared by simple carbothermal pyrolysis of resin spheres exchanged with ferric oxalate anions. CIPC‐T materials are composed of highly disperse core–shell‐structured Fe3C/Fe@graphitic carbon (CI@GC) nanoparticles embedded in a porous amorphous carbon framework. A mechanism for the formation of the composites is proposed on the basis of the results of XRD, SEM, TEM, and thermogravimetric analysis. The Fe3C content can be easily controlled just by using different carbothermal temperatures. The CIPC‐T materials proved to be active as heterogeneous catalysts for oxidation of ethylbenzene to acetophenone and Fenton‐like oxidation of methylene blue. For the first time, the role of Fe3C in catalytic oxidation was confirmed. The spherical morphology of the composites and magnetic property facilitate separation of the catalyst from the reaction solution. More importantly, no leaching of iron active sites occurs during the reactions and the catalyst can be reused in continuous runs without obvious loss of activity. Such high stability of iron sites in the composites is ascribed to the protecting outer graphitic carbon shell of CI@GC.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbo‐Oxygenation of Propargylic Amines using in Situ Tether Formation
Authors: Greenwood Phillip D. G. , Grenet Erwann , Waser Jerome
Published: January 2019

1,2‐Amino alcohols and α‐aminocarbonyls are frequently found in natural products, drugs, chiral auxiliaries, and catalysts. This work reports a new method for the palladium‐catalyzed oxyalkynylation and oxyarylation of propargylic amines. The reaction is perfectly regioselective based on the in situ introduction of a hemiacetal tether derived from trifluoroacetaldehyde. cis‐Selective carbo‐oxygenation was achieved for terminal alkynes, whereas internal alkynes gave trans‐carbo‐oxygenation products. The obtained enol ethers could be easily transformed into 1,2‐amino alcohols or α‐amino ketones using hydrogenation or hydrolysis, respectively.
Visible‐Light‐Driven C−H Oxidation of Cyclic Tertiary Amines: Access to Synthetic Strychnos Alkaloids with Antiviral Activity
Authors: Guryev Anton A. , Hahn Friedrich , Marschall Manfred , Tsogoeva Svetlana B.
Published: January 2019

Air and visible light have been used in facile direct C−H oxidation of cyclic tertiary amines at ambient conditions, employing organic dyes as photocatalysts and LED. Tolerance of this new environmentally compatible protocol to various side‐chain derivatizations of tryptoline and tetrahydroisoquinoline substrates was demonstrated. The developed method provides a straightforward and sustainable route towards δ‐lactams, which feature strong antiviral properties (EC50 down to 4.6±1.8 μm) against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). The clear advantages, which are easily available and inexpensive reagents, organic dyes, visible light, air/O2 and atom efficiency, make this system highly appealing for synthesis of versatile Strychnocarpine alkaloid derivatives with antiviral activity.
Data Exchange for Process Engineering – Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Fillinger Sandra , Esche Erik , Tolksdorf Gregor , Welscher Wolfgang , Wozny Günter , Repke Jens‐Uwe
Published: January 2019

The ideas and requirements for digitization in the process industry are manifold – the interoperability of the tools in use by engineers is an important prerequisite. The strong heterogeneity of existing data formats and standards as well as the variety of proprietary and company‐specific solutions confronts the process industry with huge challenges. This paper deals with the data exchange between process simulation, 2D CAD, and 3D CAD tools, provides an overview of existing standards and formats as well as initial experiences gained in a case study.
Die Geochemie des schneeweißen Gebirgsbachs
Authors: Hille‐Rehfeld Annette
Published: January 2019

Im Engadin zeigt ein abgelegener Gebirgsbach namens Ova Lavirun streckenweise ein ungewöhnliches Erscheinungsbild: Nicht weit von der Quelle, nach dem Zufluss eines kleinen Seitenbaches, erscheint das steinige Bachbett plötzlich schneeweiß, und so zeigt sich der Bach über einen Abschnitt von ca. 1 km auch aus der Vogelperspektive. Erst kurz nach einem anderen Zufluss bleiben die Steine frei von Ablagerungen. Wissenschaftler um Christoph Wanner von der Universität Bern erklären jetzt die Ursache dieses seltenen Naturphänomens.
Bis‐Lactam Peptide [i, i + 4]‐Stapling
Authors: Hu Xiao , Wu Bo , Zheng Weiping
Published: January 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Even though the bis‐lactam peptide stapling with the [i, i + 7] and the [i, i + 11] systems has been known to be able to afford % α‐helicity values up to 100% (25°C), the performance of the bis‐lactam peptide stapling with the [i, i + 4] system in current literature has been mediocre (% α‐helicity ≦40%, 25°C). In the current study, we found that high % α‐helicity is also obtainable with the bis‐lactam [i, i + 4]‐stapling by demonstrating with our model peptide sequence that the bis‐lactam [i, i + 4]‐stapling with Nε‐para‐phenylenediacetyl‐lysine was able to afford a % α‐helicity value of ~64.1% (25°C). Therefore, the bis‐lactam [i, i + 4]‐stapling could also be an efficacious peptide stapling mode that can be employed for biomedical applications.
A phase 1 trial of SGN‐CD70A in patients with CD70‐positive, metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Pal Sumanta K. , Forero‐Torres Andres , Thompson John A. , Morris John C. , Chhabra Saurabh , Hoimes Christopher J. , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Boyd Thomas , Bergerot Paulo G. , Adashek Jacob J. , Li Hong , Yu Xuesong , Gartner Elaina M. , Carret Anne‐Sophie , Smith David C.
Published: January 2019

Background

Cluster of differentiation 70 (CD70) is frequently expressed in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and has immunomodulatory properties. An antibody‐drug conjugate targeting CD70, SGN‐CD70A, was developed to treat patients with CD70‐positive RCC.

Methods

The objective of this phase 1, open‐label, dose‐escalation, multicenter study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of SGN‐CD70A and establish its maximum tolerated dose in patients with CD70‐positive, metastatic RCC (mRCC). All subtypes of RCC were permitted, and no limit was set on the number of prior therapies. Safety assessments consisted of monitoring and recording all adverse events (AEs) and dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs). Treatment response was assessed by radiographic tumor evaluation according to the Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors, version 1.1. A model‐based, modified continual‐reassessment method was used to estimate the probabilities of DLT and response.

Results

The maximum tolerated dose was determined to be 30 μg/kg, with thrombocytopenia as the DLT. The most common AEs were fatigue (67%), anemia (61%), and thrombocytopenia (56%). Of 18 enrolled patients, 1 achieved a partial response and 13 achieved stable disease, for a clinical benefit rate of 78%. Limitations of the study included the heavily pretreated nature of patients, receipt of a median of 4 prior lines of therapy (range, 1‐8 prior lines of therapy), and diminishing response potential.

Conclusions

The modest antitumor activity of SGN‐CD70A does not support its development in mRCC. However, given the high disease control rate in a heavily pretreated population and the modest toxicity profile, CD70 remains of interest because of its immunomodulatory properties.
Distinct genome‐wide methylation patterns in sporadic and hereditary nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Tirosh Amit , Mukherjee Sanjit , Lack Justin , Gara Sudheer Kumar , Wang Sophie , Quezado Martha M. , Keutgen Xavier M. , Wu Xiaolin , Cam Maggie , Kumar Suresh , Patel Dhaval , Nilubol Naris , Tyagi Monica Varun , Kebebew Electron
Published: January 2019

Background

Aberrant methylation is a known cause of cancer initiation and/or progression. There are scant data on the genome‐wide methylation pattern of nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NFPanNETs) and sporadic and hereditary NFPanNETs.

Methods

Thirty‐three tissue samples were analyzed: they included samples from sporadic (n = 9), von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL)‐related (n = 10), and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)–related NFPanNETs (n = 10) as well as normal islet cells (n = 4) for comparison. Genome‐wide CpG methylation profiling was performed with the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip assay and was analyzed with R‐based tools.

Results

In unsupervised hierarchical clustering, sporadic and MEN1‐related NFPanNETs clustered together, and the VHL group was in a separate cluster. MEN1‐related NFPanNETs had a higher rate of hypermethylated CpG sites in comparison with sporadic and VHL‐related tumor groups. Differentially methylated region analysis confirmed the higher rate of hypermethylation in MEN1‐related tumors. Moreover, in an integrated analysis of gene expression data for the same tumor samples, downregulated gene expression was found in most genes that were hypermethylated. In a CpG island methylator phenotype analysis, 3 genes were identified and confirmed to have downregulated gene expression: secreted frizzle‐related protein 5 (SFRP5) in sporadic NFPanNETs and cell division cycle–associated 7‐like (CDCA7L) and RNA binding motif 47 (RBM47) in MEN1‐related NFPanNETs.

Conclusions

MEN1 NFPanNETs have a higher rate of geno me‐wide hypermethylation than other NFPanNET subtypes. The similarity between the pathways enriched in a methylation analysis of known genes involved in NFPanNET tumorigenesis suggests a key role for aberrant methylation in the pathogenesis of NFPanNETs.
Simultaneous Targeted Methylation Sequencing (sTM‐Seq)
Authors: Asmus Natalie , Papale Ligia A. , Madrid Andy , Alisch Reid S.
Published: January 2019

Mapping patterns of DNA methylation throughout the epigenome are critical to our understanding of several important biological and regulatory functions, such as transcriptional regulation, genomic imprinting, and embryonic development. The development and rapid advancement of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have provided clinicians and researchers with accurate and reliable read‐outs of genomic and epigenomic information at the nucleotide level. Such improvements have significantly lowered the cost required for genome‐wide sequencing, facilitating the vast acquisition of data that has led to many improvements in patient care. However, the torrid rate of NGS data generation has left targeted validation approaches behind, including the confirmation of epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation. To overcome these shortcomings, we present a rapid and robust protocol for the parallel examination of multiple methylated sequences that we have termed simultaneous targeted methylation sequencing (sTM‐Seq). Key features of this technique include the elimination of the need for large amounts of high‐molecular weight DNA and the nucleotide specific distinction of both 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) and 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Moreover, sTM‐Seq is scalable and can be used to investigate multiple loci in dozens of samples within a single sequencing run. By utilizing freely available web‐based software and universal primers for multipurpose barcoding, library preparation, and customized sequencing, sTM‐Seq is affordable, efficient, and widely applicable. Together, these features enable sTM‐Seq to have wide‐reaching clinical applications that will greatly improve turnaround rates for same‐day procedures and allow clinicians to collect high‐resolution data that can be used in a variety of patient settings. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Intramolecular Magnetic Interaction of Spin‐Delocalized Neutral Radicals through m‐Phenylene Spacers
Authors: Murata Tsuyoshi , Asakura Noriaki , Ukai Shusaku , Ueda Akira , Kanzaki Yuki , Sato Kazunobu , Takui Takeji , Morita Yasushi
Published: January 2019

A new diradical having two 4,8,10‐trioxotriangulene (TOT) neutral radical units linked through an m‐phenylene moiety was synthesized and characterized by ESR measurements. An electrochemical study showed that the diradical undergoes two one‐electron reductions to generate corresponding dianion species, suggesting the electronic interaction between two TOT units through the π‐conjugated spacer. A strong intramolecular interaction between the two TOT units gives rise to the spin‐projected small hyperfine couplings in comparison with those of the monomer. Furthermore, the temperature dependent ESR measurement revealed that the dimer behaves as an S=1 species in the ground state with a ferromagnetic interaction of 2 J/kB=+7±3 K.
Transesterification of Isosorbide with Dimethyl Carbonate Catalyzed by Task‐Specific Ionic Liquids
Authors: Qian Wei , Tan Xin , Su Qian , Cheng Weiguo , Xu Fei , Dong Li , Zhang Suojiang
Published: January 2019

Green synthesis of high‐molecular‐weight isosorbide‐based polycarbonate (PIC) with excellent properties is a tremendous challenge and is profoundly influenced by the precursor. Herein, an ecofriendly catalyst was employed to obtain the more reactive PIC precursor dicarboxymethyl isosorbide (DC) with 99.0 % selectivity through the transesterification reaction of isosorbide with dimethyl carbonate. This is the indispensable stage of a one‐pot green synthesis of PIC, playing a critical role in giving an insight into the polymerization mechanism of polymer synthesis through the melt transesterification reaction. To this end, a series of 4‐substituted phenolate ionic liquids (ILs) were developed as a new type of high‐efficiency catalyst for this reaction. These homogeneous ILs exhibited outstanding catalytic performances. The DC selectivity increased gradually with decreasing IL basicity; among the ILs studied, trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium 4‐iodophenolate ([P66614][4‐I‐Phen]) showed the highest catalytic activity. Additionally, according to the experimental results and DFT calculations, a plausible nucleophilic activation mechanism was proposed, which confirmed that the reaction is activated through the formation of H‐bonds and electrostatic interactions with the IL catalyst. This strategy of tunable basicity and structure of anions in ILs affords an opportunity to develop other ILs for the transesterification reaction, thereby conveniently providing a variety of polymers through a green synthetic pathway.
Supported Co–Re Bimetallic Catalysts with Different Structures as Efficient Catalysts for Hydrogenation of Citral
Authors: Di Xin , Lafaye Gwendoline , Especel Catherine , Epron Florence , Qi Ji , Li Chuang , Liang Changhai
Published: January 2019

Bimetallic Co–Re/TiO2 catalysts were developed for efficient citral hydrogenation. Bimetallic catalysts were prepared by co‐impregnation (CI), successive‐impregnation (SI), and surface redox method (SR). The arrangement between the Co and Re species on these systems was fully characterized using several techniques (TEM–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, H2 temperature‐programmed reduction, temperature‐programmed desorption, XRD, CO FTIR spectroscopy, model reaction of cyclohexane dehydrogenation), and their catalytic performances were evaluated for the selective hydrogenation of citral towards unsaturated alcohols. The Re and Co species are completely isolated in the CI sample, presenting a very limited Co–Re interaction. In SI samples, the metals coexist in a Janus‐type structure with a concentration of Re around Co. Decoration/core–shell structures are observed for SR samples resulting from the redox exchange between the metallic surface of the parent Co/TiO2 catalyst and the Re7+ species of the modifier precursor salt. The contact degree between the two metals gradually increases as follows: Isolated structure (CI)<Janus‐type structure(SI)<decoration/core–shell structure (SR). The unchanging structure of all SI samples independent of the Re loading leads to similar electron transfer, and the increase in Re content results in agglomeration of Re, thus decreasing the catalytic activity. Density‐of‐state (DOS) calculations prove that the high valence of Re is a disadvantage for the hydrogenation reaction. For SR samples, the increase of Re loading contributes to the electron transfer from Re to Co that is consistent with a change of structure from decoration to core–shell. The lack of directly accessible Co atoms for SR catalysts with fully coated structure decreases the efficiency of Re reduction. The presence of Co–Re interaction resulting from the close contact between metals plays a dominant role in the hydrogenation of citral. Nevertheless, an excessively high contact degree is unnecessary for citral hydrogenation once Co–Re interaction has formed.
Perceptions of male partner pressure to be thin and pornography use: Associations with eating disorder symptomatology in a community sample of adult women
Authors: Tylka Tracy L. , Calogero Rachel M.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Partner‐specific factors have been neglected in eating disorder (ED) research. The present study examined two partner‐specific variables that were hypothesized to be linked to women's ED symptoms: perceived male partner thinness‐related pressures and pornography use.

Method

Community women (N = 409) in relationships with men completed online anonymous measures of ED symptomatology, perceptions of male partner thinness‐related pressure and pornography use, and thin‐ideal internalization.

Results

Partner thinness‐related pressure was related to higher ED symptomatology, adjusting for age and thinness‐related pressures from media, friends, and family. Current and previous partner pornography use were related to higher ED symptomatology, adjusting for age and women's reports of being bothered by this use. Partner thinness‐related pressure and previous partner pornography use were associated with ED symptomatology both directly and through thin‐ideal internalization, whereas current partner pornography use was directly associated with ED symptomatology.

Discussion

Perceptions of male partner thinness‐related pressure and pornography use constitute unique factors associated with women's ED symptomatology that may operate indirectly by positioning women to endorse thinness as a personal standard and directly (e.g., by trying to accommodate their partner's appearance preferences). This study's findings provide initial support for pursuing subsequent investigations to test these partner variables as ED risk factors.
A rangewide herbarium‐derived dataset indicates high levels of gene flow in black cherry (Prunus serotina)
Authors: Konrade Lauren , Shaw Joey , Beck James
Published: January 2019

Isolation by Distance (IBD) is a genetic pattern in which populations geographically closer to one another are more genetically similar to each other than populations which are farther apart. Black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) (Rosaceae) is a forest tree species widespread in eastern North America, and found sporadically in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. IBD has been studied in relatively few North American plant taxa, and no study has rigorously sampled across the range of such a widespread species. In this study, IBD and overall genetic structure were assessed in eastern black cherry (P. serotina Ehrh. var. serotina), the widespread variety of eastern North America. Eastern North America. Prunus serotina Ehrh. var. serotina (Rosaceae). Dense sampling across the entire range of eastern black cherry was made possible by genotyping 15 microsatellite loci in 439 herbarium samples from all portions of the range. Mantel tests and STRUCTURE analyses were performed to evaluate the hypothesis of IBD and genetic structure. Mantel tests demonstrated significant but weak IBD, while STRUCTURE analyses revealed no clear geographic pattern of genetic groups. The modest geographic/genetic structure across the eastern black cherry range suggests widespread gene flow in this taxon. This is consistent with P. serotina's status as a disturbance‐associated species. Further studies should similarly evaluate IBD in species characteristic of low‐disturbance forests.
Plasma xanthine oxidoreductase activity in patients with decompensated acute heart failure requiring intensive care
Authors: Okazaki Hirotake , Shirakabe Akihiro , Matsushita Masato , Shibata Yusaku , Sawatani Tomofumi , Uchiyama Saori , Tani Kennichi , Murase Takayo , Nakamura Takashi , Takayasu Tsutomu , Asano Miwako , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Hata Noritake , Asai Kuniya , Shimizu Wataru
Published: January 2019

Aims

Plasma xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) activity during the acute phase of acute heart failure (AHF) requires further elucidation.

Methods and results

One hundred eighteen AHF patients and 231 control patients who attended a cardiovascular outpatient clinic were prospectively analysed. Blood samples were collected within 15 min of admission from AHF patients (AHF group) and control patients who visited a daily cardiovascular outpatient clinic (control group). Plasma XOR activity was compared between the two groups, and factors independently associated with extremely elevated XOR activity were identified using a multivariate logistic regression model. Plasma XOR activity in the AHF group (median, 104.0 pmol/h/mL; range, 25.9–423.5 pmol/h/mL) was significantly higher than that in the control group (median, 45.2 pmol/h/mL; range, 19.3–98.8 pmol/h/mL). The multivariate logistic regression model showed that serum uric acid (per 1.0 mg/dL increase, odds ratio: 1.280; 95% confidence interval: 1.066–1.536; P = 0.008) and lactate levels (per 1.0 mmol/L increase, odds ratio: 1.239; 95% confidence interval: 1.040–1.475; P = 0.016) were independently associated with high plasma XOR activity (>300 pg/h/mL) during the acute phase of AHF.

Conclusions

Plasma XOR activity was extremely high in patients with severely decompensated AHF. This would be associated with a high lactate value and would eventually lead to hyperuricaemia in patients with AHF.
The effectiveness of self‐management interventions in adults with chronic orofacial pain: A systematic review, meta‐analysis and meta‐regression
Authors: Aggarwal Vishal R. , Fu Yu , Main Chris J. , Wu Jianhua
Published: January 2019

Background

Psychosocial risk factors associated with chronic orofacial pain are amenable to self‐management. However, current management involves invasive therapies which lack an evidence base and has the potential to cause iatrogenic harm.

Objectives

To determine: (a) whether self‐management is more effective than usual care in improving pain intensity and psychosocial well‐being and (b) optimal components of self‐management interventions.

Databases and data treatment

Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and Clinical Trials.gov were searched. Meta‐analysis was used to determine effectiveness, and GRADE was used to rate quality, certainty and applicability of evidence.

Results

Fourteen trials were included. Meta‐analyses showed self‐management was effective for long‐term pain intensity (standardized mean difference [SMD] −0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.47 to −0.17) and depression (SMD −0.32, 95% CI −0.50 to −0.15). GRADE analysis showed a high score for certainty of evidence for these outcomes and significant effects for additional outcomes of activity interference (−0.29 95% CI −0.47 to −0.11) and muscle palpation pain (SMD −0.58 95% CI −0.92 to −0.24). Meta‐regression showed nonsignificant effects for biofeedback on long‐term pain (−0.16, 95% CI −0.48 to 0.17, p‐value = 0.360) and depression (−0.13, 95% CI −0.50 to 0.23, p‐value = 0.475).

Conclusions

Self‐management interventions are effective for patients with chronic orofacial pain. Packages of physical and psychosocial self‐regulation and education appear beneficial. Early self‐management of chronic orofacial pain should be a priority for future testing.

Significance

This systematic review provides clear evidence for effectiveness of combined biomedical and psychological interventions (incorporating self‐management approaches) on long‐term outcomes in the management of chronic orofacial (principally TMD) pain. Self‐management should be a priority for early intervention in primary care in preference to invasive, irreversible and costly therapies. Further research is needed firstly to clarify the relative effectiveness of specific components of self‐management, both individually and in conjunction, and secondly on outcomes in other types of chronic orofacial pains.