bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insight into the Biological Activity of Organometallic Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin) Derivatives
Authors: Kowalski Konrad
Published: March 2019

Despite of its long history as a drug, aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) still fascinates investigators across the fields of chemistry, biology and medicine. In this regard, the development of aspirin derivatives with new, beneficial, biological properties still remains a challenge for chemists. This short review focuses on the chemistry and the biological activity of organometallic (those with metal‐carbon bond) aspirin derivatives. Organometallic derivatization of aspirin has a profound influence on its mode of action and biological activity profile. In most organometallic ASA derivatives, the original ability for COX‐1/2 acetylation persists, yet the acetylation sites are modified in comparison to that triggered by ASA itself. This alternation results from a combination of the electronic effect and the steric hindrance provided by the organometallic entity. Secondly, the metal center itself has a strong influence on biological activity through e. g., the ability for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the cells. All of these examples, which are uncommon for ASA molecular action mechanisms, contribute to new pharmacological properties of organometallic ASA derivatives. These properties comprise anticancer, antiparasitic, and antibacterial activity.
Tetraphenylethene 9,10‐Diphenylanthracene Derivatives – Synthesis and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Gao Can , Seow Jia Yi , Zhang Bolong , Hall Christopher R. , Tilley Andrew J. , White Jonathan M. , Smith Trevor A. , Wong Wallace W. H.
Published: March 2019

A series of tetraphenylethene 9,10‐diphenylanthracene (TPE‐DPA) derivatives have been synthesized, and their photophysical properties studied. Photoluminescence measurements in PMMA, neat films and nanoparticle dispersions reveal that different aggregation states are formed, which leads to different photophysical behavior. The triplet excited state properties were studied using Pt(II) octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP) as triplet sensitizer. Upconverted emission from the DPA moiety is observed in nanoparticle dispersions of each derivative. A higher upconverted emission intensity is observed in aerated (compared to deaerated) solutions of the derivatives following irradiation, which is attributed to oxidation of the TPE moiety. These results provide valuable insight for the design of AIE luminogens for triplet‐triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA‐UC).
Liquid‐Phase Oligonucleotide Synthesis: Past, Present, and Future Predictions
Authors: Molina Alejandro Gimenez , Sanghvi Yogesh S.
Published: March 2019

Therapeutic oligonucleotides have emerged as a powerful paradigm with the ability to treat a wide range of the human diseases. As a result, we have witnessed more than one hundred oligonucleotides currently in active clinical trials and eight Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved drugs. Until now, the demand for oligonucleotide‐based drugs has been fulfilled by conventional solid‐phase synthesis in an effective manner. However, there are products in advanced stages of clinical trials projecting a collective demand of metric ton quantities in the near future. Therefore, large‐scale manufacturing of these products has become a high priority for process chemists. This article summarizes the advances in liquid‐phase oligonucleotide synthesis (LPOS) as a possible alternative strategy to meet the scale‐up challenge. A review of the literature describing major efforts in developing LPOS technologies is presented. Gratifyingly, serious attempts are under way to develop an efficient environmentally benign green chemistry protocol that is scalable and cost effective for the manufacturing of oligonucleotides. A summary of the most innovative LPOS protocols has been included to provide a glimpse of what may be possible in the future for large‐scale production of oligonucleotides. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effect of Hepatic Organic Anion‐Transporting Polypeptide 1B Inhibition and Chronic Kidney Disease on the Pharmacokinetics of a Liver‐Targeted Glucokinase Activator: A Model‐Based Evaluation
Authors: Bergman Arthur , Bi Yi‐an , Mathialagan Sumathy , Litchfield John , Kazierad David J. , Pfefferkorn Jeffrey A. , Varma Manthena V.S.
Published: March 2019

PF‐04991532 ((S)‐6‐(3‐Cyclopentyl‐2‐(4‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl) propanamido) nicotinic acid) is a glucokinase activator designed to achieve hepato‐selectivity via organic anion‐transporting polypeptides (OATP)s, so as to minimize systemic hypoglycemic effects. This study investigated the effect of OATP1B1/1B3 inhibition and renal impairment on PF‐04991532 oral pharmacokinetics. Cyclosporine (600 mg single dose) increased mean area under the plasma curve (AUC) of PF‐04991532 by approximately threefold in healthy subjects. In a renal impairment study, PF‐04991532 AUC values were ~ 2.3‐fold greater in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe kidney dysfunction, compared with healthy subjects. Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model parameterizing hepatic and renal transporter‐mediated disposition based on in vitro inputs, and verified using first‐in‐human data, indicated the key role of OATP‐mediated hepatic uptake in the systematic and target‐tissue exposure of PF‐04991532. Mechanistic evaluation of the clinical data suggest reduced hepatic OATPs (~ 35%) and renal organic anion transporter (OAT)3 (80–90%) function with renal impairment. This study illustrates the adequacy and utility of the PBPK approach in assessing the impact of drug interactions and kidney dysfunction on transporter‐mediated disposition.
Trials in “True” Dyslipidemic Patients Are Urged to Reconsider Comprehensive Lipid Management as a Means to Reduce Residual Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Werba José P. , Vigo Lorenzo M. , Veglia Fabrizio , Marenzi Giancarlo , Tremoli Elena , Baldassarre Damiano
Published: March 2019

