bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fedratinib in patients with myelofibrosis previously treated with ruxolitinib: An updated analysis of the JAKARTA2 study using stringent criteria for ruxolitinib failure
Authors: Harrison Claire N. , Schaap Nicolaas , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Kiladjian Jean‐Jacques , Jourdan Eric , Silver Richard T. , Schouten Harry C. , Passamonti Francesco , Zweegman Sonja , Talpaz Moshe , Verstovsek Srdan , Rose Shelonitda , Shen Juan , Berry Tymara , Brownstein Carrie , Mesa Ruben A.
Published: March 2020

Fedratinib is an oral, selective Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitor. The phase II JAKARTA2 study assessed fedratinib in patients with intermediate‐ or high‐risk myelofibrosis (MF) who were resistant or intolerant to prior ruxolitinib per investigator assessment. Patients received fedratinib 400 mg/day in 28‐day cycles. The JAKARTA2 outcomes were initially reported using a last‐observation‐carried forward (LOCF) analysis in a “Per Protocol” population. This updated analysis of JAKARTA2 employs intention‐to‐treat analysis principles without LOCF for all treated patients (ITT Population; N = 97), and for a patient subgroup who met more stringent definitions of prior ruxolitinib failure (Stringent Criteria Cohort; n = 79). Median duration of prior ruxolitinib exposure was 10.7 months. The primary endpoint was spleen volume response rate (SVRR; ≥35% spleen volume decrease from baseline to end of cycle 6 [EOC6]). The SVRR was 31% in the ITT Population and 30% in the Stringent Criteria Cohort. Median duration of spleen volume response was not reached. Symptom response rate (≥50% reduction from baseline to EOC6 in total symptom score [TSS] on the modified Myelofibrosis Symptom Assessment Form [MFSAF]) was 27%. Grade 3‐4 anemia and thrombocytopenia rates were 38% and 22%, respectively. Patients with advanced MF substantially pretreated with ruxolitinib attained robust spleen responses and reduced symptom burden with fedratinib.
Trauma severity associated with stress index in emergency settings: an observational prediction‐and‐validation study
Authors: Taniguchi Hayato , Doi Tomoki , Abe Takeru , Takeuchi Ichiro
Published: March 2020

Aim

Early judgments for treating severe trauma patients are essential for life‐saving. Stress index (SI), obtained from a division of blood glucose level by serum potassium at arrival, might be useful for early prediction. However, the efficacy of SI was unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify and validate prediction models of severe trauma (ST) and the need for damage control operation (DCOP) and massive transfusion (MT) by using SI among trauma patients.

Methods

This study was a retrospective and prospective observational study. The prediction models were created by 1‐year retrospective data of 167 trauma patients. The prediction models were validated by 6 months of prospective data of 87 trauma patients.

Results

The prediction model for ST contained respiratory rate and SI as significant factors. The prediction model for DCOP contained SI. The prediction model for MT contained systolic blood pressure and SI. The correlation of probability of MT, ST, and DCOP was r = 0.70 (P < 0.001), r = 0.46 (P < 0.001), and r = 0.15 (P = 0.196), respectively. The predicted probability of MT, ST, and DCOP showed 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–0.90) and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.74–0.86), and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.70–0.88).

Conclusion

We identified and validated our prediction models for ST and the need for DCOP and MT among trauma patients using SI as a main predictor. Our models indicated that fewer variables in an early phase of the treatment process can inform clinicians regarding how severe a patient is and which intervention is needed.
Double‐Gyroid Nanostructure Formation by Aggregation‐Induced Atropisomerization and Co‐Assembly of Ionic Liquid‐Crystalline Amphiphiles
Authors: Uemura Nanami , Kobayashi Tsubasa , Yoshida Shintaro , Li Ya‐xin , Goossens Karel , Zeng Xiangbing , Watanabe Go , Ichikawa Takahiro
Published: March 2020

We report a new molecular‐design principle for creating double‐gyroid nanostructured molecular assemblies based on atropisomerization. Ionic amphiphiles containing two imidazolium rings close to each other were designed and synthesized. NMR data revealed that the rotation of the imidazolium rings is restricted, with an activation energy as high as 63 kJ mol−1 in DMSO‐d6 solution (DFT prediction for a model compound in the vacuum: 90–100 kJ mol−1). Due to the restricted rotation, the amphiphiles feature “double” atropisomeric axes in their ionic segments and form three stable atropisomers: meso, R, and S. These isomers co‐organize into
‐type bicontinuous cubic liquid‐crystalline mesophases through nanosegregation of the ionic and non‐ionic parts. Considering the intrinsic characteristic of
‐type bicontinuous cubic structures that they are composed of intertwined right‐ and left‐handed single gyroids, we propose that the simultaneous presence of both R‐ and S‐atropisomers is an important contributor to the formation of double‐gyroid structures.
Azaruthena(II)‐bicyclo[3.2.0]heptadien: Schlüsselintermediat für Ruthenaelektro(II/III/I)‐katalysierte Alkinanellierungen
Authors: Yang Long , Steinbock Ralf , Scheremetjew Alexej , Kuniyil Rositha , Finger Lars H. , Messinis Antonis M. , Ackermann Lutz
Published: March 2020

