bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipid Testing and Statin Prescriptions Among Medicaid Recipients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or Diabetes Mellitus and the General Medicaid Population
Authors: Chen Sarah K. , Barbhaiya Medha , Fischer Michael A. , Guan Hongshu , Lin Tzu‐Chieh , Feldman Candace H. , Everett Brendan M. , Costenbader Karen H.
Published: April 2018

Objective

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are similar to those in diabetes mellitus (DM). We investigated whether the numbers of lipid tests and statin prescriptions in patients with SLE are comparable with those in patients with DM and those in individuals without either disease.

Methods

Using Analytic eXtract files from 29 states for 2007–2010, we identified a cohort of US Medicaid beneficiaries, ages 18–65 years, with prevalent SLE. Each SLE patient was matched for age and sex with 2 patients with DM and 4 individuals in the general Medicaid population who did not have either SLE or DM. We compared the proportions of patients in each cohort who received ≥1 lipid test and ≥1 statin prescription during 1‐year follow‐up. We used multivariable logistic regression to calculate the odds of lipid testing and receiving prescriptions for statins and conditional logistic regression to compare the matched cohorts.

Results

We identified 3 Medicaid cohorts: 25,950 patients with SLE, 51,900 patients with DM, and 103,800 Medicaid recipients without either condition. In these cohorts, lipid testing was performed in 24% of patients in the SLE group, 43% of patients in the DM group, and 16% of individuals in the group with neither condition, and statin prescriptions were dispensed in 11%, 33%, and 7% of these groups, respectively. SLE patients were 66% less likely (odds ratio [OR] 0.34, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.34–0.35) to have lipid tests and 82% less likely (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.18–0.18) to fill a statin prescription compared with DM patients. SLE patients were also less likely (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84–0.94) to fill a statin prescription compared with individuals in the general Medicaid population.

Conclusion

Despite having an elevated risk of CVD, SLE patients received less lipid testing and received fewer statin prescriptions compared with age‐ and sex‐matched DM patients and individuals in the general Medicaid population; this gap should be a target for improvement.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Direct and Selective ortho C−H Chalcogenation of N‐(Hetero)aryl‐7‐azaindoles
Authors: Vats Tripta Kumari , Mishra Aniket , Deb Indubhusan
Published: April 2018

Rhodium catalyzed synthesis of chalcogenated N‐aryl‐7‐azaindoles/azaindolines has been developed through N‐directed ortho Csp2−H activation in presence of silver triflate and silver carbonate in 1,4‐dioxane using dichalcogenides. We have established this methodology as being efficient, highly regioselective and scalable, having a broad substrates scope. Through this route, a range of substrates have furnished thiolation and selenylation of azaindoles and azaindolines in good to excellent yields. These molecules could have potential application in biological and/or material science.

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Synergistic Effect of B and N Dopants in Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation
Authors: Zhang Yunrui , Zhai Yingying , Chu Minzhe , Huo Li , Wang Haijun , Gao Yongjun
Published: April 2018

A B,N‐codoped carbon material (BNC) was prepared by a simple method and employed as a metal‐free catalyst in the transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes in aqueous solution. In the preparation of the BNC, boric acid not only functions as the template during the carbonization step but also serves as the source for the B dopant in the final BNC product. Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) serves as the carbon and nitrogen source for the system. Characterization of the intermediate materials prepared during the synthesis indicate that the boron nitride (BN) content of the BNC increases at higher calcination temperatures. The final B,N‐codoped carbon material showed excellent catalytic activity and high selectivity in the transfer hydrogenations of nitroarenes under moderate reaction conditions (52.1–100 % yield). Results of control experiments suggest that the BN domain of the BNC is a key factor to its catalytic activity. Density functional theory calculations show that boron atoms facilitate the adsorption and activation of the nitrobenzene and hydrazine molecules. Nitrogen atoms store the active hydrogen atoms that are generated during the catalytic process and transfer them to the nitroarene. This synergistic effect between the B and N dopants in the BN domain of the BNC was used to successfully promote the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes.
Endoscopic and external approaches for orbital decompression: an analysis of trends from a U.S. perspective
Authors: Svider Peter F. , Arianpour Khashayar , Nguyen Brandon , Hsueh Wayne D. , Langer Paul D. , Eloy Jean Anderson , Folbe Adam J.
Published: April 2018

Background

Although the endoscopic approach has been increasingly utilized for a variety of sinonasal and skull base pathologies, there has been little inquiry into its adoption in the surgical management of orbital disease. Our objective was to evaluate nationwide temporal and geographic trends in approaches for orbital decompression.

Methods

Data available from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) were evaluated, focusing on the use of open and endoscopic approaches for orbital decompression (CPT codes 67414, 67445, 31292, and 31293) among Medicare beneficiaries over a 10‐year period. Regional data were also analyzed.

Results

There were 8047 orbital decompressions billed to Medicare from 2007 to 2016. The number of external and endoscopic approaches increased by 73.0% and 29.2%, respectively, while the number of Medicare beneficiaries increased by 29.1%. Endoscopic decompression represented 23.5% of Medicare‐billed orbital decompressions in 2016 (221 of 939), down from 29.2% in 2007 (171 of 586). The South had the greatest proportion of decompressions utilizing an endoscopic approach (30.2%).