Randomized cardiovascular trials aimed to reduce the excessive residual risk in high‐risk patients through a more aggressive low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol control or targeting triglycerides or high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels have shown a null or, at best, limited incremental benefit. In some cases, the treatment produced meaningful effects only in study subgroups. As a consequence, some compounds were withdrawn (e.g., nicotinic acid derivatives and cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors), whereas others (fibrates) are utilized with reluctance due to the low level of evidence‐based data. By reviewing these trials analytically, we identified a common feature that might explain their meager results: most of them involved patients generically at high cardiovascular risk with normal or near normal lipid levels and not patients with “true” dyslipidemia, who would receive the treatment if it were part of usual care. These observations may warrant re‐examining a central criterion of pragmatism, eligibility, in the outline of forthcoming cardiovascular trials with novel lipid‐modifying drugs.
Mechanofluorochromic Properties of an AIEE‐Active 2‐Phenylbenzoxazole Derivative: More than Meets the Eye?
Authors: Carayon Chantal , Ghodbane Abdelhamid , Leygue Nadine , Wang Jinhui , Saffon‐Merceron Nathalie , Brown Ross , Fery‐Forgues Suzanne
Published: March 2019

The presence of a dicyanovinyl group on the robust 2‐phenylbenzoxazole framework led to the emergence of aggregation‐induced emission enhancement (AIEE) characteristics. A mechanofluorochromic (MFC) behaviour was observed. The pristine microcrystals emitted yellow‐green light, which became golden yellow upon grinding, with the reverse process observed upon heating or solvent fuming. This phenomenon was accompanied by a reversible evolution of the photoluminescence quantum yields and lifetimes. These variations were attributed to the formation of different types of emissive species in the crystalline phases and in the ground material, which is a mixture of very small microcrystals and amorphous matter. Remarkably, evidence was also given for other spectroscopic effects, which depend on the size, compactness and heterogeneity of the solid samples. These effects are presumably linked to the generation of regions rich in low‐energy exciton traps in polycrystalline and pressed samples, and to light reabsorption. They are enhanced by the fact that the pristine platelets exhibit self‐waveguided edge emission, and they are all the more significant as the MFC effect is rather weak.
Efficient Separation of Photogenerated Charges in a Ferroelectric Molecular Wire: Nonadiabatic Dynamics Study on 3,5‐Dicyano‐1,7‐dimethylopyrrolo[3,2‐f]indole Trimer
Authors: Jankowska Joanna , Sobolewski Andrzej L.
Published: March 2019

The front cover artwork is provided by Joanna Jankowska from the University of Warsaw and Andrzej L. Sobolewski from the Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences. The image illustrates the photoinduced creation and ultrafast, spontaneous dissociation of an electron–hole pair in a highly polar molecular oligomer, which was investigated by theoretical means. Read the full text of the Communication at 10.1002/cptc.201800222.
Cost‐effective multi‐pulse AC‐DC converter with lower than 3% current THD
Authors: Abdollahi Rohollah , Gharehpetian Gevork B. ,   Senior Member IEEE, Mahdavi Mohammad Saeed
Published: March 2019

In this paper, a new multi‐pulse clean power converter topology is presented with lower than 3% input current total harmonic distortion (THD). The topology is based on the combination of a 36‐pulse converter and a pulse doubling circuit. The 36‐pulse converter consists of a “polygon” autotransformer and two 18‐pulse diode bridge rectifiers. Pulse doubling circuit consists of zero‐sequence‐blocking transformer (ZSBT) and tapped interphase transformer (IPT). The important advantage of the proposed AC‐DC converter is considerable reduction in burdens of the magnetic parts with respect to the nominal load rating. It provides more economical solution to achieve harmonic mitigation in electric power systems as compared with other 72‐pulse AC‐DC converters. The simulation and experimental results show that the input current THD is less than 3% using the proposed topology. The results indicate a significant reduction in the total cost and volume of the proposed 72‐pulse configuration in comparison with similar configurations. Also, it is shown that the proposed converter rating is about 44% of the DC load power.
Variation in hydrochory among lakes and streams: Effects of channel planform, roughness, and currents
Authors: Su Xiaolei , Lind Lovisa , Polvi Lina E. , Nilsson Christer
Published: March 2019

The configuration of channels in stream networks is vital for their connectivity, biodiversity, and metacommunity dynamics. We compared the capacity of three process domains—lakes, slow‐flowing reaches, and rapids—to disperse and retain plant propagules by releasing small wooden cubes as propagule mimics during the spring flood and recording their final locations. We also measured the geomorphic characteristics (planform, longitudinal profile, cross‐sectional morphology, and wood) of each process domain. The three process domains all differed in morphology and hydraulics, and those characteristics were important in shaping the transport capacity of mimics. On average, lakes retained more mimics than slow‐flowing reaches but did not differ from the retainment of rapids. Living macrophytes were the most efficient element trapping mimics. In rapids and slow‐flowing reaches, most trapped mimics remained floating, whereas in lakes, most mimics ended up on the banks. The decay curves of retention varied substantially among and within process domains. The results suggest that managers who rely on natural recovery of restored sites by means of plant immigration may benefit from understanding landscape patterns when deciding upon the location of restoration measures in stream networks.
Approach of coil layout identification for achieving target receiving power on electromagnetic field resonance type wireless power transfer
Authors: Doi Tatsuya , Harigaya Kyohei
Published: March 2019

