bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extra Silver Atom Triggers Room‐Temperature Photoluminescence in Atomically Precise Radarlike Silver Clusters
Authors: Yang Jin‐Sen , Han Zhen , Dong Xi‐Yan , Luo Peng , Mo Hui‐Lin , Zang Shuang‐Quan
Published: April 2020

Luminescent metal clusters show promise for applications in imaging and sensing. However, promoting emission from metal clusters at room temperature is a challenging task owing to the lack of an efficient approach to suppress the nonradiative decay process in metal cores. We report herein that the addition of a silver atom into a metal interstice of the radarlike thiolated silver cluster [Ag27(StBu)14(S)2(CF3COO)9(DMAc)4]⋅DMAc (NC1, DMAc=dimethylacetamide), which is non‐emissive under ambient conditions, produced another silver cluster [Ag28(AdmS)14(S)2(CF3COO)10(H2O)4] (NC2) that displayed bright green room‐temperature photoluminescence aided by the new ligand 1‐adamantanethiol (AdmSH). The 28th Ag atom, which hardly affects the geometrical and electronic structures of the Ag–S skeleton, triggered the emission of green light as a result of the rigidity of the cluster structure.
What to Do with Spent Bleaching Earth? A Review
Authors: Dijkstra Albert J.
Published: April 2020

Animal fats and cold‐pressed vegetable oils hardly need bleaching but when vegetable oils started to be produced by solvent extraction, the resulting oils were too dark to sell as such. That also holds for palm oil. Bleaching these oils with bleaching clay solved their color problems but led to the problem of spent earth disposal. Many ways of treating spent earth and ways of disposal have been suggested and/or developed in the past. They will be reviewed in this paper. Given the recent observation that slurrying spent bleaching earth with crude oil inhibits the deterioration of the residual oil in the earth, leads to the conclusion that, for an integrated oil mill‐cum‐refinery, the best way of spent bleaching earth disposal is the recycling of the earth to the solvent extractor, whereas stand‐alone refineries are advised to sell their spent earth to chicken feed manufacturers. In future, a high‐temperature hydrolysis process that can treat all kinds of fatty waste may become an attractive means of disposal as well.
Mechanistic investigation on moisture‐induced softening of poly(vinyl acetate)‐stiffened polyester fabrics
Authors: Li Yongxiang , Chen Dongzhi , Cheng Xiaoxia , Gao Feng , Yang Xiaobo , Mi Yifang , Zhou Qiubao , Lan Shuxian , Cao Zhihai
Published: April 2020

Softening phenomenon of fabrics stiffened with eco‐friendly polymeric stiffening agents often occurs in service conditions, leading to a deteriorated stiffening style. It is highly desired to find the key factors that induce the softening of stiffened fabrics and to understand the softening mechanism. In this work, polyester fabrics and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc)‐based stiffening agent were chosen as the typical fabrics and polymeric stiffening agent, respectively. The stiffness value, a sensitive style index for the stiffening effect of fabrics, was selected to evaluate the variation of fabric stiffening effect during storage. A phenomenon of rapid softening was observed in the fabrics stiffened with various amounts of PVAc‐based stiffening agent. The stiffness value of stiffened fabrics decreased with the increase of hygroscopic amount. According to the hygroscopic kinetic data, the moisture‐induced plasticization effect of stiffening agent film, and the detachment of stiffening agent film from the fibers caused by the moisture‐induced weakening of interfacial interaction between the film and fiber, a possible softening mechanism of polymer‐stiffened fabrics was proposed. The hygroscopic‐drying cyclic experiments showed that the softening of stiffened fabrics was induced by the reversible plasticization effect and the irreversible interfacial damage between the film and fiber.
Strategies for reducing per‐sample costs in target capture sequencing for phylogenomics and population genomics in plants
Authors: Hale Haley , Gardner Elliot M. , Viruel Juan , Pokorny Lisa , Johnson Matthew G.
Published: April 2020

The reduced cost of high‐throughput sequencing and the development of gene sets with wide phylogenetic applicability has led to the rise of sequence capture methods as a plausible platform for both phylogenomics and population genomics in plants. An important consideration in large targeted sequencing projects is the per‐sample cost, which can be inflated when using off‐the‐shelf kits or reagents not purchased in bulk. Here, we discuss methods to reduce per‐sample costs in high‐throughput targeted sequencing projects. We review the minimal equipment and consumable requirements for targeted sequencing while comparing several alternatives to reduce bulk costs in DNA extraction, library preparation, target enrichment, and sequencing. We consider how each of the workflow alterations may be affected by DNA quality (e.g., fresh vs. herbarium tissue), genome size, and the phylogenetic scale of the project. We provide a cost calculator for researchers considering targeted sequencing to use when designing projects, and identify challenges for future development of low‐cost sequencing in non‐model plant systems.
Assessing the impact of population decline on mating system in the overexploited Mediterranean red coral
Authors: Ledoux Jean‐Baptiste , Frias‐Vidal Silvia , Montero‐Serra Ignasi , Antunes Agostinho , Casado Bueno Clara , Civit Sergi , Lopez‐Sendino Paula , Linares Cristina , Garrabou Joaquim
Published: April 2020

Understanding the interactions among demographic parameters, mating system and population dynamics is key to predict the response of populations to global change. The Mediterranean red coral is a precious octocoral suffering from population decline due to overfishing and warming‐driven mass mortality events.

