bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employment characteristics and cause‐specific mortality at automotive electronics manufacturing plants in Huntsville, Alabama
Authors: DeBono Nathan , Richardson David , Keil Alex , Kelly‐Reif Kaitlin , Robinson Whitney , Troester Melissa , Marshall Stephen
Published: February 2019

Background

This study was carried out in response to worker concerns over their exposure to lead solder and chlorinated solvents at automotive electronics manufacturing plants in Huntsville, Alabama.

Methods

A study of 4396 United Autoworkers members ever‐employed at the plants between 1972 and 1993 was conducted with mortality follow‐up through 2016. Poisson regression was used to estimate mortality rate ratios (RR) according to employment characteristics, including calendar period of employment.

Results

Pre‐1977 hires exhibited elevated adjusted rates of all‐cause (RR, 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09‐1.52), cardiovascular (RR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.86), and digestive system (RR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.04‐5.10) disease mortality relative to the most recent hire group (1984‐1993). Never‐ versus ever‐employment in a skilled trade job was associated with elevated adjusted rates of all‐cause, all‐cancer, and cardiovascular disease mortality. Nervous system disorder mortality was greatest among 1977‐1983 hires.

Conclusions

Elevated mortality among pre‐1977 hires is consistent with worker concerns over greater exposure to hazards at the original plant building.
Divergent Reactions between Alkynes and Dibenzenesulfonimide: Selective Synthesis of Ynamides and Enamides under Metal‐Free Conditions
Authors: Xiang Dehu , Li Huan , Zhang Ling , Zhang Yunhua , Zhang Qian , Li Dong
Published: February 2019

Divergent reactions between alkynes and dibenzenesulfonimide that can generate ynamides and enamides selectively are reported. Oxidative C(sp)−H bond amidation of various arylacetylenes occurred in the presence of a hypervalent iodine reagent to form the corresponding ynamides. Without any catalyst or oxidant, direct hydroamidation occurred to produce regioselective Markovnikov's enamides. Both reactions proceeded under facile, neutral, and metal‐free conditions and possessed the merit of stable performance and easy operation.
A High‐Affinity Fluorescent Sensor for Catecholamine: Application to Monitoring Norepinephrine Exocytosis
Authors: Zhang Le , Liu Xin A. , Gillis Kevin D. , Glass Timothy E.
Published: February 2019

A fluorescent sensor for catecholamines, NS510, is presented. The sensor is based on a quinolone fluorophore incorporating a boronic acid recognition element that gives it high affinity for catecholamines and a turn‐on response to norepinephrine. The sensor results in punctate staining of norepinephrine‐enriched chromaffin cells visualized using confocal microscopy indicating that it stains the norepinephrine in secretory vesicles. Amperometry in conjunction with total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy demonstrates that the sensor can be used to observe destaining of individual chromaffin granules upon exocytosis. NS510 is the highest affinity fluorescent norepinephrine sensor currently available and can be used for measuring catecholamines in live‐cell assays.
Perowskitoxid‐Elektroden zur leistungsstarken photoelektrochemischen Wasserspaltung
Authors: Wang Wei , Xu Meigui , Xu Xiaomin , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: February 2019

Photoelektrochemische (PEC‐)Wasserspaltung bietet eine vielversprechende Möglichkeit zur Massenproduktion von erneuerbarem Wasserstoff aus Wasser. Zum Erzielen einer PEC‐Wasserspaltung mit hoher Effizienz für die Umwandlung von Solarenergie in Wasserstoff ist die Entwicklung kostengünstiger, aktiver und beständiger Halbleiter‐Photoelektroden von großer Bedeutung. Perowskitoxide als eine große Familie von Halbleiter‐Metalloxiden sind als Elektroden für die PEC‐Wasserspaltung intensiv untersucht worden; die Gründe hierfür sind ihre Häufigkeit, ihre hohe (photo)elektrochemische Stabilität, ihre Flexibilität bezüglich Zusammensetzung und Struktur, die eine Optimierung der elektrokatalytischen Aktivität ermöglicht, das überlegene Sonnenlichtabsorptionsvermögen sowie die präzise Steuer‐ und Abstimmbarkeit von Bandlücken und ‐kanten. In diesem Aufsatz werden die Fortschritte bei der Gestaltung, Entwicklung und Anwendung von Perowskitoxiden für die PEC‐Wasserspaltung zusammengefasst, mit besonderem Schwerpunkt auf dem Verständnis der Beziehung zwischen Zusammensetzung/Struktur und (photo)elektrochemischer Aktivität.
Olefine und polare Vinylmonomere: Überbrückung der Lücke für Materialien der nächsten Generation
Authors: Keyes Anthony , Basbug Alhan Hatice E. , Ordonez Estela , Ha Uyen , Beezer Dain B. , Dau Huong , Liu Yu‐Sheng , Tsogtgerel Enkhjargal , Jones Glen R. , Harth Eva
Published: February 2019

