bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lewis acid promoted dehydration of amides to nitriles catalyzed by [PSiP]‐pincer iron hydrides
Authors: Chang Guoliang , Li Xiaoyan , Zhang Peng , Yang Wenjing , Li Kai , Wang Yajie , Sun Hongjian , Fuhr Olaf , Fenske Dieter
Published: January 2020

The dehydration of primary amides to their corresponding nitriles using four [PSiP]‐pincer hydrido iron complexes 1–4 [(2‐Ph2PC6H4)2MeSiFe(H)(PMe3)2 (1), (2‐Ph2PC6H4)2HSiFe(H)(PMe3)2 (2), (2‐(iPr)2PC6H4)2HSiFe(H)(PMe3)2 (3) and (2‐(iPr)2PC6H4)2MeSiFe(H)(PMe3)2 (4)] as catalysts in the presence of (EtO)3SiH as dehydrating reagent was explored in the good to excellent yields. It was proved for the first time that Lewis acid could significantly promote this catalytic system under milder reaction conditions than other Lewis acid‐promoted system, such as shorter reaction time or lower reaction temperature. This is also the first example that dehydration of primary amides to nitriles was catalyzed by silyl hydrido iron complexes bearing [PSiP]‐pincer ligands with Lewis acid as additive. This catalytic system has good tolerance for many substituents. Among the four iron hydrides 1 is the best catalyst. The effects of substituents of the [PSiP]‐pincer ligands on the catalytic activity of the iron hydrides were discussed. A catalytic reaction mechanism was proposed. Complex 4 is a new iron complex and was fully characterized. The molecular structure of 4 was determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Effect of poly(D‐lactic acid) and cooling temperature on heat resistance and antibacterial performance of stereocomplex poly(L‐lactic acid)
Authors: Boonluksiri Yeiangchart , Prapagdee Benjaphorn , Sombatsompop Narongrit
Published: January 2020

Stereocomplex nucleated polylactic acid was prepared by the addition of poly(D‐lactic acid) (PDLA) in poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) under various cooling temperatures by monitoring the mechanical properties and heat resistance. Antibacterial performance against the growth of Escherichia coli on PLLA/PDLA doped with various contents of 2‐hydroxypropyl‐3‐piperazinyl‐quinoline carboxylic acid methacrylate (HPQM) was also evaluated. The results suggested that a small addition of PDLA generated stereocomplex crystals while increasing cooling temperature resulted in homo crystals formation in PLLA. The incorporation of PDLA with high cooling temperature increased the heat deflection temperature, impact resistance, and tensile modulus, but decreased the antibacterial performance against E. coli. The addition of PDLA at 2.0 wt% in PLLA at cooling temperature at 80°C showed a synergistic effect to obtain an exceptionally high heat deflection temperature up to 164°C. HPQM was, for the first time, introduced as antibacterial agent in PLLA with an optimum dosage of 1750 ppm. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48970.
Neuronal differentiation of dental pulp stem cells from human permanent and deciduous teeth following coculture with rat auditory brainstem slices
Authors: Gonmanee Thanasup , Sritanaudomchai Hathaitip , Vongsavan Kutkao , Faisaikarm Tassanee , Songsaad Anupong , White Kenneth L. , Thonabulsombat Charoensri
Published: January 2020

Sensorineural hearing loss is a common disability found worldwide which is associated with a degeneration of spiral ganglion neurons (SGN). It is a challenge to restore SGN due to the permanent degeneration and viability of SGN is requisite for patients to receive an advantage from hearing aid devices. Human dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) are self‐renewing stem cells that originate from the neural crest during development. These stem cells have a high potential for neuronal differentiation. This is primarily due to their multilineage differentiation potential and their relative ease of access. Previously, we have shown the ability of these stem cell types to differentiate into spiral ganglion neuron‐like cells. In this study, we induced the cells into neural precursor cells (NPC) and cocultured with auditory brainstem slice (ABS) encompassing cochlear nucleus by the Stoppini method. We also investigated their ability to differentiate after 2 weeks and 4 weeks in coculture. Neuronal differentiation of DPSC‐NPC and SHED‐NPC was higher expression of specific markers to SGN, TrkB, and Gata3, compared to monoculture. The cells also highly expressed synaptic vesicle protein (SV2A) and exhibited intracellular calcium oscillations. Our findings demonstrated the possibility of using DPSCs and SHEDs as an autologous stem cell‐based therapy for sensorineural hearing loss patients.
DNA Vaccination With Hsp70 Protects Against Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in (NZB × NZW)F1 Mice
Authors: Liu Aijing , Ferretti Concetta , Shi Fu‐Dong , Cohen Irun R. , Quintana Francisco J. , La Cava Antonio
Published: January 2020

Objective

To address whether a targeted modulation of the abnormal expression of Hsp70 and autoantibodies against this molecule in systemic lupus erythematosus can influence disease.

Methods

Lupus‐prone (NZB × NZW)F1 mice that had been DNA‐vaccinated with plasmids encoding Hsp70 and controls were monitored for lupus disease parameters including anti–double stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) autoantibodies and cytokines using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and for kidney function and pathology. The phenotypic and numerical changes in relevant immune cells were evaluated by flow cytometry, and cell function was assessed.

Results

Mice that had been DNA‐vaccinated with Hsp70 displayed marked suppression of anti‐dsDNA antibody production, reduced renal disease, and antiinflammatory responses that are associated with a significantly extended survival, compared to controls. These protective effects in Hsp70‐vaccinated mice were associated with an induction of tolerogenic immune responses and an expansion of functional Treg cells.

