bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence rates of cardiovascular outcomes in a community‐based population of cancer patients
Authors: Masson Rajeev , Titievsky Lina , Corley Douglas A. , Zhao Wei , Lopez Alfredo R. , Schneider Jennifer , Zaroff Jonathan G.
Published: October 2019

Background

There are limited data on the incidence of cardiovascular disease among cancer patients in the pre‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) era. Such data are important in order to contextualize the incidence of various cardiovascular outcomes among cancer patients enrolled in clinical trials of new agents and for postmarketing surveillance.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) population of cancer patients. The inclusion criterion was a KPNC Cancer Registry diagnosis of any of several selected solid and hematologic tumors between 1997 and 2009 not treated with a TKI. Endpoints were identified using ICD‐9 codes and included acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, stroke, cardiac arrest, hypertension, venous thromboembolism, all‐cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality. Event rates were calculated according to type of cancer and number of cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

The study included almost 165 000 individuals with a broad variety of tumor types. The parent cohort was 54% female and 35% were ≥70 years old. Cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes mellitus (14% of patients with solid tumors, 15% of patients with liquid tumors), dyslipidemia (33%, 31%), hypertension (50%, 49%), and smoking (35%, 32%) were common. The most frequent adverse outcomes were incident hypertension (26.8‐61.0 cases per 1000 person‐years, depending on the type of cancer), heart failure (9.4‐78.7), and acute coronary syndrome (2.6‐48.1). These event rates are high compared to what has been reported in prior KPNC cohort studies of patients without cancer. The rates of acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, and ischemic stroke increased with increasing numbers of cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions

In a population of patients with cancer not exposed to TKIs, cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes are very common, regardless of cancer type. These data can inform the evaluation of potential excess cardiovascular risks from new interventions.
Antioxidant, Anti‐inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activities of Polyphenols Extracted from Chroogomphus rutilus
Authors: Zhang Ye , Lan Meng , Lü Jin‐Peng , Li Jing‐Feng , Zhang Kai‐Yue , Zhi Hui , Zhang Hui , Sun Jia‐Ming
Published: October 2019

Chroogomphus rutilus is a rare fungal species that grows under pine trees and is now widely used as a functional food and pharmaceutical product. However, the chemical constituents and biological activities of Chroogomphus rutilus have been relatively limited. The present study aimed at determining the total polyphenols and flavonoids contents, biological activities and main phenolic compounds of Chroogomphus rutilus from different geographical origins at the stipe and pileus. The results suggested that Chroogomphus rutilus polyphenol extracts revealed a higher antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities, and there were significant differences between samples from different locations and regions. Correlation analysis showed that the contents of total polyphenols and flavonoids were significantly correlated with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. However, only the content of total flavonoids was significantly correlated with cytotoxicity, which means that the cytotoxicity of Chroogomphus rutilus polyphenol extracts may be regulated by flavonoids or other compounds. HPLC‐DAD analysis revealed that the main phenolic compound was protocatechuic acid, followed by baicalin, p‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid and p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, but comparing with the pileus extracts, the stipe extracts can be considered as a higher concentration of phenolic compounds. Therefore, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of Chroogomphus rutilus polyphenol extracts could be due to the identified compounds. This study investigated a deep knowledge about the constituents and activities of Chroogomphus rutilus and provided the reference for its application in food and pharmaceutical.
Tandem Condensation‐Hydrogenation to Produce Alkylated Nitriles Using Bifunctional Catalysts: Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on MOF‐Derived Carbon
Authors: Huang Ao , Nie Renfeng , Zhang Biying , Pei Yuchen , Chen Minda , Behera Ranjan , Yu Jiaqi , Luan Xuechen , Hunter Nicholas T. , Ke Ming , Huang Wenyu
Published: October 2019

Tandem catalysis, which allows multiple steps of a reaction to take place without the need for separation and purification, is highly desired for the design of efficient and environmentally‐friendly chemical processes. Herein, the pyrolysis of UiO‐66‐NH2, an amino‐functionalized metal‐organic framework, produces nitrogen‐rich carbon‐ZrO2 composite (CN‐ZrO2). This composite is rich in basic sites and effectively catalyzes the Knoevenagel condensation reaction. After loading Pt nanoparticles onto this composite support, a tandem catalyst (Pt/CN‐ZrO2) is produced to be capable of the one‐step Knoevenagel condensation‐hydrogenation reaction to produce an alpha‐alkylated nitrile. The tandem catalyst exhibits >99 % aldehyde conversion and >99 % selectivity toward alpha‐alkylated nitrile under 1 MPa H2 at 80 °C. This catalyst could be reused for five times in the presence of malononitrile without significant deactivation and is versatile for one‐step condensation‐hydrogenation of various aldehydes. The good performance of Pt/CN‐ZrO2 could be ascribed to the synergistic interaction between Pt and CN‐ZrO2 composite supports that lead to the appropriate hydrogenation activity of supported Pt nanoparticles.
A Novel High‐Pressure Tin Oxynitride Sn2N2O
Authors: Bhat Shrikant , Wiehl Leonore , Haseen Shariq , Kroll Peter , Glazyrin Konstantin , Gollé‐Leidreiter Philipp , Kolb Ute , Farla Robert , Tseng Jo‐Chi , Ionescu Emanuel , Katsura Tomoo , Riedel Ralf
Published: October 2019