Conclusion

There has not been a clear movement toward the endoscopic approach for orbital decompression, with modest growth when compared with external approaches. Potential explanations include the specialty‐exclusive nature of approaches, as well as a lack of consensus; the latter idea is further reinforced by geographic variation. High‐quality prospective trials may clarify the role of endoscopic approaches in these patients.
Amyloid‐β Peptide Induces Prion Protein Amyloid Formation: Evidence for Its Widespread Amyloidogenic Effect
Authors: Honda Ryo
Published: April 2018

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy is associated with misfolding of prion protein (PrP) into an amyloid β‐rich aggregate. Previous studies have indicated that PrP interacts with Alzheimer′s disease amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ), but it remains elusive how this interaction impacts on the misfolding of PrP. This study presents the first in vitro evidence that Aβ induces PrP‐amyloid formation at submicromolar concentrations. Interestingly, systematic mutagenesis of PrP revealed that Aβ requires no specific amino acid sequences in PrP, and induces the misfolding of other unrelated proteins (insulin and lysozyme) into amyloid fibrils in a manner analogous to PrP. This unanticipated nonspecific amyloidogenic effect of Aβ indicates that this peptide might be involved in widespread protein aggregation, regardless of the amino acid sequences of target proteins, and exacerbate the pathology of many neurodegenerative diseases.
Enantioselective Formal [3+2] Cycloaddition of Epoxides with Imines under Brønsted Base Catalysis: Synthesis of 1,3‐Oxazolidines with Quaternary Stereogenic Center
Authors: Kondoh Azusa , Akahira Shiori , Oishi Masafumi , Terada Masahiro
Published: April 2018

The formal [3+2] cycloaddition of epoxides and unsaturated compounds is a powerful methodology for the synthesis of densely functionalized five‐membered heterocyclic compounds containing oxygen. Described is a novel enantioselective formal [3+2] cycloaddition of epoxides under Brønsted base catalysis. The bis(guanidino)iminophosphorane as a chiral organosuperbase catalyst enabled the enantioselective reaction of β,γ‐epoxysulfones with imines, owing to its strong basicity and high stereocontrolling ability, to provide enantioenriched 1,3‐oxazolidines having two stereogenic centers, including a quaternary one, in a highly diastereo‐ and enantioselective manner.
Highly Efficient Supramolecular Catalysis by Endowing the Reaction Intermediate with Adaptive Reactivity
Authors: Jiao Yang , Tang Bohan , Zhang Yucheng , Xu Jiang‐Fei , Wang Zhiqiang , Zhang Xi
Published: April 2018

A new strategy of highly efficient supramolecular catalysis is developed by endowing the reaction intermediate with adaptive reactivity. The supramolecular catalyst, prepared by host–guest complexation between 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO) and cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), was used for biphasic oxidation of alcohols. Cationic TEMPO+, the key intermediate, was stabilized by the electrostatic effect of CB[7] in aqueous phase, thus promoting the formation of TEMPO+ and inhibiting side reactions. Moreover, through the migration into the organic phase, TEMPO+ was separated from CB[7] and recovered the high reactivity to drive a fast oxidation of substrates. The adaptive reactivity of TEMPO+ induced an integral optimization of the catalytic cycle and greatly improved the conversion of the reaction. This work highlights the unique advantages of dynamic noncovalent interactions on modulating the activity of reaction intermediates, which may open new horizons for supramolecular catalysis.
Crowdsourcing as an Analytical Method: Metrology of Smartphone Measurements in Heritage Science
Authors: Brigham Rosie , Grau‐Bové Josep , Rudnicka Anna , Cassar May , Strlic Matija
Published: April 2018

This research assesses the precision, repeatability, and accuracy of crowdsourced scientific measurements, and whether their quality is sufficient to provide usable results. Measurements of colour and area were chosen because of the possibility of producing them with smartphone cameras. The quality of the measurements was estimated experimentally by comparing data contributed by anonymous participants in heritage sites with reference measurements of known accuracy and precision. Participants performed the measurements by taking photographs with their smartphones, from which colour and dimensional data could be extracted. The results indicate that smartphone measurements provided by citizen scientists can be used to measure changes in colour, but that the performance is strongly dependent on the measured colour coordinate. The same method can be used to measure areas when the difference in colour with the neighbouring areas is large enough. These results render the method useful in some heritage science contexts, but higher precision would be desirable.
Modulating the Folding Landscape of Superoxide Dismutase 1 with Targeted Molecular Binders
Authors: Bunck David N. , Atsavapranee Beatriz , Museth Anna K. , VanderVelde David , Heath James R.
Published: April 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is characterized by motor neuron death, with average survival times of two to five years. One cause of this disease is the misfolding of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), a phenomenon influenced by point mutations spanning the protein. Herein, we used an epitope‐specific high‐throughput screen to identify a peptide ligand that stabilizes the SOD1 native conformation and accelerates its folding by a factor of 2.5. This strategy may be useful for fundamental studies of protein energy landscapes as well as designing new classes of therapeutics.
Kinetic Resolution of α‐Hydroxy‐Substituted Oxime Ethers by Enantioselective Cu−H‐Catalyzed Si−O Coupling
Authors: Dong Xichang , Kita Yuji , Oestreich Martin
Published: April 2018

