bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanistische Studien zu Cobalta(III/IV/II)‐Elektrokatalyse: Oxidativ‐induzierte reduktive Eliminierung zur zweifachen C‐H‐Aktivierung
Authors: Meyer Tjark H. , Oliveira João C. A. , Ghorai Debasish , Ackermann Lutz
Published: March 2020

Die Kombination aus Cobalt‐katalysierter C‐H‐Aktivierung und Elektrosynthese ermöglicht zahlreiche neue Möglichkeiten in der ressourcenschonenden molekularen Synthese, allerdings bleibt ihr Wirkungsmechanismus bisher nur wenig verstanden. Innerhalb dieser Studie haben wir die Identifikation und vollständige Charakterisierung von elektrochemisch synthetisierten, hoch‐valenten Cobalt(III/IV)‐Komplexen vorgenommen, die als Schlüsselintermediate in elektrochemischen Cobalt‐katalysierten C‐H‐Oxygenierungen identifiziert werden konnten. Detaillierte mechanistische Studien lieferten Hinweise auf eine oxidativ‐induzierte reduktive Eliminierung ausgehend von hoch‐reaktiven Cobalt(IV)‐Intermediaten. Diese Beobachtung ermöglichte den Zugang zu bisher unbekannter Cobalt‐elektrokatalysierter zweifacher C‐H/C‐H‐Aktivierung.
Problematic Domains of Romantic Relationships as a Function of Attachment Insecurity and Gender
Authors: Muetzelfeld Hannah , Megale Allison , Friedlander Myrna L.
Published: March 2020

Theoretically, securely attached adults view the world as safe and see their romantic partners as emotionally available, supportive, and non‐threatening. Little is known, however, about which relationship domains are most problematic for securely (versus insecurely) attached adults. To fill this gap, we asked 62 adults in committed relationships to complete the Marital Satisfaction Inventory‐Revised (MSI‐R; Snyder, 1997), a measure of the frequency and severity of 10 kinds of couple problems, and the Experiences in Close Relationships‐Revised (ECR‐R; Fraley, Waller, & Brennan, 2000), a measure of attachment insecurity. High Avoidance and Anxiety were associated with numerous relationship problems being rated as frequent and severe. A canonical correlation showed that 26.5% of the variance in the set of relational problem areas was accounted for by attachment insecurity and gender. While greater attachment security was associated with fewer perceived difficulties in affective communication, irrespective of gender, greater Avoidance and Anxiety were associated with more difficulties in this area. Female participants with high Anxiety (and low Avoidance) reported more global relationship and family‐of‐origin distress, but fewer financial disagreements and less difficult problem‐solving communication; conversely, male participants with high Avoidance (and low Anxiety) reported more financial disagreements and difficult problem‐solving communication, but less global relationship and family‐of‐origin distress. These results have implications for practice by suggesting ways in which couples’ attachment dynamics can become manifested in specific kinds of relational difficulties.
Cu(I)‐anchored polyvinyl alcohol coated‐magnetic nanoparticles as heterogeneous nanocatalyst in Ullmann‐type C–N coupling reactions
Authors: Hemmati Saba , Ahany Kamangar Sheida , Yousefi Mohammad , Hashemi Salehi Mirmehdi , Hekmati Malak
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the preparation of a novel magnetic nanocatalyst (Fe3O4@PVA/CuCl) is described, which involves coating of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) onto the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and its subsequent coordination with CuCl catalyst. The nanocatalyst was characterized by various analytical methods, including Fourier‐transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy, vibrating‐sample magnetometry, and EDX elemental mapping. Moreover, the nanocatalyst was efficiently used in the N‐arylation of amines via the formation of a carbon–nitrogen bond between the aryl halides and amines by Ullmann‐type coupling reactions. The catalyst was sufficiently stable and can be reused for at least seven times in a model Ullmann reaction without remarkable alteration in its catalytic behavior. Heterogeneity of the catalyst was investigated by a hot filtration test.
Synthesis, characterization, CT‐DNA binding and docking studies of novel selenated ligands and their palladium complexes
Authors: Prabhu Kumar K.M. , Vasantha Kumar B.C. , Kumar P. Raghavendra , Butcher Ray J. , Vivek H.K. , Suchetan P.A. , Revanasiddappa H.D. , Foro Sabine
Published: March 2020

A novel selenated Schiff base (S)‐L1Hhas been synthesized from (2S)‐1‐(benzylselanyl)‐3‐phenylpropan‐2‐amine which upon reduction formed a reduced Schiff base (S)‐L2H. Palladium (II) complexes (S)‐1and (S)‐2of ligands (S)‐L1Hand (S)‐L2Hrespectively were successfully synthesized. The structures of all four compounds were thoroughly identified by analytical and various spectroscopic techniques. The absolute molecular structures of the above two complexes were further confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Both (S)‐L1Hand (S)‐L2Hcoordinated as monobasic ((S)‐L1–2), chelating, tridentate (Se,N,O−) ligands resulting in the complexes of composition (S)‐[PdCl(L1/2)] [(S)‐1/2]. In the crystals of complexes (S)‐1and (S)‐2, there were moderate to strong Se⋯O, CH⋯Cl and CH⋯O types of intermolecular secondary interactions. CT‐DNA binding activity of these selenium‐containing ligands and their palladium complexes bearing a Pd–Se bond have been evaluated for the first time by performing electronic absorption titration and fluorescence emission quenching using CT‐DNA‐EB and viscometric experiments. These ligands and complexes exhibited remarkable DNA binding activity as shown by their intrinsic DNA binding constants (Kb) and Stern–Volmer constants (Ksv) in the ranges 5.2–9.9 × 104and 3.6–4.7 × 104, respectively. The viscosity of CT‐DNA decreases with increasing concentration of these compounds. The results of the DNA‐binding studies revealed that all of the compounds interact with DNA at a minor groove which was further confirmed by molecular docking studies.
Synthesis and characterization of renewable polyesters based on vanillic acid
Authors: Zhang Silong , Cheng Zhengzai , Zeng Sheng , Li Guangyao , Xiong Jing , Ding Ling , Gauthier Mario
Published: March 2020