Conclusion

DNA vaccination with Hsp70 suppresses murine lupus by inducing tolerogenic immune responses and antiinflammatory immune responses associated with reduced disease manifestations and increased mouse survival.
Black hole fueling and coalescence in galaxy mergers
Authors: del Valle Luciano , Prieto Joaquín , Escala Andrés
Published: January 2020

We study the gas accretion and orbital decay of super‐massive black hole (SMBH) pairs in the nuclear region of galaxy merger remnants, where a large amount of gas is expected to accumulate. For that purpose, we perform numerical simulations with both smooth particle hydro‐dynamics (SPH) (Gadget) and adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) (Ramses) techniques. We study the places of the highest SMBH gas accretion, finding that peaks of mass accretion rates are near pericenter passages. We also study the conditions for fast migration and coalescence of SMBHs in galactic nuclei, finding that, in the typical conditions of relatively wet mergers, the SMBHs will experience a fast shrinking, down to the scales where their final coalescence will be driven by the emission of gravitational waves, unless other processes strongly affect the distribution of the gas near the SMBH binary, such as active galactic nuclei (AGN) feedback.
Ultra‐compact objects in semiclassical gravity
Authors: Volkmer Guilherme L. , Hadjimichef Dimiter , Razeira Moises , Bodmann Benno , Zen Vasconcellos César A.
Published: January 2020

In this investigation, we study the structure of ultra‐compact stars in the framework of semiclassical gravity, an extension of Einstein's general relativity (GR), in which a classical spacetime metric is coupled to the quantum expectation value of the stress tensor and that incorporates the polarization of the quantum vacuum in the presence of a gravitational field. In this approach, a generalization of the classical Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) equations may be derived. Unlike most theoretical treatments based on GR, this formulation allows a wider range of consistent equation of state (EoS) solutions with enough compactness to produce a photon sphere without violating the Buchdahl limit, an upper bound on the compactness, thus motivating future studies to investigate if ultra‐compact stars could act as black hole mimickers. The main novelty of this extended formalism, when compared to the conventional form of the TOV equations, is the presence of an additional repulsive term—due to quantum corrections originated by the phenomenon of quantum vacuum polarization—that can withstand, under certain conditions, the gravitational collapse. Although the quantum corrections furnished by semiclassical gravity are negligible in most compact stars scenarios, for ultra‐compact configurations, where the star radius is not much larger than its gravitational radius, such effects may be relevant.
Birth weight and autism spectrum disorder: A population‐based nested case–control study
Authors: Talmi Ziv , Mankuta David , Raz Raanan
Published: January 2020

Low birth weight (<2,500 g) and preterm birth (<37 weeks) were found to be associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however, the data regarding the entire birth weight (BW) and gestational age (GA) range are inconclusive. In this population nested case–control study, based on the Israeli National Insurance Institute records, we aimed to estimate the associations in the Israeli population. The study population included all children born between 2000 and 2012 and diagnosed with ASD (N = 12,635 cases), and a random 20% sample of children born in the same period who were not diagnosed with ASD (N = 369,548 controls). We used multiple logistic regression models to calculate the risk of ASD for each BW and GA category, adjusted for covariates (child sex, maternal age, paternal age, population group, maternal wage, paternal wage, having a sibling with ASD, multiple gestation and socioeconomic status). BW < 3,000 g and GA < 39 weeks were associated with higher risk of ASD, including BW of 2,500–3,000 g (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.18; 95% CI, 1.12–1.24, in comparison to the 3,000–3,500 g category) and GA of 37 & 38 weeks (AOR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.25–1.45 and AOR, 1.13; 95% CI 1.06–1.20, respectively; in comparison to GA of 40 weeks). To account for the high correlation between GA and BW, we modeled BW percentiles for gestational age and found that the BW < 20th percentile was associated with an increased risk of ASD (AOR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01–1.19). These results demonstrate that associations of ASD with BW and GA are not limited to commonly used clinical cutoffs. Autism Res 2020, 13: 655–665. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been associated with low birth weight (<2,500 g) in prior research. Our study aims to describe the relationship between birth weight (BW) and ASD in the Israeli population. We found that BW <3,000 g was associated with a higher risk of ASD. These results demonstrate that an increased risk of ASD is not confined to clinically defined cutoffs such as BW < 2,500 g.
smartBridge Hamburg – prototypische Pilotierung eines digitalen Zwillings
Authors: Grabe Matthias , Ullerich Christof , Wenner Marc , Herbrand Martin
Published: January 2020

Zyklische, handnahe Inspektionen nach DIN 1076 bilden die Datenbasis für die Instandhaltungsplanung unserer Ingenieurbauwerke, die Berechnung von Zustandsnoten erfolgt dabei auf Grundlage erkannter Schäden. Die Dokumentation der Prüfung erfolgt überwiegend im Programmsystem SIB‐BW. Das System sorgt für einen vergleichsweise einheitlichen Bewertungsstandard und ermöglicht in begrenztem Umfang retrospektive und prospektive Betrachtungen für die Instandhaltungsplanung. Neuere Entwicklungen wie BIM oder die in anderen Wirtschaftszweigen etablierte kontinuierliche, sensorbasierte Zustandserfassung bleiben bislang konzeptionell unberücksichtigt.

