bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A risk score to predict postdischarge bleeding among acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: BRIC‐ACS study
Authors: Chen Yundai , Yin Tong , Xi Shaozhi , Zhang Shuyang , Yan Hongbing , Tang Yida , Qian Juying , Chen Jiyan , Su Xi , Du Zhimin , Wang Lefeng , Qin Qin , Gao Chuanyu , Zheng Yang , Zhao Xianxian , Cheng Xiaoshu , Li Zhanquan , Zhang Wenqi , Chen Hui , Wang Jingping , Yang Zhiming , Li Hui , Liu Heping , Zhou Xuchen , Qu Baiming , Xiang Dingcheng , Guo Ying , Wang Lin , Nie Shaoping , Fu Guosheng , Yang Ming , Cai Shanglang
Published: May 2019

Background

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) prevents ischemic events while increasing bleeding risk. Real‐world‐based metrics to accurately predict postdischarge bleeding (PDB) occurrence and its potential impact on postdischarge major cardiovascular event (MACE) remain undefined. This study sought to evaluate the impact of PDB on MACE occurrence, and to develop a score to predict PDB risk among Chinese acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients after PCI.

Methods and Results

From May 2014 to January 2016, 2496 ACS patients who underwent PCI were recruited consecutively from 29 nationally representative Chinese tertiary hospitals. Among 2,381 patients (95.4%, 2,381/2,496) who completed 1‐year follow‐up, the cumulative incidence of PDB (bleeding academic research consortium type [BARC] ≥2) and postdischarge MACE (a composite of all‐cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or urgent revascularization) was 4.9% (n = 117) and 3.3% (n = 79), respectively. The association between PDB and MACE during 1‐year follow‐up, as well as the impact of DAPT with ticagrelor or clopidogrel on PDB were evaluated. PDB was associated with higher risk of postdischarge MACE (7.7 vs. 3.1%; adjusted hazard ratio: 2.59 [95% confidence interval: 1.17–5.74]; p = .02). For ticagrelor versus clopidogrel, PDB risk was higher (8.0 vs. 4.4%; 2.05 [1.17–3.60]; p = .01), while MACE risk was similar (2.0 vs. 3.4%; 0.70 [0.25–1.93]; p = .49). Based on identified PDB predictors, the constructed bleeding risk in real world Chinese acute coronary syndrome patients (BRIC‐ACS) score for PDB was established. C‐statistic for the score for PDB was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.62–0.73) in the overall cohort, and >0.70 in subgroups with non‐ST‐ and ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction, diabetes and receiving more than two drug eluting stents.

Conclusions

In Chinese ACS patients, PDB with BARC ≥2 was associated with higher risk for MACE after PCI. The constructed BRIC‐ACS risk score provides a useful tool for PDB discrimination, particularly among high ischemic and bleeding risk patients.
Zinc Tetracyanoplatinate: A Reversible Luminescence‐Based Ammonia Sensor
Authors: Varju Bryton R. , Wollschlaeger Sara A. , Leznoff Daniel B.
Published: May 2019

ZnPt(CN)4 was shown to be an effective material for ammonia sensing, and can be synthesized using either solution or mechanochemical methods. A combination of luminescence and Raman spectroscopy revealed that multiple species are involved in the reaction between ammonia and ZnPt(CN)4. The crystal structure of one of these species, Zn(NH3)2Zn(NH3)3(Pt(CN)4)2, was elucidated. Detection of ammonia vapor down to 50 ppm in air was accomplished by monitoring the luminescence spectrum. The reaction between ZnPt(CN)4 and ammonia vapor is reversible, and can be cycled multiple times by either flowing air over the material or heating. ZnPt(CN)4 also has a relatively high thermal stability, decomposing only when heated above 420 °C.
Reaching Green: Heterocycle Synthesis by Transition Metal‐Catalyzed C−H Functionalization in Sustainable Medium
Authors: Santhoshkumar Rajagopal , Cheng Chien‐Hong
Published: May 2019

Catalytic C−H functionalization has emerged as an efficient alternative to traditional coupling reactions. However, some of these reactions depend on environmentally harmful solvents, weakening the overall green nature of these methods. As organic processes consume large amount of solvents, the use of less harmful solvents enhance the sustainability of these reactions. Herein, we present an overview of transition metal‐catalyzed C−H functionalization reactions for the synthesis of heterocycles in sustainable solvents based on CHEM21 solvent selection guide.
Dual Dopamine Derived Polydopamine Coated N‐Doped Porous Carbon Spheres as a Sulfur Host for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Fan Zengjie , Ding Bing , Guo Hongshuai , Shi Minyuan , Zhang Yadi , Dong Shengyang , Zhang Tengfei , Dou Hui , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: May 2019

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are considered to be one of the most promising energy storage systems owing to their high energy density and low cost. However, their wide application is still limited by the rapid capacity fading. Herein, polydopamine (PDA)‐coated N‐doped hierarchical porous carbon spheres (NPC@PDA) are reported as sulfur hosts for high‐performance Li‐S batteries. The NPC core with abundant and interconnected pores provides fast electron/ion transport pathways and strong trapping ability towards lithium polysulfide intermediates. The PDA shell could further suppress the loss of lithium polysulfide intermediates through polar–polar interactions. Benefiting from the dual function design, the NPC/S@PDA composite cathode exhibits an initial capacity of 1331 mAh g−1 and remains at 720 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5 C. At the pouch cell level with a high sulfur mass loading, the NPC/S@PDA composite cathode still exhibits a high capacity of 1062 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.4 mA cm−2.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Azolium‐Based Halogen‐Bond Donors
Authors: Squitieri Richard A. , Fitzpatrick Keegan P. , Jaworski Ashley A. , Scheidt Karl A.
Published: May 2019

