bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modus Operandi of Simultaneous Covering Synthesis from Precursor Heterogeneity for Shelled Nanorods for Multipotent Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Yim Gyeonghye , Kang Seounghun , Kim Hyungjun , Kim Young‐Jin , Gil Yeong‐Gyu , Kim Young‐Kwan , Min Dal‐Hee , Jang Hongje
Published: December 2019

The synthesis of nanostructures using homogeneous precursors in the solution phase is widely used to achieve uniformity and well‐defined morphological control. However, drawbacks such as the lack of diversity due to the limited reaction rate modulation exist. One‐step, core–shell nanorod formation using simultaneous covering synthesis using solid and ionic heterogeneous precursors is proposed in this study. A Te‐Bi2Te3/TeO2 core–shell structure is successfully synthesized by precisely controlling various influencing factors, including concentration, temperature, and pH, and its physicochemical and photochemical properties are thoroughly investigated. The proposed nanostructure overcomes the oxidation susceptibility of Te and can be applied to multipotent cancer theranostics in vitro and in vivo in combination with computed tomography imaging.
Atomically Dispersed Co–P3 on CdS Nanorods with Electron‐Rich Feature Boosts Photocatalysis
Authors: Zhou Peng , Zhang Qinghua , Xu Zhikun , Shang Qiuyu , Wang Liang , Chao Yuguang , Li Yiju , Chen Hui , Lv Fan , Zhang Qing , Gu Lin , Guo Shaojun
Published: December 2019

The development of highly efficient photocatalytic systems with rapid photogenerated charge separation and high surface catalytic activity is highly desirable for the storage and conversion of solar energy, yet remains a grand challenge. Herein, a conceptionally new form of atomically dispersed Co–P3 species on CdS nanorods (CoPSA‐CdS) is designed and synthesized for achieving unprecedented photocatalytic activity for the dehydrogenation of formic acid (FA) to hydrogen. X‐ray absorption near edge structure, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and time‐resolved photoluminescence results confirm that the Co–P3 species have a unique electron‐rich feature, greatly improving the efficiency of photogenerated charge separation through an interface charge effect. The in situ attenuated total reflection infrared spectra reveal that the Co–P3 species can achieve much better dissociation adsorption of FA and activation of CH bonds than traditional sulfur‐coordinated Co single atom‐loaded CdS nanorods (CoSSA‐CdS). These two new features make CoPSA‐CdS exhibit the unprecedented 50‐fold higher activity in the photocatalytic dehydrogenation of FA than CoSSA‐CdS, and also much better activity than the Ru‐, Rh‐, Pd‐, or Pt‐loaded CdS. Besides, CoPSA‐CdS also shows the highest mass activity (34309 mmol gCo−1 h−1) of Co reported to date. First‐principles simulation reveals that the Co–P3 species herein can form an active PHCOO intermediate for enhancing the rate‐determining dissociation adsorption of FA.
Engineering Secretory Amyloids for Remote and Highly Selective Destruction of Metastatic Foci
Authors: Céspedes María Virtudes , Cano‐Garrido Olivia , Álamo Patricia , Sala Rita , Gallardo Alberto , Serna Naroa , Falgàs Aïda , Voltà‐Durán Eric , Casanova Isolda , Sánchez‐Chardi Alejandro , López‐Laguna Hèctor , Sánchez‐García Laura , Sánchez Julieta M. , Unzueta Ugutz , Vázquez Esther , Mangues Ramón , Villaverde Antonio
Published: December 2019

Functional amyloids produced in bacteria as nanoscale inclusion bodies are intriguing but poorly explored protein materials with wide therapeutic potential. Since they release functional polypeptides under physiological conditions, these materials can be potentially tailored as mimetic of secretory granules for slow systemic delivery of smart protein drugs. To explore this possibility, bacterial inclusion bodies formed by a self‐assembled, tumor‐targeted Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE24) are administered subcutaneously in mouse models of human metastatic colorectal cancer, for sustained secretion of tumor‐targeted therapeutic nanoparticles. These proteins are functionalized with a peptidic ligand of CXCR4, a chemokine receptor overexpressed in metastatic cancer stem cells that confers high selective cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. In the mouse models of human colorectal cancer, time‐deferred anticancer activity is detected after the subcutaneous deposition of 500 µg of PE24‐based amyloids, which promotes a dramatic arrest of tumor growth in the absence of side toxicity. In addition, long‐term prevention of lymphatic, hematogenous, and peritoneal metastases is achieved. These results reveal the biomedical potential and versatility of bacterial inclusion bodies as novel tunable secretory materials usable in delivery, and they also instruct how therapeutic proteins, even with high functional and structural complexity, can be packaged in this convenient format.
Efficiency and Stability Enhancement of Fully Ambient Air Processed Perovskite Solar Cells Using TiO2 Paste with Tunable Pore Structure
Authors: Seyed‐Talebi Seyedeh Mozhgan , Kazeminezhad Iraj , Shahbazi Saeed , Diau Eric Wei‐Guang
Published: December 2019