Vor dem Hintergrund der digitalen Transformation stellt sich die Frage, wie sich die etablierte manuelle und die digitale Zustandsbeurteilung sowie BIM‐generierte Daten in eine durchgängige digitale Prozesskette integrieren lassen und welcher Nutzen sich so generieren lässt. Die Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) hat daher das Projekt „smartBridge Hamburg“ initiiert, das prototypisch, anhand der Köhlbrandbrücke in Hamburg das Konzept des digitalen Zwillings pilotiert.

Der digitale Zwilling dient dazu, BI‐Modell sowie analoge und elektronische Zustandserfassung konzeptionell zu vereinigen und die über mehrere Schichten aggregierten Daten unterschiedlichsten Nutzergruppen bedarfsgerecht bereitzustellen. Der Beitrag stellt Prämissen und Grundüberlegungen zur Projektinitiierung vor.
Side‐by‐side comparability of batch and continuous downstream for the production of monoclonal antibodies
Authors: David Laura , Schwan Peter , Lobedann Martin , Borchert Sven‐Oliver , Budde Bastian , Temming Maike , Kuerschner Mike , Alberti Aguilo Francisca Maria , Baumarth Kerstin , Thüte Tobias , Maiser Benjamin , Blank Andreas , Kistler Viktorija , Weber Nils , Brandt Heiko , Poggel Martin , Kaiser Klaus , Geisen Karl , Oehme Felix , Schembecker Gerhard
Published: January 2020

Continuous processing is the future production method for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). A fully continuous, fully automated downstream process based on disposable equipment was developed and implemented inside the MoBiDiK pilot plant. However, a study evaluating the comparability between batch and continuous processing based on product quality attributes was not conducted before. The work presented fills this gap comparing both process modes experimentally by purifying the same harvest material (side‐by‐side comparability). Samples were drawn at different time points and positions in the process for batch and continuous mode. Product quality attributes, product‐related impurities, as well as process‐related impurities were determined. The resulting polished material was processed to drug substance and further evaluated regarding storage stability and degradation behavior. The in‐process control data from the continuous process showed the high degree of accuracy in providing relevant process parameters such as pH, conductivity, and protein concentration during the entire process duration. Minor differences between batch and continuous samples are expected as different processing conditions are unavoidable due to the different nature of batch and continuous processing. All tests revealed no significant differences in the intermediates and comparability in the drug substance between the samples of both process modes. The stability study of the final product also showed no differences in the stability profile during storage and forced degradation. Finally, online data analysis is presented as a powerful tool for online‐monitoring of chromatography columns during continuous processing.
Attenuating apoptosis in Chinese hamster ovary cells for improved biopharmaceutical production
Authors: Henry Matthew N. , MacDonald Michael A. , Orellana Camila A. , Gray Peter P. , Gillard Marianne , Baker Kym , Nielsen Lars K. , Marcellin Esteban , Mahler Stephen , Martínez Verónica S.
Published: January 2020

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are the predominant host cell line for the production of biopharmaceuticals, a growing industry currently worth more than $188 billion USD in global sales. CHO cells undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis) following different stresses encountered in cell culture, such as substrate limitation, accumulation of toxic by‐products, and mechanical shear, hindering production. Genetic engineering strategies to reduce apoptosis in CHO cells have been investigated with mixed results. In this review, a contemporary understanding of the real complexity of apoptotic mechanisms and signaling pathways is described; followed by an overview of antiapoptotic cell line engineering strategies tested so far in CHO cells.
The EU policy for a plastic economy: Reflections on a sectoral implementation strategy
Authors: Pazienza Pasquale , De Lucia Caterina
Published: January 2020

After reviewing the main EU policy documents on the plastic waste issue, this work conceptualises an analysis framework to investigate farmers' attitudes to market‐based tools (i.e., subsidies, tax‐credits, and payback mechanisms in extended producer responsibility schemes) through which the introduction of an operational scheme for a better management of their plastic waste can be incentivised in line with the 2018 European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy. A total number of 1,783 farmers responded to a purpose‐built questionnaire. Results show that most of the plastic waste they produce is piping and packaging and that tax credit represents their most favoured incentivising tool.
The aberrant expression of rhythm genes affects the genome instability and regulates the cancer immunity in pan‐cancer
Authors: Zhou Jian , Li Xinhui , Zhang Minghui , Gong Ji’nan , Li Qi , Shan Baocong , Wang Tianzhen , Zhang Lei , Zheng Tongsen , Li Xiaobo
Published: January 2020

Although emerging studies showed that certain rhythm genes regulate cancer progression, the expression and roles of the vast majority of rhythm genes in human cancer are largely unknown, and the hallmarks of cancer regulated by rhythm genes have not been detected. In this study, we detected the expression changes of rhythm genes in pan‐cancer and found that almost all rhythm genes mutated in all cancer types, and their expression level was significantly altered partially due to abnormal methylation, and several rhythm genes regulate the expression of other rhythm genes in various cancer types. Furthermore, we revealed that rhythm genes are significantly enriched in genome instability and the expression of certain rhythm genes is correlated with the tumor mutation burden, microsatellite instability, and the expression of DNA damage repair genes in most of the detected cancer types. Moreover, rhythm genes are associated with the infiltration of immune cells and the efficiency of immune blockade therapy. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the roles of rhythm genes in cancer immunity, which may provide a novel method for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Learning and change within person‐centred therapy: Views of expert therapists
Authors: Renger Susan , Macaskill Ann , Naylor Bill
Published: January 2020

Aims

Traditionally in person‐centred therapy (PCT), clients are counselled for as long as required. It is a nondirective process. Recently, financial constraints have introduced time limits for therapy in health care, so it seemed appropriate to revisit the practice of PCT in the current UK context. The aim was to explore the concepts of learning and change within PCT and to consider whether learning is facilitated.

