bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidimensional Ordered Bifunctional Air Electrode Enables Flash Reactants Shuttling for High‐Energy Flexible Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Jiang Yi , Deng Ya‐Ping , Liang Ruilin , Fu Jing , Luo Dan , Liu Guihua , Li Jingde , Zhang Zhen , Hu Yongfeng , Chen Zhongwei
Published: May 2019

Direct growth of electrocatalysts on conductive substrates is an emerging strategy to prepare air electrodes for flexible Zn‐air batteries (FZABs). However, electrocatalysts grown on conductive substrates usually suffer from disorder and are densely packed with “prohibited zones”, in which internal blockages shut off the active sites from catalyzing the oxygen reaction. Herein, to minimize the “prohibited zones”, an ordered multidimensional array assembled by 1D carbon nanotubes and 2D carbon nanoridges decorated with 0D cobalt nanoparticles (referred as MPZ‐CC@CNT) is constructed on nickel foam. When the MPZ‐CC@CNT is directly applied as a self‐supported electrode for FZAB, it delivers a marginal voltage fading rate of 0.006 mV cycle−1 over 1800 cycles (600 h) at a current density of 50 mA cm−2 and an impressive energy density of 946 Wh kg−1. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy reveals that minimal internal resistance and electrochemical polarization, which is beneficial for the flash reactant shuttling among the triphase (i.e., oxygen, electrolyte, and catalyst) are offered by the open and ordered architecture. This advanced electrode design provides great potential to boost the electrochemical performance of other rechargeable battery systems.
Calculation of surface tensions for liquid mixtures using the SWCF‐VR EOS and Butler‐type method
Authors: Li Jinlong , He Changchun , Peng Changjun , Liu Honglai
Published: May 2019

A generalized surface tension model for various types of liquid mixtures by coupling the equation of state for square‐well chain fluids with variable ranges and Butler type method was presented. Transferable molecular parameters fitted from experimental pVT of pure fluids were used. The reliability of this model were tested with liquid mixtures including 87 conventional fluid mixtures, 20 aqueous alcohol‐amine solutions, 12 ionic liquid solutions, 7 polymer solutions, and 4 liquid alloys. The overall average absolute deviations in correlations with one parameter for all binary mixtures, in predictions for all conventional binary mixtures except aqueous solutions and for all ternary mixtures are 1.94%, 1.82%, and 2.69%, respectively. The potential application of the model in simultaneously describing the phase equilibrium and surface tensions was partially verified. The results demonstrate that this model has an overall robustness and reliability in calculations of surface tensions for various liquid mixtures.
A multicenter retrospective study of charcot‐marie‐tooth disease type 4B (CMT4B) associated with mutations in myotubularin‐related proteins (MTMRs)
Authors: Pareyson Davide , Stojkovic Tanya , Reilly Mary M. , Leonard‐Louis Sarah , Laurà Matilde , Blake Julian , Parman Yesim , Battaloglu Esra , Tazir Meriem , Bellatache Mounia , Bonello‐Palot Nathalie , Lévy Nicolas , Sacconi Sabrina , Guimarães‐Costa Raquel , Attarian Sharham , Latour Philippe , Solé Guilhem , Megarbane André , Horvath Rita , Ricci Giulia , Choi Byung‐Ok , Schenone Angelo , Gemelli Chiara , Geroldi Alessandro , Sabatelli Mario , Luigetti Marco , Santoro Lucio , Manganelli Fiore , Quattrone Aldo , Valentino Paola , Murakami Tatsufumi , Scherer Steven S. , Dankwa Lois , Shy Michael E. , Bacon Chelsea J. , Herrmann David N. , Zambon Alberto , Tramacere Irene , Pisciotta Chiara , Magri Stefania , Previtali Stefano C. , Bolino Alessandra
Published: May 2019

Objective

Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth (CMT) disease 4B1 and 4B2 (CMT4B1/B2) are characterized by recessive inheritance, early onset, severe course, slowed nerve conduction, and myelin outfoldings. CMT4B3 shows a more heterogeneous phenotype. All are associated with myotubularin‐related protein (MTMR) mutations. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study to better characterize CMT4B.

Methods

We collected clinical and genetic data from CMT4B subjects in 18 centers using a predefined minimal data set including Medical Research Council (MRC) scores of nine muscle pairs and CMT Neuropathy Score.