While the demographic consequences of these two pressures are well characterized, little is known regarding their impact on population dynamics and evolution of red coral populations. The main objective of this study was to fill this gap focusing more particularly on mating pattern and genetic drift.

Combining sibship and progeny arrays analyses, a genetic characterization of the red coral mating system was conducted. In addition, a synchronic approach was developed comparing mating patterns in two populations with contrasting demographic patterns: a pristine‐like population and a declining population.

The results show that polyandry is likely to be the norm in red coral. The similar patterns of genetic diversity between adults and larvae combined with the lack of differential reproductive success among putative fathers did not support significant sweepstakes effects during larval production. While instantaneous biparental inbreeding was detected, no long‐term inbreeding was observed even in the declining population. Mating patterns and effective population sizes in the two populations were not statistically different. Nevertheless, a trend towards a slightly higher inbreeding and a lower number of breeders was observed in the declining population.

Accordingly, we hypothesized that an increase in male gamete dispersal may buffer the increase of genetic drift expected in the declining population. This feedback between demographic decline and reproductive pattern may potentially take part in the long‐term persistence of red coral populations. However, the negative trend reported in the declining population unambiguously supports the need to maintain high densities of reproductive colonies to the functioning of red coral populations.
Amorphous and Crystalline 2D Polymeric Carbon Nitride Nanosheets for Photocatalytic Hydrogen/Oxygen Evolution and Hydrogen Peroxide Production
Authors: Yan Bo , Chen Zhonghui , Xu Yuxi
Published: April 2020

Photocatalytic reactions, including hydrogen/oxygen generation, water splitting and hydrogen peroxide production, are regarded as a renewable and promising method to harvest and use solar energy. The key to achieving this goal is to explore efficient photocatalysts with high productivity. Recently, two‐dimensional (2D) polymeric carbon nitride nanosheets were reported as efficient photocatalysts toward various products because of their outstanding properties, such as high specific surface area, more reactive sites, the quantum effect in thickness and unique electronic properties. This minireview attempts to overview recent advances in the preparation, structure and properties of crystalline and amorphous carbon nitride nanosheets, and their applications in photocatalytic hydrogen/oxygen evolution, water splitting and hydrogen peroxide production. We also thoroughly discuss the effect of defects, dopants and composites on the photocatalytic efficiency of these carbon nitride nanosheets. Finally, we outlook the ongoing opportunities and future challenges for 2D carbon nitride nanosheets in the field of photocatalysis.
Fe/Co‐based Bimetallic MOF‐derived Co3Fe7@NCNTFs Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for High‐Efficiency Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Yuan Qunyao , Yu Youxing , Sherrell Peter C. , Chen Jun , Bi Xiaofang
Published: April 2020

Electrocatalytic water splitting to produce hydrogen and oxygen is regarded as one of the most promising methods to generate clean and sustainable energy for replacing fossil fuels. However, the design and development of an efficient bifunctional catalyst for simultaneous generation of hydrogen and oxygen remains extremely challenging yet is critical for the practical implementation of water electrolysis. Here, we report a facile method to fabricate novel N‐doped carbon nanotube frameworks (NCNTFs) by the pyrolysis of a bimetallic metal organic framework (MIL‐88‐Fe/Co). The resultant electrocatalyst, Co3Fe7@NCNTFs, exhibits excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity, achieving 10 mA/cm2 at a low overpotential of just 264 mV in 1 M KOH solution, and 197 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction. The high electrocatalytic activity arises from the synergistic effect between the chemistry of the Co3Fe7 and the NCNTs coupled to the novel framework structure. The remarkable electrocatalytic performance of our bifunctional electrocatalyst provides a promising pathway to high‐performance overall water splitting and electrochemical energy devices.
Impacts of terminal velocity on precipitation prediction and the error representation of terminal velocity in ensemble forecasts
Authors: Wang Shizhang , Qiao Xiaoshi
Published: April 2020

Impacts of terminal velocities (rainwater, snow, and hail) on precipitation and the representation of terminal velocity uncertainty in ensemble forecasts were discussed in several idealized scenarios differing in intercept parameters and environmental soundings. In this idealized case, the precipitation maximum and cold pool were sensitive to the rainwater terminal velocity, while the precipitation coverage was sensitive to terminal velocities of ice‐species. Although precipitation maximum approximately increased with terminal velocity, pronouncedly large terminal velocity may form a cold pool too weak for precipitation system development. The main finding for ensemble forecasts is that allowing for terminal velocity uncertainty in ensemble forecasts could benefit the precipitation forecast skill; using perturbations based on the terminal velocity bias of each species improved the forecast skill in more scenarios than using the same perturbation for all species.
MACHO 311.37557.169: A VY Scl star
Authors: Wörpel Hauke , Schwope Axel D. , Traulsen Iris , Brown Michael J. I.
Published: April 2020