Die inhärenten Reaktivitätsunterschiede zwischen aktivierten und nicht aktivierten Alkenen verhindern ihre Copolymerisation über die etablierten Synthesetechniken der Polymerchemie. In den vergangenen 20 Jahren hat die Forschung zur Copolymerisation von polaren Vinylmonomeren und Olefinen erhebliche Fortschritte gemacht. Dieser Aufsatz zeigt die Schwierigkeiten im Zusammenhang mit konventionellen Polymerisationsverfahren auf und beurteilt die wichtigsten Methoden, die zum “Überbrücken der Lücke” zwischen polaren Vinylmonomeren und Olefinen entwickelt wurden. Wir besprechen die Fortschritte bei mit Heteroatomen verträglichen Koordinations‐/Insertionspolymerisationen, Kontrollmethoden für radikalische Polymerisationen zum Einbau olefinischer Polymere sowie kombinierte Verfahren, die sequenzielle Polymerisationen nutzen. Schließlich diskutieren wir aktuelle, auf Stimuli reagierende Systeme, die einfaches Umschalten zwischen katalytischen Mechanismen ermöglichen, und geben einen Ausblick auf Anwendungen für maßgeschneiderte Copolymere.
Franck–Condon Blockade and Aggregation‐Modulated Conductance in Molecular Devices Using Aggregation‐Induced Emission‐Active Molecules
Authors: Tian Guangjun , Sun Dexian , Zhang Yaogang , Yu Xi
Published: February 2019

We report an effective modulation of the quantum transport in molecular junctions consisting of aggregation‐induced‐emission(AIE)‐active molecules. Theoretical simulations based on combined density functional theory and rate‐equation method calculations show that the low‐bias conductance of the junction with a single tetraphenylethylene (TPE) molecule can be completely suppressed by strong electron–vibration couplings, that is, the Franck‐Condon blockade effect. It is mainly associated with the low‐energy vibration modes, which is also the origin of the fluorescence quenching of the AIE molecule in solution. We further found that the conductance of the junction can be lifted by restraining the internal motion of the TPE molecule by either methyl substitution on the phenyl group or by aggregation, a mechanism similar to the AIE process. The present work demonstrates the correlation between optical processes of molecules and quantum transport in their junction, and thus opens up a new avenue for the application of AIE‐type molecules in molecular electronics and functional devices.
A Reversible Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier System Based on Methanol‐Ethylenediamine and Ethylene Urea
Authors: Xie Yinjun , Hu Peng , Ben‐David Yehoshoa , Milstein David
Published: February 2019

A novel liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) system, with a high theoretical hydrogen capacity, based on the unpresented hydrogenation of ethylene urea to ethylenediamine and methanol, and its reverse dehydrogenative coupling, was established. For the dehydrogenation only a small amount of solvent is required. This system is rechargeable, as the H2‐rich compounds could be regenerated by hydrogenation of the resulting dehydrogenation mixture. Both directions for hydrogen loading and unloading were achieved using the same catalyst, under relatively mild conditions. Mechanistic studies reveal the likely pathway for H2‐lean compounds formation.
Olefins and Vinyl Polar Monomers: Bridging the Gap for Next Generation Materials
Authors: Keyes Anthony , Basbug Alhan Hatice E. , Ordonez Estela , Ha Uyen , Beezer Dain B. , Dau Huong , Liu Yu‐Sheng , Tsogtgerel Enkhjargal , Jones Glen R. , Harth Eva
Published: February 2019

The inherent differences in reactivity between activated and non‐activated alkenes prevents copolymerization using established polymer synthesis techniques. Research over the past 20 years has greatly advanced the copolymerization of polar vinyl monomers and olefins. This Review highlights the challenges associated with conventional polymerization systems and evaluates the most relevant methods which have been developed to “bridge the gap” between polar vinyl monomers and olefins. We discuss advancements in heteroatom tolerant coordination–insertion polymerizations, methods of controlling radical polymerizations to incorporate olefinic monomers, as well as combined approaches employing sequential polymerizations. Finally, we discuss state‐of‐the‐art stimuli‐responsive systems capable of facile switching between catalytic pathways and provide an outlook towards applications in which tailored copolymers are ideally suited.
Highly Selective, High‐Capacity Separation of o‐Xylene from C8 Aromatics by a Switching Adsorbent Layered Material
Authors: Wang Shi‐Qiang , Mukherjee Soumya , Patyk‐Kaźmierczak Ewa , Darwish Shaza , Bajpai Alankriti , Yang Qing‐Yuan , Zaworotko Michael J.
Published: February 2019

Purification of the C8 aromatics (xylenes and ethylbenzene) is particularly challenging because of their similar physical properties. It is also relevant because of their industrial utility. Physisorptive separation of C8 aromatics has long been suggested as an energy efficient solution but no physisorbent has yet combined high selectivity (>5) with high adsorption capacity (>50 wt %). Now a counterintuitive approach to the adsorptive separation of o‐xylene from other C8 aromatics involves the study of a known nonporous layered material, [Co(bipy)2(NCS)2]n (sql‐1‐Co‐NCS), which can reversibly switch to C8 aromatics loaded phases with different switching pressures and kinetics, manifesting benchmark o‐xylene selectivity (SOX/EB≈60) and high saturation capacity (>80 wt %). Structural insight into the observed selectivity and capacity is gained by analysis of the crystal structures of C8 aromatics loaded phases.
Study of catalytic activity of a polymer‐supported Ce catalyst for the synthesis of biofuels and β‐amino alcohol derivatives under ambient condition
Authors: Dey Tusar Kanto , Ghosh Kajari , Basu Priyanka , Islam Sk. Manirul
Published: February 2019