Results

There were 50 patients, 21 of whom never reported before, carrying 44 mutations, of which 21 were novel and six representing novel disease associations of known rare variants. CMT4B1 patients had significantly more‐severe disease than CMT4B2, with earlier onset, more‐frequent motor milestones delay, wheelchair use, and respiratory involvement as well as worse MRC scores and motor CMT Examination Score components despite younger age at examination. Vocal cord involvement was common in both subtypes, whereas glaucoma occurred in CMT4B2 only. Nerve conduction velocities were similarly slowed in both subtypes. Regression analyses showed that disease severity is significantly associated with age in CMT4B1. Slopes are steeper for CMT4B1, indicating faster disease progression. Almost none of the mutations in the MTMR2 and MTMR13 genes, responsible for CMT4B1 and B2, respectively, influence the correlation between disease severity and age, in agreement with the hypothesis of a complete loss of function of MTMR2/13 proteins for such mutations.

Interpretation

This is the largest CMT4B series ever reported, demonstrating that CMT4B1 is significantly more severe than CMT4B2, and allowing an estimate of prognosis. ANN NEUROL 2019
Well‐dispersed N‐heterocyclic carbene–palladium complex anchored onto poly(acrylic acid)/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers: Novel, superior and ecofriendly nanocatalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction
Authors: Heidari Bahareh , Heravi Majid M. , Nabid Mohammad Reza , Sedghi Roya
Published: May 2019

Polymeric nanocomposite@Pd is one of the crown jewels for the catalysis of cross‐coupling reactions. This Pd nanocomposite on various polymeric supports has been well established to catalyze cross‐coupling reactions, but its preparation supported on the surface of nanofibers has been largely overlooked. Herein, we report the preparation of a poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofiber‐supported N‐heterocyclic carbene–Pd complex. The first step involves the preparation of PAA/PVA nanofibers using the electrospinning process. The second step comprises the reaction of water‐soluble poly(ethylene glycol)‐imidazole with modified PAA/PVA nanofibers followed by introduction of PdCl2 to achieve successfully the desired nanocomposite. The catalytic activity of this nanocomposite was examined in the expeditious synthesis of biaryl compounds using the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction under mild reaction conditions. The composite offers multiple features such as good hydrophilic properties, high surface area, admirable potential in repeatability tests and being recyclable for several runs without significant loss in its activity under the optimum reaction conditions. Our results showed the superior applicability of this novel nanocatalyst in terms of conversion reaction, yields and turnover frequencies. The structure of the catalyst was characterized using a variety of techniques.
Inner metal complexes of tetradentate Schiff base: Synthesis, characterization, biological activity and molecular docking studies
Authors: Diab M.A. , Mohamed Gehad G. , Mahmoud W.H. , El‐Sonbati A.Z. , Morgan Sh.M. , Abbas S.Y.
Published: May 2019

A novel Schiff base ligand, namely 2,2′‐((1E,1′E)‐(1,3‐phenylenebis(azanylylidene))bis(methanylylidene))diphenol (H2L), was synthesized by condensation of m‐phenylenediamine and 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde (in 1:2 ratio). Series of complexes were obtained from the reaction of La(III), Er(III) and Yb(III) chlorides with H2L. The ligand and complexes were characterized using elemental analysis, infrared, 1H NMR, UV–visible and mass spectroscopies, magnetic susceptibility and conductivity measurements and thermal analysis. Infrared and 1H NMR spectra indicated the coordination of the azomethine nitrogens and deprotonated phenolic oxygen atoms in a tetradentate manner (ONNO). The thermal behaviour of the complexes was studied from ambient temperature to 1000°C. The complexes were found to have water molecules of hydration and coordinated water molecules. The complexes were found to possess high biological activities against various organisms compared to the free ligand (Gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, Gram‐negative bacteria Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungi Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans). The more effective and probable binding modes between H2L with different active sites of colon cancer (PDB code: 2hq6) and lung cancer (PDB code: 1x2j) receptors were investigated using molecular docking studies.
Preparation of Cu nanoparticle‐doped ZIF‐8/RGO composites for effective photodegradation of organic pollutant
Authors: Wang Yuhan , Kang Chunli , Shang Dan , Tian Tao
Published: May 2019