Determining an optimum layout transferring and receiving coils is very important for electromagnetic field resonance type wireless power transfer, in order to obtain target receiving power or efficiency. In this paper, an approach for identifying a coil layout for electromagnetic field resonance type wireless power transfer is proposed. First, a simulation model of coil layout identification has been described. Second, the proposed approach has been applied to identifying an optimum layout of flux phase‐shifter coils between transferring and receiving coils, when receiving currents are achieved to target currents. Also, the proposed approach has been applied to identifying an optimum layout of flux phase‐shifter coils between transferring and receiving coils, when efficiency is achieved to target one. Further, the approach has been applied to identifying a layout of flux phase‐shifter coils, when three receiving currents were balanced three phase currents. As a result, the identified results have been verified the validity of the approach.
Biomass‐Derived Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion: Overview and Perspectives
Authors: Yu Fang , Li Shizhen , Chen Wanru , Wu Tao , Peng Chuang
Published: March 2019

Electrochemical energy storage and conversion (EESC) technology is key to the sustainable development of human society. As an abundant and renewable source, biomass has recently shown widespread applications in EESC, achieving both low environmental impact and high performances. This article provides overview and perspectives on various types of biomass‐derived materials, their preparation, the role in EESC and the desired features, performances and limitations, and future research efforts.
Left atrial strain and compliance in the diagnostic evaluation of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Reddy Yogesh N.V. , Obokata Masaru , Egbe Alexander , Yang Jeong Hoon , Pislaru Sorin , Lin Grace , Carter Rickey , Borlaug Barry A.
Published: March 2019

Aims

Left atrial (LA) function is impaired in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and predicts disease severity and risk of adverse outcome. We sought to evaluate whether LA strain could enhance diagnosis of HFpEF.

Methods and results

Consecutive patients with unexplained exertional dyspnoea and image quality suitable for measuring LA strain underwent invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing to ascertain the presence of HFpEF or non‐cardiac causes of dyspnoea (NCD). LA reservoir strain was measured in all patients, while LA conduit and booster strain were measured in patients with sinus rhythm. LA strain was measurable in 363 of 378 examinations (96.5%; HFpEF: 238, NCD: 125). LA reservoir strain (29 ± 16% vs. 40 ± 13%, P < 0.0001) and conduit strain (18 ± 10% vs. 22 ± 10%, P = 0.0001) were significantly impaired in HFpEF compared to NCD. Of all echocardiographic indices, LA reservoir strain best discriminated HFpEF from NCD [area under the curve (AUC) 0.719, P < 0.0001], outperforming E/e' (AUC difference +0.117, P < 0.0001), LA enlargement (+0.090, P = 0.001), tricuspid regurgitation velocity > 2.8 m/s (+0.082, P = 0.0085), left ventricular hypertrophy (+0.0159, P < 0.0001) and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (+0.0198, P < 0.0001). Indexing LA reservoir strain to estimated LA pressure (E/e') as a surrogate for LA compliance further improved diagnostic performance (AUC 0.772, P < 0.0001; +0.053 compared to LA reservoir strain alone, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Left atrial reservoir strain may provide enhanced diagnostic accuracy beyond conventional echocardiographic measures to discriminate HFpEF from NCD. Further study is required to verify the diagnostic utility of LA strain.
Comparative Lipid Peroxidation and Apoptosis in Embryo-Larval Zebrafish Exposed to 3 Azole Fungicides, Tebuconazole, Propiconazole, and Myclobutanil, at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations
Authors: Kumar N. , Awoyemi O. , Willis A. , Schmitt C. , Ramalingam L. , Moustaid-Moussa N. , Crago J.
Published: March 2019

Azole fungicides have entered the aquatic environment through agricultural and residential runoff. In the present study, we compared the off-target toxicity of tebuconazole, propiconazole, and myclobutanil using embryo-larval zebrafish as a model. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relative toxicity of tebuconazole, propiconazole, and myclobutanil using multiple-level endpoints such as behavioral endpoints and enzymatic and molecular biomarkers associated with their mode of action. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to azoles at environmentally relevant and high concentrations, 0.3, 1.0, and 1000 µg/L, starting at 5 h postfertilization (hpf) up to 48 hpf, as well as 5 d postfertilization (dpf). Relative mRNA expressions of cytochrome P450 family 51 lanosterol-14α-demethylase, glutathione S-transferase, caspase 9, phosphoprotein p53, and BCL2-associated X protein were measured to assess toxicity attributable to fungicides at the mRNA level, whereas caspase 3/7 (apoptosis) and 3,4-methylene​dioxy​amphetamine (lipid peroxidation) levels were measured at the enzymatic level. Furthermore, mitochondrial dysfunction was measure through the Mito Stress test using the Seahorse XFe24 at 48 hpf. In addition, light to dark movement behavior was monitored at 5 dpf using Danio Vision® to understand adverse effects at the organismal level. There was no significant difference in the light to dark behavior with exposure to azoles compared to controls. The molecular biomarkers indicated that propiconazole and myclobutanil induced lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, and potentially apoptosis at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.3 and 1 µg/L). The results from the mitochondrial respiration assay indicated a slight decrease in spare respiratory capacity with an acute exposure (48 hpf) to all 3 azoles at 1000 µg/L. Based on the present results, propiconazole and myclobutanil are acutely toxic compared to tebuconazole in aquatic organisms at environmentally relevant concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1455–1466. © 2019 SETAC