A catalyst‐controlled enantioselective alcohol silylation by Cu−H‐catalyzed dehydrogenative Si−O coupling of hydroxy groups α to an oxime ether and simple hydrosilanes is reported. The selectivity factors reached in this kinetic resolution are generally high (s≈50), and these reactions thereby provide reliable access to highly enantioenriched α‐hydroxy‐substituted oxime ethers. The synthetic usefulness of these compounds is also demonstrated.
Triphenylamine‐Appended Half‐Sandwich Iridium(III) Complexes and Their Biological Applications
Authors: He Xiangdong , Tian Meng , Liu Xicheng , Tang Yanhua , Shao Chang Fang , Gong Peiwei , Liu Jinfeng , Zhang Shumiao , Guo Lihua , Liu Zhe
Published: April 2018

Organometallic half‐sandwich IrIII complexes of the type [(η5‐Cpx)Ir(N^N)Cl]PF6 (Cpx: Cp* or its phenyl Cpxph or biphenyl Cpxbiph derivatives; N^N: triphenylamine (TPA)‐substituted bipyridyl ligand groups) were synthesized and characterized. The complexes showed excellent bovine serum albumin (BSA) and DNA binding properties and were able to oxidize NADH to NAD+ (NAD=nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) efficiently. The complexes induced apoptosis effectively and led to the emergence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells. All complexes showed potent cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging from 1.5 to 7.1 μm toward A549 human lung cancer cells after 24 hours of drug exposure, which is up to 14 times more potent than cisplatin under the same conditions.
Synthesis of 1,1′‐Spirobiindane‐7,7′‐Disulfonic Acid and Disulfonimide: Application for Catalytic Asymmetric Aminalization
Authors: Kurihara Takumaru , Satake Shun , Hatano Manabu , Ishihara Kazuaki , Yoshino Tatsuhiko , Matsunaga Shigeki
Published: April 2018

1,1′‐Spirobiindane‐7,7′‐disulfonic acid (SPISA) and 1,1′‐spirobiindane‐7,7′‐disulfonimide were synthesized from 1,1′‐spirobiindane‐7,7′‐diol (SPINOL) in 4 steps using a Pd‐catalyzed Newman–Kwart rearrangement as a key step. These new catalysts possessing a rigid spirocyclic backbone were evaluated in a catalytic asymmetric aminalization reaction, and SPISA/iPr2NEt exhibited high enantioselectivity, demonstrating the utility of SPISA as a chiral Brønsted acid catalyst.
An Active Palladium Colloidal Catalyst for the Selective Oxidative Heterocoupling of (Hetero)Aryl Boronic Acids
Authors: Sable Vaibhav , Maindan Karan , Bhilare Shatrughn , Chrysochos Nicolas , Schulzke Carola , Kapdi Anant R.
Published: April 2018

A highly selective oxidative heterocoupling protocol for (hetero)aryl boronic acids with an active palladium colloidal catalyst was developed. The judicious choice of electronically different aryl boronic acids made possible such couplings under mild conditions, with air as oxidant, while embracing a wide substrate scope. This successful approach further allowed the development of a unique one‐pot sequential oxidative heterocoupling/Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling tandem process for accessing substituted terphenyls.
Pinning Consensus Analysis for Nonlinear Second‐Order Multi‐Agent Systems with Time‐Varying Delays
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Song Qiang , Liu Yang , Cao Jinde
Published: April 2018

This paper considers the second‐order leader‐following consensus problem for adelayed multi‐agent systems under general network topologies, in which each agent is a time‐delayed second‐order system with inherent nonlinear dynamics. Based on the pinning control strategy, a distributed control algorithm is proposed to achieve the second‐order leader‐following consensus of multi‐agent systems. Using matrix theory, algebraic graph theory and the free‐weighting‐matrix approach, some sufficient conditions are established in terms of linear matrix inequalities to ensure that all the agents can asymptotically follow the virtual leader. Finally, the effectiveness and the advantages of the developed approach are illustrated by means of simulations.
Optimal non‐blocking decentralized supervisory control with unobservable controllable events
Authors: Saeidi Vahid , Afzalian Ali A. , Gharavian Davood
Published: April 2018

Paranormality is an observation property of a language, in which the occurrence of unobservable events never exits the closure of the language. In this paper, a synthesis method is proposed to construct a paranormal supervisor. We propose a method to construct a controllable language such that the occurrence of unobservable events does not exit the closure of the controllable language. Moreover, a new observation property, that is, Quasi Output Control Consistency (QOCC) is defined to construct the optimal (least restrictive) non‐blocking decentralized supervisory control in the presence of unobservable controllable events. Using QOCC and natural observer properties, we propose a method to construct a normal supervisor such that an arbitrary pair of lookalike strings are initiated and terminated with identical observable and uncontrollable events. It is assumed that one of these strings has unobservable controllable events. An OCC property is defined in the literature as a special case of QOCC property, where none of the lookalike strings has unobservable controllable events.
Amidated Scolopin‐2 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of Hela cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Yan Weili , Lu Jia , Li Guiting , Wei Huiyuan , Ren Wen‐Hua
Published: April 2018

