bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sure Independence Screening
Authors: Fan Jianqing , Lv Jinchi
Published: February 2018

Big data is ubiquitous in various fields of sciences, engineering, medicine, social sciences, and humanities. It is often accompanied by a large number of variables and features. While adding much greater flexibility to modeling with enriched feature space, ultrahigh‐dimensional data analysis poses fundamental challenges to scalable learning and inference with good statistical efficiency. Sure independence screening is a simple and effective method to this endeavor. This framework of two‐scale statistical learning, consisting of large‐scale screening followed by moderate‐scale variable selection introduced in Fan and Lv (2008), has been extensively investigated and extended to various model settings ranging from parametric to semiparametric and nonparametric for regression, classification, and survival analysis. This article provides an overview of the developments of sure independence screening over the past decade. These developments demonstrate the wide applicability of the sure independence screening‐based learning and inference for big data analysis with desired scalability and theoretical guarantees.
The International Prize in Statistics
Authors: Wasserstein Ronald L.
Published: February 2018

Prominent science awards, such as the Nobel, Clay Millennium, Abel, and Shaw Prizes, garner attention each year from the media and the public as well as respect from other scientists. People in our profession noted for decades that statistics has no major international award, to no avail. However, developments in the past several years made the timing right to bring this award to the forefront. Never before has statistics experienced the convergence of factors – the media's focus on Big Data, rising interest by young people in statistics, across‐the‐board support from all the major statistical organizations, and a strong desire and commitment among statisticians to increase the public profile of the statistics profession. In the midst of this convergence, the International Prize in Statistics was launched. In this article, we will review the conditions that led to the discussion of the prize, the history behind its creation, the structure of the International Prize Foundation, the criteria for the prize, and the awarding of the first International Prize in Statistics.
Grey Systems in Reliability
Authors: Talafuse Thomas P. , Pohl Edward A.
Published: February 2018

This article focuses on the use of models derived from grey systems theory as effective methods for reliability prediction and reliability growth modeling. The ability of grey systems models to handle limited data quantities, missing information, and unknown information makes a compelling case for use in the reliability realm. An introduction to grey systems theory and the GM(1,1) model is presented, and two highlights from recent literature showing application of grey systems models for reliability estimation are discussed. Grey systems models are used to estimate component reliability from masked system life data and are also used to model reliability growth for complex systems when failure data are sparse. Future applications of grey systems models to reliability problems are considered in this emerging line of research. References are given to recent work.
AdaptiveMonteCarlo Integration
Authors: Huber Mark
Published: February 2018

Adaptive Monte Carlo algorithms use randomness to approximate integrals and sums. They adapt in two ways. Some use a number of samples that automatically adjust themselves based on the problem under consideration. Others change the domain from which the sample is taken based on previous samples. Both kinds of methods typically have robust guarantees on the relative error of the resulting estimates.
Advances in Manganese‐Based Oxides Cathodic Electrocatalysts for Li–Air Batteries
Authors: Liu Bao , Sun Yinglun , Liu Li , Xu Shan , Yan Xingbin
Published: February 2018

Li–air batteries, characteristic of superhigh theoretical specific energy density, cost‐efficiency, and environment‐friendly merits, have aroused ever‐increasing attention. Nevertheless, relatively low Coulomb efficiency, severe potential hysteresis, and poor rate capability, which mainly result from sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics, as well as pitiful cycle stability caused by parasitic reactions, extremely limit their practical applications. Manganese (Mn)‐based oxides and their composites can exhibit high ORR and OER activities, reduce charge/discharge overpotential, and improve the cycling stability when used as cathodic catalyst materials. Herein, energy storage mechanisms for Li–air batteries are summarized, followed by a systematic overview of the progress of manganese‐based oxides (MnO2 with different crystal structures, MnO, MnOOH, Mn2O3, Mn3O4, MnOx, perovskite‐type and spinel‐type manganese oxides, etc.) cathodic materials for Li–air batteries in the recent years. The focus lies on the effects of crystal structure, design strategy, chemical composition, and microscopic physical parameters on ORR and OER activities of various Mn‐based oxides, and even the overall performance of Li–air batteries. Finally, a prospect of the research for Mn‐based oxides cathodic catalysts in the future is made, and some new insights for more reasonable design of Mn‐based oxides electrocatalysts with higher catalytic efficiency are provided.
Kinetics of Space Charge Storage in Composites
Authors: Chen Chia‐Chin , Navickas Edvinas , Fleig Jürgen , Maier Joachim
Published: February 2018

Composites of ion and electron conducting phases allow for interfacial storage of a neutral component via space charge effects. The present contribution considers the rate of transport‐controlled incorporation and excorporation in such artificial mixed conductors. The upper limit of the relaxation time is determined by interfacial job‐sharing diffusion which is analyzed in greater detail. In general cases bulk phases assist by migration processes (dual phase transport). For more complex morphological situations, the considerations are complemented by numerical calculations. Thus the treatment also offers a pertinent approach with respect to the kinetics of solid state supercapacitors. Selected experimental results are included in the discussion.
Tailoring the Surface Chemical Reactivity of Transition‐Metal Dichalcogenide PtTe2 Crystals
Authors: Politano Antonio , Chiarello Gennaro , Kuo Chia‐Nung , Lue Chin Shan , Edla Raju , Torelli Piero , Pellegrini Vittorio , Boukhvalov Danil W.
Published: February 2018