Abstract

The present study concludes that tebuconazole is least toxic to aquatic organisms compared to myclobutanil and propiconazole under similar exposure conditions. BAX = BCL2-associated X protein; Casp9 = caspase 9; GST = glutathione S-transferase; LPO = lipid peroxidation; p53 = phosphoprotein p53.
Analysis of polymorphic data uncertainties in engineering applications
Authors: Drieschner Martin , Matthies Hermann G. , Hoang Truong‐Vinh , Rosić Bojana V. , Ricken Tim , Henning Carla , Ostermeyer Georg‐Peter , Müller Michael , Brumme Stephan , Srisupattarawanit Tarin , Weinberg Kerstin , Korzeniowski Tim F.
Published: March 2019

In this contribution, several case studies with data uncertainties are presented which have been performed in individual projects as part of the DFG (German Research Foundation) Priority Programme SPP 1886 “Polymorphic uncertainty modelling for the numerical design of structures.” In all case studies numerical models with uncertainties are derived from engineering problems describing concepts for handling and incorporating measurement data, either of model input parameters or of the system response. The first case study deals with polymorphic uncertain data based on computer tomographic scans with respect to air voids which are acquired, simplified and integrated in numerical models of adhesive bonds. In the second case study, the variation sensitivity analysis is presented to provide suitable prior knowledge for numerical soil analyses, for example, in order to reduce required input data. The uncertainty in friction processes is treated in case study 3 whereby measurement data are used in data driven methods to improve the numerical predictions. In case study 4, the failure behavior of die‐cast window hinges, which is affected by an uncertain initial pore distribution, is investigated by means of a Markov chain approach. In the last two case studies, mathematical methods of statistical inference and updating algorithms for uncertainty models are shown. Due to the heterogeneous spectrum of problems, a generalized strategy for data modeling, acquisition, and assimilation is developed and applied on each case study.
The procurement and use of knappable glassy volcanic raw material from the late Pleistocene Pilauco site, Chilean Northwestern Patagonia
Authors: Navarro‐Harris Ximena , Pino Mario , Guzmán‐Marín Pedro , Lira María Paz , Labarca Rafael , Corgne Alexandre
Published: March 2019

In this study we used a multidisciplinary approach, coupling morphological, geological, geochemical, and statistical analyses to investigate the provenance of rhyodacitic and dacitic glass knapped at the Pilauco site (40°34′11” S, 73°06′17” W; 13,570 ± 70–12,540 ± 90 14C year BP) in northwestern Chilean Patagonia. A morphotechnological analysis was performed on the entire lithic assemblage, which is composed of cores, retouched and unretouched unifacial flakes, and small pieces of debitage, some of them closely associated with Notiomastodon aff. N. platensis gomphothere bones. Sixty‐two archeological and geological samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry revealing a wide range of basaltic to rhyodacitic compositions. The archeological knappable dacitic and rhyodacitic glasses were recovered from pebbles deposited mainly on a beach away from the site, as deduced by the presence of minute and dense crescentic percussion marks on the cortexes. Geochemical trace element analysis suggests that the Puyehue–Cordón Caulle Volcanic Complex is the most likely source for the volcanic glass artifacts at Pilauco. The new morphotechnological and provenance record and improved stratigraphic sequences highlight the Pilauco site as an important contribution for the diversity of the South American geoarchaeological context.
Bayesian meta‐analysis across genome‐wide association studies of diverse phenotypes
Authors: Trochet Holly , Pirinen Matti , Band Gavin , Jostins Luke , McVean Gilean , Spencer Chris C. A.
Published: March 2019

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) are a powerful tool for understanding the genetic basis of diseases and traits, but most studies have been conducted in isolation, with a focus on either a single or a set of closely related phenotypes. We describe MetABF, a simple Bayesian framework for performing integrative meta‐analysis across multiple GWAS using summary statistics. The approach is applicable across a wide range of study designs and can increase the power by 50% compared with standard frequentist tests when only a subset of studies have a true effect. We demonstrate its utility in a meta‐analysis of 20 diverse GWAS which were part of the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium 2. The novelty of the approach is its ability to explore, and assess the evidence for a range of possible true patterns of association across studies in a computationally efficient framework.
Late Carboniferous to Early Permian adakitic rocks and fractionated I‐type granites in the southern West Junggar terrane, NW China: Implications for the final closure of the Junggar–Balkhash Ocean
Authors: Liu Bo , Han Bao‐Fu , Ren Rong , Zheng Bo , Chen Jia‐Fu
Published: March 2019