Optical surveys, such as the MACHO project, often uncover variable stars whose classification requires follow‐up observations by other instruments. We performed X‐ray spectroscopy and photometry of the unusual variable star MACHO 311.37557.169 with XMM‐Newton in April 2018, supplemented by archival X‐ray and optical spectrographic data. The star has a bolometric X‐ray luminosity of about 1 × 1032 erg s−1 cm−2 and a heavily absorbed two‐temperature plasma spectrum. The shape of its light curve, its overall brightness, its X‐ray spectrum, and the emission lines in its optical spectrum suggest that it is most likely a VY Scl cataclysmic variable.
Additive Manufacturing of Aqueous‐Processed LiMn2O4 Thick Electrodes for High‐Energy‐Density Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Airoldi Lorenzo , Anselmi‐Tamburini Umberto , Vigani Barbara , Rossi Silvia , Mustarelli Piercarlo , Quartarone Eliana
Published: April 2020

Enhancing electrode areal capacity of lithium‐ion batteries will result in cost saving and better electrochemical performances. Additive manufacturing (AM) is a very promising solution, which enables to build structurally complex electrodes with well‐controlled geometry, shape and thickness. Here we report on 3D‐printed cathodes based on LiMn2O4 (LMO) as the active material, which are fabricated by robocasting AM via aqueous processing. Such a technology is: i) environmentally friendly, since it works well with water and green binders; ii) fast, due to very short deposition times and rapid drying process because of low amount of solvent in the printable pastes; iii) easily scalable. The cathodes are produced by extruding pastes with higher solid loadings (>70 vol %) than those typically reported in literature. The printing efficiency is strongly affected by both the binder and the carbonaceous additive. The best cathode is composed by LMO, Pluronic as the binder, and a mixture of graphite/carbon black as the electronic conductor, which is critical for achieving optimal electrochemical performance. The cathode with thickness of 200 μm and mass loading of 13 mg cm−2 exhibits good electrochemical areal capacity (2.3 mAh cm−2) and energy density (>32 J cm−2). Our results may boost the development of greener, lower cost and more efficient new generation of LIBs for applications as household energy storage or even micro‐battery technology.
Evolution of an 8‐week upper‐division metagenomics course: Diagramming a learning path from observational to quantitative microbiome analysis
Authors: Goller Carlos C. , Ott Laura E.
Published: April 2020

Metagenomics is a tool that enables researchers to study genetic material recovered directly from microbial communities or microbiomes. Fueled by advances in sequencing technologies, bioinformatics tools, and sample processing, metagenomics studies promise to expand our understanding of human health and the use of microorganisms for agriculture and industry. Therefore, teaching students about metagenomics is crucial to prepare them for modern careers in the life sciences. However, the increasing number of different approaches makes teaching metagenomics to students a challenge. This 8‐week metagenomics laboratory course has the objective of introducing upper‐level undergraduate and graduate students to strategies for designing, executing, and analyzing microbiome investigations. The laboratory component begins with sample processing, library preparation, and submission for high‐throughput sequencing before transitioning to computer‐based activities, which include an introduction to several fundamental computational metagenomics tools. Students analyze their sequencing results and deposit findings in sequence databases. The laboratory component is complemented by a weekly lecture, where active learning sessions promote retrieval practice and allow students to reflect on and diagram processes performed in the laboratory. Attainment of student learning outcomes was assessed through the completion of various course assignments: laboratory reports, presentations, and a cumulative final exam. Further, students' perceptions of their gains relevant to the learning outcomes were evaluated using pre‐ and postcourse surveys. Collectively, these data demonstrate that this course results in the attainment of the learning outcomes and that this approach provides an adaptable way to expose students to the cutting‐edge field of metagenomics.
Financial development, energy consumption, and economic growth: Some recent evidence for India
Authors: Raghutla Chandrashekar , Chittedi Krishna Reddy
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study is to investigate the empirical relationship between financial development, energy consumption, and economic growth in India, spanning the time period 1970–2018. The study used ARDL‐bound tests and the VECM method. Results confirm the presence of a long‐term relationship among variables. Results from the Granger causality test show a unidirectional relationship, from economic growth to financial development, in the short‐term. However, in the long‐term, we identify a bidirectional causal relationship between economic growth and energy consumption and energy consumption and financial development. The study concludes that financial development and energy consumption are the key drivers of the economic growth of India.
Ki‐67 index, progesterone receptor expression, histologic grade and tumor size in predicting breast cancer recurrence risk: A consecutive cohort study
Authors: Zhang Yanna , Zhou Yidong , Mao Feng , Yao Ru , Sun Qiang
Published: April 2020

Background

The 21‐gene recurrence score (RS) assay has been recommended by major guidelines for treatment decision in hormone receptor (HR)‐positive early breast cancer (EBC). However, the genomic assay is not accessible and affordable worldwide. Alternatively, an increasing number of studies have shown that traditional immunohistochemistry (IHC) can partially or even completely replace the role of the 21‐gene genomic assay. Here, we developed and validated a predictive model (IHC3 model) combining the Ki‐67 index, progesterone receptor (PR) expression, histologic grade, and tumor size to predict the recurrence risk of HR‐positive EBC.

Methods

The data from 389 patients (development set) with HR‐positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐negative, lymph node non‐metastasized invasive breast cancer were used to construct the IHC3 model based on the Surexam® 21‐gene RS and the TAILORx clinical trial criteria. An additional 146 patients with the same characteristics constituted the validation set. The predictive accuracy of the IHC3 model was compared with that of Orucevic et al.’s nomogram. Invasive disease‐free survival (IDFS) was analyzed in the IHC3 predictive low‐recurrence risk (pLR) group and the predictive high‐recurrence risk (pHR) group. The Pearson chi‐square test, Fisher exact test, and log‐rank test were used for analysis.

