bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk, Preference, Capital Structure and Incentives
Authors: Wu Zhongwei
Published: June 2018

Using the surplus theory of the firm, we examine capital and labor as inputs of a surplus generating firm, and study the capital structure of the firm. We derive two equilibrium models on: (a) the capital structure and ownership of the firm and (b) alternative incentive compensation structures. Within the framework of the firm as a cooperative surplus generating enterprise, we introduce the concepts of risk, preference and resource constraints, to provide a framework for analyzing more sophisticated methods of dividing the risks and rewards of the firm’s surplus.
Determinants of MNEs' Natural Resources Endowments on Performance: An Analytical Model
Authors: Davila Luis E. , Sampath Vijay S.
Published: June 2018

Drawing on the resource-based view and dynamic capabilities’ perspectives of the firm, we present a comprehensive analytical model of the key determinants of natural resources endowments (NREs) on the performance of multinational enterprises (MNEs). We also propose four moderators that influence the NRE-performance relationship: private ownership, state ownership, financial resources availability, and research and development efforts. The model makes clear how the various determinants of the NRE-performance relationship impacts international business. The model is designed to motivate empirical research on this topic. Implications to various stakeholders flowing from the proposed model are also discussed.
De empathische Belastingdienst
Authors: Nijenhuis E.M.
Published: June 2018

De empathische Belastingdienst

Om regels na te kunnen leven hebben mensen het nodig vertrouwen te stellen in de overheid: de wetgever en de uitvoeringsinstantie. Basis voor het zich houden aan afspraken is wederzijds vertrouwen. Empathie voedt dit vertrouwen. Zonder begrip voor situaties en emoties die ontstaan bij het (niet-)nakomen van regels of het verkrijgen van rechten keldert het vertrouwen en daarmee de grond voor vrijwillige naleving. Een empathische Belastingdienst leert van belastingplichtigen wat ze nodig hebben bij het zakendoen met de Belastingdienst én trekt zich daar wat van aan. Zo hoopt de Belastingdienst de fiscale redzaamheid te versterken. Uit onderzoek blijkt hoe door die kennis processen verbeteren, waardoor mensen met meer zekerheid hun aangifte doen en toeslagen aanvragen. Ook blijkt wat er lastig is aan het toepassen van die kennis en waar grenzen aan het empathisch vermogen zitten vaak door wet- en regelgeving.
‘De sterke arm’: historische achtergronden van een metafoor
Authors: Borman T.C.
Published: June 2018

‘De sterke arm’: historische achtergronden van een metafoor

‘De sterke arm’ is een vorm van beeldspraak die in diverse wetten voorkomt. Aanwijzing 5.39 van de Aanwijzingen voor de regelgeving geeft een standaardformulering voor gevallen waarin geregeld moet worden dat een bepaalde bevoegdheid ‘zo nodig met behulp van de sterke arm’ wordt uitgeoefend. In deze bijdrage wordt aan de hand van de parlementaire geschiedenis ingegaan op de betekenis van deze uitdrukking. In de jaren negentig zijn veel sterke-armbevoegdheden geschrapt, omdat deze algemeen zijn geregeld in de Algemene wet bestuursrecht, de Algemene wet op het binnentreden en het Wetboek van Strafvordering. Niet altijd wordt onderkend dat die algemene wetten al in sterke-armbevoegdheden voorzien, zodat er op dit punt soms overbodige bepalingen in specifieke wetten terecht zijn gekomen. Onder de ‘sterke arm’ moeten worden verstaan die onderdelen van het staatsapparaat die bevoegd zijn tot geweldgebruik: normaliter de politie, soms onderdelen van de krijgsmacht. Een aardig terminologisch punt is nog dat in vroeger tijden ook wel werd gesproken over ‘de sterke hand’ in plaats van ‘de sterke arm’. Aan het slot van deze bijdrage worden beschouwingen daarover uit de parlementaire geschiedenis aan de vergetelheid ontrukt.
Updates on Selected Topics in Lung Cancers: Air Space Invasion in Adenocarcinoma and Ki-67 Staining in Carcinoid Tumors
Authors: Yi Eunhee S. , Lee Geon Kook
Published: June 2018

Context.—

Air space invasion or aerogenous spread of lung adenocarcinoma is a relatively new concept and has been implicated as a potential prognostic factor as well as has been added as an exclusion point in the diagnosis of minimally invasive adenocarcinoma. Potential role for Ki-67 immunostaining as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in pulmonary carcinoid tumors has been suggested in the literature, given the significant interobserver variability and the difficulty in predicting their clinical behavior.

Objective.—

To review the concept of air space invasion in lung adenocarcinoma and the current controversies regarding the role of Ki-67 immunostaining on pulmonary carcinoid tumors

Data Sources.—

PubMed search of English literature.