Vanillic acid, potentially derived from biosourced feedstocks, was used as starting material in the synthesis of novel polyesters. A diester obtained by esterification and etherification of vanillic acid served as first monomer, in combination with resorcinol bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) ether, hydroquinone bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) ether, or aliphatic diols with different carbon chain lengths as second monomers, and antimony trioxide as catalyst to synthesize a series of polyesters by melt polymerization. The materials obtained had polystyrene‐equivalent M
n = 10,000–19,500 g/mol and M
w = 19,300–39,500 g/mol. Thermal analysis yielded melting temperatures of 76–114°C and onset decomposition temperatures T5% = 321–360°C. Dynamic mechanical and tensile testing confirmed that polyesters derived from vanillic acid have properties superior to poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Aqueous degradation experiments with bulk polyester samples at different pH over 16 weeks led to intrinsic viscosity decreases of 9–23% under neutral conditions (pH 7), 10–26% under acidic conditions (pH 3), and 7–19% under alkaline conditions (pH 12). The results obtained show that the good thermal stability and degradability of vanillic acid‐based polyesters, and the tunability of the properties of these materials through selection of the diol monomer used in their synthesis, make them excellent biosourced replacements for commercial polyesters such as PET.
Extraction of high‐quality, high‐molecular‐weight DNA depends heavily on cell homogenization methods in green microalgae
Authors: Stark Jordan R. , Cardon Zoe G. , Peredo Elena L.
Published: March 2020

Premise

New sequencing technologies have facilitated genomic studies in green microalgae; however, extracting high‐quality DNA is often a bottleneck for long‐read sequencing.

Methods and Results

Here, we present a low‐cost, highly transferrable method for the extraction of high‐molecular‐weight (HMW), high‐purity DNA from microalgae. We first determined the effect of sample preparation on DNA quality using three homogenization methods: manual grinding using a mini‐pestle, automatic grinding using a vortex adapter, and grinding in liquid nitrogen. We demonstrated the versatility of grinding in liquid nitrogen followed by a modified cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) extraction across a suite of aquatic‐ and desert‐evolved algal taxa. Finally, we tested the protocol's robustness by doubling the input material to increase yield, producing per sample up to 20 μg of high‐purity DNA longer than 21.2 kbp.

Conclusions

All homogenization methods produced DNA within acceptable parameters for purity, but only liquid nitrogen grinding resulted in HMW DNA. The optimization of cell lysis while minimizing DNA shearing is therefore crucial for the isolation of DNA for long‐read genomic sequencing because template DNA length strongly affects read output and length.
N‐Arylation of Diketopyrrolopyrroles with Aryl Triflates
Authors: Gutkowski Krzysztof , Skonieczny Kamil , Bugaj Marta , Jacquemin Denis , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: March 2020

A new methodology for the doubleN‐arylation of diketopyrrolopyrroles with aryl triflates has been developed. It is now possible to prepare diketopyrrolopyrroles bearingN‐substituents derived from naphthalene, anthracene and coumarin in two steps from commercially available phenols. This represents the first time arenes lacking strong electron‐withdrawing groups were inserted onto lactamic nitrogen atoms via arylation. The ability to incorporate heretofore unprecedented substituents translates to increased modulation of the resulting photophysical properties such as switching‐on/off solvatofluorochromism. TD‐DFT calculations have been performed to explore the nature of the relevant excited states. This new synthetic method made it possible to elucidate the influence of such substituents on the absorption and emission properties of tetraaryl substituted diketopyrrolopyrroles.
Interface Heteroatom‐doping: Emerging Solutions to Silicon‐based Anodes
Authors: Zhang Fangzhou , Luo Wei , Yang Jianping
Published: March 2020

Silicon‐based composites have been recognized as a promising anode material for high‐energy lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, the intrinsically low conductivity and the huge volume expansion during lithiation/delithiation progresses impede its further practical applications. In the past decades, numerous efforts have been made for surface and interface modification of Si‐based anodes. Among these, doping of active materials with heteroatoms is one promising method to endow silicon many unmatched electrochemical properties. In this review, we focus on the effects of heteroatom doping on the interfacial properties of Si‐based anodes, and some typical strategies for the interface doping are highlighted. We aim to give some reference for interfacial doping of Si‐based anodes in LIBs.
Functional complaints and quality of life after transanal total mesorectal excision: a meta-analysis
Authors: Heijden J A G , Koëter T , Smits L J H , Sietses C , Tuynman J B , Maaskant-Braat A J G , Klarenbeek B R , Wilt J H W
Published: March 2020

Background

Total mesorectal excision (TME) gives excellent oncological results in rectal cancer treatment, but patients may experience functional problems. A novel approach to performing TME is by single-port transanal minimally invasive surgery. This systematic review evaluated the functional outcomes and quality of life after transanal and laparoscopic TME.

