bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collective Attack and Improvement on “Mediated Semi‐Quantum Key Distribution Using Single Photons”
Authors: Lu Yu‐Chin , Tsai Chia‐Wei , Hwang Tzonelih
Published: August 2020

Lin et al. proposed a mediated semi‐quantum key distribution protocol in 2019. This study shows that Lin et al.'s protocol has a security loophole that could mount to the collective attack to reveal some information about the secret key without being detected. To overcome this problem, an improved protocol is proposed and its security is proven.
Molecular Crystal Microcapsules: Formation of Sealed Hollow Chambers via Surfactant‐Mediated Growth
Authors: Tong Fei , Li Wangxiang , Li Zhiwei , Islam Imadul , Al‐Kaysi Rabih O. , Bardeen Christopher J.
Published: August 2020

Hollow organic molecular cocrystals comprised of 9‐methylanthracene‐1,2,4,5‐tetracyanobenzene (9MA‐TCNB) and naphthalene‐1,2,4,5‐tetracyanobenzene (NAPH‐TCNB) were fabricated using a surfactant‐mediated co‐reprecipitation method. The crystals exhibit a narrow size distribution that can be easily tuned by varying the concentration of surfactant and incubation temperature. The rectangular crystals possess symmetrical twinned cavities with an estimated storage volume on the order of 10−10 L. An aqueous dye solution can be incorporated into the cavities during crystal growth and stored inside for up to several hours, confirming the sealed nature of the hollow chambers. Our results demonstrate that it is possible to harness non‐classical crystal growth to fabricate organic molecular crystals with novel topologies.
Covalent 2D‐Engineering of Graphene by Spatially Resolved Laser Writing/Reading/Erasing
Authors: Edelthalhammer Konstantin Felix , Dasler Daniela , Jurkiewicz Lisa , Nagel Tamara , Al‐Fogra Sabrin , Hauke Frank , Hirsch Andreas
Published: August 2020

We report a facile and efficient method for the covalent 2D‐patterning of monolayer graphene via laser irradiation. We utilized the photo‐cleavage of dibenzoylperoxide (DBPO) and optimized the subsequent radical additions to non‐activated graphene up to that level where controlled covalent 2D‐patterning of graphene initiated by spatially resolved laser writing is possible. The covalent 2D‐functionalization of graphene, which is monitored by scanning Raman microscopy (SRM) is completely reversible. This new concept enables write/read/erase control over the covalent chemical information stored on the graphene surface.
Synthesis, molecular modeling, TD‐DFT, antimicrobial, and in vitro therapeutic activity of new spherical nano‐sized sulfonamide imine ligands and their zinc (II) and copper (II) complexes
Authors: El‐Dissouky Ali , Abu‐Elsoud Eslam S. , Abdel Razik Afaf , Awad Mohamed K. , Hassan Hammed H.A.M. , Elhusseiny Amel F.
Published: August 2020

A series of nanometer‐sized spherical sulfonamide imine ligands HL1‐HL5 and their copper and zinc complexes were synthesized and fully characterized based on elemental analyses, spectroscopic (UV/vis, FT‐IR, NMR, EPR, SEM) studies, molar conductance and thermal analyses. Furthermore, computational studies of HL1‐HL5 were carried out by the DFT/B3LYP method. TD‐DFT, HOMO and LUMO energy values, chemical hardness, electronegativity, electrophilic index, softness, and other parameters were calculated. Screening against several pathogenic microorganisms indicated that HL1 exhibited high activity against the tested Gram‐negative bacteria relative to other analogues and the inhibition activity is greater than the standard Gentamicin. Analogously, HL2 exhibited high potent activity against the tested Gram‐positive bacteria. Copper complexes exhibited a higher potent activity than zinc analogues. Noteworthy, inhibition activity of [Cu (L3)(OAc)] complex is higher than that of the standard Ampicillin. [Cu (L2)(OAc)] complex displayed a similar activity of the standard bactericides and fungicides in use. The complexes showed appreciated values of MIC against bacterial strains: B. subtilis (MIC = 0.4 μg / mL), E. coli and S. pneumonia (MIC = 1.95 μg / mL) and P. aeruginosa (MIC = 7.81 μg / mL). in vitro cytotoxic activities study proved that [Cu (L3)(OAc)] complex exhibited appreciable activity versus (HEPG‐2); IC50 = 4.8 μg/ml, while [Cu(L2)(OAc)] complex showed a high activity against (MCF‐7); IC50 = 6.2 μg/ml. These results could be considered as new findings of promising antitumor candidates for experimental chemotherapy.
The Heck synthesis of β‐arylated ketones catalyzed by palladium immobilized on functional polysiloxane microspheres
Authors: Wirwis A. , Mizerska U. , Cypryk M. , Trzeciak A.M.
Published: August 2020

Palladium catalysts, obtained by the impregnation of Pd(OAc)2 on aminopropyl‐ or pyridine‐functionalized polysiloxane microspheres, were used in the Heck reaction of iodobenzene with 3‐buten‐2‐one and 3‐buten‐2‐ol at 120°C using an oil bath or microwave heating. The synthesis of 4‐phenyl‐3‐buten‐2‐one was one‐step arylation of ketone while 4‐phenyl‐2‐butanone was formed in two‐step arylation–isomerization sequential transformation of alcohol. A very low palladium loading, 0.05 mol%, was sufficient to obtain a yield of ketones higher than 90%. In recycling experiments, an effect of the functional group present in polysiloxane was observed and much better results were obtained for the aminopropyl‐modified polymer. The catalyst was easily retrieved and reused in eight consecutive runs in the reaction of 3‐buten‐2‐one, while with 3‐buten‐2‐ol 11 subsequent cycles were performed with practically the same yield.
Chemical Profiling of Bosana Virgin Olive Oils Produced in Different Areas of Sardinia
Authors: Morrone Lucia , Vagnoni Enrico , Virgilio Nicola Di , Neri Luisa , Rapparini Francesca , Bertazza Gianpaolo , Duce Pierpaolo , Rotondi Annalisa
Published: August 2020