The final closure of the Junggar–Balkhash Ocean resulted in the amalgamation of the circum‐Balkash–Junggar segments of the south‐western Central Asian Orogenic Belt, but the exact timing of its closure remains uncertain. Here, we use zircon U–Pb and whole‐rock chemical data for the adakitic rocks and fractionated I‐type granitoids in the Alashankou area of the southern West Junggar terrane (WJT) to investigate their petrogenesis and tectonic implications for the closure of the Junggar–Balkhash Ocean. The adakitic rocks were emplaced at 313–295 Ma and exhibit high Sr/Y ratios of 121–229. Their low MgO contents (0.91–2.09 wt%), Co, Cr, and Ni concentrations, initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios, and high εNd(t) values, indicate an origin from partial melting of juvenile lower crust under garnet‐amphibolite‐facies conditions triggered by basaltic underplating. By comparison, the fractionated I‐type granitic plutons (283–273 Ma) are weakly peraluminous and distinctive in terms of their low MgO contents (0.31–0.39 wt%) and strongly negative Nb, Ta, P, Eu, and Ti anomalies. These features, along with their higher initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios and lower εNd(t) values, suggest derivation by partial melting of a depleted mantle source and/or of newly underplated lower crust with crustal contamination. Given the Late Carboniferous depositional hiatus and post‐orogenic strike‐slip faulting and absence of post‐Devonian ophiolites and post‐Palaeozoic magmatic events in the WJT, the widespread occurrence of Late Carboniferous to Permian compositionally diverse granitoids (including the adakitic rocks, high‐Mg dioritic rocks, and I‐ and A‐type granitoids) and coeval mafic dykes can be best explained by a post‐collisional slab breakoff model. Together with other lines of geological evidence in the circum‐Balkash–Junggar area, we propose that the Junggar–Balkhash Ocean should have been closed at the beginning of the Late Carboniferous (~320 Ma), consistent with the closure time (~325–300 Ma) for regional major ocean basins.
Different roles of frontal versus striatal atrophy in HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders
Authors: Israel Sarah M. , Hassanzadeh‐Behbahani Shiva , Turkeltaub Peter E. , Moore David J. , Ellis Ronald J. , Jiang Xiong
Published: March 2019

Gray matter (GM) atrophy is frequently detected in persons living with HIV, even in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), but the specificity of regions affected remains elusive. For instance, which regions are consistently affected in HIV? In addition, atrophy at which regions is frequently associated with neurocognitive impairment in HIV? Resolving these questions can potentially help to establish the possible neural profiles of HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) severity, which currently is solely defined by neurobehavioral assessments. Here, we addressed these questions using a novel meta‐analysis technique, the colocalization‐likelihood estimation (CLE) technique, to quantitatively synthesize the findings of GM atrophy in HIV+ adults. Twenty‐one of 386 studies published between 1988 and November 2017 and identified in PubMed were selected, plus four identified in other resources. In the end, 25 studies (1,370 HIV+ adults, 889 HIV− controls) were included in the meta‐analysis. This technique revealed that GM atrophy in HIV+ adults was dominated by two distinct but nonexclusive profiles: frontal (including anterior cingulate cortex, [ACC]) atrophy, which was associated withHIV‐disease and consistently differentiated HIV+ adults from HIV− controls; and caudate/striatum atrophy, which was associated with neurocognitive impairment. The critical role of caudate/striatum atrophy in neurocognitive impairment was further supported by a separate data analysis, which examined the findings of correlation analyses between GM and neurocognitive performance. These results suggest that the frontal lobe and the striatum play critical but differential roles in HAND. A neural model of HAND severity was proposed with several testable predictions.
Assessing issues associated with a time‐integrated fluvial fine sediment sampler
Authors: Goharrokhi Masoud , Pahlavan Hoda , Lobb David A. , Owens Philip N. , Clark Shawn P.
Published: March 2019

Collecting a representative time‐integrated sample of fluvial fine‐grained suspended sediment (<63 μm) is an important requirement for the understanding of environmental, geomorphological, and hydrological processes operating within watersheds. This study (a) characterized the hydrodynamic behaviour of a commonly used time‐integrated fine sediment sampler (TIFSS) using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) in controlled laboratory conditions and (b) measured the mass collection efficiency (MCE) of the sampler by an acoustic Doppler current profiler under field conditions. The laboratory results indicated that the hydrodynamic evaluations associated with the original development of the TIFSS involved an underestimation of the inlet flow velocity of the sampler that results in a significant overestimation of the theoretical MCE. The ADV data illustrated that the ratio of the inlet flow velocity of the sampler to the ambient velocity was 87% and consequently, it can be assumed that a representative sample of the ambient fine suspended particles entered into the sampler. The field results showed that the particle size distribution of the sediment collected by the TIFSS was statistically similar to that for the ambient sediment in the Red River, Manitoba, Canada. The MCE of the TIFSS in the field trials appeared to be as low as 10%. Collecting a representative sample in the field was consistent with the previous findings that the TIFSS is a suitable sampler for the collection of a representative sample of sufficient mass (e.g., >1 g) for the investigation of the properties of fluvial fine‐grained suspended sediment. Hydrodynamic evaluation of the TIFSS under a wider range of hydraulic conditions is suggested to assess the performance of the sampler during high run‐off events.
Using plasma cell‐free DNA to monitor the chemoradiotherapy course of cervical cancer
Authors: Tian Jichao , Geng Yan , Lv Dekang , Li Peiying , Cordova Miguel , Liao Yuwei , Tian Xiaoyuan , Zhang Xiaolong , Zhang Qingzheng , Zou Kun , Zhang Yu , Zhang Xia , Li Yulong , Zhang Jian , Ma Zhaokui , Shao Yanyan , Song Luyao , Owen Gareth I. , Li Tingting , Liu Ruimei , Liu Quentin , Zou Lijuan , Zhang Zhuo , Li Zhiguang
Published: March 2019