A novel mesoporous cerium‐incorporated anthranilic acid binded chloromethylated polystyrene (PS‐AN‐Ce) has been developed by functionalization of chloromethylated polystyrene with anthranilic acid in DMF medium, followed by grafting of cerium on its surface using CeCl3·7H2O. The synthesized PS‐AN‐Ce has been characterized by FESEM, EDAX, AAS, FTIR, UV–Vis, TGA, and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm. The synthesized material is stable up to 376 °C and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area is 40.12 m2 g−1. PS‐AN‐Ce showed excellent catalytic effectiveness with high conversion rate and high TOF in the synthesis of β‐amino alcohol derivatives and esterification of fatty acids in a short reaction time. In addition, the synthesized catalyst is easy to remove from the reaction mixture by centrifugation as it is a heterogeneous catalyst in origin and can be reused up to six times without any major loss of its catalytic activity. Also leaching limit of the synthesized catalyst is studied in different reaction cycle which implies that leaching of cerium from its polymeric support is negligible to consider. The extremely dispersed and sturdily bound Ce sites in the Ce‐incorporated mesoporous polymer could be responsible for the observed high catalytic activities. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47650.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for Rhododendron shanii (Ericaceae)
Authors: Pan Tao , Pei Ya‐Li , Zhao Kai , Liu Xin‐Yue , Wang Chen‐Cheng , Zhang Bao‐Wei
Published: February 2019

Premise of the Study

We developed microsatellite primers for Rhododendron shanii (Ericaceae), a narrowly distributed species found in the Dabie Mountains, China, to study the genetic diversity, population structure, and evolutionary history of the species.

Methods and Results

Two terminal sequencing modes of the Illumina HiSeq platform were used to mine simple sequence repeat markers from large‐scale transcriptional groups. In this study, 24 microsatellite loci were screened. The number of alleles ranged from one to 20, and the levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 and 0.000 to 0.918, respectively. Most of these primers were successfully amplified in eight congeneric species (R. annae, R. chihsinianum, R. decorum, R. denudatum, R. fortunei, R. neriiflorum, R. rex, and R. simiarum).

Conclusions

These newly developed microsatellite loci will be useful for studying the genetic diversity and population structure of R. shanii and congeneric species.
On sightings of (vagrant?) monk seals, Monachus monachus, in the Mediterranean Basin and their importance for the conservation of the species
Authors: Bundone Luigi , Panou Aliki , Molinaroli Emanuela
Published: February 2019

In ancient times, the distribution range of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) extended all over the coasts of the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and parts of the north‐eastern Atlantic coast.

Nowadays, the species is classified as Endangered and the current total world population is stated to consist of ~700 animals, though numbers mostly express best estimates. Distribution patterns in documents of international authorities from the last 15 years indicate the species' extinction in a number of Mediterranean countries, whereas in some of them only a few individuals are thought to survive and in others the status is unknown.

This study analyses recent monk seal sightings over the period from 2000 to 2014 in the Mediterranean Basin. The locations of the sightings cover most of the study area and indicate a spreading of individual seals or a more stable presence in regions where the species was considered extinct.

The investigation pointed out that efforts for the protection of monk seals, the most endangered marine mammal in Europe, should encompass all areas where monk seal sightings have been recorded, including the protection and conservation of potential suitable habitats in countries where the species apparently no longer exists.

Appropriate conservation measures, such as the establishment of marine protected areas and sustainable management of fisheries, will aid natural recolonization and enhance gene flow between distant regions throughout the Mediterranean Basin, allowing the reconnection of distant populations or individual animals.
Living in an amphidromous world: Perspectives on the management of fish passage from an island nation
Authors: Franklin Paul , Gee Eleanor
Published: February 2019

Amphidromy is a form of migratory life history typified by the reproduction of fish in freshwater environments, the early downstream dispersal of post‐hatch larvae to marine environments, and the return of small‐bodied young juveniles to freshwater environments for growth to adulthood. Island freshwater fish communities are frequently dominated by fish species with amphidromous life histories.

Amphidromous life cycles leave fish communities highly susceptible to habitat modification and disruptions to connectivity across marine and freshwater environments. This means that managing waterway connectivity is fundamental to their conservation; however, the unique and often geographically restricted amphidromous communities that characterize many small island nations have received little consideration in the development of strategies for the management of fish passage.

The ecology and locomotory capabilities of amphidromous species are often poorly studied, partly because their small size at migratory life stages renders current state‐of‐the‐art in situ biotelemetry methods unsuitable. The small size of fish also means that seemingly small obstructions can severely impede migrations.

The steps necessary to advance the management of fish passage for island fish communities are: curating and maintaining barrier inventories; evaluating barrier permeability; developing effective barrier mitigation options; and prioritizing restoration and conservation efforts.

New methods for understanding the ecology and locomotory capabilities and behaviour of amphidromous fishes are required to advance the management of fish passage for island fish communities. Fish passage solutions that imitate natural streams, such as those promoted in new guidelines in New Zealand, may be the most effective way of improving waterway connectivity; however, integrated approaches to freshwater fish conservation that account for meta‐population dynamics, in combination with the management of fish passage, are necessary to optimize conservation outcomes for amphidromous species.
On‐demand recent personal tweets summarization on mobile devices
Authors: Chin Jin Yao , Bhowmick Sourav S. , Jatowt Adam
Published: February 2019