A method for the synthesis of iodinated imidazolium and triazolium N‐heterocyclic halogen‐bond‐donor catalysts has been developed. This approach was applied to the synthesis of a variety of 1,2,4‐triazolium salts to prepare a series of novel chiral halogen‐bond‐donor catalysts. The counterions of the iodinated triazoliums can be readily exchanged with chiral and achiral non‐coordinating counterions to produce unique scaffolds. Their ability to promote/catalyse a conjugate addition reaction with indole was investigated. Through these initial studies, a set of general guidelines and considerations for the application of these halogen‐bond donors in organocatalysis have been established.
Modeling and verifying SDN under Multi‐controller architectures using CSP
Authors: Xiao Lili , Zhu Huibiao , Xiang Shuangqing , Cong Vinh Phan
Published: May 2019

Software Defined Networking (SDN) with multiple controllers draws more attention for the increasing scale of the network. Multi‐controller architectures can handle what SDN with single controller is not able to address. In order to understand what these architectures can accomplish and face precisely, we analyze them with formal methods. In this paper, we apply Communicating Sequential Processes (CSP) to model the routing service of SDN under multi‐controller architectures, in particular the HyperFlow architecture and the Kandoo architecture based on OpenFlow protocol. By using model checker Process Analysis Toolkit (PAT), we verify that the models satisfy three properties, namely deadlock freeness, consistency, and fault tolerance. In addition, for studying the security of those models, some extension is added. We find that the extended models are capable of coping with Denial of Service and may suffer from Information Disclosure. Moreover, a fake path and a tampered message could be present in SDN.
Toward a monitoring and threat detection system based on stream processing as a virtual network function for big data
Authors: Andreoni Lopez Martin , Mattos Diogo M. F. , Duarte Otto Carlos M. B. , Pujolle Guy
Published: May 2019

The late detection of security threats causes a significant increase in the risk of irreparable damages and restricts any defense attempt. In this paper, we propose a sCAlable TRAffic Classifier and Analyzer (CATRACA). CATRACA works as an efficient online Intrusion Detection and Prevention System implemented as a Virtualized Network Function. CATRACA is based on Apache Spark, a Big Data Streaming processing system, and it is deployed over the Open Platform for Network Functions Virtualization (OPNFV), providing an accurate real‐time threat‐detection service. The system presents a friendly graphical interface that provides real‐time visualization of the traffic and the attacks that occur in the network. Our prototype can differentiate normal traffic from denial of service (DoS) attacks and vulnerability probes over 95% accuracy under three different datasets. Moreover, CATRACA handles streaming data under concept drift detection with more than 85% of accuracy.
Donor‐/Acceptor‐Substituted Tetrakis(arylethynyl)benzenes: The Influence of Donor Group on Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Nojo Wataru , Reingold I. David , Bard Jeremy P. , Chase Daniel T. , Deng Chun‐Lin , Haley Michael M.
Published: May 2019

We have prepared nine structural isomers of a tetrakis(arylethynyl)benzene chromophore functionalized with 4‐butoxyphenyl and pyridyl units as the respective donor and acceptor units and examined their steady‐state spectroscopic parameters to study how small structural variations effect the electronic absorption and emission spectra. Unlike their 4‐dibutylaminophenyl congeners that exhibited dynamic hypsochromic or bathochromic shifts in response to Lewis and Brønsted acids, the current class of compounds simply showed quenched fluorescence upon protonation; only AlCl3 elicited a red‐shifted fluorescence response. Computational studies of each system were also performed to provide additional insight into the energy levels and electronic transitions present.
Determination of supercapacitor parameters based on fractional differential equations
Authors: Hidalgo‐Reyes J.I. , Gómez‐Aguilar J.F. , Escobar‐Jimenez R.F. , Alvarado‐Martinez V.M. , Lopez‐Lopez M.G.
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we estimate the parameter values of a fractional‐order model of supercapacitors involving fractional derivatives of Liouville‐Caputo, Caputo‐Fabrizio, and Atangana‐Baleanu and fractional conformable derivative in the Liouville‐Caputo sense. We present the exact solution of the considered model using the properties of the Laplace transform operator together with the convolution theorem. They developed numerical simulations using each one of the fractional derivatives; the results were compared graphically with experimental data obtained from different supercapacitors using standard laboratory equipment. The nonlocal parameters involved in the equivalent electrical circuit for the supercapacitor model are recalculated for each fractional derivative using a particle swarm optimization algorithm for generating optimal solutions.
A new structure of three‐phase five‐level inverter with nested two‐level cells
Authors: Tirupathi Abhilash , Annamalai Kirubakaran , Veeramraju Tirumala Somasekhar
Published: May 2019