Eine rutheniumkatalysierte elektrochemische dehydrierende Anellierung von Imidazolen mit Alkinen wurde entwickelt. Dies ermöglichte es, verschiedene Brückenkopf‐N‐verknüpfte [5,6]‐bicyclische Heteroarylverbindungen mithilfe einer regioselektiven C‐H/N‐H‐Anellierung und ohne chemische Metalloxidantien herzustellen. Neuartige Azaruthena(II)‐bicyclo[3.2.0]heptadiene wurden vollständig charakterisiert und als Schlüsselintermediate identifiziert. Mechanistische Studien sprechen für eine oxidationsinduzierte reduktive Eliminierung mit Ruthenium(II/III).
Shimalactone Biosynthesis Involves Spontaneous Double Bicyclo‐Ring Formation with 8π‐6π Electrocyclization
Authors: Fujii Isao , Hashimoto Makoto , Konishi Kaori , Unezawa Akiko , Sakuraba Haruka , Suzuki Kenta , Tsushima Harue , Iwasaki Miho , Yoshida Satsuki , Kudo Akane , Fujita Rina , Hichiwa Aika , Saito Koharu , Asano Takashi , Ishikawa Jun , Wakana Daigo , Goda Yukihiro , Watanabe Ayumi , Watanabe Mamoru , Masumoto Yui , Kanazawa Junichiro , Sato Hajime , Uchiyama Masanobu
Published: March 2020

Shimalactones A and B are neuritogenic polyketides possessing characteristic oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane and bicyclo[4.2.0]octadiene ring systems that are produced by the marine fungus Emericella variecolor GF10. We identified a candidate biosynthetic gene cluster and conducted heterologous expression analysis. Expression of ShmA polyketide synthase in Aspergillus oryzae resulted in the production of preshimalactone. Aspergillus oryzae and Saccharomyces cerevisiae transformants expressing ShmA and ShmB produced shimalactones A and B, thus suggesting that the double bicyclo‐ring formation reactions proceed non‐enzymatically from preshimalactone epoxide. DFT calculations strongly support the idea that oxabicyclo‐ring formation and 8π‐6π electrocyclization proceed spontaneously after opening of the preshimalactone epoxide ring through protonation. We confirmed the formation of preshimalactone epoxide in vitro, followed by its non‐enzymatic conversion to shimalactones in the dark.
A theoretical study: Green phosphorescent iridium(III) complexes with low‐efficiency roll‐off
Authors: Song Ming‐Xing , Xi Guo‐Qing , Chi Hao‐Yuan , He Ke‐Chuan , Lü Peng , Qin Zheng‐Kun , Zhang Yong‐Ling , Lü Shi‐Quan , Zhang Hong‐Jie
Published: March 2020

A series of heterocyclic Ir(III) complexes used in organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) materials with low‐efficiency roll‐off performance have been studied theoretically. Their electronic structures, spectral properties, and their application value in OLEDs are discussed. The geometries, electronic structures, lowest‐lying singlet absorptions, and triplet emissions of (dmdppr‐dmp)2Ir(dibm), and the theoretically designed models of (dmdppr‐dmp)2Ir(acac), (dmdppr‐dmp)2Ir(tpip), (dmdppr‐Fdmp)2Ir(dibm), (dmdppr‐Fdmp)2Ir(acac), and (dmdppr‐Fdmp)2Ir(tpip) were investigated with density‐functional‐theory‐based approaches, where dibm denotes 2,6‐dimethy‐3,5‐heptanedionato‐κ2‐O,O′, acac denotes acetylacetonate, and tpip denotes tetraphenylimido‐diphosphinate.
CoFe2O4@SiO2‐PA‐CC‐guanidine nanoparticles: A novel, efficient, and recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of 3,5‐disubstituted‐2,6‐dicyanoaniline derivatives
Authors: Rostami Hedieh , Shiri Lotfi
Published: March 2020

A new and efficient procedure for the synthesis of 3,5‐disubstituted‐2,6‐dicyanoaniline derivatives by CoFe2O4@SiO2‐PA‐CC‐guanidine magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was reported. 3,5‐Disubstituted‐2,6‐dicyanoaniline derivatives were synthesized from malononitrile, aldehydes, and β‐nitrostyrene derivatives in good yields. MNPs used for the synthesis of aniline derivatives were easy to recover and reuse. The CoFe2O4@SiO2‐PA‐CC‐guanidine MNPs were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and vibration sample magnetometry techniques.
An overview on the copper‐promoted synthesis of five‐membered heterocyclic systems
Authors: Shiri Pezhman
Published: March 2020

The development of novel approaches for the preparation of small‐sized heterocyclic products has remained an extremely attractive but challenging proposition. Copper has been known as one of the most applicable and significant transition metals utilized in the synthesis of organic products. A couple of factors such as high earth abundance and versatile catalysis resulted in the growth of copper‐promoted synthesis of five‐membered heterocyclic products. Utilizations such as making coins and electrical equipment express the importance of copper, as well. Here, a comprehensive overview of the copper‐catalyzed synthesis of five‐membered heterocyclic products is presented, focusing on the developments over the past 4 years.
Temperature‐induced formation of two dinuclear dysprosium complexes with different magnetic properties
Authors: Zhu Zhong‐Hong , Wang Hai‐Ling , Yu Shui , Fu Xiao‐Xiao , Zou Hua‐Hong , Chen Zilu , Liang Fu‐Pei
Published: March 2020