Tweets summarization aims to find a group of representative tweets for a specific set of input tweets or a given topic. In recent times, there have been several research efforts toward devising a variety of techniques to summarize tweets in Twitter. However, these techniques are either not personal (that is, consider only tweets in the timeline of a specific user) or are too expensive to be realized on a mobile device. Given that 80% of active Twitter users access the site on mobile devices, in this article we present a lightweight, personal, on‐demand, topic modeling‐based tweets summarization engine called TOTEM, designed for such devices. Specifically, TOTEM first preprocesses recent tweets in a user's timeline and exploits Latent Dirichlet Allocation‐based topic modeling to assign each preprocessed tweet to a topic. Then it generates a ranked list of relevant tweets, a topic label, and a topic summary for each of the topics. Our experimental study with real‐world data sets demonstrates the superiority of TOTEM.
Robust H∞ static output‐feedback control for discrete‐time fuzzy systems with actuator saturation via fuzzy Lyapunov functions
Authors: Saifia Dounia , Chadli Mohammed , Labiod Salim , Guerra Thierry Marie
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we present a new scheme for designing a H∞ stabilizing controller for discrete‐time Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy systems with actuator saturation and external disturbances. The weighting‐dependent Lyapunov functions approach is used to design a robust static output‐feedback controller. To address the input saturation problem, both constrained and saturated control input cases are considered. In both cases, stabilization conditions of the fuzzy system are formulated as a convex optimization problem in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Two simulation examples are included to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design methods. A comparison with the results given in recent literature on the subject is also presented.
Delay‐dependent conditions for finite time stability of linear time‐varying systems with delay
Authors: Chen Menghua , Sun Jian
Published: February 2019

This paper investigates the problem of finite time stability of linear time‐varying system with delay. By constructing an augmented time‐varying Lyapunov functional and using the Wirtinger‐type inequality deductively, delay‐dependent finite time stability conditions are derived and presented in terms of differential linear matrix inequalities (DLMIs). Then, the DLMIs are transformed into a series of recursive linear matrix inequalities (RLMIs) by discretizing the time interval into equally spaced time distances, and an algorithm is given to solve the RLMIs. Examples illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Optimal robot‐environment interaction using inverse differential Riccati equation
Authors: Rahimi Nohooji Hamed , Howard Ian , Cui Lei
Published: February 2019

An optimal robot‐environment interaction is designed by transforming an environment model into an optimal control problem. In the optimal control, the inverse differential Riccati equation is introduced as a fixed‐end‐point closed‐loop optimal control over a specific time interval. Then, the environment model, including interaction force, is formulated in a state equation, and the optimal trajectory is determined by minimizing a cost function. Position control is proposed, and the stability of the closed‐loop system is investigated using the Lyapunov direct method. Finally, theoretical developments are verified through numerical simulation.
Physiological impact of extracellular vesicles on female reproductive system; highlights to possible restorative effects on female age‐related fertility
Authors: Mobarak Halimeh , Heidarpour Mohammad , Lolicato Francesca , Nouri Mohammad , Rahbarghazi Reza , Mahdipour Mahdi
Published: February 2019

An alternative mechanism of cell‐to‐cell communication via extracellular vesicles (EVs) has recently raised increasing attention. EVs are spherical structures comprising exosomes and microvesicles, capable of transferring regulatory molecules and genetic information from one cell to another. EVs act as modulators which can alter a wide spectrum of functions at the cellular level in the recipient cells, taking part in a variety of biological processes in both physiological and pathological conditions. Alteration in EVs content, notably exosomes, was reported during cellular senescence and in patients with age‐related diseases. Most studies reported regulating the impacts of exosomes on fertility and pregnancy outcomes via their capability in carrying developmental signaling molecules like proteins, RNA cargos, influencing gene expressions, affecting growth, and development of embryos during aging. Alterations in the exosomal content and functions can influence the reproductive performance in human and animals as conveyors of senescence signals from outside of the cells. This review aimed to summarize evidence on the role of EVs on modulating fertility, early embryonic development, maternal‐embryo crosstalk for the recognition, and maintenance of pregnancy during maternal aging. Advanced clinical studies are required to strengthen the findings that the benefit of exosomes can be extended to subjects undergoing reproductive aging. © 2019 BioFactors, 45(3):293–303, 2019
Target‐Activated DNA Polymerase Activity for Sensitive RNase H Activity Assay
Authors: Jung Yujin , Lee Chang Y. , Park Ki S. , Park Hyun G.
Published: February 2019

Herein, the ribonuclease H (RNase H) activity assay based on the target‐activated DNA polymerase activity is described. In this method, a detection probe composed of two functional sequences, a binding site for DNA polymerase and a catalytic substrate for RNase H, serves as a key component. The detection probe, at its initial state, suppresses the DNA polymerase activity, but it becomes destabilized by RNase H, which specifically hydrolyzes RNA in RNA/DNA hybrid duplexes. As a result, DNA polymerase recovers its activity and initiates multiple primer extension reactions in a separate TaqMan probe‐based signal transduction module, leading to a significantly enhanced fluorescence “turn‐on” signal. This assay can detect RNase H activity as low as 0.016 U mL−1 under optimized conditions. Furthermore, its potential use for evaluating RNase H inhibitors, which have been considered potential therapeutic agents against acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), is successfully explored. In summary, this approach is quite promising for the sensitive and accurate determination of enzyme activity and inhibitor screening.
Synthesis of E/Z N‐(1‐Chlorovinyl)formamide Using Vilsmeier–Haack Reaction
Authors: Tang Linlin , Wang Jingtao , Xia Xiaojiao , Zuo Hua , Choi Kyung‐Min , Shin Dong‐Soo
Published: February 2019