Conclusions.—

Pathologists need to recognize air space invasion with a critical evaluation to differentiate it from artifacts that are commonly seen in sections. Currently, Ki-67 immunostaining is not recommended for routine use in the diagnosis of pulmonary carcinoid tumors or for predicting their prognosis, except for the differential diagnosis from small cell carcinomas or large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas in small biopsy specimens with crush artifacts.
News from the Field
Authors: Free David
Published: June 2018

Pepperdine University’s Payson Library reopened last fall after a 15-month, $22.4 million renovation. Influenced by Spanish Revival architecture, the new building design honors tradition while addressing 21st-century needs for digital integration and flexibility to accommodate diverse learning styles. The new additions range from a high-tech makerspace to expanded study areas that seamlessly integrate traditional setups with more informal seating configurations. Responding to environmental concerns, motion-sensor LED lighting reduces power usage, as does a NEH grant-funded sustainable preservation and storage system for Special Collections and Archives.
Os critérios de noticiabilidade da editoria de esportes no jornalismo impresso do Amapá
Authors: Sardinha Antonio , Favacho Érica
Published: June 2018

Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar o conteúdo da editoria de esportes dos jornais amapaenses A Gazeta e Jornal do Dia. Para a observação, tomou-se como escopo as edições do período de setembro, outubro e novembro de 2014 de cada diário. Utilizou-se como método a Análise de Conteúdo (Bardin), a partir do estudo dos critérios de noticiabilidade, de Galtung e Ruge. A pesquisa contribui para compreensão da dinâmica de funcionamento da imprensa no interior do país. Constata-se que a abordagem feita pelos veículos em questão não configura um retrato da realidade das práticas locais relacionadas ao universo dos esportes, caracterizando-se por uma cobertura que reúne temas relacionados ao esporte, reproduzindo conteúdos de outros jornais e/ou agências e ignorando a demanda do setor esportivo estadual.
O cabo e a rede: relações entre a nova lei da TV paga e a produção webséries brasileiras
Authors: Greco Clarice , Penner Tomaz Affonso
Published: June 2018

O trabalho traça um panorama da implantação da Lei 12.485, conhecida também como lei da TV paga ou lei do cabo, que regulamenta cotas para produção nacional na TV por assinatura. O surgimento e fortalecimento de produções nacionais gera um cenário propício à experimentação de formatos e ao estímulo da indústria criativa. Por meio de um estudo exploratório foram analisadas obras ficcionais desde 2011 exibidas na TV paga que tenham surgido como webséries. O objetivo é investigar as relações entre o processo de implementação da lei do cabo, as produtoras independentes e a popularização do formato websérie. Como resultado principal, verificou-se que é possível correlacionar o aquecimento do mercado de produção audiovisual para a internet com a implementação da lei do cabo, visto que algumas ficções exibidas na TV têm a internet como fonte de conteúdos.
REUNI+D: una red universitaria para la construcción colaborativa de conocimiento
Authors: García Valcárcel Muñoz-Repiso Ana , González Rodero Luis María , Basilotta Gómez-Pablos Verónica , Martín del Pozo Marta
Published: June 2018

El movimiento educativo abierto hace referencia al software libre, la formación y los contenidos abiertos o accesibles y la ciencia abierta, considerando la educación como un derecho de todos y un motor de desarrollo social que debe tender a incentivar la construcción y diseminación universal del conocimiento. Con esta finalidad, se construye una Red de Grupos de Investigación consolidados denominada REUNI+D (Red Universitaria de Investigación e Innovación Educativa) (Ref. EDU2014-54943-REDT) que pretende promover, de forma coordinada, acciones de formación abierta y difundir los resultados de investigación e innovación educativa considerando los criterios de la ciencia abierta. En el texto se explican los objetivos, la organización, las acciones desarrolladas, así como el impacto y la valoración de la Red para la construcción conjunta de conocimiento por parte de los miembros implicados. La metodología, de carácter descriptivo, se basa tanto en la revisión documental como en la encuesta de carácter abierto. Los resultados muestran que la valoración de la Red es positiva, tanto para la construcción de conocimiento como para la formación y desarrollo profesional de los investigadores; poniendo de manifiesto que la existencia de REUNI+D ha resultado ser una estrategia clave para reforzar la actividad investigadora de los grupos que la conforman y la difusión de los resultados de la investigación, actuando como una comunidad de práctica y una red de aprendizaje y profesionalización docente.
La rhétorique spéculative chez Charles Sanders Peirce : nouvelles avenues dialectiques pour le pragmatisme en sociologie
Authors: Côté Jean-François
Published: June 2018

Cet article présente l’idée de la rhétorique spéculative chez C.S. Peirce, dans son lien avec la logique au sein de la recherche scientifique et avec une théorie pragmatiste de la communication. D’un côté, la rhétorique spéculative est rattachée au cadre général de la sémiotique peircienne, en tant que catégorisation logique générale, et d’un autre côté, au processus de sémiose. Cette présentation, axée sur la mise en évidence de la place de la rhétorique, et de la dialectique qui en constitue le fondement, est mise en parallèle avec la logique hégélienne, qui table elle aussi sur la dialectique comme fondement, mais paraît esquiver la question de la rhétorique ; par cela, les entreprises de Hegel et de Peirce sont concurrentes, mais tout en étant rapprochées dans leurs visées sur le plan d’une logique dialectique. Par la suite, la place de la rhétorique au sein du pragmatisme est examinée dans les oeuvres de John Dewey et de George Hebert Mead. Enfin, sont proposées des avenues en sociologie pour réintégrer la rhétorique, du point de vue à la fois politique et analytique.
En quoi, une théorie sémiopragmatique à partir des théories de Peirce peut-elle renouveler la recherche en sciences humaines et sociales ?
Authors: Bourrel Gérard , Oude Engberink Agnes
Published: June 2018