This paper presents a new structure of three‐phase five‐level inverter with a single direct current (DC) source for low‐ and medium‐voltage applications. The proposed configuration is built with a cascade connection of two‐level cells in a nested form and owns the advantages of a reduced number of passive components, total blocking voltage of the switches, and isolated DC sources. In order to make this topology attractive, a comparison is made with five‐level inverter topologies proposed for low‐ and medium‐voltage applications in recent years. The proposed circuit is powered using a single DC source and an auxiliary voltage‐balancing circuit (AVBC) to maintain the desired DC‐link capacitor voltages. A sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) scheme is implemented in field‐programmable gate array (FPGA), using Xilinx blocks developed in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment, to control the inverter switches. The performance of the proposed topology is verified through MATLAB simulation and prototype model for a step change in load. Finally, the experimental results are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed topology.
Population genetic analysis reveals a geographically limited transition zone between two genetically distinct Atlantic salmon lineages in Norway
Authors: Wennevik Vidar , Quintela María , Skaala Øystein , Verspoor Eric , Prusov Sergey , Glover Kevin A.
Published: May 2019

Atlantic salmon is characterized by a high degree of population genetic structure throughout its native range. However, while populations inhabiting rivers in Norway and Russia make up a significant proportion of salmon in the Atlantic, thus far, genetic studies in this region have only encompassed low to modest numbers of populations. Here, we provide the first “in‐depth” investigation of population genetic structuring in the species in this region. Analysis of 18 microsatellites on >9,000 fish from 115 rivers revealed highly significant population genetic structure throughout, following a hierarchical pattern. The highest and clearest level of division separated populations north and south of the Lofoten region in northern Norway. In this region, only a few populations displayed intermediate genetic profiles, strongly indicating a geographically limited transition zone. This was further supported by a dedicated cline analysis. Population genetic structure was also characterized by a pattern of isolation by distance. A decline in overall genetic diversity was observed from the south to the north, and two of the microsatellites showed a clear decrease in number of alleles across the observed transition zone. Together, these analyses support results from previous studies, that salmon in Norway originate from two main genetic lineages, one from the Barents–White Sea refugium that recolonized northern Norwegian and adjacent Russian rivers, and one from the eastern Atlantic that recolonized the rest of Norway. Furthermore, our results indicate that local conditions in the limited geographic transition zone between the two observed lineages, characterized by open coastline with no obvious barriers to gene flow, are strong enough to maintain the genetic differentiation between them.
Synthesis of (±)‐β‐Allokainic Acid
Authors: Piotrowski Mathew L. , Kerr Michael A.
Published: May 2019

The total synthesis of kainoid alkaloid, (+/–)‐β‐allokainic acid is reported. The key step is a vinylogous Cloke–Wilson rearrangement followed by Lewis acid and transition metal induced transformations to prepare a highly functionalized pyrrolidine suitable for conversion to the target molecule.
Electrochemical Detection of Zika Virus in Biological Samples: A Step for Diagnosis Point‐of‐care
Authors: Moço Anna C. R. , Guedes Pedro H. , Flauzino José M. R. , da Silva Heliane S. , Vieira Jussara G. , Castro Ana C. H. , Gomes Érica V. R. , Tolentino Fernanda M. , Soares Márcia M. C. N. , Madurro João M. , Brito‐Madurro Ana G.
Published: May 2019

This work describes an electrochemical genosensor for detection of genomic RNA of Zika virus in real samples of infected patients, using a new platform based on graphite electrodes modified with electrochemically reduced graphene oxide and polytyramine‐conducting polymer. The developed genosensor was suitable for differentiation between samples of healthy and infected patients with Zika virus by differential pulse voltammetry, detecting up to 0.1 fg/mL (1.72 copies/mL), showing good stability (about 60 days), rapid analysis (about 20 min) and potential for filling the lack of practical diagnostic methods for Zika virus.
A fresh look into background electrolyte selection for capillary electrophoresis‐laser induced fluorescence of peptides and proteins
Authors: Morani Marco , Taverna Myriam , Mai Thanh Duc
Published: May 2019

This study reports a reinvestigation of background electrolyte selection strategy for performance improvement in CE‐LIF of peptides and proteins. This strategy is based on the employment of high concentrations of organic species in BGE possessing high buffer capacity and low specific conductivity in order to ensure excellent stacking preconcentration and separation resolution of fluorescently tagged peptides and proteins. Unlike universal UV detection, the use of such BGEs at high concentrations does not lead to degradation of LIF detection signals at the working excitation and emission wavelengths. At the same buffer ionic strength, pH and electric field, an “inorganic‐species‐free” BGE (or ISF BGE) for CE‐LIF of fluorescently labeled beta amyloid peptide Aβ 1–42 (a model analyte) offered a signal intensity and peak efficiency at least three‐times higher than those obtained with a conventional BGE normally used for CE‐LIF, while producing an electric current twice lower. Good peak performance (in terms of height and shape) was maintained when using ISF BGEs even with samples prepared in high‐conductivity phosphate buffer saline matrix. The advantageous features of such BGEs used at high concentrations over conventional ones in terms of high separation resolution, improved signal intensities, tuning of EOF magnitudes and minimization of protein adsorption on an uncoated fused silica capillary are demonstrated using Alexa‐488‐labelled trypsin inhibitor. Such BGE selection approach was applied for investigation of separation performance for CE‐LIF of ovalbumin labelled with different fluorophores.
Impinging Stream–Rotating Packed‐Bed Reactor Combination Coprecipitation Synthesis of Cobalt–Manganese‐Layered Double Hydroxide for Electrode Materials
Authors: Zhang Ning , Ren Xiaojing , Guo Yujin , Liu Zhiwei , Liu Youzhi
Published: May 2019

