bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reading Cavafy Writing: The Poetry of C.P. Cavafy and the “World” in “World Literature”
Authors: Layoun Mary N.
Published: December 2019

In taking up the Alexandrian Egyptian Greek writer Constantine Cavafy (1863–1933) in the context of “world literature,” the question is posed of the “world” as figured in his poetry and of what that figuration might tell us about the “world” in contemporary “world literature.” Three selected poems by Cavafy – “In the Month of Athyr” (1917), “Envoys from Alexandria” (1915, 1918), and “The Mirror in the Entryway” (1930) – offer a kind of figural enactment of and a scrupulous response to the question of how to read or write or “sense” a world in which sensual beauty, erotic desire, and history are intimately intertwined, always exceeding a nonetheless necessary effort to record them, and are only accessible in traces and memories and angled views.
T.S. Eliot and Modernist Translation
Authors: Morgenstern John D.
Published: December 2019

T.S. Eliot's rarely considered writings on translation, the fundamental mechanism by which cultural material flows between languages, geographies, and remote epochs, reconciles opposing critical narratives that regard him as a cultural isolationist or as the architect of global modernism. Eliot's analyses of cultural transmission at the level of specific texts adumbrate a theory of translation that joined the familiar with the foreign, the local with the universal, and etymology with innovation. His writings on translation provide a framework for reading him as a global poet who regarded the cross‐fertilization of cultures and languages as vital to the development of the literature of his own language, in his own place and time. It also places him alongside modernist writers including H.D. and Ezra Pound, who engaged in a shared enterprise of translation as a strategy for the extension of the linguistic, cultural, and aesthetic possibilities of literature in English.
Pablo Neruda: World Literature and Human Rights
Authors: Pellegrini Marcelo
Published: December 2019

Pablo Neruda was a world poet deeply engaged with human rights and international politics. His universalist vocation is the product of his origins as a Latin American writer. In the context of the current debate about “world literature” he clearly stands as a veritable classic and one of the foremost examples of a writer whose audicence and preoccupations make him, indeed, a world writer. There are, however, some contradictions in his engagement with human rights, his defence of Stalinism being the first one of them. Neruda was a complex figure who represents the contradictions of his time and of the world he deeply engaged with. To examine these complexities is an attempt to understand some of the crucial chapters of the twentieth century, those where literature, politics, ethics, and aesthetics collide.
Origen of Alexandria: Christian Philosophy of Freedom
Authors: Fürst Alfons
Published: December 2019

Origen of Alexandria (185–253/54) is the founder of the Christian philosophy of freedom. Drawing on both the philological and philosophical heritage of Hellenistic and Roman culture, he invented the biblical commentary written according to the academic standards of his time. His contribution to the history of ancient philosophy is a groundbreaking innovation: he based reality not on fixed substance but on will and thus on freedom. He argued for a libertarian concept of freedom in a universal cosmic dimension. His world is a web of interrelated dynamic processes which consist of constantly moving rational and free entities. The self‐determined progression of rational beings is grounded in an ethics of practical virtue. By establishing schools at Alexandria and Caesarea, he contributed substantially to the emergence of a Christian culture and managed to convey his legacy to all ecclesiastical traditions in subsequent centuries.
Nanoelectronics for Minimally Invasive Cellular Recordings
Authors: Pei Fei , Tian Bozhi
Published: December 2019

Advances in cellular recordings using engineered devices have greatly increased the understanding in biological systems. These recordings have been an essential part in a broad variety of fields ranging from neuroscience and cardiology to cell biology and have been applied both in research and clinical applications. To provide less tissue damage, reduce foreign‐body response, and enhance long‐term signal stability, the engineered devices need to be minimally invasive. Pursuing these goals, recently, nanoelectronic probes with improved mechanical, chemical, and biocompatible properties have been developed. Moreover, innovative and automated insertion techniques of neural probes have been reported, further progressing toward a high‐bandwidth brain–machine interface system. In this progress report, recent progress in materials, device designs, and implementation techniques aiming for minimally invasive cellular recordings (both in vivo and in vitro) is highlighted, and future directions in these areas are proposed.
An Innovative Design by Single‐Layer Superaerophobic Mesh: Continuous Underwater Bubble Antibuoyancy Collection and Transportation
Authors: Ning Yuzhen , Zhang Di , Ben Shuang , Zhao Zhihong , Zha Jinlong , Tian Dongliang , Liu Kesong , Jiang Lei
Published: December 2019

Underwater bubbles are unavoidable in the natural world and industrial production. Understanding the behavior of underwater bubbles and manipulating gas bubbles are vital important to both fundamental scientific research and industrial application. Although there has been some progress in controlling underwater bubbles, continuous underwater bubble collection and transportation remain challenging targets. Herein, inspired by the mechanism of water spider's gas storage, a strategy to collect and transport underwater gas bubble is demonstrated by design of a single‐layer underwater superaerophobic mesh (USM) assembled with a quartz tube. Gas bubbles supplied by a syringe pump penetrate the mesh pore and then gather to form a gas column in the quartz tube. Collapse occurs when the gas column reach the maximum storage height/pressure. Under a continuous supply of gas bubbles, the change of pressure becomes a cyclic process, which acts in a pump‐like manner to transport bubbles continuously from the water to the gas phase in the USM device assembled with an asymmetric U‐tube. This novel gas collection and transport system provides a new inspiration for developing new technologies for applications in pipes, sensors, gas collection, and environment protection.
Highly Efficient Clean Water Production from Contaminated Air with a Wide Humidity Range
Authors: Yao Houze , Zhang Panpan , Huang Yaxin , Cheng Huhu , Li Chun , Qu Liangti
Published: December 2019