Dans le champ des Sciences Humaines et Sociales, l’analyse textuelle est une procédure essentielle des approches qualitatives. Notre objectif est de proposer une méthode sémiopragmatique inédite dans l’analyse de verbatims. Les écrits de CS Peirce, philosophe américain, père du pragmatisme, de la sémiotique et concepteur du raisonnement abductif en sont les fondements. Les procédures d’analyse se résument en 3 étapes : décrire et analyser le texte en y repérant les classes de signes élémentaires ; Ordonner les données empiriques en catégories de sens selon la logique des relations-signes ; Produire un sens global à partir de la catégorie-argument. Cette méthode apporte un moment formel à l’analyse en permettant une mise en ordre logique des catégories empiriques limitant le risque de biais d’interprétation liés à l’investigateur. Elle pourrait éclairer les zones d’ombre autour du moment interprétatif et du raisonnement sous-jacent, critique récurrente des approches qualitatives.
L’allocation des ressources enseignantes en Afrique subsaharienne francophone : pour une meilleure équité des systèmes éducatifs
Authors: Nkengne Patrick , Marin Léonie
Published: June 2018

Les pays d’Afrique subsaharienne souffrent d’un manque de personnel enseignant, et la forte augmentation de la population d’âge scolaire montre que le problème persistera. Il devient donc crucial pour ces pays d’optimiser l’utilisation de leurs ressources enseignantes en poste en s’assurant qu’elles sont équitablement allouées aux écoles. Or, jusqu’à quel point la répartition des enseignantes et des enseignants entre les écoles d’Afrique subsaharienne est-elle équitable? Comment peut-on améliorer cette allocation? Pour répondre à ces questions, cette étude s’appuie sur deux indicateurs, soit le ratio élèves/maître et le degré d’aléa dans l’allocation des ressources enseignantes aux écoles (1-R2), ainsi que sur des informations recueillies grâce à un « questionnaire pays » auquel ont répondu des acteurs clés des ministères de l’Éducation de pays d’Afrique subsaharienne. Nous avons ainsi eu recours à une approche quantitative et qualitative pour apprécier la situation des pays étudiés relativement à l’allocation des ressources enseignantes aux écoles, mais également pour comprendre les écarts observés en vue d’envisager des remédiations. Un constat majeur se dégage de cette étude : peu de pays francophones d’Afrique subsaharienne parviennent à une allocation équitable de leurs enseignants aux établissements. Le recrutement sur poste et l’automatisation de certains aspects de la gestion du personnel enseignant sont des solutions à considérer.
Comparison of Anesthesia Depth Monitoring using Conventional and Bispectral Index on Incidence and Severity of Nausea and Vomiting after Urological Surgeries
Authors: Shenasi Reihan , Hoseinzadeh Hamzeh , Mohammadpor-Anvari Hasan , Aghamohammadi Davod , Sari-Motlagh Reza
Published: June 2018

Bispectral index parameter is used to guide the titration of general anesthesia. This monitoring improves recovery times and hospital discharges, as well as minimizes adverse events. The objective of this study is the comparison of anesthesia depth monitoring by conventional and bispectral index on nausea and vomiting after urological surgery. 180 participants who were scheduled for abdominal urological surgery were studied. Patients before induction of anesthesia were randomize into two groups with and without bispectral index monitoring. Incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting were recorded every 30 minutes for 2 hours and every 6 hours to 24 hours after surgery. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in Bispectral index group is 14.4% and 8.9% and in control group 28.9% and 23.3%, respectively. The risk of nausea and vomiting after surgery was reduced by 14.5% and 14.4%, respectively in patients monitored with bispectral index.INTRODUCTIONNausea is the conscious perception of medulla stimulation that is associated with vomiting center and create vomiting response (1). General anesthesia with the use of inhalants can cause nausea and vomiting after surgery (Postoperative nausea and vomiting, PONV). The incidence of PONV is reported about 20-30 percent (2). It seems that multiple-factor can cause PONV and few items such as anesthetic drugs, kind of surgery and personal risk factors is effective on PONV. These factors make into two categories that includes factors out of control by anesthesiologists and factors can control by anesthesiologists.1. Factors out of control by anesthesiologists: some of these factors are age, gender, past history of PONV and motion sickness, smoking, kind of surgery, operating time and anesthesia time, anxiety of patients and parents. 2. Factors controlled by anesthesiologists: these factors are associated of anesthesia settings, including premedications, kind of anesthesia, anesthesia drugs during surPublishedby Australian
Evaluation of Patients’ Referral Causes to the Emergency Department
Authors: Ojaghihaghighi Seyyedhossin , Vahdati Samad Shams , Zoraghchian Rouzbeh , Fahimi Roshan
Published: June 2018

Background and Objectives: Proper management of resources and patients in emergency departments (ED) is the main priority of the hospitals. By investigating patient referrals to our ED during 5 years, we tried to help making policies about development and management of ED. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, data pertaining to etiology of admission and final discharge of patients were collected through medical record review (HIS) from 2011 to 2015, and analyzed utilizing SPSS software. Results: 444552 patients were referred to our ED among whom 22.37% were outpatients. The most common indications for admission were trauma (37.97%), abdominal pain (20.63%), headache (10.59%) and CVA impression (3.59%). 25.92% of patients had personal consent to leave the ED without being visited (Left Without Being Visited: LWBV) by a physician. Mortality rate was 0.76% in five years. Trauma was the most common cause of death in first three years (25.87%, 20.90% and 20.07%, respectively); and decreasing level of consciousness was the most common cause of death in last two years (22.89% and 30.40%, respectively). Conclusion: Considering safety and patient’s satisfaction as two factors determining quality of emergency care, these findings reveal the need for reducing LWBS (by improving communication skills and quality of care) and lowering the incidence of mortality and morbidities (by improving diagnostic and therapeutic skills).
Comparison of Analgesic Effects of Intravenous or Rectal Acetaminophen for Controlling Post-Tonsillectomy Pain
Authors: Seyedhejazi Mahin , Jabbari Moghaddam Yalda , Sheikhzadeh Daryoush , Sohrabpour Mojtab , Taghizadieh Nasrin
Published: June 2018