This article is a study of a novel method for the preparation of cobalt–manganese layered double hydroxide (CoMn‐LDH). An impinging stream–rotating packed‐bed (IS–RPB) reactor is used with a coprecipitation method to prepare CoMn‐LDH. The results show that the IS–RPB reactor has a good strengthening effect on the physical and electrochemical properties of CoMn‐LDH. Compared with CoMn‐LDH prepared by a traditional stirred reactor, the sample prepared by IS–RPB has smaller particle size (187.9 nm), larger specific surface area (92.5 m2 g−1), higher specific capacitance (1477 F g−1 at 1 A g−1), better rate capability (70.2% retention at 5 A g−1), and longer cycling life. All in all, this work provides a means to continuously prepare CoMn‐LDH electrode materials with outstanding performance.
Effective degradation of doxycycline by photocatalytic BiVO4–H2O2 under visible light
Authors: Tong Yanbin , Kang Jing , Shen Jimin , Chen Zhonglin , Zhao Shengxin , Sun Liqun , Wang Weiqiang
Published: May 2019

Doxycycline (DOX) is a type of antibiotic that exists in the environment and is desired to be effectively removed. Herein, DOX was degraded by photocatalytic BiVO4–H2O2 and photocatalytic BiVO4 systems in this paper. Under the same degradation conditions, the effects of the two systems on DOX degradation were compared. The effect of the solution pH on degradation of DOX was examined in the range of 3.5–11.5. The optimum pH values were 7.5 and 11.5 for light‐BiVO4–H2O2 and light‐BiVO4 systems, respectively, and their removal rates were 96.27 and 98.84%, respectively. The optimum temperature of degradation was both 40°C by two methods, and the removal rates were 97.03 and 53.43%, respectively. The optimum dosage of BiVO4 was both 70 mg by two methods, and the removal rates were 95.92 and 52.52%, respectively. The degradation effect by light‐BiVO4–H2O2 method was better than that by light‐BiVO4 method. The possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism was also discussed briefly based on ESR spectrum. DMPO trapping experiment was applied to reveal the production of hydroxyl radicals. These works provide promising constructs at dealing with the DOX water by photocatalytic degradation.
Experimental study of smoke effects on energized electrical cabinets located nearby a lubricant oil pool fire
Authors: Tasaka Koji , Shirai Koji , Ji Junghoon , Zavaleta Pascal
Published: May 2019

This paper presents an experimental study of smoke exposure effects on potential malfunction of three electrical cabinets located nearby an oil pool fire. This study was performed as part of the PRISME‐2 international OECD project. Lubricant oil was used as fire source, and three real energized electrical cabinets were used as targets exposed to smoke in the adjacent room to the fire room. The main fire properties, as well as the fire consequences, such as gas temperatures and smoke concentrations in the rooms, and the cabinets are presented in detail. The heat release rate was thus assessed at around 500 kW for nearly all the fire duration, and maximum gas temperatures reached 300°C in the fire room, and 120°C in the adjacent room. Moreover, the maximum gas temperatures and soot mass concentrations inside the cabinets ranged from 90 to 120°C and from 0.3 to 1 g/m3, respectively. Nevertheless, continuous electrical monitoring of the three cabinets did not highlight malfunction. After the experiment, monitoring test of the cabinets was conducted to investigate the potential effects. The isolation resistance of electrical circuits on the most severe smoke exposed cabinet reduced during the monitoring test. It seemed the soot deposition have caused it.
The significant others: Global search for direct kinase substrates using chemical approaches
Authors: Shah Kavita , Kim Hyunjin
Published: May 2019

Protein kinases function as key signaling hubs in the intricate network of biochemical signaling processes in the living cell. More than two‐thirds of the human proteome is estimated to be phosphorylated at ~960,000 phosphosites, which makes it challenging to identify the direct contribution of any desired kinase in generating this phosphoproteome. In this review, we discuss some of the methods that have been developed over the years for global identification of kinase substrates. The methods are essentially categorized into two classes, namely, (i) direct tagging of kinase substrates and (ii) indirect phosphoproteomics‐based approaches. We discuss the advantages and limitations entailed to each of the method introduced, with a special emphasis on the analog‐sensitive (as) kinase approach method. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(6):721–737, 2019
Investigation of specific binding of designed oligodeoxynucleotide decoys to transcription factors in HT29 cell line undergoing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)
Authors: Bigdelou Zahra , Johari Behrooz , Kadivar Mehdi , Rismani Elham , Asadi Zoleykha , Rahmati Mohammad , Saltanatpour Zohreh
Published: May 2019

Expression of master transcriptional regulators of stem cells (Oct4 and Sox2) is associated with mediating tumor proliferation and tumor differentiation. The main goal of this study is the investigation of specific binding of designed Oct4–Sox2 transcription factors decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) sequence to their nucleus‐extracted proteins in HT29‐ShE cells containing enriched cancer stem‐like cells (SCLCs). First, gene expression of Oct4, Sox2, and E‐cadherin revealed the overexpression of Oct4 and Sox2 and downregulation of E‐cadherin in HT29‐ShE cells compared with HT29 wild‐type and HT29‐ShC cells. Next, Oct4–Sox2 complex decoy ODNs were designed according to their elements in the promoter region of Sox2 gene. Then, the interactions of Oct4 and Sox2 proteins to designed ODNs were evaluated in silico. Finally, DNA–protein interactions of decoy ODNs and their corresponding proteins were examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Analysis of gel shift retardation assay admitted the specific binding of designed ODNs sequence to the nuclear extracted Oct4 and Sox2 proteins. The results will be a promising approach to target cancer stem cells for potential use in differentiation therapy before chemotherapy and radiotherapy of cancers.
Model‐Based Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Nivolumab in Chinese Patients With Previously Treated Advanced Solid Tumors, Including Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Jason , Cai Junliang , Bello Akintunde , Roy Amit , Sheng Jennifer
Published: May 2019

Nivolumab is the first anti–programmed death‐1 agent approved in China for treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we characterize the population pharmacokinetics (PPK) of nivolumab monotherapy in Chinese patients with previously treated advanced/recurrent solid tumors, including NSCLC and nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), using data from 2 predominantly Chinese (CheckMate 077 and 078), and 5 global (MDX1106‐01, CA209‐003, and CheckMate 017, 057, and 063) studies. The PPK model was developed by reestimating parameters of a prior global population model with Chinese patient data. Model reestimates showed nivolumab pharmacokinetics (PK) to be linear and dose proportional. Race did not have a clinically meaningful effect on nivolumab clearance. Body weight, Asian race, sex, and performance status had significant effects on clearance. Baseline clearance was 9% lower in the Asian versus the global population but not considered clinically relevant. Change in time‐varying clearance and predicted nivolumab exposures with 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks (Q2W) were similar in Chinese, non‐Chinese Asian, and non‐Asian patients. In Chinese patients, the predicted nivolumab exposure with a 240‐mg Q2W regimen was ∼25% higher than with 3 mg/kg Q2W, but ∼62% lower than that of a previously evaluated, well‐tolerated regimen of 10 mg/kg Q2W (global population). Differences in nivolumab baseline clearance and exposures between patients with NPC and NSCLC were not clinically meaningful (<20%). Overall, PPK analysis demonstrated that nivolumab was not sensitive to race when evaluated in Chinese and non‐Asian patients and exhibited similar PK in NSCLC and NPC.
The effect of luteolin in prevention of periodontal disease in Wistar rats
Authors: Balci Yuce Hatice , Toker Hulya , Yildirim Ali , Tekin Mehmet Bugrul , Gevrek Fikret , Altunbas Nilufer
Published: May 2019

Background

Periodontal disease is the chronic infectious disease of the periodontium. Because of irreversibility, prevention of disease is one of the most important goals of periodontal treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of luteolin, a powerful anti‐inflammatory agent, on the prevention of experimental periodontitis by determining morphological and histological tissue alterations.

Methods

This study consisted of 28 rats and four experimental groups: healthy control group (C, n = 6); periodontitis group (P, n = 6); periodontitis and 50 mg/kg luteolin administered group (L‐50, n = 8); and periodontitis and 100 mg/kg luteolin administered group (L‐100, n = 8). Experimental periodontitis was induced via ligature method around lower right first molar teeth. All rats were euthanized 11 days after. The severity of periodontal destruction was determined by measuring alveolar bone loss under a stereomicroscope. Osteoblast and inflammatory cell counts were counted on hematoxylin‐eosin‐stained slides and osteoclasts were counted on tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase‐stained slides. The levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8, tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)‐1, receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The highest alveolar bone loss was observed in the periodontitis group and the luteolin administration decreased bone loss in both groups. Osteoblast cell number was higher and osteoclast and inflammatory cell numbers were lower in the P group compared to C, L‐50, and L‐100 groups. Luteolin, dose‐dependently increased osteoblast cell counts. Luteolin attenuated periodontal inflammation in both L‐50 and L‐100 groups. Like osteoblast cell numbers, BMP‐2 expressions were also elevated in luteolin groups. Both doses of luteolin significantly increased TIMP‐1 and BMP‐2 expressions and decreased MMP‐8 levels. iNOS expressions increased in P group and L‐100 significantly decreased iNOS levels. RANKL increased and OPG decreased in P group and 100 mg/kg luteolin increased OPG and decreased RANKL levels significantly.

Conclusions

Within the limits of present experimental study, luteolin successfully improved periodontal health in a ligature‐induced experimental periodontitis model in Wistar rats. The decrease in inflammation, osteoclastic and collagenase activity and increase in osteoblastic activity are possibly involved in this process.
Krafft Temperature, Critical Micelle Concentration, and Rheology of “Pseudo‐Gemini” Surfactant Comprising Fatty Acid Soap and Bola‐Type Quaternary Ammonium Salt
Authors: He Shuai , Xu Bo , Zhang Yongmin
Published: May 2019

Bola‐type quaternary ammonium salt can bridge with two fatty acid soaps through electrostatic attraction to form a pseudogemini surfactant, which enhances the solution viscosity. In this work, the effects of the building blocks (spacer and hydrophobic chain) of a pseudogemini surfactant on the Krafft temperature, critical micelle concentration, and rheological properties were investigated. The results revealed that the addition of bola‐type salt obviously decreased the Krafft temperature of sodium stearate (C18ONa), and a bola‐type salt bearing a large benzene ring (Bola2be) was more effective than the one bearing an ethyl group (Bola2et) or a hydroxyethyl group (Bola2hy). When bola‐type salt is mixed with fatty acid soap at a fixed molar ratio of 1:2, a pseudogemini surfactant forms in situ, and the viscosity of the solution is significantly enhanced by the formation of a worm‐like micelle (WLM) network. The stronger the hydrophobicity of the bola‐type salt or the tail of the fatty acid soap, the lower the critical overlapping and micelle concentrations, and the stronger is the ability to enhance viscosity. However, pseudogemini surfactants that use sodium stearate as a monomer show similar self‐assembly abilities to those using sodium oleate as a monomer. In addition, the WLM formed by pseudogemini surfactants composed of Bola2be and sodium stearate or sodium oleate were liable to branch at high concentrations.
Chain Features and Their Influence on the Thermal Stability of Poly(propylene‐co‐1‐nonene) Copolymers
Authors: Qiong Diana , García‐Peñas Alberto , Barranco‐García Rosa , Cerrada María Luisa , Benavente Rosario , Pérez Ernesto , Gómez‐Elvira José Manuel
Published: May 2019

The thermal stability of several isotactic polypropylenes and propylene‐co‐1‐nonene copolymers is assessed under nitrogen by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The samples involve wide ranges of molecular weight, isotactic average length, and 1‐nonene content, in order to perform a comprehensive analysis of the effect that chain features exert on the apparent activation energy (Ea), in the initial stages of the molten state degradation. The degradation process correlates with chain mobility and, accordingly, with chain features that are linked to. Thus, microstructure and chain size are found to play a key role. In fact, isotactic average length of propylene sequences and molecular weight are driving factors in the Ea required for main chain thermal scission.
Wideband magneto‐electric dipole antenna with a claw shaped reflector for 5G communication systems
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Jiao Yong‐Chang , Weng Zi‐Bin , Zhang Yi‐Xuan , Feng Shu
Published: May 2019

A wideband magneto‐electric dipole antenna with a claw‐shaped reflector is presented for future 5G communication systems. A pair of E‐shaped radiating patches is used to form an electric dipole, while two folded patches, which are shorted to the ground, are used as the magneto dipole. Four inverted‐L parasitic branches are introduced on the four corners of the ground, producing new resonant points. The four parasitic branches along with the ground plane form a claw‐shaped reflector for the antenna to obtain stable directional radiation patterns. This antenna is fed by a modified feeding structure to improve the matching of the working band. The measured results show that the reflection coefficient is less than ‐10 dB in a relative bandwidth of 103.6% (1.18‐3.72 GHz). The average gain in the working band is around 7.6 dBi. As a result, the proposed antenna can be a favorable candidate for future 5G communication systems.
A general degree semihybrid triangular compatible finite element formulation for Kirchhoff plates
Authors: Moitinho de Almeida J.P. , Maunder E.A.W. , Tiago Carlos
Published: May 2019

We revisit compatible finite element formulations for Kirchhoff plates and propose a new general degree hybridized approach that strictly imposes C1 continuity. These new elements are triangular and based on nodal polynomial approximation functions that only use displacement and rotation degrees of freedom for assembly, and thereby “nearly” impose C1 continuity. This condition is then strictly enforced by adding appropriately chosen hybrid constraints and the corresponding Lagrange multipliers. Unlike all other existing approaches, this formulation allows for the definition of elements of arbitrary degree considering a single polynomial basis for each element, without using degrees of freedom associated with second‐order derivatives. The convergence is compared with that of alternative approaches in terms of numbers of elements and degrees of freedom.
Mobility and rickets: Investigating Vitamin D deficiency and regional mobility in Aventicum, Roman Switzerland (first to third century CE)
Authors: Peacock Taylor , Bourbou Chryssi , D'Ortenzio Lori , Kahlon Bonnie , Prowse Tracy , Brickley Megan B.
Published: May 2019

The aims of this study are twofold: first, to consider Vitamin D deficiency during two periods of growth and, second, consider Vitamin D deficiency with respect to evidence for migration and mobility in a skeletal assemblage (n = 169) from Aventicum, Roman Switzerland (first to third century CE). Vitamin D deficiency was evaluated macroscopically, and individuals with evidence of Vitamin D deficiency (n = 3) were assessed histologically for interglobular dentine. Dentine was examined from teeth that span from 6 months to 18 years of age. Enamel from an incisor and third molar of possibly deficient individuals were also explored for evidence of migration using oxygen isotope analysis. The only skeletal evidence for Vitamin D deficiency occurred in three adult individuals (two males and one female, all aged 25–35). All three individuals showed skeletal and histological evidence of early childhood deficiency. Further, two individuals presented histological evidence of deficiency associated with pubertal growth. Isotopic values in the incisors of all three individuals were in keeping with geographic origins in Central and Eastern Europe; however, the two with evidence for pubertal deficiency had higher δ18O values (by 1.3‰) in their third molars, whereas the individual with no evidence of pubertal rickets did not. The overall lack of Vitamin D deficiency at Aventicum is rare when compared with other urban Roman sites. For the three individuals with evidence of deficiency, one suggestion is that they may have moved from elsewhere. The mobility of the two individuals with pubertal rickets suggests that risks for repeat deficiency were affected by their location. As this is the first study to consider osteological and histological evidence for Vitamin D deficiency in conjunction with isotopic evidence of mobility, further studies of mobility and health across the Empire are required.
Scale‐up and Sustainability Evaluation of Biopolymer Production from Citrus Waste Offering Carbon Capture and Utilisation Pathway
Authors: Durkin Alex , Taptygin Ivan , Kong Qingyuan , Gunam Resul Mohamad F. M. , Rehman Abdul , Fernández Ana M. L. , Harvey Adam P. , Shah Nilay , Guo Miao
Published: May 2019