Results

The pLR and pHR group could be easily stratified using the decision tree model without network dependence. The accuracies of the IHC3 model were 86.1% in the development set and 87.7% in the validation set. The predictive accuracy of the IHC3 model and Orucevic et al.’s nomogram for the whole cohort was 86.5% and 86.9%, respectively. After a 52‐month of median follow‐up, a significant difference was found in IDFS between of the IHC3 pLR and the pHR groups (P = 0.001) but not in the IDFS between the low‐ and high‐recurrence risk groups according to the Surexam® 21‐gene RS and the TAILORx clinical trial criteria (P = 0.556) or 21‐gene binary RS group (P = 0.511).

Conclusions

The proposed IHC3 model could reliably predict low and high recurrence risks in most HR‐positive EBC patients. This easy‐to‐use predictive model may be a reliable replacement for the 21‐gene genomic assay in patients with EBC who have no access to or cannot afford the 21‐gene genomic assay.
Prognostic and predicted significance of Ubqln2 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Luo Yuan‐Deng , Yu Hong‐Qiang , Liu Xiao‐Yu , Huang Deng , Dai Hai‐Su , Fang Lei , Zhang Yu‐Jun , Lai Jie‐Juan , Jiang Yan , Shuai Ling , Zhang Lei‐Da , Chen Geng , Bie Ping , Xie Chuan‐Ming
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant cancer and the third leading cause of death worldwide. The molecular mechanism of HCC remains unclear. Recent studies have demonstrated that the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS) is associated with HCC. Ubqln2, a member of the UPS, is abnormally expressed in HCC. However, whether Ubqln2 is associated with HCC prognosis remains unknown.

Patients and Methods

We analyzed the associations between overall survival and various risk factors in 355 HCC tissue samples obtained from the Cancer Genomic Atlas (TCGA) database at the mRNA level and in 166 HCC tissue samples from Southwest Hospital at the protein level. qRCR was used to determinate Ubqln2 expression in cancer and noncancerous tissues. The association between Ubqln2 and Ki‐67 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The association between Ubqln2 expression and survival was analyzed using Kaplan‐Meier curve and Cox proportional hazards models. A nomogram was used to predict the impact of Ubqln2 on prognosis. Mutated genes were analyzed to determine the potential mechanism.

Results

Ubqln2 highly expressed in HCC tissues. The Ubqln2 mRNA level had significant relations with UICC tumor stage (P = .022), UICC stage (P = .034) and resection potential (P = .017). Concordantly, the Ubqln2 protein was closely associated with tumor size (P = .005), UICC stage (P = .012), and recurrence (P = .009). Ubqln2 was highly expressed in HCC and positively associated with poor survival. The nomogram precisely predicted the prognosis of HCC patients with high or low Ubqln2 expression. A genomic waterfall plot suggested that Ubqln2 expression was closely associated with mutated CTNNB1.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal that Ubqln2, an independent risk factor for HCC, is a potential prognostic marker in HCC patients. Ubqln2 expression is positively associated with mutated CTNNB1.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks: A New Platform for Enzyme Immobilization
Authors: Ye Niru , Kou Xiaoxue , Shen Jun , Huang Siming , Chen Guosheng , Ouyang Gangfeng
Published: April 2020

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) with attractive properties such as high surface area, tunable porosity, designable functionality and excellent stability, have aroused great interest from researchers as the matrices for enzyme immobilization. Recently, several efficient strategies including surface immobilization, post‐synthetic infiltration and in situ encapsulation have been explored. MOF‐immobilized enzymes, named enzymes@MOFs, show remarkably enhanced stability and recyclability, accelerating cell‐free biocatalysis in diverse applications. This concept will impart the typical strategies for enzyme immobilization with MOFs, and their potential applications.
Efficient Synthesis of Phenylacetate and 2‐Phenylethanol by Modular Cascade Biocatalysis
Authors: Mao Zuoxi , Liu Lijun , Zhang Yang , Yuan Jifeng
Published: April 2020

The green and sustainable synthesis of chemicals from renewable feedstocks by a biotransformation approach has gained increasing attention in recent years. In this work, we developed enzymatic cascades to efficiently convert l‐phenylalanine into 2‐phenylethanol (2‐PE) and phenylacetic acid (PAA), l‐tyrosine into tyrosol (p‐hydroxyphenylethanol, p‐HPE) and p‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid (p‐HPAA). The enzymatic cascade was cast into an aromatic aldehyde formation module, followed by an aldehyde reduction module, or aldehyde oxidation module, to achieve one‐pot biotransformation by using recombinant Escherichia coli. Biotransformation of 50 mM l‐Phe produced 6.76 g/L PAA with more than 99 % conversion and 5.95 g/L of 2‐PE with 97 % conversion. The bioconversion efficiencies of p‐HPAA and p‐HPE from l‐Tyr reached to 88 and 94 %, respectively. In addition, m‐fluoro‐phenylalanine was further employed as an unnatural aromatic amino acid substrate to obtain m‐fluoro‐phenylacetic acid; >96 % conversion was achieved. Our results thus demonstrated high‐yielding and potential industrial synthesis of above aromatic compounds by one‐pot cascade biocatalysis.
The new era of ventricular pacing during structural interventions
Authors: Belardi JA , Lamelas PM
Published: April 2020

Key Points

Ventricular pacing is mandatory in many structural interventions, with associated risks like tamponade and capture loss.