In a 3‐year study, the chemical compositions of extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) of Bosana variety deriving from three different growing areas in Northern Sardinia were characterized, together with the pedo‐climatic conditions of the three different growing areas, to gauge any differences at the chemical level. The main chemical differences in the oils from the three‐studied areas were recorded in the fatty acid profiles [palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acid; sum of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids]: these dissimilarities were ascribable to the environmental characteristics of the Alghero area, while others analytical parameters such as tocopherols, pigments, phenolic, and volatile compounds were not affected by production area. Fatty acids profile revealed a clear relation with temperature at a mesoclimate level, allowing a clusterization of the production areas. Our study provided evidences that pedo‐climatic factors affect the quality of EVOO; in particular, in the case of Bosana cultivar the acidic fraction resulted one of the main traits differentiating the olive growing areas.
Guidelines in Practice: Sterilization Packaging Systems
Authors: Link Terri
Published: August 2020

Sterile processing personnel use sterilization packaging systems to sterilize reusable medical devices and protect them from contamination until perioperative nurses deliver the items to the sterile field. The AORN “Guideline for sterilization packaging systems” provides guidance for evaluating and selecting appropriate packaging systems based on compatibility with the items to be sterilized and the sterilization method, preparing items for sterilization, and verifying achievement of sterilization parameters. This article discusses the guideline recommendations for selecting and using packaging systems and educating personnel about their use. A scenario provides an example in which a perioperative educator uses an audit tool to determine sterile processing and perioperative team members’ educational needs related to packaging systems and to evaluate the outcomes after an education session and competency verification activities. Perioperative RNs should review the entire guideline for additional information and guidance when creating and updating policies and procedures on use of sterilization packaging systems.
Can drifting objects drive the movements of a vulnerable pelagic shark?
Authors: Bonnin Lucas , Lett Christophe , Dagorn Laurent , Filmalter John David , Forget Fabien , Verley Philippe , Capello Manuela
Published: August 2020

Juvenile silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis) regularly associate with floating objects yet the reasons driving this behaviour remain uncertain. Understanding the proportion of time that silky sharks spend associated with floating objects is essential for assessing the impacts of the extensive use of fish aggregating devices (FADs) in the tropical tuna purse‐seine fisheries, including increased probability of incidental capture and the potential of an ecological trap.

Previous studies provided insight into the amount of time that silky sharks spent at an individual FAD but were unable to assess neither the time spent between two associations nor the proportion of time spent associated/unassociated.

The percentage of time that juvenile silky sharks spend unassociated with floating objects was estimated through the analysis of horizontal movements of 26 silky sharks monitored with pop‐up archival tags. Under the assumption that a high association rate with drifting FADs would align the trajectories of tracked sharks with ocean surface currents, a novel methodology is proposed, based on the comparison of shark trajectories with simulated trajectories of passively drifting particles derived using a Lagrangian model.

Results revealed that silky shark trajectories were divergent from surface currents, and thus unassociated with FADs, for at least 30% of their time. The potential of the methodology and the results are discussed in the context of increasing FAD densities in the Indian Ocean.
Synthesis and radioligand‐binding assay of 2,5‐disubstituted thiadiazoles and evaluation of their anticonvulsant activities
Authors: Toolabi Mahsa , Khoramjouy Mona , Aghcheli Ayoub , Ayati Adileh , Moghimi Setareh , Firoozpour Loghman , Shahhosseini Soraya , Shojaei Rouhallah , Asadipour Ali , Divsalar Kouros , Faizi Mehrdad , Foroumadi Alireza
Published: August 2020

In this study, a number of 2,5‐disubstituted 1,3,4‐thiadiazoles were synthesized using an appropriate synthetic route, and their anticonvulsant activity was determined by the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) test and their neurotoxicity was evaluated by the rotarod test. Additionally, their hypnotic activity was tested using the pentobarbital‐induced sleep test. Compounds 7 (ED50 = 1.14 and 2.72 μmol/kg in the MES and sleep tests, respectively) and 11 (ED50 = 0.65 and 2.70 μmol/kg in the MES and sleep tests, respectively) were the most potent ones in the sleep test and anticonvulsant test, showing a comparable activity with diazepam as the reference drug. The results of in vivo studies, especially the antagonistic effects of flumazenil, and also the radioligand‐binding assay confirmed the involvement of benzodiazepine (BZD) receptors in the anticonvulsant and hypnotic activity of compounds 7 and 11. Finally, the docking study of compound 11 in the BZD‐binding site of the GABAA (gamma‐aminobutyric acid) receptor confirmed the possible binding of the compound to the BZD receptors. We concluded that the novel 1,3,4‐thiadiazole derivatives with appropriate substitution at positions 2 and 5 of the heterocyclic ring had a good affinity to BZD receptors and showed significant efficacy in the pharmacological tests.
Does an Audiovisual Dissection Manual Improve Medical Students' Learning in the Gross Anatomy Dissection Course?
Authors: Koop Christian F. A. , Marschollek Michael , Schmiedl Andreas , Proskynitopoulos Phileas J. , Behrends Marianne
Published: August 2020