Methods

A comprehensive search in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase and the trial registers was conducted in May 2019. PRISMA guidelines were used. Data for meta-analysis were pooled using a random-effects model.

Results

A total of 11 660 studies were identified, from which 14 studies and six conference abstracts involving 846 patients (599 transanal TME, 247 laparoscopic TME) were included. A substantial number of patients experienced functional problems consistent with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). Meta-analysis found no significant difference in major LARS between the two approaches (risk ratio 1·13, 95 per cent c.i. 0·94 to 1·35; P = 0·18). However, major heterogeneity was present in the studies together with poor reporting of functional baseline assessment.

Conclusion

No differences in function were observed between transanal and laparoscopic TME.
Sex differences in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis regulation after chronic unpredictable stress
Authors: Palumbo Michelle C. , Dominguez Sky , Dong Hongxin
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Exposure to stress, mediated through the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, elicits sex differences in endocrine, neurological, and behavioral responses. However, the sex‐specific factors that confer resilience or vulnerability to stress and stress‐associated psychiatric disorders remain largely unknown. The evident sex differences in stress‐related disease prevalence suggest the underlying differences in the neurobiological underpinnings of HPA axis regulation.

Method

Here, we used a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) model to investigate the behavioral and biochemical responses of the HPA axis in C57BL/6 mice. Animals were tested in the open field and forced swim test to examine anxiety‐like and depressive‐like behaviors. Plasma corticosterone levels were measured after behavior and CUS, and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression and cytosolic and nuclear fractions of binding protein FKBP51 expression were taken to measure function and regulation of the stress response.

Results

Our results indicate increased depressive‐like behavior in males and females which correlated with increased corticosterone levels following CUS. However, females displayed more anxiety‐like behaviors with and without CUS. Interestingly, we found trends toward dysregulation of GR protein expression in CUS females, and an increase in the GR inhibitory protein, FKBP51, in the cytosol of CUS males but not females.

Conclusion

These results suggest biochemical alterations to the HPA axis regulation which may elicit a glucocorticoid resistance in females after chronic stress and may contribute to the sex‐biased vulnerability to stress‐related psychiatric disorders.
Next‐generation sequencing for BCR‐ABL1 kinase domain mutations in adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A position paper
Authors: Soverini Simona , Albano Francesco , Bassan Renato , Fabbiano Francesco , Ferrara Felicetto , Foà Robin , Olivieri Attilio , Rambaldi Alessandro , Rossi Giuseppe , Sica Simona , Specchia Giorgina , Venditti Adriano , Barosi Giovanni , Pane Fabrizio
Published: March 2020

Emergence of clones carrying point mutations in the BCR‐ABL1 kinase domain (KD) is a common mechanism of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)‐based therapies in Philadelphia chromosome‐positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Sanger sequencing (SS) is the most frequently used method for diagnostic BCR‐ABL1 KD mutation screening, but it has some limitations—it is poorly sensitive and cannot robustly identify compound mutations. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) may overcome these problems. NSG is increasingly available and has the potential to become the method of choice for diagnostic BCR‐ABL1 KD mutation screening. A group discussion within an ad hoc constituted Panel of Experts has produced a series of consensus‐based statements on the potential value of NGS testing before and during first‐line TKI‐based treatment, in relapsed/refractory cases, before and after allo‐stem cell transplantation, and on how NGS results may impact on therapeutic decisions. A set of minimal technical and methodological requirements for the analysis and the reporting of results has also been defined. The proposals herein reported may be used to guide the practical use of NGS for BCR‐ABL1 KD mutation testing in Ph+ ALL.
Exploring garment rental as a sustainable business model in the fashion industry: Does contamination impact the consumption experience?
Authors: Clube Rebecca K. M. , Tennant Mike
Published: March 2020

Fashion has evolved into an unsustainable industry; fast fashion, which has a low‐cost, high‐volume focus is the dominant business strategy, resulting in vast resource use and environmental externalities. The purpose of this research is to support the transition to a more circular industry through exploring the opportunity for short‐term garment rental as a part of a product‐service shift. A number of consumer barriers exist to the adoption of novel business models. Included is the issue of contamination; literature suggests that an item may be considered contaminated when another person or object interacts with it. This poses a fundamental conflict to the garment rental proposition. This study furthers understanding of contamination through a qualitative content analysis of 566 online reviews of two existing fashion rental providers. This enables insight into the actual customer experience, revealing a range of contamination incidences—most commonly visual and odour‐related. The impact of a contamination event on the customer experience was overwhelmingly recorded as negative, at worst resulting in total rejection of the entire rental concept. The analysis suggests that contamination presents a psychological and practical obstacle to successful rental. A range of managerial implications were raised with corresponding recommendations offered to mitigate and reduce contamination across the value chain. The study highlights that trade‐offs exist between product quality and commercial profitability. Findings suggest that rental is likely to be a challenging business model, raising the need for further academic and practitioner research to augment the findings.
Isolation, Characterization, and Possible Anti‐Alzheimer's Disease Activities of Bisabolane‐Type Sesquiterpenoid Derivatives and Phenolics from the Rhizomes of Curcuma longa
Authors: Wu Pei‐Qian , Li Bing , Yu Yi‐Fan , Su Pan‐Jie , Liu Xu , Zhang Zong‐Ping , Zhi De‐Juan , Qi Feng‐Ming , Fei Dong‐Qing , Zhang Zhan‐Xin
Published: March 2020