Background: Acetaminophen is a simple analgesic and antipyretic administered in varied formats and from different routes. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of intravenous (IV) and rectal acetaminophen (RA) for controlling post-tonsillectomy pain. Methods: In a double-blinded randomized clinical trial, 70 children scheduled for adenotonsillectomy were randomly allocated into two groups, each containing 35 patients.In the first group, 40 mg/kg of rectal acetaminophen and in the second group, 15 mg/kg of IV acetaminophen was administered at the end of surgery before extubation. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured every 15 minutes after intubation. Face pain score was recorded for every 30 minutes between extubation and discharge from recovery room. The data from both groups were analyzed using SPSS program. Results: All demographic findings (age, gender and weight), the size of used endotracheal tubes, initial heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were comparable in both groups.The pain intensity was reduced in both groups. But this decrease was more prominent in the group who received IV acetaminophen (P=0.006). The changes in systolic blood pressure were not significant in both groups, as well as the changes in systolic blood pressure in recovery room and the ward. Diastolic blood pressure increased both in the recovery room and the ward. The changes were not significant in the ward; whereas, the changes in diastolic blood pressure in recovery room were statistically significant (P=0.008). Heart rate decreased significantly both in the recovery room (P=0.001) and in the ward (P=0.002). Conclusion: Intravenous acetaminophen is more effective than rectal acetaminophen for attenuating post adenotonsillectomy pain in children.
The energetic cost of mounting an immune response for Pallas’s long-tongued bat (Glossophaga soricina)
Authors: Cabrera-Martínez Lucia V. , Herrera M. L. Gerardo , Cruz-Neto Ariovaldo P.
Published: June 2018

The acute phase response (APR) is the first line of defense of the vertebrate immune system against pathogens. Mounting an immune response is believed to be energetically costly but direct measures of metabolic rate during immune challenges contradict this assumption. The energetic cost of APR for birds is higher than for rodents, suggesting that this response is less expensive for mammals. However, the particularly large increase in metabolic rate after APR activation for a piscivorous bat (Myotis vivesi) suggests that immune response might be unusually costly for bats. Here we quantified the energetic cost and body mass change associated with APR for the nectarivorous Pallas’s long-tongued bat (Glossophaga soricina). Activation of the APR resulted in a short-term decrease in body mass and an increase in resting metabolic rate (RMR) with a total energy cost of only 2% of the total energy expenditure estimated forG. soricina. This increase in RMR was far from the large increase measured for piscivorous bats; rather, it was similar to the highest values reported for birds. Overall, our results suggest that the costs of APR for bats may vary interspecifically. Measurement of the energy cost of vertebrate immune response is limited to a few species and further work is warranted to evaluate its significance for an animal’s energy budget.
Five Challenges of Designing Disability Income Support for People with Mental Illnesses: A Qualitative Case Study of Australia and Ontario
Authors: McAllister Ashley
Published: June 2018

In most disability income support (DIS) programs, mental illnesses is the fastest growing category of illness, but it is unknown how policy designers consider this vulnerable group. Forty-five DIS policy designers in Australia and Ontario explained how they consider mental illnesses when designing policy. Using a grounded theory approach, five challenges emerged: validating duration, proving an illness, (un)differentiating mental illnesses, managing mental illnesses, and separating the person from the illness. Each challenge is described and compared across Australia and Ontario. These challenges provide a framework for other settings to determine how well their DIS policies have considered mental illnesses in policy design.
Earthworm‐Inspired Rough Polymer Coatings with Self‐Replenishing Lubrication for Adaptive Friction‐Reduction and Antifouling Surfaces
Authors: Zhao Huaixia , Sun Qiangqiang , Deng Xu , Cui Jiaxi
Published: June 2018

Earthworms are able to pass through sticky soil without inducing stains through a self‐forming thick lubricating layer on their rough skins. To mimic this earthworm‐like lubricating capability, an attempt to create a textured structure on the surface of liquid‐releasable polymer coatings by a “breath figure” process is described herein. The resulting coatings exhibit fast and site‐specific release behavior under external triggers such as solid‐based friction. The released oil is then stabilized by the surface texture to form thick lubricating layers, reducing friction and enhancing wear resistance. Moreover, the coatings also exhibit excellent antifouling property in a sticky soil environment. Because the lubricating layer can be regenerated after consumption, the potential of this self‐replenished lubricating mechanism in preparing friction‐reduction, antiwear, and antifouling coatings used in solid‐based environments is therefore envisioned.
Purely Organic Materials with Aggregation‐Induced Delayed Fluorescence for Efficient Nondoped OLEDs
Authors: Guo Jingjing , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: June 2018