The Tempo pacing wire was designed to deal with these issues incorporating an elastomeric balloon on the tip and an active fixation system.

In this initial multicenter experience, Tempo pacing wire demonstrated an outstanding performance in both safety and efficacy aspects of ventricular pacing during and after structural interventions.
Coronary artery disease management and cost implications with fractional flow reserve guided coronary intervention in Indian patients with stable ischemic coronary artery disease
Authors: Thomson Viji S. , Varghese Mithun J. , Chacko Sujith T. , Varghese Lijo , Alex Anoop G. , George Paul V. , George Oommen K. , Joseph George , Yadav Bijesh K. , John Jacob
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To study the safety of stent avoidance, frequency of change in management decisions, and its cost implications while using a fractional flow reserve (FFR)‐guided treatment strategy for intermediate‐grade coronary artery stenosis.

Background

The impact of FFR in guiding management decisions and its cost implications has not been studied after imposition of a ceiling on stent prices by the Government of India.

Methods

In 400 patients with 477 intermediate‐grade coronary lesions for whom coronary intervention was planned, functional assessment using FFR was done. Incidence of the primary composite endpoint (major adverse cardiac event [MACE], cardiac death, myocardial infarction, objective evidence of ischemia, and target vessel revascularization) in the stent avoided subset was compared with the stented group at follow‐up. Micro‐costing analysis was done using a computed model with current stent and FFR wire prices.

Results

The overall incidence of MACE was 4.9%, 0.9% in the stent‐avoided subset and 6.9% in stented group (p = 0.04, comparing the latter two) at a median follow‐up of 21 months (interquartile range 12–31 months). Serious adverse events occurred only in 1% of patients receiving adenosine. The average cost saving was Indian rupees (INR) 51,847 [United States Dollar (USD) 746] per patient, resulting in total savings of INR 15,813,379 (USD 227,530). Cost savings persisted but were lower by 36% (INR 18,613/USD 268 per patient) after the ceiling of stent prices.

Conclusion

FFR‐guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) strategy is safe and cost‐effective in countries where majority of patients self‐finance their health care, resulting in stent and PCI avoidance in approximately one in three patients referred for coronary angioplasty.
Temporal changes in patient characteristics and outcomes in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction 2003–2018
Authors: Garcia Santiago , Schmidt Christian W. , Garberich Ross , Henry Timothy D. , Bradley Steven M. , Brilakis Emmanouil S. , Burke Nickolas , Chavez Ivan J. , Eckman Peter , Gössl Mario , Mooney Michael R. , Newell Marc C. , Poulose Anil K. , Sorajja Paul , Traverse Jay H. , Wang Yale L. , Sharkey Scott W.
Published: April 2020

Background

We sought to describe changes in demographic variables, process of care measures, and outcomes of patients treated in a regional ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) program over the last 15 years.

Methods

We describe demographic variables, process of care measures, and outcomes of patients treated in the program in various 5‐year time periods: 2003–2007 (n = 1,821), 2008–2012 (n = 1,968), and 2013–2018 (n = 2,223). The primary outcome measures were in‐hospital and 30‐day mortality.

Results

Among 6,012 STEMI patients treated from 2003 to 2018 we observed a significant increase in mean age at presentation (62 ± 14 to 64 ± 13 years) and diabetes (14–22%, p < .01). The proportion of patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) and cardiac arrest (CA) pre‐PCI increased significantly from 9.5% to 11.1% and 8.5% to 12.7% (p < .05), respectively. The median door‐to‐balloon (D2B) times decreased from 98 to 93 min and total ischemic time decreased from 202 to 185 min (all p < .05). Despite increased patient complexity, the proportion of nontransfer and transfer patients achieving D2B times consistent with guideline recommendations remained unchanged (for nontransfer patients 79–82%, p = .45 and for transfer patients 65–64%, p = .34). Among all STEMI patients, in‐hospital mortality increased during the study period from 4.9 to 6.9% (p = .007) but remained stable (<2%) when CA and CS patients were excluded.

Conclusions

Over the last 15 years, short‐term STEMI mortality has increased despite improvements in care delivery metrics. Patients with CA and/or CS now represent 10% of STEMI patients and are responsible for 80% of deaths. Therefore, efforts to improve STEMI mortality, and metrics for assessing STEMI programs, should focus on these patients.
Slow‐growing cervical mass in a young woman
Authors: De Stefano Sabrina , Sessa Michele , Cuda Domenico
Published: April 2020

ENT specialists should never underestimate the clinical benign course of cervical masses both in adults and in young patients.
Oxidative Esterification of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural under Flow Conditions Using a Bimetallic Co/Ru Catalyst
Authors: Salazar Abel , Linke Alexander , Eckelt Reinhard , Quade Antje , Kragl Udo , Mejía Esteban
Published: April 2020