The liquid biopsy is being integrated into cancer diagnostics and surveillance. However, critical questions still remain, such as how to precisely evaluate cancer mutation burden and interpret the corresponding clinical implications. Herein, we evaluated the role of peripheral blood cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in characterizing the dynamic mutation alterations of 48 cancer driver genes from cervical cancer patients. We performed targeted deep sequencing on 93 plasma cfDNA from 57 cervical cancer patients and from this developed an algorithm, allele fraction deviation (AFD), to monitor in an unbiased manner the dynamic changes of genomic aberrations. Differing treatments, including chemotherapy (n = 22), radiotherapy (n = 14) and surgery (n = 15), led to a significant decrease in AFD values (Wilcoxon, p = 0.029). The decrease of cfDNA AFD values was accompanied by shrinkage in the size of the tumor in most patients. However, in a subgroup of patients where cfDNA AFD values did not reflect a reduction in tumor size, there was a detection of progressive disease (metastasis). Furthermore, a low AFD value at diagnosis followed a later increase of AFD value also successfully predicted relapse. These results show that plasma cfDNA, together with targeted deep sequencing, may help predict treatment response and disease development in cervical cancer.
High metabolic rate and stem cell characteristics of esophageal cancer stem‐like cells depend on the Hsp27–AKT–HK2 pathway
Authors: Liu Chen‐Chi , Chou Kun‐Ta , Hsu Jyuan‐Wei , Lin Jiun‐Han , Hsu Tien‐Wei , Yen David Hung‐Tsang , Hung Shih‐Chieh , Hsu Han‐Shui
Published: March 2019

Tumor progression with chemoresistance and local recurrence is commonly happened during treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Cancer stem cells (CSC) may respond for tumor progression. However, there are few reports regarding metabolism of esophageal CSCs with clinical correlation. In this work, we demonstrated that ESCC cell lines in spheroid culture display CSC phenotypes, including increased ALDH activity, chemoresistance and tumor initiation, which are dependent on Hsp27 activation. Esophageal CSCs also exhibit reprogrammed metabolic features particularly higher glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, which are regulated via the Hsp27–AKT–HK2 pathway. Moreover, HK2 is required for maintenance of CSC phenotypes. Inhibition of CSC metabolism reduces cell growth and tumor formation. Clinically, patients who underwent surgical resection for esophageal cancer, and displayed overexpression of both Hsp27 and HK2, had the worst prognosis of all expression types. In conclusion, stem cells features and aberrant metabolic reprogramming of esophageal CSCs depend on the Hsp27–AKT–HK2 pathway. Targeting Hsp27 and HK2 could be novel therapeutic strategy for treating esophageal cancer and warrants further investigation.
Synthesis of Colloidal Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots/Nanocrystals: Progresses and Advances
Authors: Zhao Yongli , Li Jinhang , Dong Yuhui , Song Jizhong
Published: March 2019

Colloidal halide perovskite (CHP) quantum dots (QDs)/nanocrystals (NCs) have superior optoelectronic properties, such as high optical absorption coefficient, high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), tunable bandgap, composition‐related luminescence, and low manufacturing cost, which have been considered as promising low‐dimensional semiconductor materials. Profiting from these unique characteristics, CHP NCs could be widely used in various optoelectronic devices, including light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), photodetectors (PDs), solar cells (SCs), and lasers. Synthesis is the basis for the wide use of CHP NCs, which plays a vital role in the research, development and application of CHPs. Therefore, we summarize the recent synthetic strategies, and their influencing factors (e. g., the effects of ligands, and anion exchange). Besides, a summary of their optoelectronic applications is plainly mentioned. Finally, we make a brief prospect and summarize the current problems and possible solutions of this area.
Linking social and economic responsibilities and financial performance: The assisting role of innovation for an oil engineering and development company
Authors: Oskouei Zahra Hashemi
Published: March 2019

Social and economic responsibilities of companies lead to positive and successful financial performance of companies, and they lead to improve the company ratings and evaluations among consumers. In addition, innovation in products and the process of management make it competitive, and they considerably contribute to the growth of the company's performance. Therefore, the present research aims to study the relationship between the social and economic responsibilities with the financial performance through relying on the facilitating role of innovation. To accomplish this, 278 data samples were collected from the staff working for an oil engineering and development company (in the period of December 2017 to March 2018) based on a Likert scale questionnaire. Then the results were analysed using structural equation models together with Amos24 and SPSS22 software. The results of this study showed that the impact of economic responsibility on innovation is only positive and significant and the social responsibility cannot affect innovation changes. Also, innovation is ineffective in the financial performance of the oil engineering and development company. Hence, it is essential to use effective polices related to the companies' economic responsibility necessary for obtaining better long‐term innovations. Moreover, it is suggested that the managers provide insights for improving the role of social responsibility in achieving future benefits and higher financial performances.
A 1‐year comparison of TCu380Ag versus TCu380A intrauterine contraceptive devices in India
Authors: Kriplani Alka , Sehgal Rohini , Konar Hiralal , Vivekanand Achanta , Vanamail Perumal , Purandare Chittaranjan N.
Published: March 2019

Objective

To compare TCu380Ag and TCu380A intrauterine contraceptive devices after 1 year of use.