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Scolopin‐2, a cationic antimicrobial peptide from centipede venoms, and amidated Scolopin‐2 on Hela cell viability in vitro and in vivo. The cellular proliferation was investigated with the MTT assay. Confocal laser scanning, flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis were employed to localize Scolopin‐2‐NH2 in Hela cells and to study the caused cells apoptosis. We subcutaneously injected Hela cells into BALB/c nude mice and studied if Scolopin‐2‐NH2 suppressed tumor growth in the mice. Scolopin‐2‐NH2 inhibited Hela proliferation in vitro in a dose‐dependent manner with an IC50 of 35 μM. In addition, Scolopin‐2‐NH2 combined with mitochondria and regulated caspase‐related apoptosis pathways in Hela cells. Scolopin‐2‐NH2 significantly suppressed tumor growth in the tumor‐bearing mice without side effects, such as weight loss or abnormal changes in tissues, including liver, spleen, kidney, and lung. These results indicate Scolopin‐2‐NH2 may be a good therapeutic candidate for the treatment of Hela cervical cancer.
Application of a sensitive and specific LC‐ESI‐MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of twelve bioactive components in dog plasma for an intravenous pharmacokinetic study of Yiqifumai Injection in beagle dogs
Authors: Zhang Fugeng , Qiao Xiaoli , Lu Hui , Zhang Shaoqiang , Du Wuxun , Xiao Xuefeng
Published: April 2018

Yiqifumai Injection is a lyophilized powder preparation widely used to treat coronary heart disease. However, its in vivo bioactive components and pharmacokinetic behavior remain unknown. Therefore a sensitive and specific LC–MS/MS was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of eight saponins and four lignans in beagle dog plasma. The plasma samples were pretreated by protein precipitation with methanol–acetonitrile (1:1, v/v). Chromatographic separation of all the 12 analytes and estazolam (internal standard, IS) was successfully accomplished on an Ultimate® XB‐C8 column (100 × 2.1 mm, 3 μm) with a gradient elution system. The total running time was 8 min with a flow rate of 0.40 mL/min. Acquisition of mass spectrometric data was performed via positive electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The assay was fully validated in terms of selectivity, linear range, lower limit of quantitation, precision, accuracy, matrix effect, recovery and stability. This validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetics of 12 bioactive components after intravenous administration of Yiqifumai Injection to beagle dogs at a dose of 0.541 g/kg.
An Oxidative Bioconjugation Strategy Targeted to a Genetically Encoded 5‐Hydroxytryptophan
Authors: Sarathi Addy Partha , Italia James S. , Chatterjee Abhishek
Published: April 2018

Approaches that enable the chemoselective, covalent modification of proteins in a site‐specific manner have emerged as a powerful technology for a wide range of applications. The electron‐rich unnatural amino acid 5‐hydroxytryptophan was recently genetically encoded in both Escherichia coli and eukaryotes, thereby allowing its site‐specific incorporation into virtually any recombinant protein. Herein, we report the chemoselective conjugation of various aromatic amines to full‐length proteins under mild, oxidative conditions that target this site‐specifically incorporated 5‐hydroxytryptophan residue.
Effect of the Crystallographic Phase of Ruthenium Nanosponges on Arene and Substituted‐Arene Hydrogenation Activity
Authors: Ghosh Sourav , Jagirdar Balaji R.
Published: April 2018

Identifying crystal structure sensitivity of a catalyst for a particular reaction is an important issue in heterogeneous catalysis. In this context, the activity of different phases of ruthenium catalysts for benzene hydrogenation has not yet been investigated. The synthesis of hcp and fcc phases of ruthenium nanosponges by chemical reduction method has been described. Reduction of ruthenium chloride using ammonia borane (AB) and tert‐butylamine borane (TBAB) as reducing agents gave ruthenium nanosponge in its hcp phase. On the other hand, reduction using sodium borohydride (SB) afforded ruthenium nanosponge in its fcc phase. The as prepared hcp ruthenium nanosponge was found to be catalytically more active compared to the as prepared fcc ruthenium nanosponge for hydrogenation of benzene. The hcp ruthenium nanosponge was found to be thermally stable and recyclable over several cycles. This self‐supported hcp ruthenium nanosponge shows excellent catalytic activity towards hydrogenation of various substituted benzenes. Moreover, the ruthenium nanosponge catalyst was found to bring about selective hydrogenation of aromatic cores of phenols and aryl ethers to the respective alicyclic products without hydrogenolysis of the C−O bond.
Remarkable Carbon Dioxide Hydrogenation to Ethanol on a Palladium/Iron Oxide Single‐Atom Catalyst
Authors: Caparrós Francisco J. , Soler Lluís , Rossell Marta D. , Angurell Inmaculada , Piccolo Laurent , Rossell Oriol , Llorca Jordi
Published: April 2018

The hydrogenation of CO2 into value‐added chemicals is one of the most investigated methods to reduce CO2 emissions in the atmosphere and thereby contributes to a sustainable chemical industry. Whereas the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 into methanol and synthetic hydrocarbons is well established, the effective and selective transformation of CO2 into higher alcohols is still challenging. Here, we show that Pd single atoms anchored on the surface of Fe3O4 are very active for the hydrogenation of CO2 to ethanol at 300 °C, even at atmospheric pressure. By comparing various Pd/MOx catalysts, we conclude that the metal–oxide interface has a strong influence on catalytic behavior.
Risk of oral tongue cancer among immunocompromised transplant recipients and human immunodeficiency virus‐infected individuals in the United States
Authors: Tota Joseph E. , Engels Eric A. , Madeleine Margaret M. , Clarke Christina A. , Lynch Charles F. , Ortiz Ana P. , Hernandez Brenda Y. , Chaturvedi Anil K.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Oral tongue cancer incidence has increased among whites in the United States; however, the cause remains unknown. If an infectious agent is implicated, then elevated risk would be expected among immunosuppressed individuals.