PtTe2 is a novel transition‐metal dichalcogenide hosting type‐II Dirac fermions that displays application capabilities in optoelectronics and hydrogen evolution reaction. Here it is shown, by combining surface science experiments and density functional theory, that the pristine surface of PtTe2 is chemically inert toward the most common ambient gases (oxygen and water) and even in air. It is demonstrated that the creation of Te vacancies leads to the appearance of tellurium‐oxide phases upon exposing defected PtTe2 surfaces to oxygen or ambient atmosphere, which is detrimental for the ambient stability of uncapped PtTe2‐based devices. On the contrary, in PtTe2 surfaces modified by the joint presence of Te vacancies and substitutional carbon atoms, the stable adsorption of hydroxyl groups is observed, an essential step for water splitting and the water–gas shift reaction. These results thus pave the way toward the exploitation of this class of Dirac materials in catalysis.
Monodisperse CNT Microspheres for High Permeability and Efficiency Flow‐Through Filtration Applications
Authors: Copic Davor , Maggini Laura , De Volder Michael
Published: February 2018

Carbon nanotube (CNT)‐based filters have the potential to revolutionize water treatment because of their high capacity and fast kinetics in sorption of organic, inorganic, and biological pollutants. To date, CNT filters either rely on CNTs dispersed in liquids, which are difficult to recover and cause safety concerns, or on CNT buckypaper, which offers high efficiency, but suffers from an intrinsic trade‐off between filter permeability and capacity. Here, a new approach is presented that bypasses this trade‐off and achieves buckypaper‐like efficiency combined with filter‐column‐like permeability and capacity. For this, CNTs are first assembled into porous microspheres and then are packed into microfluidic column filters. These microcolumns exhibit large flow‐through filtration efficiencies, while maintaining membrane permeabilities an order of magnitude larger then CNT buckypaper and specific permeabilities double that of activated carbon for similar flowrates (232 000 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, 1.23 × 10−12 m2). Moreover, in a test to remove sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) from water, these microstructured CNT columns outperform activated carbon columns. This improved filtration efficiency and permeability is an important step toward a broader implementation of CNT‐based filtration devices.
Molecularly Imprinted Porous Aromatic Frameworks and Their Composite Components for Selective Extraction of Uranium Ions
Authors: Yuan Ye , Yang Yajie , Ma Xujiao , Meng Qinghao , Wang Lili , Zhao Shuai , Zhu Guangshan
Published: February 2018

Selective extraction of uranium from water has attracted worldwide attention because the largest source of uranium is seawater with various interference ions (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, etc.). However, traditional adsorbents encapsulate most of their functional sites in their dense structure, leading to problems with low selectivity and adsorption capacities. In this work, the tailor‐made binding sites are first decorated into porous skeletons, and a series of molecularly imprinted porous aromatic frameworks are prepared for uranium extraction. Because the porous architecture provides numerous accessible sites, the resultant material has a fourfold increased ion capacity compared with traditional molecularly imprinted polymers and presents the highest selectivity among all reported uranium adsorbents. Moreover, the porous framework can be dispersed into commercial polymers to form composite components for the practical extraction of uranium ions from simulated seawater.
True Low‐Power Self‐Locking Soft Actuators
Authors: Kim Seung Jae , Kim Onnuri , Park Moon Jeong
Published: February 2018

Natural double‐layered structures observed in living organisms are known to exhibit asymmetric volume changes with environmental triggers. Typical examples are natural roots of plants, which show unique self‐organized bending behavior in response to environmental stimuli. Herein, light‐ and electro‐active polymer (LEAP) based actuators with a double‐layered structure are reported. The LEAP actuators exhibit an improvement of 250% in displacement and hold an object three times heavier as compared to that in the case of conventional electro‐active polymer actuators. Most interestingly, the bending motion of the LEAP actuators can be effectively locked for a few tens of minutes even in the absence of a power supply. Further, the self‐locking LEAP actuators show a large and reversible bending strain of more than 2.0% and require only 6.2 mW h cm−2 of energy to hold an object for 15 min at an operating voltage of 3 V. These novel self‐locking soft actuators should find wide applicability in artificial muscles, biomedical microdevices, and various innovative soft robot technologies.
Direct 3D Printing of Reactive Agitating Impellers for the Convenient Treatment of Various Pollutants in Water
Authors: Sun Xueyan , Yan Ying , Zhang Lijing , Ma Guangxin , Liu Yang , Yu Yongxian , An Qi , Tao Shengyang
Published: February 2018

Mass transfer plays a key role in the diffusion‐controlled heterogeneous reactions. Varied efforts have been made to design the structure of catalysts and reactors to optimize the diffusion process. Herein, a facile strategy is reported to construct highly reactive agitating impeller (denoted as AI) by employing 3D printing and a facile surface activation treatment. On the one hand, experimental results and numerical simulation analysis reveal that the 3D printing AI with appropriate structure can not only effectively eliminate external diffusion but also conveniently be separated from heterogeneous reaction systems. On the other hand, surface activation helps to significantly promote the chemical reactivity of AI for Fenton and galvanic replacement reaction, which are used to treat organic and inorganic pollutants in water, respectively. Benefiting from these cooperative merits, the integrated catalytic AI delivers a catalytic performance toward Fenton reactions as high as a homogeneous catalyst, and the removal rate for heavy metal ions is nearly 100% through galvanic replacement. This 3D printing with surface engineering strategy should also be extended to other applications, and provide new field for preparing efficient and durable heterogeneous catalysts in a more economical way.
Single‐Nanoparticle Photoelectrochemistry at a Nanoparticulate TiO2‐Filmed Ultramicroelectrode
Authors: Peng Yue‐Yi , Ma Hui , Ma Wei , Long Yi‐Tao , Tian He
Published: February 2018

An ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical method for achieving real‐time detection of single nanoparticle collision events is presented. Using a micrometer‐thick nanoparticulate TiO2‐filmed Au ultra‐microelectrode (TiO2@Au UME), a sub‐millisecond photocurrent transient was observed for an individual N719‐tagged TiO2 (N719@TiO2) nanoparticle and is due to the instantaneous collision process. Owing to a trap‐limited electron diffusion process as the rate‐limiting step, a random three‐dimensional diffusion model was developed to simulate electron transport dynamics in TiO2 film. The combination of theoretical simulation and high‐resolution photocurrent measurement allow electron‐transfer information of a single N719@TiO2 nanoparticle to be quantified at single‐molecule accuracy and the electron diffusivity and the electron‐collection efficiency of TiO2@Au UME to be estimated. This method provides a test for studies of photoinduced electron transfer at the single‐nanoparticle level.
Tunable Crystallinity and Charge Transfer in Two‐Dimensional G‐Quadruplex Organic Frameworks
Authors: Wu Yi‐Lin , Bobbitt N. Scott , Logsdon Jenna L. , Powers‐Riggs Natalia E. , Nelson Jordan N. , Liu Xiaolong , Wang Timothy C. , Snurr Randall Q. , Hupp Joseph T. , Farha Omar K. , Hersam Mark C. , Wasielewski Michael R.
Published: February 2018

DNA G‐quadruplex structures were recently discovered to provide reliable scaffolding for two‐dimensional organic frameworks due to the strong hydrogen‐bonding ability of guanine. Herein, 2,7‐diaryl pyrene building blocks with high HOMO energies and large optical gaps are incorporated into G‐quadruplex organic frameworks. The adjustable substitution on the aryl groups provides an opportunity to elucidate the framework formation mechanism; molecular non‐planarity is found to be beneficial for restricting interlayer slippage, and the framework crystallinity is highest when intermolecular interaction and non‐planarity strike a fine balance. When guanine‐functionalized pyrenes are co‐crystallized with naphthalene diimide, charge‐transfer (CT) complexes are obtained. The photophysical properties of the pyrene‐only and CT frameworks are characterized by UV/Vis and steady‐state and time‐resolved photoluminescence spectroscopies, and by EPR spectroscopy for the CT complex frameworks.
Nanoisozymes: Crystal‐Facet‐Dependent Enzyme‐Mimetic Activity of V2O5 Nanomaterials
Authors: Ghosh Sourav , Roy Punarbasu , Karmodak Naiwrit , Jemmis Eluvathingal D. , Mugesh Govindasamy
Published: February 2018

Nanomaterials with enzyme‐like activity (nanozymes) attract significant interest owing to their applications in biomedical research. Particularly, redox nanozymes that exhibit glutathione peroxidase (GPx)‐like activity play important roles in cellular signaling by controlling the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level. Herein we report, for the first time, that the redox properties and GPx‐like activity of V2O5 nanozyme depends not only on the size and morphology, but also on the crystal facets exposed on the surface within the same crystal system of the nanomaterials. These results suggest that the surface of the nanomaterials can be engineered to fine‐tune their redox properties to act as “nanoisozymes” for specific biological applications.
A Catalyst‐Free Amination of Functional Organolithium Reagents by Flow Chemistry
Authors: Kim Heejin , Yonekura Yuya , Yoshida Jun‐ichi
Published: February 2018

Reported is the electrophilic amination of functional organolithium intermediates with well‐designed aminating reagents under mild reaction conditions using flow microreactors. The aminating reagents were optimized to achieve efficient C−N bond formation without using any catalyst. The electrophilic amination reactions of functionalized aryllithiums were successfully conducted under mild reaction conditions, within 1 minute, by using flow microreactors. The aminating reagent was also prepared by the flow method. Based on stopped‐flow NMR analysis, the reaction time for the preparation of the aminating reagent was quickly optimized without the necessity of work‐up. Integrated one‐flow synthesis consisting of the generation of an aryllithium, the preparation of an aminating reagent, and their combined reaction was successfully achieved to give the desired amine within 5 minutes of total reaction time.
Sulfonamidation of Aryl and Heteroaryl Halides through Photosensitized Nickel Catalysis
Authors: Kim Taehoon , McCarver Stefan J. , Lee Chulbom , MacMillan David W. C.
Published: February 2018

Herein we report a highly efficient method for nickel‐catalyzed C−N bond formation between sulfonamides and aryl electrophiles. This technology provides generic access to a broad range of N‐aryl and N‐heteroaryl sulfonamide motifs, which are widely represented in drug discovery. Initial mechanistic studies suggest an energy‐transfer mechanism wherein C−N bond reductive elimination occurs from a triplet excited NiII complex. Late‐stage sulfonamidation in the synthesis of a pharmacologically relevant structure is also demonstrated.
Study on Anti‐Proliferative Activity in Cancer Cells and Preliminary Structure–Activity Relationship of Pseudo‐Peptide Chiral Thioureas
Authors: Liao Peng , Hu Shi‐Qin , Zhang Hong , Xu Liang‐Bi , Liu Jing‐Zi , He Bin , Liao Shang‐Gao , Li Yong‐Jun
Published: February 2018