One new bisabolane‐type sesquiterpenoid, together with four known bisabolane‐type sesquiterpenoid derivatives and seven phenolics, was isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic (IR, HR‐ESI‐MS, and NMR) data analysis. The possible anti‐Alzheimer's disease (AD) activities of the isolated compounds were also evaluated using Caenorhabditis elegans AD pathological model, and 1β‐hydroxybisabola‐2,10‐dien‐4‐one had the highest possible anti‐AD activity.
Changes in phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and volatile compounds during processing of fermented sorghum grain tea
Authors: Sun Hongyi , Wang Haoxin , Zhang Pangzhen , Ajlouni Said , Fang Zhongxiang
Published: March 2020

Background and objective

Sorghum is an important cereal crop with abundant content of polyphenols and may be used to develop nutraceutical sorghum grain tea. This study investigated the changes of phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and volatile compounds in sorghum grain during the production of fermented sorghum grain tea using Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. Argentoratensis (LAB) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Findings

Significant (p < .05) changes in total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and condensed tannin content (CTC) were observed during the soaking, fermentation, steaming, and roasting process. TPC, TFC, and CTC were significantly decreased after soaking, steaming, and fermentation stages, whereas roasting led to a significant increase. A total of 53 volatile compounds were recorded from raw and processed sorghum. Pyrazines, phenols, and esters were the most abundant volatile compounds. Alcohols, carboxylic acids, ketones, and alkanes decreased during processing. Esters increased during soaking, steaming, and fermentation but decreased during roasting.

Conclusions

Processing affected the phenolic content significantly (p < .05) and changed the volatile profiles of sorghum grain. Fermented sorghum grain tea by Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed a higher possibility of being developed as sorghum grain tea.

Significance and novelty

The study developed a practical method to process novel sorghum grain tea products.
Severe esophageal stenosis in a patient with metastatic colon cancer following palliative radiotherapy, ramucirumab, and chemotherapy
Authors: Akahane Keiko , Shirai Katsuyuki , Wakatsuki Masaru , Ogawa Kazunari , Minato Kyosuke , Hamamoto Kohei , Takahashi Satoru , Suzuki Koichi , Takahashi Jun , Rikiyama Toshiki , Matsumoto Keita , Mashima Hirosato
Published: March 2020

Antiangiogenic agents, such as ramucirumab, should be cautiously administered along with radiotherapy because of the enhanced risk of adverse events.
Acquired von Willebrand syndrome and lymphoproliferative disorders: A case report
Authors: Nicol Christophe , Raj Leela , Guillerm Gaëlle , Couturaud Francis , Eveillard Jean‐Richard , Pan‐Petesch Brigitte
Published: March 2020

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome is a rare bleeding disorder often secondary to an underlying lymphoproliferative disorder. We report a case in whom response of both the acquired von Willebrand syndrome and smoldering multiple myeloma persist 14 months after daratumumab treatment discontinuation.
A mandibular second molar with a middle mesial root canal
Authors: Nagahara Takayoshi , Takeda Katsuhiro , Wada Keinoshin , Shirawachi Satomi , Iwata Tomoyuki , Kurihara Hidemi , Shiba Hideki
Published: March 2020

The present case report describes the clinical detection and root canal management of a rare middle mesial canal of a Japanese mandibular second molar by troughing preparation using an operating microscope and cone‐beam computed tomography.
The use of His bundle pacing for the treatment of painful left bundle branch block syndrome
Authors: Smith Kevin Andrew , Frey Julie , McKenzie Amber , Hornsby Kyle , Strobel John
Published: March 2020

Painful left bundle branch block syndrome is a rare disorder in which patients develop typical angina‐like pain without identifiable ischemia. To date, there have been few published cases of effective treatment. In this case report, we describe successful implementation of His bundle pacing for durable symptom resolution in this disorder.
Comparing Career Development Outcomes Among Undergraduate Students in Cognitive Information Processing Theory–Based Versus Human Relations Courses
Authors: Osborn Debra S. , Sides Ryan D. , Brown Caitlyn A.
Published: March 2020

The effectiveness of undergraduate career courses has been demonstrated for multiple variables, including career certainty, maturity, decision‐making skills, and reduction of dysfunctional career thoughts. Although such studies used the career course as an intervention, most failed to include a comparison course, nor were grounded in career theory. This study used a comparison group of 152 undergraduates enrolled in career development courses and 50 students enrolled in undergraduate human relations courses. Pre‐ and posttest comparisons indicated that the career course yielded significant improvements in career decision state, cognitive information processing (CIP) skills, career decision‐making stage, knowledge of next steps, and anxiety about current career concern, but the human relations course did not. The CIP‐based career course is supported as a valid career intervention, and individuals may benefit from targeted interventions depending on their CASVE cycle position. Future research might compare different career theory–based or atheoretical career courses on career development outcomes.
A Comparison of Beginning and Expert Supervisors’ Supervision Cognitions
Authors: Kemer Gulsah
Published: March 2020