METHODS

By using population‐based registry linkage information from the US Transplant Cancer Match and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) Cancer Match studies, the authors examined the risk of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) among immunocompromised transplantation recipients and HIV‐infected individuals. In addition, the risks of oropharyngeal SCC (strongly related to human papillomavirus infection; modestly affected by immunosuppression), other tobacco/alcohol‐related oral cavity SCCs (not thought to be infection/immunosuppression‐related), and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma of oral cavity/pharynx (strongly related to Epstein‐Barr virus; profoundly affected by immunosuppression) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Compared with the general population, the risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma was strongly increased (standardized incidence ratio [SIR] > 8.0). The risk of all SCCs was modestly and similarly elevated among transplantation recipients (SIR range, 2.2‐2.7; Pheterogeneity = .2); whereas, among HIV‐infected individuals, the risk of oral tongue SCC was higher compared with the risk of other SCCs (SIR, 3.0 vs 1.7 [for oropharyngeal SCCs] and 2.3 [for other oral cavity SCCs]; Pheterogeneity < .001). The risk of SCCs was significantly higher among men, older individuals, and whites; and risk increased with the time since transplantation/AIDS onset. The risk of oral tongue SCC was significantly higher among HIV‐infected men who have sex with men compared with the average risk in HIV‐infected individuals (adjusted incidence rate ratio = 2.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Similar modest increases in the risk of oral tongue and other oral cavity SCCs do not suggest that an infectious agent or exposure profoundly affected by immunosuppression underlies the increase in oral tongue cancer. Cancer 2018;124:2515‐22. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Polypharmacy and patterns of prescription medication use among cancer survivors
Authors: Murphy Caitlin C. , Fullington Hannah M. , Alvarez Carlos A. , Betts Andrea C. , Lee Simon J. Craddock , Haggstrom David A. , Halm Ethan A.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

The population of cancer survivors is rapidly growing in the United States. Long‐term and late effects of cancer, combined with the ongoing management of other chronic conditions, make survivors particularly vulnerable to polypharmacy and its adverse effects. In the current study, the authors examined patterns of prescription medication use and polypharmacy in a population‐based sample of cancer survivors.

METHODS

Using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), the authors matched cancer survivors (5216 survivors) with noncancer controls (19,588 controls) by age, sex, and survey year. Polypharmacy was defined as ≥5 unique medications. The authors estimated the percentage of respondents prescribed medications within therapeutic classes and total prescription expenditures.

RESULTS

A higher percentage of cancer survivors were prescribed ≥5 unique medications (64.0%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 62.3%‐65.8%) compared with noncancer controls (51.5%; 95% CI, 50.4%‐52.6%), including drugs with abuse potential. Across all therapeutic classes, a higher percentage of newly (≤1 year since diagnosis) and previously (>1 years since diagnosis) diagnosed survivors were prescribed medications compared with controls, with large differences observed with regard to central nervous system agents (65.8% [95% CI, 62.3%‐69.3%] vs 57.4% [95% CI, 55.3%‐59.5%] vs 46.0% [95% CI, 45.0%‐46.9%]). Specifically, nearly 10% of survivors were prescribed benzodiazepines and/or opioids compared with approximately 5% of controls. Survivors had more than double the prescription expenditures (median of $1633 vs $784 among controls). Findings persisted across age and comorbidity categories.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer survivors were prescribed a higher number of unique medications, including drugs with abuse potential, thereby increasing their risk of adverse drug events, financial toxicity, poor adherence, and drug‐drug interactions. Cancer 2018;124:2850‐2857. © 2018 American Cancer Society
Sunlight‐Driven Hydrogen Production Using an Annular Flow Photoreactor and g‐C3N4‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Muñoz‐Batista Mario J. , Rodríguez‐Padrón Daily , Puente‐Santiago Alain R. , Kubacka Anna , Luque Rafael , Fernández‐García Marcos
Published: April 2018

Simple modifications of g‐C3N4 (CN) have been studied to maximize hydrogen production under sunlight irradiation conditions. The relatively low surface area CN obtained was subjected to an exfoliation process which 1) increases available catalytic area and 2) modulates the semiconductor charge photohandling. MnOx and metallic Pt, which can act as co‐catalysts, were subsequently added on the surface of exfoliated or bulk counterparts, producing an active material suitable for sunlight applications. The resulting catalysts were fully characterized using a multi‐technique approach. The combination of results indicates that optical properties are strongly defined by the delaminated process whereas the minority phases do not cause physico‐chemical variation of the CN structure. Materials without Pt did not show activity under the investigated reaction conditions. In addition, the collaborative effect of the minority phases on the exfoliated CN was confirmed through a strict quantum efficiency calculation. Stability of the most active sample was similarly examined.
Transparent Composites Made from Tunicate Cellulose Membranes and Environmentally Friendly Polyester
Authors: Zhao Yadong , Moser Carl , Henriksson Gunnar
Published: April 2018

A series of optically transparent composites were made by using tunicate cellulose membranes, in which the naturally organized cellulose microfibrillar network structure of tunicate tunics was preserved and used as the template and a solution of glycerol and citric acid at different molar ratios was used as the matrix. Polymerization through ester bond formation occurred at elevated temperatures without any catalyst, and water was released as the only byproduct. The obtained composites had a uniform and dense structure. Thus, the produced glycerol citrate polyester improved the transparency of the tunicate cellulose membrane while the cellulose membrane provided rigidity and strength to the prepared composite. The interaction between cellulose and polyester afforded the composites high thermal stability. Additionally, the composites were optically transparent and their shape, strength, and flexibility were adjustable by varying the formulation and reaction conditions. These composites of cellulose, glycerol, and citric acid are renewable and biocompatible and have many potential applications as structural materials in packaging, flexible displays, and solar cells.
Microbial metabolites, short‐chain fatty acids, restrain tissue bacterial load, chronic inflammation, and associated cancer in the colon of mice
Authors: Kim Myunghoo , Friesen Leon , Park Jeongho , Kim Hyungjin M. , Kim Chang H.
Published: April 2018