Synthesis of a variety of novel Z/E N‐(1‐chlorovinyl)formamides through Vilsmeier–Haack reaction starting from 2‐phenoxyethanamides with POCl3/DMF has been accomplished. The reactions introduced chlorine atom to the Cα‐position and phenoxy substitutions to the Cβ‐position of N‐vinylformamides, and the Z/E isomers of N‐(1‐chlorovinyl)formamide were isolated and characterized. In most cases, Z/E N‐(1‐chlorovinyl)formamides were both obtained; however, for the steric hindrance reason, the reaction starting from cyclohexylamine afforded sole Z isomer of N‐(1‐chloro‐2‐(2,4‐dichlorophenoxy)vinyl)‐N‐cyclohexylformamide as the highly regioselective product.
The Cytotoxic Activity of Honokiol‐Triazole Derivatives in Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Preya Umma Hafsa , Jeon Cheolmin , Lee Haneul , Kang Yujung , Wang Yi‐Yue , Choi Jung‐Hye , Park Jeong Ho
Published: February 2019

Honokiol‐triazole derivatives (4–17) were synthesized via click reactions between 2‐ or 4′‐propargylated honokiol and azide compounds. Their anticancer activities were evaluated by using two ovarian cancer cells (A2780 and OVCAR3). Among the 14 compounds, compound 5 coupled with 4′‐propargylated honokiol and benzyl azide exhibited relatively potent cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 5.5 ± 0.5 μM for A2780 and IC50 = 3.97 ± 0.6 μM for OVCAR3) but was less toxic to normal cells (IC50 = 18.90 ± 0.9 μM for IOSE80PC). The cytotoxic effect of compound 5 is associated with caspase‐dependent apoptotic cell death via induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species.
Metabolism‐based herb–drug interaction of Corydalis Bungeanae Herba with berberine in vitro and in vivo in rats
Authors: Mao Xu , Zhao Huimin , Wang Qian , Li Hui , Yang Lan , Hu Zixia , Zhang Fengjiao , Guo Xiucai , Peng Ying , Zheng Jiang
Published: February 2019

Corynoline (CRL) and berberine (BER) are the major bioactive components found in traditional Chinese medicines Corydalis Bungeanae Herba (Corydalis bungeanae) and Coptidis Rhizoma, respectively. The two herbs serve as anti‐inflammatory agents and are generally applied to many prescriptions. The aims of the study were to evaluate herb–drug interaction of C. bungeanae with BER and to investigate the mechanisms of the interaction action. Pre‐treatment of BER caused reduction of plasma CRL in rats with increased formation of its three oxidative metabolites (M1–M3). Compared with the vehicle‐treated group, the peak concentration and area under the concentration–time curve of CRL decreased by ~60% (given CRL) and ~50% (given extracts) in rats pre‐treated with BER, respectively, along with 130 and 100% increases in apparent clearance. More M1–M3 were formed in liver microsomes of rats pretreated with BER (7 days) than in those pretreated with vehicle. Additionally, elevated activities of rCYPs2D2 and 1A2 (CYPs2D6 and 1A2) were observed in the BER‐induced group. Up‐regulated expression of hepatic rCYP2D2 (CYP2D6) was found in animals after 7 days of treatment of BER. The study illustrated that C. Bungeanae and BER produced metabolic herb–drug interaction and provided important information that combination of C. bungeanae with BER‐containing herbal medicines may encounter the risk of decreased efficacy of CRL.
The relation of radiological tumor volume response to histological response and outcome in patients with localized Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Haveman Lianne M. , Ranft Andreas , vd Berg Henk , Smets Anne , Kruseova Jarmila , Ladenstein Ruth , Brichard Benedicte , Paulussen Michael , Kuehne Thomas , Juergens Heribert , Klco‐Brosius Stephanie , Dirksen Uta , Merks Johannes H.M.
Published: February 2019

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for local staging and response evaluation of Ewing sarcoma (EwS). Aim of this study was to determine the relevance of tumor volume response (TVR) in relation to histological response (HisRes) and survival, in order to evaluate if early modification of chemotherapy might be indicated in patients with inadequate TVR.

Methods

Three dimensional (3D)‐tumor volume data at diagnosis, during early induction phase (1‐3 courses of chemotherapy; n = 195) and/or late induction phase (4‐6 courses; n = 175) from 241 localized patients were retrospectively analyzed. A distinction was made between adequate response (reduction ≥67%) and inadequate response (reduction <67% or progression). Correlations between TVR, HisRes, event free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using chi‐square tests, log‐rank tests, and the Cox‐regression model.

Results

Early adequate TVR, noted in 41% of patients, did not correlate with EFS (P = 0.92) or OS (P = 0.38). During late induction phase 62% of patients showed an adequate TVR. EFS for patients with late adequate TVR was better (78%) than for those with inadequate late TVR (61%) (P = 0.01); OS was 80% and 69% (P = 0.26), respectively. No correlation was found between TVR and HisRes. Multivariate analysis showed that poor HisRes, pelvic location and late inadequate TVR were associated with poor outcome.