Beginning and expert supervisors’ cognitions and cognitive structures were compared via concept mapping, a mixed methods design. Both beginning and expert supervisors reported a variety of cognitions representing developmental characteristics in 3 areas: assessment of supervisees, conceptualization and management of supervision, and supervisory relationship.
Insights into Electroreductive Dehalogenation Mechanisms of Chlorinated Environmental Pollutants
Authors: Yin Hanshuang , Cao Xingkai , Lei Chao , Chen Wenqian , Huang Binbin
Published: March 2020

The electroreductive cleavage of carbon‐chloro bonds has attracted increasing attention from both environmental and mechanistic points of view over the past decades, taking into consideration a large variety of chlorinated organic compounds. Important discoveries have been made on the underlying electron/hydrogen transfer mechanisms and the enhancement of dechlorination performance for electrocatalysis purposes over the last years. However, there is still missing a combined knowledge from individual researches to specially elucidate the electroreductive dehalogenation mechanisms of organic chlorides. Herein, we summarize the diverse electrochemical strategies applied to reductive dehalogenation of chlorinated environmental pollutants, including direct electrochemical reduction, electrocatalytic hydro‐dechlorination and electrochemically mediated reduction methods, and, especially, highlight the differences in reductive dehalogenation mechanisms. Specifically, direct electron transfer is the most common dechlorination mechanism involved in the direct electrochemical reduction of organic chlorides, in which the electron transfer to C−Cl bonds can be classified as concerted or stepwise dissociative electron transfer mechanism. Indirect atomic hydrogen reduction is the primary dechlorination mechanism in the electrocatalytic hydro‐dechlorination process, which often competes with the direct electrochemical reduction route. Electrochemically mediated reduction, as another indirect route, uses a redox‐active mediator to indirectly transfer electrons from cathode to organic chlorides, resulting in reductive dehalogenation reaction. Moreover, the effects of critical factors on the dehalogenation reactivity and mechanisms are also discussed to better demonstrate the electroreductive dehalogenation of organic chlorides. Lastly, this contribution highlights recent relevant advances in electroreductive dehalogenation issues, as well as the challenges and potentials of this process.
A numerical study on critical ventilation velocity in slope tunnel fire under vehicle blockage
Authors: Liang Huagang , Pang Liqin , Gao Dongmei
Published: March 2020

The particularity of highway tunnel location and the limitation of space result in the closure of its environment, which makes evacuation, rescue, and firefighting activities more difficult. In this study, a fire dynamics simulator was used for numerical simulation to study the effect of jamming on the critical velocity of slope tunnel fire. This experiment carried out two sets of working conditions simulations: (1) In the straight tunnel, the heat release rate and the blockage ratio are considered and numerically simulated. (2) Under the heat release rate of 20 MW fire source, the blockage ratio and the gradient of the tunnel are considered and numerically simulated. The vehicle blockage is set to distribute in two rows and two columns upstream of the fire source, accounting for 6.6%‐22.0% of the cross‐section of the tunnel. The slopes were selected in nine cases of 0%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, and ±4%. The six heat release rates were 5 MW, 10 MW, 15 MW, 20 MW, 25 MW, and 30 MW, respectively. The fire occurred on the tunnel centerline. The results show that in flat tunnels, the variation trend of critical velocity with heat release rate is basically the same, and it increases with the increase of heat release rate. However, when the heat release rate is the same, the larger the vehicle blockage ratio is, the smaller the critical velocity is. It can be seen from the second experimental case that the influence of the tunnel slope on the critical velocity is different. In the downhill tunnel, the critical velocity increases with the increase of slope. In the uphill tunnel, the critical velocity decreases with the increase of slope.
A Versatile Approach to Dynamic Amide Bond Formation with Imine Nucleophiles
Authors: Erguven Huseyin , Keyzer Evan N. , Arndtsen Bruce A.
Published: March 2020

Dynamic covalent chemistry has rapidly become an important approach to access supramolecular structures. While the products generated in these reactions are held together by covalent bonds, the reversible nature of the transformations can limit the utility of many these systems in creating robust materials. We describe herein a method to form stable and commonly employed amide bonds by exploiting the reversible coupling of imines and acyl chlorides. The reaction employs easily accessible reagents, is dynamic under ambient conditions, without catalysts, and can be trapped with simple hydrolysis. This offers an approach to create broad families of amide products under thermodynamic control, including the selective formation of amide macrocycles or polymers.
Comparative in vitro Studies of the Topoisomerase I Inhibition and Anticancer Activities of Metallated N‐Confused Porphyrins and Metallated Porphyrins
Authors: Halder Nyancy , Dzhemileva Lilya U. , Ramazanov Ilfir R. , D'yakonov Vladimir A. , Dzhemilev Usein M. , Rath Harapriya
Published: March 2020

Using the original approach, a series of metallated N‐confused porphyrins and metallated porphyrins have been synthesized and characterized. For all the synthesized porphyrins, in vitro studies of cytotoxic activity against K562, U937, HL‐60, Jurkat, A549 and HeLa cancer cell lines, the ability to induce apoptosis and effects on the cell cycle as well as the kinetics of proliferative activity of porphyrins and their respective metallated complexes in real time have been developed. The inhibitory activity of metallated porphyrins against human topoisomerase I and the possible mechanism of inhibition have been carried out by modelling using molecular docking.
Synthetic Peroxides Promote Apoptosis of Cancer Cells by Inhibiting P‐Glycoprotein ABCB5
Authors: Yaremenko Ivan A. , Coghi Paolo , Prommana Parichat , Qiu Congling , Radulov Peter S. , Qu Yuanqing , Belyakova Yulia Yu. , Zanforlin Enrico , Kokorekin Vladimir A. , Wu Yuki Yu Jun , Fleury Fabrice , Uthaipibull Chairat , Wong Vincent Kam Wai , Terent'ev Alexander O.
Published: March 2020