We report the first oxynitride of tin, Sn2N2O (SNO), exhibiting a Rh2S3‐type crystal structure with space group Pbcn. All Sn atoms are in six‐fold coordination, in contrast to Si in silicon oxynitride (Si2N2O) and Ge in the isostructural germanium oxynitride (Ge2N2O), which appear in four‐fold coordination. SNO was synthesized at 20 GPa and 1200–1500 °C in a large volume press. The recovered samples were characterized by synchrotron powder X‐ray diffraction and single‐crystal electron diffraction in the TEM using the automated diffraction tomography (ADT) technique. The isothermal bulk modulus was determined as Bo=193(5) GPa by using in‐situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction in a diamond anvil cell. The structure model is supported by DFT calculations. The enthalpy of formation, the bulk modulus, and the band structure have been calculated.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Anionic Cross‐Coupling Reaction of Lithium Sulfonimidoyl Alkylidene Carbenoids With Organolithiums
Authors: Erdelmeier Irene , Won Joonghee , Park Steve , Decker Jürgen , Bülow Gerd , Baik Mu‐Hyun , Gais Hans‐Joachim
Published: October 2019

The mechanistic platform for a novel nickel0‐catalyzed anionic cross‐coupling reaction (ACCR) of lithium sulfonimidoyl alkylidene carbenoids (metalloalkenyl sulfoximines) with organometallic reagents is reported herein, affording substituted alkenylmetals and lithium sulfinamides. The Ni0‐catalyzed ACCR of three different types of metalloalkenyl sulfoximines, including acyclic, axially chiral and exocyclic derivatives, with sp2 organolithiums and sp2 and sp3 Grignard reagents has been studied. The ACCR of metalloalkenyl sulfoximines with PhLi in the presence of the Ni0‐catalyst and precatalyst Ni(PPh3)2Cl2 afforded alkenyllithiums, under inversion of configuration at the C atom and complete retention at the S atom. In a combination of experimental and DFT studies, we propose a catalytic cycle of the Ni0‐catalyzed ACCR of lithioalkenyl sulfoximines. Computational studies reveal two distinctive pathways of the ACCR, depending on whether a phosphine or 1,5‐cyclooctadiene (COD) is the ligand of the Ni atom. They rectify the underlying importance of forming the key Ni0‐vinylidene intermediate through an indispensable electron‐rich Ni0‐center coordinated by phosphine ligands. Fundamentally, we present a mechanistic study in controlling the diastereoselectivity of the alkenyllithium formation via the key lithium sulfinamide coordinated Ni0‐vinylidene complex, which consequently avoids an unselective formation of an alkylidene carbene Ni‐complex and ultimately racemic alkenyllithium.
Triplet–Triplet Annihilation Upconversion in a MOF with Acceptor‐Filled Channels
Authors: Gharaati Shadab , Wang Cui , Förster Christoph , Weigert Florian , Resch‐Genger Ute , Heinze Katja
Published: October 2019

Photon upconversion has enjoyed increased interest in the last years due to its high potential for solar‐energy harvesting and bioimaging. A challenge for triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA‐UC) processes is to realize these features in solid materials without undesired phase segregation and detrimental dye aggregation. To achieve this, we combine a palladium porphyrin sensitizer and a 9,10‐diphenylanthracene annihilator within a crystalline mesoporous metal–organic framework using an inverted design. In this modular TTA system, the framework walls constitute the fixed sensitizer, while caprylic acid coats the channels providing a solventlike environment for the mobile annihilator in the channels. The resulting solid material shows green‐to‐blue delayed upconverted emission with a luminescence lifetime of 373±5 μs, a threshold value of 329 mW cm−2 and a triplet–triplet energy transfer efficiency of 82 %. The versatile design allows straightforward changing of the acceptor amount and type.
Development of Amphipathic Antimicrobial Peptide Foldamers Based on Magainin 2 Sequence
Authors: Goto Chihiro , Hirano Motoharu , Hayashi Katsuhiko , Kikuchi Yutaka , Hara‐Kudo Yukiko , Misawa Takashi , Demizu Yosuke
Published: October 2019

Magainin 2 (Mag 2), which is isolated from the skin of frogs, is a representative antimicrobial peptide (AMP), exerts its antimicrobial activity via microbial membrane disruption. It has been reported that both the amphipathicity and helical structure of Mag 2 play an important role in its antimicrobial activity. In this study, we revealed that the sequence of 17 amino acid residues in Mag 2 (peptide 7) is required to exert sufficient activity. We also designed a set of Mag 2 derivatives, based on enhancement of helicity and/or amphipathicity, by incorporation of α,α‐disubstituted amino acid residues into the Mag 2 fragment, and evaluated their preferred secondary structures and their antimicrobial activities against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. As a result, peptide 11 formed a stable helical structure in solution, and possessed potent antimicrobial activities against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria without significant cytotoxicity.
Exploring the Antiplasmodial 2‐Aminopyridines as Potential Antitrypanosomal Agents
Authors: Veale Clinton G. L. , Laming Dustin , Swart Tarryn , Chibale Kelly , Hoppe Heinrich C.
Published: October 2019

