bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overcoming Symmetry Mismatch in Vaccine Nanoassembly through Spontaneous Amidation
Authors: Rahikainen Rolle , Rijal Pramila , Tan Tiong Kit , Wu Hung‐Jen , Andersson Anne‐Marie C. , Barrett Jordan R. , Bowden Thomas A. , Draper Simon J. , Townsend Alain R. , Howarth Mark
Published: September 2020

Matching of symmetry at interfaces is a fundamental obstacle in molecular assembly. Virus‐like particles (VLPs) are important vaccine platforms against pathogenic threats, including Covid‐19. However, symmetry mismatch can prohibit vaccine nanoassembly. We established an approach for coupling VLPs to diverse antigen symmetries. SpyCatcher003 enabled efficient VLP conjugation and extreme thermal resilience. Many people had pre‐existing antibodies to SpyTag:SpyCatcher but less to the 003 variants. We coupled the computer‐designed VLP not only to monomers (SARS‐CoV‐2) but also to cyclic dimers (Newcastle disease, Lyme disease), trimers (influenza hemagglutinins), and tetramers (influenza neuraminidases). Even an antigen with dihedral symmetry could be displayed. For the global challenge of influenza, SpyTag‐mediated display of trimer and tetramer antigens strongly induced neutralizing antibodies. SpyCatcher003 conjugation enables nanodisplay of diverse symmetries towards generation of potent vaccines.
Anionic Aliovalent Substitution from Structure Models of ZnS: Novel Defect Diamond‐like Halopnictide Infrared Nonlinear Optical Materials with Wide Band Gaps and Large SHG Effects
Authors: Chen Jindong , Lin Chensheng , Zhao Dan , Luo Min , Peng Guang , Li Bingxuan , Yang Shunda , Sun Yingshuang , Ye Ning
Published: September 2020

To design pnictide nonlinear optical materials with wide band gap and large second‐harmonic generation, the heavy halogen I was introduced into pnictides through anionic aliovalent substitution with diamond‐like ZnS as templates. Thus, four excellent halopnictide‐based infrared nonlinear optical crystals, MII3PnI3 (MII=Zn, Cd; Pn=P, As), were obtained. They all exhibited defect diamond‐like structures with highly parallel‐oriented [MIIPnI3] mixed‐anionic tetrahedral groups, leading to excellent physical properties including wide band gaps (2.38–2.85 eV), large second harmonic generation responses (2.7–5.1×AgGaS2), high laser‐induced damage thresholds (5.5–10.7×AgGaS2), and good IR transparency. In particular, Cd3PI3 and Cd3AsI3 achieved phase‐matching (Δn=0.035 and 0.031) that their template β‐ZnS could not do. Anionic aliovalent substitution provides a feasible strategy to design novel promising halopnictide IR NLO materials.
Design and Atroposelective Construction of IAN analogues by Organocatalytic Asymmetric Heteroannulation of Alkynes
Authors: Zhang Lei , Shen Jiahua , Wu San , Zhong Guofu , Wang Yong‐Bin , Tan Bin
Published: September 2020

An organocatalytic atroposelective strategy for accessing enantioenriched axially chiral IAN analogues was developed for the first time. A class of novel atropisomeric C2‐arylquinoline skeletons were synthesized with high enantiocontrol via chiral phosphoric‐acid‐catalyzed heteroannulation of in situ generated vinylidene ortho‐quinone methide (VQM) intermediates with ortho‐aminophenones. The strategy tolerated a broad substrate scope, providing a facile organocatalytic approach to IAN analogues in good yields and excellent enantioselectivities under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, the synthetic utility of this methodology was illustrated through further transformations into IAN‐type ligand and axially chiral thiourea.
Fluoro Nitrenoid Complexes FN=MF2 (M=Co, Rh, Ir): Electronic Structure Dichotomy and Formation of Nitrido Fluorides N≡MF3
Authors: Stüker Tony , Hohmann Thomas , Beckers Helmut , Riedel Sebastian
Published: September 2020

The fluoronitrenoid metal complexes FNCoF2 and FNRhF2 as well as the first ternary RhVI and IrVI complexes NIrF3 and NRhF3 are described. They were obtained by the reaction of excited Group‐9 metal atoms with NF3 and their IR spectra, isolated in solid rare gases (neon and argon), were recorded. Aided by the observed 14/15N isotope shifts and quantum‐chemical predictions, all four stretching fundamentals of the novel complexes were safely assigned. The F−N stretching frequencies of the fluoronitrenoid complexes FNCoF2 (1056.8 cm−1) and FNRhF2 (872.6 cm−1) are very different and their N−M bonds vary greatly. In FNCoF2, the FN ligand is singly bonded to Co and bears considerable iminyl/nitrene radical character, while the N−Rh bond in FNRhF2 is a strong double bond with comparatively strong σ‐ and π‐bonds. The anticipated rearrangement of FNCoF2 to the nitrido CoVI complex is predicted to be endothermic and was not observed.
Bio‐based and Degradable Block Polyester Pressure‐Sensitive Adhesives
Authors: Chen Thomas T. D. , Carrodeguas Leticia Peña , Sulley Gregory S. , Gregory Georgina L. , Williams Charlotte K.
Published: September 2020