Method

Five experienced person‐centred therapists, who were involved in educating therapists, participated in semi‐structured interviews. Questions explored their views on learning and change in therapy, whether learning processes can be facilitated in PCT—both philosophically and practically—and the outcomes of PCT. Therapists were not specifically asked about time pressure, but rather it was left to see if it emerged as an issue.

Results

Ten major themes emerged: learning and change, goals, learning process, PCT process, issues on nondirectivity/directivity, questioning, outcomes, assessment and diagnosis, and other methods used. The issue of time pressure permeated many of these themes. Views were often contradictory reflecting the inconclusive views in the literature, particularly in relation to how clients learn and the relationship between change and learning.

Discussion

The issue of directivity seemed to cause cognitive dissonance, with participants wanting to be directive to deal with time pressures, but not wanting to be disloyal to Rogers' PCT principles. Processes of learning and change were acknowledged as important, but little clarity was obtained on their current application.
New Acetohydrazides Incorporating 2‐Oxoindoline and 4‐Oxoquinazoline: Synthesis and Evaluation of Cytotoxicity and Caspase Activation Activity
Authors: Huan Le Cong , Anh Duong Tien , Truong Bui Xuan , Duc Phan Huy , Hai Pham‐The , Duc‐Anh Lai , Huong Le‐Thi‐Thu , Park Eun Jae , Lee Hye Jin , Kang Jong Soon , Tran Phuong‐Thao , Thanh Hai Dinh Thi , Kim Oanh Dao Thi , Han Sang‐Bae , Nam Nguyen‐Hai
Published: January 2020

In our search for new small molecules activating procaspase‐3, we have designed and synthesized a series of new acetohydrazides incorporating both 2‐oxoindoline and 4‐oxoquinazoline scaffolds. Biological evaluation showed that a number of these acetohydrazides were comparably or even more cytotoxic against three human cancer cell lines (SW620, colon cancer; PC‐3, prostate cancer; NCI−H23, lung cancer) in comparison to PAC‐1, a first procaspase‐3 activating compound, which was used as a positive control. One of those new compounds, 2‐(6‐chloro‐4‐oxoquinazolin‐3(4H)‐yl)‐N′‐[(3Z)‐5‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydro‐3H‐indol‐3‐ylidene]acetohydrazide activated the caspase‐3 activity in U937 human lymphoma cells by 5‐fold higher than the untreated control. Three of the new compounds significantly induced necrosis and apoptosis in U937 cells.
Cytoplasmic APE1 promotes resistance response in osteosarcoma patients with cisplatin treatment
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Zhang Zhimin , Zhang Liang , Zhong Zhaoyang
Published: January 2020

Chemotherapy resistance has become a hold back and major clinical challenge in osteosarcoma cancer. The alteration and subcellular distribution of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) has been reported to be involved in chemotherapy resistance in many cancers. Here, we report that the cytoplasmic distribution of APE1 plays a key role in the sensitivity of combination platinum chemotherapy in osteosarcoma. Interestingly, the prevalence of cisplatin‐induced DNA damage and apoptosis in low cytoplasmic APE1 osteosarcoma cell lines was higher than in high expression of cytoplasmic APE1 cell lines. Overexpression of cytoplasmic APE1 protected the osteosarcoma cells from CDDP‐induced apoptosis. In addition, clinical data also show that the level of cytoplasmic APE1 was negatively associated with sensitivity to combination chemotherapy of cisplatin in osteosarcoma patients. Our findings suggest that cytoplasmic APE1 plays a significant role in chemotherapy resistance. This role is a supplement to the extranuclear function of APE1, and cytoplasmic APE1 expression level could be a promising predictor of platinum treatment prognosis for osteosarcoma patients.
pH‐Dependent Protonation of Surface Carboxylate Groups in PsbO Enables Local Buffering and Triggers Structural Changes
Authors: Gerland Lisa , Friedrich Daniel , Hopf Linus , Donovan Eavan J. , Wallmann Arndt , Erdmann Natalja , Diehl Anne , Bommer Martin , Buzar Krzysztof , Ibrahim Mohamed , Schmieder Peter , Dobbek Holger , Zouni Athina , Bondar Ana‐Nicoleta , Dau Holger , Oschkinat Hartmut
Published: January 2020