The intestinal immune system is regulated by microbes and their metabolites. The roles of gut microbial metabolites in regulating intestinal inflammation and tumorigenesis are incompletely understood. We systematically studied the roles of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and their receptors (GPR43 or GPR41) in regulating tissue bacterial load, acute versus chronic inflammatory responses, and intestinal cancer development. SCFA receptor‐, particularly GPR43‐, deficient mice were defective in mounting appropriate acute immune responses to promote barrier immunity, and developed uncontrolled chronic inflammatory responses following epithelial damage. Further, intestinal carcinogenesis was increased in GPR43‐deficient mice. Dietary fiber and SCFA administration suppressed intestinal inflammation and cancer in both GPR43‐dependent and independent manners. The beneficial effect of GPR43 was not mediated by altered microbiota but by host tissue cells and hematopoietic cells to a lesser degree. We found that inability to suppress commensal bacterial invasion into the colonic tissue is associated with the increased chronic Th17‐driven inflammation and carcinogenesis in the intestine of GPR43‐deficient mice. In sum, our results reveal the beneficial function of the SCFA‐GPR43 axis in suppressing bacterial invasion and associated chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis in the colon.
Coordination Polymers with Intriguing Photoluminescence Behavior: The Promising Avenue for Greatest Long‐Lasting Phosphors
Authors: San Sebastian Eider , Rodríguez‐Diéguez Antonio , Seco Jose M. , Cepeda Javier
Published: April 2018

Luminescent coordination polymers (CPs) are known for their unique abilities to provide tunable emission processes originated at the interplay between their infinite inorganic and organic constituents combined in endless ways, thus yielding smart molecule‐scaled materials to be processed as photodevices, sensors, optical storage systems or even logic gates. Nonetheless, most of these applications demand the occurrence of persistent luminescence to prevent background interference with the fluorescence signal. This is the reason why attention has been recently shifted to CPs exhibiting long‐lasting phosphorescence (CP‐LLPs), which imbues these crystalline solids with a long‐lived emission that is traceable by the human eye. The large interest awakened by these materials opposes with their difficulty to being achieved compared to dominant fluorescent CPs, probably derived from their challenging design. In this microreview we give an overview of the CP‐LLPs reported so far with the aim of deciphering some hints that enable this behavior while their potential applications are also discussed.
Solvent‐Free Synthesis and n‐Hexadecane Hydroisomerization Performance of SAPO‐11 Catalyst
Authors: Du Yanyan , Feng Bing , Jiang Ying , Yuan Long , Huang Keke , Li Jiusheng
Published: April 2018

SAPO‐11 catalysts are prepared by both solvent‐free and hydrothermal methods. SAPO‐11 samples prepared by the solvent‐free method have a higher density of acid sites compared with the samples obtained by the hydrothermal method. We performed 29Si NMR spectroscopy to determine the acid properties of the samples, and most Si species exist in the SAPO region. The SAPO‐11 materials were loaded with the noble metal Pt at a content of approximately 0.5 wt.‐%, and the bifunctional catalysts were applied in the hydroisomerization of n‐hexadecane. Remarkably, a higher catalytic activity and isomer yield were obtained for the catalyst synthesized by the solvent‐free method. In particular, the higher yield of multibranched isomers, including dibranched and tribranched isomers, can be ascribed to the lower nPt/nA ratio (an expression of the balance between metal and acid sites) accompanied by the longer residence of carbenium ions at the acid sites. The solvent‐free samples can produce isomer products with lower pour points and enhanced low‐temperature mobility.
Oil Absorption of Potato Slices Pre‐Dried by Three Kinds of Methods
Authors: Jia Bo , Fan Daming , Yu Lin , Li Jinwei , Duan Zhenhua , Fan Liuping
Published: April 2018

During frying process, pre‐drying affects oil content of samples, but whether and how pre‐drying affects oil absorption remains unclear. In this study, the effect of pre‐drying, including hot air (HD), vacuum microwave (VMD), and infrared (IRD), on the water and oil state breaking force of fried potato slices is investigated. The results show that pre‐drying of HD, VMD, and IRD can effectively hinder the oil absorption of fried potato slices and have no negative effects on its breaking force. Compared to the control, the total oil content (TOs) of potato slices with initial water content of 50 g 100 g−1 (wb) pre‐dried by HD or VMD or IRD reduces by 47.29%, 46.46%, and 39.20%, respectively. Penetrated surface oil (PSO) is the main factor which attributed to TOs reduction of fried potato slices after pre‐drying. Compared to the control, PSO of potato slices pre‐dried by HD, MVD, and IRD decreases by 61.53%, 58.62%, and 55.38%, respectively. Low field nuclear magnetic resonance shows that pre‐drying can significantly shorten the transverse relaxation time (T2) and decrease the proportion of the water from the vacuole (M23) of potato slices (p < 0.05). Confocal laser scanning microscopy and stereomicroscope images show that oil content and distribution of fried potato slices are different due to the changes of initial water state produced by pre‐drying.