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted among healthy married women aged 20–35 years who attended the family planning clinics of three tertiary centers in India between August 1, 2015, to March 31, 2018. The TCu380Ag group (n=300) received one of three sizes of this device depending on uterocervical length: maxi (8.0–9.0 cm), normal (7.0–8.5 cm), or mini (6.0–7.5 cm). The remaining 300 participants received TCu380A. Follow‐up was conducted at 3‐monthly intervals to assess continuation rate, acceptability, efficacy, adverse effects, and complications.

Results

The TCu380Ag group had a higher continuation rate than the TCu380A group at 1 year (84.0% vs 75.8%; P=0.01), with an efficacy of 99.6% versus 100.0% (P>0.05). Overall estimated continuation rates were 94.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 91.7%–96.4%) and 88.4% (95% CI 83.2%–91.5%), respectively (P=0.026). Use of TCu380Ag was associated with fewer adverse effects (heavy menstrual bleeding, abdominal pain, or expulsion) when compared with TCu380A (P>0.05 for all comparisons). Discontinuation rates owing to adverse effects were 6.59% for TCu380Ag versus 13.26% for TCu380A (P=0.01).

Conclusions

Varying sizes of TCu380Ag could provide an alternative to TCu380A.
A review of rechargeable batteries for portable electronic devices
Authors: Liang Yeru , Zhao Chen‐Zi , Yuan Hong , Chen Yuan , Zhang Weicai , Huang Jia‐Qi , Yu Dingshan , Liu Yingliang , Titirici Maria‐Magdalena , Chueh Yu‐Lun , Yu Haijun , Zhang Qiang
Published: March 2019

Portable electronic devices (PEDs) are promising information‐exchange platforms for real‐time responses. Their performance is becoming more and more sensitive to energy consumption. Rechargeable batteries are the primary energy source of PEDs and hold the key to guarantee their desired performance stability. With the remarkable progress in battery technologies, multifunctional PEDs have constantly been emerging to meet the requests of our daily life conveniently. The ongoing surge in demand for high‐performance PEDs inspires the relentless pursuit of even more powerful rechargeable battery systems in turn. In this review, we present how battery technologies contribute to the fast rise of PEDs in the last decades. First, a comprehensive overview of historical advances in PEDs is outlined. Next, four types of representative rechargeable batteries and their impacts on the practical development of PEDs are described comprehensively. The development trends toward a new generation of batteries and the future research focuses are also presented.
Feasibility of pharmacists to contribute to multicenter emergency medicine research
Authors: Patanwala Asad E. , Weant Kyle A. , Acquisto Nicole M.
Published: March 2019

Objectives

A flexible, rapid, and scalable multicenter network is needed for pharmacotherapy research in emergency medicine (EM). The objective of this study was to evaluate the types of studies EM pharmacists are willing to conduct in multicenter research.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional national survey conducted in the United States. The survey was developed using an iterative process to establish face and content validity. Members of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy EM Practice and Research Network were invited to complete the survey using Research Electronic Data Capture. Online consent was obtained prior to survey completion. The survey consisted of 14 questions, which was expected to take less than 5 minutes to complete. Data were descriptively evaluated.

Results

There were a total of 637 potentially eligible participants for the survey. Of these, 98 completed the survey (15% response rate). In terms of types of studies, 91 (93%) would participate in studies involving retrospective acquisition of data, 83 (85%) in observational studies not requiring patient consent, 48 (49%) in observational studies involving a patient consent procedure, and 26 (27%) in implementing and conducting a clinical trial. Overall, 85 (87%) would participate without funding and 66 (67%) would participate without receiving authorship.

Conclusions

A substantial number of EM pharmacists are willing to participate in multicenter research. The number of participants decreases without provision of authorship or for studies involving patient consent.
A novel braided biodegradable stent for use in congenital heart disease: Short‐term results in porcine iliac artery
Authors: Sun Jing , Sun Kun , Bai Kai , Chen Sun , Wang Fujun , Zhao Fan , Hong Nanchao , Hu Hanbo
Published: March 2019

To evaluate the properties and efficacy of a novel braided biodegradable stent (BBS) consisting of poly (p‐dioxanone) (PPDO) and polycaprolactone (PCL) for usage in children with congenital cardiovascular diseases. PCL/PPDO composite filaments were fabricated by coating PCL layers onto PPDO filaments, which were fused with PPDO monofilaments to form the BBS. Physical properties of BBSs including elastic recovery rate, deformation rate, and mechanical characteristics with adjunctive post‐dilation were evaluated by radial force‐tests. Ten BBS stents and 10 metallic wall stents (WS) as controls were implanted into the common carotid arteries of 10 pigs and angiography as well as histological examinations were performed 4 and 8 weeks after implantation. An 8 mm BBS with adjunctive post‐dilation had the best morphological retention and dimension stability being similar to an 8 mm WS. Luminal gain percentages of BBS and WS immediately, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after implantation were 20.44 ± 2.82% and 27.08 ± 0.88%, 12.34 ± 0.18% and 17.32 ± 8.24%, as well as −1.76 ± 2.45% and − 0.98 ± 3.23%. Luminal areas, internal elastic laminas, neointimal areas, neointimal thicknesses, and area stenosis were not significantly different at 4 weeks and 8 weeks after implantation. Injury and inflammation were similar in both groups and no malposition, thrombosis or dissection occurred. BBS with adjunctive post‐dilation showed good physical properties and mechanical stability noninferior to WS. In vivo evaluations showed that a BBS with post‐ballooning had similar short‐term outcomes as a WS. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1667–1677, 2019.
IR820‐loaded PLGA nanoparticles for photothermal therapy of triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Valcourt Danielle M. , Dang Megan N. , Day Emily S.
Published: March 2019