The huge amount of moisture in the air is an unexplored and overlooked water resource in nature, which can be useful to solve the worldwide water shortage. However, direct water condensation from natural or even hazy air is always inefficient and inevitably contaminated by numerous impurities of dust, toxic gas, and microorganisms. In this regard, a drinkable and clean water harvester from complex contaminated air with a wide humidity range based on porous sodium polyacrylate/graphene framework (PGF), which can actively sorb moisture from common or even smoggy environments, efficiently grabs impurities, and then releases clean water with a high rejection rate of impurities under solar irradiation, is proposed. This PGF shows a superhigh equilibrium uptake of 5.20 g of water per gram of PGF at a relative humidity (RH) of 100% and 0.14 g g−1 at a low RH of 15%. The rejection rate of impurities is up to 97% for the collected clean water. Moreover, a water harvesting system is established to produce over 25 L clean water per kilogram of PGF one day, enough to meet several people's drinking water demand. This work provides a new strategy for effective production of clean water from the atmosphere of practical significance.
Stretchable Low‐Impedance Nanocomposite Comprised of Ag–Au Core–Shell Nanowires and Pt Black for Epicardial Recording and Stimulation
Authors: Sunwoo Sung‐Hyuk , Han Sang Ihn , Kang Hyejeong , Cho Ye Seul , Jung Dongjun , Lim Chanhyuk , Lim Chaehong , Cha Myung‐jin , Lee Seung‐Pyo , Hyeon Taeghwan , Kim Dae‐Hyeong
Published: December 2019

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) presents effective means to modulate cardiac conduction and related functions in heart failure patients. However, the conventional CRT delivers electric current at only two points on the heart, therefore, it is unable to provide comprehensive electrical support to the heart. Additionally, the CRT‐device structure faces several issues, such as those associated with the endocardial screw tip, which may cause myocardial degeneration, and the metal lead wire, which may lead to intravascular thrombosis and lead infection. Moreover, the conventional CRT has limitations in mechanically improving the cardiac contractility, which often cannot prevent further ventricular dilation. Here, a fabrication of an elastoconductive epicardial mesh using a stretchable low‐impedance nanocomposite comprising Ag–Au core–shell nanowires and platinum black (Pt black) in elastomer to provide a potential solution to the above‐mentioned clinical issues is reported. The proposed nanocomposite structure exhibits high stretchability, conductivity, and biocompatibility in combination with low impedance. These features facilitate the realization of high signal‐to‐noise ratios in electrocardiogram recordings, and high‐quality electrical stimulations. The proposed epicardial mesh is implanted on the surface of an animal heart with minimum traumatic stress, and is consequently able to conduct high‐quality cardiac recording and electrical stimulation in rodents.
Ultrasensitive ZnO Nanowire Photodetectors with a Polymer Electret Interlayer for Minimizing Dark Current
Authors: Chen Tong , Gao Xu , Zhang Jing‐Yue , Xu Jian‐Long , Wang Sui‐Dong
Published: December 2019

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires have attracted extensive interests in ultraviolet photodetection fields owing to their outstanding optoelectronic properties. The detectivity of ZnO nanowire photodetectors is often limited by large dark current due to a number of defect‐induced carriers. Herein, a thin layer of poly(2‐vinyl naphthalene) (PVN) is introduced between the ZnO nanowire and gate dielectric to deplete defect‐induced carriers with the help of the electrostatic field generated by trapped electrons in the PVN layer. The dark current is successfully reduced from 2.2 × 10−9 to 1.6 × 10−14 A. Particularly, ZnO nanowire photodetectors with a large Ilight/Idark ratio (>107), high photoresponsivity (>106 A W−1), and ultrahigh detectivity (>1018 Jones) are achieved, which are among the best performance in reported ZnO‐based photodetectors. The present simple scheme offers a new strategy to suppress dark current in semiconducting nanomaterials for ultrasensitive photodetection applications.
A Novel Nucleation Inducer for Ultrathin Au Anodes in High Efficiency and Flexible Organic Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Wang Haoran , Wang Zhenyu , Xu Xiangchen , Zhao Wenzhuo , Wu Dan , Muhammad Mujahid , Liu Yunfei , Chen Chen , Liu Bin , Duan Yu
Published: December 2019

Methyl‐terminated alucone films are prepared as a nucleation inducer by molecular layer deposition (MLD), increasing the surface free energy (SFE) to help the nucleation of Au electrodes. By controlling the surface groups of MLD alucone, the SFE of the films reach 93.8 dyne cm−1, which is significantly larger than the 75.94 dyne cm−1 of commonly used wetting layer ZnS. As a result, Au films deposited on this novel nucleation inducer show a layered growth at a thickness of 5 nm, and thus exhibit high photoelectric performance and a bending life of more than 1500 times. When this high‐performance electrode is applied in organic optoelectronic devices, current efficiency enhancement of 24.4% and 12.7% are achieved in organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) and flexible perovskite light‐emitting devices (PLEDs), respectively. Also, the flexible PLED maintains 96.4% of the initial luminance after 1000 bends.
A family affair—Severe fetal and neonatal hemolytic anemia due to novel alpha‐spectrin mutations in two siblings
Authors: Donepudi Roopali , Westerfield Lauren , Stonecipher Ashley , A. Nassr Ahmed , Cortes Magdalena S. , Espinoza Jimmy , Belfort Michael , Shamshirsaz Alireza
Published: December 2019