A dinuclear Dy (III) complex [Dy2(L1)2(NO3)4]·2CH3CN (1) (HL1 = 1,3‐bis{[(E)‐pyridin‐2‐ylmethylene]amino}propan‐2‐ol) was obtained via the reaction of 1,3‐diamino‐2‐propanol, 2‐pyridyaldehyde and Dy (NO3)3·6H2O at room temperature. In the structure of complex 1, two Dy (III) ions are in the N4O6 coordination environment provided by NO3− and (L1)−, and both of these ions are in the sphenocorona configuration. [Dy2(L2)2(NO3)4] (2) [HL2 = 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)hexahydropyrimidin‐5‐ol] was obtained using the same reaction material only when the reaction temperature was changed to 60°C. Structural analysis of complex 2 showed that the two Dy (III) ions with the same coordination configuration are in the N3O6 coordination environment provided by NO3− and (L2)− and are in the distorted spherical‐capped square antiprism. Surprisingly, HL2 with the parent of bipyridine was synthesized by the Schiff base reaction of 1,3‐diamino‐2‐propanol with 2‐pyridoxaldehyde followed by the ring‐closing reaction catalyzed by Dy (III) ions. Magnetic measurements of the Dy (III) complexes revealed no obvious frequency‐dependent behavior of complex 1. In contrast, complex 2 showed an obvious frequency dependence (Ueff = 0.49 K and τ0 = 6.62 × 10−4 s) under the condition of zero field and a weak double relaxation behavior (Ueff = 9.25 K and τ0 = 9.70 × 10−4 s) at 1500 Oe.
Fast methods for the identification of suitable chemo‐enzymatic treatments of Kraft lignin to obtain aromatic compounds
Authors: Diaz René Herrera , Bodi‐Paul Laura , Gordobil Oihana , Labidi Jalel
Published: March 2020

Kraft lignin valorization is the cornerstone for the establishment of biorefineries based on residual fractions from the pulping processes. From the precipitation process to depolymerization, various strategies have emerged, all focused on obtaining high yields or higher purity monomers. The strategy used in this study was to modify the structure of the precipitated Kraft lignin with different oxidative enzymatic treatments, with the purpose of facilitating subsequent catalytic depolymerization. The treatments were performed with different concentrations of lacasse and mediator, and then lignin structure and chemical composition were analyzed to find the optimal treatment for depolymerization. Chemometric methods based on infrared signals were used as fast tools to reduce the complexity of the chemical information generated from lignin characterization, and were therefore used to distinguish the most appropriate chemoenzymatic treatment. The results of the chemical catalysis showed higher conversion yields of the Kraft lignin after the enzymatic process than after using only chemical catalysis. The primary compounds obtained were catechol and its derivatives, thus validating its selection by means of infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics. In conclusion, it was possible to choose a straightforward chemoenzymatic process that improves the conversion of the Kraft lignin to aromatic compounds with the help of non‐destructive, low‐cost, and fast tools. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Student voice in higher education: Opening the loop
Authors: Young Helen , Jerome Lee
Published: March 2020

UK national policy and the practices of university course boards tend to reduce understandings of ‘student voice’ to a feedback loop. In this loop, students express feedback, the university takes this on board, then they tell the students how they have responded to their feedback. The feedback loop is a significant element of the neoliberal imaginary of higher education globally. This qualitative research study drew on interviews with course representatives in three universities in England, and on policy analysis, to explore the discursive construction and enactment of student voice. It uses the feedback loop as an analytical frame. Drawing on Foucault’s later work, the article aims to open up the feedback loop by exploring its manifestation in the mundane everyday practices of universities. In opening the loop, we identify the following effects of the student voice policy ensemble: students have to construct feedback as it is not just waiting to be gathered; it promotes a dividing practice, where reps are positioned differently to other students; there is a focus on problems; an ‘us and them’ is reinforced between staff and students; the loop closes down discussion; and a managerial logic obscures political processes. The article articulates its opening of the loop as a way of unmasking the modes of power which work through discourses of ‘student voice’, and hence seeks to create possibilities for resistance to being governed this way.
Sample size recalculation in multicenter randomized controlled clinical trials based on noncomparative data
Authors: Harden Markus , Friede Tim
Published: March 2020

Many late‐phase clinical trials recruit subjects at multiple study sites. This introduces a hierarchical structure into the data that can result in a power‐loss compared to a more homogeneous single‐center trial. Building on a recently proposed approach to sample size determination, we suggest a sample size recalculation procedure for multicenter trials with continuous endpoints. The procedure estimates nuisance parameters at interim from noncomparative data and recalculates the sample size required based on these estimates. In contrast to other sample size calculation methods for multicenter trials, our approach assumes a mixed effects model and does not rely on balanced data within centers. It is therefore advantageous, especially for sample size recalculation at interim. We illustrate the proposed methodology by a study evaluating a diabetes management system. Monte Carlo simulations are carried out to evaluate operation characteristics of the sample size recalculation procedure using comparative as well as noncomparative data, assessing their dependence on parameters such as between‐center heterogeneity, residual variance of observations, treatment effect size and number of centers. We compare two different estimators for between‐center heterogeneity, an unadjusted and a bias‐adjusted estimator, both based on quadratic forms. The type 1 error probability as well as statistical power are close to their nominal levels for all parameter combinations considered in our simulation study for the proposed unadjusted estimator, whereas the adjusted estimator exhibits some type 1 error rate inflation. Overall, the sample size recalculation procedure can be recommended to mitigate risks arising from misspecified nuisance parameters at the planning stage.
Density of breast: An independent risk factor for developing breast cancer, a prospective study at two premium breast centers
Authors: Lo Chia Hwee , Chai Xin Ying , Ting Shirley Shy Wen , Ang Sze Chao , Chin Xinlin , Tan Lay Teng , Saania Peeroo , Tuan Mat Tuan Nur' Azmah , Mat Sikin Seniyah , Gandhi Anil
Published: March 2020