In our previous studies, we have shown that thiourea compounds containing phosphate esters have potent antitumor activity and can be used as a novel strategy for the development of antitumor agents. Herein, a series of novel phosphonate thioureas 5–38 have been synthesized, which were fully characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectrum, elemental analysis. Three human cancer cell lines (Bcap‐37, BGC‐823, and PC‐3) have been used to investigate these compounds’ antitumor activities. After the summarization of the structure–activity relationships, we found that the variation of R, R1, and R2 in these novel phosphonate thioureas contribute to the antitumor activities. All these SAR‐guided efforts may lead to novel antitumor drugs in the market in the near future.
Quantification of Zinc in Thermally Conducting Polycarbonate Containing Fiber‐type SiO2 Fillers
Authors: Kim Eunji , Lim Heung Bin
Published: February 2018

In this work, a new analytical method based on dry ashing followed by Si removal was developed for the determination of Zn in polycarbonate (PC)‐conducting polymers containing fiber‐type SiO2 fillers. Since major matrices of the polymers, i.e., PC and SiO2 fibers, were removed during the treatment, low interference and reproducible result were achieved in inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). When the developed method was applied to PC polymers used for electrical appliances, the recovery was obtained in the range of 103.5% to 108.8% with relative standard deviations of <12.1%. Furthermore, the determined polymers were used as reference materials for laser‐ablation ICP‐MS (LA‐ICP‐MS) and laser induced‐breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in order to test the feasibility of screening and quality control. Although the mapping images of LIBS showed severe inhomogeneity, the averaged intensities of LIBS and LA‐ICP‐MS displayed reasonable correlations with the determined concentrations of Zn. The result indicates that both methods have a potential for screening and quantitative analysis of the conducting polymers used in manufacturing process, even if fiber‐type SiO2 fillers were embedded.
A Colorimetric and Fluorescent pH Probe for Extremely Acidic Conditions and its Application in pH Test Paper
Authors: You Qihua , Shen Jinhai , Shen Ganping , Peng Liyun , Lu Yuanqin , Fu Qi , Xu Yuqing , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2018

Here, we report a highly water‐soluble colorimetric and fluorescent pH probe that works in the pH range 0.2–3.0. The probe showed a rapid response, high stability, and excellent reversibility to acidity. Moreover, the fluorescence of probe was not influenced by the existence of high concentration of cations. The pKa of probe was calculated to be 2.25 ± 0.06. Furthermore, the pH test papers coated with the probe exhibited a distinct color change in acidic conditions.
Serum vitamin D in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ouma Shinji , Suenaga Midori , Bölükbaşı Hatip Funda F. , Hatip‐Al‐Khatib Izzettin , Tsuboi Yoshio , Matsunaga Yoichi
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To determine the relevance of Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D3), and 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and various stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Materials and Methods

The study included 230 participants (>74 years) allocated to three main groups: 1‐healthy subjects (HS, n = 61), 2‐patients with MCI (n = 61), and 3‐ patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) subdivided into three stages: mild (n = 41), moderate (n = 35), and severe AD (n = 32). The cognitive status was evaluated using MMSE. Serum 25 (OH)D3 (ng/ml) and 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations (pg/ml) were determined by competitive radioimmunoassay.

Results

MMSE scores and 25(OH)D3 were decreased in MCI and all stages of the AD in both genders. MMSE variability was due to gender in HS (11%) and to 25(OH)D3 in MCI (15%) and AD (26%). ROC analysis revealed an outstanding property of MMSE in diagnosis of MCI (AUC, 0.906; CI 95%, 0.847–0.965; sensitivity 82%; specificity, 98%) and AD (AUC, 0.997; CI 95%, 0.992–1; sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 98%). 25(OH)D3 exhibited good property in MCI (AUC, 0.765; CI 95%, 0.681–0.849; sensitivity, 90%; specificity, 54%) and an excellent property in diagnosis of AD (AUC, 0.843; CI 95%, 0.782–0.904; sensitivity, 97%; specificity, 79%). Logistic analyses revealed that, in MCI, MMSE could predict (or classify correctly) with 97.6% accuracy (Wald, 15.22, β, −0.162; SE, 0.554; OR = 0.115:0.039–0.341; p = .0001), whereas 25(OH)D3 with 80% accuracy (Wald, 41,013; β, −0.213; SE, 0.033; OR = 0.808: 0.757–863; p = .0001). 25(OH)D3 was the only significant predictor for the severe AD and contributed to MMSE variability. Age and gender were significant predictors only in the moderate AD. In patients with MCI, 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 were correlated men, but in case of the AD, they were correlated in women.

