bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homochiral MOF–Polymer Mixed Matrix Membranes for Efficient Separation of Chiral Molecules
Authors: Lu Yizhihao , Zhang Huacheng , Chan Jun Yong , Ou Ranwen , Zhu Haijin , Forsyth Maria , Marijanovic Emilia M. , Doherty Cara M. , Marriott Philip J. , Holl Mark M. Banaszak , Wang Huanting
Published: September 2019

Homochiral metal–organic framework (MOF) membranes have been recently reported for chiral separations. However, only a few high‐quality homochiral polycrystalline MOF membranes have been fabricated due to the difficulty in crystallization of a chiral MOF layer without defects on porous substrates. Alternatively, mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), which combine potential advantages of MOFs and polymers, have been widely demonstrated for gas separation and water purification. Here we report novel homochiral MOF–polymer MMMs for efficient chiral separation. Homochirality was successfully incorporated into achiral MIL‐53‐NH2 nanocrystals by post‐synthetic modification with amino acids, such as l‐histidine (l‐His) and l‐glutamic acid (l‐Glu). The MIL‐53‐NH‐l‐His and MIL‐53‐NH‐l‐Glu nanocrystals were then embedded into polyethersulfone (PES) matrix to form homochiral MMMs, which exhibited excellent enantioselectivity for racemic 1‐phenylethanol with the highest enantiomeric excess value up to 100 %. This work, as an example, demonstrates the feasibility of fabricating diverse large‐scale homochiral MOF‐based MMMs for chiral separation.
Functional Models of the Nickel Pincer Nucleotide Cofactor of Lactate Racemase
Authors: Shi Renyi , Wodrich Matthew D. , Pan Hui‐Jie , Tirani Farzaneh Fadaei , Hu Xile
Published: September 2019

A novel nickel pincer cofactor was recently discovered in lactate racemase. Reported here are three synthetic nickel pincer complexes that are both structural and functional models of the pincer cofactor in lactate racemase. DFT computations suggest the ipso‐carbon atom of the pyridinium pincer ligands act as a hydride acceptor for lactate isomerization, whereas an organometallic pathway involving nickel‐mediated β‐hydride elimination is less favored.
An [FeIII34] Molecular Metal Oxide
Authors: Dearle Alice E. , Cutler Daniel J. , Fraser Hector W. L. , Sanz Sergio , Lee Edward , Dey Sourav , Diaz‐Ortega Ismael F. , Nichol Gary S. , Nojiri Hiroyuki , Evangelisti Marco , Rajaraman Gopalan , Schnack Jürgen , Cronin Leroy , Brechin Euan K.
Published: September 2019

The dissolution of anhydrous iron bromide in a mixture of pyridine and acetonitrile, in the presence of an organic amine, results in the formation of an [Fe34] metal oxide molecule, structurally characterised by alternate layers of tetrahedral and octahedral FeIII ions connected by oxide and hydroxide ions. The outer shell of the complex is capped by a combination of pyridine molecules and bromide ions. Magnetic data, measured at temperatures as low as 0.4 K and fields up to 35 T, reveal competing antiferromagnetic exchange interactions; DFT calculations showing that the magnitudes of the coupling constants are highly dependent on both the Fe‐O‐Fe angles and Fe−O distances. The simplicity of the synthetic methodology, and the structural similarity between [Fe34], bulk iron oxides, previous FeIII–oxo cages, and polyoxometalates (POMs), hints that much larger molecular FeIII oxides can be made.
A Lattice‐Oxygen‐Involved Reaction Pathway to Boost Urea Oxidation
Authors: Zhang Longsheng , Wang Liping , Lin Haiping , Liu Yunxia , Ye Jinyu , Wen Yunzhou , Chen Ao , Wang Lie , Ni Fenglou , Zhou Zhiyou , Sun Shigang , Li Youyong , Zhang Bo , Peng Huisheng
Published: September 2019

The electrocatalytic urea oxidation reaction (UOR) provides more economic electrons than water oxidation for various renewable energy‐related systems owing to its lower thermodynamic barriers. However, it is limited by sluggish reaction kinetics, especially by CO2 desorption steps, masking its energetic advantage compared with water oxidation. Now, a lattice‐oxygen‐involved UOR mechanism on Ni4+ active sites is reported that has significantly faster reaction kinetics than the conventional UOR mechanisms. Combined DFT, 18O isotope‐labeling mass spectrometry, and in situ IR spectroscopy show that lattice oxygen is directly involved in transforming *CO to CO2 and accelerating the UOR rate. The resultant Ni4+ catalyst on a glassy carbon electrode exhibits a high current density (264 mA cm−2 at 1.6 V versus RHE), outperforming the state‐of‐the‐art catalysts, and the turnover frequency of Ni4+ active sites towards UOR is 5 times higher than that of Ni3+ active sites.
Parcellation‐based tractographic modeling of the dorsal attention network
Authors: Allan Parker G. , Briggs Robert G. , Conner Andrew K. , O'Neal Christen M. , Bonney Phillip A. , Maxwell Brian D. , Baker Cordell M. , Burks Joshua D. , Sali Goksel , Glenn Chad A. , Sughrue Michael E.
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The dorsal attention network (DAN) is an important mediator of goal‐directed attentional processing. Multiple cortical areas, such as the frontal eye fields, intraparietal sulcus, superior parietal lobule, and visual cortex, have been linked in this processing. However, knowledge of network connectivity has been devoid of structural specificity.