Purely organic emitters with high exciton utilization have attracted considerable attention in the field of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, most reported thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters suffer from concentration quenching and exciton annihilation, so that they require complicated doping technique in OLED application. Nonetheless, the serious efficiency roll‐off remains a big challenge for doped OLEDs of TADF emitters. To simplify the fabrication process and improve the stability of devices, developing organic emitters for nondoped OLEDs is of high significance. This progress report provides a systematic summary and comments on the recent advances of efficient organic luminescent materials including conventional TADF materials and novel aggregation‐induced delayed fluorescence (AIDF) luminogens for the fabrication of high‐performance nondoped OLEDs. Their molecular design strategies, photophysical properties, and electroluminescence performances in nondoped OLEDs are elucidated in depth. The newly emerged organic materials with AIDF nature could be a promising direction for exploring light‐emitting materials to advance efficiency and stability of OLEDs.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Formation of Functionalized Diarylmethanes from Benzylmesylates and Aryl Halides
Authors: Reddy Bhoomireddy Rajendra Prasad , Chowdhury Sushobhan , Auffrant Audrey , Gosmini Corinne
Published: June 2018

A simple cobalt‐catalyzed reductive coupling protocol allowing the synthesis of functionalized diarylmethanes from benzyl mesylate is described. The possibility to directly use the benzyl alcohol as a result of a two‐step reaction is also presented. This method tolerates a variety of functional groups. A benzyl radical is likely involved.

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DIY 3D Microparticle Generation from Next Generation Optofluidic Fabrication
Authors: Paulsen Kevin S. , Deng Yanxiang , Chung Aram J.
Published: June 2018

Complex‐shaped microparticles can enhance applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and structural materials, although techniques to fabricate these particles remain limited. A microfluidics‐based process called optofluidic fabrication that utilizes inertial flows and ultraviolet polymerization has shown great potential for creating highly 3D‐shaped particles in a high‐throughput manner, but the particle dimensions are mainly at the millimeter scale. Here, a next generation optofluidic fabrication process is presented that utilizes on‐the‐fly fabricated multiscale fluidic channels producing customized sub‐100 µm 3D‐shaped microparticles. This flexible design scheme offers a user‐friendly platform for rapid prototyping of new 3D particle shapes, providing greater potential for creating impactful engineered microparticles.
Recent trends (2016‐2017) in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Masaki Tadahiko , Kishiki Tomokazu , Kojima Kouichiro , Asou Nobuyoshi , Beniya Ayumi , Matsuoka Hiroyoshi
Published: June 2018

Prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease has dramatically increased in Asian countries in the last three decades. In this period, many new medical therapies were introduced for the treatment of IBD, such as immunosuppressants, anti‐tumor necrosis factor agents, leukocyte apheresis, anti‐integrin antibody, and so on, which have contributed to induce remission and to reduce complications in IBD. As for surgical techniques for Crohn's disease, a stapled functional end‐to‐end anastomosis and conventional end‐to‐end anastomosis have similar perianastomotic recurrence rate and reoperation rate. Prospective randomized controlled studies which compare Kono‐S anastomosis and stapled side‐to‐side anastomosis are ongoing. Variant two‐stage ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) and transanal IPAA are new concepts for surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis. Various endoscopic procedures, such as balloon dilation for stenosis or stricture, endoscopic fistulotomy, injection of filling agents, and clipping for fistulas or perforations will be new options in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Adverse effects of preoperative treatments on postoperative complications should also be taken into account to improve surgical outcomes in IBD patients.
Transition‐Metal‐Free, TsOH‐Mediated Direct C−H Allylation of 1,4‐Benzoquinone with Allylic Alcohols
Authors: Han Qingjuan , Jiang Kun , Wei Ye , Su Weiping
Published: June 2018

A useful C−H allylation protocol for the construction of allyl quinones has been realized. The method, utilizing 1,4‐benzoquione and readily available allylic alcohols as starting materials, TsOH as a promoter, proceed under transition‐metal‐free conditions to generate the target products in moderate to excellent yields.
Dynamics of Nucleic Acids at Room Temperature Revealed by Pulsed EPR Spectroscopy
Authors: Gränz Markus , Erlenbach Nicole , Spindler Philipp , Gophane Dnyaneshwar B. , Stelzl Lukas S. , Sigurdsson Snorri Th. , Prisner Thomas F.
Published: June 2018

The investigation of the structure and conformational dynamics of biomolecules under physiological conditions is challenging for structural biology. Although pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (like PELDOR) techniques provide long‐range distance and orientation information with high accuracy, such studies are usually performed at cryogenic temperatures. At room temperature (RT) PELDOR studies are seemingly impossible due to short electronic relaxation times and loss of dipolar interactions through rotational averaging. We incorporated the rigid nitroxide spin label Ç into a DNA duplex and immobilized the sample on a solid support to overcome this limitation. This enabled orientation‐selective PELDOR measurements at RT. A comparison with data recorded at 50 K revealed averaging of internal dynamics, which occur on the ns time range at RT. Thus, our approach adds a new method to study structural and dynamical processes at physiological temperature in the <10 μs time range with atomistic resolution.
Oxidative C−H/C−H Cross‐Coupling Reactions between N‐Acylanilines and Benzamides Enabled by a Cp*‐Free RhCl3/TFA Catalytic System
Authors: Shi Yang , Zhang Luoqiang , Lan Jingbo , Zhang Min , Zhou Fulin , Wei Wenlong , You Jingsong
Published: June 2018