Furanic di‐carboxylate derivatives of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) are nowadays important in the polymer industry as they are used as building blocks for bio‐based polyesters. The high reactivity of HMF compels to avoid harsh synthetic conditions. Therefore, developing mild catalytic processes for its selective oxidation is a challenging task. Herein, we report the first oxidative esterification of HMF to dimethyl furan‐2,5‐dicarboxylate (FDCM) under flow conditions using oxygen as oxidant. For that purpose, a new series of nitrogen‐doped carbon‐supported bimetallic Co/Ru heterogeneous catalysts were prepared and characterized by XRD, XPS and N2 physisorption. These analyses revealed that the porosity of the materials and order of impregnation of the metals to the carbon supports lead to varying catalytic activities. Under optimized conditions the flow reactor showed a 15‐fold increase on the production of FDCM compared to batch conditions.
Copper‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Amination of Indole Derivatives via Single‐Electron Transfer
Authors: Zhao Peizheng , Wang Ke , Yue Yuanyuan , Chao Junli , Ye Yaqing , Tang Qinghu , Liu Jianming
Published: April 2020

An efficient and clean approach for the oxidative amination of indole derivatives with phenothiazines is developed under copper‐catalyzed aerobic conditions. The reaction is carried out via the cross‐coupling of indole radical cation and phenothiazine radical in air. This approach offers a new perspective in the application of phenothiazine as a nitrogen group source for C−N bond formation reactions.
Synthesis of C4 Olefins from Acetylene over Supported Copper Catalysts
Authors: Li Qingyuan , Wang Yuxin , Hu Jianli
Published: April 2020

Conversion of acetylene to C4 olefins enables on‐purpose synthesis of C4 olefins using abundant natural gas resource due to acetylene can be synthesized from methane or ethane. In this study, Cu‐based catalysts supported on SiO2, ZSM‐5 and mordenite (MOR) were tested for acetylene hydrodimerization. Effect of promoters including Ru, Ga, Ag and Pd on the acetylene conversion and C4 olefins selectivity are investigated. The structures of these catalysts were characterized by TEM, XRD, BET, H2‐TPR, NH3‐TPD and XPS measurements. Results showed that temperature, pressure and hydrogen partial pressure had positive effect on acetylene conversion. In the presence of Ru promotor, 100 % acetylene conversion and 87 % selectivity to C4 olefins were achieved over Cu/MOR catalyst under conditions of 0.1 MPa and 200 °C. The mechanistic aspect of acetylene hydrodimerization was elucidated where the C4 intermediate was formed by the reaction between [Cu]−C2H2 π‐complex and [Cu]−C2H2 σ‐complex which were transformed to 1,3‐butadiene and butene.
A Composited Interlayer with Dual‐Effect Trap and Repulsion for Inhibition of Polysulfides in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Luo Chen , Huang Yixuan , Huang Yun , Li Xing , Wang Mingshan , Lin Yuanhua
Published: April 2020

The shuttle effect of polysulfides in lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) is the biggest obstacle for their practical application. Inserting a composite interlayer between the cathode and separator to solve the problem is a simple and effective strategy. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) is a suitable choice for trapping polysulfides, owing to its strong dipole‐dipole interaction with polysulfides. In addition, in order to enhances the inhibitory effect of the composite interlayer on the polysulfide shuttling, the addition of negatively charged sodium lignosulfonate (SL) into the composite interlayer can effectively repel the polysulfide, thus achieving a dual‐effect inhibition on the shuttle effect together with PEO, and obtaining better cell performances. Furthermore, owing to the addition of PEO and SL, the physical and electrochemical performances have been significantly improved, including, but not limited to, the liquid electrolyte uptake (251.5 wt %), ionic conductivity (5.9×10−4 S cm−1), and lithium transferences number (0.61). Therefore, this is a simple and effective strategy to prepare composite interlayer with PEO and SL to achieve dual‐effect suppression of the shuttle effect in LSBs.
Adhesive Ion‐Gel as Gate Insulator of Electrolyte‐Gated Transistors
Authors: Jeong Jaehoon , Singaraju Surya Abhishek , Aghassi‐Hagmann Jasmin , Hahn Horst , Breitung Ben
Published: April 2020

In this study, a facile method to fabricate a cohesive ion‐gel based gate insulator for electrolyte‐gated transistors is introduced. The adhesive and flexible ion‐gel can be laminated easily on the semiconducting channel and electrode manually by hand. The ion‐gel is synthesized by a straightforward technique without complex procedures and shows a remarkable ionic conductivity of 4.8 mS cm−1 at room temperature. When used as a gate insulator in electrolyte‐gated transistors (EGTs), an on/off current ratio of 2.24×104 and a subthreshold swing of 117 mV dec−1 can be achieved. This performance is roughly equivalent to that of ink drop‐casted ion‐gels in electrolyte‐gated transistors, indicating that the film‐attachment method might represent a valuable alternative to ink drop‐casting for the fabrication of gate insulators.
Financial advice and discretion limits
Authors: Davies Shaun William
Published: April 2020

Biased recommendations from financial advisors often lead to suboptimal portfolios and unnecessary fees. In response, many households have moved to digital platforms, so‐called “robo‐advisors,” that provide low‐fee financial advice based on the household's observable characteristics. We model the advisor–client relationship and show that delegation with limits on the advisor's choice set (i.e., discretion limits) reduces the negative consequences of biased recommendations. Moreover, our analysis suggests that human advisors may play an important role in financial advice when they possess soft information about the client. The analysis suggests that a hybrid solution consisting of discretion limits (produced by a robo‐advisor‐like platform) and advisor choice may be optimal.
INPHARMA‐Based Determination of Ligand Binding Modes at α1‐Adrenergic Receptors Explains the Molecular Basis of Subtype Selectivity
Authors: Vaid Tasneem M. , Wu Feng‐Jie , Chalmers David K. , Scott Daniel J. , Gooley Paul R.
Published: April 2020