Methods

Using attention‐related task‐based fMRI studies, an anatomic likelihood estimation (ALE) of the DAN was generated. Regions of interest corresponding to the cortical parcellation scheme previously published under the Human Connectome Project were co‐registered onto the ALE in MNI coordinate space and visually assessed for inclusion in the network. DSI‐based fiber tractography was performed to determine the structural connections between relevant cortical areas comprising the network.

Results

Twelve cortical regions were found to be part of the DAN: 6a, 7AM, 7PC, AIP, FEF, LIPd, LIPv, MST, MT, PH, V4t, VIP. All regions demonstrated consistent u‐shaped interconnections between adjacent parcellations. The superior longitudinal fasciculus connects the frontal, parietal, and occipital areas of the network.

Conclusions

We present a tractographic model of the DAN. This model comprises parcellations within the frontal, parietal, and occipital cortices principally linked through the superior longitudinal fasciculus. Future studies may refine this model with the ultimate goal of clinical application.
Effective Release of Intracellular Enzymes by Permeating the Cell Membrane with Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Cao Jun , Wu Rong , Dong Qihui , Zhao Linguo , Cao Fuliang , Su Erzheng
Published: September 2019

An efficient and green method is crucial for the recovery of intracellular biological products. The major drawbacks of the conventional cell disruption method are nonselectivity and enzyme denaturation. The permeability of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to the cell membrane was studied, for the first time, and then hydrophobic DESs were innovatively applied to release intracellular enzymes from recombinant Escherichia coli. After optimization, a DES suspension of l‐menthol/oleic acid (0.5 %, v/v) showed the highest release yield of intracellular enzyme. Compared with that released by sonication, a release yield of phospholipase D (PLD) of up to 114.58 % was achieved, and the specific activity was increased by 1.96 times. The microstructure of the cell membrane under different treatments was observed by using an electron microscope to understand the permeation of DESs to the cell membrane. The feasibility and applicability of the proposed release method in industrial applications were also demonstrated. The effective and green release method of intracellular enzymes developed herein has bright prospects for industrial application to replace traditional cell disruption methods. A preliminary study on the permeability of hydrophobic DESs to the cell membrane showed that there would be a potential application prospect of hydrophobic DESs not only in releasing intracellular contents, but also in seeking new green penetrating agents.
Melatonin promotes osteoblastic differentiation and regulates PDGF/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Zhu Guiling , Ma Bin , Dong Penghong , Shang Junjun , Gu Xiaochuan , Zi Ying
Published: September 2019

Melatonin has been reported to participate in bone metabolism in recent studies. However, the underlying mechanism in melatonin‐mediated osteoblastic differentiation remains largely unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of melatonin in osteoblastic differentiation. In the present study, additional melatonin significantly promoted osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells as evidenced by increased messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of osteogenic markers, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen type I α1 chain, osteocalcin, and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). It was noteworthy that the expression level of platelet‐derived growth factor subunit B (PDGFB) and content of its homodimer PDGF‐BB were remarkably increased after melatonin administration. Moreover, the mRNA levels of phosphorylated PDGFRβ (PDGF receptor β) and Akt, a serine/threonine‐specific protein kinase, were significantly upregulated in melatonin‐treated MC3T3‐E1 cells determined by a real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Besides, by performing alizarin red staining, osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells was conspicuously promoted by melatonin, which could be partially attenuated by crenolanib, a PDGFR inhibitor. Similarly, results from immunofluorescence and western blot assay showed that melatonin‐induced upregulation of Runx2 and phosphorylated Akt was suppressed by crenolanib. Akt inhibition by MK‐2206 also suppressed osteoblastic differentiation. Furthermore, by in vivo assay, additional melatonin promoted osteoblastic differentiation in mice with femoral fracture, and obvious callus formation was observed in melatonin‐treated mice 5 weeks after fracture. Melatonin supplement also inhibited osteoclastic differentiation in mice. All statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism and a P < 0.05 was deemed to be significant. To summarize, we demonstrate that melatonin promotes osteoblastic differentiation in MC3T3‐E1 cells and enhances fracture healing in mouse femoral fracture model and regulates PDGF/AKT signaling pathway.
Chemical ablation of ventricular tachycardia arising from the left ventricular summit
Authors: Okishige Kaoru , Nakamura Rena , Yamauchi Yasuteru , Keida Takehiko , Sasano Tetsuo , Hirao Kenzo
Published: September 2019

Key Clinical Message

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) arising from the left ventricular summit is very tough to treat endocardially and epicardially due to the distance from the VT origin and close proximity to the coronary arteries, respectively. Ethanol infusions into coronary veins feeding VT origins were able to safely abolish this type of VT.
Iron(II) Sulfate(VI) from Titania Production as a Raw Material for Preparation of Hydrogen Sulfide Sorbents
Authors: Pilczuk Szymon , Wróbel Rafał , Pietrzak Robert , Przepiórski Jacek
Published: September 2019