The gross anatomy dissection course is considered to be one of the most important subjects in medical school. Advancing technology facilitates the production of e‐learning material that can improve the learning of topographic anatomy during the course. The purpose of this study was to examine a locally produced audiovisual dissection manual's effects on performance in dissection, formal knowledge gained, motivation, emotions, learning behavior, and learning efficiency of the medical students. The results, combined with the total effort put into the production of the manual, should support decisions on further implementation of this kind of audiovisual e‐learning resource into the university's curriculum. First‐year medical students (n = 279) were randomly divided into three groups for two weeks within the regular dissection course hours during the dissection of the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck. Two groups received an audiovisual dissection manual (n = 96) or an improved written manual (n = 94) as an intervention, the control group (n = 89) received the standard dissection manual. After dissection, each student filled out tests and surveys and their dissections were evaluated. The audiovisual dissection manual did not have any significant positive effects on the examined parameters. The effects of the audiovisual dissection manual on the medical students' learning experience, as observed in this study, did not support further curriculum implementation of this kind of e‐learning resource. This study can serve as an orientation for further evaluation and design of e‐learning resources for the gross anatomy dissection course.
Recent Advances in Fluorescence Light‐Up Endogenous and Exogenous Carbon Monoxide Detection in Biology
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sujay , Sarkar Arnab , Chattopadhyay Pabitra , Dhara Koushik
Published: August 2020

Considerable attention has been paid by the scientific community to detect toxic carbon monoxide (CO) in sub‐cellular organelles like mitochondria, lysosomes, nuclei, etc. due to their generation and accumulation through numerous biological processes and their role as signal transducer, therapeutics, etc. Various methods are also available for detection of CO, but fluorescence light‐up detection is considered the best due to its easy and accurate sensing capability. As of now, no review is available in the literature dedicated to fluorescent detection of only CO both in vitro and in vivo, but considering the huge amount of work reporting every year, it is necessary to have an account of all the recent significant works devoted to it. This review will give special attention to the most noteworthy development of fluorescent light‐up probes for the detection of cellular and sub‐cellular targetable CO starting from 2012 and emphasizing also the mechanism of action and the applications.
Adaptive σ‐Aromaticity in an Unsaturated Three‐Membered Ring
Authors: Huang Yuanyuan , Dai Chenshu , Zhu Jun
Published: August 2020

Based on Hückel's and Baird's rules, species are aromatic either in the lowest singlet state (S0) or the lowest triplet state (T1) only. Thus, species with adaptive aromaticity (with aromaticity in both the S0 and T1 states) is particularly rare. On the other hand, σ‐aromaticity in the T1 state has been underdeveloped, let alone adaptive σ‐aromaticity. Herein, via various aromaticity indices including NICS, ACID and EDDB, we demonstrate adaptive σ‐aromaticity in an unsaturated three‐membered ring, which is a traditional area dominated by π‐aromaticity. The origin of adaptive σ‐aromaticity could be attributed to the excitation mode of the T1 state formed from out‐of‐plane π molecular orbital to the π* orbitals. Thus the σ‐aromaticity of the three‐membered ring in the S0 state could hold in the T1 state. Our findings extend the concept of adaptive σ‐aromaticity into three‐membered rings and could be useful to further develop the concept of both σ‐aromaticity and adaptive aromaticity.
Recent progress of defect chemistry on 2D materials for advanced battery anodes
Authors: Khossossi Nabil , Singh Deobrat , Ainane Abdelmajid , Ahuja Rajeev
Published: August 2020

The rational design of anode materials plays a significant factor in harnessing energy storage. With an in‐depth insight into the relationships and mechanisms that underlie the charge and discharge process of two‐dimensional (2D) anode materials. The efficiency of rechargeable batteries has significantly been improved through the implementation of defect chemistry on anode materials. This mini review highlights the recent progress achieved in defect chemistry on 2D materials for advanced rechargeable battery electrodes, including vacancies, chemical functionalization, grain boundary, Stone Wales defects, holes and cracks, folding and wrinkling, layered von der Waals (vdW) heterostructure in 2D materials. The defect chemistry on 2D materials provides numerous features such as a more active adsorption sites, great adsorption energy, better ions‐diffusion and therefore higher ion storage, which enhances the efficiency of the battery electrode.
Interdecadal relationship between the wintertime haze frequency over Beijing and mega‐ENSO
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Yanju , Ding Yihui
Published: August 2020

Observational analyses suggest that natural or internal climate variability plays a crucial role in modulating wintertime haze days in Beijing (WHDBJ) on decadal timescales, which may overwhelm the effect of human emissions to some extent. This study links the variations in WHDBJ to the mega‐El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a newly defined ENSO‐related pattern with a vaster range of variability, on decadal timescales. The mega‐ENSO delineates an apparent out‐of‐phase relationship with WHDBJ, which could be used to explain past and recent decreases in WHDBJ in 1961–1971 and 1997–2012, as well as the increase in WHDBJ in 1972–1996. The positive phase of the mega‐ENSO can induce a high dynamical scavenging efficiency of pollutants over the Beijing area through notable in situ low‐level northerly wind anomalies that are associated with a quasi‐barotropic anticyclonic anomaly centered around Lake Baikal, thus reducing the frequency of haze days on decadal timescales, and vice versa for the negative phase. The mega‐ENSO can influence interdecadal predictions of the long‐term occurrence of haze events over Beijing. Therefore, it will be focused upon in future routine operations.
COVID‐19 fund launched to help nonprofits with technology needs
Authors: King Nicholas
Published: August 2020