Cu nanoparticle‐connected ZIF‐8/reduced graphite oxide (RGO) composite was successfully prepared through a facile hydrothermal reaction using sulfate in this paper. The crossover mechanism of metal nanoparticles loading and RGO decoration to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of pristine ZIF‐8 was studied. The results showed that the prepared Cu‐S@ZIF‐8/RGO has a strong ability to take advantage of sunlight, indicating an appreciable application prospect. RGO can act as a base to support the whole structure and serve as an electron sink to accept photoexcited electrons, realizing the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of electron–hole pair recombination. Cu nanoparticles act as connectors between ZIF‐8 and RGO to transfer electrons and realize the formation of partial ROS on its surface. The doped sulfate radical can promote to extend the utilization of the wavelength range by generating surface states. Cu‐S@ZIF‐8/RGO showed the best photocatalytic activity in simulated sunlight for eliminating rhodamine B and 4‐chlorophenol among all the prepared samples, the structure kept intact even in the presence of different kinds of anions. The crossover study of metal loading and RGO decoration can develop a new way for only UV‐responsive metal–organic frameworks to remove organic contaminants under sunlight irradiation.
NHC copper complexes functionalized with sulfoxide and sulfone moieties
Authors: Szadkowska Anna , Pawłowski Robert , Zaorska Ewelina , Staszko Sebastian , Trzybiński Damian , Woźniak Krzysztof
Published: May 2019

A series of N‐heterocyclic copper carbene complexes bearing sulfoxide and sulfone moieties have been prepared. In case of new copper compounds with sulfone ligand, the solid‐state structures were determined using X‐Ray crystallography. Obtained complexes were investigated as catalysts in such transformations as: 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of alkynes and azides (CuAAC), A3 coupling reaction and β‐hydroboration and compared with standard copper catalytic systems.
Production and characterization of starch‐based films reinforced by ramie nanofibers (Boehmeria nivea)
Authors: Marques Geovana Silva , de Carvalho Guilherme Ribeiro , Marinho Nelson Potenciano , de Muniz Graciela Inês Bolzón , de Matos Jorge Luiz Mário , Jorge Regina Maria Matos
Published: May 2019

In this study, the use of cellulose nanofibers from ramie, a plant species with important characteristics of reinforcement, was investigated in the production of bio‐based polymer films. A central composite rotatable design was applied to produce the films, analyze the effects of cassava starch, glycerol, and nanofibers content on their properties, obtain mathematical models, response surface plots, and determine an optimum composition. The films produced were characterized by mechanical properties, water vapor permeability (WVP), solubility, and opacity. Microstructure and thermal behavior were also evaluated. The ramie nanofibers content had a positive effect on mechanical and barrier properties, as it increased tensile strength by 207.9%, and decreased WVP and solubility by 52.9 and 72.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the obtained films exhibited homogeneous and cohesive structures, which encourages the use of ramie nanofibers as a reinforcement material in the production of green plastics. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47919.
Synthesis of light and dual‐redox triple‐stimuli‐responsive core‐crosslinked micelles as nanocarriers for controlled release
Authors: Ma Xiao , Liu Jiangtao , Lei Lei , Yang Hong , Lei Zhongli
Published: May 2019

Stimulus‐responsive polymeric nanoparticles have great potential as nanocarriers. Here, triple‐stimuli‐responsive core‐crosslinked (CCL) micelles were developed that were convenient for drug delivery by taking advantage of dual‐redox and UV light synergistic triggers. Amphiphilic block copolymers methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(3‐azido‐2‐hydroxy‐propyl methacrylate‐co‐ο‐nitrobenzyl methacrylate) [mPEG‐b‐P(GMA‐N3‐co‐NBM)] were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization and ring‐opening reaction of ethylene oxide; these block copolymers can spontaneously self‐assemble into noncrosslinked (NCL) micelles. Afterward, CCL micelles were prepared using an alkyne‐functionalized crosslinking agent. Furthermore, the CCL micelles showed an excellent Nile Red dye molecule encapsulation, light and dual‐redox‐responsive performance, and increasing release rate of the dye as the concentration of glutathione and light irradiation increased. The triple‐stimuli‐responsive CCL micelles showed excellent stability and controllable release compared to NCL micelles. Therefore, we have developed a new smart nanocarrier, and the triple‐stimuli‐responsive CCL micelles could also be a potential delivery system in cancer therapy. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47946.
Complex membrane of cellulose and chitin nanocrystals with cationic guar gum for oil/water separation
Authors: Yagoub Hajo , Zhu Liping , Shibraen Mahmoud H. M. A. , Xu Xiaowei , Babiker Dafaalla M. D. , Xu Jian , Yang Shuguang
Published: May 2019