Photosystem II (PSII) catalyzes the splitting of water, releasing protons and dioxygen. Its highly conserved subunit PsbO extends from the oxygen‐evolving center (OEC) into the thylakoid lumen and stabilizes the catalytic Mn4CaO5 cluster. The high degree of conservation of accessible negatively charged surface residues in PsbO suggests additional functions, as local pH buffer or by affecting the flow of protons. For this discussion, we provide an experimental basis, through the determination of pKa values of water‐accessible aspartate and glutamate side‐chain carboxylate groups by means of NMR. Their distribution is strikingly uneven, with high pKa values around 4.9 clustered on the luminal PsbO side and values below 3.5 on the side facing PSII. pH‐dependent changes in backbone chemical shifts in the area of the lumen‐exposed loops are observed, indicating conformational changes. In conclusion, we present a site‐specific analysis of carboxylate group proton affinities in PsbO, providing a basis for further understanding of proton transport in photosynthesis.
Epiregulin promotes osteogenic differentiation and inhibits neurogenic trans‐differentiation of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells via MAPKs pathway
Authors: Cao Yangyang , Shi Ruitang , Yang Haoqing , Zhang Jianpeng , Ge Lihua , Gao Runtao , Fan Zhipeng
Published: January 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exists low efficiency to trans‐differentiate into other germinal layer cell types. One key issue is to discover the effect of important factor on MSCs differentiation abiltiy. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanism of epiregulin (EREG) on the osteogenic differentiation and neurogenic trans‐differentiation in adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs). We discovered that the depletion of EREG inhibited the osteogenic differentiation in vitro. And 25 ng/mL recombinant human epiregulin protein (rhEREG) effectively improved the osteogenic differentiation of EREG‐depleted‐ADSCs. Depletion of EREG promoted the formation of neural spheres, and increased the expressions of nestin, βIII‐tubulin, NeuroD, NCAM, TH, and NEF in ADSCs. Then, 25 ng/mL rhEREG significantly inhibited these neurogenic differentiation indicators. Inhibition of p38 MAPK, JNK, or Erk1/2 signaling pathway separately, blocked the rhEREG‐enhanced osteogenic differentiation ability and the rhEREG‐inhibited neurogenic trans‐differentiation ability of ADSCs. In conclusions, EREG promoted the osteogenic differentiation and inhibited the neurogenic trans‐differentiation potentials of ADSCs via MAPK signaling pathways.
c‐Myc‐mediated SNRPB upregulation functions as an oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Peng Ningfu , Li Jindu , He Jingrong , Shi Xianmao , Huang Hao , Mo Yishuai , Ye Hang , Wu Guobin , Wu Feixiang , Xiang Bangde , Zhong Jianhong , Li Lequn , Zhu Shaoliang
Published: January 2020

Dysregulation of genes involved in alternative splicing contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis. SNRPB, a component of spliceosome, is implicated in human cancers, yet its clinical significance and biological function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. Here, we show that SNRPB expression is increased in HCC tissues, compared with the nontumorous tissues, at both messenger RNA and protein levels in two independent cohorts. High expression of SNRPB is significantly associated with higher pathological grade, vascular invasion, serum alpha‐fetoprotein level, tumor metastasis, and poor disease‐free and overall survivals. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate that SNRPB upregulation in HCC is mediated by c‐Myc. Positive correlation is found between SNRPB and c‐Myc expression in clinical samples. In vitro studies show that ectopic expression of SNRPB promotes HCC cell proliferation and migration, whereas knockdown of SNRPB results in the opposite phenotypes. Collectively, our data suggest SNRPB function as an oncogene and serve as a potential prognostic factor in HCC.
Two‐year follow‐up of a randomized multicenter study comparing a drug‐coated balloon with a drug‐eluting stent in native small coronary vessels: The RESTORE Small Vessel Disease China trial
Authors: Tian Jian , Tang Yi‐da , Qiao Shubin , Su Xi , Chen Yundai , Jin Zening , Chen Hui , Xu Biao , Kong Xiangqing , Pang Wenyue , Liu Yong , Yu Zaixin , Li Xue , Li Hui , Zhao Yanyan , Wang Yang , Li Wei , Guan Changdong , Gao Runlin , Xu Bo ,   for the RESTORE SVD China Investigators
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To report the clinical outcomes of the RESTORE drug‐coated balloon (DCB; Cardionovum, Bonn, Germany) for treatment of de novo small vessel disease (SVD) beyond 1 year.

Background

Previous reports have demonstrated the noninferiority of the RESTORE DCB to the RESOLUTE Integrity drug‐eluting stent (DES; Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) in terms of 9‐month in‐segment percent diameter stenosis.

Methods

In the prospective, multicenter, noninferiority RESTORE SVD China trial, 230 patients with visually‐estimated reference vessel diameter (RVD) ≥2.25 and ≤2.75 mm were randomized to DCB or DES in a 1:1 ratio stratified by diabetes and number of lesions treated. Furthermore, 32 patients with RVD ≥2.00 and <2.25 mm were enrolled in a nested very small vessel (VSV) registry. Clinical follow‐up were performed at 2 years to evaluate target lesion failure (TLF) in both groups and the VSV cohort.

Results

Overall, 256 (97.7%) patients (115 and 109 in the DCB and DES groups, respectively, and 32 in the VSV cohort) completed 2 years of follow‐up. There was no significant difference in TLF between the DCB and DES groups (5.2 vs. 3.7%, p = .75). Target lesion revascularization was acceptable at 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years, and did not differ significantly with DCB from that in the DES group (0.9 vs. 0%, p = 1.0, 4.4 vs. 2.6%, p = .72, 5.2 vs. 2.8%, p = .50, respectively).

Conclusions

Compared to the second‐generation DES, the RESTORE DCB did not increase the risk of clinical outcomes. Late catch‐up phenomen requiring revascularization was not significant in this study.
Enhanced Olefin Metathesis Performance of Tungsten and Niobium Incorporated Bimetallic Silicates: Evidence of Synergistic Effects
Authors: Wu Jian‐Feng , Ramanathan Anand , Kersting Reinhard , Jystad Amy , Zhu Hongda , Hu Yongfeng , Marshall Craig P. , Caricato Marco , Subramaniam Bala
Published: January 2020