This article discloses a new horizon for the application of peroxides in medical chemistry. Stable cyclic peroxides are demonstrated to have cytotoxic activity against cancer cells; in addition a mechanism of cytotoxic action is proposed. Synthetic bridged 1,2,4,5‐tetraoxanes and ozonides were effective against HepG2 cancer cells and some ozonides selectively targeted liver cancer cells (the selectivity indexes for compounds 11 b and 12 a are 8 and 5, respectively). In some cases, tetraoxanes and ozonides were more selective than paclitaxel, artemisinin, and artesunic acid. Annexin V flow‐cytometry analysis revealed that the active ozonides 22 a and 23 a induced cell death of HepG2 by apoptosis. Further study showed that compounds 22 a and 23 a exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp/ABCB5)‐overexpressing HepG2 cancer cells. ABCB5 is a key player in the multidrug‐resistant phenotype of liver cancer. Peroxides failed to demonstrate a direct correlation between oxidative potential and their biological activity. To our knowledge this is the first time that peroxide diastereoisomers have been found to show stereospecific antimalarial action against the chloroquine‐sensitive 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Stereoisomeric ozonide 12 b is 11 times more active than stereoisomeric ozonide 12 a (IC50=5.81 vs 65.18 μm). Current findings mean that ozonides merit further investigation as potential therapeutic agents for drug‐resistant hepatocellular carcinoma.
Association of adverse events and associated cost with efficacy for approved relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma regimens: A Bayesian network meta‐analysis of phase 3 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Dhakal Binod , Narra Ravi K. , Giri Smith , Szabo Aniko , Smunt Timothy L. , Ghose Sanjoy , Pathak Lakshmi Kant , Aryal Madan , Hamadani Mehdi , Chhabra Saurabh , Janz Siegfried , D’Souza Anita , Hari Parameswaran N.
Published: March 2020

Background

Several new treatment options have been approved for relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). In this systematic review, associations of the efficacy of each approved regimen with adverse events (AEs) and the total cost per cycle were compared with a Bayesian network meta‐analysis (NMA) of phase 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed Publisher, and Web of Science were searched from January 1999 to July 2018 for phase 3 RCTs of regimens (approved by the US Food and Drug Administration) used in RRMM. The relative ranking of agents was assessed with surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) probabilities. The primary efficacy, safety, and cost outcomes were progression‐free survival with the regimen, grade 3 to 4 AEs, and the total cost per cycle (regimen cost plus average cost of managing AEs).

Results

Fifteen studies including 7718 patients and evaluating 14 different regimens were identified. Daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone were ranked highest for reducing progression (hazard ratio, 0.13; 95% credible interval, 0.09‐0.19; SUCRA, 1) but carried the highest probability of total cost per cycle ($41,420; 95% Credible Interval [CrCl], $58,665‐$78,041; SUCRA, 0.02). Panobinostat, bortezomib, and dexamethasone were the least effective and least safe (SUCRA, 0.24), whereas bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone emerged as least effective with the highest total cost per cycle (SUCRA, 0.33). Carfilzomib and dexamethasone emerged as the winner when this regimen was considered in terms of efficacy and safety (SUCRA, 0.61) and efficacy and total cost per cycle (SUCRA, 0.60).

Conclusions

The results of this NMA can provide additional guidance for the decision‐making process when one is choosing the most appropriate regimen for RRMM.
Preparation and Characterization of Silver(I) Ethylcellulose Thin Films as Potential Food Packaging Materials
Authors: Scarpelli Francesca , Crispini Alessandra , Giorno Eugenia , Marchetti Fabio , Pettinari Riccardo , Di Nicola Corrado , De Santo Maria Penelope , Fuoco Erica , Berardi Riccardo , Alfano Pasquale , Caputo Paolino , Policastro Debora , Oliviero Rossi Cesare , Aiello Iolinda
Published: March 2020

Ag(I)‐containing ethylcellulose (EC) films suitable as antbacterial packaging materials have been prepared and fully characterized. Different preparation methods, including the use of green casting solvents, are proposed. The Ag(I) acylpyrazolonato complexes, [Ag(Qpy,CF3)(L)], L=benzylimidazole (Bzim) and L=ethylimidazole (EtimH), used as active additives, display different modes of interactions with EC, depending on their structural features. A thorough investigation of the EC liquid‐crystalline lyotropic phase and its changes with the introduction of silver additives, has been conducted, revealing either the inclusion of complex molecules into the inner structure of the EC matrix or their dispersion on its surface. Moreover, the bactericidal activity of the prepared Ag(I) films seems to be related to the interaction between silver additives and the polymeric EC matrix. Indeed, the EC‐2b films show a particularly good performance even with a low silver content, with a relative bacterial killing of about 100 %. Tests for Ag(I) migration have been performed by using three food stimulants under two assay conditions. Low values of silver release are recorded, particularly at low concentration of silver content, in the case of all new prepared Ag(I) films.
Heterogeneous Catalytic Hydrogenation of Levulinic Acid to γ‐Valerolactone with Formic Acid as Internal Hydrogen Source
Authors: Yu Zhihao , Lu Xuebin , Xiong Jian , Li Xiaoyun , Bai Hui , Ji Na
Published: March 2020