Background

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women worldwide. Studies have identified breast density as a controversial risk factor of breast cancer. Moreover, studies found that breast density reduction through Tamoxifen could reduce risk of breast cancer significantly. To date, no study on the association between breast density and breast cancer has been carried out in Malaysia. If breast density is proven to be a risk factor of breast cancer, intervention could be carried out to reduce breast cancer risk through breast density reduction.

Purpose

To determine if density of breast is an independent risk factor which will contribute to development of breast cancer.

Materials and Methods

A prospective cohort study is carried out in two hospitals targeting adult female patients who presented to the Breast Clinic with symptoms suspicious of breast cancer. Participants recruited were investigated for breast cancer based on their symptoms. Breast density assessed from mammogram was correlated with tissue biopsy results and final diagnosis of benign or malignant breast disease.

Results

Participants with dense breasts showed 29% increased risk of breast cancer when compared to those with almost entirely fatty breasts (odds ratio [OR] 1.29, 95% CI 0.38‐4.44, P = .683). Among the postmenopausal women, those with dense breasts were 3.1 times more likely to develop breast cancer compared with those with fatty breasts (OR 3.125, 95% CI 0.72‐13.64, P = .13). Moreover, the chance of developing breast cancer increases with age (OR 1.046, 95% CI 1.003‐1.090, P < .05). In contrast, the density of breast decreases with increasing age (P < .05) and body mass index (P = .051). The proportion of high breast density whether in the whole sample size, premenopausal, or postmenopausal group was consistently high.

Conclusion

Although results were not statistically significant, important association between breast density and risk of breast cancer cannot be ruled out. The study is limited by a small sample size and subjective assessment of breast density. More studies are required to reconcile the differences between studies of contrasting evidence.
LINC00667 promotes Wilms’ tumor metastasis and stemness by sponging miR‐200b/c/429 family to regulate IKK‐β
Authors: Liu Pei , Chen Shuofan , Huang Yangyue , Xu Shuai , Song Hongcheng , Zhang Weiping , Sun Ning
Published: March 2020

Wilms' tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is a kind of pediatric renal cancer. Previous studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate various cancers progression. However, whether miR‐200 family regulated Wilms' tumor progression remains to be elucidated. In our study, miR‐200b/c/429 expression was downregulated in Wilms' tumor tissue samples from 25 patients. And data from three independent analyses of quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction revealed that the expression of miR‐200b/c/429 was downregulated in Wilms' tumor cell lines. Functionally, Cell counting kit‐8 assay revealed that cell viability was reduced by overexpressing miR‐200b/c/429. Transwell assay manifested that cell migration and invasion was hindered by miR‐200b/c/429 overexpression. Sphere‐forming and western blot assays demonstrated that miR‐200b/c/429 overexpression suppressed the sphere formation ability. Mechanically, nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathway was confirmed to be associated with Wilms' tumor progression; miR‐200b/c/429 overexpression inactivated NF‐κB pathway as miR‐200b/c/429 was identified to target IκB kinase β (IKK‐β), an NF‐κB pathway‐related gene. Moreover, miR‐200b/c/429 was sponged by LINC00667 in Wilms' tumor cells. LINC00667 competitively bound with miR‐200b/c/429 to regulate IKK‐β expression and then activated NF‐κB pathway in Wilms' tumor. Subsequently, rescue assays illustrated that silencing of IKK‐β could reverse the effect of miR‐200b/c/429 inhibition on the progression of sh‐LINC00667‐transfected Wilms' tumor cells. In summary, LINC00667 promoted Wilms' tumor progression by sponging miR‐200b/c/429 family to regulate IKK‐β.
Contemporary trends and outcomes in aortic valve replacement in patients with end‐stage liver disease
Authors: Khan Muhammad Z. , Khan Muhammad U. , Munir Muhammad Bilal , Khan Safi U. , Osman Mohammed , Balla Sudarshan
Published: March 2020

Objective

Even in high‐risk trials pertaining to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), patients with end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) have been under‐represented. We sought to study this population group from a large national United States population database.

Methods

We used National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from January 2005 to August 2015. Patients with ESLD were extracted using Goldberg's algorithm. Propensity match analysis was done for comparative analysis between surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and TAVR groups. Logistic regression analysis was used for predictors of in‐hospital mortality.

Results

Out of 309,959 ESLD patients, 1,375 underwent aortic valve replacement and 1,199 patients were included in our study. Mean age was 66.1 (SD, 9.1) years. In matched data, the in‐hospital mortality was 5.5% in TAVR group when compared to 19.4% in SAVR group. Ventilator use (16.1 vs. 27.2%, p < .01), tracheostomy (<4 vs. 7.2%, p < .01), and vasopressin use (0 vs. 7.4%, p < .01) were utilized less in TAVR group as compared to SAVR group. The proportion of TAVR has increased from almost zero in 2011 to 51.3% in 2015. Mean cost for hospital stay has increased in SAVR group (from 254,427$ in 2005 to 321,791$ in 2015, p < .01). Similarly, a large decrease in length of stay has been observed for TAVR group (14.5 days in 2011 to 5.4 days in 2015, p < .01). TAVR (odds ratios [OR]: 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20–0.87, p = .02) was associated with lower in‐hospital mortality.