A hybrid sorbent material for removal of hydrogen sulfide from air was developed. The material is based on activated carbon and iron compounds obtained from waste iron(II) sulfate(VI) heptahydrate. The iron salt is deposited on the carbonaceous support and subjected to oxidation (Fe2+ to Fe3+) using atmospheric oxygen under alkaline conditions. An effect of H2O2 addition to the process on the composition of the resultant material was also examined. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed easy conversion of waste FeSO4·7H2O to iron oxides Fe3O4 and FeOOH. The activated carbon supporting iron oxides revealed a higher efficiency in H2S elimination from air compared to the commercial activated carbon, without any modification.
Process Intensification of Living Cationic Polymerization of Isobutylene by a Flow Reaction System
Authors: Toyoda Tomoyuki , Ohishi Takahiro , Yamanaka Yoshimichi , Yoshimi Tomoyuki
Published: September 2019

Increasing the reaction temperature of the living cationic polymerization of isobutylene is crucial for industrial production due to the cost of refrigeration. The reaction temperature increase was achieved with an accelerated reaction rate using a flow reaction system. The polymerization conditions, including the flow reactor design, were based on the results of kinetic studies. Utilizing a milli‐scale flow reactor, polyisobutylene, which has a narrow molecular weight distribution, was obtained within a considerably short residence time at a high temperature. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the value of Mw/Mn correlates with the product of the Reynolds number and the angle of collision.
Rational Design of Dual‐State Emission Luminogens with Solvatochromism by Combining a Partially Shared Donor–Acceptor Pattern and Twisted Structures
Authors: Qiu Qianqian , Xu Pengfei , Zhu Yanjun , Yu Junru , Wei Mengru , Xi Wenbin , Feng Hui , Chen Jianrong , Qian Zhaosheng
Published: September 2019

We report a general design strategy for a new class of luminogens with dual‐state emission (DSEgens) that are brightly emissive in both the solution and solid state, with solvatochromism properties, by constructing a partially shared donor–acceptor pattern based on a twisted molecule. The DSEgens with bright fluorescence emission in both the solid and solution state demonstrate a unique solvatochromism behaviour depending on solvent polarity and thus may have applications in anti‐counterfeiting.
Formal Aniline Synthesis from Phenols through Deoxygenative N‐Centered Radical Substitution
Authors: Lardy Samuel W. , Luong Kristine C. , Schmidt Valerie A.
Published: September 2019

Phenolic, lignin‐derived substrates have emerged as desirable biorenewable chemical feedstocks for coupling reactions. A radical‐mediated conversion of phenol derivatives to anilines is reported, using unfunctionalized hydroxamic acids as the N‐centered radical source. The applicability of this triethyl phosphite mediated O‐atom transfer approach, which tolerates a range of steric and electronic demands to naturally occurring phenols and lignin models, has been demonstrated in this work to access the corresponding aniline derivatives.
A Glucose‐Responsive Polymer Nanocarrier Based on Sulfonated Resorcinarene for Controlled Insulin Delivery
Authors: Sergeeva Tatiana Yu. , Mukhitova Rezeda K. , Nizameev Irek R. , Kadirov Marsil K. , Sapunova Anastasia S. , Voloshina Alexandra D. , Mukhametzyanov Timur A. , Ziganshina Albina Y. , Antipin Igor S.
Published: September 2019

A nanocarrier (p(6SRA‐5B)) for glucose‐controlled insulin delivery consists of sulfonated resorcinarenes (SRA) that are assembled into a spherical shell and are attached to each other with phenylboronate linkers. p(6SRA‐5B) is stable in water and blood plasma at normal glucose concentrations. At high glucose levels (>5 mM), p(6SRA‐5B) dissociates into SRA and phenylboronates through competitive interaction with excess glucose. Insulin was successfully encapsulated into the cavity of p(6SRA‐5B) and its release was investigated in water and blood plasma by NMR, UV, CD, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results show that the dissociation of the nanocarrier and the insulin release occurs with an increase in glucose concentration. At 5 mM glucose, the nanocarrier is stable, and the insulin release does not exceed 10 %. Increasing the glucose concentration to 7.5–10 mM results in a 40–100 % insulin release. p(6SRA‐5B) is thus a promising insulin nanocarrier for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Gram‐Scale Preparation of C‐Terminal‐Modified Enkephalin Analogues by Typical Liquid‐Phase Peptide Synthesis
Authors: Lee Yeon Sun
Published: September 2019

This article describes the gram‐scale liquid‐phase peptide synthesis of C‐terminal‐modified enkephalin analogues that possess high analgesic efficacy in animals, high potency for mu and delta opioid receptors, and high metabolic stability and potential blood–brain barrier permeability. Despite the long cycle time and tedious purification steps, liquid‐phase synthesis is still a preferred method for large‐scale peptide synthesis due to its cost effectiveness (i.e., amount of amino acids and reagents required), easy detection, and isolation of impurities compared with solid‐phase synthesis. A robust liquid‐phase synthesis protocol is described, involving BOP‐assisted coupling and Boc deprotection, which has been well established in the laboratory and is a useful synthetic protocol for cost‐effective production of peptide drugs. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Variations in odontological care routines for patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer in county councils/regions of Sweden
Authors: Bohm Niklas , Karlsson Charlott , Skoogh Andersson Jessica , Almståhl Annica
Published: September 2019

Objective

To investigate current odontological care routines for patients treated for head and neck cancers in the county councils/regions (C/Rs) of Sweden.

Methods

An invitation to fill in a web‐based questionnaire was sent to dentists/dental hygienists working in dental clinics in the 12 C/Rs, treating and responsible for the odontological care of patients undergoing treatment for cancer of the head and neck. The questionnaire started with two mandatory and one non‐mandatory questions, followed by questions regarding routines before (n = 28), during (n = 23), and after (n = 9) treatment, plus two additional questions, totalling 65 questions.