By making use of a dual‐chelation‐assisted strategy, a completely regiocontrolled oxidative C−H/C−H cross‐coupling reaction between an N‐acylaniline and a benzamide has been accomplished for the first time. This process constitutes a step‐economic and highly efficient pathway to 2‐amino‐2′‐carboxybiaryl scaffolds from readily available substrates. A Cp*‐free RhCl3/TFA catalytic system was developed to replace the [Cp*RhCl2]2/AgSbF6 system generally used in oxidative C−H/C−H cross‐coupling reactions between two (hetero)arenes (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, TFA=trifluoroacetic acid). The RhCl3/TFA system avoids the use of the expensive Cp* ligand and AgSbF6. As an illustrative example, the procedure developed herein greatly streamlines the total synthesis of the naturally occurring benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid oxynitidine, which was accomplished in excellent overall yield.
Steric Effect of Carboxylate Ligands on Pd‐Catalyzed Intramolecular C(sp2)–H and C(sp3)–H Arylation Reactions
Authors: Tanji Yutaka , Mitsutake Naoya , Fujihara Tetsuaki , Tsuji Yasushi
Published: June 2018

A bulky carboxylic acid bearing three cyclohexylmethyl substituents at the α‐position, namely, tri(cyclohexylmethyl)acetic acid, is demonstrated to act as an efficient ligand source in Pd‐catalyzed intramolecular C(sp2)−H and C(sp3)−H arylation reactions. The reactions proceed smoothly under mild reaction conditions, even at room temperature due to the steric bulk of the carboxylate ligands, which accelerates the rate‐determining C−H bond activation step in the catalytic cycle.
Late‐Stage Isotopic Carbon Labeling of Pharmaceutically Relevant Cyclic Ureas Directly from CO2
Authors: Del Vecchio Antonio , Caillé Fabien , Chevalier Arnaud , Loreau Olivier , Horkka Kaisa , Halldin Christer , Schou Magnus , Camus Nathalie , Kessler Pascal , Kuhnast Bertrand , Taran Frédéric , Audisio Davide
Published: June 2018

A robust, click‐chemistry‐inspired procedure for radiolabeling of cyclic ureas was developed. This protocol, suitable for all carbon isotopes (11C, 13C, 14C), is based on the direct functionalization of carbon dioxide: the universal building block for carbon radiolabeling. The strategy is operationally simple and reproducible in different radiochemistry centers, exhibits remarkably wide substrate scope with short reaction times, and demonstrates superior reactivity as compared to previously reported systems. With this procedure, a variety of pharmaceuticals and an unprotected peptide were labeled with high radiochemical efficiency.
Controlled Release of RNAi Molecules by Tunable Supramolecular Hydrogel Carriers
Authors: Bakker Maarten H. , van Rooij Eva , Dankers Patricia Y. W.
Published: June 2018

Local, sustained release and presentation of RNAi therapeutics can be achieved with hydrogel delivery systems. Here we show the development of a supramolecular hydrogel into a local RNAi delivery system. By careful material design, two simple but effective strategies are introduced to obtain controlled release of two classes of RNAi therapeutics, that is, microRNA and antimiR. It was shown that the release of microRNA could be regulated using cholesterol‐modification for interaction with the supramolecular hydrogel. Non‐modified antimiR release could be controlled via supramolecular introduction of positively charged additive molecules into the supramolecular hydrogel. In this way, either the cholesterol‐modification on the drug or the charge introduction into the hydrogel provides handles for controlled RNAi therapy.
Impact of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor genetic polymorphism on cognition: A systematic review
Authors: Toh Yi Long , Ng Terence , Tan Megan , Tan Azrina , Chan Alexandre
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has an important role in the neurogenesis and neuroplasticity of the brain. This systematic review was designed to examine the association between BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism and four cognitive domains—attention and concentration, executive function, verbal fluency, and memory, respectively.

Methodology

Primary literature search was performed using search engines such as PubMed and Scopus. Observational studies that evaluated the neurocognitive performances in relation to BDNF polymorphism within human subjects were included in this review, while animal studies, overlapping studies, and meta‐analysis were excluded.

Results

Forty of 82 reviewed studies (48.8%) reported an association between Val66Met polymorphism and neurocognitive domains. The proportion of the studies showing positive findings in cognitive performances between Val/Val homozygotes and Met carriers was comparable, at 30.5% and 18.3%, respectively. The highest percentage of positive association between Val66Met polymorphism and neurocognition was reported under the memory domain, with 26 of 63 studies (41.3%), followed by 18 of 47 studies (38.3%) under the executive function domain and four of 23 studies (17.4%) under the attention and concentration domain. There were no studies showing an association between Val66Met polymorphism and verbal fluency. In particular, Val/Val homozygotes performed better in tasks related to the memory domain, while Met carriers performed better in terms of executive function, in both healthy individuals and clinical populations.