Conclusions

MMSE and serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations could be useful biomarkers for prediction and diagnosis of MCI and various stages of the AD. The results support the utility of vitamin D supplementation in AD therapy regimen.
Developing a sustainable food strategy for large organizations: The importance of context in shaping procurement and consumption practices
Authors: Goggins Gary
Published: February 2018

Organizations such as hospitals, educational institutions and workplaces feed thousands of people every day and are key intermediaries in the food system. They are in a position to significantly shape the production, processing and distribution of food as well as food‐related practices of large groups. These activities have a significant impact on sustainable development, the global economy and health and wellbeing. Using a qualitative approach that draws on 21 interviews with key decision‐makers based in eight large national and multinational organizations, this research examines the most important contextual factors that influence food provisioning across organizations. The study identifies opportunities and constraints for improving food sustainability that are likely to apply within and across different organizational contexts, and provides recommendations for implementing a sustainable food strategy. The findings provide interesting theoretical insights and have practical implications that are relevant for practitioners, business managers and sustainability consultants.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Fluorescent Bryostatin Analogues
Authors: Cummins Thomas J. , Kedei Noemi , Czikora Agnes , Lewin Nancy E. , Kirk Sharon , Petersen Mark E. , McGowan Kevin M. , Chen Jin‐Qiu , Luo Xiaoling , Johnson Randall C. , Ravichandran Sarangan , Blumberg Peter M. , Keck Gary E.
Published: February 2018

To investigate the cellular distribution of tumor‐promoting vs. non‐tumor‐promoting bryostatin analogues, we synthesized fluorescently labeled variants of two bryostatin derivatives that have previously shown either phorbol ester‐like or bryostatin‐like biological activity in U937 leukemia cells. These new fluorescent analogues both displayed high affinity for protein kinase C (PKC) binding and retained the basic properties of the parent unlabeled compounds in U937 assays. The fluorescent compounds showed similar patterns of intracellular distribution in cells, however; this argues against an existing hypothesis that various patterns of intracellular distribution are responsible for differences in biological activity. Upon further characterization, the fluorescent compounds revealed a slow rate of cellular uptake; correspondingly, they showed reduced activity for cellular responses that were only transient upon treatment with phorbol ester or bryostatin 1.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder as an associated feature in OCTN2 deficiency with novel deletion (p.T440‐Y449)
Authors: Lamhonwah Anne‐Marie , Barić Ivo , Lamhonwah Jessica , Grubić Marina , Tein Ingrid
Published: February 2018

Key Clinical Message

This boy presented with ADHD at 3 years and at 8 years was hyperactive with no documented hypoglycemia and had myopathy, cardiomyopathy, and very low serum carnitine. L‐carnitine improved his exercise intolerance, cardiomyopathy, and behavior. Analysis of SLC22A5 revealed a premature stop codon (p.R282*) and a novel in‐frame deletion (p.T440‐Y449).
Expanding the Breadth of 4‐Amino‐1,8‐naphthalimide Photophysical Properties through Substitution of the Naphthalimide Core
Authors: Leslie Kathryn G. , Jacquemin Denis , New Elizabeth J. , Jolliffe Katrina A.
Published: February 2018

Fluorescent sensors that illuminate specific molecules and chemical events allow the selective and sensitive study of the cellular environment. At the centre of this technology lies the fluorescent reporter molecule, and it is therefore crucial to provide a breadth of fluorophores with varying photophysical and biological behaviour. 4‐Amino‐1,8‐naphthalimides are commonly employed in fluorescent sensors, but the narrow range of structural derivatives limits versatility of application. Here we report the synthesis and investigation of a set of twelve 4‐amino‐1,8‐naphthalimides bearing an additional substituent on the aromatic core. Photophysical characterisation and time‐dependent density functional theory studies provided insights into the structure–photophysical property relationships of these derivatives, which show an expanded range of emission wavelengths and other photophysical properties. These compounds could all be visualised within cells by confocal microscopy, showing cytoplasmic or lipid droplet localisation. Our studies have demonstrated that simple structural modification of 4‐amino‐1,8‐naphthalimides provides derivatives with considerable breadth of behaviour that lend valuable versatility to the design of fluorescent sensors.
Design and control for a dividing‐wall column with a partial condenser for pretreating an industrial multi‐component reformed gasoline mixture
Authors: Wu Shengbo , Guo Kai , Liu Chunjiang , Qi Wenzhe , Zhang Ting , Liu Hui
Published: February 2018

A dividing‐wall column (DWC) was used for pretreating industrial multi‐component reformed gasoline (IMCRG). IMCRG consists of 16 components, which are non‐aromatics, benzene, toluene, xylenes & ethylbenzene, and heavy aromatics. Rigorous steady‐state simulations were conducted using Aspen Plus. Compared with a conventional direct and indirect two‐column sequence separation, the reduction in the total annualized cost (TAC) by a DWC can be up to 13.06 % (direct sequence) and 24.79 % (indirect sequence). To treat the noncondensable gas in the feed, a DWC flowsheet with a partial condenser was considered. Two control structures with a S/L ratio control strategy were proposed to control the DWC. Controllability analyses with respect to feed flow rate and feed composition disturbance were conducted to evaluate the control effect of the two structures by using Aspen Plus Dynamics. Finally, a feasible DWC control structure to pretreat IMCRG was obtained.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for relapsed follicular lymphoma: A combined analysis on behalf of the Lymphoma Working Party of the EBMT and the Lymphoma Committee of the CIBMTR
Authors: Sureda Anna , Zhang Mei‐Jie , Dreger Peter , Carreras Jeanette , Fenske Timothy , Finel Herve , Schouten Harry , Montoto Silvia , Robinson Stephen , Smith Sonali M. , Boumedil Ariane , Hamadani Mehdi , Pasquini Marcelo C.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HCT) remains the only potentially curative treatment option for relapsed follicular lymphoma (FL), yet questions remain about the optimal timing. This study analyzed long‐term outcomes and associated factors among recipients of allo‐HCT with FL.