Results

Four dental hygienists and six dentists in 10 of the 12 C/Rs answered the questionnaire. Three C/Rs stated that they measure both the unstimulated and stimulated salivary secretion rate, and another C/R stated that they measure the stimulated secretion rate only. Similar recommendations were given regarding oral hygiene, salivary stimulants and substitutes, and extra fluoride. However, great variations were seen regarding recommendations for preventing and relieving oral mucositis. There were also discrepancies regarding information about the importance of avoiding smoking and alcohol. In seven C/Rs, patients visited the dental hygienist once a week during cancer treatment.

Conclusion

The results suggests that there are great variations in odontological care given to patients undergoing treatment for cancer of the head and neck region in different county councils/regions in Sweden. There is a need to develop and implement evidence‐based guidelines to decrease the risk of oral complications and increase both the quality of life and the quality of care.
Study of SiC device for pulsed power switching circuit
Authors: Tagawa Toru , Yamashita Tomohiko , Sakugawa Takashi , Katsuki Sunao , Hukuda Kenzi , Sakamoto Kunihiro
Published: September 2019

Pulsed power generator using semiconductor switches have been developed. We have developed switching module using discrete type Silicon Carbide (SiC) Device for pulsed power circuit. We compare the switching module using SiC‐MOSFETs with conventional module using IGBTs. Both of switching devices the switching loss increased when the voltage get higher. The switching module using SiC‐MOSFETs can input higher voltage and has less switching loss in same input voltage. Also, we have investigate the switching loss depend on di/dt at switching. The permissible di/dt of SiC‐MOSFETs was higher than IGBTs. However, there is a limit to the value of permissible di/dt. The loss in this module is reduced by applying magnetic assist. The advantage of SiC‐MOSFET was confirmed in switching for pulsed power.
Halogeno Ligand‐Substitution Reactions of Ruthenium Complexes Bearing Ethylbis(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine to Synthesize New Complexes
Authors: Misawa‐Suzuki Tomoyo , Tomioka Nozomi , Osawa Yutaro , Nagao Hirotaka
Published: September 2019

Halogeno ligand‐substitution reactions of trihalogenoruthenium(III) complexes bearing ethylbis(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine (ebpma), fac‐[RuIIIX3(ebpma)] (X = Cl; [1Cl], Br; [1Br]) were investigated to derive various complexes of desired properties and reactivities. The number of substitution of halogeno ligand (n) was controlled. Through the reaction of [1Cl] with sulfuric acid in acetonitrile, a mono‐substituted acetonitrileruthenium(III) complex fac‐[RuIIICl2(NCCH3)(ebpma)]+ (n = 1, [2]+) was obtained, while the one‐electron reduction reactions of the Ru(III) center of [1X] in a hydrophobic solution or in a water‐containing solution with Lewis base afforded fac‐[RuIIX(L)2(ebpma)]+ (n = 2, L = CH3CN; [3X]+, C5H5N; [5X]+) or fac‐[RuII(L)3(ebpma)]2+ (n = 3, L = CH3CN; [4]2+, C5H5N; [6]2+, NH3; [7]2+), respectively. The number of dissociating chlorido and the kind of incoming ligand could be controlled as expected in these synthetic strategies. The structures, redox behaviors and spectroscopic properties of the obtained ruthenium complexes were studied.
Multidentate Pyridyl‐Aminophosphinite and Pyridyl‐Phosphoramidite Ruthenium(II) Complexes: Synthesis, Structure and Application as Levulinic Acid Hydrogenation Pre‐Catalysts
Authors: Amenuvor Gershon , Rono Charles K. , Darkwa James , Makhubela Banothile C. E.
Published: September 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is Banothile Makhubela from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. The cover image shows a picturesque African sunrise signifying a new dawn with the opportunity to develop a sustainable future.
Integrated Study of Qualitative Olive and Oil Production from Three Important Varieties Grown in Calabria (Southern Italy)
Authors: Mafrica Rocco , Piscopo Amalia , De Bruno Alessandra , Pellegrino Paolo , Zappia Angela , Zappia Rocco , Poiana Marco
Published: September 2019

Olive ripening, climate conditions, geographic area, and cultivar may influence the composition and quality of olive oils. This study aims to identify the optimal harvesting period for qualitative production of three cultivars grown in Calabria. The obtained results show that all the olive oils produced in October are classified as extra virgin, and then their quality decreases gradually, in particular in Grossa di Gerace olives, grown in a typical hot‐dry area. Oleic acid content in the oil is related to the temperature exposition during fruit growth. Considering oil yield and quality, the optimal harvesting times are identified in the first part of the month of October (142–158 days after full bloom) for Grossa di Gerace olive and in the second and last week of October (142–165 days after full bloom) for Ottobratica and Sinopolese.