Conclusion

While numerous studies report an association between Val66Met polymorphism and neurocognitive changes in executive function and memory domains, the effect of Met allele has not been clearly established.
Epigenetic silencing of miR‐1271 enhances MEK1 and TEAD4 expression in gastric cancer
Authors: Lim Byungho , Kim Hee‐Jin , Heo Haejeong , Huh Nanhyung , Baek Su‐Jin , Kim Jong‐Hwan , Bae Dong‐Hyuck , Seo Eun‐Hye , Lee Sang‐Il , Song Kyu‐Sang , Kim Seon‐Young , Kim Yong Sung , Kim Mirang
Published: June 2018

Epigenetic dysregulation is a major driver of tumorigenesis. To identify tumor‐suppressive microRNAs repressed by DNA methylation in gastric cancer (GC), we analyzed the genome‐wide DNA methylation and microRNA expression profiles of EpCAM+/CD44+ GC cells. Among the set of microRNAs screened, miR‐1271 was identified as a microRNA repressed by DNA methylation in GC. Forced miR‐1271 expression substantially suppressed the growth, migration, and invasion of GC cells. To identify candidate target genes and signaling pathways regulated by miR‐1271, we performed RNA sequencing. Among the genes down‐regulated by miR‐1271, MAP2K1 (MEK1) was significantly repressed by miR‐1271, and the associated ERK/MAPK signaling pathway was also inhibited. TEAD4 was also repressed by miR‐1271, and the associated YAP1 signatures within genes regulated by miR‐1271 were significantly enriched. These findings uncovered MEK1 and TEAD4 as novel miR‐1271 targets and suggest that the epigenetic silencing of miR‐1271 is crucial for GC development.
Diversity‐Oriented Synthesis of Diol‐Based Peptidomimetics as Potential HIV Protease Inhibitors and Antitumor Agents
Authors: Vadhadiya Paresh M. , Jean Marc‐Alexandre , Bouzriba Chahrazed , Tremblay Thomas , Lagüe Patrick , Fortin Sébastien , Boukouvalas John , Giguère Denis
Published: June 2018

Peptidomimetic HIV protease inhibitors are an important class of drugs used in the treatment of AIDS. The synthesis of a new type of diol‐based peptidomimetics is described. Our route is flexible, uses d‐glucal as an inexpensive starting material, and makes minimal use of protection/deprotection cycles. Binding affinities from molecular docking simulations suggest that these compounds are potential inhibitors of HIV protease. Moreover, the antiproliferative activities of compounds 33 a, 35 a, and 35 b on HT‐29, M21, and MCF7 cancer cell lines are in the low micromolar range. The results provide a platform that could facilitate the development of medically relevant asymmetrical diol‐based peptidomimetics.
Enzymatically Ligated DNA–Surfactants: Unmasking Hydrophobically Modified DNA for Intracellular Gene Regulation
Authors: Hartmann Alyssa K. , Cairns‐Gibson Dominic F. , Santiana Joshua J. , Tolentino Mark Q. , Barber Halle M. , Rouge Jessica L.
Published: June 2018

Herein, we describe the characterization of a novel self‐assembling and intracellular disassembling nanomaterial for nucleic acid delivery and targeted gene knockdown. By using a recently developed nucleic acid nanocapsule (NAN) formed from surfactants and conjugated DNAzyme (DNz) ligands, it is shown that DNz–NAN can enable cellular uptake of the DNAzyme and result in 60 % knockdown of a target gene without the use of transfection agents. The DNAzyme also exhibits activity without chemical modification, which we attribute to the underlying nanocapsule design and release of hydrophobically modified nucleic acids as a result of enzymatically triggered disassembly of the NAN. Fluorescence‐based experiments indicate that the surfactant‐conjugated DNAzymes are better able to access a fluorescent mRNA target within a mock lipid bilayer system than the free DNAzyme, highlighting the advantage of the hydrophobic surfactant modification to the nucleic acid ligands. In vitro characterization of DNz–NAN's substrate‐cleavage kinetics, stability in biological serum, and persistence of knockdown against a proinflammatory transcription factor, GATA‐3, are presented.
Cereal bran extracts inhibit the formation of advanced glycation endproducts in a bovine serum albumin/glucose model
Authors: Chen Gengjun , Madl Ronald L. , Smith J. Scott
Published: June 2018

Background and objectives

The adverse health effects of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) is of current interest; some previous research indicates that consuming these compounds may contribute to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The objective of this study was to determine whether cereal bran extract from wheat (Jagger, JA), triticale (Spring Triticale, ST, and Thundercale, TH), and Rye (RY) can inhibit the formation of AGE in a bovine serum albumin/glucose (BSA/GLU) model.

Findings

Nε‐carboxymethyllysine (CML) levels showed ST extract inhibited AGE formation, but TH, RY, and JA extracts did not affect AGE formation in the BSA/GLU system. Subsequent HPLC analysis of ST extract revealed four major phenolic acids: vanillic (VA), chlorogenic (CHA), gentisic (GEA), and ferulic (FA). The results also showed antioxidant and antiglycation properties of these phenolic acids.

Conclusions

GEA and CHA in ST extract were effective free radical scavengers and acted against dicarbonyl compounds.