Tungsten and niobium incorporated KIT‐6 (WNb‐KIT‐6) materials were synthesized by a one‐pot sol‐gel method. During 2‐butene+ethylene metathesis with these materials at 450 °C, the propene yield is maximized (∼70 %) at a certain metal composition (∼20 wt% W and ∼1 wt% Nb), significantly surpassing those reported with an industrial WO3/SiO2 catalyst. The enhanced propene yield is attributed to better dispersion of W species on the catalyst surface and the formation of new active site precursors (O=)2W(O−Si)(O−Nb), as confirmed by XRD, TEM, H2‐TPR, XPS, EXAFS, and ToF‐SIMS techniques. Complementary DFT calculations reveal a positive correlation between the O=W=O bond angle and the propene yield. We therefore speculate that the −O−Nb moiety tunes the electronic environment around the W atom and increases the propene yield.
Few‐layer Black Phosphorous Catalyzes Radical Additions to Alkenes Faster than Low‐valence Metals
Authors: Tejeda‐Serrano María , Lloret Vicent , Márkus Bence G. , Simon Ferenc , Hauke Frank , Hirsch Andreas , Doménech‐Carbó Antonio , Abellán Gonzalo , Leyva‐Pérez Antonio
Published: January 2020

The substitution of catalytic metals by p‐block main elements has a tremendous impact not only in the fundamentals but also in the economic and ecological fingerprint of organic reactions. Here we show that few‐layer black phosphorous (FL‐BP), a recently discovered and now readily available 2D material, catalyzes different radical additions to alkenes with an initial turnover frequency (TOF0) up to two orders of magnitude higher than representative state‐of‐the‐art metal complex catalysts at room temperature. The corresponding electron‐rich BP intercalation compound (BPIC) KP6 shows a nearly twice TOF0 increase with respect to FL‐BP. This increase in catalytic activity respect to the neutral counterpart also occurs in other 2D materials (graphene vs. KC8) and metal complex catalysts (Fe0 vs. Fe2− carbon monoxide complexes). This reactive parallelism opens the door for cross‐fertilization between 2D materials and metal catalysts in organic synthesis.
Anti‐sintering Pt Particles Confined in Short Ordered Mesoporous Carbon with Rapid Mass Transport for Superior and Robust Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Liao Yifei , Wang Yao , Zhang Ruixue , Wu Chaoling , Yan Yigang , Chen Yungui
Published: January 2020

The widespread use of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is still hindered by the sluggish activity and poor durability of cathode Pt‐based catalysts. Ordered mesoporous carbons are used to inhibit the coarsening and detachment of Pt during oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the long mesopores of OMCs make it hard to utilize the encapsulated Pt particles, leading to a poor ORR activity. Here, we have constructed an OMC with short mesoporous channel as support for confining Pt particles (Pt@s‐OMC). Owing to the shortened meso‐channels, the proton and oxygen transport is efficiently boosted, resulting an enhanced mass activity (167.1 mA mgPt−1 at 0.9 V); meanwhile, more metallic Pt and excellent pore structures guarantee the stability of Pt (88 % retention after 4000 cycles). Thus Pt@s‐OMC possesses a superior activity and durability simultaneously. This work highlights a distinctive approach to settle the contradiction between high activity and durability, which provides a new insight into ORR catalysts.
Sustainable Ligand‐Free Heterogeneous Palladium‐Catalyzed Sonogashira Cross‐Coupling Reaction in Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Messa Francesco , Dilauro Giuseppe , Perna Filippo M. , Vitale Paola , Capriati Vito , Salomone Antonio
Published: January 2020

The commercially available and cheap Pd/C was found to promote Sonogashira couplings in the environmentally friendly choline chloride/glycerol eutectic mixture in the absence of external ligands. Under heterogeneous conditions, (hetero)aryl iodides were successfully coupled with both aromatic and aliphatic alkynes in yields ranging from 50 to 99 % within 3 h at 60 °C. The aforementioned catalytic system proved to be effective also towards electron‐rich iodides, which are notoriously known to be poorly reactive in Pd‐catalyzed Sonogashira coupling reactions. The eutectic mixture and the catalyst could easily and successfully be recycled up to four times with an E‐factor as low as 24.4.
Continuous Interfacial Centrifugal Separation and Recovery of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Deshpande Jaydeep B. , Navale Govinda R. , Dharne Mahesh S. , Kulkarni Amol A.
Published: January 2020

Continuous‐flow separation and recovery of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an annular centrifugal extractor (ACE) is demonstrated. Separation was achieved at the liquid‐liquid interface based on the balance between centrifugal force and the solubility of the capping agent. A mathematical model is presented to understand the mechanism in greater detail. The separation of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP)‐coated AgNPs in an ACE using a strong immiscible solvent was performed. The material accumulated at the interface was separated periodically without discontinuing the operation. The method is also suitable for separation of large particles or 1D/2D nanostructures even employing a single annular centrifugal extractor. Stable AgNPs were selected for a detailed antimicrobial activity study.
Overcoming Chemical Inertness under Ambient Conditions: A Critical View on Recent Developments in Ammonia Synthesis via Electrochemical N2 Reduction by Asking Five Questions
Authors: Qin Qing , Oschatz Martin
Published: January 2020

Ammonia (NH3) synthesis by the electrochemical N2 reduction reaction (NRR) is increasingly studied and proposed as an alternative process to overcome the disadvantages of Haber‐Bosch synthesis by a more energy‐efficient, carbon‐free, delocalized, and sustainable process. An ever‐increasing number of scientists are working on the improvement of the faradaic efficiency (FE) and NH3 production rate by developing novel catalysts, electrolyte concepts, and/or by contributing theoretical studies. The present Minireview provides a critical view on the interplay of different crucial aspects in NRR from the electrolyte, over the mechanism of catalytic activation of N2, to the full electrochemical cell. Five critical questions are asked, discussed, and answered, each coupled with a summary of recent developments in the respective field. This article is not supposed to be a complete summary of recent research about NRR but provides a rather critical personal view on the field. It is the major aim to give an overview over crucial influences on different length scales to shine light on the sweet spots into which room for revolutionary instead of incremental improvements may exist.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Cation‐Induced Guest Release from Cucurbit[7]uril
Authors: Miskolczy Zsombor , Megyesi Mónika , Biczók László , Prabodh Amrutha , Biedermann Frank
Published: January 2020