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Dr Miao Guo from Department of Chemical Engineering at the Imperial College London (UK). The cover picture shows modelling research on the co‐polymerisation of waste‐sourced limonene oxide with CO2 to produce poly(limonene carbonate), which offers a sustainable pathway to achieve carbon capture and utilisation. A computational approach to process design was integrated with sustainability evaluation to model this synthetic pathway and identify the environmental‐damaging and performance‐limiting steps for further improvement. Our research highlights the potential of closed‐loop manufacturing systems with waste recovery, which is instrumental in building a sustainable circular economy. Read the full text of their Full Paper at 10.1002/open.201900015.
Sport activities and exercise as part of routine cancer care in children and adolescents
Authors: Spreafico Filippo , Murelli Michele , Timmons Brian W. , Massimino Maura , Barr Ronald
Published: May 2019

The burden of morbidities affecting cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, metabolism, and psychosocial health in young patients with cancer is high. It is alarming that patients and survivors of childhood cancer are less physically active than their healthy peers, since exercise may improve many of these conditions significantly and is associated with reduction in all‐cause mortality in the general population. Systematic integration of exercise programing into cancer care remains an exception, above all in children. Pediatric oncologists may contribute to a culture shift towards educating patients and stakeholders on the benefit of exercise and sports for children and adolescents with cancer.
Influence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the structural, thermal, electrical properties, and gas sensing behavior of polyaniline/phenothiazine blend nanocomposites
Authors: Bahuleyan B. K. , Induja C. , Ramesan M. T.
Published: May 2019

We report the preparation, characterization, and properties of polyaniline (PANI)/phenothiazine (PTZ) blend with different concentration of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. Formation of nanocomposites was monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectra, UV, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis studies. Spectroscopic characterization confirmed the bonding structure of PANI/PTZ/TiO2composite through the shift in absorption peaks of nanocomposites compared to pure PANI/PTZ blend. XRD studies confirmed the presence of sharp crystalline peaks of TiO2in the blend system signifying good interaction among the adjoining molecular chain of polymer with the nanoparticles. Surface morphological details of the nanocomposites obtained using SEM and HR‐TEM reveal the formation of hemispherical‐like structures with a diameter of 15 to 30 nm. DSC measurements of these nanocomposites showed that the glass transition temperature was reduced as the concentration of TiO2increased into PANI/PTZ blend matrix. The influence of filler loading on thermal stability showed that the TiO2enhanced the thermal stability and reduced the rate of thermal degradation of polymer blend nanocomposites. Conductivity studies showed that both AC and DC conductivity, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss increase with an increase in the concentration of nano‐filler TiO2up to 10 wt%. Similarly, the ammonia gas sensing behavior of nanocomposites was also improved by the addition of nanoparticles. From the characterization studies, it can be suggested that TiO2helps to achieve excellent thermophysical properties, gas sensing, electrical conductivity, and dielectric characteristics for PANI/PTZ blend which can be used in the fabrication of electrical or nano‐electronic devices.
Proteome Changes Paralleling the Olfactory Conditioning in the Forager Honey Bee and Provision of a Brain Proteomics Dataset
Authors: Sialana Fernando J. , Ribeiroda Silva Menegasso Anally , Smidak Roman , Hussein Ahmed M. , Zavadil Michael , Rattei Thomas , Lubec Gert , Sergio Palma Mario , Lubec Jana
Published: May 2019

The olfactory conditioning of the bee proboscis extension reflex (PER) is extensively used as a paradigm in associative learning of invertebrates but with limited molecular investigations. To investigate which protein changes are linked to olfactory conditioning, a non‐sophisticated conditioning model is applied using the PER in the honeybee (Apis mellifera). Foraging honeybees are assigned into three groups based on the reflex behavior and training: conditioned using 2‐octanone (PER‐conditioned), and sucrose and water controls. Thereafter, the brain synaptosomal proteins are isolated and analyzed by quantitative proteomics using stable isotope labeling (TMT). Additionally, the complex proteome dataset of the bee brain is generated with a total number of 5411 protein groups, including key players in neurotransmitter signaling. The most significant categories affected during olfactory conditioning are associated with “SNARE interactions in vesicular transport” (BET1 and VAMP7), ABC transporters, and fatty acid degradation pathways.
A comprehensive study on rearrangement reactions in collision‐induced dissociation mass spectrometric fragmentation of protonated diphenyl and phenyl pyridyl ethers
Authors: Baira Shandilya Mahamuni , Ragampeta Srinivas , Talluri M.V.N. Kumar
Published: May 2019

Rationale

Recently, we have reported a forced degradation study of a pharmaceutical drug regorafenib which contains a phenyl pyridyl ether derivative as building block. We observed interesting rearrangements in two of its degradation products in tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments. As diphenyl ether derivatives are also molecular building blocks of biological importance and used as herbicides and flame retardants, we decided to investigate specifically the fragmentation behavior of these compounds along with phenyl pyridyl derivatives in detail using high‐resolution electrospray ionization (ESI) MS/MS.

Methods

To understand the fragmentation reactions of protonated substituted diphenyl ethers and phenyl pyridyl ethers, ESI‐MS/MS experiments were performed using a quadrupole time‐of‐flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer.

Results

In contrast to radical cations of diphenyl ether derivatives which do not eliminate CO, the [M + H]+ ions of substituted diphenyl ethers undergo rearrangement reactions after loss of neutral molecules (H2O, HCl, etc.) to form a bicyclic structure containing a keto group and do eliminate CO. Similar rearrangement followed by fragmentation was observed for protonated phenyl pyridyl ethers and the degradation products formed from regorafenib and sorafenib.

Conclusions

The protonated ions of substituted diphenyl ethers and phenyl pyridyl ethers on collision‐induced dissociation have exhibited interesting rearrangement reactions, despite the nature of the substituent on both the aryl moieties. The proposed fragmentation patterns of these compounds give an insight into the understanding of gas‐phase reactions in mass spectrometric studies of diphenyl ether and phenyl pyridyl ether derivatives.
Longitudinal study on the impact of urinary continence and sexual function on health‐related quality of life among Japanese men after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Ngoo Kay Seong , Honda Masashi , Kimura Yusuke , Yumioka Tetsuya , Iwamoto Hideto , Morizane Shuichi , Hikita Katsuya , Takenaka Atsushi
Published: May 2019

Background

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) on the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods

We prospectively reviewed HRQOL parameters using Short‐Form Health Survey, patient self‐reporting of urinary incontinence and International Index of Erectile Function, among patients who underwent RARP between 2010 and 2016.

Results

Among 249 men studied, all had significantly worse HRQOL domain scores at 1 month post operatively but 24 months after surgery, all domains reached or surpassed their baseline values. Only Bodily Pain, General Health, Role‐Emotional, Mental Health domains, and Mental Health Composite were significantly improved. Improvement in urinary continence was mirrored by improvements in both Mental and Physical Component Scores.

Conclusions

Within a 2‐year post‐operative period, men who underwent RARP had regained their overall quality of life. The recovery of urinary continence significantly impacted the mental, physical, emotional, and social well‐being of those patients.
Phyto‐Tacrine Hybrids as Promising Drugs to Treat Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Girek Małgorzata , Szymański Paweł
Published: May 2019

Alzheimer's disease is an incurable neurodegenerative disease which represents the most common form of dementia. Cognition impairment and memory loss are mostly caused by reduced levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Therefore, current drug therapies are based on the cholinergic hypothesis. However, β‐amyloid hypothesis is getting more important in last years. For many years, one of the basic drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease was tacrine, acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Unfortunately, it was withdrawn from the market due to its side effects. To diminish side effects, research has focused on obtaining multi‐target‐directed ligands, which target numerous disease pathways simultaneously, including those of Alzheimer's disease. The comprehensive review is focused on the outcomes of the studies of phyto‐tacrine hybrids. Hybrids can inhibit cholinesterase and β‐amyloid aggregation. Additionally, phyto‐hybrids have neuroprotective, anti‐inflammatory, hepatoprotective and metal chelating properties. Further research is necessary for the development of hybrids to find a proper therapy for Alzheimer's disease.
Synthesis of Graphene Oxide/Metal‐Organic Frameworks Composite Materials for Removal of Congo Red from Wastewater
Authors: Wei Fu‐hua , Ren Qin‐hui , Liang Zhao , Chen Ding
Published: May 2019

In‐based metal‐organic frameworks (In–MOFs) and graphene oxide (GO)/ In–MOFs composite materials were obtained by trimesic acid (or 2‐aminoterephthalic acid), GO, and Indium chloride tetrahydrate milled microwave‐assisted ball milling. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were applied to characterize the structure and thermostability of the synthesized composite materials. In addition, In–MOFs and GO/ In–MOFs were used for removal of organic dyes in water solutions. The adsorption and removal of Congo red (CR) in aqueous solution were studied. The adsorption capacity and behavior of GO/ In–MOFs towards CR were verified By studying the adsorption kinetics. The results showed that 55 mg/L of CR in a 200 mL solution was removed 90.83%, 90.40% and 96.27%, 95.02% by In–MOFs‐1, In–MOFs‐2, GO/In–MOFs‐1 and GO/In–MOFs‐2 within 240 min of treatment with natural light.
Gold‐Ions‐Mediated Diproline Peptide Nanocarpets and Their Inhibition of Bacterial Growth
Authors: Singh Ramesh , Suryavashi Vishal , Vinayak Vandana , Joshi Khashti B.
Published: May 2019

The structurally rigid dipeptide Pro‐Pro, known to self assembled into well defined dumbbells followed by robust three dimensional copper embedded discs under the appropriate physicochemical conditions. Now the assembly of dipeptide Pro‐Pro in the presence of Ag(I) and Au(III) metal ions was studied followed by its application as potential antibacterial agents. In the presence of Au(III) ions, ordered two dimensional sheets of submicron dimensions were obtained whereas in the presence of Ag(I) ions mostly random aggregates were found. Microscopy and spectroscopic study revealed that the Pro‐Pro‐Au(III) structures, in essence, can be considered as toxic metal ion “reservoirs“ and can provide batter platform to target bacterial membrane. The antibacterial assay demonstrated that owing to high biocompatibility Pro‐Pro dipeptide with bacterial cell, this simplest dipeptide worked as metal ion delivery agent and therefore it can show great potential in locally addressing bacterial infections.