In an effort to develop a membrane system with low cost and easy fabrication process for oil/water separation, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), chitin nanocrystals (ChiNC), and cationic guar gum (CGG) are used to prepare a complex membrane on top of a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nonwoven fabric via a vacuum filtration method. The interactions among CNC, ChiNC, and CGG complexation are discussed, and the functionalization of the PET nonwoven fabric with these polysaccharide derivatives provides a high rate of water absorption and permeability on applying pressure. The morphology and wettability studies demonstrate that the as‐prepared membrane has a porous structure and exhibits hydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic properties. The results of separation experiments show that the membrane can effectively separate oil/water emulsions with a relatively high flux and rejection ratio. This low‐cost process can easily be scaled up to fabricate complex membranes for oil/water separation. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47947.
Responsiveness of Serum C‐Reactive Protein, Interleukin‐17A, and Interleukin‐17F Levels to Ustekinumab in Psoriatic Arthritis: Lessons From Two Phase III, Multicenter, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trials
Authors: Siebert Stefan , Sweet Kristen , Dasgupta Bidisha , Campbell Kim , McInnes Iain B. , Loza Matthew J.
Published: May 2019

Objective

To evaluate the associations of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and circulating Th17‐associated cytokine levels with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) disease activity and therapeutic response to ustekinumab.

Methods

Interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A), IL‐17F, IL‐23, and CRP concentrations were measured in serum samples collected as part of the 2 PSUMMIT phase III studies of ustekinumab in PsA (n = 927). In post hoc analyses, relationships of IL‐17A, IL‐17F, and CRP levels at baseline, week 4, and week 24 with baseline skin and joint disease activity and response to therapy were evaluated using generalized linear models and Pearson's product‐moment correlation tests.

Results

Baseline serum levels of IL‐17A and IL‐17F were positively correlated with baseline skin disease scores (r = 0.39–0.62). IL‐23 levels were correlated with skin disease scores to a lesser extent (r = 0.26–0.31). No significant correlations were observed between these cytokine or CRP levels and baseline joint disease activity. There was no significant association of baseline levels of IL‐17A, IL‐17F, IL‐23, or CRP with therapeutic response to ustekinumab in either the skin or joints. Significant reductions from baseline in levels of IL‐17A, IL‐17F, and CRP were seen in patients treated with ustekinumab compared to those treated with placebo. Ustekinumab‐treated patients in whom 75% improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score or 20% improvement according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria was achieved after 24 weeks of treatment had greater reductions in CRP level (geometric mean decreases of 51–58% versus 32–33%; P < 0.05), but not IL‐17A or IL‐17F levels, than nonresponders.

Conclusion

Baseline serum IL‐23/IL‐17 levels correlated with skin, but not joint, disease activity, suggesting tissue‐specific variation. However, neither baseline Th17‐associated cytokine levels nor CRP level were predictive of therapeutic response to ustekinumab in the skin or joints, despite rapid reductions in their levels following ustekinumab therapy.
Cadaveric Dissection in Relation to Problem‐Based Learning Case Sequencing: A Report of Medical Student Musculoskeletal Examination Performances and Self‐Confidence
Authors: Thompson Kristjan L. , Gendreau Julian L. , Strickling Jarred E. , Young Henry E.
Published: May 2019

Mercer University School of Medicine utilizes a problem‐based learning (PBL) curriculum for educating medical students in the basic clinical sciences. In 2014, an adjustment was piloted that enabled PBL cases to align with their corresponding cadaver dissection that reviewed the content of anatomy contained in the PBL cases. Faculty had the option of giving PBL cases in sequence with the cadaveric dissection schedule (sequential group) or maintaining PBL cases out of sequence with dissections (traditional group). During this adjustment, students’ academic performances were compared. Students’ perception of their own preparedness for cadaveric dissection, their perceived utility of the cadaver dissections, and free‐response comments were solicited via an online survey. There were no statistically significant differences when comparing student mean examination score values between the sequential and traditional groups on both multidisciplinary examinations (79.39 ± 7.63 vs. 79.88 ± 7.31, P = 0.738) and gross anatomy questions alone (78.15 ± 10.31 vs. 79.98 ± 9.31, P = 0.314). A statistically significant difference was found between the sequential group's and traditional group's (63% vs. 29%; P = 0.005) self‐perceived preparedness for cadaveric dissections in the 2017 class. Analysis of free‐response comments found that students in the traditional group believed their performance in PBL group, participation in PBL group and examination performance was adversely affected when compared to students with the sequential schedule. This study provides evidence that cadaveric dissections scheduled in sequence with PBL cases can lead to increased student self‐confidence with learning anatomy but may not lead to improved examination scores.
Evolutionary Approaches for Engineering Industrially Relevant Phenotypes in Bacterial Cell Factories
Authors: Fernández‐Cabezón Lorena , Cros Antonin , Nikel Pablo I.
Published: May 2019