Practical Applications: This study investigates with a holistic approach the development and maturation of drupes and the quality of oils obtained at two harvesting times. The strong correlation between olive ripening index and the other studied parameters prove that it is a valid index for olive growers to identify the optimal harvesting period for the three Calabrian olive cultivars. To obtain high mechanical harvest efficacy, this study suggests the use of trunk shakers to Grossa di Gerace olives and mechanical beaters to Ottobratica and Sinopolese.
Plasma‐functionalized Highly Aligned CNT‐based Biosensor for Point of Care Determination of Glucose in Human Blood Plasma
Authors: Azimi Shamim , Farahani Ali , Sereshti Hassan
Published: September 2019

In this study, a new method for modification of vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays (VACNTs) for selective detection of glucose was developed. VACNTs were grown by chemical vapor deposition method on a silicon substrate deposited with alumina as a buffer layer and iron as a catalyst using radio frequency (RF) sputtering and electron beam evaporation, respectively. The surface of the electrode was modified with electrodeposition of polyaniline (PANI) followed by covalent attachment of glucose oxidase (GOx). The electrode was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), micro‐Raman spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (ATR‐FTIR) techniques. Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry were used to investigate the electrochemical behavior of the electrode. The fabricated electrode was successfully employed as a point‐of‐care (POC) biosensor for the detection of glucose in human blood plasma. The detection limit was 1.1 μM, and the sensitivity was 620 μA mM−1 cm−2 at the linear range of 2–426 μM.
Polyelectrolyte‐Coated Copper Hexacyanoferrate and Bismuth Oxychloride Electrodes for Efficient Salinity Gradient Energy Recovery in Capacitive Mixing
Authors: Tan Guangcai , Zhu Xiuping
Published: September 2019

A mixing entropy battery (MEB) based on a pair of cationic and anionic electrodes is a novel method to extract salinity gradient (SG) energy. However, so far, only precious AgCl electrodes are reported as anionic electrodes in MEBs. Herein, it is demonstrated that bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) can be an alternative anionic electrode for MEBs to harvest SG energy. In tests with 30 and 1 g L−1 NaCl solutions, the origin MEB with uncoated BiOCl anionic and copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCF) cationic electrodes produces an energy density of 8 J m−2 and an average power density of 59 mW m−2. To boost the power output, the origin BiOCl and CuHCF electrodes are coated with polyelectrolytes. The energy density (12 J m−2) and average power density (87 mW m−2) of the coated MEB are nearly 50% higher than those of the origin MEB and are stable over 50 cycles, which is comparable and even higher than those with AgCl anionic electrodes. These results indicate that BiOCl can be a cheap alternative to the AgCl anionic electrode, and polyelectrolyte coatings can be a cheaper alternative to ion‐exchange membranes in MEBs for efficient SG energy recovery.
Engineering the Charge Transport Properties of Resonant Silicon Nanoparticles in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Furasova Aleksandra , Voroshilov Pavel , Lamanna Enrico , Mozharov Alexey , Tsypkin Anton , Mukhin Ivan , Barettin Daniele , Ladutenko Konstantin , Zakhidov Anvar , Di Carlo Aldo , Makarov Sergey
Published: September 2019

Resonant semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) that improve both light trapping and scattering have recently emerged as an additional tool for enhancing the efficiency of perovskite solar cells. Among the various types of nanostructures, silicon NPs, which support Mie modes and have lower losses compared with metallic particles with plasmon resonances, exhibit the best improvement for standard methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3)‐based solar cells. Herein, not only the optical problem of solar cell optimization with silicon nanoantennas is studied, but also the effects related to charge carrier transport in the presence of NPs are considered. In particular, it is theoretically shown that the silicon nanoantennas can be further optimized by p‐doping. The experimental verification is conducted for MAPbI3‐based solar cells by p‐doped silicon NPs in a hole transport layer (Spiro‐OMeTAD). The improved generation rate of charge carriers and hole transport through the doped silicon NPs leads to improved efficiency of the device.
Accurate and time‐efficient negative binomial linear model for electric load forecasting in IoE
Authors: Daraghmi Yousef‐Awwad , Daraghmi Eman Yaser , Alsaadi Samer , Eleyan Derar
Published: September 2019

Accurate and efficient model predictive control (MPC) is essential for Internet of energy (IoE) to enable active real‐time control, decentralized demand‐supply balance, and dynamic energy management. The MPC consists of short‐term electric load forecasting, whose accuracy is affected by the load characteristics, such as overdispersion, autocorrelation, and seasonal patterns. The forecasting efficiency depends on the computational time that is required to produce accurate results and is affected by the IoE data volume. Although several fundamental short‐term forecasting models have been proposed, more accurate and efficient models are needed for IoE. Therefore, we propose a novel forecasting temporal negative binomial linear model (NBLM) that handles overdispersion and captures nonlinearity of electric load. We also classify the load into low, moderate, and high intraday seasons to increase the forecast accuracy by modeling the autocorrelation in each season, separately. The temporal NBLM was evaluated using real‐world data from Jericho city, and its results were compared to other forecasting models. The temporal NBLM is found more accurate than the other models as the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) is reduced by 29% compared to the ARMA model. In addition, the proposed model is more efficient as its running time is reduced by 63% in the training phase and by 87% in the forecast phase compared to the Holt‐Winter model. This increase in accuracy and efficiency makes the proposed model applicable for load forecasting in IoE contexts where data volume is large and load is highly fluctuated, is overdispersed, is autocorrelated, and follows seasonal patterns.
Systematic Consideration of Parameter Uncertainty and Variability in Probabilistic Species Sensitivity Distributions
Authors: Wigger Henning , Kawecki Delphine , Nowack Bernd , Adam Véronique
Published: September 2019