Crystallization and nucleation of the perovskite layer in the mesoscopic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) depend on the nucleation sites of the electron transport layer (ETL). The porosity optimization of TiO2 film as an efficient ETL plays an important role in the performance improvement of PSCs. In the present study, nontoxic carbon spheres synthesized with uniform morphology and controllable size under hydrothermal conditions and used as a template to generate the tunable porous TiO2 films. Furthermore, the effect of porosity modification of TiO2 on the formation of perovskite films with large grain size is studied in an ambient atmosphere with humidity higher than 50%. The best TiO2 film is produced with carbon spheres 8 wt% (C8), which results in the formation of a pinhole‐free, and compact‐packed perovskite layer. The fully air processed PSC device with the ETL made of C8 film exhibits an efficiency of 16.66% with reduced hysteresis, which is much superior in performance compared to the standard cell (11.72%). It is believed that this porosity optimization of TiO2 layer is a simple practical strategy for improved stability of fully air processed efficient perovskite solar cells and usable for the fabrication of reproducible compact perovskite layers in uncontrolled laboratories.
Underwater Adhesion of Multiresponsive Complex Coacervates
Authors: Dompé Marco , Cedano‐Serrano Francisco J. , Vahdati Mehdi , van Westerveld Larissa , Hourdet Dominique , Creton Costantino , van der Gucht Jasper , Kodger Thomas , Kamperman Marleen
Published: December 2019

Many marine organisms have developed adhesives that are able to bond under water, overcoming the challenges associated with wet adhesion. A key element in the processing of several natural underwater glues is complex coacervation, a liquid–liquid phase separation driven by complexation of oppositely charged macromolecules. Inspired by these examples, the development of a fully synthetic complex coacervate‐based adhesive is reported with an in situ setting mechanism, which can be triggered by a change in temperature and/or a change in ionic strength. The adhesive consists of a matrix of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes that are modified with thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) grafts. The adhesive, which initially starts out as a fluid complex coacervate with limited adhesion at room temperature and high ionic strength, transitions into a viscoelastic solid upon an increase in temperature and/or a decrease in the salt concentration of the environment. Consequently, the thermoresponsive chains self‐associate into hydrophobic domains and/or the polyelectrolyte matrix contracts, without inducing any macroscopic shrinking. The presence of PNIPAM favors energy dissipation by softening the material and by allowing crack blunting. The high work of adhesion, the gelation kinetics, and the easy tunability of the system make it a potential candidate for soft tissue adhesion in physiological environments.
Two unrelated pedigrees with achondrogenesis type 1b carrying a Japan‐specific pathogenic variant in SLC26A2
Authors: Sato Taisuke , Kojima Takashi , Samura Osamu , Kawaguchi Satoshi , Nakamura Akie , Nakajima Masahiro , Tanuma‐Takahashi Akiko , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Hata Kenichiro , Ikegawa Shiro , Nishimura Gen , Okamoto Aikou , Yamada Takahiro
Published: December 2019

We present two unrelated Japanese pedigrees with achondrogenesis type 1b (ACG1B), characterized by prenatally lethal fetal hydrops and severe micromelia. The affected members in these pedigrees carried a common homozygous missense point mutation in solute carrier family 26 member 2 (SLC26A2), a gene associated with ACG1B (NM_000112:c.1987G>A). This loss‐of‐function point mutation causes substitution of glycine 663 with arginine in a highly conserved loop domain of SLC26A2. Interestingly, only a few cases of this mutation have been registered in Japanese genomic databases, and there are no reports of this mutation in any major genomic databases outside Japan. Furthermore, we confirmed the presence of a homozygous stretch of approximately 75 kb surrounding the pathogenic variant. Our findings suggest that this missense point mutation in SLC26A2, which is likely the cause of the ACG1B phenotypes in these unrelated fetuses, is distributed exclusively in Japan.
Examining—and Expanding—the Practice Scope of Cross‐Cultural Negotiation in International Business
Authors: Ebner Noam
Published: December 2019

The past couple of years have yielded rich pickings for negotiation scholarship. Particularly so, in the realm of theory‐to‐practice literature, which takes research findings and makes them accessible to practitioners and applicable to real‐world settings.
Be Like Europe: Let's Redux the Federal Arbitration Act!
Authors: Samuel Adam
Published: December 2019

One feature of U.S. arbitration law stands out when compared with that of any of the other major international arbitration centers: The absence of any modern reform of its arbitration statute.
How the Singapore Convention Will Enforce Mediated Settlement Agreements Across Borders
Authors: Wójtowicz Piotr , Gevaerd Franco
Published: December 2019

Article 3 in the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation—most commonly called the Singapore Convention on Mediation—sets forth the general principles and relief available. Article 3(1) addresses enforcement of mediated settlement agreements. Its terms establish that a contracting state—one that decides to adopt the convention—shall enforce a settlement agreement according to its rules of procedure and the convention.
Molybdenum Carbide‐Oxide Heterostructures: In Situ Surface Reconfiguration toward Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: He Liuqing , Zhang Wenbiao , Mo Qijie , Huang Wenjie , Yang Lichun , Gao Qingsheng
Published: December 2019

Heterostructured Mo2C‐MoOx on carbon cloth (Mo2C‐MoOx/CC), as a model of easily oxidized electrocatalysts under ambient conditions, is investigated to uncover surface reconfiguration during the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Raman spectroscopy combined with electrochemical tests demonstrates that the MoVI oxides on the surface are in situ reduced to MoIV, accomplishing promoted HER in acidic condition. As indicated by density functional theoretical calculations, the in situ reduced surface with terminal Mo=O moieties can effectively bring the negative ΔGH* on bare Mo2C close to a thermodynamic neutral value, addressing difficult H* desorption toward fast HER kinetics. The optimized Mo2C‐MoOx/CC only requires a low overpotential (η10) of 60 mV at −10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 m HClO4, outperforming Mo2C/CC and most non‐precious electrocatalysts. In situ surface reconfiguration are shown on W2C‐WOx, highlighting the significance to boost various metal‐carbides and to identify active sites.
Photoinduzierte Protonentransferreaktionen für milde O‐H‐Funktionalisierungsreaktionen unreaktiver Alkohole
Authors: Jana Sripati , Yang Zhen , Li Fang , Empel Claire , Ho Junming , Koenigs Rene M.
Published: December 2019