The release of two organic guests from cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) was selectively monitored by the stopped‐flow method in aqueous solutions of inorganic salts to reveal the mechanistic picture in detail. Two contrasting mechanisms were identified: The symmetric dicationic 2,7‐dimethyldiazapyrenium shows a cation‐independent complex dissociation mechanism coupled to deceleration of the ingression in the presence of alkali and alkaline earth cations (Mn+) due to competitive formation of CB7–Mn+ complexes. A much richer, unprecedented kinetic behaviour was observed for the ingression and egression of the monocationic and non‐symmetric berberine (B+). The formation of ternary complex B+–CB7–Mn+ was unambiguously revealed. A difference of more than two orders of magnitude was found in the equilibrium constants of Mn+ binding to B+–CB7 inclusion complex. Large cations, such as K+ and Ba2+, also promoted B+ expulsion from the ternary complex in a bimolecular process. This study reveals a previously hidden mechanistic picture and motivates systematic kinetic investigations of other host–guest systems.
Synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers using a functionalized initiator for chiral‐selective recognition of propranolol
Authors: Liu Weifeng , Holdsworth Clovia , Ye Lei
Published: January 2020

We present a new concept of synthesis for preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers using a functionalized initiator to replace the traditional functional monomer. Using propranolol as a model template, a carboxyl‐functionalized radical initiator was demonstrated to lead to high‐selectivity polymer particles prepared in a standard precipitation polymerization system. When a single enantiomer of propranolol was used as template, the imprinted polymer particles exhibited clear chiral selectivity in an equilibrium binding experiment. Unlike the previous molecular imprinting systems where the active free radicals can be distant from the template‐functional monomer complex, the method reported in this work makes sure that the actual radical polymerization takes place in the vicinity of the template‐associated functional groups. The success of using functional initiator to synthesize molecularly imprinted polymers brings in new possibilities to improve the functional performance of molecularly imprinted synthetic receptors.
Almost sure stability for a class of dual switching linear discrete‐time systems
Authors: Long Fei , Liu Cai , Ou Weihua
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a dual switching discrete‐time linear system, simultaneously subject to deterministic switching and Markov chain, is considered. This study does not consider the transition probability of the Markov chain as fixed but determined by the current position of deterministic switching. Namely, such dual switching discrete‐time linear system is composed of a family of discrete‐time Markov jump systems and follows a rule that directs the switching sequences between them. The exponentially almost sure stability problem, for dual switching discrete‐time linear system with exponential uncertainty, is addressed by using persistent dwell time and stochastic multi‐Lyapunov function. The sufficient conditions for the exponentially almost sure stability of dual switching discrete‐time linear system are expressed as linear matrix inequalities. Finally, a simulation example demonstrates the validity of the derived results.
Improve crisis communication plans to better serve institution, students
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: January 2020

Communication, image, reputation, and other aspects of campus life often degrade after a crisis more than if administrators had just invested in the “before” — because that would greatly help improve the “after.”
Fine needle aspiration of nodular cystic swelling showing a rare melanized fungus Medicopsis romeroi: A case report
Authors: Prasad Shubhra , Khurana Ujjawal , Karuna Tadepalli , Brahmachari Swagata , Sinha Jitendra Kumar , Tandon Ashwani , Kapoor Neelkamal
Published: January 2020

A young woman on long term corticosteroid therapy presented with a discrete hyperpigmented nodular cystic swelling on her upper thigh to the buttock region. There was history of discharging sinuses however at presentation the lesion was painless nondischarging. The lesion was subjected to fine‐needle aspiration. The cytological smears on routine and special stains showed branching, septate fungal hyphae present extracellularly and intracellularly. The background showed dense mixed inflammation and granulomatous inflammation. The aspirated material was further subjected to culture. A nonsporulating melanized fungus was obtained and a culture isolate was sent for molecular characterization. Medicopsis romeroi, a rare melanized fungus belonging to the order Pleosporales was isolated on Internal transcribed spacer sequencing.
Source to sink reconstruction of a Holocene Fjord‐infill: Depositional patterns, suspended sediment yields, wind‐induced circulation patterns and trapping efficiency for Lake Strynevatnet, inner Nordfjord, Norway
Authors: Storms Joep E. A. , Beylich Achim A. , Hansen Louise , Waldmann Nicolas
Published: January 2020