The calculation of a species sensitivity distribution (SSD) is a commonly accepted approach to derive the predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) of a substance in the context of environmental risk assessment. The SSD approach usually is data demanding and incorporates a large number of ecotoxicological values from different experimental studies. The probabilistic SSD (PSSD) approach is able to fully consider the variability between different exposure conditions and material types, which is of great importance when constructing an SSD for any chemical, especially for nanomaterials. The aim of our work was to further develop the PSSD approach by implementing methods to better consider the uncertainty and variability of the input data. We incorporated probabilistic elements to consider the uncertainty associated with uncertainty factors by using probability distributions instead of single values. The new PSSD method (named “PSSD+”) computes 10 000 PSSDs based on a Monte Carlo routine. For each PSSD calculated, the hazardous concentration for 5% of species (HC5) was extracted to provide a PNEC distribution based on all data available and their associated uncertainty. The PSSD+ approach also includes the option to consider a species weighting according to a typically constituted biome. We applied this PSSD+ approach to a previously published data set on C nanotubes and Ag nanoparticles. The evaluation of the uncertainty factor distributions and species weighting have shown that the proposed PSSD method is robust with respect to the calculation of the PNEC value. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the PSSD+ can handle both small and more comprehensive data sets because the PNEC distributions are a close representation of the data available. Finally, the sensitivity testing toward data set variations showed that the maximum variation of the mean PNEC was of a factor of about 2, so that the method is relatively insensitive to missing data points as long as the most sensitive species is included. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:211–222. © 2019 SETAC
MCM7 silencing promotes cutaneous melanoma cell autophagy and apoptosis by inactivating the AKT1/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Yemei , Ma Shengfang , Ye Zi , Zhou Xianyi
Published: September 2019

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) has become a major public health concern. Studies illustrate that minichromosome maintenance protein 7 (MCM7) participate in various diseases including skin disease. Our study aimed to study the effects of MCM7 silencing on CM cell autophagy and apoptosis by modulating the AKT threonine kinase 1 (AKT1)/mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (mTOR) signaling pathway. Initially, microarray analysis was used to screen the CM‐related gene expression data as well as differentially expressed genes. Subsequently, MCM7 expression vector and lentivirus RNA used for MCM7 silencing (LV‐shRNA‐MCM7) were constructed, and these vectors, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and AKT activator SC79 were then introduced into CM cell line SK‐MEL‐2 to validate the role of MCM7 in cell autophagy, viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and invasion. To further investigate the regulatory mechanisms of MCM7 in CM progress, the expression of MCM7, AKT1, mTOR, cyclin D1, as well as autophagy and apoptosis relative factors, such as LC3B, SOD2, DJ‐1, p62, Bcl‐2, Bax, and caspase‐3 in melanoma cells was determined. MCM7 might mediate the AKT1/mTOR signaling pathway to influence the progress of melanoma. MCM7 silencing contributed to the increased expression of Bax, capase‐3, and autophagy‐related genes (LC3B, SOD2, and DJ‐1), but decreased the expression of Bcl‐2, which suggested that MCM7 silencing promoted autophagy and cell apoptosis. At the same time, MCM7 silencing also attenuated cell viability, invasion, and migration, and reduced the cyclin D1 expression and protein levels of p‐AKT1 and p‐mTOR. Taken together, MCM7 silencing inhibited CM via inactivation of the AKT1/mTOR signaling pathway.
Identification of distinctive long noncoding RNA competitive interactions and a six‐methylated‐gene prognostic signature in acute myeloid leukemia with −5/del(5q) or −7/del(7q)
Authors: YIN Xuejiao , Huang Sui , Xu Aoshuang , Fan Fengjuan , Chen Lei , Sun Chunyan , Hu Yu
Published: September 2019

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with −5/del(5q) or −7/del(7q) has special clinical and biological characteristics, but its molecular mechanisms and risk stratification remain unknown.

Methods

The RNA sequencing and DNA methylation of 23 patients with −5/del(5q) or −7/del(7q) and 128 patients with other subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The regulatory mechanisms of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and DNA methylation on gene expression were explored. To find robust and specific risk stratification for this AML subtype, a prognostic model was established and evaluated through four independent data sets.

Results

We identified 966 differentially expressed long noncoding RNA, 2274 differentially expressed genes, and 47 differentially expressed microRNAs, and constructed a ceRNA network. After the integrated analysis of differentially methylated and expressed genes, 19 genes showed the opposite trend between the methylation variation and gene expression. An six‐methylated‐gene prognostic signature which highly correlated with overall survival was established, and the performance was validated by leave‐one‐out cross validation method and permutation test. Furthermore, the excellent prognostic value of this model was supported by an independent cohort, while specificity of this model was validated by three independent data sets, suggesting it as a predictive classifier with high efficiency for distinguishing those with −5/del(5q) or −7/del(7q) from other AML subtypes.