TechSoup, a leading provider of technology solutions for nonprofit organizations globally, has launched the COVID‐19 Response Fund to help grassroots nonprofits make necessary technology investments—even while continuing to serve their constituents in the midst of a global pandemic.
Experimentelle Untersuchung eines passiven Festkörperschwingungsdämpfers für Ingenieurkonstruktionen
Authors: Reiterer Michael , Muik Joachim
Published: August 2020

Im Aufsatz wird die Effektivität eines passiven Festkörperschwingungsdämpfers zur Reduktion der infolge dynamischer Einwirkungen ausgelösten erzwungenen Schwingungen von turmartigen Ingenieurkonstruktionen wie z. B. Windenergieanlagen experimentell an einem Modellversuchsstand untersucht und bewertet. Der Modellversuchsstand besteht aus einem mit geringer Strukturdämpfung ausgeführten eingeschossigen Stockwerkrahmen, dessen Grundeigenfrequenz auf ca. 1 Hz abgestimmt wird. Zu Vergleichszwecken wird im Modellversuchsstand auch die Effektivität eines konventionellen passiven Flüssigkeitsdämpfers untersucht und die erzielten Ergebnisse miteinander verglichen. Der Festkörperschwingungsdämpfer besteht aus einer halbkreisförmigen Bahn, in der eine zylindrische Walze eine reibungsbehaftete Rollbewegung ausführt. Der untersuchte Schwingungsdämpfer weist somit eine Analogie zum konventionellen Pendeldämpfer auf. Zu Beginn werden die theoretischen Grundlagen und die optimale Abstimmung der im Modellversuchsstand untersuchten Schwingungsdämpfertypen dargelegt. Es werden freie Schwingversuche des Stockwerkrahmens ohne und mit aktivierten Schwingungsdämpfern durchgeführt und die in den Versuchen erzielte Schwingungsdämpfungseffektivität wird für den Festkörperschwingungsdämpfer und für den Flüssigkeitsdämpfer dargelegt.
Knowledge hustlers: Gendered micro‐politics and networking in UK universities
Authors: Yarrow Emily
Published: August 2020

This article explores the role of gendered academic networks in the context of research evaluation, and women’s lived experiences of UK universities. Gendered power is conceptualised as an important aspect of inequality regimes, providing insight into how men maintain power and how power dynamics and informal networks function, characterised in this article as ‘the hustle’. A case study comprising 80 in‐depth, semi‐structured qualitative interviews was completed in a UK university. Acker’s theory of inequality regimes informed the central analytical framework, and Bradley’s resource‐based theory of power was used to explore the power dynamics in the case study. The findings have resulted in the creation of a conceptual framework which theorises the hybridised nature of inequality, gendered power and organisational lived experience, in which inequality regimes and gendered power interact and are mutually reinforced through informal processes. This article argues, from the findings of the empirical research, that in the context of the neoliberal university, inequality regimes and gendered power interact, and are mutually reinforced through informal processes and networks—‘the hustle’.
CRISPR interference of nucleotide biosynthesis improves production of a single‐domain antibody in Escherichia coli
Authors: Landberg Jenny , Wright Naia Risager , Wulff Tune , Herrgård Markus J. , Nielsen Alex Toftgaard
Published: August 2020

Growth decoupling can be used to optimize the production of biochemicals and proteins in cell factories. Inhibition of excess biomass formation allows for carbon to be utilized efficiently for product formation instead of growth, resulting in increased product yields and titers. Here, we used CRISPR interference to increase the production of a single‐domain antibody (sdAb) by inhibiting growth during production. First, we screened 21 sgRNA targets in the purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis pathways and found that the repression of 11 pathway genes led to the increased green fluorescent protein production and decreased growth. The sgRNA targets pyrF, pyrG, and cmk were selected and further used to improve the production of two versions of an expression‐optimized sdAb. Proteomics analysis of the sdAb‐producing pyrF, pyrG, and cmk growth decoupling strains showed significantly decreased RpoS levels and an increase of ribosome‐associated proteins, indicating that the growth decoupling strains do not enter stationary phase and maintain their capacity for protein synthesis upon growth inhibition. Finally, sdAb production was scaled up to shake‐flask fermentation where the product yield was improved 2.6‐fold compared to the control strain with no sgRNA target sequence. An sdAb content of 14.6% was reached in the best‐performing pyrG growth decoupling strain.
Single‐step purification of a small non‐mAb biologic by peptide‐ELP‐based affinity precipitation
Authors: Mullerpatan Akshat , Kane Erin , Ghosh Ronit , Nascimento André , Andersen Henrik , Cramer Steven , Karande Pankaj
Published: August 2020

Affinity precipitation using stimulus‐responsive biopolymers such as elastin‐like polypeptides (ELPs) have been successfully employed for the purification of monoclonal antibodies. In the current work, we extend these studies to the development of an ELP‐peptide fusion for the affinity precipitation of the therapeutically relevant small non‐mAb biologic, AdP. A 12‐mer affinity peptide ligand (P10) was identified by a primary phage biopanning followed by a secondary in‐solution fluorescence polarization screen. Peptide P10 and AdP interacted with a KD of 19.5 µM. A fusion of P10 with ELP was then shown to be successful in selectively capturing the biologic from a crude mixture. While pH shifts alone were not sufficient for product elution, the use of pH in concert with fluid‐phase modifiers such as NaCl, arginine, or ethylene glycol was effective. In particular, the use of pH 8.5 and an arginine concentration of 500 mM enabled >80% product recovery. The overall process performance evaluated by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and reversed‐phase ultra‐performance liquid chromatography analyses indicated successful single‐step purification of the biologic from an Escherichia coli lysate resulting in ∼90% purity and >80% recovery. These results demonstrate that phage display can be readily employed to identify a peptide ligand capable of successfully carrying out the purification of a non‐antibody biological product using ELP‐based affinity precipitation.
Bis(4‐azido‐3,5‐dinitro‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)methane as a New Green Primary Explosive
Authors: Kim Namtae , Lee Byeongil , Shin Hye Jung , Park Jeong Hyeon , Kwon Kuktae , Kim Seunghee , Kim Young Gyu
Published: August 2020