The structural poses of ligands that bind weakly to protein receptors are challenging to define. In this work we have studied ligand interactions with the adrenoreceptor (AR) subtypes, α1A‐AR and α1B‐AR, which belong to the G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, by employing the solution‐based ligand‐observed NMR method interligand NOEs for pharmacophore mapping (INPHARMA). A lack of receptor crystal structures and of subtype‐selective drugs has hindered the definition of the physiological roles of each subtype and limited drug development. We determined the binding pose of the weakly binding α1A‐AR‐selective agonist A‐61603 relative to an endogenous agonist, epinephrine, at both α1A‐AR and α1B‐AR. The NMR experimental data were quantitatively compared, by using SpINPHARMA, to the back‐calculated spectra based on ligand poses obtained from all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations. The results helped mechanistically explain the selectivity of (R)‐A‐61603 towards α1A‐AR, thus demonstrating an approach for targeting subtype selectivity in ARs.
Palladium‐Coated Single Silver Nanowire Electrodes: Size‐Dependent Voltammetry, Enhanced Chemical Stability, and High Performance for Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Wei Haifeng , Hua Hongmei , Zhu Yanyan , Li Yongxin
Published: April 2020

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) have been extensively studied as promising nanomaterials in optics, next‐generation flexible electronics, and energy‐related fields, but the stability and the properties at single‐nanowire level still need to be investigated carefully. We have successfully prepared single palladium@silver nanowire electrodes (Pd@AgNWEs) by using a laser‐assisted pulling method, followed by a galvanic replacement reaction (GRR). The results show that the chemical stability of AgNWs can be improved greatly by coating a small amount of Pd, and the Pd@AgNWEs exhibit superior electrocatalytic performance in methanol oxidation. This work can give us a new insight to investigate the performance of devices/catalysts at the single‐particle/nanowire level that will benefit research in flexible electronics and energy‐related fields.
Tricoordinate Coinage Metal Complexes with a Redox‐Active Tris‐(Ferrocenyl)triazine Backbone Feature Triazine‐Metal Interactions
Authors: Straube Axel , Coburger Peter , Ringenberg Mark R. , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie
Published: April 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Evamarie Hey‐Hawkins at the University of Leipzig and colleagues at the University of Stuttgart and University of Regensburg. The image depicts the reported complexes as three similar flowers growing from one common branch representing the ligand. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202000226.
Orthogonally Bimetallized Phosphane‐ene Photopolymer Networks
Authors: Béland Vanessa A. , Ragogna Paul J.
Published: April 2020

The development of batteries and fuel cells has brought to light a need for carbon anode materials doped homogeneously with electrocatalytic metals. In particular, combinations of electrocatalysts in carbon have shown promising activity. A method to derive functional carbon materials is the pyrolysis of metallopolymers. This work describes the synthesis of a bifunctional phosphonium‐based system derived from a phosphane‐ene network. The olefin functionality can be leveraged in a hydrogermylation reaction to functionalize the material with Ge. Unaffected by this radical addition, the bromide counterion of the phosphonium cation can be used to subsequently incorporate a second metal in an ion‐complexation reaction with CuBr2. The characterization of the polymers and the derived ceramics are discussed.
Panchromatic Light Harvesting and Stabilizing Charge‐Separated States in Corrole–Phthalocyanine Conjugates through Coordinating a Subphthalocyanine
Authors: Berna Beatrice Berionni , Platzer Benedikt , Wolf Maximiliam , Lavarda Giulia , Nardis Sara , Galloni Pierluca , Torres Tomás , Guldi Dirk M. , Paolesse Roberto
Published: April 2020

Owing to the electron‐donating and ‐accepting nature of corroles (Corr) and phthalocyanines (Pc), respectively, we designed and developed two novel covalently linked Corr‐Pc conjugates. The synthetic route allows the preparation of the target conjugates in satisfying yields. Comprehensive steady‐state absorption, fluorescence, and electrochemical assays enabled insights into energy and electron‐transfer processes upon photoexcitation. Coordinating a pyridine‐appended subphthalocyanine (SubPc) to the Pc of the conjugate sets up the ways and means to realize the first example of an array composed by three different porphyrinoids, which drives a cascade of energy and charge‐transfer processes. Importantly, the SubPc assists in stabilizing the charge‐separated state, that is, one‐electron oxidized Corr and the one electron‐reduced Pc, upon photoexcitation by means of a reductive charge transfer to the SubPc. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of an intramolecular oxidation of a Corr within electron‐donor–acceptor conjugates by means of just photoexcitation. Moreover, the combination of Corr, Pc, and SubPc guarantees panchromatic absorption across the visible range of the solar spectrum, with the SubPc covering the „green gap“ that usually affects porphyrinoids.
Etoposide and cisplatin versus irinotecan and cisplatin as the first‐line therapy for patients with advanced, poorly differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma: A randomized phase 2 study
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Li Jie , Li Jian , Zhang Xiaotian , Zhou Jun , Wang Xicheng , Peng Zhi , Shen Lin , Lu Ming
Published: April 2020

Background

Platinum‐based chemotherapy is recommended for the treatment of advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (GEP‐NEC). The objective of the current phase 2 study was to compare the efficacy and toxicity between etoposide and cisplatin (EP) and irinotecan and cisplatin (IP) as first‐line treatment in patients with advanced GEP‐NEC.