Practical Applications: Low‐oil foods could be helpful to decrease the incidence of obesity, high blood pressure, and coronary disease. Making sure how the pre‐drying affects the oil absorption behavior and quality is important to process the low‐oil potato slices that still retain the desirable characteristics. The research on the effects of pre‐drying on oil absorption could contribute to the exploration of oil reduction mechanism and help to process the low‐oil and high quality product.

The effect of pre‐drying on the water evaporation and oil absorption, and breaking force of fried potato slices, are investigated, and results show that pre‐drying reduced the oil content and PSOs is the main factor. However, it has no negative effects on its breaking force. The pre‐drying changed moisture states and water distribution meanwhile, affect the oil fraction and distribution.
Thiazole orange as an everyday replacement for ethidium bromide and costly DNA dyes for electrophoresis
Authors: O'Neil Casey S. , Beach Jacie L. , Gruber Todd D.
Published: April 2018

DNA gel electrophoresis is a standard tool of biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories. The common dye ethidium bromide suffers from toxicity concerns and requires the use of damaging ultraviolet light. We observe that exposing plasmid DNA to a UV transilluminator for only 1 s results in detectable loss of colonies following transformation, suggesting rapid accumulation of DNA damage. SYBR Safe, a commercial product, is marketed as a safe alternative to ethidium bromide and has excellent sensitivity with nondamaging blue light, but suffers from prohibitively high costs. We show that thiazole orange, the parent compound of SYBR Safe, is an excellent, simple, and inexpensive alternative to these dyes. It is excitable with safe blue light or UV light, with DNA detection limits in agarose gels similar to ethidium bromide and SYBR Safe (1–2 ng/lane). Thiazole orange safely allows the use of nondamaging blue light at the same cost as ethidium bromide.
Computer simulation of the enantioselective separation of weak bases in an online capillary electrophoresis based microanalysis configuration comprising sulfated cyclodextrin as selector
Authors: Mikkonen Saara , Thormann Wolfgang
Published: April 2018

Computer simulation was utilized to characterize the electrophoretic processes occurring after reactant mixing in an online assay format used for monitoring the enantioselective N‐demethylation of ketamine to norketamine in the presence of highly sulfated γ‐cyclodextrin (HS‐γ‐CD). The incubated reaction mixture (at pH 7.4 and without chiral selector) is bracketed by a low pH BGE containing 2% HS‐γ‐CD as chiral selector, thereby forming a discontinuous buffer system. Upon power application, simulation provides insight into the formation of moving boundaries and new zones together with the prediction of the behavior of ketamine and norketamine enantiomers. The analytes first migrate cationically in a zone electrophoretic manner until they come in contact with HS‐γ‐CD upon which enantioseparation is initiated. Complexation has a focusing effect and the electrophoretic transport becomes reversed, that is, toward the anode. Simulation revealed that the initial conditions for the chiral separation, including buffer components concentrations, pH, and ionic strength, are different than those in the BGE. As a consequence thereof, the experimentally determined complexation parameters for the BGE were unable to correctly describe the migration behavior of the analytes in this column section. An increase in the input binding constants by a factor of two to four, as a result of the decreased ionic strength, resulted in simulation data that agreed with experimental findings.
Automated Scoring of Nonnative Speech Using the SpeechRaterSMv. 5.0 Engine
Authors: Chen Lei , Zechner Klaus , Yoon Su‐Youn , Evanini Keelan , Wang Xinhao , Loukina Anastassia , Tao Jidong , Davis Lawrence , Lee Chong Min , Ma Min , Mundkowsky Robert , Lu Chi , Leong Chee Wee , Gyawali Binod
Published: April 2018

This research report provides an overview of the R&D efforts at Educational Testing Service related to its capability for automated scoring of nonnative spontaneous speech with theSpeechRaterSMautomated scoring service since its initial version was deployed in 2006. While most aspects of this R&D work have been published in various venues in recent years, no comprehensive account of the current state of SpeechRater has been provided since the initial publications following its first operational use in 2006. After a brief review of recent related work by other institutions, we summarize the main features and feature classes that have been developed and introduced into SpeechRater in the past 10 years, including features measuring aspects of pronunciation, prosody, vocabulary, grammar, content, and discourse. Furthermore, new types of filtering models for flagging nonscorable spoken responses are described, as is our new hybrid way of building linear regression scoring models with improved feature selection. Finally, empirical results for SpeechRater 5.0 (operationally deployed in 2016) are provided.
Dissolved organic matter variations in coastal plain wetland watersheds: The integrated role of hydrological connectivity, land use, and seasonality
Authors: Hosen Jacob D. , Armstrong Alec W. , Palmer Margaret A.
Published: April 2018