Bis(4‐chloro‐3,5‐dinitro‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)methane 2 was obtained for the first time via the coupling reaction of 4‐chloro‐3,5‐dinitro‐1H‐pyrazole 1 as a promising precursor for new explosives. The careful selection of the reaction conditions enabled the coupling of 1 having the poor reactivity to produce 2 in a good yield. The target compound, bis(4‐azido‐3,5‐dinitro‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)methane 3, was produced by the double azidation reaction of 2 in one step. Some explosive properties of 2 and 3 were characterized and 3 is expected to be a novel green primary explosive having superior explosive properties and better thermal stability than those of a widely used primary explosive, 2‐diazo‐4,6‐dinitrophenol .
Variability in body weight precedes diagnosis in dementia: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Ha Jane , Kwon Yeongkeun , Kwon Ye‐Ji , Kim DaHye , Han Kyungdo , Jang Mi , Park Sungsoo , Nam Ga Eun , Kim Yang Hyun , Kim Do Hoon , Park Yong Gyu , Cho Kyung‐Hwan
Published: August 2020

Background

While there have been disagreements concerning whether obesity and increase in body weight elevate the risk of dementia, variability in body weight has been recently recognized as a new biometric associated with a high risk for a number of diseases. This nationwide, population‐based cohort study examined the association between body weight variability and dementia.

Methods

A total of 2,812,245 adults (mean age, 51.7 years; standard deviation, 8.6) without a history of dementia who underwent at least three health examinations between 2005 and 2012 in a nationwide cohort were followed‐up until the date of dementia diagnosis (based on prescribed drugs and disease code) or until 2016 (median follow‐up duration, 5.38 years; interquartile range, 5.16–5.61). Cox regression models were used to evaluate the risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia according to body weight variability.

Results

The hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of the highest quartiles of variability were 1.42 (1.35–1.49) for Alzheimer's disease and 1.47 (1.32–1.63) for vascular dementia compared to the lowest quartile group as a reference. This association was consistent in various subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Body weight variability could predict Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, which may provide new insights into the prevention and management of dementia.
Oxysophocarpine suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma growth and sensitizes the therapeutic blockade of anti‐Lag‐3 via reducing FGL1 expression
Authors: Wang Jianchu , Wei Wang , Tang Qianli , Lu Libai , Luo Zongjiang , Li Wenchuan , Lu Yuan , Pu Jian
Published: August 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited effective treatments and ranks as the second most lethal tumor. Immunotherapy has brought great hope for HCC treatment. Oxysophocarpine is a bioactive alkaloid which poses various pharmacological functions including neuroprotective, anti‐virus, anti‐convulsant, and anti‐nociception. However, there is little systematic study of Oxysophocarpine against HCC and its underlying potential and mechanism combined with immunotherapy in HCC treatment remain poorly unknown. This study was aimed to investigate whether Oxysophocarpine can distinctly suppress HCC cells and sensitize the immunotherapy of CD8+ T cells against HCC. We used HepG2, Hepa1‐6, and primary CD8+ T cells to perform in vitro assays and Hepa1‐6 subcutaneous tumor to conduct in vivo assay. Oxysophocarpine inhibited the proliferation and increased the apoptosis of HepG2 and Hepa1‐6 cells, meanwhile suppressed the migration of HepG2 and Hepa1‐6 cells. Oxysophocarpine sensitized the Lag‐3 immunotherapy effect of CD8+ T cells against HCC in vivo and in vitro by decreasing Fibrinogen‐like protein 1 (FGL1) expression through downregulating IL‐6‐mediated JAK2/STAT3 signaling, whereas Oxysophocarpine treatment had a little effect of CD8+ T cells cytotoxicity function against HCC with PD‐1, Tim‐3, or TIGIT blockade. Our studies provided preclinical basis for clinical application of Oxysophocarpine.
EBV‐LMP1 induces APOBEC3s and mitochondrial DNA hypermutation in nasopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Wakae Kousho , Kondo Satoru , Pham Hai Thanh , Wakisaka Naohiro , Que Lusheng , Li Yingfang , Zheng Xin , Fukano Kento , Kitamura Kouichi , Watashi Koichi , Aizaki Hideki , Ueno Takayoshi , Moriyama‐Kita Makiko , Ishikawa Kazuya , Nakanishi Yosuke , Endo Kazuhira , Muramatsu Masamichi , Yoshizaki Tomokazu
Published: August 2020

An Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)—encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is a principal oncogene that plays a pivotal role in EBV‐associated malignant tumors including nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Recent genomic landscape studies revealed that NPC also contained many genomic mutations, suggesting the role of LMP1 as a driver gene for the induction of these genomic mutations. Nonetheless, its exact mechanism has not been investigated. In this study, we report that LMP1 alters the expression profile of APOBEC3s(A3s), host deaminases that introduce consecutive C‐to‐U mutations (hypermutation). In vitro, LMP1 induces APOBEC3B (A3B) and 3F(A3F), in a nasopharyngeal cell line, AdAH. Overexpression of LMP1, A3B, or A3F induces mtDNA hypermutation, which is also detectable from NPC specimens. Expression of LMP1 and A3B in NPC was correlated with neck metastasis. These results provide evidence as to which LMP1 induces A3s and mtDNA hypermutation, and how LMP1 facilitates metastasis is also discussed.
Clinical implications of next‐generation sequencing‐based panel tests for malignant ovarian tumors
Authors: Saotome Keiko , Chiyoda Tatsuyuki , Aimono Eriko , Nakamura Kohei , Tanishima Shigeki , Nohara Sachio , Okada Chihiro , Hayashi Hideyuki , Kuroda Yuka , Nomura Hiroyuki , Susumu Nobuyuki , Iwata Takashi , Yamagami Wataru , Kataoka Fumio , Nishihara Hiroshi , Aoki Daisuke
Published: August 2020

Precision medicine based on cancer genomics is being applied in clinical practice. However, patients do not always derive benefits from genomic testing. Here, we performed targeted amplicon exome sequencing‐based panel tests, including 160 cancer‐related genes (PleSSision‐160), on 88 malignant ovarian tumors (high‐grade serous carcinoma, 27; endometrioid carcinoma, 15; clear cell carcinoma, 30; mucinous carcinoma, 6; undifferentiated carcinoma, 4; and others, 6 (immature teratoma, 1; carcinosarcoma, 3; squamous cell carcinoma, 1; and mixed, 1)), to assess treatment strategies and useful biomarkers for malignant ovarian tumors. Overall, actionable gene variants were found in 90.9%, and druggable gene variants were found in 40.9% of the cases. ActionableBRCA1andBRCA2variants were found in 4.5% of each of the cases.ERBB2amplification was found in 33.3% of mucinous carcinoma cases. Druggable hypermutation/ultramutation (tumor mutation burden ≥ 10 SNVs/Mbp) was found in 7.4% of high‐grade serous carcinoma, 46.7% of endometrioid carcinoma, 10% of clear cell carcinoma, 0% of mucinous carcinoma, 25% of undifferentiated carcinoma, and 33.3% of the other cancer cases. Copy number alterations were significantly higher in high‐grade serous carcinoma (P < .005) than in other histologic subtypes; some clear cell carcinoma showed high copy number alterations that were correlated with advanced stage (P < .05) and worse survival (P < .01). A high count of copy number alteration was associated with worse survival in all malignant ovarian tumors (P < .05). Our study shows that targeted agents can be detected in approximately 40% of malignant ovarian tumors via multigene panel testing, and copy number alteration count can be a useful marker to help assess risks in malignant ovarian tumor patients.
Phase II trial of S‐1 treatment as palliative‐intent chemotherapy for previously treated advanced thymic carcinoma
Authors: Okuma Yusuke , Goto Yasushi , Ohyanagi Fumiyoshi , Sunami Kuniko , Nakahara Yoshiro , Kitazono Satoru , Kudo Keita , Tambo Yuichi , Kanda Shintaro , Yanagitani Noriko , Horiike Atsushi , Horinouchi Hidehito , Fujiwara Yutaka , Nokihara Hiroshi , Yamamoto Noboru , Nishio Makoto , Ohe Yuichiro , Hosomi Yukio
Published: August 2020

Thymic carcinoma (TC) is a rare cancer with minimal evidence of survival following palliative‐intent chemotherapy. Sunitinib, everolimus, and pembrolizumab have been proposed as active agents based on previous phase II trials. In this phase II study, TC patients previously treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy were enrolled. The patients received S‐1 orally twice daily at a dose of 40‐60 mg/m2 for 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks off until the progression of the disease or the presence of unacceptable toxicities. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR), and secondary endpoints were progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. The sample size of 26 patients was planned to reject the ORR of 10% under the expectation of 30% with a power of 0.80 and a type I error of 0.05 (one‐sided). Twenty‐six patients were recruited between 2013 and 2016; 23 patients had squamous cell carcinoma and 10 had an ECOG performance status of 0. One patient showed complete response and seven patients showed partial responses, resulting in a 30.8% response rate (90% confidence interval [CI], 18.3‐46.9) and an 80.8% disease control rate (90% CI, 65.4‐90.3). The median PFS was 4.3 months (95% CI, 2.3‐10.3 months) and median OS was 27.4 months (95% CI, 16.6‐34.3). Adverse events of grade ≥ 3 included neutropenia (12%), skin rash (8%), elevated alanine aminotransferase, and fatigue (4%). No treatment‐related death was observed. S‐1 confirmed clinical activity with tolerability in patients with previously treated TC. (UMIN000010736).
Seven immune‐related genes prognostic power and correlation with tumor‐infiltrating immune cells in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Tiantian , Wu Hao , Qi Jianni , Qin Chengyong , Zhu Qiang
Published: August 2020

Background

Given poor prognosis and the lack of efficient therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, immunotherapy has emerged as an increasingly important role. However, there were few reports on the correlation between immune‐related genes and HCC. The purpose of this study is to construct a novel immune‐related gene‐based prognostic signature for HCC and to explore the potential mechanisms.

Methods

We organized expression data of 374 HCC samples and 50 nontumor samples from TCGA database. A robust signature was constructed by Cox regression analysis based on the immune‐related genes, which were filtered by differential genes analysis and Cox regression analysis. Then, the correlation analysis between the signature and clinical characteristics was conducted. And the signature was validated in ICGC database. Furthermore, the relationships between immune cell infiltration and the signature were explored by bioinformatics analysis.