Conclusions

The ceRNA network may provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment for patients with −5/del(5q) or −7/del(7q).The six‐methylated‐gene prognostic signature was a robust, specific, and clinically practical risk stratification for the outcome of patients with AML having −5/del(5q) or −7/del(7q).
Tropisetron attenuates tumor growth and progression in an experimental model of mouse lung cancer
Authors: Rashidi Mohsen , Bazi Ali , Shiran Mohammad R. , Bagheri Abouzar , Mehrabadi Abbas R. , Kalantar Hadi , Ghafouri Zahra , Hosseini Sayed M.
Published: September 2019

The antineoplastic effects of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) receptor antagonists have been shown in previous studies. However, the exact underlying mechanisms mediating these antineoplastic effects are unclear. In the present study, we assessed the antineoplastic effects of tropisetron, a 5‐HT receptor antagonist, in an experimental model of lung cancer in BALB/c mouse. Lewis lung carcinoma cell line was used to induce lung cancer. Mice were divided into four groups (n = 6) as follows: tumor‐bearing mice + tropisetron (5 mg/kg intraperitoneally [IP]), tumor‐bearing mice + tropisetron (10 mg/kg IP), tumor‐bearing mice + saline, healthy mice + tropisetron (10 mg/kg). Tumor burden, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin (IL)‐4, pathological response, Ki‐67, and E‐cadherin were assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Comet assay was used to assess DNA toxicity. Tropisetrone‐treated animals (either 5 or 10 mg/kg) showed significantly lower tumor sizes at the day 24th after tumor induction. Tropisetron received animals also showed significantly higher levels of IFN‐γ, E‐cadherin, pathologic response, and necrotic cells compared to the saline‐treated counterparts. In addition, the levels of IL‐4, and Ki‐67 were significantly lower in tropisetrone treated mice in comparison with control. Furthermore, tropisteron coadministration signifcantly reduced H2O2‐induced DNA toxicity while treatment with tropisteron alone showed no adverse effect on DNA. Tropisetrone can be used as a potential antineoplastic drug in lung cancer. This agent can promote its antineoplastic effects in part through modulating inflammatory and proliferating markers.
Electronic cigarette use and psychological distress in the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults compared with other racial/ethnic groups: Data from the National Health Interview Survey, 2014
Authors: Narcisse Marie‐R. , Dobbs Page , Long Christopher R. , Purvis Rachel S. , Kimminau Kim S. , McElfish Pearl A.
Published: September 2019

Document the prevalence of electronic cigarette (E‐cigarette) use among the native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (NHPI) adults compared with other racial/ethnic groups, and examine associations between psychological distress and E‐cigarette use. 2014 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and 2014 NHPI–NHIS were combined for comparisons. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Rao‐Scott χ2 test, and multivariable logistic regression. E‐cigarette use among NHPI (5.6%) was significantly higher than among Blacks (2.1%), Hispanics (2.2%), and Asians (1.7%; p < .001). NHPI with Kessler 6 (K6) score of 11–24 had greater odds of using E‐cigarettes (odds ratio [OR]: 3.90; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.81–8.42) as compared to those with a K6 score of 0. Associations between having a K6 score of 11–24 and using E‐cigarettes were also found for Whites (OR: 3.49; CI: 2.44–4.99), Asians (OR: 5.29; CI: 1.29–21.70), and Hispanics (OR: 6.14; CI: 2.72–13.83). E‐cigarette use was higher among NHPI relative to other racial/ethnic groups. NHPI with K6 score of 11–24 had greater odds of using E‐cigarettes as compared to those with a K6 score of 0. Policies and strategies to reduce E‐cigarette use among NHPI should give careful consideration to the associations between E‐cigarette use and psychological distress in the NHPI population.
Serum tRNA‐derived fragments (tRFs) as potential candidates for diagnosis of nontriple negative breast cancer
Authors: Huang Yue , Ge Han , Zheng Mingjie , Cui Yangyang , Fu Ziyi , Wu Xiaowei , Xia Yiqin , Chen Lie , Wang Zhenghui , Wang Shui , Xie Hui
Published: September 2019

Breast cancer has become the most common cancer in women, and nontriple negative breast cancer (non‐TNBC) accounts for 80–90% of all invasive breast cancers. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are considered key to a successful cure. Conventionally, breast imaging and needle core biopsy are used for detection and monitoring. However, small variations in volume might be ignored in imaging, and traditional biopsies are spatially and temporally limited, leading to a significant delay in cancer detection and thus prompting renewed focus on early and accurate diagnosis. In this article, we investigated whether there is an accurate molecule in peripheral blood that can help diagnose breast cancer. Similar to microRNAs, tRNA‐derived fragments (tRFs) have been reported to be involved in many pathological processes in breast cancer, but whether they can serve as candidate biomarkers for breast cancer remains unclear. Using high‐throughput sequencing technology, we identified 4,021 differentially expressed tRFs in normal and breast cancer cell lines, and eight tRFs were selected to establish a signature as a predictive biomarker of non‐TNBC. Furthermore, quantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed to verify the expression of the signature and analyze the correlation between dysregulated tRFs and breast cancer. The results indicated that tDR‐7816, tDR‐5334, and tDR‐4733 might be promising biomarkers. Through further bioinformatics analysis, we predicted that tDR‐7816 influences the xenobiotic metabolic processes that support the oncogenesis of breast cancer. In summary, our results provide a rationale for using circulating tDR‐7816 expression as a novel potential biomarker for the diagnosis of patients with early non‐TNBC.
Antiosteoclastic bone resorption activity of osteoprotegerin via enhanced AKT/mTOR/ULK1‐mediated autophagic pathway
Authors: Zhao Hongyan , Sun Ziqiang , Ma Yonggang , Song Ruilong , Yuan Yan , Bian Jianchun , Gu Jianhong , Liu Zongping
Published: September 2019

Autophagy plays a critical role in the maintenance of bone homeostasis. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is an inhibitor of osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption. However, whether autophagy is involved in the antiosteoclastogenic effects of OPG remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of autophagy during OPG‐induced bone resorption via inhibition of osteoclasts differentiated from bone marrow‐derived macrophages in BALB/c mice. The results showed that after treatment with receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κΒ ligand and macrophage colony‐stimulating factor for 3 days, TRAP+ osteoclasts formed, representing the resting state of autophagy. These osteoclasts were treated with OPG and underwent autophagy, as demonstrated by LC3‐II accumulation, acidic vesicular organelle formation, and the presence of autophagosomes. The levels of autophagy‐related proteins, LC3‐II increased and P62 decreased at 3 hr in OPG‐treated osteoclasts. The viability, differentiation, and bone resorption activity of osteoclasts declined after OPG treatment. Treatment with OPG and chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor, attenuated OPG‐induced inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption, whereas rapamycin (RAP), an autophagy inducer, enhanced OPG‐induced inhibition of differentiation, survival, and bone resorption activity of osteoclasts. Furthermore, OPG reduced the amount of phosphorylated(p) protein kinase B (AKT) and pmTOR and increased the level of pULK, in a dose‐dependant manner. LY294002, a phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway inhibitor, attenuated the decline in pAKT, but enhanced the decline in pmTOR and the increase in pULK1 following OPG treatment. RAP enhanced the OPG‐induced increase in pULK1. The PI3K inhibitor 3‐methyladenine partly blocked OPG‐induced autophagy. Thus, the results revealed that OPG inhibits osteoclast bone resorption by inducing autophagy via the AKT/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway.
On density of subgraphs of Cartesian products
Authors: Chepoi Victor , Labourel Arnaud , Ratel Sébastien
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we extend two classical results about the density of subgraphs of hypercubes to subgraphs of Cartesian products of arbitrary connected graphs. Namely, we show that , where is the maximum ratio taken over all subgraphs of . We introduce the notions of VC‐dimension and VC‐density of a subgraph of a Cartesian product , generalizing the classical Vapnik‐Chervonenkis dimension of set‐families (viewed as subgraphs of hypercubes). We prove that if belong to the class of all finite connected graphs not containing a given graph as a minor, then for any subgraph of the sharper inequality holds, where is the supremum of the densities of the graphs from . We refine and sharpen these two results to several specific graph classes. We also derive upper bounds (some of them polylogarithmic) for the size of adjacency labeling schemes of subgraphs of Cartesian products.
Intrathoracic side‐to‐side esophagogastrostomy with a linear stapler and barbed suture in robot‐assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy
Authors: Wang Fuqiang , Zhang Hanlu , Zheng Yu , Wang Zihao , Geng Yingcai , Wang Yun
Published: September 2019

Background

The side‐to‐side anastomosis was considered a promising approach to create an intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy in the minimally invasive esophagectomy, with advantages over the side‐to‐end anastomosis with aspects of no need for additional mini‐thoracotomy and lower occurrence of stenosis. The hand‐sewing anterior aspect of the anastomosis is technically challenging in the thoracoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Here we introduced our initial experience to facilitate this approach by using the surgical robot and barbed suture.

Methods

A retrospective study of all patients underwent robot‐assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy with side‐to‐side esophagogastrostomy from February 2016 to September 2018 was performed. The technical details are described in this paper.

Results

A total of 37 patients (35 male and 2 female, median age of 62.7 years) were successfully treated with completely robot‐assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. The median total surgical time was 340 minutes including 65 minutes to perform the anastomosis. Median estimated blood loss was 120 mL and the length of hospital stay was 10 days. There was no 90‐day mortality. Three patients suffered anastomotic leakage (8.1%,3/37), who were successfully treated without reoperation.

Conclusion

Our initial results imply that it is technically feasible to perform intrathoracic gastroesophageal anastomosis by taking advantage of a robotic system and knotless suturing.
Knee menisci segmentation and relaxometry of 3D ultrashort echo time cones MR imaging using attention U‐Net with transfer learning
Authors: Byra Michal , Wu Mei , Zhang Xiaodong , Jang Hyungseok , Ma Ya‐Jun , Chang Eric Y. , Shah Sameer , Du Jiang
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To develop a deep learning‐based method for knee menisci segmentation in 3D ultrashort echo time (UTE) cones MR imaging, and to automatically determine MR relaxation times, namely the T1, T1ρ, and parameters, which can be used to assess knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Whole knee joint imaging was performed using 3D UTE cones sequences to collect data from 61 human subjects. Regions of interest (ROIs) were outlined by 2 experienced radiologists based on subtracted T1ρ‐weighted MR images. Transfer learning was applied to develop 2D attention U‐Net convolutional neural networks for the menisci segmentation based on each radiologist's ROIs separately. Dice scores were calculated to assess segmentation performance. Next, the T1, T1ρ, relaxations, and ROI areas were determined for the manual and automatic segmentations, then compared.

Results

The models developed using ROIs provided by 2 radiologists achieved high Dice scores of 0.860 and 0.833, while the radiologists’ manual segmentations achieved a Dice score of 0.820. Linear correlation coefficients for the T1, T1ρ, and relaxations calculated using the automatic and manual segmentations ranged between 0.90 and 0.97, and there were no associated differences between the estimated average meniscal relaxation parameters. The deep learning models achieved segmentation performance equivalent to the inter‐observer variability of 2 radiologists.

Conclusion

The proposed deep learning‐based approach can be used to efficiently generate automatic segmentations and determine meniscal relaxations times. The method has the potential to help radiologists with the assessment of meniscal diseases, such as OA.