METHODS

Patients with relapsed FL who underwent allo‐HCT from 2001 to 2011 with a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–matched donor were included. Outcome analyses for overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), transplant‐related mortality (TRM), and disease relapse/progression were calculated. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with outcomes, and a prognostic score for treatment failure was developed in a subset analysis of patients.

RESULTS

In all, 1567 patients with relapsed FL were included; the median follow‐up was 55 months. The 5‐year probabilities of OS and PFS were 61% and 52%, respectively. The 5‐year cumulative incidences of disease progression/relapse and TRM were 29% and 19%, respectively. Chemoresistant disease, older age, heavy pretreatment, poor performance status (PS), and myeloablative protocols were predictors for worse survival. The prognostic score, using age, lines of prior therapy, disease status, and PS, stratified patients into 3 groups—low, intermediate, and high risk—with 5‐year PFS rates of 68%, 53%, and 46%, respectively, and 5‐year OS rates of 80%, 62%, and 50%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Allo‐HCT should be considered for patients with relapsed FL and available HLA‐matched donors. Outcomes are better in earlier phases of the disease, and reduced‐intensity conditioning should be preferred. The prognostic score presented here can assist in counseling patients and determining the time to proceed to transplantation. Cancer 2018;124:1733–42. © 2018 American Cancer Society
Neuroanatomical details of the lateral neurons of Drosophila melanogaster support their functional role in the circadian system
Authors: Schubert Frank K. , Hagedorn Nicolas , Yoshii Taishi , Helfrich‐Förster Charlotte , Rieger Dirk
Published: February 2018

Drosophila melanogaster is a long‐standing model organism in the circadian clock research. A major advantage is the relative small number of about 150 neurons, which built the circadian clock in Drosophila. In our recent work, we focused on the neuroanatomical properties of the lateral neurons of the clock network. By applying the multicolor‐labeling technique Flybow we were able to identify the anatomical similarity of the previously described E2 subunit of the evening oscillator of the clock, which is built by the 5th small ventrolateral neuron (5th s‐LNv) and one ITP positive dorsolateral neuron (LNd). These two clock neurons share the same spatial and functional properties. We found both neurons innervating the same brain areas with similar pre‐ and postsynaptic sites in the brain. Here the anatomical findings support their shared function as a main evening oscillator in the clock network like also found in previous studies. A second quite surprising finding addresses the large lateral ventral PDF‐neurons (l‐LNvs). We could show that the four hardly distinguishable l‐LNvs consist of two subgroups with different innervation patterns. While three of the neurons reflect the well‐known branching pattern reproduced by PDF immunohistochemistry, one neuron per brain hemisphere has a distinguished innervation profile and is restricted only to the proximal part of the medulla‐surface. We named this neuron “extra” l‐LNv (l‐LNvx). We suggest the anatomical findings reflect different functional properties of the two l‐LNv subgroups.
Self‐Assembled BODIPY‐Based Iridium Metallarectangles: Cytotoxicity and Propensity to Bind Biomolecules
Authors: Gupta Gajendra , Das Abhishek , Lee Junseong , Mandal Nripendranath , Lee Chang Yeon
Published: February 2018

A new 4‐ethynylpyridine 4,4‐difluoro‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene (BODIPY)‐based ligand L, which was synthesized by means of the Sonogashira coupling method, was used to obtain two new [2+2] iridium‐based metallarectangles, 3 and 4. Ligand L and metallarectangles 3 and 4 were fully characterized through various analytical techniques. The structure of rectangle 4 was further confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, which showed the formation of an expected [2+2] supramolecule, in which the iridium metal centers were bridged with ligand L to form the desired metallarectangle 4. In the context of the growing biological interest in metallarectangles, rectangle 4 was found to be highly active against two types of cancer cells, with IC50 values almost threefold superior to those of cisplatin. Both 3 and 4 showed dose‐dependent abilities to bind bovine serum albumin and salmon sperm DNA; this indicated their tendency to interact with such biomolecules as a potential mode of action.
Facile Templateless Fabrication of a Cobalt Oxyhydroxide Nanosheet Film with Nanoscale Porosity as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Water Oxidation
Authors: Chandra Debraj , Tanaka Kou , Takeuchi Ryouchi , Abe Naoto , Togashi Takanari , Kurihara Masato , Saito Kenji , Yui Tatsuto , Yagi Masayuki
Published: February 2018

The development of efficient catalysts for water oxidation is widely required because the efficiency of fuel production by artificial photosynthesis is severely limited by the sluggish kinetics of water oxidation. A unique CoO(OH) nanosheet (CoO(OH)‐NS) film having porosity in nanoscale dimensions has been synthesized by a facile electrochemical technique without the assistance of any template. The SEM image exhibited that the film is composed of nanosheets that are well scattered and formed uniformly by unidirectional vertical growth on the electrode surface. The TEM image showed a highly porous nanostructure with randomly oriented nanopores (with a dimension of ca. ≤5 nm) inside the nanosheet. The HRTEM image revealed that flat‐shaped rectangular CoO(OH) nanocrystals (ca. 2–3 nm) were randomly stacked together to form the nanosheet and interspaces between the nanocrystals for the nanoporous structure. The specific surface area of the CoO(OH)‐NS film was 92 m2 g−1, which is higher than that (43 m2 g−1) of a CoO(OH) nanoparticle (CoO(OH)‐NP) film that is prepared by a chemical procedure as a reference sample. A superior electrocatalytic performance for water oxidation was observed for CoO(OH)‐NS electrode compared with the CoO(OH)‐NP electrode. This result originates from the large accessible surface‐to‐volume ratio of the unique porous nanosheet structures, which provides a large number of electroactive water oxidation sites at the electrolyte−CoO(OH) interface.
Digital implementation of biologically inspired Wilson model, population behavior, and learning
Authors: Karimi Gholamreza , Gholami Morteza , Zaman Farsa Edris
Published: February 2018