In der organischen Synthese wird Hexafluorisopropanol üblicherweise als nicht reaktives Lösungsmittel und nicht als Reagens angesehen. In diesem Artikel berichten wir über die photochemische Reaktion von Aryldiazoacetaten mit Hexafluorisopropanol, die unter stöchiometrischen Bedingungen die milde und effiziente Synthese von fluorierten Ethern in hervorragender Ausbeute ermöglicht. In mechanistischen Studien konnten wir feststellen, dass eine Präorganisation von Hexafluorisopropanol und dem Diazoalkan unter Ausbildung eines unreaktiven Wasserstoffbrückenbindungskomplexes stattfindet. Dieser Komplex geht erst nach photochemischer Anregung eine Protonierungs‐Substitutionsreaktion zum Reaktionsprodukt ein. Abschließend führten wir Untersuchungen zur Anwendbarkeit dieser photochemischen Umwandlung durch und konnten zeigen, dass eine große Vielfalt acider Alkohole in dieser Reaktion eingesetzt werden können und damit die Machbarkeit dieses Konzepts in O‐H‐Funktionalisierungsreaktionen demonstrieren (54 Beispiele, bis zu 98 % Ausbeute).
Metal–Organic Frameworks as Metal Ion Precursors for the Synthesis of Nanocomposites for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Hongfeng , Wu Peng , Xiao Yawen , Shao Meng , Shen Yu , Fan Yun , Chen Huanhuan , Xie Ruijie , Zhang Wenlei , Li Sheng , Wu Jiansheng , Fu Yu , Zheng Bing , Zhang Weina , Huo Fengwei
Published: December 2019

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials with fascinating properties. Their widespread applications are sometimes hindered by the intrinsic instability of frameworks. However, this instability of MOFs can also be exploited for useful purposes. Herein, we report the use of MOFs as metal ion precursors for constructing functional nanocomposites by utilizing the instability of MOFs. The heterogeneous growth process of nanostructures on substrates involves the release of metal ions, nucleation on substrates, and formation of a covering structure. Specifically, the synthesized CoS with carbon nanotubes as substrates display enhanced performance in a lithium‐ion battery. Such strategy not only presents a new way for exploiting the instability of MOFs but also supplies a prospect for designing versatile functional nanocomposites.
Cooperative Carbon Dioxide Adsorption in Alcoholamine‐ and Alkoxyalkylamine‐Functionalized Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Mao Victor Y. , Milner Phillip J. , Lee Jung‐Hoon , Forse Alexander C. , Kim Eugene J. , Siegelman Rebecca L. , McGuirk C. Michael , Zasada Leo B. , Neaton Jeffrey B. , Reimer Jeffrey A. , Long Jeffrey R.
Published: December 2019

A series of structurally diverse alcoholamine‐ and alkoxyalkylamine‐functionalized variants of the metal–organic framework Mg2(dobpdc) are shown to adsorb CO2selectively via cooperative chain‐forming mechanisms. Solid‐state NMR spectra and optimized structures obtained from van der Waals‐corrected density functional theory calculations indicate that the adsorption profiles can be attributed to the formation of carbamic acid or ammonium carbamate chains that are stabilized by hydrogen bonding interactions within the framework pores. These findings significantly expand the scope of chemical functionalities that can be utilized to design cooperative CO2adsorbents, providing further means of optimizing these powerful materials for energy‐efficient CO2separations.
Versatile Glycosyl Sulfonates in β‐Selective C‐Glycosylation
Authors: Ling Jesse , Bennett Clay S.
Published: December 2019

C‐Glycosides are both a common motif in many bioactive natural products and important glycoside mimetics. We demonstrate that activating a hemiacetal with a sulfonyl chloride, followed by treating the resultant glycosyl sulfonate with an enolate results in the stereospecific construction of β‐linked C‐glycosides. This reaction tolerates a range of acceptors and donors, including disaccharides. The resulting products can be readily derivatized into C‐glycoside analogues of β‐glycoconjugates, including C‐disaccharide mimetics.
Synthesis of KIT‐5 decorated by Bi2S3‐Fe3O4 photocatalyst for degradation of parathion pesticide in aqueous media: Offering a degradation model and optimization using response surface methodology (RSM)
Authors: Adabavazeh Hanie , Saljooqi Asma , Shamspur Tayebeh , Mostafavi Ali
Published: December 2019

In this research, a novel KIT‐5/Bi2S3‐Fe3O4 nanocomposite was prepared. The structure and morphology properties of the nanocomposite were well characterized by XRD, FESEM‐EDS‐mapping, TEM, and N2 adsorption–desorption. Benefiting from the visible light, the as‐prepared KIT‐5/Bi2S3‐Fe3O4 nanocomposite exhibit significantly improved photocatalytic performance for the degradation of parathion. The optimum photocatalytic efficiency of KIT‐5/Bi2S3‐Fe3O4 nanocomposite was investigated with the central composite design using Design Expert software. The four critical variables affecting parathion degradation such as the concentration of parathion, pH, irradiation time, and amount of KIT‐5/Bi2S3‐Fe3O4 nanocatalyst. A polynomial function corresponding to degradation percent was obtained for the experimental data. The results showed that this catalyst has a good performance for the degradation of parathion.
Optimized production of poly (γ‐glutamic acid) (γ‐PGA) using Bacillus licheniformis and its application as cryoprotectant for probiotics
Authors: Xavier Janifer Raj , Madhan Kumarr Mrithula Mahalakshmi , Natarajan Gopalan , Ramana Karna Venkata , Semwal Anil Dutt
Published: December 2019

Bacteria produce poly (γ‐glutamic acid) (γ‐PGA), a polymer of l‐ or d‐glutamic acid, as a defense response and have gained importance due to their applications in food and pharmaceutical industry. In the present investigation, production of γ‐PGA using cost‐effective carbon substrate, characterization of the produced polymer, and its application as cryoprotectant for selected freeze‐dried probiotic bacteria were investigated. Central composite rotatable design of response surface methodology was used to study the main and the interactive effects of medium components: rice bran and casein peptone concentration. Rice bran at 35% (w/v) and casein peptone at 7.5% (w/v) were found to be optimal at an initial pH of 7.5, and incubation temperature of 37°C for 48 H produced 8.2 g/L γ‐PGA on dry weight basis. The thermal properties such as melting temperature, heat of fusion, and thermal stability were also studied. Ten percent (w/v) of γ‐PGA with 10 percent of sodium alginate (w/v) protected viability of Bifidiobacterium bifidum NCDC 235 and B. adolescentis NCDC 236 during freeze drying at –80 ˚C for 48 H. The γ‐PGA synthesized by the reported bacterium with GRAS status is suitable for food and biomedical applications.
Impact of consumers' corporate social responsibility‐related activities in social media on brand attitude, electronic word‐of‐mouth intention, and purchase intention: A study of Chinese consumer behavior
Authors: Chu Shu‐Chuan , Chen Hsuan‐Ting
Published: December 2019

This study examines how consumers' corporate social responsibility (CSR)‐related activities in social media affect their responses to brands. We defined consumers' CSR‐related activities in social media as the extent to which consumers use social media to engage in CSR communication by companies. An online survey was conducted to examine social media users in China, the largest consumer market in today's global economies. This study developed a theoretical model and empirically tested the relationships between consumers' CSR‐related activities in social media, identification with the brand, and three consumer behavior outcomes: electronic word‐of‐mouth (eWOM) intention, brand attitude, and purchase intention. The results suggested that consumers' CSR‐related activities in social media significantly impacted eWOM intention and purchase intention through enhancing identification with the brand and positive brand attitude. This study provides important insights on consumer behavior and CSR by investigating social media, an important and emerging marketing platform. Moreover, this study fills in the research gap about the association between consumers' CSR‐related activities in social media and their responses to brands. Theoretical and managerial implications for CSR strategies in social media are discussed.
miR‐181a/b‐5p regulates human umbilical vein endothelial cell angiogenesis by targeting PDGFRA
Authors: Sun Tingting , Yin Linan , Kuang Hongyu
Published: December 2019

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing burden in low‐and middle‐income countries. Changing lifestyles and lack of physical activity are some of the reasons contributing to this epidemic increase. Co‐morbidities associated with T2DM are largely due to the complications which arise as a consequence of endothelial dysfunction. Platelet derived growth factor‐alpha (PDGFRA) is a protein responsible for cell proliferation, angiogenesis, migration and invasion. Increased levels of PDGFRA have been reported in T2DM. This study assessed the epigenetic regulation of PDGFRA through microRNAs (miR‐181a/b‐5p).Using a bioinformatics‐based approach, we assessed the binding of miR‐181a/b‐5p to PDGFRA. Experimentally, this binding was confirmed using a dual luciferase reporter assay. Further, we overexpressed miR‐181a/b‐5p in Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the influence of over‐expression on cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis was assessed using in‐vitro approaches. The influence of miR‐181a/b‐5p over expression on cellular apoptosis was ascertained using a TUNEL assay with concomitant changes being observed in the levels of Bcl‐2 and cleaved Caspase‐3.In HUVECs, PDGFRA is a direct target for miR‐181a/b‐5p. Over expression of miR‐181a/b‐5p decreased cellular proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation—a surrogate marker for angiogenesis. miR‐181a/b‐5p may be used as a therapeutic intervention to restrict uncontrolled levels of PDGFRA and thereby rescue the phenotypes of increased cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation. miR‐181a/b negatively regulates PDGFRA levels.

Significance of the study: T2DM and its associated complications emerge from endothelial dysfunction. The associated phenotypes are regulated by a number of proteins, one such member being, PDGFRA. PDGFRA is in turn regulated by miR‐181a/b‐5p. Complementation with miR‐181a/b‐5p resulted in reversion of phenotypes. Thus, miR‐181a/b‐5p‐mediated suppression of PDGFRA may be used as a therapeutic intervention in the management of type 2 diabetes.
Scalable reinforcement learning on Cray XC
Authors: Kommaraju Ananda V. , Maschhoff Kristyn J. , Ringenburg Michael F. , Robbins Benjamin
Published: December 2019

Recent advancements in deep learning have made reinforcement learning (RL) applicable to a much broader range of decision making problems. However, the emergence of reinforcement learning workloads brings multiple challenges to system resource management. RL applications continuously train a deep learning or a machine learning model while interacting with uncertain simulation models. This new generation of AI applications impose significant demands on system resources such as memory, storage, network, and compute. In this paper, we describe a typical RL application workflow and introduce the Ray distributed execution framework developed at the UC Berkeley RISELab. Ray includes the RLlib library for executing distributed reinforcement learning applications. We describe a recipe for deploying the Ray execution framework on Cray XC systems and demonstrate scaling of RLlib algorithms across multiple nodes of the system. We also explore performance characteristics across multiple CPU and GPU node types.
Comparing effects of detached mindfulness and cognitive restructuring in obsessive‐compulsive disorder using ecological momentary assessment
Authors: Rupp Christian , Gühne Daniela , Falke Charlotte , Doebler Philipp , Andor Fabian , Buhlmann Ulrike
Published: December 2019

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) has been shown to be a valid and sensitive measure of treatment effects in obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). As part of a clinical trial, this EMA study deals with a comparison of two treatment conditions, that is, cognitive restructuring (CR) and detached mindfulness (DM). EMA data fromn= 39 OCD patients were available from a randomized clinical trial on the effectiveness of CR and DM. Smartphone‐based EMA sampling spread over 4 days each before and after treatment, with 10 random prompts per day and a 2‐week intervention of either CR or DM. We tracked CR strategies (e.g., questioning an appraisal by re‐evaluating risk), DM strategies (e.g., allowing one's thoughts to come and go), and application of newly learned strategies during Post‐Treatment EMA. Although there was a trend towards DM strategies being applied more often during Pre‐Treatment EMA than CR strategies, we did not find differences during Post‐Treatment EMA between CR and DM regarding frequency or difficulty of application and experienced relief. As expected, we found a clear pre‐post increase for all CR and DM behaviours except for one DM item. However, we did not find a treatment‐specific increase of CR and DM behaviours; that is, both interventions equally well promoted a seemingly general treatment effect. Despite the ecological validity of EMA, however, social desirability effects cannot be ruled out, so that this conclusion must be handled cautiously. Further research is needed to replicate and generalize our results.
Tabular electrical conductivity for aluminium
Authors: Starrett Charles E. , Perriot Romain , Shaffer Nathaniel R. , Nelson Tammie , Collins Lee A. , Ticknor Chris
Published: December 2019

A new Sesame‐type table for the electrical conductivity of aluminium is described. The table is based on density functional theory calculations and ranges from 10−3 to 1 times solid density (2.7 g/cm3), and from 10−2 to 103 eV in temperature. The table is compared with other those of simulations and to experiments and is generally in good agreement. The high‐temperature, classical limit of the conductivity is recovered for the highest temperatures and lowest densities. The table is critically evaluated, and directions for improvements are discussed.
First Monte‐Carlo modelling of global beryllium migration in ITER using ERO2.0
Authors: Romazanov Juri , Brezinsek Sebastijan , Kirschner Andreas , Borodin Dmitriy , Eksaeva Alina , Pitts Richard A. , Lisgo Steven W. , Anand Himank , Veshchev Evgeny , Neverov Vlad S. , Kukushkin Alexander B. , Alekseev Andrey G. , Linsmeier Christian
Published: December 2019

ERO2.0 is a recently developed Monte‐Carlo code for modelling global erosion and redeposition in fusion devices. We report here on the code's application to ITER for studying the erosion of the beryllium (Be) first wall armour under burning plasma steady state diverted conditions. An important goal of the study is to provide synthetic signals for the design of two key diagnostics: the main chamber visible spectroscopy and the laser in‐vessel viewing systems. The simulations are performed using toroidally symmetric plasma backgrounds obtained by combining SOLPS simulations extended to the wall using the OSM‐EIRENE‐DIVIMP edge code package. These are then further combined with a shadowing model using magnetic field line tracing to provide a three‐dimensional correction for the flux patterns. The resulting plasma wetted area, which amounts to ∼10% of the total first wall area, is in excellent agreement with shadowing calculations obtained with the SMITER field line tracing code. The simulations reveal that the main Be erosion zones are located in regions intersected by the secondary separatrix, in particular the upper Be panels, which are close to the secondary X‐point. For the particular high‐density Q = 10 background plasma case studied here, ∼80% of the eroded Be is found to re‐deposit on main chamber surfaces. The rest migrates in almost equal parts to the inner and outer divertor and is deposited close to the strike lines.
Chronicle of an unintentional MDMA intoxication of a field hockey team to prevent its qualification for the Beijing 2008 Olympics: A case report
Authors: Baltazar‐Martins Gabriel , del Mar Plata Maria , Muñoz‐Guerra Jesús , Argaya Javier , Del Coso Juan
Published: December 2019

Current doping trends overshadow the traditional interpretation of using prohibited performance‐enhancing drugs to improve training and/or sports results. Its definition has evolved due to several recent cases of unconventional manipulation in sports. In this article, we present a case study of an intentional intoxication against the Spanish National Field Hockey team that resulted in its ineligibility for the 2008 Summer Olympics. The events occurred during the pre‐qualifying Olympic tournament held in Azerbaijan. The Spanish team won the final match of the tournament against the hosting team and gained qualification for the Olympic Games. One month later, the International Hockey Federation (IHF) reported that two players of the Spanish National Hockey Team had tested positive for MDMA and would subsequently disqualify the Spanish National team from the tournament. The Spanish Hockey Federation then started an appeal process to demonstrate (1) contamination through team's hotel air ventilation and (2) tampering of a urine sample. This process ended with the IHF's final ruling that overturned the sanctions imposed on the Spanish National Team. This manuscript not only outlines a deliberate case to exclude a team from the Olympic Games, but also a federation's difficult efforts to prove an intentional intoxication that resulted in adverse findings.
A new primer for metabarcoding of spider gut contents
Authors: Lafage Denis , Elbrecht Vasco , Cuff Jordan P. , Steinke Dirk , Hambäck Peter A. , Erlandsson Ann
Published: December 2019

As a key predator group, spiders have received a lot of attention by food web ecologists. The difficulty involved in studying their diet has led to the use of new technologies such as metabarcoding of gut contents. The amplification of a broad range of spider prey without amplifying spiders themselves is challenging. Until now, an efficient universal primer for this purpose was not available. We developed a novel forward primer (NoSpi2) targeting the COI gene. The primer was designed not to amplify spiders ofPardosagenus while amplifying most other invertebrates. NoSpi2 was tested together with the reverse primer BR2 in silico, in vitro on single specimens of prey and spiders, on mock and malaise trap communities, and in an ecological application. In silico evaluation predicted high primer bias forPardosaspecies and more generally for spiders of the oval calamistrum clade (Lycosidae and closely related species) and low bias for other invertebrates. These results were confirmed by in vitro tests. Additionally, some spider families were not amplified contrary to our expectations. We demonstrated a high efficiency for the primer pair NoSpi2/BR2 which recovered 94% of taxa in the mock community and 85% of the taxa detected by the best invertebrate primer pair known for the malaise trap community. The field experiment showed that Lycosidae (Hygrolycosa,Pardosa,Piratula,Trochosa) DNA is not amplified by NoSpi2/BR2. It demonstrated a broad range of detectable prey species (12 orders, 67 families, 117 species). The ability of NoSpi2/BR2 primer to reliably amplify prey species, without amplifying any predator DNA, makes it an ideal choice for gut content analysis for lycosid species and related species, even enabling the homogenization of entire specimens without dissection. Given that the detected prey species included other spiders and carabid beetles, this primer could be also used to study intraguild predation.
Discriminating sarcopenia in overweight/obese male patients with heart failure: the influence of body mass index
Authors: Fonseca G.W.P.D. , dos Santos Marcelo Rodrigues , de Souza Francis Ribeiro , Takayama Liliam , Rodrigues Pereira Rosa Maria , Negrão Carlos Eduardo , Alves Maria‐Janieire de Nazaré Nunes
Published: December 2019

Aims

The definition of sarcopenia based on appendicular lean mass/height (2) (ALM/height (2)) is often used, although it can underestimate the prevalence of sarcopenia in overweight/obese patients with heart failure. Therefore, new methods have been proposed to overcome this limitation. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia by three methods and compare body composition in this population.

Methods and results

We enrolled 168 male patients with heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction <40%). Sixty‐six patients (39.3%) were identified with sarcopenia by at least one method. The lower 20th percentile defined as the cut‐off point for sarcopenia was 7.03 kg/m2, −2.32 and 0.76 for Baumgartner's (20.8%), Newman's (21.4%), and Studenski's methods (21.4%), respectively. Patients with body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2 were more likely to be identified by Baumgartner's than Studenski's method (P < 0.001). However, in patients with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, Studenski's and Newman's methods were more likely to detect sarcopenia than Baumgartner's method (both P < 0.005). Patients were further divided into three subgroups: (i) patients classified in all indexes (n = 8), (ii) patients classified in Baumgartner's (sarcopenic; n = 27), and (iii) patients classified in both Newman's and Studenski's methods (sarcopenic obesity; n = 31). Comparing body composition among groups, all sarcopenic groups presented lower total lean mass compared with non‐sarcopenic patients, whereas sarcopenic obese patients had higher total lean mass than lean sarcopenic patients.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the prevalence of sarcopenia in overweight/obese patients is similar to lean sarcopenic patients when other methods are considered. In patients with higher BMI, Studenski's method seems to be more feasible to detect sarcopenia.
Oxidative Annulation of 3‐Aryl‐2H‐benzo[e][1,2,4]thiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxides with Aryl Aldehydes: An Easy Access to Hydroxyisoindolo[1,2‐b] benzothiadiazinedioxide Scaffolds
Authors: Kumar G. Ravi , Banik Swarnayu , Ramesh Boora , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Venkata Subba Reddy Basireddy
Published: December 2019

A novel and efficient approach has been developed for the synthesis of a diverse range of hydroxyisoindolo[1,2‐b]benzothiadiazinedioxide derivatives through a sequential palladium catalyzed cross‐dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) and intramolecular cyclization. This method works not only with aryl aldehydes and alcohols but also with toluene to generate angularly fused heterocycles in good to excellent yields.
Comprehensive analysis of volatile compounds in cold‐pressed safflower seed oil from Xinjiang, China
Authors: Wang Lin , Chen Zhuo , Han Bo , Wu Wenxia , Zhao Qiaoling , Wei Changqing , Liu Wenyu
Published: December 2019

Three varieties of safflower seed oil (SSO) from Xinjiang Autonomous Region, China, were analyzed by headspace solid‐phase micro‐extraction gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS) to reveal volatile components. Overall, 67 volatile components were determined and four compounds including isoamyl alcohol, caproic acid, n‐pentanal, and heptanal were newly identified in SSO as aroma‐active components. Meanwhile, 16 compounds were selected by relative odor activity value (ROAV) to evaluate contributions of single compounds to the overall odor (ROAV > 1), in which nonanal, (Z)‐6‐nonenal, and (E)‐2,4‐decadienal were the top three contributed substances (ROAV > 70). The sensory panel was described as eight definition terms (grassy, fruity, almond, mushroom, fatty, sweet, paddy, and overall fragrance). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a significant separation of three cultivars with the first principal component (PC‐1) and the second principal component (PC‐2) expressing 73.9% and 23.1%, respectively. Both PCA and ROAV allowed identifying the compounds positively correlated to sensory evaluation.
Human Antigen R (HuR): A Regulator of Heme Oxygenase‐1 Cytoprotection in Mouse and Human Liver Transplant Injury
Authors: Dery Kenneth J. , Nakamura Kojiro , Kadono Kentaro , Hirao Hirofumi , Kageyama Shoichi , Ito Takahiro , Kojima Hidenobu , Kaldas Fady M. , Busuttil Ronald W. , Kupiec‐Weglinski Jerzy W.
Published: December 2019

Background and Aims

Ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) represents a risk factor in liver transplantation (LT). We have shown that overexpression of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) mitigates hepatic IRI in LT recipients. Here, we hypothesized that human antigen R (HuR), the stabilizer of adenylate‐uridylate (AU)‐rich mRNAs, is required for hepatoprotection in LT.

Approach and Results

In an experimental arm, HuR/HO‐1 protein expression was correlated with hepatic IRI phenotype. In an in vitro inflammation mimic model of hepatic warm IRI, induction of HuR/HO‐1 and cytoplasmic localization following cytokine preconditioning were detected in primary hepatocyte cultures, whereas HuR silencing caused negative regulation of HO‐1, followed by enhanced cytotoxicity. Using the HuR‐inhibitor, we showed that HuR likely regulates HO‐1 through its 3′ untranslated region and causes neutrophil activation (CD69+/lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus G [Ly6‐G]). HuR silencing in bone marrow–derived macrophages decreased HO‐1 expression, leading to the induction of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines. RNA sequencing of HuR silenced transcripts under in vitro warm IRI revealed regulation of genes thymus cell antigen 1 (THY1), aconitate decarboxylase 1 (ACOD1), and Prostaglandin E Synthase (PTGES). HuR, but not hypoxia‐inducible protein alpha, positively regulated HO‐1 in warm, but not cold, hypoxia/reoxygenation conditions. HuR modulated HO‐1 in primary hepatocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages under reperfusion. Adjunctive inhibition of HuR diminished microtubule‐associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3B), a marker for autophagosome, under HO‐1 regulation, suggesting a cytoprotective mechanism in hepatic IR. In a clinical arm, hepatic biopsies from 51 patients with LT were analyzed at 2 hours after reperfusion. Graft HuR expression was negatively correlated with macrophage (CD80/CD86) and neutrophil (Cathepsin G) markers. Hepatic IRI increased HuR/HO‐1 expression and inflammatory genes. High HuR–expressing liver grafts showed lower serum alanine aminotransferase/serum aspartate aminotransferase levels and improved LT survival.

Conclusions

This translational study identifies HuR as a regulator of HO‐1–mediated cytoprotection in sterile liver inflammation and a biomarker of ischemic stress resistance in LT.
Noticing for Equity to Sustain Multilingual Literacies
Authors: Patterson Williams Alexis D. , Higgs Jennifer M. , Athanases Steven Z.
Published: December 2019

This department explores how teachers can sustain students’ multilingual literacies and reimagine literacy learning across multiple contexts in conversation with researchers, practitioners, and communities.
Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of DMABEE, a co‐photoinitiator of resin polymerization, on CHO‐K1 cells: Role of redox and carboxylesterase
Authors: Chang Hsiao‐Hua , Shih Wen‐Chih , Wang Yin‐Lin , Tsai Yi‐Ling , Chen Yi‐Jane , Chang Mei‐Chi , Jeng Jiiang‐Huei
Published: December 2019

The 4‐dimethylaminobenzoic acid ethyl ester (DMABEE) is an important co‐initiator for resin polymerization in dental resinous materials. As a radical forming chemical with high lipophilicity, the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of DMABEE deserve prudent investigation. In this study, we found that DMABEE reduced the viability and proliferation of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO‐K1) cells in a dose‐dependent manner, and altered cell morphology at higher concentrations. G0/G1 cell cycle arrest was induced by DMABEE at 0.25–0.75 mM, and cell proportion of sub‐G0/G1 phase was significantly elevated at 1 mM while cell apoptosis was observed. Genotoxic effect was noted when cells were treated by 0.1 mM DMABEE, as revealed by increase of micronucleus formation. Reactive oxygen species overproduction was observed as cells treated with 0.75 and 1 mM, while elevation of intracellular glutathione was noticeable since 0.1 mM. Contrary to our expectation, pretreatment by N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine enhanced the toxicity of DMABEE on CHO‐K1 cells. Catalase mildly reduced the toxic effect and carboxylesterase showed obvious ability to reverse the toxicity of DMABEE. These findings highlight the mechanism of DMABEE toxicity and provide clues for safety improvement of its application in clinical dental treatment.
Stratification of gastric cancer risk using a deep neural network
Authors: Nakahira Hiroko , Ishihara Ryu , Aoyama Kazuharu , Kono Mitsuhiro , Fukuda Hiromu , Shimamoto Yusaku , Nakagawa Kentaro , Ohmori Masayasu , Iwatsubo Taro , Iwagami Hiroyoshi , Matsuno Kenshi , Inoue Shuntaro , Matsuura Noriko , Shichijo Satoki , Maekawa Akira , Kanesaka Takashi , Yamamoto Sachiko , Takeuchi Yoji , Higashino Koji , Uedo Noriya , Matsunaga Takashi , Tada Tomohiro
Published: December 2019

Background and Aim

Stratifying gastric cancer (GC) risk and endoscopy findings in high‐risk individuals may provide effective surveillance for GC. We developed a computerized image‐ analysis system for endoscopic images to stratify the risk of GC.

Methods

The system was trained using images taken during endoscopic examinations with non‐magnified white‐light imaging. Patients were classified as high‐risk (patients with GC), moderate‐risk (patients with current or past Helicobacter pylori infection or gastric atrophy), or low‐risk (patients with no history of H. pylori infection or gastric atrophy). After selection, 20,960, 17,404, and 68,920 images were collected as training images for the high‐, moderate‐, and low‐risk groups, respectively.

Results

Performance of the artificial intelligence (AI) system was evaluated by the prevalence of GC in each group using an independent validation dataset of patients who underwent endoscopic examination and H. pylori serum antibody testing. In total, 12,824 images from 454 patients were included in the analysis. The time required for diagnosing all the images was 345 seconds. The AI system diagnosed 46, 250, and 158 patients as low‐, moderate‐, and high risk, respectively. The prevalence of GC in the low‐, moderate‐, and high‐risk groups was 2.2, 8.8, and 16.4%, respectively (P = 0.0017). Three experienced endoscopists also successfully stratified the risk; however, interobserver agreement was not satisfactory (kappa value of 0.27, indicating fair agreement).

Conclusion

The current AI system detected significant differences in the prevalence of GC among the low‐, moderate‐, and high‐risk groups, suggesting its potential for stratifying GC risk.
Radiosynthesis and preliminary evaluation of an18F‐labeled tubastatin A analog for PET imaging of histone deacetylase 6
Authors: Tago Tetsuro , Toyohara Jun , Ishii Kenji
Published: December 2019

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is a unique member of the HDAC family because of its characteristics, namely, its cytoplasmic localization and ubiquitin binding. HDAC6 has been implicated in cancer metastasis and neurodegeneration. In the present study, we performed radiosynthesis and biological evaluation of a fluorine‐18–labeled ligand [18F]3, which is an analog of the HDAC6‐selective inhibitor tubastatin A, for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. [18F]3was synthesized by a two‐step reaction composed of18F‐fluorination and formation of a hydroxamic acid group. IC50values of3against HDAC1 and HDAC6 activities were 996 nM and 33.1 nM, respectively. A biodistribution study in mice demonstrated low brain uptake of [18F]3. Furthermore, bone radioactivity was stable at around 2% ID/g after injection, suggesting high tolerance to defluorination. Regarding metabolic stability, 70% of the compound was observed as the unchanged form at 30 minutes post injection in mouse plasma. A small animal PET study in mice showed that pretreatment with cyclosporine A had no effect on initial brain uptake of [18F]3, suggesting low brain uptake of [18F]3was not caused by the P‐glycoprotein–mediated efflux. While PET imaging using [18F]3has a limitation with respect to neurodegenerative diseases, further studies evaluating its utility for certain cancers are worth evaluating.
Characterization and correlation of the Hegawa‐Kasamori 5 tephra, a widespread tephra aged c. 450 ka associated with large‐scale pyroclastic flows from southern Kyushu, SW Japan
Authors: Nishizawa Fumikatsu , Suzuki Takehiko
Published: December 2019

A Middle Pleistocene widespread tephra, defined here as Hegawa‐Kasamori 5 tephra (Hgw‐Ks5), has been newly recognized over a broad area of Japan. Large‐scale pyroclastic flow deposits associated with co‐ignimbrite ash fall deposits (CAFDs) of Hgw‐Ks5 have been identified in the proximal southern Kyushu area, south‐west Japan. Hgw‐Ks5 possibly originated from the Aira caldera in southern Kyushu, and it is widely spread and intercalated with deposits of the Kasamori Formation, Honshu Island, more than 1000 km away from the source. In the north‐west area of the Aira Caldera, the tephra is sparsely distributed in the form of non‐welded ignimbrites, and is exposed stratigraphically above the well‐known Kobayashi‐Kasamori tephra. Hgw‐Ks5 is characterized through petrographic features, major element geochemistry of glass shards, and refractive indices of orthopyroxene. The results of previous stratigraphic isotope studies indicate that the eruptive age of Hgw‐Ks5 is 434–458 ka (Marine Isotope Stage 12). Assuming that the CAFDs originating from the Aira Caldera are distributed concentrically, the apparent volume of Hgw‐Ks5, estimated from the area of distribution and CAFD thickness, is ~100 km3. Therefore, a volcanic explosivity index of 7 is assigned to the Hgw‐Ks5 eruption.
Monitoring Vascular Compromise Using Ultrasound After Free Tissue Transfer
Authors: Shinomiya Rikuo , Sunagawa Toru , Nakashima Yuko , Kodama Akira , Hayashi Yuta , Tokumoto Maya , Adachi Nobuo
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To report the clinical utility of high‐resolution ultrasound (US) for monitoring vascular compromise after free tissue transfer.

Methods

Fifty‐two tissue transfers in the extremities were included in this study. Blood flow around the anastomotic pedicle and subcutaneous tissue of the grafted flap was monitored with pulsed color and power Doppler US whenever the conventional monitoring method, comprising the bedside assessment of the temperature, capillary refill, and flap color, showed abnormalities until 1 week after reconstruction.

Results

All flaps were indicated for US monitoring, with 44 flaps showing Doppler signals in each position, even though conventional flap monitoring showed an abnormality. Forty of the 44 flaps showed no flap failure, whereas the remaining 4 flaps developed partial necrosis. Abnormal US findings were noted in 8 of the 52 flaps. Ultrasound revealed interruption of venous blood flow around the anastomotic pedicle in 6 of 8 flaps. Emergent exploration revealed venous occlusion at the anastomotic pedicle, similar to the US finding. In 2 of the 8 flaps, US showed no blood flow to either the anastomotic pedicle or subcutaneous tissue. Emergent exploration revealed arterial occlusion at the anastomotic pedicle. Seven of the 8 reexplored flaps were salvaged after revision surgery with complete flap survival. Partial flap survival was noted in 1 case, but complete flap failure was avoided.

Conclusions

Ultrasound is a useful adjunct that enables a direct assessment of perfusion in grafted tissues, which may reduce unnecessary exploration when conventional flap monitoring shows an abnormality.