As one of the most promising biomass‐based platform molecules, γ‐valerolactone (GVL) can be synthesized from a variety of lignocellulosic feedstocks through different hydrogen supply pathways. Among these transformation routes, the hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to GVL by using formic acid (FA) as the internal hydrogen source is regarded as a critical path for the sustainable development of renewable energy systems. Although a large number of studies on the synthesis of GVL have been reported, the FA/LA catalytic system has not been interpreted as thoroughly as it should be. In this Minireview, core concerns are focused on key issues and their effects in this FA/LA catalytic system. The catalytic mechanism, together with competitive adsorption behavior between FA and LA on heterogeneous catalysts, is presented. The effects of active metal species and catalyst supports on the overall catalytic performance are summarized, and the influences of key condition parameters, including the time, temperature, FA/LA molar ratios, and aqueous solvent, are discussed. In particular, impacts and improvements of coke deposition and metal leaching, which could greatly affect the catalyst stability, are analyzed in detail. Additionally, several feasible suggestions for the enhancement of the catalytic efficiency and stability are also proposed.
Simple, secure, and lightweight mechanism for mutual authentication of nodes in tiny wireless sensor networks
Authors: Jain Usha , Hussain Muzzammil , Kakarla Jagadeesh
Published: March 2020

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are widely used in large areas of applications; due to advancements in technology, very tiny sensors are readily available, and their usage reduces the cost. The mechanisms designed for wireless networks cannot be implied on networks with tiny nodes due to battery and computational constraints. Understanding the significance of security in WSNs and resource constraintness of tiny WSNs, we propose a node authentication mechanism for nodes in wireless sensor networks to avoid security attacks and establish secure communication between them. In the proposed mechanism, a base station (BS) generates a secret value and random value for each sensor node and stores at the node. The sensor node authenticates using secret value and random number. Random nonce ensures freshness, efficiency, and robustness. The proposed mechanism is lightweight cryptographic, hence requires very less computational, communication, and storage resources. Security analysis of the proposed mechanism could not detect any security attack on it, and the mechanism was found to incur less storage, communication, and computation overheads. Hence, the proposed mechanism is best suitable for wireless sensor networks with tiny nodes.
Peripheral endothelial dysfunction in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Scherbakov Nadja , Szklarski Marvin , Hartwig Jelka , Sotzny Franziska , Lorenz Sebastian , Meyer Antje , Grabowski Patricia , Doehner Wolfram , Scheibenbogen Carmen
Published: March 2020

Aims

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex multisystem disease. Evidence for disturbed vascular regulation comes from various studies showing cerebral hypoperfusion and orthostatic intolerance. The peripheral endothelial dysfunction (ED) has not been sufficiently investigated in patients with ME/CFS. The aim of the present study was to examine peripheral endothelial function in patients with ME/CFS.

Methods and results

Thirty‐five patients [median age 40 (range 18–70) years, mean body mass index 23.8 ± 4.2 kg/m2, 31% male] with ME/CFS were studied for peripheral endothelial function assessed by peripheral arterial tonometry (EndoPAT2000). Clinical diagnosis of ME/CFS was based on Canadian Criteria. Nine of these patients with elevated antibodies against β2‐adrenergic receptor underwent immunoadsorption, and endothelial function was measured at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months follow‐up. ED was defined by reactive hyperaemia index ≤1.81. Twenty healthy subjects of similar age and body mass index were used as a control group. Peripheral ED was found in 18 of 35 patients (51%) with ME/CFS and in 4 healthy subjects (20%, P < 0.05). Patients with ED, in contrast to patients with normal endothelial function, reported more severe disease according to Bell score (31 ± 12 vs. 40 ± 16, P = 0.04), as well as more severe fatigue‐related symptoms (8.62 ± 0.87 vs. 7.75 ± 1.40, P = 0.04) including a higher demand for breaks [9.0 (interquartile range 7.0–10.0) vs. 7.5 (interquartile range 6.0–9.25), P = 0.04]. Peripheral ED showed correlations with more severe immune‐associated symptoms (r = −0.41, P = 0.026), such as sore throat (r = −0.38, P = 0.038) and painful lymph nodes (r = −0.37, P = 0.042), as well as more severe disease according to Bell score (r = 0.41, P = 0.008) and symptom score (r = −0.59, P = 0.005). There were no differences between the patient group with ED and the patient group with normal endothelial function regarding demographic, metabolic, and laboratory parameters. Further, there was no difference in soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule levels. At baseline, peripheral ED was observed in six patients who underwent immunoadsorption. After 12 months, endothelial function had improved in five of these six patients (reactive hyperaemia index 1.58 ± 0.15 vs. 2.02 ± 0.46, P = 0.06).

Conclusions

Peripheral ED is frequent in patients with ME/CFS and associated with disease severity and severity of immune symptoms. As ED is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, it is important to elucidate if peripheral ED is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in ME/CFS.
Beta 3 adrenoreceptors protect from hypertrophic remodelling through AMP‐activated protein kinase and autophagy
Authors: Dubois‐Deruy Emilie , Gelinas Roselle , Beauloye Christophe , Esfahani Hrag , Michel Lauriane Y.M. , Dessy Chantal , Bertrand Luc , Balligand Jean‐Luc
Published: March 2020

Aims

The abundance of beta 3‐adrenergic receptors (β3‐ARs) is upregulated in diseased human myocardium. We previously showed that cardiac‐specific expression of β3‐AR inhibits the hypertrophic response to neurohormonal stimulation. Here, we further analysed signalling pathways involved in the anti‐hypertrophic effect of β3‐AR.