Conclusion

TAVR was associated with lower in‐hospital mortality, morbidity, and resource utilization in high‐risk ESLD patients.
An Introduction to Machine Learning
Authors: Badillo Solveig , Banfai Balazs , Birzele Fabian , Davydov Iakov I. , Hutchinson Lucy , Kam‐Thong Tony , Siebourg‐Polster Juliane , Steiert Bernhard , Zhang Jitao David
Published: March 2020

In the last few years, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence have seen a new wave of publicity fueled by the huge and ever‐increasing amount of data and computational power as well as the discovery of improved learning algorithms. However, the idea of a computer learning some abstract concept from data and applying them to yet unseen situations is not new and has been around at least since the 1950s. Many of these basic principles are very familiar to the pharmacometrics and clinical pharmacology community. In this paper, we want to introduce the foundational ideas of ML to this community such that readers obtain the essential tools they need to understand publications on the topic. Although we will not go into the very details and theoretical background, we aim to point readers to relevant literature and put applications of ML in molecular biology as well as the fields of pharmacometrics and clinical pharmacology into perspective.
Self‐Assembled Ionic Liquid for Highly Efficient Electron Transport Layer‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Cheng Haoliang , Li Yaru , Zhang Meirong , Zhao Ke , Wang Zhong‐Sheng
Published: March 2020

Electron transport layer (ETL)‐free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are attractive because they have fewer layers and hence are lower in cost, but their inferior photovoltaic performance, as compared to ETL‐containing PSCs, greatly restricts their practical application. This study concerns the design and synthesis of a hydroxyethyl‐functionalized imidazolium iodide ionic liquid, the determination of its single crystal structure, and its self‐assembly on a conductive substrate for ETL‐free PSCs. The self‐assembly of the ionic liquid on the conductive substrate is found to lower the work function of the conductive substrate and enhance interfacial electron extraction while retarding interfacial charge recombination. As a consequence, the power conversion efficiency is improved remarkably from 9.01 % to 17.31 % upon self‐assembly of the ionic liquid on the conductive substrate. This finding provides a new way to assemble highly efficient ETL‐free PSCs.
Efficient Water Oxidation Using Ta3N5Thin Film Photoelectrodes Prepared on Insulating Transparent Substrates
Authors: Higashi Tomohiro , Nishiyama Hiroshi , Otsuka Yuki , Kawase Yudai , Sasaki Yutaka , Nakabayashi Mamiko , Katayama Masao , Minegishi Tsutomu , Shibata Naoya , Takanabe Kazuhiro , Yamada Taro , Domen Kazunari
Published: March 2020

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting using visible‐light‐responsive photoelectrodes is the preferred approach to converting solar energy into hydrogen as a renewable energy source. A transparent Ta3N5photoanode embedded within a PEC cell having a tandem configuration is a promising configuration that may provide a high solar‐to‐hydrogen energy conversion efficiency. Ta3N5thin films are typically prepared by heating precursor films in an NH3flow at high temperatures, which tends to degrade the transparent conductive layer, such that producing efficient Ta3N5transparent photoanodes is challenging. Herein, the direct preparation of transparent Ta3N5photoanodes on insulating quartz substrates was demonstrated without the insertion of a transparent conductive layer. The resulting devices generated a photocurrent of 6.0 mA cm−2at 1.23 V vs. a reversible hydrogen electrode under simulated sunlight. This study provides a new strategy for the preparation of transparent photoelectrodes that mitigates current challenges.
Efficacy of metabarcoding for identification of fish eggs evaluated with mock communities
Authors: Duke Elena M. , Burton Ronald S.
Published: March 2020

There is urgent need for effective and efficient monitoring of marine fish populations. Monitoring eggs and larval fish may be more informative than that traditional fish surveys since ichthyoplankton surveys reveal the reproductive activities of fish populations, which directly impact their population trajectories. Ichthyoplankton surveys have turned to molecular methods (DNA barcoding & metabarcoding) for identification of eggs and larval fish due to challenges of morphological identification. In this study, we examine the effectiveness of using metabarcoding methods on mock communities of known fish egg DNA. We constructed six mock communities with known ratios of species. In addition, we analyzed two samples from a large field collection of fish eggs and compared metabarcoding results with traditional DNA barcoding results. We examine the ability of our metabarcoding methods to detect species and relative proportion of species identified in each mock community. We found that our metabarcoding methods were able to detect species at very low input proportions; however, levels of successful detection depended on the markers used in amplification, suggesting that the use of multiple markers is desirable. Variability in our quantitative results may result from amplification bias as well as interspecific variation in mitochondrial DNA copy number. Our results demonstrate that there remain significant challenges to using metabarcoding for estimating proportional species composition; however, the results provide important insights into understanding how to interpret metabarcoding data. This study will aid in the continuing development of efficient molecular methods of biological monitoring for fisheries management.
The impact of intragenomic rRNA variation on metabarcoding‐derived diversity estimates: A case study from marine nematodes
Authors: Pereira Tiago José , De Santiago Alejandro , Schuelke Taruna , Hardy Sarah M. , Bik Holly M.
Published: March 2020