Results

Seven genes‐based model (Risk score = BIRC5 * 0.0238 + FOS * 0.0055 + DKK1 * 0.0085 + FGF13 * 0.3432 + IL11 * 0.0135 + IL17D * 0.0878 + SPP1 * 0.0003) was constructed eventually and it was proved to be an independent prognostic factor for HCC patients. The signature‐calculated risk scores were shown to be positively correlated with the infiltration of these five immune cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, CD8+T, dendritic, and B cells. And the results suggested that high amplication of BIRC5, FGF13, IL11, IL17D, and SPP1 were more likely correlated with immune cell infiltration. Finally, PPI network, TFs‐based regulatory network and gene enrichment plots were performed to show potential molecular mechanisms.

Conclusion

We construct a robust immune‐related gene‐based prognostic signature with seven genes and explore potential mechanisms about it, which may contribute to the immunotherapy research for HCC.
A Single‐Transaminase‐Catalyzed Biocatalytic Cascade for Efficient Asymmetric Synthesis of l‐Phosphinothricin
Authors: Cheng Feng , Li Ju‐Mou , Zhou Shi‐Peng , Liu Qi , Jin Li‐Qun , Xue Ya‐Ping , Zheng Yu‐Guo
Published: August 2020

A single‐transaminase‐catalyzed biocatalytic cascade was developed by employing the desired biocatalyst, ATA‐117‐Rd11, that showed high activity toward 2‐oxo‐4‐[(hydroxy)(methyl)phosphinoyl] butyric acid (PPO) and α‐ketoglutarate, and low activity against pyruvate. The cascade successfully promotes a highly asymmetric amination reaction for the synthesis of l‐phosphinothricin (l‐PPT) with high conversion (>95 %) and>99 % ee. In a scale‐up experiment, using 10 kg pre‐frozen E. coli cells harboring ATA‐117‐Rd11 as catalyst, 80 kg PPO was converted to ≈70 kg l‐PPT after 24 hours with a high ee value (>99 %).
Stronger Together: Multivalent Phage Capsids Inhibit Virus Entry
Authors: Gallego Iván , Lostalé‐Seijo Irene , Montenegro Javier
Published: August 2020

Antivirals are now more important than ever. To efficiently inhibit virus replication, antiviral multivalent strategies need sufficient affinity to overcome the excellent matching between the virus and its receptor. This report highlights a phage capsid scaffold strategy that can be used to precisely position sialic acid moieties to inhibit influenza A virus replication.
Cerebral protection in left atrial appendage closure in the presence of appendage thrombosis
Authors: Boccuzzi Giacomo G. , Montabone Andrea , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , Colombo Francesco , Ugo Fabrizio , Muraglia Simone , De Backer Ole , Nombela‐Franco Luis , Meincke Felix , Mazzone Patrizio
Published: August 2020

Background

Presence of thrombus in the left atrial appendage (LAA) remains a severe contraindication to the percutaneous left atrial appendage closure procedure (LAAC), due to increased embolic risk. Recently, the experience developed in cerebral protection device in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedure was translated in LAAC to address this issue.

Aim

To evaluate efficacy and safety of Sentinel cerebral protection system (CPS) in supporting LAAC in real‐world patient with persistent LAA thrombus.

Methods and results

The study retrospectively enrolled consecutive patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and thrombus in LAA who underwent LAAC supported by Sentinel CPS in seven European high‐volume centres. Twenty‐seven patients were included with a median age of 69.1 ± 9.7 years old, with median CHA2DS2‐VASc and HAS‐BLEED scores 3 [2–5] and 3 [2.75–4], respectively. Technical and procedural success was achieved in all patients. No periprocedural TIA, stroke, or supra‐aortic trunks dissection was recorded.

Conclusions

In this multicenter registry, LAAC supported by Sentinel CPS in patients with LAA persistent thrombus seems to be a safe and efficacious treatment.
Efficacy of eculizumab in refractory life‐threatening warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Gauchy Anne‐Cécile , Hentzien Maxime , Wynckel Alain , de Marcellus Victoire , Rodier Cyrielle , Delmer Alain , Quinquenel Anne
Published: August 2020

Eculizumab may be considered as an emergency therapeutic option in refractory life‐threatening warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia especially if direct antiglobulin test is positive for both IgG and C3d and after failure of all conventional treatments.
Prognosis of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions in COVID‐19 patients: A case series
Authors: Liu Po‐Yu , Jiang Rong‐San
Published: August 2020

Although most COVID‐19 patients feel their olfactory function returns to normal, the smell test demonstrates that a mild impairment of the olfactory function may have remained. Therefore, their olfactory function should be evaluated by a smell test.
Zn‐assisted cooperative effect for copolymers made by heterodinuclear Fe−Ni catalyst
Authors: Khoshsefat M. , Dechal A. , Ahmadjo S. , Mortazavi M. M. , Zohuri G. H. , Soares J. B. P.
Published: August 2020

Mononuclear Fe and Ni based catalysts (M1 and M2) in the form of single and dual catalytic systems were employed in the presence and absence of diethyl zinc (DEZ) for polymerization of ethylene. In addition, corresponding homo‐ (M3 and M4) and heterodinuclear catalysts (M7) along with the mononuclear analogues (M5 and M6) were used to explore the effect of adjacency of second metal center on the chain transfer efficiency. DEZ had stronger influence on the behavior of mono‐ and dinuclear Fe‐based structures and corresponding thermal and microstructural properties of the PE samples than Ni complexes. A mechanism was proposed for M5 as the vinyl‐terminated polymer chains increased in the presence of DEZ. More interestingly, M7 not only showed a cooperative effect for production of a random copolymer containing short and long chain branches but also at low and high concentration of DEZ, a blocky copolymer was obtained through CCTP and CSP. These results were confirmed by 13C NMR, DMTA, SSA and CEF.
Hydrothermal Carbonization of Sewage Sludge: Analysis of Process Severity and Solid Content
Authors: Tasca Andrea Luca , Stefanelli Eleonora , Raspolli Galletti Anna Maria , Gori Riccardo , Mannarino Gemma , Vitolo Sandra , Puccini Monica
Published: August 2020