Methods and results

In vitro hypertrophic responses to phenylephrine (PE) were analysed in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM) infected with a recombinant adenovirus expressing the human β3‐AR (AdVhβ3). We confirmed results in mice with cardiomyocyte‐specific moderate expression of human β3‐AR (β3‐TG) and wild‐type (WT) littermates submitted to thoracic transverse aortic constriction (TAC) for 9 weeks. We observed a colocalization of β3‐AR with the AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) both in neonatal rat and in adult mouse cardiomyocytes. Treatment of NRVM with PE induced hypertrophy and a decrease in phosphorylation of Thr172‐AMPK (/2, P = 0.0487) and phosphorylation of Ser79‐acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) (/2.6, P = 0.0317), inducing an increase in phosphorylated Ser235/236 S6 protein (×2.5, P = 0.0367) known to be involved in protein synthesis. These effects were reproduced by TAC in WT mice but restored to basal levels in β3‐AR expressing cells/mice. siRNA targeting of AMPK partly abrogated the anti‐hypertrophic effect of β3‐AR in response to PE in NRVM. Concomitant with hypertrophy, autophagy was decreased by PE, as measured by microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)‐II/LC3‐I ratio (/2.6, P = 0.0010) and p62 abundance (×3, P = 0.0016) in NRVM or by TAC in WT mice (LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio: /5.4, P = 0.0159), but preserved in human β3‐AR expressing cells and mice, together with reduced hypertrophy.

Conclusions

Cardiac‐specific moderate expression of β3‐AR inhibits the hypertrophic response in part through AMPK activation followed by inhibition of protein synthesis and preservation of autophagy. Activation of the cardiac β3‐AR pathway may provide future therapeutic avenues for the modulation of hypertrophic remodelling.
Sacubitril/valsartan in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction with end‐stage of renal disease
Authors: Lee Seonhwa , Oh Jaewon , Kim Hyoeun , Ha Jaehyung , Chun Kyeong‐hyeon , Lee Chan Joo , Park Sungha , Lee Sang‐Hak , Kang Seok‐Min
Published: March 2020

Aims

Sacubitril/valsartan (SV) reduced heart failure hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality compared with enalapril in the Prospective Comparison of ARNI with ACE‐I to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure trial. However, this trial excluded patients with end stage of renal disease (ESRD); thus, the efficacy and safety of SV in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with ESRD remains uncertain.

Methods and results

We retrospectively analysed the clinical and laboratory data of 501 HFrEF patients who administered with SV from March 2017 to April 2019 in a single tertiary university hospital. A total of 23 HFrEF patients with ESRD on dialysis [58.3% non‐ischaemic heart failure; left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): 29.7 ± 4.4%] were included in this study. At baseline and follow‐up visit, we evaluated cardiovascular biomarkers such as high‐sensitive troponin T (hsTnT), soluble ST2 (sST2), echocardiographic parameters, and clinical and adverse events. The mean dose of SV was 90 ± 43 mg/day at baseline and 123 ± 62 mg/day at last follow‐up (follow‐up duration: median 132 days). The level of hsTnT was significantly reduced from 236.2 ± 355.3 to 97.0 ± 14.0 pg/mL (P = 0.002), and the sST2 level was significantly reduced from 40.4 ± 44.0 to 19.6 ± 14.1 ng/mL (P = 0.005). LVEF was significantly improved from 29.7 ± 4.4% to 40.8 ± 10.4% (P = 0.002). During the follow‐up, up‐titration, down‐titration, and maintenance of SV dosing were observed in 7 (30%), 5 (21.7%), and 11 patients (47.8%), respectively. SV down‐titration group had adverse events including symptomatic hypotension (systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg) (n = 4) and dizziness (n = 1), but they did not discontinue SV therapy.

Conclusions

We found that SV could safely reduce the hsTnT and sST2 levels and improve LVEF in HFrEF patients with ESRD. As far as we know, this is the first study to show the efficacy and safety of SV in HFrEF with ESRD on dialysis. Larger prospective, long‐term follow‐up study should be warranted.
A sample coordination method to monitor totals of environmental variables
Authors: Zhao Xin , Grafström Anton
Published: March 2020

A new sampling strategy for design‐based environmental monitoring is proposed. It has the potential to produce superior estimators for totals of environmental variables and their changes over time. In the strategy, we combine two concepts known as spatially balanced sampling and coordination of samples. Spatially balanced sampling can provide superior estimators of totals, while coordination of samples over time is often used to improve estimators of change. Compared with reference strategies, we show that the new strategy can improve the precision of the estimators of totals and their change simultaneously. A forest inventory application is used to illustrate the new strategy and the results can be summarized as (i) using auxiliary information to spread the sample can improve the estimators of totals; (ii) a positive coordination of the samples reduced the variance of the estimator of change by more than 37% compared with independent samples; and (iii) a high overlap between successive samples does not guarantee a good estimator of change. The presented strategy can be used to develop more efficient environmental monitoring programs.