Conclusions

Early inadequate TVR does not predict adverse outcome; therefore, changing the treatment to second line chemotherapy is not indicated in case of inadequate early TVR. Late adequate TVR and good HisRes correlate with better EFS; patients with late inadequate TVR might benefit from augmented therapy.
Palliative radiotherapy in symptomatic locally advanced gastric cancer: A phase II trial
Authors: Tey Jeremy , Zheng Huili , Soon Yu Y. , Leong Cheng N. , Koh Wee Y. , Lim Keith , So Jimmy B. Y. , Shabbir Asim , Tham Ivan W. K. , Lu Jiade
Published: February 2019

To evaluate the response and quality of life of palliative gastric radiotherapy in patients with symptomatic locally advanced gastric cancer. Patients with bleeding, pain or obstruction and were treated with palliative gastric radiotherapy to a dose of 36 Gy in 12 daily fractions. The primary outcomes were symptom response rates. Secondary outcomes included overall survival, adverse events and proportion of patients with ≥10‐point absolute improvement in the fatigue, nausea/vomiting and pain subscales in the EORTC Qualify of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ‐C30) and dysphagia/pain subscales in the gastric specific module (STO22) at the end of RT and 1 month after the completion of radiotherapy. Fifty patients were accrued. Median survival duration was 85 days. 40/50 patients (80%) with bleeding, 2/2 (100%) patients with obstruction and 1/1 (100%) patient with pain responded to radiotherapy. Improvements fatigue, nausea/vomiting and pain subscales of the EORTC QLQ‐C30 was seen in 50%, 28% and 44% of patients at the end of RT and in 63%, 31% and 50% of patients 1 month after RT. Improvements in dysphagia/pain subscales of the STO22 was seen in 42% and 28% of patients at then end of RT and 44% and 19% of patients 1 month after RT. Two patients (5%) had grade 3 anorexia and gastritis. Palliative gastric radiotherapy was effective, well tolerated and resulted in improvement in fatigue, dysphagia and pain at the end of radiotherapy and 1 month after the completion of radiotherapy in a significant proportion of patients.
The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Retrospective analysis of the national cancer database
Authors: Ahmed Zaheer , Kujtan Lara , Kennedy Kevin , Wood Valerie , Schomas David , Subramanian Janakiraman
Published: February 2019

The standard of care treatment for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) includes both chemotherapy and definitive radiation. However, there are limited data on the optimal management of stage II NPC. We performed a retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database to analyze the treatment patterns and role of chemotherapy in patients with stage II NPC. We identified 611 patients diagnosed with T1‐2, N0‐1, M0 NPC, from 2004 to 2013. Five‐year survival was calculated using Kaplan Meier (KM) analysis. Multivariable analysis and propensity matched analysis were performed to analyze the impact of chemotherapy on overall survival. Of the 611 patients, 527 underwent concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) and 84 received radiation only. Unadjusted KM analysis showed improved 5‐year survival in the CCRT group compared to radiation only (80.5% vs 65.7%; P = 0.0021). Multivariable analysis also showed improved survival with the addition of chemotherapy (Hazard ratio [HR] 0.59; 95 CI 0.39‐0.89; P = 0.0124). Propensity matched analysis confirmed a significant clinical benefit from the addition of chemotherapy to radiation. Age ≥ 65 years (HR 2.41; 95% CI 1.71‐3.4; P = <0.0001), Charlson‐Deyo comorbidity index >1 (HR 2.82; 95% CI 1.49‐5.31; P = 0.0014) and positive lymph node status (HR 1.6; 95% CI 1.04‐2.46; P = 0.0340) were associated with worse survival. In this retrospective analysis, patients with stage II NPC had improved survival with CCRT compared to definitive radiation only. Elderly patients with comorbidities had worse outcomes.
SPHK1‐induced autophagy in peritoneal mesothelial cell enhances gastric cancer peritoneal dissemination
Authors: Yin Songcheng , Miao Zhifeng , Tan Yuen , Wang Pengliang , Xu Xiaoyu , Zhang Chao , Hou Wenbin , Huang Jinyu , Xu Huimian
Published: February 2019

Gastric cancer peritoneal dissemination (GCPD) has been recognized as the most common form of metastasis in advanced gastric cancer (GC), and the survival is pessimistic. The injury of mesothelial cells plays an important role in GCPD. However, its molecular mechanism is not entirely clear. Here, we focused on the sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) which regulates HPMCs autophagy in GCPD progression. Initially, we analyzed SPHK1 expression immunohistochemically in 120 GC peritoneal tissues, and found high SPHK1 expression to be significantly associated with LC3B expression and peritoneal recurrence, leading to poor prognosis. Using a coculture system, we observed that GC cells promoted HPMCs autophagy and this process was inhibited by blocking TGF‐β1 secreted from GC cells. Autophagic HPMCs induced adhesion and invasion of GC cells. We also confirmed that knockdown of SPHK1 expression in HPMCs inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced autophagy. In addition, SPHK1‐driven autophagy of HPMCs accelerated GC cells occurrence of GCPD in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we explored the relationship between autophagy and fibrosis in HPMCs, observing that overexpression of SPHK1 induced HPMCs fibrosis, while the inhibition of autophagy weakened HPMCs fibrosis. Taken together, our results provided new insights for understanding the mechanisms of GCPD and established SPHK1 as a novel target for GCPD.
Family‐Based Recovery: An Innovative Collaboration between Community Mental Health Agencies and Child Protective Services to Treat Families Impacted by Parental Substance Use
Authors: Hanson Karen E. , Duryea Elizabeth R. , Painter Mary , Vanderploeg Jeffrey J. , Saul Dale H.
Published: February 2019

To meet the needs of families who have very young children and are involved with child protective services due to substance use, the State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families, Yale Child Study Center and Johns Hopkins University created an innovative treatment model. This public–private collaboration required a paradigm shift for both child protective services staff and treatment providers. This brief description of the Family‐Based Recovery model highlights the family‐focused practice elements that allow children to remain safely at home with parents who are in treatment. Outcomes suggest that Family‐Based Recovery is a promising practice, and collaborations between child protective services and substance use treatment providers can yield positive results for families with young children.