Significance and novelty

ST bran extract may be considered as a natural source of inhibitors of in vitro formation of AGEs.
N‐Doped Graphene Decorated with Fe/Fe3N/Fe4N Nanoparticles as a Highly Efficient Cathode Catalyst for Rechargeable Li−O2 Batteries
Authors: He Lewei , Wang Gan , Wu Xiangwei , Wen Zhaoyin , Zhang Wenqing
Published: June 2018

The development of low‐cost and highly efficient electrocatalysts for the widespread application in rechargeable Li‐O2 batteries is still a major research challenge. Herein, porous N‐doped graphene, decorated with Fe/Fe3N/Fe4N nanoparticles is designed and synthesized via a one‐step pyrolysis of easily available precursors. It is found that the Fe/Fe3N/Fe4N nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed on the N‐doped graphene substrate, and that both the nanoparticles and the substrate can facilitate the electrochemical reaction. When the rationally designed material is used as cathode in Li‐O2 batteries, it exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, delivering a high capacity of 7397.8 mAh g−1 and showing impressive cycle stability of over 100 steady cycles. The excellent performance of this material is attributed to the good synergistic effect of uniformly distributed nanoparticles and the porosity of the substrate. These results indicate that the N‐doped graphene decorated with Fe/Fe3N/Fe4N is an excellent cathode catalyst for Li‐O2 batteries and would also be a promising new material for other energy storage devices.
Bonding and Mobility of Alkali Metals in Helicenes
Authors: Barroso Jorge , Murillo Fernando , Martínez‐Guajardo Gerardo , Ortíz‐Chi Filiberto , Pan Sudip , Fernández‐Herrera María A. , Merino Gabriel
Published: June 2018

In this work, we analyze the interactions of alkali metal cations with [6]‐ and [14]helicene and the cation mobility of therein. We found that the distortion of the carbon skeleton is the reason that some of the structures which are local minima for the smallest cations are not energetically stable for K+, Rb+, and Cs+. Also, the most favorable complexes are those where the cation is interacting with two rings forming a metallocene‐like structure, except for the largest cation Cs+, where the distortion provoked by the size of the cation destabilizes the complex. As far as mobility is concerned, the smallest cations, particularly Na+, are the ones that can move most efficiently. In [6]helicene, the mobility is limited by the capture of the cation forming the metallocene‐like structure. In larger helicenes, the energy barriers for the cation to move are similar both inside and outside the helix. However, complexes with the cation between two layers are more energetically favored so that the movement will be preferred in that region. The bonding analysis reveals that interactions with no less than 50 % of orbital contribution are taking place for the series of E+‐[6]helicene. Particularly, the complexes of Li+ show remarkable orbital character (72.5–81.6 %).
Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Dibenzothiophenes from 2‐Biphenylyl Disulfides by C−H Functionalization
Authors: Nishino Kota , Ogiwara Yohei , Sakai Norio
Published: June 2018

The palladium‐catalyzed oxidative preparation of dibenzothiophene derivatives from 2‐biphenylyl disulfides by C−H functionalization is described herein. This procedure shows a high tolerance toward various functional groups and does not require the further addition of a metal oxidant, a base, or a ligand. Also, the present method was applied to the facile preparation of dibenzoselenophene.
Direct Prediction of EPR Spectra from Lipid Bilayers: Understanding Structure and Dynamics in Biological Membranes
Authors: Catte Andrea , White Gaye F. , Wilson Mark R. , Oganesyan Vasily S.
Published: June 2018

Of the many biophysical techniques now being brought to bear on studies of membranes, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) of nitroxide spin probes was the first to provide information about both mobility and ordering in lipid membranes. Here, we report the first prediction of variable temperature EPR spectra of model lipid bilayers in the presence and absence of cholesterol from the results of large scale fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Three types of structurally different spin probes were employed in order to study different parts of the bilayer. Our results demonstrate very good agreement with experiment and thus confirm the accuracy of the latest lipid force fields. The atomic resolution of the simulations allows the interpretation of the molecular motions and interactions in terms of their impact on the sensitive EPR line shapes. Direct versus indirect effects of cholesterol on the dynamics of spin probes are analysed. Given the complexity of structural organisation in lipid bilayers, the advantage of using a combined MD‐EPR simulation approach is two‐fold. Firstly, prediction of EPR line shapes directly from MD trajectories of actual phospholipid structures allows unambiguous interpretation of EPR spectra of biological membranes in terms of complex motions. Secondly, such an approach provides an ultimate test bed for the up‐to‐date MD simulation models employed in the studies of biological membranes, an area that currently attracts great attention.
Inducing Isotropic Growth in Multidimensional Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Bhaumik Saikat , Veldhuis Sjoerd A , Muduli Subas Kumar , Li Mingjie , Begum Raihana , Sum Tze Chien , Mhaisalkar Subodh , Mathews Nripan
Published: June 2018

A new two‐step synthetic protocol to yield monodisperse spherical zero‐dimensional (0D) Cs4PbX6 nanocrystals (NCs) and three‐dimensional (3D) CsPbX3 NCs is described. The first step of the reaction involves the colloidal synthesis of spherical PbX2 seed NCs, which are subsequently converted to Cs4PbX6 and CsPbX3 NCs through hot injection of a Cs precursor at the desired reaction temperatures. By employing less reactive Pb and halide precursors, the reaction time was extended from several seconds to about five minutes, thereby allowing greater control during the crystallization and growth stages. The adjustment of halide ratios allows color tuning over a wide spectral range (411–669 nm) for CsPbX3 NCs, with high photoluminescence quantum yields (6–65 %) and narrow emission line widths (ca. 13–30 nm). We envisage our spherical NCs to become a starting point for shell growth (e.g., ZnS, CdS, PbS) by overcoming the difficulty of shell growth around thermodynamically unfavorable (i.e., high surface free energy) cuboid‐shaped NCs.