This paper reconstructs the sedimentation volumes and patterns, suspended sediment yields, wind‐induced circulation patterns and sediment trapping efficiency of Lake Strynevatnet, western Norway as an integrated source to sink system. The lake became deglaciated ca 11 ky cal bp, with glacio‐isostatic uplift isolating the basin from the nearby fjord (Nordfjord) ca 9.2 ky cal bp. Based on geophysical data collected in 2010, the upper 15–20 m of Holocene sediment accumulation in the lake was mapped. A sediment body in the centre of the lake indicates a depositional mechanism dominated by suspension sedimentation. The source of this sediment is associated with the adjacent glaciated catchments westward of the lake. Three seismic units were identified based on seismic facies generating an evolutionary model utilizing three depositional units (U1, U2 and U3), in which unit U2 represents the Storegga tsunami event. Unit U3 is further divided into three subunits; U3a, U3b and U3c based on their spatial continuity and subtle downlapping and onlapping relationships. The degree to which wind conditions could have affected the lake depositional patterns were studied utilizing an open‐source coupled hydrodynamic and sediment transport model. The results show that fluvial discharge alone is incapable of generating a circulation pattern in the lake currents. Suspended sediment concentrations in the lake are highest for strong winds. Modelled sediment accumulation on the lake floor shows that mild or absent winds lead to a proximal to distal sediment thickness trend, while strong winds result in uniform sediment thickness. Based on this it is argued that the thickness trends of seismic subunits U3a‐c are related to a variable palaeowind climate. As such, seismic data of lake infills, in combination with numerical modelling, may provide valuable palaeoclimatic information on wind patterns.
Simplified quantification of insulin, its synthetic analogs and C‐peptide in human plasma by means of LC‐HRMS
Authors: Thomas Andreas , Yang Rouxue , Petring Simon , Bally Lia , Thevis Mario
Published: January 2020

The quantification of peptide hormones by means of liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) or other techniques (e.g. immunoassays) has been a challenging task in modern analytical chemistry. Especially for insulin, its synthetic analogs, and C‐peptide, reliable determinations are urgently needed due to their diagnostic value in the management of diabetes and insulin resistance and because of the illicit use of insulin as a performance‐enhancing agent in professional sports or as an effective toxin in forensic toxicology. The concomitant measurement of C‐peptide and insulin offers an established tool for the diagnostic workup of hypoglycemia (endogenous vs. exogenous hyperinsulinemia), characterizing hepatic insulin clearance, and the assessment of beta‐cell function (insulin secretion). Thus, the present approach offers the possibility to determine human insulin and its synthetic analogs (lispro, glulisine, aspart, glargine metabolite, degludec, detemir, porcine, and bovine) and C‐peptide simultaneously after sample preparation utilizing protein precipitation and a mixed‐mode cation‐exchange solid‐phase extraction, and subsequent detection by LC‐high resolution MS. The method was fully validated regarding the following parameters: specificity, limit of detection (0.2 ng/mL), limit of quantification (0.6 ng/mL), recovery (40–90%), accuracy (78–128%), linearity, precision (< 21%), carry over, robustness, and matrix effects. The proof‐of‐concept was shown by analyzing authentic plasma samples from adults with class II obesity and prediabetes collected in the course of an oral glucose tolerance test. All sample preparation steps were controlled by two stable isotope‐labeled internal standards, namely [[2H10] Leu B6, B11, B15, B17]‐insulin, and [[13C6] Leu 26, 30] C‐peptide.
Analytical validation and field testing of a specific qPCR assay for environmental DNA detection of invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas)
Authors: Roux Louise‐Marie D. , Giblot‐Ducray Danièle , Bott Nathan J. , Wiltshire Kathryn H. , Deveney Marty R. , Westfall Kristen M. , Abbott Cathryn L.
Published: January 2020

Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods are providing tools for detecting invasive species in aquatic environments. Targeted qPCR assays applied to eDNA samples promise to overcome limitations of traditional methods, especially for early detection. The European green crab (Carcinus maenas) is considered one of the most successful invasive species globally due to the large range it has invaded and negative impacts on native species, marine habitats, and shellfish industries. We developed, laboratory‐validated, and field‐tested a specific qPCR assay for the detection of green crab from eDNA samples. We also show that the assay can detect green crab in bulk DNA extracted from plankton samples. Assay design, optimization, sensitivity, and specificity testing generally followed the validation pathway recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health for assays used to manage global aquatic animal health and infectious disease. Assay specificity was verified in silico and in vitro by laboratory testing 26 nontarget species, none of which showed potential for amplification. Assay sensitivity was appropriately high, with the limit of detection approaching two gene copies/μl. The assay was field‐tested on eDNA samples collected from filtered seawater at five sites on the Pacific coast of Canada known to harbor green crab based on historical monitoring data; green crab DNA was amplified from all sites. We also present early pilot field testing of the assay done on bulk DNA extracted from plankton samples from four sites from Australia, two sites with and two sites without reported records of green crab presence. Green crab was detected at both sites with known green crab records. Significant inhibition was recorded for some plankton samples but not for eDNA samples. This is the first qPCR assay for detection of European green crab, providing researchers and managers with a valuable new tool to aid early detection and ongoing monitoring.
Dinuclear Copper(II) Complexes Exhibiting Reversible Photochromism
Authors: Salinas‐Uber Jorge , Barrios Leoní A. , Estrader Marta , Roubeau Olivier , Aromí Guillem
Published: January 2020

We present here the design and preparation of several discrete coordination complexes exhibiting two Cu(II) ions separated by a dithienylcyclopentene as a photoswitchable spacer, proposed as models of molecular √SWAP quantum gates. These models use the two Cu(II) ions as realizations of qubits and the spacer as a light switch intended to trigger the gate by reversibly undergoing a ring closing isomerization. For this, a dicarboxylate species with a central diarylethene, H2L1, has been used, together with bipyridine or phenantroline as capping ligands. Also, a new dinucleating ligand containing the photoactive moiety between two tridentate coordinating pockets, H4L2, has been designed and prepared for the same purpose. The four complexes have been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Three of them exhibit reversible photoswitching in solution.