Intragenomic rRNA variation is a critical concern for eukaryotic metabarcoding studies, due to its potentially confounding effects on species delimitation and biodiversity estimates derived from ‐Omics data. In the present study, we assessed patterns associated with 18S rRNA metabarcoding loci in marine nematodes, including characterization of intragenomic rRNA gene variants (number of variants and abundance profiles) and aspects of datasets that can obscure biological signals (e.g., amplification of nontarget DNA, ambiguous taxonomy assignments). We estimated amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) using DADA2 from an 18S rRNA metabarcoding dataset (Illumina MiSeq) generated from individual marine nematodes. Illumina data were analyzed in conjunction with nematode morphological identifications and nearly full‐length 18S reference sequences (~1,600 bp Sanger barcodes) generated for a subset of the same specimens. Our results indicated that levels of intragenomic rRNA variation appeared to vary widely across nematode taxa (irrespective of phylogenetic clades or ecological feeding groups) and that coamplification of nontarget DNA was common (relic DNA, gut contents, etc.). The DADA2 pipeline appeared to produce a biologically accurate profile of intragenomic rRNA variants in nematodes that was consistent with “Head‐Tail” patterns (of dominant vs. minor rRNA gene variants) identified in previous studies. Although intragenomic rRNA variation appears to be ubiquitous in marine nematodes, nematode identifications were highly congruent across our three methods for species delimitation (traditional morphological taxonomy, Sanger DNA barcoding, and high‐throughput metabarcoding). In spite of pervasive intragenomic variation and high copy number of rRNA genes, the most abundant ASVs in metabarcoding datasets are likely to represent true species barcodes and thus confer an accurate view of extant biodiversity. However, our findings also emphasize the importance of applying bioinformatic filtering techniques and developing well‐curated reference databases in order to better link rRNA molecules with specimen‐level data and alleviate the confounding effects of intragenomic gene variants in studies of microbial eukaryotes.
Phosphanylphosphinidene‐Phosphoranes: A Study on Building and Decomposition of Phosphorus‐Rich Chains with Two Ylidic Moieties
Authors: Matern Eberhard , Anson Christopher E. , Baum Elke , Sattler Ewald , Kovács Ilona
Published: March 2020

The reactions of tBu2P–P=P(tBu2)CH2Li at low temperature with dichlorophosphanes RPCl2 (R = Ph, Me, NEt2, tBu) lead to “P‐7‐chains” as primary products wherein two ylidic moieties are linked by a CH2–PR–CH2 unit. However, if R = tBu the long chain is only a by‐product in addition to tBu2P–P=P(tBu2)Me. The thermal decomposition of “P‐7‐chains” as monitored by 31P NMR spectroscopy results in tBu2P–CH2–PR–CH2–PtBu2 (“P‐3‐chains”) and the phosphanylphosphanylidene {tBu2P–P} which is observed as its cyclic trimer or tetramer. In the reactions of tBu(Me3Si)P–P=P(tBu2)CH2Li with RPCl2 the corresponding “P‐7‐chains” and the P4CH2‐rings are formed. The substituent R strongly determines the ratio of chain to ring as well as the thermal stability of the products. The solid‐state structures of one representative of both “P‐7‐chains”, and of the oxidized derivative of the P4CH2‐ring with R = tBu were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.
The Dark Side of Photocatalysis: One Thousand Ways to Close the Cycle
Authors: Capaldo Luca , Ravelli Davide
Published: March 2020

Photocatalytic strategies have recently revolutionized the field of organic synthesis. However, while the progress has been impressive in terms of reported methodologies, less attention has been devoted to mechanistic aspects. In this regard, key to the development of efficient strategies is the recovery of the exhausted photocatalyst formed upon quenching of the excited state. This review summarizes the different ways available to turn over the photocatalyst and classifies them according to the species responsible for this step, being a reaction intermediate, a co‐catalyst, a reaction partner or an electrode. Finally, an analysis of the common aspects of the described alternatives is offered, also showcasing how the tuning of the photocatalyst turn‐over step can completely divert the reaction outcome.
Graphite Based Microsensors Developed for the Electrochemical Determination of L‐Tyrosine from Pharmaceutical Samples
Authors: Cioates Negut Catalina , Stefanov Cristina , Frederick van Staden Jacobus (Koos)
Published: March 2020

Two electrochemical sensors were proposed for the determination of L‐tyrosine from pharmaceutical capsules. The electrochemical sensors were based on plain graphite paste and chitosan modified graphite paste. Working conditions, e. g. pH, supporting electrolytes have been optimized. The results revealed for both electrodes very low limits of quantification (LOQ) (0.18 mg L−1 and 0.0018 mg L−1) for plain graphite paste based sensors and for chitosan modified paste sensors respectively. A higher sensitivity of 7.95×10−10 A mg L−1 was obtained for the sensor based on plain graphite paste (G). The uniformity content test showed that L‐Tyrosine can be recovered in pharmaceutical capsules with an average value higher than 98.00 % and a relative standard deviation (RSD%) value less than 1.00 % (N=5).
Flexible covariate representations for extremes
Authors: Zanini E. , Eastoe E. , Jones M. J. , Randell D. , Jonathan P.
Published: March 2020