Recently we reported the results of a screen of the Pathogen Box in which we identified 4‐(2‐amino‐5‐(4‐(methylsulfonyl) phenyl) pyridin‐3‐yl)‐2‐methoxyphenol (MMV010576, 1) as our priority antitrypanosomal hit. This compound had previously been identified as a potent and selective antiplasmodial agent, where a focused optimization campaign, resulted in a medium‐sized library of compounds, with favorable drug‐like properties, one of which (MMV048, 2, 5‐(4‐(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)‐6′‐(trifluoromethyl)‐[3,3′‐bipyridin]‐2‐amine) is currently undergoing clinical trials for malaria. Accordingly, we investigated this library, in order to elucidate structural activity relationship details of this class of compounds as inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei. Our study has identified several structural features important for antitrypanosomal activity, which are distinct from those required for antiplasmodial activity. Results from this study can be exploited to develop potent antitrypanosomal agents.
The Vanadium Redox Reactions – Electrocatalysis versus Non‐Electrocatalysis
Authors: Stimming Ulrich , Wang Jiabin , Bund Andreas
Published: October 2019

Catalytic effects of surface groups on porous carbon electrodes are claimed in literature for the redox reactions V(II)/V(III) and V(IV)/V(V). The literature is critically analysed also in relation to work of this group. A method how to overcome the problem of assessing the electrochemically active surface area on porous electrodes is presented. Applying this method, no catalytic effects for above reactions can be substantiated. It is further pointed out that the parameters electrochemical potential and temperature need to be used to assess electrocatalysis.
The role of business strategy and CEO compensation structure in driving corporate social responsibility: Linkage towards a sustainable development perspective
Authors: Peng Chih‐Wei
Published: October 2019

This study extends prior studies by analyzing how business strategies affect corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement. Studies in the business strategy and compensation literature further investigate whether firms have superior CSR if they tend to align their compensation with their company's overall strategy. This tendency would tend to encourage firms to make their investment decisions on the basis of a long‐term sustainability development perspective. The data consist of a broad cross‐section of companies and industries in the United States for the 2003–2012 period. To avoid a potential endogenous effect, a two‐stage instrumental variables regression is also adopted in this study. It is found that the prospector business strategy has a strong positive association with CSR. In addition, CEOs with short‐term compensation have less incentive to invest in CSR if their firms adopt a defender strategy. The opposite is true for the prospector group, suggesting that sometimes, misfits may also produce good CSR outcomes.
Metal‐Free Photocatalytic Synthesis of exo‐Iodomethylene 2‐Oxazolidinones: An Alternative Strategy for CO2 Valorization with Solar Energy
Authors: He Xing , Yao Xiang‐Yang , Chen Kai‐Hong , He Liang‐Nian
Published: October 2019

A visible‐light‐promoted metal‐free carboxylative cyclization of propargylic amines with CO2 was shown to offer exo‐iodomethylene 2‐oxazolidinones. Incorporation of both CO2 and iodo moieties into these compounds was realized efficiently. The mechanism study revealed that this carboxylative cyclization proceeds through a radical pathway. Notably, the iodine‐functionalized 2‐oxazolidinone as a platform molecule could be easily converted into a wide range of value‐added chemicals through Buchwald–Hartwig, Suzuki, Sonogashira, photocatalytic ene, and photoreduction reactions. As a result, the plentiful downstream transformations remarkably enhance the range of chemicals derived from CO2 and open a potential avenue for CO2 functionalization to circumvent energy challenges in this field.
Calculation of the inverse bremsstrahlung absorption in unmagnetized plasmas
Authors: Firouzi Farrashbandi N. , Eslami‐Kalantari M.
Published: October 2019

Inverse bremsstrahlung is one important way to deliver laser energy to the plasma in inertial confinement fusion. In this article, we study the collisional absorption rate as obtained from the Fokker–Planck treatment of an unmagnetized plasma in harmonic laser field. The electron–ion collision rate is considered in the Krook approximation, and the electron distribution function is considered a Maxwellian function. We evaluate the inverse bremsstrahlung absorption near the irradiated plasma surface in the critical layer. We observe that absorption increases with shorter laser wavelength and lower electron temperatures. When the maximum electron velocity in the limit of q → 1 reaches infinity, the q‐non‐extensive distribution function reduces to the standard Maxwell‐Boltzmann distribution.
Fuzzy logic–based distributed clustering protocol to improve energy efficiency and stability of wireless smart sensor networks for farmland monitoring systems
Authors: Rajput Anagha , Kumaravelu Vinoth Babu
Published: October 2019

Wireless smart sensor networks (WSSNs) are emerging as the physical backbone of the internet of things (IoT) technology. On the basis of the IoT platform, web‐based systems and services are been developing such as e‐surveillance, industrial‐IoT, and precision agriculture. For farmland monitoring systems, WSSNs need to be scalable in terms of coverage area. Sensor nodes are energy‐constrained devices, and hence, many energy‐efficient clustering protocols are developed in the literature. But these methods overload the cluster leaders (CLs) with cluster computation and data communication costs. An improper CL selection may lead to the early death of such nodes and hence does not prolong the network lifetime stability. We propose a fuzzy logic (FL)–based distributed clustering protocol to enhance the energy efficiency of WSSN while maximizing the coverage area. The load of CLs is shared by originators and super‐CLs (SCLs) selected in the network. The wireless link and received signal strength (RSS) are greatly affected by environmental conditions and thus cannot be considered as ideal network parameters. We use FL systems to tackle the uncertainty of such network parameters. The proposed protocol is simulated for different scalable WSSNs. The results indicate that the proposed protocol provides better lifetime stability than the recent conventional protocols. The functionalities of the protocol are proposed considering the recent wireless standards. Hence, the proposed protocol can be suitably implemented for farmland monitoring systems.
Maternal distress across the postnatal period is associated with infant secretory immunoglobulin A
Authors: Ellberg Charlotte C. , Sayler Kristina , Hibel Leah C.
Published: October 2019

Employing a longitudinal design, relationships between maternal distress (i.e., perceived stress, negative affect, depressive symptomology), and infant secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) across the peripartum period were examined in 51 mother–infant dyads. Indices of maternal distress were assessed at four time periods: third trimester of pregnancy and 1, 3, and 6 months postpartum. Infant saliva samples were collected at each of the three time points in the postpartum period to assess sIgA levels. No relationships were found between prenatal maternal distress and infant sIgA. Results indicated that during the postnatal period, higher concurrent maternal distress was associated with reduced infant sIgA. Maternal distress did not prospectively predict infant sIgA. These findings advance our understanding of the social‐context of infant development, highlighting the significance of maternal regulation of infant immunity.
The metabolic fate of two new psychoactive substances − 2‐aminoindane and N‐methyl‐2‐aminoindane − studied in vitro and in vivo to support drug testing
Authors: Manier Sascha K. , Felske Christina , Eckstein Niels , Meyer Markus R.
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to characterize the in vitro and in vivo metabolism of 2‐aminoindane (2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐2‐amine, 2‐AI), and N‐methyl‐2‐aminoindane (N‐methyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐2‐amine, NM‐2‐AI) after incubations using pooled human liver microsomes (pHLMs), pooled human liver S9 fraction (pS9), and rat urine after oral administration. After analysis using liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry, pHLM incubations revealed that 2‐AI was left unmetabolized, while NM‐2‐AI formed a hydroxylamine and diastereomers of a metabolite formed after hydroxylation in beta position. Incubations using pS9 led to the formation of an acetyl conjugation in the case of 2‐AI and merely a hydroxylamine for NM‐2‐AI. Investigations on rat urine showed that 2‐AI was hydroxylated also forming diasteromers as described for NM‐2‐AI or acetylated similar to incubations using pS9. All hydroxylated metabolites of NM‐2‐AI except the hydroxylamine were found in rat urine as additional sulfates. Assuming similar patterns in humans, urine screening procedures might be focused on the parent compounds but should also include their metabolites. An activity screening using human recombinant N‐acetyl transferase (NAT) isoforms 1 and 2 revealed that 2‐AI was acetylated exclusively by NAT2, which is polymorphically expressed.
Pilot study on the effects of intravesical oxybutynin hydrochloride instillations on the validity of doping control urine samples
Authors: Walpurgis Katja , Scheiff Anja B. , Welz Meike , Müller‐Reul Jutta , Webborn Nick , Görgens Christian , Guddat Sven , Fußhöller Gregor , Dib Josef , Thevis Mario
Published: October 2019

According to class M2.1 of the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List, the manipulation of doping control urine samples to alter their integrity and validity is prohibited both in‐ and out‐of‐competition. However, some paraplegic athletes with an overactive bladder need to be regularly treated with anti‐cholinergic and anti‐spasmodic drugs such as oxybutynin, which are often administered intravesically to reduce the substantial side effects observed after oral application. So far, it remains unclear whether such bladder instillations have a negative impact on analytical procedures and thus represent an anti‐doping rule violation. Within this pilot study, urine samples were collected from five paraplegic athletes before and after an intravesical oxybutynin hydrochloride instillation. The samples were routinely tested for the presence of performance‐enhancing drugs and afterwards fortified with 25 model compounds representing different classes of doping agents (anabolic agents, cannabinoids, diuretics, glucocorticoids, hormone and metabolic modulators, and stimulants) at low and medium concentrations. Additionally, the pH value and specific gravity were measured and the presence of oxybutynin was qualitatively determined by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC–MS). In initial testing procedures, all samples were tested negative. Oxybutynin was present in most of the samples but found to have no significant effect on the detectability of the 25 model compounds subsequently added to each urine specimen. Therefore, it can be concluded that intravesical instillations with oxybutynin hydrochloride do not alter the integrity and validity of doping control urine samples.
Vegetation source water identification using isotopic and hydrometric observations from a subhumid mountain catchment
Authors: Dwivedi Ravindra , Eastoe Christopher , Knowles John F. , Wright William E. , Hamann Lejon , Minor Rebecca , Mitra Bhaskar , Meixner Tom , McIntosh Jennifer , Ty Ferre Paul A. , Castro Christopher , Niu Gou‐Yue , Barron‐Gafford Greg A. , Abramson Nate , Papuga Shirley A. , Stanley Michael , Hu Jia , Chorover Jon
Published: October 2019

This study coupled long‐term hydrometric and stable water isotope data to identify links between subsurface water storage and vegetation in a subhumid mountain catchment in Arizona, USA. Specific observations included catchment‐scale hydrologic fluxes and soil water storage and stable water isotopes from stream water, soil water, groundwater, and sap water from Arizona pine (Pinus arizonica) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) individuals. Here, we find that tightly bound soil water was sufficient to meet dry period vegetation water demand when the former was defined in terms of field capacity as opposed to a matric tension threshold. This water was a mixture of summer and winter precipitation that predominates in both shallow and deep soil waters, and contributed significantly to streamflow. We also identified a less common mobile water type that did not contribute significantly to streamflow and was related to infiltration during isotopically depleted precipitation events. Although each water type was used by both Arizona pine and Douglas fir vegetation, the second water type was dominant in Douglas fir sap water. Therefore, we conclude that Arizona pine and Douglas fir can occupy different ecohydrological niches at this subhumid mountain location. Further, a lack of isotopic distinction between tightly bound and inferred mobile soil water signals that the ecohydrological water source separation hypothesis is not entirely applicable at this site. The results of this study broadly highlight how alternative definitions of tightly bound water can influence interpretation of data, and contribute to a more thorough understanding of interactions between subsurface storage and plant water dynamics.
Sacubitril/valsartan in heart failure and end‐stage renal insufficiency
Authors: Heyse Alex , Manhaeghe Lynn , Mahieu Elien , Vanfraechem Céline , Van Durme Frederik
Published: October 2019

The aim of this report is to describe the feasibility and tolerability of medical treatment with sacubitril/valsartan in a patient treated with hemodialysis. We describe the case of a 67‐year‐old man with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction due to an ischemic cardiomyopathy and renal insufficiency undergoing hemodialysis. Because of worsening heart failure with no other therapeutic options, a treatment with sacubitril/valsartan was started. Although this patient had a very low systolic blood pressure, he could tolerate a moderate dose of 49/51 mg twice daily. After initiation of sacubitril/valsartan, there was a symptomatic improvement with a clear reduction NT‐proBNP, accompanied by a decrease in filling pressures. In conclusion, in this patient with severe heart failure undergoing hemodialysis, treatment with sacubitril/valsartan was feasible, safe, and improved heart failure symptoms.
Evaluation of Zn2+ Coordination Structures in Chiral Zn2+ Complexes Based on Shape Measurement Factors: Relationships between Activity and the Coordination Structure
Authors: Aoki Shin , Kikuchi Chiharu , Kitagawa Yuichi , Hasegawa Yasuchika , Sonoike Shotaro , Saga Yutaka , Hatanaka Miho
Published: October 2019

We previously reported on enantioselective aldol reactions of acetone and cyclic ketones with benzaldehyde derivatives catalyzed by chiral Zn2+ complexes that mimic class II aldolases. The results and mechanistic studies indicated that the catalytic activity of Zn2+ complexes is dependent not only on the coordination numbers of Zn2+ but also on its coordination structure. In this study, we report on shape measures (abbreviated as S values in this manuscript) of such Zn2+ complexes with respect to the 5‐coordination structure based on calculations with continuous shape measures (CShM) using their crystal structures. The S values of Zn2+ ions in Zn2+ complexes for trigonal bipyramidal (D3h) or square pyramidal (C4v) structures suggest that Zn2+ ions in the catalytically active Zn2+ complexes possess D3h and C4v structures, while Zn2+ ions in the unreactive Zn2+ complex has a C4v structure. Moreover, the S values of Zn2+ were calculated with respect to 6‐coordination geometry, based on the assumption that aldol reactions proceed via 6‐membered transition states, and it was implied that 6‐coordinated Zn2+ ions in aldol‐active Zn2+ complexes prefer an octahedron structure (Oh). These results for the S values of Zn2+ ions in the active Zn2+ complexes and those for complexes reported by other research groups suggest that the transition of 5‐coordinated D3h to the 6‐coordinated Oh structure is essential for achieving catalytic stereoselective aldol reactions.
Expanding the Family of Fluorescent Coumarin[4]arenes: Improved Synthesis, π‐Extension, and Characterization
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Venkatakrishnan Parthasarathy
Published: October 2019

A novel series of bicyclic fluorescent heterocalixarenes – C‐alkyl coumarin[4]arenes – with built‐in chirality has been synthesized successfully in excellent yields under well‐optimized, improved reaction conditions. Further, structural elaboration (including π‐extension) of coumarin[4]arenes has been demonstrated by using Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki and Sonogashira cross‐coupling methods. All of these macrocycles are shown to possess averaged C4‐symmetric conformation in solution as opposed to the coumarin[4]arene tetratriflate derivative of C2 symmetry in the solid state. Finally, the macrocyclic coumarin[4]arenes reveal UV/near‐UV absorption and visible blue emission in solution. Such a visible blue luminescence of this macrocycle highlights its potential for sensing, bioimaging, and light‐emissive applications.
Towards a quantitative assessment of inorganic carbon cycling in photosynthetic microorganisms
Authors: Müller Stefan , Zavřel Tomáš , Červený Jan
Published: October 2019

Photosynthetic organisms developed various strategies to mitigate high light stress. For instance, aquatic organisms are able to spend excessive energy by exchanging dissolved CO2 (dCO2) and bicarbonate () with the environment. Simultaneous uptake and excretion of the two carbon species is referred to as inorganic carbon cycling. Often, inorganic carbon cycling is indicated by displacements of the extracellular dCO2 signal from the equilibrium value after changing the light conditions. In this work, we additionally use (i) the extracellular pH signal, which requires non‐ or weakly‐buffered medium, and (ii) a dynamic model of carbonate chemistry in the aquatic environment to detect and quantitatively describe inorganic carbon cycling. Based on simulations and experiments in precisely controlled photobioreactors, we show that the magnitude of the observed dCO2 displacement crucially depends on extracellular pH level and buffer concentration. Moreover, we find that the dCO2 displacement can also be caused by simultaneous uptake of both dCO2 and (no inorganic carbon cycling). In a next step, the dynamic model of carbonate chemistry allows for a quantitative assessment of cellular dCO2, , and H+ exchange rates from the measured dCO2 and pH signals. Limitations of the method are discussed.
Juvenile mild traumatic brain injury elicits distinct spatiotemporal astrocyte responses
Authors: Clément Tifenn , Lee Jeong B. , Ichkova Aleksandra , Rodriguez‐Grande Beatriz , Fournier Marie‐Line , Aussudre Justine , Ogier Michael , Haddad Elizabeth , Canini Frederic , Koehl Muriel , Abrous Djoher Nora , Obenaus Andre , Badaut Jerome
Published: October 2019

Mild‐traumatic brain injury (mTBI) represents ~80% of all emergency room visits and increases the probability of developing long‐term cognitive disorders in children. To date, molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying post‐mTBI cognitive dysfunction are unknown. Astrogliosis has been shown to significantly alter astrocytes' properties following brain injury, potentially leading to significant brain dysfunction. However, such alterations have never been investigated in the context of juvenile mTBI (jmTBI). A closed‐head injury model was used to study jmTBI on postnatal‐day 17 mice. Astrogliosis was evaluated using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin, and nestin immunolabeling in somatosensory cortex (SSC), dentate gyrus (DG), amygdala (AMY), and infralimbic area (ILA) of prefrontal cortex in both hemispheres from 1 to 30 days postinjury (dpi). In vivo T2‐weighted‐imaging (T2WI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were performed at 7 and 30 dpi to examine tissue level structural alterations. Increased GFAP‐labeling was observed up to 30 dpi in the ipsilateral SSC, the initial site of the impact. However, vimentin and nestin expression was not perturbed by jmTBI. The morphology of GFAP positive cells was significantly altered in the SSC, DG, AMY, and ILA up to 7 dpi that some correlated with magnetic resonance imaging changes. T2WI and DTI values were significantly altered at 30 dpi within these brain regions most prominently in regions distant from the impact site. Our data show that jmTBI triggers changes in astrocytic phenotype with a distinct spatiotemporal pattern. We speculate that the presence and time course of astrogliosis may contribute to pathophysiological processes and long‐term structural alterations following jmTBI.
Frailty and the Burden of Concurrent and Incident Disability in Patients With Cirrhosis: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lai Jennifer C. , Dodge Jennifer L. , McCulloch Charles E. , Covinsky Kenneth E. , Singer Jonathan P.
Published: October 2019

Frailty results from the chronic effects of malnutrition and muscle wasting in patients with cirrhosis. It is well‐established that frailty is strongly associated with mortality in this population. However, little is known of its relationship with physical disability, a critical patient‐centered outcome. Adults with cirrhosis underwent outpatient testing of frailty using the Liver Frailty Index (LFI) and disability using activities of daily living (ADL; range 0‐6) and Instrumental ADL (IADL; range 0‐8) scales at one center between 2012 and 2016. We used adjusted multilevel logistic mixed‐effects regression to test the association between frailty and current disability (impairment with ≥1 ADL or IADL) and incident disability at 6 months among those without baseline disability. Of the 983 participants, 20% were robust, 32% were less robust, 33% were prefrail, and 15% were frail; 587 (60%) had at least 1 assessment. The percentage of participants with at least 1 baseline ADL or IADL impairment was 28% and 37%, respectively. In adjusted regression models, each point LFI increase was associated with a 3.3 and 4.6 higher odds of current difficulty with at least 1 ADL and IADL (P < 0.001 for each), respectively. Among participants without baseline disability, each point LFI increase was associated with a 2.6 and 1.7 higher odds of having difficulty with at least 1 ADL and IADL at 6 months, respectively. Conclusion: Frailty is strongly associated with concurrent and incident disability in patients with cirrhosis. In the clinic, the LFI can be used to identify those in greatest need for additional support/resources to maintain functional independence. In research settings, the LFI may help to identify an enriched population for clinical trials of interventions aimed at those most vulnerable to disability.
Numerical study of different gas–solid flow regimes effects on hydrodynamics and heat transfer performance of a fluidized bed reactor
Authors: Torfeh Soodeh , Kouhikamali Ramin
Published: October 2019

In this study, a two‐ﬂuid Eulerian–Eulerian model has been carried out applying the kinetic theory of granular flow (KTGF) to study the hydrodynamics and heat transfer behavior of a fluidized bed reactor simultaneously. The effects of different gas–solid flow regimes on the operating conditions and heat transfer rate between the hot air and two types of low and high‐density inert particles are investigated in a fluidized bed dryer. Different gas–solid flow regimes for wood and glass particles of groups A, B, and D of Geldart's classification are simulated to introduce the most optimal flow regime in terms of heat transfer rate and operating costs. The compromise between the heating rate, the height required for the reactor, and the ratio of the final mass to the initial mass of solid particles, which specifies the need for a cyclone separator showed that the bubbling regime of Geldart B powder for low‐density particles and the turbulent regime of Geldart D powder or bubbling regime of Geldart B powder for high‐density particles are the optimal operating conditions and flow regimes. Furthermore, it was concluded that the convective heat transfer is the dominant mechanism, which increases with increasing the air velocity and decreasing the particle diameter in each group.
Passive control nanoparticles in double‐diffusive free convection nanofluid flow over an inclined permeable plate
Authors: Sarkar Amit , Kundu Prabir Kumar
Published: October 2019

The present study has been conducted to acquire the solutions for the flow problem of an incompressible nanofluid past a permeable inclined plate implanted in a porous medium. In this study, double‐diffusivity, Brownian motion, and thermophoresis as well as passive control nanoparticles have been studied. We employ Lie group transformation on the ruling equations to extract nonlinear ordinary differential equations and solve them numerically using the fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta method and shooting approach. The supremacy of affined parameters on temperature and velocity distributions has been exposed by means of tables and graphs. This investigation suggests that both fluid velocity and nanoparticle concentration are enhanced by the modified Dufour parameter and the thermophoresis parameter. The assistance of the Lewis number intensifies the heat transport for suction.
Seasonal ground ice impacts on spring ecohydrological conditions in a western boreal plains peatland
Authors: Van Huizen Brandon , Petrone Richard M. , Price Jonathan S. , Quinton William L. , Pomeroy John W.
Published: October 2019

Peatlands in the Western Boreal Plains act as important water sources in the landscape. Their persistence, despite potential evapotranspiration (PET) often exceeding annual precipitation, is attributed to various water storage mechanisms. One storage element that has been understudied is seasonal ground ice (SGI). This study characterized spring SGI conditions and explored its impacts on available energy, actual evapotranspiration, water table, and near surface soil moisture in a western boreal plains peatland. The majority of SGI melt took place over May 2017. Microtopography had limited impact on melt rates due to wet conditions. SGI melt released 139mm in ice water equivalent (IWE) within the top 30cm of the peat, and weak significant relationships with water table and surface moisture suggest that SGI could be important for maintaining vegetation transpiration during dry springs. Melting SGI decreased available energy causing small reductions in PET (<10mm over the melt period) and appeared to reduce actual evapotranspiration variability but not mean rates, likely due to slow melt rates. This suggests that melting SGI supplies water, allowing evapotranspiration to occur at near potential rates, but reduces the overall rate at which evapotranspiration could occur (PET). The role of SGI may help peatlands in headwater catchments act as a conveyor of water to downstream landscapes during the spring while acting as a supply of water for the peatland. Future work should investigate SGI influences on evapotranspiration under differing peatland types, wet and dry spring conditions, and if the spatial variability of SGI melt leads to spatial variability in evapotranspiration.
Nondimensional sediment transport capacity of sand soils and its response to parameter in the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Li Pu , Zhang Kuandi , Wang Jingwen , Meng He
Published: October 2019

Soil erosion is a major contributor to land degradation in the Loess Plateau in China. To clarify the sediment transport capacity of overland flow influenced by hydraulic parameters, such as shear stress, sand shear stress (hydraulic gradient partition method and hydraulic radius partition method), mean flow velocity, Froude number, stream power, and unit stream power, indoor experiments with eight‐unit‐width flow discharges from 0.0667 × 10−3 to 0.3333 × 10−3 m2·s−1, six slope gradients from 3.49 to 20.79%, and two kinds of sand soils (d50 = 0.17 and 0.53 mm) were systematically investigated. A nondimensional method was adopted in data processing. Results showed that there was a partition phenomenon of relation curves because of the different median grain diameters. The correlation between the nondimensional stream power and nondimensional sediment transport capacity was the highest, followed by the correlation between the nondimensional unit stream power and nondimensional sediment transport capacity. However, there was a poor correlation between the flow intensity indices of velocity category and nondimensional sediment transport capacity. Nondimensional stream power, nondimensional unit stream power, and nondimensional shear stress could predict sediment transport capacity well. Ignoring the partition phenomenon of the relation curves, stream power could be used to predict sediment transport capacity, with a coefficient of determination of .85. Furthermore, a general flow intensity index was obtained to predict sediment transport capacity of overland flow. Finally, an empirical formula for predicting sediment transport capacity with a coefficient of determination of .90 was established by multiple regression analyses based on the general flow intensity index. During the analysis between measured sediment transport capacities in present study and predicted values based on Zhang model, Mahmoodabadi model, and Wu model, it was found that these three models could not accurately predict sediment transport capacities of this study because different models are estimated on the basis of different experimental conditions.
The cancer exosomes: Clinical implications, applications and challenges
Authors: Tang Zhenye , Li Dongpei , Hou Shengping , Zhu Xiao
Published: October 2019

The exosome is a small functional vesicle enriched in selected proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, displaying distinct molecular heterogeneity. Exosomes released can transform the extracellular matrix microenvironments, transmit signals and molecules to recipient cells and trigger changes in their pathophysiological functions. Tumor‐derived exosomes mediate the interactions of tumor cells and microenvironment significantly, and they stimulate tumor growth and development through specific signaling pathways related to metastasis, therapeutic resistance and immunosuppression. Exosome biogenesis from tumors often represents abundant biological information, and novel and efficient isolation and detection methods of exosomes provide a promising approach for tumor diagnosis and prognosis estimation. Moreover, exosome can even be developed as therapeutic agents for multiple disease models based on effective material transport characteristics and biofilm specificity. This review reports the clinical implications and challenges of exosomes in cancer progression, therapy resistance, metastasis and immune escape, and underlying cancerogenic pathological phenotypes including fibrosis and viral infection.
Non‐confined long‐standing blood chimerism in a spontaneous monochorionic dizygotic twin pregnancy
Authors: Daum Hagit , Frumkin Ayala , Meiner Vardiella , Werner Marion , Macarov Michal , Gillis David , Israel Shoshana , Abed El Latif Mahmoud , Meir Karen , Gielchinsky Yuval
Published: October 2019

The present study highlights a rare case of monochorionic dizygotic twins with non‐confined blood chimerism presenting excellent outcome after two‐year follow‐up.
Phase unwrapping for Doppler spectral domain optical coherence tomography flow measurement
Authors: Zhao Yuqian , Ma Yushu , Liu Jian , Yu Yao , Wang Yi , Ma Zhenhe
Published: October 2019

Doppler optical coherence tomography (OCT) offers additional flow velocity information, which extends the application of OCT. Phase wrapping is the inherent problem that limits measureable range of Doppler OCT. We propose a phase unwrapping method which is suitable for correcting phase in Doppler OCT images. Points (pixels) in flow region are divided into groups according to the radial distance. Points in the same group are supposed to have close velocity. Phase unwrapping algorithm begins at the boundary layer group and is performed sequentially toward the center. Using the proposed criterion, points in a group are separated into two categories, signal points and noise points. Wrapping rounds are determined for signal points phase unwrapping. Mean value of the corrected signal points replaces the noise points for noise reduction. The method is validated with capillary tube flow phantom and in vivo blood flow.
CXCL3 overexpression promotes the tumorigenic potential of uterine cervical cancer cells via the MAPK/ERK pathway
Authors: Qi Ya‐Ling , Li Yue , Man Xia‐Xia , Sui Hong‐Yu , Zhao Xiao‐Lian , Zhang Peng‐Xia , Qu Xiu‐Sheng , Zhang Hui , Wang Bai‐Xin , Li Jing , Qi Shu‐Fang , Jia Lin‐Lin , Luan Hai‐Yan , Zhang Chun‐Bin , Wang Wei‐Qun
Published: October 2019

CXCL3 belongs to the CXC‐type chemokine family and is known to play a multifaceted role in various human malignancies. While its clinical significance and mechanisms of action in uterine cervical cancer (UCC) remain unclear. This investigation demonstrated that the UCC cell line HeLa expressed CXCL3, and strong expression of CXCL3 was detected in UCC tissues relative to nontumor tissues. In addition, CXCL3 expression was strongly correlated with CXCL5 expression in UCC tissues. In vitro, HeLa cells overexpressing CXCL3, HeLa cells treated with exogenous CXCL3 or treated with conditioned medium from WPMY cells overexpressing CXCL3, exhibited enhanced proliferation and migration activities. In agreement with these findings, CXCL3 overexpression was also associated with the generation of HeLa cell tumor xenografts in athymic nude mice. Subsequent mechanistic studies demonstrated that CXCL3 overexpressing influenced the expression of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway associated genes, including ERK1/2, Bcl‐2, and Bax, whereas the CXCL3‐induced proliferation and migration effects were attenuated by exogenous administration of the ERK1/2 blocker PD98059. The data of the current investigation support that CXCL3 appears to hold promise as a potential tumor marker and interference target for UCC.
Two‐day‐treatment of Activin‐A leads to transient change in SV‐HFO osteoblast gene expression and reduction in matrix mineralization
Authors: Baroncelli Marta , Drabek Ksenija , Eijken Marco , van der Eerden Bram C. J. , van de Peppel Jeroen , van Leeuwen Johannes P. T. M.
Published: October 2019

Activins regulate bone formation by controlling osteoclasts and osteoblasts. We investigated Activin‐A mechanism of action on human osteoblast mineralization, RNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression profile. A single 2‐day treatment of Activin‐A at Day 5 of osteoblast differentiation significantly reduced matrix mineralization. Activin A‐treated osteoblasts responded with transient change in gene expression, in a 2‐wave‐fashion. The 38 genes differentially regulated during the first wave (within 8 hr after Activin A start) were involved in transcription regulation. In the second wave (1–2 days after Activin A start), 65 genes were differentially regulated and related to extracellular matrix. Differentially expressed genes in both waves were associated to transforming growth factor beta signaling. We identified which microRNAs modulating osteoblast differentiation were regulated by Activin‐A. In summary, 2‐day treatment with Activin‐A in premineralization period of osteoblast cultures influenced miRNAs, gene transcription, and reduced matrix mineralization. Modulation of Activin A signaling might be useful to control bone quality for therapeutic purposes.