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is integral to fluvial biogeochemical functions, and wetlands are broadly recognized as substantial sources of aromatic DOM to fluvial networks. Yet how land use change alters biogeochemical connectivity of upland wetlands to streams remains unclear. We studied depressional geographically isolated wetlands on the Delmarva Peninsula (USA) that are seasonally connected to downstream perennial waters via temporary channels. Composition and quantity of DOM from 4 forested, 4 agricultural, and 4 restored wetlands were assessed. Twenty perennial streams with watersheds containing wetlands were also sampled for DOM during times when surface connections were present versus absent. Perennial watersheds had varying amounts of forested wetland (0.4–82%) and agricultural (1–89%) cover. DOM was analysed with ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration, and bioassays. Forested wetlands exported more DOM that was more aromatic‐rich compared with agricultural and restored wetlands. DOM from the latter two could not be distinguished suggesting limited recovery of restored wetlands; DOM from both was more protein‐like than forested wetland DOM. Perennial streams with the highest wetland watershed cover had the highest DOC levels during all seasons; however, in fall and winter when temporary streams connect forested wetlands to perennial channels, perennial DOC concentrations peaked, and composition was linked to forested wetlands. In summer, when temporary stream connections were dry, perennial DOC concentrations were the lowest and protein‐like DOM levels the highest. Overall, DOC levels in perennial streams were linked to total wetland land cover, but the timing of peak fluxes of DOM was driven by wetland connectivity to perennial streams. Bioassays showed that DOM linked to wetlands was less available for microbial use than protein‐like DOM linked to agricultural land use. Together, this evidence indicates that geographically isolated wetlands have a significant impact on downstream water quality and ecosystem function mediated by temporary stream surface connections.
The university campus environment as a protective factor for intimate partner violence against women: An exploratory study
Authors: Marco Miriam , Gracia Enrique , López‐Quílez Antonio
Published: April 2018

Some neighborhood characteristics linked to social disorganization theory have been related to intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW). The study of other neighborhood‐level factors that may influence IPVAW risk, however, has received less attention. The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of university campuses on IPVAW risk. To conduct the study, IPVAW cases from 2011 to 2013 in the city of Valencia, Spain, were geocoded (n = 1,623). Census block groups were used as the neighborhood analysis unit. Distance between each census block group and the nearest university campus was measured. A Bayesian spatial model adjusted for census block group‐level characteristics was performed. Results showed that the distance from a university campus was associated with an approximate 7% increase in IPVAW risk per kilometer. These results suggest that university campuses integrated in the city are related to IPVAW risk. Further research is needed to explain the mechanisms involved.
An Evaluation of the Pharmacodynamics, Safety, and Tolerability of the Potassium Binder RDX7675
Authors: Pitt Bertram , Zann Vanessa , Roe Chris , Jacobs Jeffrey W. , Davidson James P. , Dowd Christine , Kumaraswamy Padmapriya , Lin Fangling , Korner Paul , Blanks Robert C. , Rosenbaum David P.
Published: April 2018

Hyperkalemia is common in patients with heart failure or chronic kidney disease, particularly those taking renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system inhibitors, and can cause arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The most widely used treatment, sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS), limits gastrointestinal potassium absorption, but has poor palatability. RDX7675 (RDX227675) is the calcium salt of a reengineered polystyrene sulfonate‐based resin with improved palatability over SPS. The pharmacodynamic effects and safety of RDX7675 were assessed in a phase 1, single‐center, randomized, active‐controlled study. Healthy volunteers received nominal active doses of RDX7675 4.6 g twice a day (BID), 4.6 g 3 times a day (TID), 6.9 g BID, 13.7 g daily (QD), 9.2 g TID, or 13.7 g BID (n = 12 each), or equivalent doses of SPS (n = 3 each), for 4 days. RDX7675 dosing increased stool potassium excretion and decreased urinary potassium excretion from baseline. Stool potassium excretion increased by up to 1481 mg/day with RDX7675 (6.9 g BID), and urinary potassium excretion decreased by up to 939 mg/day (13.7 g BID). Similar levels of potassium excretion were observed using QD, BID, or TID dosing of a 13.7 g total daily RDX7675 dose. Few adverse events were reported. In conclusion, repeated oral dosing with RDX7675 over 4 days reduced potassium absorption in healthy volunteers; the results support QD dosing of RDX7675 in future clinical studies.
Coloring (gem, co‐gem)‐free graphs
Authors: Karthick T. , Maffray Frédéric
Published: April 2018

A gem is a graph that consists of a path on four vertices plus a vertex adjacent to all four vertices of the path. A co‐gem is the complement of a gem. We prove that every (gem, co‐gem)‐free graph G satisfies the inequality (a special case of a conjecture of Gyárfás) and the inequality (a special case of a conjecture of Reed). Moreover, we give an ‐time algorithm that computes the chromatic number of any (gem, co‐gem)‐free graph with n vertices, while the existing algorithm in the literature takes .
Mechanism of CO Oxidation on Cu2O (111) Surface: A DFT and Microkinetic Study
Authors: Wu Ling‐Nan , Tian Zhen‐Yu , Qin Wu
Published: April 2018

Catalytic oxidation has been recognized as one of the most efficient and promising techniques for the abatement of CO and volatile organic compounds. In the present work, the CO oxidation mechanism on perfect Cu2O (111) surface was investigated by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations with the periodic surface model. The unsaturated singly coordinated Cu+ site of Cu2O (111) surface could effectively adsorb gaseous CO molecule with a strong adsorption energy of −1.558 eV. The adsorbed O on Cu2O (111) surface is very active toward CO oxidation with only 0.269 eV energy barrier. The reaction between CO and lattice O is the rate‐determining step of Mars‐van‐Krevelen (MvK) type CO oxidation with the energy barrier of 1.629 eV. The CO oxidation cycle initiated by the reaction between coadsorbed CO and O2 at the CuI site has a relatively lower energy barrier of 1.082 eV and is, therefore, more likely to proceed compared with the MvK cycle. Microkinetic rate constants of elementary reaction steps based on the transition state theory were deduced, which could be helpful in the kinetic modeling of CO oxidation on Cu2O surface.