A new class of bio‐based fully degradable block polyesters are pressure‐sensitive adhesives. Bio‐derived monomers are efficiently polymerized to make block polyesters with controlled compositions. They show moderate to high peel adhesions (4–13 N cm−1) and controllable storage and loss moduli, and they are removed by adhesive failure. Their properties compare favorably with commercial adhesives or bio‐based polyester formulations but without the need for tackifier or additives.
A Multiple Chirality Switching Device for Spatial Light Modulators
Authors: Yang Guojian , Yu Yang , Yang Baige , Lu Tong , Cai Yiru , Yin Hang , Zhang Huiqi , Zhang Ning‐Ning , Li Li , Zhang Yu‐Mo , Zhang Sean Xiao‐An
Published: September 2020

A new and simple strategy towards electric‐field‐driven multiple chirality switching device has been designed and fabricated by combining a newly synthesized base‐responsive chiroptical polymer switch (R‐FLMA) and p‐benzoquinone (p‐BQ) via proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) mechanism. Clear and stable triple chirality states (silence, positive, negative) of this device in visible band can be regulated reversibly (>1000 cycles) by adjusting voltage programs. Furthermore, such chiral switching phenomena are also accompanied by apparent changes of color and fluorescence. More importantly, the potential application of this device for a spatial light modulator has also been demonstrated.
Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Asymmetric [4+1] and [5+1] Annulation of Arenes and 1,3‐Enynes: A Distinct Mechanism of Allyl Formation and Allyl Functionalization
Authors: Sun Jiaqiong , Yuan Weiliang , Tian Rong , Wang Peiyuan , Zhang Xue‐Peng , Li Xingwei
Published: September 2020

We report chiral RhIII cyclopentadienyl‐catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of lactams and isochromenes through oxidative [4+1] and [5+1] annulation, respectively, between arenes and 1,3‐enynes. The reaction proceeds through a C−H activation, alkenyl‐to‐allyl rearrangement, and a nucleophilic cyclization cascade. The mechanisms of the [4+1] annulations were elucidated by a combination of experimental and computational methods. DFT studies indicated that, following the C−H activation and alkyne insertion, a RhIII alkenyl intermediate undergoes δ‐hydrogen elimination of the allylic C−H via a six‐membered ring transition state to produce a RhIII enallene hydride intermediate. Subsequent hydride insertion and allyl rearrangement affords several rhodium(III) allyl intermediates, and a rare RhIII η4 ene‐allyl species with π‐agostic interaction undergoes SN2′‐type external attack by the nitrogen nucleophile, instead of C−N reductive elimination, as the stereodetermining step.
1D Coordination π–d Conjugated Polymers with Distinct Structures Defined by the Choice of the Transition Metal: Towards a New Class of Antiaromatic Macrocycles
Authors: Santhini Vijai M. , Wäckerlin Christian , Cahlík Aleš , Ondráček Martin , Pascal Simon , Matěj Adam , Stetsovych Oleksandr , Mutombo Pingo , Lazar Petr , Siri Olivier , Jelínek Pavel
Published: September 2020

Recently π–d conjugated coordination polymers have received a lot of attention owing to their unique material properties, although synthesis of long and defect‐free polymers remains challenging. Herein we introduce a novel on‐surface synthesis of coordination polymers with quinoidal ligands under ultra‐high vacuum conditions, which enables formation of flexible coordination polymers with lengths up to hundreds of nanometers. Moreover, this procedure allows the incorporation of different transition‐metal atoms with four‐ or two‐fold coordination. Remarkably, the two‐fold coordination mode revealed the formation of wires constituted by (electronically) independent 12‐membered antiaromatic macrocycles linked together through two C−C single bonds.
Effect of coalbed methane airflow with optimum action concentration on coal oxidation under low temperatures
Authors: Xu Qin , Yang Shengqiang , Yang Wenming , Tang Zongqing , Song Wanxin , Zhou Buzhuang , Yang Kai
Published: September 2020

To explore the effect of coalbed methane (CBM) airflow on coal oxidation under low temperatures, an experimental apparatus was developed and applied to simulate coal oxidation under different oxidizing atmospheres. The formation of carbon monoxide CO, the index gas, in CBM airflow was analyzed to obtain the optimum concentration of CH4 that exerted the strongest influence on coal oxidation. Then, a comparison experiment was performed on coal oxidation in dry air and in CH4 at the optimum concentration by using electron spin resonance (ESR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technology. The results suggest that 25% of CH4 has the strongest effect on coal oxidation at low temperatures. The free radical concentration (Ng) in coal increases with temperature in both dry air and 25% CH4. At this concentration, CH4 can inhibit the reactivity of coal substantially while raising the excitation temperature. The oxidation of aliphatic hydrocarbons is severely inhibited by 25% CH4, which reduces its consumption rate and abates its decrement in the initial phase. Although 25% CH4 restricts the consumption of –OH and –COOH in oxidation, it promotes the formation of –C–O.
Resveratrol isoforms and conjugates: A review from biosynthesis in plants to elimination from the human body
Authors: Riccio Bruno V. F. , Spósito Larissa , Carvalho Gabriela C. , Ferrari Priscileila C. , Chorilli Marlus
Published: September 2020

The natural isomers of resveratrol, cis‐ and trans‐resveratrol, are natural phenolic substances synthetized via the shikimate pathway and found in many sources, including grapes, peanuts, blackberries, pistachios, cacao, cranberries, and jackfruits. They have functional and pharmacological properties such as anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, and cardioprotective activities. The aim of this article is to review the data published on resveratrol and its isomers, and their biosynthesis in plants, food sources, health and toxic effects, and the excretion of their metabolites. Due to its contribution to the promotion of human health, it is convenient to gather more knowledge about its functional properties, food sources, and the interactions with the human body during the processes of eating, digestion, absorption, biotransformation, and excretion, to combine this information to improve the understanding of these substances.
Mechanics as a Means of Information Propagation in Development
Authors: Genuth Miriam A. , Holley Scott A.
Published: September 2020