Spiking neurons, as a computational unit, are the main part in biological information processing systems. This paper presents a digital hardware implementation of a biological neuron on a field‐programmable gate array due to its high accuracy and high speed, especially for large‐scale simulations which is a key objective in the neuromorphic research field. Although this is a computationally expensive task, the use of more biological realistic system results in higher accuracy in mimicking biological behaviors of neural networks. Given that, the Wilson model is one of the most important biological neuron models that can be used in the architecture of spiking neural networks. To be closer to biological systems, a method is proposed to test the possibility of implementation of the Wilson neuron model on digital platforms. The results of the hardware implementation of the Wilson neuron and a spiking network on a field‐programmable gate array, capable of character recognition with supervised learning algorithm, are presented in this paper; moreover, population behavior of this model is simulated. In large‐scale implementation of 2000 Wilson neuron model, population capability, feasibility, and costs are investigated.

This paper presents a method to the implementation of Wilson neurons on digital platforms, suggesting that the available system is an attainable platform for the implementation of large‐scale biologically plausible neural networks on field‐programmable gate array devices. Hardware synthesis, physical implementation on field‐programmable gate array, and theoretical analysis confirm that the proposed model has hardware so that makes it an appropriate model for the large‐scale digital implementation.
‘Ease of interpretation’ of cytological smears stained with modified ultrafast papanicolaou stain: Interobserver agreement and reproducibility
Authors: Uthamalingam Preithy , Sathish Kumar Thabasum , Venus Albina , Sekar Preethi , Muthusamy Rajeshwari K. , Mehta Sangita
Published: February 2018

Background

Since its inception in 1995, the Ultrafast Papanicoloau (UFPAP) cytological stain has undergone a number of modifications to suit the local availability of reagents and cost in different set ups. However, the reported results have been uniformly encouraging. We designed a study to investigate the inter‐observer agreement in ‘perceived ease of interpretation’ of cytological smears stained with Modified Ultrafast Papanicoloau stain (MUFPAP).

Methods

After a small pilot study, we prospectively stained air‐dried fine needle aspirate smears (FNACs) and Body Fluid smears with the standardized MUFPAP stain. The MUFPAP stained slides were evaluated in tandem with other routine cytological stains as well as independently by two pathologists. Two rater kappa was used to determine the agreement.

Results

The study included 93 fluids and 34 FNACs. A vast majority of the cases stained with MUFPAP were rated ‘better’ than the routine stains in terms of ‘overall ease of interpretation’ with considerable agreement. The agreement tended to be better for FNACs than fluid specimens. Cases with malignant pathology demonstrated a perfect agreement (kappa = 1) between the raters in terms of ‘overall ease of interpretation’ (91.7% cases were rated ‘very good’ by each pathologist) when compared to cases with benign pathology (kappa = 0.52). Nuclear characteristics were appreciated with a better agreement than other parameters.

Conclusion

Modified UFPAP stain appears to be quick, reliable, cost‐effective alternative in cytology, especially for detecting malignant cells in smears with low cellularity. Its specific advantage is robust nuclear staining against a clear background.
Influence of northern limit range on genetic diversity and structure in a widespread North American tree, sugar maple (Acer saccharumMarshall)
Authors: Graignic Noémie , Tremblay Francine , Bergeron Yves
Published: February 2018

Due to climate change, the ranges of many North American tree species are expected to shift northward. Sugar maple (Acer saccharumMarshall) reaches its northern continuous distributional limit in northeastern North America at the transition between boreal mixed‐wood and temperate deciduous forests. We hypothesized that marginal fragmented northern populations from the boreal mixed wood would have a distinct pattern of genetic structure and diversity. We analyzed variation at 18 microsatellite loci from 23 populations distributed along three latitudinal transects (west, central, and east) that encompass the continuous–discontinuous species range. Each transect was divided into two zones, continuous (temperate deciduous) and discontinuous (boreal mixed wood), based on sugar maple stand abundance. Respective positive and negative relationships were found between the distance of each population to the northern limit (D_north), and allelic richness (AR) and population differentiation (FST). These relations were tested for each transect separately; the pattern (discontinuous–continuous) remained significant only for the western transect.structureanalysis revealed the presence of four clusters. The most northern populations of each transect were assigned to a distinct group. Asymmetrical gene flow occurred from the southern into the four northernmost populations. Southern populations in Québec may have originated from two different postglacial migration routes. No evidence was found to validate the hypothesis that northern populations were remnants of a larger population that had migrated further north of the species range after the retreat of the ice sheet. The northernmost sugar maple populations possibly originated from long‐distance dispersal.
Acute heart failure following myocardial infarction: complement activation correlates with the severity of heart failure in patients developing cardiogenic shock
Authors: Orrem Hilde L. , Nilsson Per H. , Pischke Søren E. , Grindheim Guro , Garred Peter , Seljeflot Ingebjørg , Husebye Trygve , Aukrust Pål , Yndestad Arne , Andersen Geir Ø. , Barratt‐Due Andreas , Mollnes Tom E.
Published: February 2018

Aims

Heart failure (HF) is an impending complication to myocardial infarction. We hypothesized that the degree of complement activation reflects severity of HF following acute myocardial infarction.