Environmental extremes often show systematic variation with covariates. Three different nonparametric descriptions (penalized B‐splines, Bayesian adaptive regression splines, and Voronoi partition) for the dependence of extreme value model parameters on covariates are considered. These descriptions take the generic form of a linear combination of basis functions on the covariate domain, but differ (i) in the way that basis functions are constructed and possibly modified, and potentially (ii) by additional penalization of the variability (e.g., variance or roughness) of basis coefficients, for a given sample, to improve inference. The three representations are used to characterize variation of parameters in a nonstationary generalized Pareto model for the magnitude of threshold exceedances with respect to covariates. Computationally efficient schemes for Bayesian inference are used, including Riemann manifold Metropolis‐adjusted Langevin algorithm and reversible jump. A simulation study assesses relative performance of the three descriptions in estimating the distribution of the T‐year maximum event (for arbitrary T greater than the period of the sample) from a peaks over threshold extreme value analysis with respect to a single periodic covariate. The three descriptions are also used to estimate a directional tail model for peaks over threshold of storm peak significant wave height at a location in the northern North
Sea.
Intelligent Internet of Things gateway supporting heterogeneous energy data management and processing
Authors: Diyan Muhammad , Nathali Silva Bhagya , Han Jihun , Cao ZhenBo , Han Kijun
Published: March 2020

The requisition for electrical energy, smart grid, and renewable energy paradigm extend a new space for Electrical Energy Data Management and Processing Systems (EEDMS), in such a way that can mitigate the consumption of electrical energy. Similarly, the implementation and maintenance of the EEDMS is a challenging task. Moreover, the heterogeneous energy data generated from residential and commercial sector are the leading challenges for standard Internet of Things (IoT) architecture. This contributes enormous energy data preprocessing and analyzing solutions to IoT landscape. To overcome these challenges, we present a scalable multitasking Internet of Things Gateway (IoTGW) for the modern era of IoT by placing reliance on a new entity called Data Loading and Storing Module (DLSM). The provided DLSM module combine with the Gateway module services like orchestrator, flexibility of bridging front end grid, back end grid and fast formatted data trade between sensing domain and application domain enables a high dynamic distributed framework. Specifically, we add Adaboost‐Multilayer Perceptron hybrid data classifier module to the proposed work to enhance service provision of IoT gateway toward various IoT application services and protocols to facilitate IoT demands such as multitasking, interoperability, classification, and fast data delivery between different modules. IoTGW is implemented and tested using a real‐time IoT data streaming network. The experimental results confirms the superiority of proposed work in terms of scalability to serve novel applications and facilitate broad scope of
IoT.
Diversity patterns in microfloras recovered from Miocene brown coals of the lower Rhine Basin reveal distinct coupling of the structure of the peat‐forming vegetation and continental climate variability
Authors: Utescher Torsten , Ashraf Abdul R. , Kern Andrea K. , Mosbrugger Volker
Published: March 2020

Brown coal deposits of the Lower Rhine Basin, northwest Germany, cover the late Burdigalian to Serravallian and most of the Tortonian enabling access to observations of vegetation dynamics during the Miocene Climatic Optimum and Late Miocene Cooling. Based on a total of 500 microfloras sampled from brown coal seams in the Bergheim and Inden open cast mines, structural changes in the vegetation are studied in comparatively stable environments of persisting coastal mires. In order to minimize the impact of local edaphic conditions in the peat bog, the palynomorph record is characterized as diversity using plant functional types (PFTs). In total, 41 herbaceous and arboreal PFTs are assigned to pollen and spores types based on their botanical affinity.The diversity spectra reveal a variable proportion of herbaceous and shrubby PFTs attaining a mean of 30%, in both the middle and late Miocene sample sets. With ca. 70% of the total diversity attributable to arboreal functional types, the peat‐forming vegetation of the studied Miocene strata classifies as a swamp forest. The composition of the arboreal fraction shows a long‐term declining trend in the proportions of thermophilous evergreen types among broadleaved PFTs following the overall climate cooling throughout the studied time. Conifers became more diverse during the Langhian (ca. 15%, at a mean) and attained a high diversity level of ca. 20% of the total PFT diversity in the Tortonian. The diversity proportions of conifer PFTs among other arboreal components and the composition of the broadleaved angiosperm PFT fraction display a pointed short‐term variability that could probably be related to eccentricity cycles when considering the available independent stratigraphic framework. Our results suggest a distinct coupling of the structure of the peat‐forming vegetation and continental climate variability in the study area.
ONECUT2 upregulation is associated with CpG hypomethylation at promoter‐proximal DNA in gastric cancer and triggers ACSL5
Authors: Seo Eun‐Hye , Kim Hee‐Jin , Kim Jong‐Hwan , Lim Byungho , Park Jong‐Lyul , Kim Seon‐Young , Lee Sang‐Il , Jeong Hyun‐Yong , Song Kyu‐Sang , Kim Yong‐Sung
Published: March 2020