‘Highlights the family‐focused practice elements that allow children to remain safely at home with parents who are in treatment’

Key Practitioner Messages

Strong collaboration between child protective services and treatment providers can mitigate the risk of out‐of‐home placement for children impacted by parental substance use.

In‐home treatment that provides concurrent psychotherapy, substance use treatment and parent–child dyadic therapy is an important part of the service array for families involved with child protective services.
Temporal trends of survival and utilization of mechanical circulatory support devices in patients with in‐hospital cardiac arrest secondary to ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation
Authors: Patel Nileshkumar J. , Atti Varunsiri , Kumar Varun , Panakos Andrew , Anantha Narayanan Mahesh , Bhardwaj Bhaskar , Arora Shilpkumar , Deshmukh Abhishek J , Patel Nish , Basir Mir B. , Cohen Mauricio G. , Kini Annapoorna S. , Sharma Samin K. , Dangas George , O'Neill William W. , Alfonso Carlos E.
Published: February 2019

Background

Pulseless ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) is the initial rhythm in a third of in‐hospital cardiac arrest patients. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) device use remains poorly understood in this population.

Methods

We conducted an observational analysis of temporal trends in the utilization of MCS in VT/VF IHCA between January 2008 and December 2014 utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Using multivariable analysis, we assessed factors associated with MCS use and survival to discharge.

Results

Among 151,628 hospitalizations with VT/VF IHCA, 14,981 (9.9%) received MCS. Intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) was the most commonly used MCS (9.1%). From 2008 to 2014, there was significant increase in the utilization of MCS (8.7–11%; ptrend < 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, there was 12‐fold increase and three‐fold increase in the utilization of PVAD and ECMO respectively; however, there was no significant change in the use of IABP. Over the seven‐year sample period, there was significant increase in the overall survival to hospital discharge (35.4–43.5%; ptrend < 0.0001). Survival to hospital discharge increased in both MCS and non‐MCS groups.

Conclusion

There was significant increase in utilization of MCS after VT/VF IHCA during the study period. IABP was the most commonly utilized MCS. The survival to hospital discharge increased in the overall study population including both MCS and non‐MCS groups. Future studies are needed to identify patient population most likely to benefit from the use of MCS after VT/VF IHCA.
Outcomes in patients with peripheral vascular disease following percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Ramzy John , Andrianopoulos Nick , Roberts Louise , Duffy Stephen J. , Clark David , Teh Andrew W. , Ajani Andrew E. , Reid Christopher M. , Brennan Angela , Freeman Melanie ,   On behalf of the Melbourne Interventional Group (MIG)
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a contemporary setting, and to determine whether use of drug‐eluting stents (DESs) improves outcomes.

Background

PVD was an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes following PCI in the bare‐metal stent (BMS) era. It is not known whether outcomes in these patients have improved with advances in interventional techniques and stent technology, as they have for the general population.

Methods

Eighteen thousand three hundred and eighty patients undergoing PCI from an Australian registry between 2005 and 2013 were studied. Clinical and procedural data, 30‐day and 12‐month outcomes were compared in those with and without a reported history of PVD. Outcomes were also compared between patients with PVD who received DES and those who received BMS. Long‐term mortality was compared using Australian National Death Index (NDI) linkage.

Results

Patients with PVD (n = 1,251, 6.8%) were older and had more prevalent diabetes, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, heart failure, renal impairment, ostial lesions, left main, and multi‐vessel disease (p < 0.001). Patients with PVD had significantly higher rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) compared with those without PVD, in‐hospital (5.7% vs. 4.1%, p < 0.008), at 30‐days (8.6% vs. 5.8%, p < 0.001) and at 12‐months (24.6% vs. 13.2%, p < 0.001). At 4.9 ± 2.6 years follow‐up, there was significantly greater mortality in the PVD group. PVD patients who received DES experienced significantly less MACE than PVD patients treated with BMS at 30‐days (4.8 vs. 10.1%, p < 0.001) and 12‐months (19.4 vs. 26.4%, p < 0.005).

Conclusions

PVD is an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in patients undergoing PCI. PVD patient who received DES had improved outcomes compared with those receiving BMS.
Photoisomerization of PtII Complexes Containing Two Different Photochromic Chromophores: Boron Chromophore versus Dithienylethene Chromophore
Authors: Li Xue , Shi Yonggang , Wang Nan , Peng Tai , Wang Suning
Published: February 2019

In order to examine competitive photoisomerization, a series of novel photochromic PtII molecules that contain both dithienylethene (DTE) and B(ppy)Mes2 units (ppy=2‐phenylpyridine, Mes=mesityl) were successfully synthesized and fully structurally characterized. Their photochromic properties were examined by UV/Vis, emission and NMR spectroscopy. It was found that the DTE unit in all three compounds is the preferred photoisomerization site, exhibiting reversible photochromism with irradiation. The B(ppy)Mes2 unit does not undergo photoisomerization in these molecules, but likely enhances the photoisomerization quantum efficiency of the DTE moiety through the antenna effect. Extended irradiation with UV light leads to the rearrangement of the ring‐closed isomers of DTE. TD‐DFT computational studies indicate that the DTE photocyclization proceeds via a triplet pathway through an efficient energy transfer process.
Metal‐Free Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Mediated by Cyclic(Alkyl)(Amino) Carbenes
Authors: Lieske Lauren E. , Freeman Lucas A. , Wang Guocang , Dickie Diane A. , Gilliard Robert J. , Machan Charles W.
Published: February 2019