New research demonstrates that mechanics can serve as a means of information propagation in developing embryos. Historically, the study of embryonic development has had a dichotomy between morphogens and pattern formation on the one hand and morphogenesis and mechanics on the other. Secreted signals are the preeminent means of information propagation between cells and used to control cell fate, while physical forces act downstream or in parallel to shape tissue morphogenesis. However, recent work has blurred this division of function by demonstrating that mechanics can serve as a means of information propagation. Adhesive or repulsive interactions can propagate through a tissue as a wave. These waves are rapid and directional and can be used to control the flux of cells through a developmental trajectory. Here, two examples are reviewed in which mechanics both guides and mediates morphogenesis and two examples in which mechanics intertwines with morphogens to regulate cell fate.
Determination of N‐Nitrosodimethylamine and N‐Nitrosodiethylamine in Sartans and Metformin Raw Materials and Finished Products by Headspace Gas Chromatography‐Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Lim Hyun‐Hee , Oh Yun‐Suk , Shin Ho‐Sang
Published: September 2020

A simple and sensitive headspace (HS) and gas chromatography‐isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometric method was studied to determine N‐nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and N‐nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) in sartans and metformin raw materials and their finished products. The HS parameters were optimized and selected. Samples in headspace vial were extracted at 150°C for 15 min and analyzed by injecting 1.0 mL of the headspace into the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS)/MS system. The mass spectrometer was operated using the electrospray ionization and detection was performed in a multiple reaction monitoring mode. Under the established condition, the lower limits of detection was 0.4 μg/kg for NDMA and 0.1 μg/kg for NDEA by using 0.1 g of sample. The precision was in the range of 0.4–3.5% for NDMA, and 0.4–3.3% for NDEA, and the accuracy was in the range of 95.0–105% for NDMA and 93.6–103% for NDEA, respectively. The linear equation of the calibration curve is y = 0.0120x − 0.0202 (4.0–1080 μg/kg, r = 1.000) for NDMA, and y = 0.0144x − 0.0042 (0.5–288 μg/kg, r = 1.000) for NDEA. The developed method can be applied to all six sartans and one metformin raw materials and their finished products.
A Facile Hg2+‐related Quenching Photoluminescence Sensor Based on Nitrogen‐doped Graphene Quantum Dots
Authors: Du Shi‐Man , Shang Bing‐Bing , Zhang Xiao‐Ru , Feng Fu , Zhang Sheng‐Hui , Qi Bao‐Ping
Published: September 2020

A Hg2+‐related quenching photoluminescence (PL) sensor was fabricated based on nitrogen‐doped graphene quantum dots (N‐GQDs) as the luminescent agent and glutathione as the masking agent to detect Hg2+ in tap water. The addition of Hg2+ significantly reduced the PL intensity of N‐GQDs, which was attributed to coordination reaction inducing the aggregation of N‐GQDs. The Hg2+‐related quenching PL sensor with glutathione as the masking agent has good selectivity and accuracy. The sensor showed a linear relationship ranging from 0.5 to 110 nM with the detection limit 0.08 nM (S/N = 3). The proposed method was applied to the determination of Hg2+ in tap water, and the results were consistent with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS).
From the completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to surgery for colorectal cancer liver metastasis: What is the optimal timing?
Authors: Chen Qichen , Mao Rui , Zhao Jianjun , Bi Xinyu , Li Zhiyu , Huang Zhen , Zhang Yefan , Zhou Jianguo , Zhao Hong , Cai Jianqiang
Published: September 2020

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has been widely performed in the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) patients, but the optimal timing of surgery after NAC is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal timing of surgery.

Methods

From December 2010 to May 2018, 101 consecutive patients who received NAC followed by liver resection for CRLM were included in this study. The main outcome parameters were pathological response, progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). The effect of time to surgery (TTS) on patient outcomes, defined as a high TTS and a low TTS according to an X‐tile analysis, was investigated. To adjust for potential selection bias, propensity score matching at 1:2 was performed with two high TTS patients matched to one low TTS patient. Kaplan‐Meier curves, logistic regression analyses, and Cox regression models were used for the data analysis.

Results

The optimal cut‐off value for the TTS was 5 weeks by X‐tile analysis. The patients in this study were divided into low (≤5 weeks, n = 27) and high (>5 weeks, n = 74) TTS groups. Patients with a high TTS were more likely to have an unfavorable pathological response (75.7% vs 48.1%, P = .008). In multivariate analysis, a low TTS significantly predicted a better pathological response (OR = 3.397, 95% CI: 1.116‐10.344, P = .031). Compared to patients with a high TTS, patients with a low TTS had significantly better PFS (P < .001, mPFS: 16 months vs 7 months) and better OS (P = .037, mOS: not reached vs 36 months). Multivariate analysis revealed that a TTS > 5 weeks was an independent predictor of decreased PFS (HR = 2.041, 95% CI: 1.152‐3.616, P = .014) but not OS. After propensity matching, the patients with a low TTS had significantly better PFS (P < .001, mPFS: 18.2 months vs 10 months) and an equivalent OS (P = .115, mOS: not reached vs 41 months). Multivariate analysis revealed that a TTS > 5 weeks was an independent predictor of decreased PFS (HR = 3.031, 95% CI: 1.494‐6.149, P = .002) but not OS.

Conclusion

The longer TTS after the completion of NAC may be disadvantageous for a favorable pathological response and long‐term PFS. These results should be validated prospectively in a randomized trial.
Long noncoding RNA LINC01410 promotes the tumorigenesis of neuroblastoma cells by sponging microRNA‐506‐3p and modulating WEE1
Authors: Mi Jie , Han Yang , Zhang Jin , Hao Xiwei , Xing Maoqing , Shang Cong
Published: September 2020

Objective

Neuroblastoma (NBL) is an extra‐cranial solid tumor in children. This study was attempted to investigate the regulatory mechanism of long noncoding RNA LINC01410 (LINC01410) on NBL.

Methods

The expression of LINC01410, miR‐506‐3p, and WEE1 in NBL was evaluated by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. The proliferation and colony formation ability of NBL cells were analyzed by MTT and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry assay was executed to measure the apoptosis and cell cycle. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the targeted relationships among LINC01410, miR‐506‐3p, and WEE1. Additionally, the role of LINC01410 on NBL in vivo was evaluated according to a tumor xenograft model.

Results

The expression of LINC01410 and WEE1 was enhanced and miR‐506‐3p was inhibited in NBL. LINC01410 knockdown attenuated the cell proliferation, colony formation ability, and inhibited tumor growth. Moreover, LINC01410 silencing facilitated the apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle. LINC01410 interacted with miR‐506‐3p to elevate the WEE1 expression in NBL. Additionally, miR‐506‐3p inhibition or WEE1 overexpression weakened the reduction effects of sh‐LINC01410 on cell proliferation, colony formation ability, apoptosis, and cell cycle.

Conclusions

Knockdown of LINC01410 inhibited the development of NBL by miR‐506‐3p/WEE1 axis in vitro, which could serve as a potential therapeutic target for NBL therapy.
Bioinspired Design of Hybrid Polymer Catalysts with Multicopper Sites for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Jin Lei , Thanneeru Srinivas , Cintron Daniel , He Jie
Published: September 2020

Cu‐containing metalloenzymes are known to catalyze oxygen activation through cooperative catalysis. In the current work, we report the design of synthetic polymer Cu catalysts using pyrene‐labelled poly(2‐hydroxy‐3‐dipicolylamino) propyl methacrylate (Py‐PGMADPA) to coordinate multiple Cu sites along polymer chains. The catalysts feature a pyrene end group that can form supramolecular π‐π stacking with conductive carbon to allow efficient immobilization of catalysts to the graphite electrode. Cu‐containing Py‐PGMADPA was examined for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction. The hybrid catalyst showed an onset potential of 0.5 V (vs. RHE) at pH 7 and 0.79 V at pH 13. The kinetic study indicated that the catalyst had a 2e− reduction of oxygen mainly mediated by Cu+ centers. We demonstrated the importance of cooperative catalysis among Cu sites which did not exist for other transition metal ions, like Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, and Ni2+. The confinement of polymer chains promotes the activity and stabilizes Cu catalysts even at an extremely low Cu loading. The rational design of bioinspired polymer catalysts offers an alternative way to prepare synthetic mimics of metalloenzymes.
The Interplay between National Cultural Dimensions and Components of a Performance Management System: A Qualitative Study from Pakistan
Authors: Nadeem Sadia , Tayyab Zakia
Published: September 2020

This paper examines the interplay between national cultural dimensions and the design, enactment, and experience of a Western model of a performance management system (PMS) in a non‐Western setting. Data from four organizations in Pakistan indicate that domestic organizations are designing their PMSs in accordance with Western practices. Additionally, it reveals that during enactment and experience, the cultural values of low assertiveness, high in‐group collectivism, and high power distance interact, although to varying degrees, with continuous feedback, appraisal meetings, final ratings, outcomes, and objective setting. Thus, while convergence in design reflects the far‐reaching influence of globalization, divergence is attributable to cultural values which act as a deep‐rooted force during enactment.
Advancements in the Development of Non‐Nitrogen‐Based Amphiphilic Antiseptics to Overcome Pathogenic Bacterial Resistance
Authors: Carden Robert G. , Sommers Kyle J. , Schrank Cassandra L. , Leitgeb Austin J. , Feliciano Javier A. , Wuest William M. , Minbiole Kevin P. C.
Published: September 2020

The prevalence of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) as common disinfecting agents for the past century has led bacteria to develop resistance to such compounds. Given the alarming increase in resistant strains, new strategies are required to combat this rise in resistance. Recent efforts to probe and combat bacterial resistance have focused on studies of multiQACs. Relatively unexplored, however, have been changes to the primary atom bearing positive charge in these antiseptics. Here we review the current state of the field of both phosphonium and sulfonium amphiphilic antiseptics, both of which hold promise as novel means to address bacterial resistance.
Molecular predictive testing in precision oncology: The Italian experience
Authors: Vigliar Elena , Iaccarino Antonino , Sciortino Marianna , De Luca Caterina , Malapelle Umberto , Bellevicine Claudio , Troncone Giancarlo
Published: September 2020

In this review, we describe molecular pathology testing to predict response to targeted treatment of solid tumors, focusing on Italian routine clinical practice. The combination of the universal health care system organized at national, regional, and local levels has led a decentralized model, with a large number of local laboratories performing in‐house molecular testing following guidelines issued and external quality assessment organized by the Italian Society of Pathology and Cytopathology–Italian Division of the International Academy of Pathology. In this framework, in the early days of predictive testing, sponsored informatics platforms support to set up national programs that aimed to integrate the activity of oncologists and pathologists to test cancer patients for druggable alterations. More recently, reimbursement for molecular testing is being covered completely by the Italian National Health Service. In the near future, considering the development of complex technologies, we expect that outsourcing samples to next‐generation sequencing referral laboratories will take place.
Mechanisms, Methods of Tracking and Applications of DNA Walkers: A Review
Authors: Valero Julián , Škugor Marko
Published: September 2020

The front cover artwork is provided by Julián Valero and Marko Škugor from Aarhus University and University of Bonn. The image shows an ad libitum representation of a new class of artificial molecular motors, coined as DNA walkers, on an athletic track testing their performance i.e. speed, directionality and progressivity. Read the full text of the Review at 10.1002/cphc.202000235.
Quantitative Analyses of Förster Resonance Energy Transfer between Identical Pyrene Chromophores (Homo‐FRET) In DNA Scaffolds.
Authors: Kashida Hiromu , Kawai Hayato , Azuma Hidenori , Araki Yasuyuki , Wada Takehiko , Asanuma Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

Förster resonance energy transfer between identical chromophores (homo‐FRET) has been difficult to analyze since neither emission intensity nor lifetime changes with the occurrence of homo‐FRET. Herein we used a DNA scaffold to analyze homo‐FRET between pyrene moieties. The DNA scaffold was modified with two pyrenes and a quencher, anthraquinone. Homo‐FRET was detected by monitoring quenching of pyrene emission and the decrease in the fluorescence lifetime of pyrene. Homo‐FRET efficiencies could be calculated by excluding effects of hetero‐FRET. The experimentally determined efficiencies showed an excellent agreement with Förster theory. These results will inform design of novel molecular probes and light‐harvesting antennae.
Heart failure hospitalizations and costs in ICD/CRT‐D recipients following replacement or upgrade: the DECODE registry
Authors: Zacà Valerio , Narducci Maria Lucia , Ziacchi Matteo , Valente Serafina , Pelargonio Gemma , Tomasi Corrado , Bandini Alberto , Zingarini Gianluca , Calzolari Vittorio , Del Rosso Attilio , Boggian Giulio , Sabbatani Paolo , Bonfantino Massimo Vincenzo , Malacrida Maurizio , Biffi Mauro
Published: September 2020

Aims

The aim of this study is to report heart failure hospitalization (HFH) rates and associated costs within 12 months following implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)/cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT‐D) device replacement or upgrade from ICD to CRT‐D.

Methods and results

The DEtect long‐term COmplications after icD rEplacement (DECODE) was a prospective, single‐arm, multicentre cohort study that explored complications in ICD/CRT‐D recipients. All clinical and survival data at 12 months were prospectively analysed. For each adjudicated HFH, admission and discharge dates and ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis and procedure codes were recorded. The reimbursement for each HFH was calculated for each diagnosis‐related group code. Between 2013 and 2015, 983 patients (mean age 71 years, male 76%, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 35%, and New York Heart Association Class I/II 75.6%) were enrolled. Patients underwent device replacement (900; 91.6%, 446 ICD/454 CRT‐D) or ICD upgrade to CRT‐D (83; 8.4%). Post‐replacement hospitalizations occurred in 220 patients, with the primary discharge diagnosis identifying cardiovascular causes in 175 patients (80%). Fifty‐five (5.6%) patients experienced at least one HFH. Overall, 91 HFH events occurred (9.6% event rate, 95% confidence interval: 7.7–11.7) in 70 patients; 66 (6.7%) patients died, 40 (60.6%) of cardiovascular causes. The HFH rate was significantly higher following upgrades, and the occurrence of HFH was associated with an 11‐fold increased mortality risk (95% confidence interval: 5.9–20.5, P < 0.0001). Medical diagnosis‐related group accounted for 91.2% of HFH; the mean cost per HFH was €5662 ± 9497, and the mean cost per patient was €9369 ± 12 687. On multivariate analysis, predictors of HFH were atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, and all‐cause hospitalization within 30 days prior to the procedure.

Conclusions

In the DECODE registry, HFH and mortality rates in the year following ICD/CRT‐D replacement or upgrade were low. In this particular subset, underlying cardiac disease was the main driver of HFH, mortality, and higher healthcare expenditures.
Development of a microwave‐assisted extraction method for the recovery of bioactive inositols from lettuce (Lactuca sativa) byproducts
Authors: Zuluaga Ana M. , Mena‐García Adal , Chito‐Trujillo Diana , Rada‐Mendoza Maite , Sanz María L. , Ruiz‐Matute Ana I.
Published: September 2020

A microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) method was developed for the extraction of bioactive inositols (D‐chiro‐ and myo‐inositols) from lettuce (Lactuca sativa) leaves as a strategy for the revalorization of these agrofood residues. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry was selected for the simultaneous determination of inositols and sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) in these samples. A Box–Behnken experimental design was used to maximize the extraction of inositols based on the results of single factor tests. Optimal conditions of the extraction process were as follows: liquid‐to‐solid ratio of 100:1 v/w, 40°C, 30 min extraction time, 20:80 ethanol:water (v/v), and one extraction cycle. When compared with conventional solid‐liquid extraction (SLE), MAE was found to be more effective for the extraction of target bioactive carbohydrates (MAE 5.42 mg/g dry sample versus SLE 4.01 mg/g dry sample). Then, MAE methodology was applied to the extraction of inositols from L. sativa leaves of different varieties (var. longifolia, var. capitata and var. crispa). D‐chiro‐ and myo‐inositol contents varied between 0.57–7.15 and 0.83–3.48 mg/g dry sample, respectively. Interfering sugars were removed from the extracts using a biotechnological procedure based on the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for 24 h. The developed methodology was a good alternative to classical procedures to obtain extracts enriched in inositols from lettuce residues, which could be of interest for the agrofood industry.
Enantioseparation and molecular modeling study of eight psychoactive drugs on a coated polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phase
Authors: Cai Liangzhao , Xue Mengyao , Lun Jia , Li Shuang , Yu Jia , Guo Xingjie
Published: September 2020

The enantioseparation of eight psychoactive drugs has been firstly performed on a coated cellulose‐based chiral stationary phase (Chiralcel OJ‐H). To obtain optimum separation conditions, the influences of alcohol modifiers and basic/acidic additives have been studied. As a result, except for the partial separation of oxybutynin enantiomers, the other seven drug enantiomers, including mirtazapine, sulpiride, promethazine, citalopram, oxazepam, donepezil, and cyamemazine, have been completely separated. Additionally, for gaining a better insight into the chiral recognition mechanisms, molecular docking was carried out using the Autodock software. Herein, binding energy and conformations of the chiral stationary phase complexes were provided, and it was found that the distinction in enantiomeric conformation determined the number and strength of intermolecular interactions between analytes and chiral stationary phase which resulted in the difference in binding energies of two enantiomers, and ultimately led to the different migration. These modeling results were in accordance with the observed enantioseparation results in high performance liquid chromatography experiments. At last, chiral separation mechanisms have been discussed in detail, and it has been confirmed that hydrogen bond, π–π, hydrophobic interactions, and some special interactions synergistically contributed to the enantioseparation of psychoactive drugs.
Maximizing secrecy rate of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing‐based multihop underwater acoustic sensor network
Authors: Aman Waqas , Rahman Muhammad M. U. , Haider Zeeshan , Qadir Junaid , Nawaz Muhammad W. , Sidhu Guftaar A. S.
Published: September 2020

In this article, we consider an eavesdropping attack on a multihop, underwater acoustic sensor network that consists of M + 1 underwater sensors which report their sensed data via orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) scheme to a sink node on the water surface. Furthermore, due to the presence of a passive malicious node in nearby vicinity, the multihop underwater acoustic (UWA) channel between a sensor node and the sink node is prone to eavesdropping attack on each hop. Therefore, the problem at hand is to do (helper/relay) node selection (for data forwarding onto the next hop) as well as power allocation (across the OFDM subcarriers) in a way that the secrecy rate is maximized at each hop. To this end, this problem of node selection and power allocation (NSPA) is formulated as a mixed binary‐integer optimization program, which is then optimally solved via decomposition approach, and by exploiting duality theory along with the Karush‐Kuhn‐Tucker conditions. We also provide a computationally efficient, suboptimal solution to the NSPA problem, where we reformulate it as a mixed‐integer linear program and solve it via decomposition and geometric approach. Moreover, when the UWA channel is multipath (and not just line‐of‐sight), we investigate an additional, machine learning‐based approach to solve the NSPA problem. Finally, we compute the computational complexity of all the three proposed schemes (optimal, suboptimal, and learning‐based), and do extensive simulations to compare their performance against each other and against the baseline schemes (which allocate equal power to all the subcarriers and do depth‐based node selection). In a nutshell, this work proposes various (optimal and suboptimal) methods for providing information‐theoretic security at the physical layer of the protocol stack through resource allocation.
The Chinese warrant bubble: A fundamental analysis
Authors: Wang Yintian , Zhou Guofu , Zhu Yingzi
Published: September 2020

We investigate the information content in Chinese warrant prices based on an option pricing framework that incorporates short‐selling and margin‐trading constraints in the underlying stock market. We show that Chinese warrant prices can be explained under this pricing framework. On the basis of this new model, we develop a price deviation measure to quantify stock market investors' unobserved demand for short selling or margin trading due to market constraints. We find that warrant‐price deviations are driven by underlying stock valuation to a great extent. Chinese warrant prices, save for the time around expiration dates, are better characterized as derivatives than as pure bubbles.
Financial performance of hospitals: A critical obligation of corporate governance dimensions
Authors: Afriyie Stephen O. , Kong Yusheng , Lartey Peter Y. , Kaodui Li , Bediako Isaac A. , Wu Wenhao , Kyeremateng Peter H.
Published: September 2020

Background

This paper aims to investigate the effects of corporate governance mechanisms on the financial performance of hospitals. The statement, “good corporate governance” has been incorporated in the health care sector over the last decade, as an element to improve financial performance.

Methods

The researchers relied on both primary and secondary data in the study. For the primary data, the authors used structured and nonstructured questionnaires to obtain data from 125 hospitals. The secondary data used emanated from board meetings, financial statements and relevant reports of the selected hospitals from 2010 to 2017. However, the data was then sorted out to get the required information on Chief Executive Officer (CEO) presence, board relationship, governance dynamics, gender diversity and financial performance.

Results

On the basis of empirical evidence provided in this study, the results show that the Independent Directors (INDPDR) variable has a positive effect on Return on Assets and Net Profit Margin and also a high statistically significant value of 0.000 for both performance measures. This is an indication that the variable, INDPDR, is highly capable of improving hospital financial performance. From our studies, Board Size and CEO Duality exhibited a negative relationship with the financial performance measures.

Conclusions

Every hospital needs money to maintain a standard health facility and to sustain in operation. However, the inclusion of board of directors improves hospital financial management and enhances performance. Corporate governance mechanisms influence the behavior of health systems in ways that are associated with financial performance.
Innovative Research Approaches to Cope with Water Security in Africa
Authors: de Miguel Angel , Froebrich Jochen , Jaouani Atef , Souissi Yasmine , Elmahdi Amgad , Mateo-Sagasta Javier , Al-Hamdi Mohamed , Frascari Dario
Published: September 2020

To achieve a water-secure world, water management should be approached from a multidimensional and integrative perspective, addressing the water-related issues of health, household supply, economics, the environment, and resilience to water-related and climate change hazards. Although water security has significantly improved since 2000 in Africa, there are still vast inequalities in access to water suitable in terms of quantity and quality, especially in rural areas. To achieve water-related sustainable development of African economies, a broad scope of innovative technological and management solutions is required, involving governments, research institutions, private sector parties, and civil society. This special series, composed of 8 papers, illustrates a selection of the most relevant results achieved by the 7 research projects selected and financed by the European Union under 2 dedicated Horizon 2020 calls in 2015: Water-5b-2015 “A coordination platform” and Water-5c-2015 “Development of water supply and sanitation technology, systems and tools, and/or methodologies.” The innovations presented in this special series include both technological advancements and w'ater management approaches, given that the development of water-related technologies in developing countries needs to be integrated into water management strategies and economic instruments. This special series aims to help policy makers take informed decisions on how to implement innovative approaches to increase water security in African countries. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:853–855. © 2020 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)
A meta‐analysis of SMEs literature based on the survey on access to finance of enterprises of the European central bank
Authors: Martinez Lisana B. , Guercio M. Belén , Bariviera Aurelio F.
Published: September 2020

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are substantial contributors to employment and to the GDP growth in many countries. Therefore, understanding their difficulties to find appropriate financial resources are a key task for policy makers. Despite being a long‐debated topic, there are still several gaps in the literature, probably due to the lack of empirical data. A relatively new database, the Survey of Access to Finance of Enterprises (SAFE) emerged after the subprime crisis. It is regularly conducted by the European Central Bank and can provide new information on SMEs financing. This paper conducts a meta‐analysis of the literature based upon this survey, identifying key working hypothesis, methodologies and results.
Recent advances in catalytic automotive emission control: Passive NO storage at low temperatures
Authors: Wang Yujie , Yong Xin , Rong Mingyue , Zheng Jiandong , Zhao Huawang
Published: September 2020

In the practical applications, a high portion of the NOx is emitted without purification in the cold start period of engine because the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) or NOx storage and reduction (NSR) catalysts are not warmed up. Passive NOx absorbers (PNA) were proposed earlier to store the NOx at low temperatures and release the stored NOx during warm‐up period when the SCR and NSR catalysts downstream are functional, while this concept just attracted great interests recently to meet the extra stringent requirement of governmental emissions regulations. A plant of PNA catalysts, showing different NO adsorption/release characteristics, was disclosed. This review summarizes the recent progress in the development of PNA catalysts. The characteristics of NO adsorption/release on precious metal (i.e., Pt, Pd) loading Al2O3 support catalysts, CeO2 support catalysts, and zeolite support catalysts are summarized and compared.
Acute rimonabant treatment promotes protein synthesis in C2C12 myotubes through a CB1‐independent mechanism
Authors: Le Bacquer Olivier , Lanchais Kassandra , Combe Kristell , Van Den Berghe Loïc , Walrand Stéphane
Published: September 2020

Sarcopenia is an age‐related loss of muscle mass associated with changes in skeletal muscle protein homeostasis due to lipid accumulation and anabolic resistance; changes that are also commonly described in obesity. Activation of the endocannabinoid system is associated with the development of obesity and insulin resistance, and with the perturbed skeletal muscle development. Taken together this suggests that endocannabinoids could be regulators of skeletal muscle protein homeostasis. Here we report that rimonabant, an antagonist for the CB1 receptor, can prevent dexamethasone‐induced C2C12 myotube atrophy without affecting the mRNA expression of atrogin‐1/MAFbx (a marker of proteolysis), which suggests it is involved in the control of protein synthesis. Rimonabant alone stimulates protein synthesis in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner through mTOR‐ and intracellular calcium‐dependent mechanisms. CB1 agonists are unable to modulate protein synthesis or prevent the effect of rimonabant. Using C2C12 cells stably expressing an shRNA directed against CB1, or HEK293 cells overexpressing HA‐tagged CB1, we demonstrated that the effect of rimonabant is unaffected by CB1 expression level. In summary, rimonabant can stimulate protein synthesis in C2C12 myotubes through a CB1‐independent mechanism. These results highlight the need to identify non‐CB1 receptor(s) mediating the pro‐anabolic effect of rimonabant as potential targets for the treatment of sarcopenia, and to design new side‐effect‐free molecules that consolidate the effect of rimonabant on skeletal muscle protein synthesis.
Myricetin protects against H2O2‐induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Kan Xingchi , Liu Juxiong , Chen Yingsheng , Guo Wenjin , Xu Dianwen , Cheng Ji , Cao Yu , Yang Zhanqing , Fu Shoupeng
Published: September 2020

High‐producing dairy cows are prone to oxidative stress due to their high secretion and strong metabolism, and excessive oxidative stress may cause the apoptosis of bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs). Myricetin (Myr) has been shown to have a wide range of pharmaceutical activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Myr on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in bMECs and to clarify the underlying mechanism. bMECs were pretreated with or without Myr and then stimulated with H2O2. The results showed that Myr significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase levels and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in a model of oxidative stress induced by H2O2 in bMECs. Mechanistic studies found that Myr inhibited H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in bMECs through the adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase/nuclear factor erythroid‐2 related factor 2 (AMPK/NRF2) signaling pathway. Additional research found that Myr could also inhibit H2O2‐induced apoptosis in bMECs through NRF2. These data suggest that Myr effectively alleviated oxidative stress and apoptosis in H2O2‐induced bMECs through the activation of the AMPK/NRF2 signaling pathway.
Effects of biophysical cues of 3D hydrogels on mesenchymal stem cells differentiation
Authors: Guo Yutong , Du Shufang , Quan Shuqi , Jiang Fulin , Yang Cai , Li Juan
Published: September 2020

For stem cell research, three‐dimensional (3D) hydrogels are increasingly recognized as more physiological systems than two‐dimensional culture plates due to bidirectional and 3D interaction of stem cells and surrounding matrix. Among various stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the most widely applied from bench to bedside. In 3D hydrogels, MSCs are allowed to actively remodel the surrounding matrix through proteolytic degradation and cell‐exerted force, which highly resembles in vivo situation. Notably, factors affecting hydrogel modifiability including matrix viscoelasticity and matrix degradability have been found to regulate adhesion, morphology, and fate decision of MSCs. In addition, MSCs within 3D hydrogels have been found to employ multiple mechanotransduction mechanisms including not only the classic integrin–actomyosin cytoskeleton system but also ion channels, microtubule cytoskeleton, and self‐secreted proteinaceous matrix. This review summarizes the effects of biophysical cues on MSCs differentiation in 3D hydrogels and underlying mechanobiology in a hope to update our readers' understanding of stem cell biology and guide tissue engineering.
Cultivation of anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) using different sewage sludge inoculums: process performance and microbial community analysis
Authors: Mirza Mohd W , D'Silva Tinku C , Gani Khalid M , Afsar Syed S , Gaur Rubia Z , Mutiyar Pravin K , Khan Abid A , Diamantis Vasileios , Lew Beni
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

This study explores the feasibility of three different inoculum sources (anaerobic, aerobic, and anoxic sludge from conventional sewage treatment plants) together with the potential of biomass carrier for Anaerobic ammonium oxidation bacteria (anammox) cultivation. Fed‐batch reactors were operated with synthetic medium at different temperatures.

RESULTS

The reactor inoculated with anaerobic sludge and biomass carrier showed close to stoichiometric nitrite to ammonia utilization (1.2:1) and the highest ammonia removal (12.2 mg NH4+·g VS−1·day−1), followed by the reactor inoculated with activated sludge without carrier (4.3 mg NH4+·g VS−1·day−1), which also showed close to stoichiometric nitrite to ammonia utilization. Anammox development was recorded by higher nitrogen removal, gradually increasing gas production rate, and the presence of Brocadiaceae anammox family bacteria. All batch reactors revealed significant phosphorus removal (>80%), which was attributed to the co‐existence of anammox bacteria (Brocadiaceae) with denitrifying polyphosphate accumulating organisms (flavobacterium sp.).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study revealed that anaerobic sludge and activated sludge from sewage treatment plants with biomass carriers for microbial immobilization were suitable for anammox bacteria enrichment. The co‐existence of anammox bacteria with denitrifying polyphosphate accumulating microorganisms reveals new possibilities for simultaneous nitrogen and phosphate removal. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Atrial fibrillation is associated with central sleep apnea in clinic patients undergoing diagnostic polysomnography
Authors: Harmon Evan Kenneth , Stafford Patrick , Ibrahim Sami , Cho Yeilim , Mazimba Sula , Bilchick Kenneth , Lin Gen‐Min , Park Seung‐Jung , Aliasghar Gharib Sina , Kapur Vishesh K. , Kwon Younghoon
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Sleep apnea is highly prevalent in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type, and best studied in the context of AF. However, recent investigations have indicated that central sleep apnea (CSA) may be a risk factor for incident AF. We evaluated the burden of CSA events in patients referred for diagnostic polysomnography (PSG) and whether AF is associated with CSA.

Methods

We identified patients with and without a history of AF who underwent clinically indicated PSG in a matched manner. OSA was defined as obstructive apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) ≥15/h, and CSA was defined as central apnea index (CAI) ≥5/h. The association between AF and CSA was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Among 465 patients included, mean AHI was 25.5/h, and mean CAI was 1.7/h. OSA prevalence was 53.3%, while CSA prevalence was 8.4%. The prevalence of OSA in the AF and non‐AF groups (54.7% vs 52.0%, P = .56) was similar. CSA was more common in the AF group (12.3% vs 4.4%, P = .002). In multivariable analysis, AF (OR: 2.19 [1.02, 5.03], P = .05), male gender (OR: 2.5 [1.17, 5.84], P = .02), and older age (OR: 2.44, [1.16, 5.46], P = .02) were associated with CSA.

Conclusion

Though CSA is much less common than OSA in patients with AF, the presence of AF is independently associated with CSA.