Many studies have focused on global hypomethylation or hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes, but less is known about the impact of promoter hypomethylation of oncogenes. We previously showed that promoter methylation may gradually increase or decrease during the transition from gastric mucosa (GM) to intestinal metaplasia (IM) to gastric cancer (GC). In our study, we focused on regional CpG hypomethylation of the promoter‐proximal DNA of the transcription factor ONECUT2 (OC2) in IM and GC cells. We validated the hypomethylation of promoter‐proximal DNA of OC2 in 160 primary GCs, in which methylation level correlated negatively with OC2 mRNA level. IM and GC cells stained positively for OC2, whereas GM cells did not. Stable transfection of OC2 in GC cells promoted colony formation, cell migration, invasion and proliferation. Moreover, OC2 knockdown with a short hairpin RNA suppressed tumorigenesis in nude mice. In addition, chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with DNA sequencing and RNA‐seq analyses revealed that OC2 triggered ACSL5, which is strongly expressed in IM of the stomach but not in GM, indicating that OC2 and ACSL5 are early‐stage biomarkers for GC. We also observed a high correlation between the levels of OC2 and ACSL5 mRNAs in the GENT database These results suggest that epigenetic alteration of OC2 upregulates its expression, which then activates ACSL5; thus, OC2 is induced in IM by epigenetic alteration and triggers ACSL5 expression, and thus OC2 and ACSL5 may cooperatively promote intestinal differentiation and GC progression.
Development of photo‐amino acid derivative reactivity assay: a novel in chemico alternative method for predicting photoallergy
Authors: Yamamoto Yusuke , Fujita Masaharu , Wanibuchi Sayaka , Sato Ayako , Katsuoka Yasuhiro , Kasahara Toshihiko
Published: March 2020

Photoallergy test of cosmetics and several types of pharmaceutical substances is often necessary for obtaining approval from authorities. However, there are no official test guidelines for photoallergy evaluation. Therefore, we tried to establish a photoallergy test by utilizing an in chemico alternative sensitization method, amino acid derivative reactivity assay (ADRA). To determine the criteria for judging the photoallergy potential, photo‐ADRA with or without photoirradiation was performed using 60 photoallergenic chemicals, and cysteine and lysine derivatives were detected using high‐performance liquid chromatography either by absorbance or fluorescence measurement. The accuracy of prediction was 81.4% (48 of 59) and 80.0% (48 of 60) using the absorbance and fluorescence methods, respectively. However, as chemicals can breakdown into multiple chemicals during photoirradiation, the absorbance method often cannot perform accurate detection due to co‐elution, whereas the fluorescence method can do this due to lack of co‐elution. Moreover, all eight chemicals that were found to be negative or false‐positive for photoirritation in the 3T3 neutral red uptake phototoxicity test were confirmed as positive for photoallergy using this method. Furthermore, we prepared three types of pseudo‐mixtures where we added one photoallergen along with five nonphotoallergens and performed the photo‐ADRA by the ultraviolet and fluorescence methods. The result of the fluorescence method was almost the same as that obtained with the use of a single photoallergen and hence the outcome was not affected by the mixture. Thus, this study not only showed a method of evaluating the photoallergy potential of a single chemical but also a mixture, making it useful as an in chemico photoallergy alternative test.
RETRACTED: Enhanced anticancer potency of doxorubicin in combination with curcumin in gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Firouzi Amoodizaj Fatemeh , Baghaeifar Sevda , Taheri Elham , Farhoudi Sefidan Jadid Mahdieh , Safi Maryam , Seyyed Sani Nasrin , Hajazimian Saba , Isazadeh Alireza , Shanehbandi Dariush
Published: March 2020

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the prevalent human malignancies and the third most common cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. The doxorubicin hydrochloride is one of the important chemotherapeutic anticancer agents, with a limited therapeutic efficacy for treatment of GC. Therefore, taking advantage of synergistic effects by strategies like combination therapy seems appropriate and promising in treatment of GC. The aim of this study was to investigate a novel method to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin (as a chemotherapeutic agent) by co‐administration of curcumin (as a bioactive herbal compound) in GC treatment. In the present study, the effects of curcumin, doxorubicin, and their combinations (Dox‐Cur) were evaluated on the viability, morphological features, tumor spheroid formation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS). Moreover, expression levels of BAX, BCL‐2, and CASP9 genes were assessed among AGS cells treated with curcumin, doxorubicin, and Dox‐Cur. The obtained results showed that all of curcumin, doxorubicin, and Dox‐Cur treatments significantly decreased the viability, tumor spheroid formation, migration, and invasion in the GC model cells. Furthermore, apoptosis rates in AGS cells were increased in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner in all of the treatment groups. Moreover, the anticancer activity of the Dox‐Cur combination was significantly more than curcumin and doxorubicin treatments alone. According to the results, Dox‐Cur combination therapy exerts more profound apoptotic and anticancer effects on the AGS cell line than curcumin or doxorubicin monotherapy.
Preparative separation of chlorogenic acid from Eucommia ulmoides extract via fractional extraction
Authors: Wang Wanru , Liu Fusong , Dai Guilin , Zhang Panliang , Tang Kewen
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Chlorogenic acid is an important bioactive substance with wide pharmacological effects mostly related to scavenging free radicals and as an anti‐virus. This article reports on the continuous separation of chlorogenic acid from Eucommia ulmoides crude extract using multistage centrifugal fractional extraction.

RESULTS

An efficient extraction system was constructed. A quantitative mathematical model was established to simulate and optimize the fractional extraction process, and the optimum process conditions were obtained. Residual rate was successfully introduced as the purity reference to optimize the separation of chlorogenic acid. Chlorogenic acid was continuously obtained from Eucommia ulmoides extract by fractional extraction in a cascade of ten stages with high purity of 97.2% and yield of 81.4%.

CONCLUSION

Fractional extraction is an efficient and likely unique technology to continuously and selectively separate target substance from complex natural extract. It has the advantages of large output and low cost, and is more suitable for industrial‐scale production. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry