bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bifunctionality from Synergy: CoP Nanoparticles Embedded in Amorphous CoOx Nanoplates with Heterostructures for Highly Efficient Water Electrolysis
Authors: Yu Jie , Zhong Yijun , Wu Xinhao , Sunarso Jaka , Ni Meng , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: July 2018

Hydrogen production from renewable electricity relies upon the development of an efficient alkaline water electrolysis device and, ultimately, upon the availability of low cost and stable electrocatalysts that can promote oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Normally, different electrocatalysts are applied for HER and OER because of their different reaction intermediates and mechanisms. Here, the synthesis of a heterostructured CoP@a‐CoOx plate, which constitutes the embedded crystalline cobalt phosphide (CoP) nanoclusters and amorphous cobalt oxides (CoOx) nanoplates matrix, via a combined solvothermal and low temperature phosphidation route is reported. Due to the presence of synergistic effect between CoP nanoclusters and amorphous CoOx nanoplates in the catalyst, created from the strong nanointerfaces electronic interactions between CoP and CoOx phases in its heterostructure, this composite displays very high OER activity in addition to favorable HER activity that is comparable to the performance of the IrO2 OER benchmark and approached that of the Pt/C HER benchmark. More importantly, an efficient and stable alkaline water electrolysis operation is achieved using CoP@a‐CoOx plate as both cathode and anode as evidenced by the obtainment of a relatively low potential of 1.660 V at a 10 mA cm−2 current density and its marginal increase above 1.660 V over 30 h continuous operation.
Toward Perceptive Soft Robots: Progress and Challenges
Authors: Wang Hongbo , Totaro Massimo , Beccai Lucia
Published: July 2018

In the past few years, soft robotics has rapidly become an emerging research topic, opening new possibilities for addressing real‐world tasks. Perception can enable robots to effectively explore the unknown world, and interact safely with humans and the environment. Among all extero‐ and proprioception modalities, the detection of mechanical cues is vital, as with living beings. A variety of soft sensing technologies are available today, but there is still a gap to effectively utilize them in soft robots for practical applications. Here, the developments in soft robots with mechanical sensing are summarized to provide a comprehensive understanding of the state of the art in this field. Promising sensing technologies for mechanically perceptive soft robots are described, categorized, and their pros and cons are discussed. Strategies for designing soft sensors and criteria to evaluate their performance are outlined from the perspective of soft robotic applications. Challenges and trends in developing multimodal sensors, stretchable conductive materials and electronic interfaces, modeling techniques, and data interpretation for soft robotic sensing are highlighted. The knowledge gap and promising solutions toward perceptive soft robots are discussed and analyzed to provide a perspective in this field.
Simulation of the granular flow of cylindrical particles in the rotating drum
Authors: Yang Shiliang , Sun Yuhao , Chew Jia Wei
Published: July 2018

This study aims at unveiling the effect of particle shape on granular flow behavior. Discrete element method is used to simulate cylindrical particles with different aspect ratios in the rotating drum operating in the rolling regime. The results demonstrate that the cylindrical particles exhibit similar general flow patterns as the spherical particles. As the aspect ratio of the cylindrical particles increases, the active‐passive interfaces become steeper, and the number fraction, solid residence time, and collision force in the active region decreases. The mechanism underlying the difference is the preferential orientation, with particles of greater aspect ratios increasingly orientating their longitudinal axes perpendicular to the drum length. Also, particle alignment in the active region is more uniform than that in the passive region. The results obtained in this work provide new insights regarding the impact of particle shape on granular flow in the rotating drum. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 3835–3848, 2018
Terminal Alkyne Coupling Reactions through a Ring: Mechanistic Insights and Regiochemical Switching
Authors: Storey Caroline M. , Gyton Matthew R. , Andrew Rhiann E. , Chaplin Adrian B.
Published: July 2018

The mechanism and selectivity of terminal alkyne coupling reactions promoted by rhodium(I) complexes of NHC‐based CNC pincer ligands have been investigated. Synthetic and kinetic experiments support E‐ and gem‐enyne formation through a common reaction sequence involving hydrometallation and rate‐determining C−C bond reductive elimination. The latter is significantly affected by the ligand topology: Employment of a macrocyclic variant enforced exclusive head‐to‐head coupling, contrasting the high selectivity for head‐to‐tail coupling observed for the corresponding acyclic pincer ligand.
A Size‐Reducible Nanodrug with an Aggregation‐Enhanced Photodynamic Effect for Deep Chemo‐Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Ji Chendong , Gao Qin , Dong Xinghua , Yin Wenyan , Gu Zhanjun , Gan Zhihua , Zhao Yuliang , Yin Meizhen
Published: July 2018

Fluorescent dyes with multi‐functionality are of great interest for photo‐based cancer theranostics. However, their low singlet oxygen quantum yield impedes their potential applications for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Now, a molecular self‐assembly strategy is presented for a nanodrug with a remarkably enhanced photodynamic effect based on a dye‐chemodrug conjugate. The self‐assembled nanodrug possesses an increased intersystem crossing rate owing to the aggregation of dye, leading to a distinct singlet oxygen quantum yield (Φ(1O2)). Subsequently, upon red light irradiation, the generated singlet oxygen reduces the size of the nanodrug from 90 to 10 nm, which facilitates deep tumor penetration of the nanodrug and release of chemodrug. The nanodrug achieved in situ tumor imaging and potent tumor inhibition by deep chemo‐PDT. Our work verifies a facile and effective self‐assembly strategy to construct nanodrugs with enhanced performance for cancer theranostics.
Green synthesis approach for novel benzenesulfonamide nanometer complexes with elaborated spectral, theoretical and biological treatments
Authors: Al‐Fahemi Jabir H. , Khedr Abdalla M. , Althagafi Ismail , El‐Metwaly Nashwa M. , Saad Fawaz A. , Katouah Hanadi A.
Published: July 2018

New series of nano‐sized bi‐homonuclear Ce (III), ZrO (II), Sn (II), Pb (II), Cr (III), Fe (III) and Cu (II) complexes with 4‐[(2,4‐dihydroxybenzylidene)amino]‐N‐(1,3‐thiazol‐2‐yl) benzenesulfonamide (H3L) were synthesized via green solid‐state method. The structural and molecular formulae of all synthesized complexes were established based on variable spectral, analytical and theoretical implementations. FT‐IR study confirms the coordination of H3L with metal ions through the Schiff base and sulfonamide centers in di‐basic tetra‐dentate mode. Thermal analysis, magnetic moment and electronic spectra are attributing to octahedral configuration around Ce (III), Cr (III) and Fe (III) centers, while with ZrO (II), Sn (II), Pb (II) and Cu (II) centers, acquired tetrahedral arrangement. TEM and XRD studies, represent the nanometer characters of most metal ion complexes. TGA curves are utilized to compute the activation thermo‐kinetic parameters over different decomposition stages applying Coats‐Redfern method. Theoretical implementation executed by Gaussian09 program exerted the structures for the best atomic orientation over whole molecules. QSAR data were achieved over Hyper Chem 8.1 program through molecular mechanics process. Docking complexes between free ligand and different protein receptors were obtained through AutoDock Tools 4.2. Antimicrobial, antifungal and antitumor activities of the metal complexes were studied in comparing with free ligand to assert their potential therapeutic uses. H3L, Ce (III), Fe (III) and Cu (II) complexes displayed high antibacterial activity near that of standard Gentamycin. Moreover, Cr (III) complex displayed highest cytotoxicity against human liver Carcinoma cell line (HEPG2).
Probing of effective pyrazolone based metallonucleases: Molecular docking and in vitro biological critiques
Authors: Arunadevi Alagarraj , Paulpandiyan Rajakkani , Raman Natarajan
Published: July 2018

Four novel tryptophan based metal (II) complexes of the type [ML (Try)2] were prepared by using pyrazolone derived Schiff base ligand. The proposed structure was confirmed by physicochemical methods which reveal octahedral coordination environment around the metal center. Intercalative binding mode of the complexes with CT DNA was confirmed by electronic absorption titration, viscosity measurements and fluorescence spectroscopy. Efficiency of DNA cleavage ability of the metal complexes was explored by the gel electrophoresis technique. The antimicrobial activities of the metal complexes showed potent biocidal activity. The percentage of free radical scavenging activity shows that the complexes are very reactive towards DPPH. Moreover, their cytotoxicity was tested against the two cancer cell lines (MCF‐7 and HepG2) and one normal cell line (NHDF) respectively. The MTT assay shows that the complexes have the anticancer efficacy. Moreover, the complexes exhibit a limited cytotoxicity effect on normal cell line NHDF. The morphological changes of apoptosis cell death were investigated by using Hoechst 33258 staining method. In addition, the Molecular docking studies was executed to consider the nature of binding and binding affinity of the synthesized compounds with DNA (PDB: 1BNA) and protein (PDB: 3hb5).
Influence of rearing temperature on triacylglycerol storage in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum
Authors: Hubhachen Zhaorigetu , Madden Robin D. , Dillwith Jack W.
Published: July 2018

Total fatty acids in the pea aphid reared at low temperatures increased significantly compared to that at high rearing temperatures. This change is reflected in a large increase of myristic acid, which occurs exclusively in triacylglycerols. When aphids were moved from 25°C to a lower rearing temperature at 10°C, saturated fatty acids accumulated over time, reaching a maximum at 16th day. When aphids were moved to 4°C, a temperature below the developmental threshold, those aphids did not accumulate saturated fatty acids. Similar results were observed when aphids were exposed to sequential decrease in rearing temperature. However, both total fatty acids and myristic acid in the aphids from the treatments of sequential decreasing rearing temperature were significantly higher compared to those in the aphids from the treatments of sudden decreasing rearing temperature. This result, therefore, supports the hypothesis that cold‐adapted aphids can survive under threshold temperature for a longer period of time than noncold‐adapted aphids. Acetyl‐CoA carboxylase activity in the aphids at 25°C was twofold higher than that in the aphids at 10°C, whereas fatty acid synthase activities in the aphids reared at 25 and 10°C are similar. Aphids reared at 10°C showed a threefold reduction in reproduction rates. This reduced production of new nymphs reduces energy demand and would allow for accumulation of energy in the form of triacylglycerols. Therefore, the increased level of saturated fatty acids in aphids reared at low temperature is probably related to lower utilization of fatty acids rather than increased rates of biosynthesis.
Stratiform Protein Microtube Reactors Containing Glucose Oxidase Layer
Authors: Adachi Ryo , Akiyama Motofusa , Morita Yoshitsugu , Komatsu Teruyuki
Published: July 2018

This paper describes the synthesis and catalytic activities of stratiform protein microtube reactors containing a glucose oxidase (GOD) enzyme layer. The microtubes were fabricated by layer‐by‐layer assembly using a microporous polycarbonate membrane with human serum albumin (HSA), poly(l‐arginine) (PLA), and GOD. The GOD component was introduced into the tube wall as the innermost layer, the intermediate layer, or all internal protein layers. SEM observations revealed the formation of uniform hollow cylinders with ca. 1.17 μm outer diameter and ca. 135 nm wall thickness. In aqueous medium, each microtube catalyzed β‐d‐glucose oxidation with high efficiency. We first ascertained the enzyme parameters (Km and kcat) of these microtube reactors. Different catalytic activities that have dependent on the GOD layer position in the cylindrical wall have been elucidated.
A new toolkit for robust distributional change detection
Authors: Kißlinger Anna‐Lena , Stummer Wolfgang
Published: July 2018

Divergences (distances), which measure the dissimilarity, respectively, proximity, between two probability distributions, have turned out to be very useful for several different tasks in statistics (eg, parameter estimation and goodness‐of‐fit testing), econometrics, machine learning, information theory, etc. Some prominent examples are the Kullback‐Leibler information (relative entropy), the Csiszár‐Ali‐Silveyϕ‐divergences, the “ordinary” (ie, unscaled) Bregman divergences, and the recently developed more generalscaled Bregman divergences. Out of the latter and a novel extension to nonconvex generators, we form a new toolkit for detecting distributional changes in random data (streams and clouds). Some sample‐size asymptotics is investigated as well.
Extending the intensity model with joint defaults to incorporate the lasting effects from common credit events
Authors: Miao Daniel Wei‐Chung , Lin Xenos Chang‐Shuo , Yu Steve Hsin‐Ting , Lee Yung‐Hsin
Published: July 2018

This paper studies how the lasting effects of common credit events influence default probability distribution and the prices of multiname credit derivatives. Based on a joint defaults model where common credit events are used to generate simultaneous defaults, we extend the model to allow for their impacts to last for a longer while. The default intensity of each entity is heightened significantly while the impact still has an influence, until some time later when this effect fades away. Incorporating these lasting effects helps to generate higher default correlation, which is more consistent with today's highly correlated financial markets. The proposed model can be either formulated as a Markov chain or implemented by Monte Carlo simulation in order to calculate the default probability distributions and multiname derivatives prices. Our numerical results demonstrate the strong influences from the lasting effects and provide a justification of their incorporation.
The Microbiota‐Inflammasome Hypothesis of Major Depression
Authors: Inserra Antonio , Rogers Geraint B. , Licinio Julio , Wong Ma‐Li
Published: July 2018

We propose the “microbiota‐inflammasome” hypothesis of major depressive disorder (MDD, a mental illness affecting the way a person feels and thinks, characterized by long‐lasting feelings of sadness). We hypothesize that pathological shifts in gut microbiota composition (dysbiosis) caused by stress and gut conditions result in the upregulation of pro‐inflammatory pathways mediated by the Nod‐like receptors family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome (an intracellular platform involved in the activation of inflammatory processes). This upregulation exacerbates depressive symptomatology and further compounds gut dysbiosis. In this review we describe MDD/chronic stress‐induced changes in: 1) NLRP3 inflammasome; 2) gut microbiota; and 3) metabolic pathways; and how inflammasome signaling may affect depressive‐like behavior and gut microbiota composition. The implication is that novel therapeutic strategies could emerge for MDD and co‐morbid conditions. A number of testable predictions surface from this microbiota‐gut‐inflammasome‐brain hypothesis of MDD, using approaches that modulate gut microbiota composition via inflammasome modulation, fecal microbiota transplantation, psychobiotics supplementation, or dietary change.
Multivariate multiple test procedures based on nonparametric copula estimation
Authors: Neumann André , Bodnar Taras , Pfeifer Dietmar , Dickhaus Thorsten
Published: July 2018

Multivariate multiple test procedures have received growing attention recently. This is due to the fact that data generated by modern applications typically are high‐dimensional, but possess pronounced dependencies due to the technical mechanisms involved in the experiments. Hence, it is possible and often necessary to exploit these dependencies in order to achieve reasonable power. In the present paper, we express dependency structures in the most general manner, namely, by means of copula functions. One class of nonparametric copula estimators is constituted by Bernstein copulae. We extend previous statistical results regarding bivariate Bernstein copulae to the multivariate case and study their impact on multiple tests. In particular, we utilize them to derive asymptotic confidence regions for the family‐wise error rate (FWER) of multiple test procedures that are empirically calibrated by making use of Bernstein copulae approximations of the dependency structure among the test statistics. This extends a similar approach by Stange et al. (2015) in the parametric case. A simulation study quantifies the gain in FWER level exhaustion and, consequently, power that can be achieved by exploiting the dependencies, in comparison with common threshold calibrations like the Bonferroni or Šidák corrections. Finally, we demonstrate an application of the proposed methodology to real‐life data from insurance.
Beyond mean modelling: Bias due to misspecification of dispersion in Poisson‐inverse Gaussian regression
Authors: Heller Gillian Z. , Couturier Dominique‐Laurent , Heritier Stephane R.
Published: July 2018

In clinical trials one traditionally models the effect of treatment on the mean response. The underlying assumption is that treatment affects the response distribution through a mean location shift on a suitable scale, with other aspects of the distribution (shape/dispersion/variance) remaining the same. This work is motivated by a trial in Parkinson's disease patients in which one of the endpoints is the number of falls during a 10‐week period. Inspection of the data reveals that the Poisson‐inverse Gaussian (PiG) distribution is appropriate, and that the experimental treatment reduces not only the mean, but also the variability, substantially. The conventional analysis assumes a treatment effect on the mean, either adjusted or unadjusted for covariates, and a constant dispersion parameter. On our data, this analysis yields a non‐significant treatment effect. However, if we model a treatment effect on both mean and dispersion parameters, both effects are highly significant. A simulation study shows that if a treatment effect exists on the dispersion and is ignored in the modelling, estimation of the treatment effect on the mean can be severely biased. We show further that if we use an orthogonal parametrization of the PiG distribution, estimates of the mean model are robust to misspecification of the dispersion model. We also discuss inferential aspects that are more difficult than anticipated in this setting. These findings have implications in the planning of statistical analyses for count data in clinical trials.
Obesity surgery and risk of cancer
Authors: Mackenzie H , Markar S R , Askari A , Faiz O , Hull M , Purkayastha S , Møller H , Lagergren J
Published: July 2018

Background

Obesity increases the risk of several types of cancer. Whether bariatric surgery influences the risk of obesity-related cancer is not clear. This study aimed to uncover the risk of hormone-related (breast, endometrial and prostate), colorectal and oesophageal cancers following obesity surgery.

Methods

This national population-based cohort study used data from the Hospital Episode Statistics database in England collected between 1997 and 2012. Propensity matching on sex, age, co-morbidity and duration of follow-up was used to compare cancer risk among obese individuals undergoing bariatric surgery (gastric bypass, gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy) and obese individuals not undergoing such surgery. Conditional logistic regression provided odds ratios (ORs) with 95 per cent confidence intervals.

Results

In the study period, from a cohort of 716 960 patients diagnosed with obesity, 8794 patients who underwent bariatric surgery were matched exactly with 8794 obese patients who did not have surgery. Compared with the no-surgery group, patients who had bariatric surgery exhibited a decreased risk of hormone-related cancers (OR 0·23, 95 per cent c.i. 0·18 to 0·30). This decrease was consistent for breast (OR 0·25, 0·19 to 0·33), endometrium (OR 0·21, 0·13 to 0·35) and prostate (OR 0·37, 0·17 to 0·76) cancer. Gastric bypass resulted in the largest risk reduction for hormone-related cancers (OR 0·16, 0·11 to 0·24). Gastric bypass, but not gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy, was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (OR 2·63, 1·17 to 5·95). Longer follow-up after bariatric surgery strengthened these diverging associations.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery is associated with decreased risk of hormone-related cancers, whereas gastric bypass might increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Network meta-analysis of surgical management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in adults
Authors: Amer M A , Smith M D , Khoo C H , Herbison G P , McCall J L
Published: July 2018

Background

Proton pump inhibitors are the mainstay of treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, but are associated with ongoing costs and side-effects. Antireflux surgery is cost-effective and is preferred by many patients. A total (360o or Nissen) fundoplication is the traditional procedure, but other variations including partial fundoplications are also commonly performed, with the aim of achieving durable reflux control with minimal dysphagia. Many RCTs and some pairwise meta-analyses have compared some of these procedures but there is still uncertainty about which, if any, is superior. Network meta-analysis allows multiple simultaneous comparisons and robust synthesis of the available evidence in these situations. A network meta-analysis comparing all antireflux procedures was performed to identify which has the most favourable outcomes at short-term (3–12 months), medium-term (1–5 years) and long-term (10 years and more than 10 years) follow-up.

Methods

Article databases were searched systematically for all eligible RCTs. Primary outcomes were quality-of-life measures and dysphagia. Secondary outcomes included reflux symptoms, pH studies and complications.

Results

Fifty-one RCTs were included, involving 5357 patients and 14 different treatments. Posterior partial fundoplication ranked best in terms of reflux symptoms, and caused less dysphagia than most other interventions including Nissen fundoplication. This was consistent across all time points and outcome measures.

Conclusion

Posterior partial fundoplication provides the best balance of long-term, durable reflux control with less dysphagia, compared with other treatments.
Quantitative determination of armodafinil in human plasma by liquid chromatography–electrospray mass spectrometry: Application to a clinical study
Authors: Chandasana Hardik , Kast Johannes , Bittman Janina A. , Derendorf Hartmut
Published: July 2018

Armodafinil is a wake‐promoting agent approved in 2007 by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of excessive sleepiness. A rapid, sensitive and selective liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method for the determination of armodafinil in human plasma was developed and validated. Armodafinil and internal standard (armodafinil d‐10) were extracted from human plasma using protein precipitation combined with liquid–liquid extraction. This developed method only requires 50 μL of plasma for the analysis. The chromatographic separation was performed with a Waters symmetry, C18, 4.6 × 150 mm, 5 μm column using formic acid, water and acetonitrile as solvent delivered at a 0.7 mL/min flow rate. The total run time of the method was 3 min. The method was validated according to regulatory guidance in terms of specificity, selectivity, linearity, matrix effect, recovery and stability. Optimized Q1/Q3 mass transitions for armodafinil and armodafinil d‐10 were 274.1/167.2 (m/z) and 284.4/177.4 (m/z) respectively. The method showed linearity within the tested concentration range of 10–10,000 ng/mL. The method was successfully applied to quantify armodafinil concentrations after single oral administration of a 250 mg tablet in a clinical study conducted in healthy volunteers. Significant advantages of this method are minimal sample volume, short run time and a lower LLOQ.
Quality evaluation for Radix Astragali based on fingerprint, indicative components selection and QAMS
Authors: Huang Jun , Yin Lei , Dong Lin , Quan Hongfeng , Chen Rong , Hua Shiyao , Ma Jiahua , Guo Dongyan , Fu Xueyan
Published: July 2018

Radix Astragali (RA) is one of the most widely used Chinese herbs prescribed in many Chinese formulas to reinforce ‘Qi’ and treat vital energy deficiency. This study combined fingerprinting with quantitative analysis multi‐components by a single marker (QAMS) to improve the quality control standard for RA on the basis of existing quality control methods of traditional Chinese medicinal materials. UPLC‐ESI‐TOF‐MS technique was used to evaluate the quality of RA by fingerprinting and QAMS. Using the anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidation and anti‐anoxic activities to screen characteristic components of RA, the calycosin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside (CG), ononin, astragaloside IV, astragaloside II, calycosin and astrageloside I significantly inhibited ear edema in mice, the calycosin and CG had good antioxidant activity and the astragaloside I had a significant anti‐hypoxia activity. Astragaloside I, astragaloside II, astragaloside IV, ononin, calycosin and CG had significant pharmacological actions. These components were comprehensively used as the indicative components for the quality control of RA. Astragaloside I was used as the internal standard of the relative correction factors of CG (13.45), ononin (0.51), calycosin (12.08), astragaloside IV (0.73) and astragaloside II (0.81). Astragaloside I and CG were used as internal standards of the relative correction factors of the flavonoids and saponins of ononin (1.11), calycosin (0.04), astragaloside IV (0.73) and astragaloside II (0.81). The study combined fingerprinting with QAMS to improve the quality control standard for RA.
Adaptation to poststroke visual field loss: A systematic review
Authors: Howard Claire , Rowe Fiona J.
Published: July 2018

Aim

To provide a systematic overview of the factors that influence how a person adapts to visual field loss following stroke.

Method

A systematic review was undertaken (data search period 1861–2016) inclusive of systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, controlled trials, cohort studies, observational studies, and case controlled studies. Studies including adult subjects with hemifield visual field loss, which occured as a direct consequence of stroke, were included. Search terms included a range of MESH terms as well as alternative terms relating to stroke, visual field loss, visual functions, visual perception, and adaptation. Articles were selected by two authors independently, and data were extracted by one author, being verified by the second. All included articles were assessed for risk of bias and quality using checklists appropriate to the study design.

Results

Forty‐seven articles (2,900 participants) were included in the overall review, categorized into two sections. Section one included seventeen studies where the reviewers were able to identify a factor they considered as likely to be important for the process of adaptation to poststroke visual field loss. Section two included thirty studies detailing interventions for visual field loss that the reviewers deemed likely to have an influence on the adaptation process. There were no studies identified which specifically investigated and summarized the factors that influence how a person adapts to visual field loss following stroke.

Conclusion

There is a substantial amount of evidence that patients can be supported to compensate and adapt to visual field loss following stroke using a range of strategies and methods. However, this systematic review highlights the fact that many unanswered questions in the area of adaptation to visual field loss remain. Further research is required on strategies and methods to improve adaptation to aid clinicians in supporting these patients along their rehabilitation journey.
Involvement of amygdala–prefrontal dysfunction in the influence of negative emotion on the resolution of cognitive conflict in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Park Jaesub , Chun Ji‐Won , Park Hae‐Jeong , Kim Eosu , Kim Jae‐Jin
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Patients with schizophrenia often have impaired cognition and abnormal conflict control. Conflict control is influenced by the emotional values of stimuli. This study investigated the neural basis of negative emotion interference with conflict control in schizophrenia.

Methods

Seventeen patients with schizophrenia and 20 healthy controls underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while performing the emotional Simon task, in which positive or negative emotional pictures were located in congruent or incongruent positions. Analysis was focused on identifying brain regions with the significant interaction among group, emotion, and conflict in whole brain voxel‐wise analysis, and abnormality in their functional connectivity in the patient group.

Results

The regions showing the targeted interaction was the right amygdala, which exhibited significantly reduced activity in the negative congruent (t = −2.168,p = 0.036) and negative incongruent (t = −3.273,p = 0.002) conditions in patients versus controls. The right amygdala also showed significantly lower connectivity with the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the cognitive and emotional loading contrast (negative incongruent—positive congruent) in patients versus controls (t = −5.154,p < 0.01), but not in the cognitive‐only or emotional‐only loading contrast.

Conclusions

These results suggest that negative emotion interferes with cognitive conflict resolution in patients with schizophrenia due to amygdala–dorsolateral prefrontal cortex disconnection. Based on these findings, interventions targeting conflict control under negative emotional influence may promote cognitive rehabilitation in patients with schizophrenia.
The correlation of circulating pro‐angiogenic miRNAs’ expressions with disease risk, clinicopathological features, and survival profiles in gastric cancer
Authors: Peng Wei , Liu Ya‐Nan , Zhu Si‐Qiang , Li Wen‐Qiang , Guo Feng‐Cheng
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to explore the correlation of circulating pro‐angiogenic miRNAs’ expressions with risk, clinicopathological features, and survival profiles in gastric cancer (GC). Three hundred and thirty‐three GC patients underwent radical resection and 117 health controls (HCs) were recruited for this study. Plasma samples were obtained from GC patients before the operation and from HCs after enrollment. Fourteen pro‐angiogenic miRNAs were asseassed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of GC patients were calculated and the median follow‐up duration was 36.0 months. Seven out of 14 pro‐angiogenic miRNAs including let‐7f, miR‐17‐5p, miR‐18a, miR‐19b‐1, miR‐20a, miR‐210, and miR‐296 were observed to be elevated in GC patients compared with HCs. MiR‐18a, miR‐20a, and miR‐210 disclosed good predictive values of GC risk. Six pro‐angiogenic miRNAs including miR‐17‐5p, miR‐92a, miR‐210, miR‐20a, miR‐18a, and miR‐296 expressions were positively while 1 pro‐angiogenic miRNA (miR‐130a) was negatively correlated with tumor malignancy degree in GC patients. K‐M curve disclosed that 5 pro‐angiogenic miRNAs including miR‐17‐5p, miR‐18a, miR‐20a, miR‐92a, and miR‐210 correlated with worse DFS, while 4 pro‐angiogenic miRNAs including miR‐17‐5p, miR‐18a, miR‐20a, and miR‐210 associated with shorter OS. Further multivariate Cox's analysis revealed that miR‐17‐5p, miR‐18a, miR‐20a, and miR‐210 were independent predictive factors for unfavorable DFS and OS. In conclusion, circulating pro‐angiogenic miRNAs could serve as novel noninvasive biomarkers for disease risk and malignancy degree, and miR‐17‐5p, miR‐18a, miR‐20a, and miR‐210 are independent factors predicting poor prognosis in GC patients.
Prognostic significance of nomograms integrating IL‐37 expression, neutrophil level, and MMR status in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhu Bing , Luo Jie , Jiang Yiyao , Yu Luhua , Liu Mulin , Fu Jun
Published: July 2018

Interleukin (IL)‐37 and neutrophils are considered to be involved in human cancer, but their prognostic significance in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of IL‐37 expression and neutrophil levels in CRC. We retrospectively analyzed IL‐37 expression, CD66b+ neutrophil levels, and mismatch repair (MMR) status in 337 paraffin‐embedded CRC specimens from the training cohort by immunohistochemistry. Their prognostic values were assessed using Kaplan‐Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression models. Moreover, several risk factors were used to form nomograms to evaluate survival, and the performance of the nomograms was assessed with respect to calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness. Further validation was performed in an independent cohort of 245 cases. Low IL‐37 expression and high CD66b+ neutrophil levels were significantly associated with diminished disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), and patients with MMR‐deficient CRC had better clinical outcomes. Furthermore, multivariate Cox analysis identified IL‐37, CD66b+ neutrophils, and MMR status as independent prognostic factors for DFS and OS. Two nomograms integrating the three markers with four clinicopathological risk factors were developed and validated for predicting DFS and OS with good calibration and discrimination (C‐index: training cohort, 0.798 (95% confidence interval:0.764‐0.832) and 0.828 (0.796‐0.860), respectively; validation cohort, 0.739 (0.696‐0.783) and 0.761 (0.715‐0.808), respectively). Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomograms were clinically useful. Intratumoral IL‐37, CD66b+ neutrophils, and MMR status were independent prognostic factors for CRC patients. Nomograms incorporating these biomarkers and clinicopathological features could be conveniently used to facilitate the individualized prediction of DFS and OS.
The effect of availability heuristics in online consumer reviews
Authors: Nazlan Nadia Hanin , Tanford Sarah , Montgomery Rhonda
Published: July 2018

This research investigates principles of judgmental heuristics and dual processing systems in the online purchasing environment. It examines the effects of availability cues in restaurant reviews on dining intentions and menu item choice. Two experiments are reported in which consumers make dining out and food choice decisions using simulated online review sites. The first experiment evaluates primacy–recency effects of positive and negative reviews along with different review types. The findings indicate that text plus ratings produce higher visit intentions and expectations compared with either cue by itself. The second experiment examines the effects of rating format, visual cues, and review valence on menu item choice. Pictures increase likelihood to choose a positively reviewed menu item but do not influence likelihood to choose a negatively reviewed item. This finding supports the negativity bias, whereby consumers place more weight on negative versus positive information. Consumers are more likely to choose a menu item with pictures when ratings are in numerical versus star rating format. The findings can be interpreted in terms of System 1 (heuristic) and System 2 (systematic) processing.
Design of Stable Ultrasmall Pt−Ni(O) Nanoparticles with Enhanced Catalytic Performance: Insights into the Effects of Pt−Ni−NiO Dual Interfaces
Authors: Liu Wenming , Zhang Li , Dong Tao , Peng Honggen , Wang Zheng , Zhang Ning , Wang Xiang , Wu Peng
Published: July 2018

Noble metal/transition metal oxide interfaces are typically considered as highly active sites for most heterogeneous catalytic reactions and can effectively increase the utilization of noble metals. One of the challenges in such catalytic systems, particularly under high‐temperature reactions, is the lack of an effective strategy to stabilize the catalysts against sintering over time and maintain the metal/oxide interfaces. We developed a one‐pot facile strategy to embed the ultrafine Pt−Ni(O) nanoparticles (NPs) with dual interfaces (Pt−Ni−NiO) in a microporous silica shell to fabricate a high‐performance heterogeneous oxidation catalyst (assigned as Pt−Ni(O)@SiO2) for the first time. Owing to the ultra‐small size of the Pt−Ni(O) NPs and the confinement effect of the silica shell, the resulting Pt−Ni(O)@SiO2 catalyst exhibited enhanced performance for CO oxidation and toluene [one of the main volatile organic compounds, (VOCs)] total combustion. The effects of Pt−NiO, Pt−Ni−NiO, and Pt−Ni interfaces were also studied in detail. The results indicated that the Pt−NiO and Pt−Ni alloy dual interface have the improving effect for catalytic oxidation and reducing utilization of noble metals. The strategy developed in this work may represent a general approach in the rational design of other high‐performance catalysts combining the interface catalysis and physical confinement concept to improve the usage of the noble metals.
SrP3N5NH: A Framework‐Type Imidonitridophosphate Featuring Structure‐Directing Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Vogel Sebastian , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: July 2018

Nitridophosphates and imidonitridophosphates show intriguing structural diversity, including unprecedented structure types. Highly condensed strontium imidonitridophosphate SrP3N5NH has been synthesized at 8 GPa and 1100 °C using a high‐pressure high‐temperature approach starting from stoichiometric amounts of Sr(N3)2, P3N5 and NH4Cl. Herein, NH4Cl was used as a hydrogen source and as a precursor for in situ formation of SrCl2, which acts as mineralizer and facilitates growth of single‐crystals with a diameter of ≤30 μm. SrP3N5NH (P21/c (no. 14), a=5.01774(2), b=8.16912(4), c=12.70193(5) Å, β=101.7848(3)°, Z=4) adopts an unprecedented network structure, represented by the point symbol (3.4.5.6.72)(3.4.5.72.8)(3.6.73.8). This unique three nodal P/N(H) network is stabilized by moderately strong hydrogen bonds causing a structure‐directing effect, which has not yet been reported for imidonitridophosphates.
Cover Picture: Palladium‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Oxidative Coupling Reactions of (Z)‐Enamines with Isocyanides through Selective β‐C(sp2)‐H and/or C=C Bond Cleavage (Chin. J. Chem. 8/2018)
Authors: Hu Weigao , Zheng Jia , Li Meng , Wu Wanqing , Liu Haiyang , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: July 2018

The cover picture shows Two efficient intermolecular oxidative coupling reactions of (Z)‐enamines with isocyanides via palladium catalysis have been developed. In these transformations, the β‐C(sp2)‐H and/or C ＝ C bond were cut off selectively by using different anionic ligands, leading to controllable chemodivergent and stereoselective construction of a wide range of (E)β‐carbamoylenamine derivatives with intramolecular hydrogen bonds. More details are discussed in the article by Jiang et al. on page 712–715.

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Septins in kidney: A territory little explored
Authors: Wasik Anita A. , Dash Surjya N. , Lehtonen Sanna
Published: July 2018

Septins are a conserved family of GTP‐binding proteins that assemble into cytoskeletal filaments to function in a highly sophisticated and physiologically regulated manner. Originally septins were discovered in the budding yeast as membrane‐associated filaments that affect cell polarity and cytokinesis. In the last decades, much progress has been made in understanding the biochemical properties and cell biological functions of septins. In line with this, mammalian septins have been shown to be involved in various cellular processes, including regulation of cell polarity, cytoskeletal organization, vesicle trafficking, ciliogenesis, and cell–pathogen interactions. A growing number of studies have shown that septins play important roles in tissue and organ development and physiology; yet, little is known about their role in the kidney. In the following review, we discuss the structure and functions of septins in general and summarize the evidence for their presence and roles in the kidney.
ω‐Phthalimidoalkyl Aryl Ureas as Potent and Selective Inhibitors of Cholesterol Esterase
Authors: Dato Florian M. , Sheikh Miriam , Uhl Rocky Z. , Schüller Alexandra W. , Steinkrüger Michaela , Koch Peter , Neudörfl Jörg‐Martin , Gütschow Michael , Goldfuss Bernd , Pietsch Markus
Published: July 2018

Cholesterol esterase (CEase), a serine hydrolase thought to be involved in atherogenesis and thus coronary heart disease, is considered as a target for inhibitor development. We investigated recombinant human and murine CEases with a new fluorometric assay in a structure–activity relationship study of a small library of ω‐phthalimidoalkyl aryl ureas. The urea motif with an attached 3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl group and the aromatic character of the ω‐phthalimide residue were most important for inhibitory activity. In addition, an alkyl chain composed of three or four methylene groups, connecting the urea and phthalimide moieties, was found to be an optimal spacer for inhibitors. The so‐optimized compounds 2 [1‐(3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)‐3‐(3‐(1,3‐dioxoisoindolin‐2‐yl)propyl)urea] and 21 [1‐(3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)‐3‐(4‐(1,3‐dioxoisoindolin‐2‐yl)butyl)urea] exhibited dissociation constants (Ki) of 1–19 μm on the two CEases and showed either a competitive (2 on the human enzyme and 21 on the murine enzyme) or a noncompetitive mode of inhibition. Two related serine hydrolases—monoacylglycerol lipase and fatty acid amide hydrolase—were inhibited by ω‐phthalimidoalkyl aryl ureas to a lesser extent.
Decoding the Rich Biological Properties of Noble Gases: How Well Can We Predict Noble Gas Binding to Diverse Proteins?
Authors: Winkler David A. , Katz Ira , Farjot Géraldine , Warden Andrew C. , Thornton Aaron W.
Published: July 2018

The chemically inert noble gases display a surprisingly rich spectrum of useful biological properties. Relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms behind these effects. It is clearly not feasible to conduct large numbers of pharmacological experiments on noble gases to identify activity. Computational studies of the binding of noble gases and proteins can address this paucity of information and provide insight into mechanisms of action. We used bespoke computational grid calculations to predict the positions of energy minima in the interactions of noble gases with diverse proteins. The method was validated by quantifying how well simulations could predict binding positions in 131 diverse protein X‐ray structures containing 399 Xe and Kr atoms. We found excellent agreement between calculated and experimental binding positions of noble gases. 94 % of all crystallographic xenon atoms were within 1 Xe van der Waals (vdW) diameter of a predicted binding site, and 97 % lay within 2 vdW diameters. 100 % of crystallographic krypton atoms were within 1 Kr vdW diameter of a predicted binding site. We showed the feasibility of large‐scale computational screening of all ≈60 000 unique structures in the Protein Data Bank. This will elucidate biochemical mechanisms by which these novel ‘atomic drugs’ elicit their valuable biochemical properties and identify new medical uses.
Comparative effectiveness of mailed reminders with and without fecal immunochemical tests for Medicaid beneficiaries at a large county health department: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Brenner Alison T. , Rhode Jewels , Yang Jeff Y. , Baker Dana , Drechsel Rebecca , Plescia Marcus , Reuland Daniel S. , Wroth Tom , Wheeler Stephanie B.
Published: July 2018

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is effective but underused. Screening rates are lower among Medicaid beneficiaries versus other insured populations. No studies have examined mailed fecal immunochemical testing (FIT)–based outreach programs for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Methods

In a patient‐level randomized controlled trial, a mailed CRC screening reminder plus FIT, sent from an urban health department to Medicaid beneficiaries, was compared with the same reminder without FIT. The reminder group could request FIT. Completed FIT kits were processed by the health department laboratory. Respondents were notified of normal results by mail. Abnormal results were given via phone by a patient navigator who provided counselling and assistance with follow‐up care. The primary outcome was FIT return.

Results

In all, 2144 beneficiaries at average CRC risk were identified, and there was no evidence of screening with Medicaid claims data. To the reminder+FIT group, 1071 were randomized, and 1073 were randomized to the reminder group; 307 (28.7%) in the reminder+FIT group and 347 (32.3%) in the reminder group were unreachable or ineligible (previous screening). The FIT return rate was significantly higher in the reminder+FIT group than the reminder group (21.1% vs 12.3%; difference, 8.8%; 95% confidence interval, 3.7%‐13.9%; P < .01). Eighteen individuals (7.2%) who completed FIT tests had abnormal results, and 15 were eligible for follow‐up colonoscopy; 66.7% (n = 10) completed follow‐up colonoscopy.

Conclusions

A health department–based, mailed FIT program targeting Medicaid beneficiaries was feasible. Including a FIT kit resulted in greater screening completion than a reminder letter alone. Further research is needed to understand the comparative cost‐effectiveness of these interventions.
Long‐term histological changes in the macaque primary visual cortex and the lateral geniculate nucleus after monocular deprivation produced by early restricted retinal lesions and diffuser induced form deprivation
Authors: Takahata Toru , Patel Nimesh B. , Balaram Pooja , Chino Yuzo M. , Kaas Jon H.
Published: July 2018

Ocular dominance (OD) plasticity has been extensively studied in various mammalian species. While robust OD shifts are typically observed after monocular eyelid suture, relatively poor OD plasticity is observed for early eye removal or after tetrodotoxin (TTX) injections in mice. Hence, abnormal binocular signal interactions in the visual cortex may play a critical role in eliciting OD plasticity. Here, we examined the histochemical changes in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and the striate cortex (V1) in macaque monkeys that experienced two different monocular sensory deprivations in the same eye beginning at 3 weeks of age: restricted laser lesions in macular or peripheral retina and form deprivation induced by wearing a diffuser lens during the critical period. The monkeys were subsequently reared for 5 years under a normal visual environment. In the LGN, atrophy of neurons and a dramatic increase of GFAP expression were observed in the lesion projection zones (LPZs). In V1, although no obvious shift of the LPZ border was found, the ocular dominance columns (ODCs) for the lesioned eye shrunk and those for the intact eye expanded over the entirety of V1. This ODC size change was larger in the area outside the LPZ and in the region inside the LPZ near the border compared to that in the LPZ center. These developmental changes may reflect abnormal binocular interactions in V1 during early infancy. Our observations provide insights into the nature of degenerative and plastic changes in the LGN and V1 following early chronic monocular sensory deprivations.