Methods

Patients with advanced, poorly differentiated GEP‐NEC randomly were assigned to receive EP or IP. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). The secondary endpoints were progression‐free survival, overall survival, and toxicities.

Results

The planned size of the study population was 144 patients, but enrollment was terminated early at 66 patients because the premature analysis found similar responses in the 2 treatment arms. The ORRs of the EP and IP arms both were 42.4% (14 of 33 patients). The efficacy was similar for small cell NEC with EP or IP (63.2% and 61.5%, respectively; P = .61), whereas that of IP was slightly better in patients with non–small cell NEC (30% vs 14.3%; P = .42). The median progression‐free survival was 6.4 months and 5.8 months, respectively, for the EP and IP arms (P = .81), and the median overall survival was 11.3 months and 10.2 months, respectively, for the EP and IP arms (P = .37). The incidence of grade 3/4 neutropenia was significantly higher in the EP arm compared with the IP arm (45.4% vs 12.1%; P = .002). Nonhematological toxicity was relatively mild and more frequent in the IP arm compared with the EP arm (54.5% vs 18.2%; P = .001). No toxicity‐related deaths were reported.

Conclusions

The results of the current study demonstrated that IP is not inferior to EP, with comparable efficacy for poorly differentiated NEC of the digestive system. In addition, both regimens appear to be well tolerated with diverse toxicity profiles.
Have incidence rates of liver cancer peaked in the United States?
Authors: Petrick Jessica L. , Florio Andrea A. , Loomba Rohit , McGlynn Katherine A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Liver cancer incidence has increased for several decades in the United States. Recently, reports have suggested that rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the dominant form of liver cancer, had declined in certain groups. However, to the authors' knowledge, the most recent histology‐specific liver cancer rates have not been reported to date.

Methods

The authors examined the incidence of HCC and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) from 1992 through 2016 using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries. Age‐standardized incidence rates were calculated by histology, sex, race and/or ethnicity, and age. Trends were analyzed using the National Cancer Institute's Joinpoint Regression Program to estimate the annual percent change.

Results

Between 2011 and 2016, HCC rates significantly declined (annual percent change, −1.9%), with more prominent declines noted among males, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and individuals aged <50 years. Conversely, ICC rates increased from 2002 through 2016.

Conclusions

Declining HCC rates may persist due to improved treatment of the hepatitis C virus and/or competing causes of mortality among individuals with fatty liver disease.
Enhanced semantic representation of coaxiality with double material requirements
Authors: Peng Zhiguo , Huang Meifa , Zhong Yanru , Chen Leilei , Liu Guanghao
Published: April 2020

In order to improve the assemblability and reduce the cost of the parts, the material requirements can be applied to the toleranced feature and the datum feature of the coaxiality at the same time in the practical application. How to realize the information exchange between different heterogeneous systems and how to read and explain the semantics of this complex tolerance specification automatically is one of the urgent problems to be solved in intelligent digital manufacturing. Ontology described in OWL2 DL and SWRL language has strict mathematical basis of description logic, and the knowledge represented by it has clear semantics and can be read and understood directly by computer. In addition, because of its consistency checking, knowledge reasoning, and flexible query ability, it becomes the most potential knowledge representation technology in the future. On the other hand, the semantic interpretation of tolerance specification by the new generation GPS theory based on skin model has the advantages of clear semantics, no ambiguity, and consistency at different stages of the product life cycle. In this article, the enhanced semantic representation ontology for this kind of coaxiality tolerance specification is constructed based on the advantages of the new GPS theory and ontology technology and the effectiveness of the method is verified and analyzed through a
case.
Multispecific, Multivalent Antibody‐Based Molecules Engineered on the DART® and TRIDENTTM Platforms
Authors: Huang Ling , Shah Kalpana , Barat Bhaswati , Lam Chia‐Ying K. , Gorlatov Sergey , Ciccarone Valentina , Tamura James , Moore Paul A. , Diedrich Gundo
Published: April 2020

Multispecific antibodies bind two or more different antigens and enable new therapeutic applications that cannot be replicated with conventional monoclonal antibodies, such as bridging different cells or bringing soluble proteins in close proximity. The DART and TRIDENT platforms enable the engineering of such antibodies. A DART molecule combines two independent antigen‐binding sites in a stabilized, diabody‐like structure. A DART molecule can be expressed with or without an Fc domain and thus can be tailored to have a long or short half‐life in vivo and to induce or ablate effector function. Linking two DART units or a DART unit and a Fab domain (the latter structure is called TRIDENT format) via an Fc domain creates a monospecific, bispecific, trispecific, or tetraspecific molecule with up to tetravalent targeting of antigens. This article focuses on the design of DART and TRIDENT molecules that target two or three different antigens. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Design and generation of expression plasmids encoding DART and TRIDENT molecules

Basic Protocol 2: Expression of DART and TRIDENT molecules by transient transfection of CHO cells

Basic Protocol 3: Purification of DART and TRIDENT molecules from CHO cell supernatants