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is the most common cause of inherited, nonimmune hemolytic anemia. When inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, the anemia is typically mild. However, severe, transfusion‐dependent anemia is seen in autosomal recessive HS, which is often associated with deficient or absent red blood cell membrane protein alpha‐spectrin. We report a 26‐year‐old para one who was referred to our center at 28 weeks' gestation due to concerns for fetal anemia. Evaluation revealed elevated peak systolic velocity in the middle cerebral artery by Doppler scan and fetal cardiomegaly. Fetal hematocrit obtained by sampling the umbilical vein was 9% confirming severe fetal anemia. Fetal peripheral smear was consistent with hereditary spherocytosis. Genetic analysis of both parents confirmed heterozygosity for the SPTA1 variants (pathogenic variant c.4180del (p.C1394Afs*25), and a variant of uncertain significance, c.1677G>T (p.G449G)) detected by a hemolytic anemia panel in the patient's first child. It is important to consider genetic causes of anemia in patients presenting with severe nonimmune fetal anemia, including autosomal recessive HS. We present a case of autosomal recessive HS with a novel pathogenic variant in the SPTA1 gene which resulted in significant impact on prenatal management.
Synergistically Enhancing Thermoelectric Performance of n‐Type PbTe with Indium Doping and Sulfur Alloying
Authors: Wang Dongyang , Qin Yongxin , Wang Sining , Qiu Yuting , Ren Dudi , Xiao Yu , Zhao Li‐Dong
Published: December 2019

To achieve high‐performance n‐type PbTe‐based thermoelectric materials, this work provides a synergetic strategy to improve electrical transport property with indium (In) element doping and reduces thermal conductivity with sulfur (S) element alloying. In n‐type PbTe, In doping can tune the carrier density in the whole working temperature range, causing the carrier density to increase from 2.18 × 1019 cm−3 at 300 K to 4.84 × 1019 cm−3 at 823 K in Pb0.98In0.005Sb0.015Te. The optimized carrier density can further modulate electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient, finally contributing to a substantial increase of power factor, and a maximum power factor increase from 19.7 µW cm−1 K−2 in Pb0.985Sb0.015Te to 28.2 µW cm−1 K−2 in Pb0.9775In0.0075Sb0.015Te. Based on the optimally In‐doped PbTe, S alloying is introduced to suppress phonon propagation by forming a complete solid solution, which could effectively reduce lattice thermal conductivity and simultaneously benefit carrier mobility to maintain high power factor. With S alloying, the minimum lattice thermal conductivity decreases from 0.76 Wm−1 K−1 in Pb0.985Sb0.015Te to 0.42 Wm−1 K−1 in Pb0.98In0.005Sb0.015Te0.88S0.12. Combining the advantages of both In doping and S alloying, the peak ZT value and averaged ZT (ZTave) (300–873 K) are boosted from 1.0 and 0.60 in Pb0.985Sb0.015Te to 1.4 and 0.87 in Pb0.98In0.005Sb0.015Te0.94S0.06.
NHC‐Stabilized Iridium Nanoparticles as Catalysts in Hydrogen Isotope Exchange Reactions of Anilines
Authors: Valero Mégane , Bouzouita Donia , Palazzolo Alberto , Atzrodt Jens , Dugave Christophe , Tricard Simon , Feuillastre Sophie , Pieters Grégory , Chaudret Bruno , Derdau Volker
Published: December 2019

The preparation of N‐heterocyclic carbene‐stabilized iridium nanoparticles and their application in hydrogen isotope exchange reactions is reported. These air‐stable and easy‐to‐handle iridium nanoparticles showed a unique catalytic activity, allowing selective and efficient hydrogen isotope incorporation on anilines using D2 or T2 as isotopic source. The usefulness of this transformation has been demonstrated by the deuterium and tritium labeling of diverse complex pharmaceuticals.
Artifizielle Lichtsammelkomplexe ermöglichen Rieske‐Oxygenase‐ katalysierte Hydroxylierungen in nicht‐photosynthetischen Zellen
Authors: Feyza Özgen F. , Runda Michael E. , Burek Bastien O. , Wied Peter , Bloh Jonathan Z. , Kourist Robert , Schmidt Sandy
Published: December 2019

In dieser Studie wurde ein auf E. coli basierendes Ganzzellsystem über Lichtsammelkomplexe an Rieske‐Oxygenasen(RO)‐katalysierte Hydroxylierungen in vivo angekoppelt. Obwohl diese Enzyme vielversprechende Biokatalysatoren darstellen, wird ihre praktische Anwendbarkeit durch ihre Abhängigkeit von NAD(P)H sowie ihre Mehrkomponentennatur und intrinsische Instabilität in zellfreien Systemen beeinträchtigt. Um die Grenzen von E. coli als Chassis für künstliche Photosynthese zu erforschen, sowie aufgrund der berichteten Instabilität von ROs, haben wir diese herausfordernden Enzyme als Modellsystem verwendet. Der Licht‐getriebene Ansatz beruht auf Lichtsammelkomplexen wie beispielsweise Eosin Y, 5(6)‐Carboxyeosin oder Rose Bengal und Elektronendonoren (EDTA, MOPS oder MES), die von den Zellen leicht aufgenommen werden können. Die erzielten Produktbildungen von bis zu 1.3 g L−1 und Raten von bis zu 1.6 mm h−1 zeigen, dass dies ein vergleichbarer Ansatz zu typischen Ganzzelltransformationen in E. coli ist. Die Anwendbarkeit dieser photokatalytischen Synthese wurde demonstriert und ist das erste Beispiel eines photoinduzierten RO‐Systems.
Fluorophore‐Promoted RNA Folding and Photostability Enables Imaging of Single Broccoli‐Tagged mRNAs in Live Mammalian Cells
Authors: Li Xing , Kim Hyaeyeong , Litke Jacob L. , Wu Jiahui , Jaffrey Samie R.
Published: December 2019

Spinach and Broccoli are fluorogenic RNA aptamers that bind DFHBI, a mimic of the chromophore in green fluorescent protein, and activate its fluorescence. Spinach/Broccoli‐DFHBI complexes exhibit high fluorescence in vitro, but they exhibit lower fluorescence in mammalian cells. Here, computational screening was used to identify BI, a DFHBI derivative that binds Broccoli with higher affinity and leads to markedly higher fluorescence in cells compared to previous ligands. BI prevents thermal unfolding of Broccoli at 37 °C, leading to more folded Broccoli and thus more fluorescent Broccoli‐BI complexes in cells. Broccoli‐BI complexes are more photostable owing to impaired photoisomerization and rapid unbinding of photoisomerized cis‐BI. These properties enable single mRNA containing 24 Broccoli aptamers to be imaged in live mammalian cells treated with BI. Small molecule ligands can thus promote RNA folding in cells, and thus allow single mRNA imaging with fluorogenic aptamers.
Mesoporous cadmium sulfide nanoparticles derived from a new cadmium anthranilato complex: Characterization and induction of morphological abnormalities in pathogenic fungi
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed B.M. , Zidan Amna S.A. , Aly Aref A.M. , Mosbah Hanan K. , Mahmoud Ghada Abd‐Elmonsef
Published: December 2019

A cadmium complex of the general formula Cd(C13H9O2NCl)2(H2O)2 {C13H9O2NCl = 2‐(4‐chlorophenylamino)benzoate} was synthesized and characterized regarding its CHN data, solution molar conductivity and spectroscopic (UV–Vis. and IR) properties. Cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (CdS NPs) were grown form the microcrystalline complex and thiourea via a hydrothermal route. The as‐prepared NPs were assigned based on X‐ray powder diffraction (PXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and Brunauer – Emmett – Teller (BET) surface area measurements. The CdS absorption and emission spectra were also recorded that revealed an energy gap of 2.47 eV and large Stokes shift of 130 nm. For the as‐prepared NPs, the measurements have also indicated a mesoporous structure and an average particle size of 20–28 nm associated with an average pore diameter of 11.21 nm. The as‐synthesized CdS NPs acted as antifungal controlling agent against human and plant pathogenic fungi of serious environmental and health concerns. The NPs at concentration of 200 ppm inhibited several fungi with inhibition efficiency of 100% against Aspergillus ustus Au‐28. The nanoparticles induced morphological abnormalities in fungal mycelia, conidia and vesicle. Additionally, they inhibited the conidia septum formation, accelerated the chlamydospores generation and enlarged the yeast cells.
Current advances in organic acid production from organic wastes by using microbial co‐cultivation systems
Authors: Lu Jiasheng , Lv Yang , Qian Xiujuan , Jiang Yujia , Wu Min , Zhang Wenming , Zhou Jie , Dong Weiliang , Xin Fengxue , Jiang Min
Published: December 2019

The microbial production of organic acids has become a rapidly developing field due to their increasing global market. Recently, research has transitioned towards employing synthetic microbial consortia for organic acid production. Compared with pure cultures, microbial co‐cultures can perform more complex functions and endure more changeable environments. Accordingly, microbial co‐cultivation technologies for organic acid production have been adopted to fulfill the requirements for the utilization of a wider range of substrates for a higher product yield. Here, we have summarized current advances towards organic acid production from different substrates by using microbial co‐cultivation technologies. Furthermore, the construction mechanism of the microbial co‐cultivation systems was also analyzed and compared. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High Open‐Circuit Voltage Organic Photovoltaics Fabricated Using an Alkylidene Fluorene Derivative as a Non‐fullerene Acceptor
Authors: Lee Seong Lim , Kim Hee Su , Ha Jong‐Woon , Park Hea Jung , Hwang Do‐Hoon
Published: December 2019

Alkylidene fluorene‐based molecular acceptors, AF‐T‐INCN and AF‐T8‐INCN, are synthesized for use in non‐fullerene organic photovoltaics. Both AF‐T‐INCN and AF‐T8‐INCN exhibited absorption region from 400 to 700 nm in their neat film states. Highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels were found to be −5.79/−3.80 eV for AF‐T‐INCN and − 5.82/−3.79 eV for AT‐T8‐INCN, respectively. The organic solar cell devices fabricated with AF‐T‐INCN exhibited relatively low device performances with an open‐circuit voltage (V
OC) of 0.25 V, a short‐circuit current density (J
SC) 0.47 mA/cm2, a fill factor (FF) 29%, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) 0.03%, because of its strong aggregation in the blending condition. In contrast, AF‐T8‐INCN exhibited increased solubility and improved device performances with a high V
OC of 1.24 V, a J
SC 2.18 mA/cm2, a FF 28%, and PCE 0.76%.
VITAL phase 2 study: Upfront 5‐fluorouracil, mitomycin‐C, panitumumab and radiotherapy treatment in nonmetastatic squamous cell carcinomas of the anal canal (GEMCAD 09‐02)
Authors: Feliu Jaime , Garcia‐Carbonero Rocio , Capdevila Jaume , Guasch Inmaculada , Alonso‐Orduna Vicente , Lopez Carlos , Garcia‐Alfonso Pilar , Castanon Carmen , Sevilla Isabel , Cerezo Laura , Conill Carles , Quintana‐Angel Begona , Sanchez Maria E. , Ghanem Ismael , Martin‐Richard Marta , Lopez‐Gomez Miriam , Leon Ana , Caro Monica , Fernandez Teresa , Maurel Joan
Published: December 2019

Aim

VITAL, a phase II single‐arm study, aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of panitumumab addition to 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), mitomycin‐C (MMC) and radiotherapy (RT) in patients with localized squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCAC).

Methods

Adult, treatment‐naïve SCCAC patients (Stage T2‐T4, any N, M0) and ECOG‐PS ≤2, received panitumumab (6 mg/kg, day 1 and Q2W; 8 weeks), 5‐FU (1000 mg/m2/d, days 1‐4 and 29‐32), MMC (10 mg/m2, days 1 and 29) and RT 45 Gy (1.8 Gy/fraction) to the primary tumor and mesorectal, iliac and inguinal lymph nodes, plus 10‐15 Gy boost dose to the primary tumor and affected lymph nodes. The primary objective was disease free survival rate (DFS) at 3‐years (expected 3‐year DFS rate: 73.7 ± 12%).

Results

Fifty‐eight patients (31 women; median age: 59 years; ECOG‐PS 0‐1:98%; TNM II [29%] (T2 or T3/N0/M0)/IIIA (T1‐T3/N1/M0 or T4/N0/M0) [21%]/IIIB (T4/N1/M0 or any T/N2 or N3/M0) [47%]/nonevaluable [4%]) were included. The median follow‐up was 45 months. The 3‐year DFS rate was 61.1% (95% CI: 47.1, 72.4). The 3‐year overall survival rate was 78.4% (95% CI: 65.1, 87.1). Eighteen patients (31.0%) required a colostomy within 2 years posttreatment. Grade 3‐4 toxicities were experienced by 53 (91%) patients. Most common grade 3‐4 treatment‐related events were radiation skin injury (40%) and neutropenia (24%). No toxic deaths occurred. Improved efficacy in colostomy‐free survival and complete response rate was observed in human papilloma virus positive patients.

Conclusions

Panitumumab addition to MMC‐5FU regimen in SCCAC patients increases toxicity and does not improve patients’ outcomes. RT plus MMC‐5FU remains the standard of care for localized SCCAC patients.
Postoperative standard chemoradiotherapy benefits primary glioblastoma patients of all ages
Authors: Li Guanzhang , Zhai You , Wang Zheng , Wang Zhiliang , Huang Ruoyu , Jiang Haoyu , Li Renpeng , Feng Yuemei , Chang Yuanhao , Jiang Tao , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2019

Background

Glioblastoma is the most malignant tumor of the central nervous system. Several prediction models have been produced to aid in prognosis assessment. Age, a primary decision factor for prognosis, is associated with increased genomic alterations, however the exact link between increased age and poor prognosis is unknown.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to reveal the underlying cause of poor prognosis in elderly patients.

Methods

This study included data on 616 primary GBM tumor samples from the CGGA and TCGA databases and 41 nontumor brain tissue samples obtained from GSE53890. Hallmarks and clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated in both tumor and nontumor brain tissues. The association between choice of treatment regimen and age was measured using ANOVA and Student's t test.

Results

Age was a robust predictor of poor prognosis in glioma. No age‐related hallmarks of cancer were detected, including pathological characteristics or mutations. However, treatment choice was strongly significantly different between old and young patients. Combined chemo‐radiation therapy could benefit old and young GBM patients, however, old patients are currently less likely to choose it.

Conclusion

The vast divergence in prognosis between young and old GBM patients is largely caused by choice of treatment rather than age‐related tumor genomic characteristics. Postoperative standard radio‐ and chemotherapy provide strong benefits to primary glioblastoma patients of all ages.
Loss of skeletal muscle index and survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: Secondary analysis of the phase 3 CAIRO3 trial
Authors: Kurk Sophie A. , Peeters Petra H. M. , Dorresteijn Bram , de Jong Pim A. , Jourdan Marion , Creemers Geert‐Jan M. , Erdkamp Frans L. G. , de Jongh Felix E. , Kint Peter A. M. , Poppema Boelo J. , Radema Sandra A. , Simkens Lieke H. J. , Tanis Bea C. , Tjin‐A‐Ton Manuel L. R. , Van Der Velden Ankie , Punt Cornelis J. A. , Koopman Miriam , May Anne M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Low skeletal muscle index (SMI) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients is associated with poor outcomes. The prognostic impact of SMI changes during consecutive palliative systemic treatments is unknown.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of the phase 3 CAIRO3 study. The CAIRO3 study randomized 557 patients between maintenance capecitabine + bevacizumab (CAP‐B) or observation, after six cycles capecitabine + oxaliplatin + bevacizumab (CAPOX‐B). Upon first disease progression (PD1), CAPOX‐B was reintroduced until second progression (PD2). SMI was assessed by computed tomography (CT) (total 1355 scans). SMI and body mass index (BMI) changes were analyzed for three time‐periods; p1: during initial CAPOX‐B, p2: randomization to PD1, and p3: PD1 to PD2. The association between absolute and change in SMI and BMI (both per 1 standard deviation) during p1‐p3, with PD1, PD2, and survival was studied by Cox regression models.

Results

This analysis included 450 of the 557 patients randomized in the CAIRO3 study. Mean SMI decreased during p1: mean −0.6 SMI units [95% CI −1.07;‐0.26] and p3: −2.2 units [−2.7;‐1.8], whereas during p2, SMI increased + 1.2 units [0.8‐1.6]. BMI changes did not reflect changes in SMI. SMI loss during p2 and p3 was significantly associated with shorter survival (HR 1.19 [1.09‐1.35]; 1.54 [1.31‐1.79], respectively). Sarcopenia at PD1 was significantly associated with early PD2 (HR 1.40 [1.10‐1.70]). BMI loss independent of SMI loss was only associated with shorter overall survival during p3 (HR 1.35 [1.14‐1.63]).

Conclusions

In mCRC patients, SMI loss during palliative systemic treatment was related with early disease progression and reduced survival. BMI did not reflect changes in SMI and could not identify patients at risk of poor outcome during early treatment lines.
Proton‐Detected Solid‐State NMR of the Cell‐Free Synthesized α‐Helical Transmembrane Protein NS4B from Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Jirasko Vlastimil , Lakomek Nils‐Alexander , Penzel Susanne , Fogeron Marie‐Laure , Bartenschlager Ralf , Meier Beat H. , Böckmann Anja
Published: December 2019

Proton‐detected 100 kHz magic‐angle‐spinning (MAS) solid‐state NMR is an emerging analysis method for proteins with only hundreds of microgram quantities, and thus allows structural investigation of eukaryotic membrane proteins. This is the case for the cell‐free synthesized hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural membrane protein 4B (NS4B). We demonstrate NS4B sample optimization using fast reconstitution schemes that enable lipid‐environment screening directly by NMR. 2D spectra and relaxation properties guide the choice of the best sample preparation to record 2D 1H‐detected 1H,15N and 3D 1H,13C,15N correlation experiments with linewidths and sensitivity suitable to initiate sequential assignments. Amino‐acid‐selectively labeled NS4B can be readily obtained using cell‐free synthesis, opening the door to combinatorial labeling approaches which should enable structural studies.
Nanomesh‐Structured Graphitic Carbon Nitride Polymer for Effective Capture and Photocatalytic Elimination of Bacteria
Authors: Li Huifan , Ding Mengna , Luo Liulin , Yang Guoxiang , Shi Fengyan , Huo Yuning
Published: December 2019

It is valuable to design a photocatalyst semiconductor architecture that enables the effective contact with bacteria, since only random and momentary contact exists in most of the present photocatalytic antibacterial systems. Herein, nanomesh‐structured graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) a visible‐light photocatalyst was successfully prepared using SiO2 microspheres as template. The optimal pore size in the g‐C3N4 nanomesh was determined at the average diameter of about 500 nm of SiO2 microspheres, which matches the size of E.coli K‐12. Excluding the effect of electrostatic contact, the efficient contact between catalyst and bacteria was achieved, leading to increased capture and reaction time for killing bacteria. The porous structure promoted the light absorption and realized more active edge. As a result, the photocatalytic antibacterial activity and the leakage of K+ ions was greatly enhanced via .OH radical as the main active species. This work provided a new approach to photocatalytic sterilization for practical applications.
Theoretical Study of Rhodium‐Catalyzed C−C Activation of Cyclobutanones: Origin of Ligand‐Controlled Product Selectivity
Authors: Zhang Tian , Wu Xiajun , Li Juan
Published: December 2019

Cyclobutanone C−C activation with a Rh(I) catalyst has great potential for the synthesis of fused‐ and bridged‐ring systems. However, this synthetic application is greatly limited because of the direct CO extrusion from cyclobutanone, which leads to formation of cyclopropane as a byproduct. The calculations rationalize the experimental puzzles: why PMe2Ph and XPhos ligands can prevent cyclopropane formation for C2‐ and C3‐substituted cyclobutanone, respectively. More importantly, we enriched ligand computationally to exemplify how to develop new ligands. The small monodentate or bidentate phosphine ligand can favor [4+2] cycloaddition over cyclopropanation in the C2‐substituted cyclobutanone system. For the C3‐substituted cyclobutanone system, [4+2–1] cycloaddition is favored and cyclopropanation can be avoided when the large monodentate phosphine ligand is present. The different ligand requirements for C2‐ and C3‐substituted cyclobutanones are attributed to different mechanisms.
Enantiotopic Discrimination by Coordination‐Desymmetrized meso‐Ligands
Authors: Li Yutang , Lidskog Anna , Armengol‐Relats Helena , Pham Thanh Huong , Favraud Antoine , Nicolas Maxime , Dawaigher Sami , Xiao Zeyun , Ma Dayou , Lindbäck Emil , Strand Daniel , Wärnmark Kenneth
Published: December 2019

The first examples of enantiopure catalysts that are chiral merely due to coordination of different metal ions at enantiotopic positions of an achiral meso‐ligand are reported. These catalysts exhibit a pseudo‐Cs symmetry and are able to catalyze reactions demanding simultaneous involvement of two catalytic sites. The latter was demonstrated by application in the asymmetric ring‐opening of meso‐epoxides.
Investigation of the Degradation of Chelate Complexes in Liquid Redox Desulfurization Processes
Authors: Holz Stephan , Köster Peter , Thielert Holger , Guetta Zion , Repke Jens-Uwe
Published: December 2019

Metal complexes such as Fe‐EDTA, which are used as pseudo‐catalysts or oxygen carriers in wet oxidative desulfurization processes, are subject to a degradation mechanism that significantly influences the economics of such processes. Therefore, this study presents a methodology for determining the degree of degradation during the reactive hydrogen sulfide absorption in a Fe‐EDTA solution within a continuously operating semi‐batch reactor system. For this purpose, the reactive conversion of H2S in the liquid phase was used as a reference, and a clear dependence of the degradation on the pH could be shown. In addition, indicators are introduced that evaluate the observed pH dependency of the degradation and distinguish pH‐induced effects such as the pH‐dependent absorption performance of H2S.
Designing an Advanced Supercapattery Based on CuCo2S4@Ni−Mo−S Nanosheet Arrays
Authors: Asadi Roghayeh , Zardkhoshoui Akbar Mohammadi , Azizi Seyed Naser , Hosseiny Davarani Saied Saeed
Published: December 2019

Electrode materials with unique nanoarchitecture, great conductivities, and desirable mechanical stabilities are essential for developing nearly all energy storage devices (ESDs). Herein, a low‐cost route for the fabrication of double‐layer CuCo2S4@Ni−Mo−S (CCS@NMS) nanosheet arrays as an advanced binder‐free positive electrode for supercapattery is presented. The CCS@NMS porous nanoarchitecture has the advantages of good ion diffusion and excellent electronic transport. Accordingly, when employed as battery‐type electrode in supercapattery device, the CCS@NMS electrode reflects amazing capacity (Cs) of 446.3 mAh g−1 (3213.6 F g−1) at 1 A g−1 and 375.8 mAh g−1 (2705.85 F g−1) at 18 A g−1, and 98.2 % of the Cs was still maintained at 6 A g−1 after 5000 cycles, which are higher than that of CCS electrode. Most importantly, using the CCS@NMS electrode as the positive electrode and active carbon (AC) as the negative electrode, the device indicates notable Cs of 66.8 mAh g−1 (160.4 F g−1), the considerable specific energy of 50.125 Wh kg−1 at a specific power of 750.04 W kg−1 and outstanding robustness of 96.8 %.
Room‐Temperature Transport Properties of Graphene with Defects Derived from Oxo‐Graphene
Authors: Wang Zhenping , Yao Qirong , Eigler Siegfried
Published: December 2019

In recent years, graphene oxide has been considered as a soluble precursor of graphene for electronic applications. However, the performance lags behind that of graphene due to lattice defects. Here, the relation between the density of defects in the range of 0.2 % and 1.5 % and the transport properties is quantitatively studied. Therefore, the related flakes of monolayers of graphene were prepared from oxo‐functionalized graphene (oxo‐G). The morphologic structure of oxo‐G was imaged by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Field‐effect mobility values were determined to range between 0.3 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 33.2 cm2 V−1 s−1, which were inversely proportional to the density of defects. These results provide the first quantitative description of the density of defects and transport properties, which plays an important role for potential applications.
Spherical Aromaticity of All‐Metal [Bi@In8Bi12]3−/5− Clusters
Authors: Tkachenko Nikolay V. , Zhang Xiang‐Wen , Qiao Lei , Shu Cong‐Cong , Steglenko Dmitry , Muñoz‐Castro Alvaro , Sun Zhong‐Ming , Boldyrev Alexander I.
Published: December 2019

The chemical bonding of Zintl clusters is still an evolving and hot topic in modern chemistry. In this paper we synthesized a novel [K([2.2.2]crypt)]4[In8Bi13] complex in a condensed phase. The quantum chemical calculations and X‐ray data revealed that the compound consists of the 1:1 mixture of [Bi@In8Bi12]3− and [Bi@In8Bi12]5− clusters. To the date, those clusters are the largest binary clusters composed of In and Bi elements. Herein, we introduce a spherical aromatic description of chemical bonding for such clusters. We show through AdNDP, ELF, and induced magnetic field and quantitative NICS analyzes that both clusters are spherically aromatic which explains their high symmetry, stability, and peculiar magnetic properties. We believe that this work will help researchers in the further development and understanding of chemical bonding in Zintl clusters.
Gold‐Catalyzed Iminations of Terminal Propargyl Alcohols with Anthranils with Atypical Chemoselectivity for C(1)‐Additions and 1,2‐Carbon Migration
Authors: Skaria Manisha , More Sayaji Arjun , Kuo Tung‐Chun , Cheng Mu‐Jeng , Liu Rai‐Shung
Published: December 2019

This work reports gold‐catalyzed iminations of terminal propargyl alcohols with anthranils or isoxazoles to yield E‐configured α‐amino‐2‐en‐1‐ones and ‐1‐als with complete chemoselectivity. These catalytic iminations occur exclusively with C(1)‐nucleophilic additions on terminal alkynes, in contrast to a typical C(2)‐route. For 3,3‐dialkylprop‐1‐yn‐3‐ols, a methyl substituent is superior to long alkyl chains as the 1,2‐migration groups toward α‐imino gold carbenes. For secondary prop‐1‐yn‐3‐ols, phenyl, vinyl, and cyclopropyl substituents are better than hydrogen as the migrating groups, obviating typical gold carbene reactions. DFT calculations have been performed to rationalize the observed C(1)‐regioselectivity and the preferable cyclopropyl migration based on gold carbene pathways.
Prognostic value of elevated cardiac troponin I in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: He Yangchun , Liu Qigong , Wang Jing , Wang Dao Wen , Ding Hu , Wang Wei
Published: December 2019

Background

Although cardiac troponin has been well established as diagnostic and prognostic makers for acute coronary heart disease, the prognostic value of elevated cardiac troponin in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) was inconsistent and not systematically evaluated.

Hypothesis

We proposed the hypothesis that the practical utility of cardiac troponin levels for prediction of mortality and poor outcome in ICH patients.

Methods

A total of 1004 patients with ICH were retrospectively reviewed and qualified for further analysis from June 2012 to December 2015. The patients were divided into different groups based on measurements of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) at the time of admission and the following day. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis were performed to determine the independent prognostic value of the cTnI for patients in‐hospital mortality and poor outcomes, the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the predictive value of cTnI, ICH score, and combination of them.

Results

Serum cTnI level was an independent predictor in‐hospital mortality (positive vs negative, HR (hazard ratios) = 3.44, 95% CI (confidence interval) 1.66‐7.13, P < .001) and poor outcomes in patients with ICH (positive vs negative, HR = 6.69, 95% CI 4.25‐10.52, P < .001). Addition of cTnI to ICH score significantly improved the prognostic discrimination for both in‐hospital mortality and poor outcomes.

Conclusion

Serum cTnI levels may be valuable as predictor for in hospital mortality and poor outcomes and may be useful in the risk stratification of ICH during hospitalization.
Rationalising Supramolecular Hydrogelation of Bis‐Urea‐Based Gelators through a Multiscale Approach
Authors: Van Lommel Ruben , Rutgeerts Laurens A. J. , De Borggraeve Wim M. , De Proft Frank , Alonso Mercedes
Published: December 2019

Invited for this month's cover is the Quantum Chemistry group (ALGC) of the Free University of Brussels (VUB) in collaboration with the Molecular Design and Synthesis (MolDesignS) group of the KU Leuven. The image shows how a variety of computational techniques, such as density functional theory, molecular dynamics, and the noncovalent interaction index, can be used to virtually zoom in on the noncovalent interactions that are key for the supramolecular hydrogelation of bis‐urea‐based gelators. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201900551.
A porcine model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: magnetic resonance imaging and metabolic energetics
Authors: Charles Christopher J. , Lee Philip , Li Renee R. , Yeung Teresa , Ibraham Mazlan Stephane M. , Tay Zhi Wei , Abdurrachim Desiree , Teo Xing Qi , Wang Wei‐Hsin , de Kleijn Dominique P.V. , Cozzone Patrick J. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Richards A. Mark
Published: December 2019

Aims

A significant proportion of heart failure (HF) patients have HF preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The lack of effective treatments for HFpEF remains a critical unmet need. A key obstacle to therapeutic innovation in HFpEF is the paucity of pre‐clinical models. Although several large animal models have been reported, few demonstrate progression to decompensated HF. We have established a model of HFpEF by enhancing a porcine model of progressive left ventricular (LV) pressure overload and characterized HF in this model including advanced cardiometabolic imaging using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and hyperpolarized carbon‐13 magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Methods and results

Pigs underwent progressive LV pressure overload by means of an inflatable aortic cuff. Pigs developed LV hypertrophy (50% increase in wall thickness, P < 0.001, and two‐fold increase in mass compared to sham control, P < 0.001) with no evidence of LV dilatation but a significant increase in left atrial volume (P = 0.013). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated T1 modified Look‐Locker inversion recovery values increased in 16/17 segments compared to sham pigs (P < 0.05–P < 0.001) indicating global ventricular fibrosis. Mean LV end‐diastolic (P = 0.047) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (P = 0.008) were elevated compared with sham control. One‐third of the pigs demonstrated clinical signs of frank decompensated HF, and mean plasma BNP concentrations were raised compared with sham control (P = 0.008). Cardiometabolic imaging with hyperpolarized carbon‐13 magnetic resonance spectroscopy agreed with known metabolic changes in the failing heart with a switch from fatty acid towards glucose substrate utilization.

Conclusions

Progressive aortic constriction in growing pigs induces significant LV hypertrophy with cardiac fibrosis associated with left atrial dilation, raised filling pressures, and an ability to transition to overt HF with raised BNP without reduction in LVEF. This model replicates many aspects of clinical HFpEF with a predominant background of hypertension and can be used to advance understanding of underlying pathology and for necessary pre‐clinical testing of novel candidate therapies.
Lanthanide(III) Based Complexes Containing 5,7‐Dimethyl‐1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine as Long‐Lived Photoluminescent Antiparasitic Agents
Authors: Esteban‐Parra Ginés M. , Moscoso Inmaculada , Cepeda Javier , García Jose A. , Sánchez‐Moreno Manuel , Rodríguez‐Diéguez Antonio , Quirós Miguel
Published: December 2019

We report the synthesis and characterization of a new family of lanthanide‐based compounds containing a triazolopyrimidine derivative ligand, having the [Ln(H2O)9][Ln(NO3)6]·9dmtp {Ln = La (1) and Nd (2)} and [Ln(H2O)3(NO3)3]·3dmtp {Ln = Eu (3), Gd (4), Tb (5), Dy (6), Er (7) and Yb (8), where dmtp = dimethyl‐1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine} formulae. These materials possess variable structures and show variable luminescence properties, as well as interesting antiparasitic activities against pathogenic agent of Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, which makes these compounds excellent candidates to be further investigated to develop new drugs against those neglected diseases. Moreover, the measurement of the photoluminescence properties of Eu‐ and Tb‐counterparts revealed that the dmtp ligand possesses accessible triplet states which can not only promote an efficient antenna effect that enhances lanthanide‐based emissions but also prolong them to several milliseconds.
Characterization of Differences in Flavor in Virgin Rapeseed Oils by Using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry, Electronic Nose, and Sensory Analysis
Authors: Wang Mengzhu , Zhang Jie , Chen Jia , Jing Bingyu , Zhang Lingyan , Yu Xiuzhu
Published: December 2019

Flavor profiles of virgin rapeseed oils (VROs) are comparatively studied for the discrimination and authentication of various flavor types by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), electronic nose (E‐nose), and sensory analysis. The relative odor activity values (ROAVs) of key odorants detected by GC‐MS and E‐nose data are visualized to discriminate VROs with various flavors by using multivariate analysis. The correlation of sensory data, ROAVs of key odorants, and E‐nose data is analyzed. Results show that 47 key odorants comprising aldehydes, isothiocyanates, nitriles, pyrazines, ketones, acids, and alcohols are identified based on their ROAVs. The VROs are divided into three groups and the flavor type of each group is determined, namely, green‐pungent, nutty, and oxidized oil flavor by the three techniques. The above flavor types are mainly attributed to the contributions of isothiocyanates, pyrazines, and aldehydes, respectively, according to the compounds' ROAVs. The correlation of the three techniques is investigated by partial least squares regression: GC‐MS data are confirmed to have good correlation with sensory data.

Practical Applications: VROs are characterized by their intense flavor and consequently receiving growing interest among consumers. In this study, different flavor profiles of VROs were comparatively studied using GC‐MS, E‐nose, and sensory analysis. It is found that 47 volatile compounds including aldehydes, isothiocyanates, nitriles, pyrazines, ketones, acids, and alcohols were the key odorants to VRO flavors. The VROs were divided into three types by the three techniques, that is, green‐pungent, nutty, and oxidized oil flavor. The three flavor types were attributed to the contributions of isothiocyanates, pyrazines, and aldehydes, respectively, based on the compounds' ROAVs and GC‐MS was confirmed to have good correlation with sensory data. Although E‐nose cannot correlate all flavor types in the oils, this technique is rapid and low‐cost for VRO discrimination according to various aroma characteristics. GC‐MS and E‐nose can be regarded as potential techniques for flavor discrimination in VROs.