Hydrothermal carbonization of sewage sludge was carried out with the aim to evaluate the influence of process severity and initial solid content. Response surface methodology was applied to model yield and C yield responses. Enhanced dewaterability performance was recorded under mild processing conditions. The treatment promoted concentration and immobilization of Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn, and Cu. Variation of the solid content showed a stronger influence than severity on average yield and C yield. Higher heating values (HHVs) and energy retention efficiencies (EREs) of hydrochars obtained at the lowest solid content displayed the lowest values. Hence, the energy requirements of a first dewatering step should be compared with the related improvement in terms of HHV and ERE when sludge is used as feedstock.
Taguchi Optimization of Solvent‐Antisolvent Crystallization to Prepare Ammonium Perchlorate Particles
Authors: Norouzi Mahdi , Tahernejad Malihe , Ghorban Hosseini Seyed , Tavangar Saeed
Published: August 2020

The sphericity and size of ammonium perchlorate (AP) particles significantly influence the properties of composite propellants. As the AP particles become more spherical, the accumulation coefficient increases, the viscosity during casting decreases, and the particle loading and burning rate increase. Hence, the production of micronized AP particles with an average size between 1 and 20 μm is important to increase the loading percentage of AP in the composite propellant. Here, the Taguchi experimental design was used to optimize the solvent‐antisolvent crystallization (SAC) process for the preparation of micronized AP particles with higher sphericity. SAC parameters such as the type of antisolvent, the solvent‐to‐antisolvent ratio, the antisolvent temperature, the stirring speed, and the retention time were investigated at four levels. The type of antisolvent and the solvent‐to‐antisolvent ratio were found to mainly contribute to improving the sphericity and size of the AP particles, respectively.
Well‐Monodispersed Iron‐Doped InOOH Nanoparticles with Enhanced Activity for Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Yang Liping , Han Jianxin , Zhang Jifu , Li Yanxin , Wang Wei , Cao Lixin , Dong Bohua
Published: August 2020

Designing efficient and stable catalysts with smaller‐sized nanostructures holds promise in alkaline water electrolysis, especially for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), whereas selecting proper candidates and facile synthetic strategies remain challenging. Herein, well‐monodispersed InOOH nanoparticles (NPs) tailored by Fe doping with diameters of about 7 nm are synthesized by using a two‐phase colloidal method and secondary solvothermal process. Benefiting from the large electrochemically active surface area given by the unique monodispersed NP morphology, the increased active sites generated by tunable Fe doping that can increase the OER activity of the host oxide, and the synergistic effect between In and Fe, Fe‐doped InOOH NPs exhibits superior electrocatalytic activity toward the OER. As a result, well‐monodispersed Fe‐doped InOOH NPs could achieve current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2 at overpotentials of 220 mV and 266 mV, respectively, in alkaline media (1.0 M KOH), and possess an excellent catalytic durability of 27 hours, transcending most of the previously reported Fe‐rich OER electrocatalysts.
The household CFO: Using job analysis to define tasks related to personal financial management
Authors: Fallaw Sarah S. , Grable John E. , Kruger Michelle
Published: August 2020

Household financial management has several criteria of performance that makes it possible to evaluate the relative effectiveness of an individual in the particular job. To date, there has been little analysis of the myriad tasks and behaviors that are included in the role of a household financial manager, or what we term household chief financial officer (HCFO). Using techniques from industrial psychology and personnel selection, namely job analysis, the current article provides definitions of categories of critical tasks and behaviors of the HCFO job using two studies. The results of the studies identified the frequency of engagement of financial tasks across the two samples, and the importance of tasks associated with financial success.
May Trifluoromethylation and Polymerization of Styrene Occur from a Perfluorinated Persistent Radical (PPFR)?
Authors: Briou Benoit , Gimello Olinda , Totee Cedric , Ono Taizo , Ameduri Bruno
Published: August 2020

The radical polymerization of styrene (St) initiated by a trifluoromethyl radical generated from a perfluorinated highly branched persistent radical (PPFR) is presented with an isolated yield above 70 %. The release of .CF3 radical occurred from a temperature above 85 °C. Deeper 1H and 19F NMR spectroscopies of the resulting fluorinated polystyrenes (CF3‐PSts) evidenced the presence of both CF3 end‐group of the PSt chain and the trifluoromethylation of the phenyl ring (in meta‐position mainly). [PPFR]0/[St]0 initial molar ratios of 3:1, 3:10 and 3:100 led to various molar masses ranging from 1750 to 5400 g mol−1 in 70–86 % yields. MALDI‐TOF spectrometry of such CF3‐PSts highlighted polymeric distributions which evidenced differences between m/z fragments of 104 and 172 corresponding to styrene and trifluoromethyl styrene units, respectively. Such CF3‐PSt polymers were also compared to conventional PSts produced from the radical polymerization of St initiated by a peroxydicarbonate initiator. A mechanism of the polymerization is presented showing the formation of a trifluoromethyl styrene first, followed by its radical (co)polymerization with styrene. The thermal properties (thermal stability and glass transition temperature, Tg) of these polymers were also compared and revealed a much better thermal stability of the CF3‐PSt (10 % weight loss at 356–376 °C) and a Tg of around 70 °C.