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15–25% of breast cancer cases and lacks expression of the three most common receptors seen on other subtypes of breast cancer. This lack of expression makes TNBC unsusceptible to currently available targeted or hormonal therapies, so new treatment strategies are desperately needed. Photothermal therapy (PTT), which utilizes nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in tumors as exogenous energy absorbers to convert externally applied near‐infrared (NIR) light into heat to ablate cancer cells, has shown promise as an alternative strategy. However, it typically uses gold‐based NPs that will remain in the body for extended period of time with unknown long‐term health effects. To enable PTT with biodegradable, polymeric NPs, we encapsulated the NIR‐absorbing dye IR820 in poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs. We characterized the physicochemical properties of these IR820‐loaded PLGA NPs and evaluated their performance as PTT agents using both in vitro and in vivo models of TNBC. The results demonstrate that these NPs are potent mediators of PTT that induce cell death primarily through apoptosis to effectively hinder the growth of TNBC tumors. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1702–1712, 2019.
A novel, doped calcium silicate bioceramic synthesized by sol–gel method: Investigation of setting time and biological properties
Authors: Abdalla Mohamed Mahmoud , Lung Christie Ying Kei , Neelakantan Prasanna , Matinlinna Jukka Pekka
Published: March 2019

The aim of the current study was to synthesize a fast‐setting ion‐doped calcium silicate bioceramic by the sol–gel method and to characterize its in vitro apatite‐forming ability and cell viability. Calcium silicate (CS), doped calcium silicate with zinc and magnesium, with Ca/Zn molar ratios of 6.7:1 (DCS1), and 4.5:1 (DCS2), were synthesized by the sol–gel method. Matreva white MTA (WMTA, Matreva, CA, Egypt) was used as a control. The synthesized powders were characterized by x‐ray diffraction. Setting time was measured using the Gilmore needle indentation technique. The in vitro apatite‐forming ability of the materials was evaluated by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X‐ray. NIH3T3‐E1 cells viability was tested using MTT assay. The ion release of Ca, Si, Zn, and Mg was measured using inductive coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES). One‐way ANOVA was used to analyze setting time results. The Tukey's HSD post hoc test was used to establish significance (p < 0.001). For nonparametric data, the Kruskal–Wallis H test with Dunn's correction for post hoc comparison was used (p < 0.05). CS, DCS1, and DCS2 showed a significant decrease in setting time 33 ± 1.63 min, 28 ± 1.63 min, and 41.75 ± 2.87 min, respectively, compared to WMTA 91 ± 3.16 min (p < 0.001). DCS1 showed the highest apatite‐forming ability and cell viability compared to the other groups. Ca and Si ions release decreased in both DCS1 and DCS2. The physical and biological properties of CS can be successfully improved by the sol–gel synthesis and ions doping. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 108B:56–66, 2020.
Chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 14 contributes to lipopolysaccharide‐induced fibrogenesis in mouse L929 fibroblasts via modulating PPM1A
Authors: Li Li , Li Qiuhong , Wei Lei , Wang Zhongfu , Ma Wei , Liu Fangying , Shen Yanhua , Zhang Shanfang , Zhang Xiulian , Li Huiping , Qian Yechang
Published: March 2019

Herein, we found that serum chemokine ligand 14 (CXCL14) was significantly enhanced in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In our current study, mouse L929 fibroblasts were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (100 ng/mL). Cell proliferation, the levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9, as well as extracellular matrix (ECM) content were assessed to evaluate the fibrogenesis of L929 cells. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cell viability were assessed to evaluate cell proliferation. Hydroxyproline (Hyp), collagen I/III, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and phosphorylated Smad2/3 (p‐Smad2/3) were assessed to evaluate ECM secretion and deposition. α‐Smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) was used to measure the occurrence of differentiation from fibroblast toward myofibroblast. Our data suggested that knockdown of CXCL14 prevented LPS‐induced fibrogenesis of L929 cells through inhibiting cell proliferation and decreasing the expression of MMP2/9, Hyp, collagen I/III, CTGF, p‐Smad2/3, and α‐SMA. Notably, upregulation of protein phosphatase magnesium‐dependent 1A (PPM1A) was involved in this process. On the contrary, recombinant CXCL14 protein led to an opposite effect. We first suggested that overexpression of PPM1A ameliorated LPS‐induced fibrogenesis. Furthermore, we substantiated that knockdown of CXCL14 exerted an antifibrotic effect in IPF in vitro probably via the upregulation of PPM1A. Besides, evidently enhanced CXCL14, yet reduced PPM1A, was found in bleomycin‐induced rat pulmonary fibrosis, confirming the roles of CXCL14 and its potential association with PPM1A in IPF in vivo. In conclusion, CXCL14 could be considered as a therapeutic target for preventing fibrogenesis of mouse L929 fibroblasts.