Carbenes are known to activate carbon dioxide to form zwitterionic adducts. Their inherent metal‐free redox activity remains understudied. Herein, we demonstrate that zwitterionic adducts of carbon dioxide formed with cyclic(alkyl)(amino) carbenes are not only redox active, but they can mediate the stoichiometric reductive disproportionation of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide and carbonate. Infrared spectroelectrochemical experiments show that the reaction proceeds through an intermediate radical anion formed by one‐electron reduction, ultimately generating a ketene product and carbonate in the absence of additional organic or inorganic reagents.
Anti‐Mi‐2 antibody titers and cutaneous manifestations in dermatomyositis
Authors: Ogawa‐Momohara Mariko , Muro Yoshinao , Akiyama Masashi
Published: February 2019

The anti‐Mi‐2 antibody is a dermatomyositis (DM)‐specific autoantibody. It is thought to be associated with photosensitivity in patients with DM because higher expression levels of Mi‐2 antigens have been found in UV‐irradiated cultured cells and because epidemiological studies have supported this association. This study aims to identify the relations between anti‐Mi‐2 antibody titers measured by ELISA and clinical characteristics in patients with DM. We focused on analyzing associations between anti‐Mi‐2 antibody titers and cutaneous manifestations. This retrospective analysis covered 160 adult DM patients. Anti‐Mi‐2 antibodies were detected by an in‐house ELISA, and anti‐Mi‐2 titers were measured by a manufactured ELISA. Twelve of the 160 (7.5%) patients were anti‐Mi‐2 positive. The anti‐Mi‐2‐positive patients showed extremely elevated muscle enzyme levels (P < 0.0001), less frequent interstitial lung disease complication (P = 0.031), and favorable survival rate (100%) (P = 0.07). No correlations were found between anti‐Mi‐2 antibody titers and clinical characteristics or skin manifestations, including photosensitive rashes. Further investigation is necessary to elucidate the pathological significance of the anti‐Mi‐2 antibody in DM.
Efficient spectrum sensing framework for cognitive networks
Authors: Jacob T. Prem , Pravin A. , Nagarajan G.
Published: February 2019

Cognitive network is a modern networking technology that utilizes both the radio spectrum and the wireless station. The resources can be effectively utilized based on availability of knowledge gathered from the past experiences. By using cognitive radio technology, the new network is constructed to every node. Wireless devices' necessity is being increased nowadays, which leads to the demand for spectrum. The problems are high fluctuations of the different spectrum bands and the disconnections of the network. The cognitive radio network is proposed to be an optimal solution for both the spectrum scarcity and the spectrum inefficiency problems. Using the cognitive radio network, the wireless channel is shared with the primary users. The cognitive radio network provides high bandwidth for the mobile users by using specialized heterogeneous wireless architecture. These challenges are overcome by CR networks that define the concept of spectrum sensing. While using the spectrum, the performance of the network should not degrade. Hence, the framework planned will able to do this situation.
Detection and Quantification of Multiple RNA Sequences Using Emerging Ultrasensitive Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization Techniques
Authors: Erben Larissa , Buonanno Andres
Published: February 2019

Fluorescent detection of transcripts using RNAscope has quickly become a standard in situ hybridization (ISH) approach in neuroscience with over 400 publications since its introduction in 2012. RNAscope's sensitivity and specificity allow the simultaneously detection of up to three low abundance mRNAs in single cells (i.e., multiplexing) and, in contrast to other ISH techniques, RNAscope is performed in 1 day. BaseScope, a newer ultrasensitive platform, uses improved amplification chemistry of single oligonucleotide probe pairs (∼50 bases). This technique allows discrimination of single nucleotide polymorphisms or splice variants that differ by short exons. A present limitation of BaseScope is that expression analysis is limited to a single gene (i.e., single‐plexing). This article outlines detailed protocols for both RNAscope and BaseScope in neuronal tissue. We discuss how to perform ISH experiments using either fresh‐frozen or formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded sections, as well as dissociated cultured neurons. We also outline how to obtain quantitative data from hybridized tissue sections. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Efficient Bioconversion of Sucrose to High‐Value‐Added Glucaric Acid by In Vitro Metabolic Engineering
Authors: Su Hui‐Hui , Guo Ze‐Wang , Wu Xiao‐Ling , Xu Pei , Li Ning , Zong Min‐Hua , Lou Wen‐Yong
Published: February 2019

Glucaric acid (GA) is a major value‐added chemicals feedstock and additive, especially in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. The increasing demand for GA is driving the search for a more efficient and less costly production pathway. In this study, a new in vitro multi‐enzyme cascade system was developed, which converts sucrose efficiently to GA in a single vessel. The in vitro system, which does not require adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) supplementation, contains seven enzymes. All enzymes were chosen from the BRENDA and NCBI databases and were expressed efficiently in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). All seven enzymes were combined in an in vitro cascade system, and the reaction conditions were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the in vitro seven‐enzyme cascade system converted 50 mm sucrose to 34.8 mm GA with high efficiency (75 % of the theoretical yield). This system represents an alternative pathway for more efficient and less costly production of GA, which could be adapted for the synthesis of other value‐added chemicals.