Methods and results

The LEAF trial (LEvosimendan in Acute heart Failure following myocardial infarction) evaluating 61 patients developing HF within 48 h after percutaneous coronary intervention‐treated ST‐elevation myocardial infarction herein underwent a post hoc analysis. Blood samples were drawn from inclusion to Day 5 and at 42 day follow‐up, and biomarkers were measured with enzyme immunoassays. Regional myocardial contractility was measured by echocardiography as wall motion score index (WMSI). The cardiogenic shock group (n = 9) was compared with the non‐shock group (n = 52). Controls (n = 44) were age‐matched and sex‐matched healthy individuals. C4bc, C3bc, C3bBbP, and sC5b‐9 were elevated in patients at inclusion compared with controls (P < 0.01). The shock group had higher levels compared with the non‐shock group for all activation products except C3bBbP (P < 0.05). At Day 42, all products were higher in the shock group (P < 0.05). In the shock group, sC5b‐9 correlated significantly with WMSI at baseline (r = 0.68; P = 0.045) and at Day 42 (r = 0.84; P = 0.036). Peak sC5b‐9 level correlated strongly with WMSI at Day 42 (r = 0.98; P = 0.005). Circulating endothelial cell activation markers sICAM‐1 and sVCAM‐1 were higher in the shock group during the acute phase (P < 0.01), and their peak levels correlated with sC5b‐9 peak level in the whole HF population (r = 0.32; P = 0.014 and r = 0.30; P = 0.022, respectively).

Conclusions

Complement activation discriminated cardiogenic shock from non‐shock in acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction complicated by HF and correlated with regional contractility and endothelial cell activation, suggesting a pathogenic role of complement in this condition.
T‐bet and Eomes govern differentiation and function of mouse and human NK cells and ILC1
Authors: Zhang Jiang , Marotel Marie , Fauteux‐Daniel Sébastien , Mathieu Anne‐Laure , Viel Sébastien , Marçais Antoine , Walzer Thierry
Published: February 2018

T‐bet and Eomes are T‐box transcription factors that drive the differentiation and function of cytotoxic lymphocytes such as NK cells. Their DNA‐binding domains are highly similar, suggesting redundant transcriptional activity. However, while these transcription factors have different patterns of expression, the phenotype of loss‐of‐function mouse models suggests that they play distinct roles in the development of NK cells and other innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). Recent technological advances using reporter mice and conditional knockouts were fundamental in defining the regulation and function of these factors at steady state and during pathological conditions such as various types of cancer or infection. Here, we review these recent developments, focusing on NK cells as prototypical cytotoxic lymphocytes and their development, and also discuss parallels between NK cells and T cells. We also examine the role of T‐bet and Eomes in human NK cells and ILC1s. Considering divergent findings on mouse and human ILC1s, we propose that NK cells are defined by coexpression of T‐bet and Eomes, while ILC1s express only one of these factors, either T‐bet or Eomes, depending on the tissue or the species.
Synthesis of Substituted 1‐Alkylidenephthalanes via Lithium‐Promoted 5‐exo‐dig Cyclization
Authors: Bunse Paul , Würthwein Ernst‐Ulrich , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: February 2018

A one‐pot synthesis of 1‐alkylidenephthalanes from 3‐(2‐bromophenyl)propyne derivatives has been developed. 3‐(2‐Bromophenyl)propynal acetals 9 and corresponding orthoester 19 were treated successively with n‐butyllithium and various aldehydes and ketones at low temperature to obtain 1‐alkylidenephthalanes 10 and 20 with various functional groups at the exocyclic methylene moiety. Halogen‐metal exchange, nucleophilic addition to various carbonyl compounds, regioselective 5‐exo‐dig cyclization of the respective intermediate lithium alcoholate and hydrolysis represent the key steps in this Domino reaction. A two‐step mechanism involving at first a synchronous cyclization to form a vinyllithium intermediate and then a methoxide elimination leading to the respective 1‐methoxy allenes is suggested based on DFT‐calculations.
Direct finite element method for nonlinear earthquake analysis of 3‐dimensional semi‐unbounded dam–water–foundation rock systems
Authors: Løkke Arnkjell , Chopra Anil K.
Published: February 2018

A direct finite element method for nonlinear earthquake analysis of 2‐dimensional dam–water–foundation rock systems has recently been presented. The analysis procedure uses standard viscous‐damper absorbing boundaries to model the semi‐unbounded foundation‐rock and fluid domains and specifies the seismic input as effective earthquake forces at these boundaries. Presented in this paper is a generalization of the direct finite element method with viscous‐damper boundaries to 3‐dimensional dam–water–foundation rock systems. Step‐by‐step procedures for determining the effective earthquake forces starting from a ground motion specified at a control point on the foundation‐rock surface is developed, and several numerical examples are computed and compared with independent benchmark solutions to demonstrate the effectiveness of the analysis procedure for modeling 3‐dimensional systems.