The bio‐based production of added‐value compounds (with applications as pharmaceuticals, biofuels, food ingredients, and building blocks) using bacterial platforms is a well‐established industrial activity. The design and construction of microbial cell factories (MCFs) with robust and stable industrially relevant phenotypes, however, remains one of the biggest challenges of contemporary biotechnology. In this review, traditional and cutting‐edge approaches for optimizing the performance of MCFs for industrial bioprocesses, rooted on the engineering principle of natural evolution (i.e., genetic variation and selection), are discussed. State‐of‐the‐art techniques to manipulate and increase genetic variation in bacterial populations and to construct combinatorial libraries of strains, both globally (i.e., genome level) and locally (i.e., individual genes or pathways, and entire sections and gene clusters of the bacterial genome) are presented. Cutting‐edge screening and selection technologies applied to isolate MCFs displaying enhanced phenotypes are likewise discussed. The review article is closed by presenting future trends in the design and construction of a new generation of MCFs that will contribute to the long‐sought‐after transformation from a petrochemical industry to a veritable sustainable bio‐based industry.
Simultaneous determination of evobrutinib and its metabolite evobrutinib‐diol in dog plasma by liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Yang Jie , Yu Haiyang , Tang Qingmeng
Published: May 2019

A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography hyphenated with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric method (LC–ESI–MS/MS) was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of evobrutinib and evobrutinib‐diol in dog plasma. The plasma sample was processed using acetonitrile and chromatographic separation was carried out on a Waters Acquity BEH C18 column (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm). The mobile phase was composed of 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile, with an optimized gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Detection was accomplished in selective reaction monitoring mode via electrospray ionization interface operated in positive ion mode. The precursor‐to‐product transitions for quantification were m/z 430.2 → 98.1 for evobrutinib, m/z 464.2 → 98.1 for evobrutinib‐diol and m/z 441.2 → 138.1 for ibrutinib (internal standard). The developed assay was linear over the tested concentration ranges with correlation coefficient >0.995. The LLOQ was 0.1 ng/mL for both analytes. The inter‐ and intra‐day precisions were <9.65% and the accuracy ranged from −3.94 to 6.37%. The extraction recovery was >85.41% and no significant matrix effect was observed. The developed assay was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of evobrutinib and evobrutinib‐diol in dogs after oral administration of evobrutinib at a single dose of 5 mg/kg.
Screening, and identification of the binding position, of xanthine oxidase inhibitors in the roots of Lindera reflexa Hemsl using ultrafiltration LC–MS combined with enzyme blocking
Authors: Fu Yu , Yang Jingfan , Chen Suiqing , Sun Xiaoya , Zhao Peng , Xie Zhishen
Published: May 2019

A method based on enzyme blocking combined with ultrafiltration liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) has been developed to identify xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitors in the roots of Lindera reflexa Hemsl (LR) and determine their binding positions. Allopurinol and febuxostat, known XOD inhibitors, which occupy different binding positions in XOD, were used as blockers and pre‐incubated with XOD. Then the LR extract was incubated without XOD, and with XOD, allopurinol‐blocked XOD and febuxostat‐blocked XOD before ultrafiltration LC–MS was performed. By comparing the chromatographic profiles of the incubation samples, not only the ligands, but also the binding position of these ligands with XOD could be determined. Finally, three compounds, pinosylvin, pinocembrin and methoxy‐5‐hydroxy‐trans‐stilbene, were identified as potential XOD inhibitors and the binding modes of these three compounds were shown to be similar to those of febuxostat. To verify the XOD inhibitory activity of the screened compounds, the microplate method and molecular docking in silico were used to evaluate the enzyme inhibitory activities and the binding positions with XOD. The results showed that the developed method could screen for XOD ligands in LR extracts and also determine the binding positions of the ligands. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the XOD inhibitory activity of these three compounds.
Business adaptation to climate change: American ski resorts and warmer temperatures
Authors: Rivera Jorge , Clement Viviane
Published: May 2019

How do firms adapt to the intensity of adverse chronic conditions stemming from the natural environment? We seek to contribute to the debate on whether environmental adversity tends to be positively or negatively related to adaptation. We propose that both diverging perspectives tend to predict part of firms' adaptation to nature adversity intensity. This is because of the interplay between latent counterbalancing mechanisms. First, at mild levels of nature adversity intensity, organizational inertial forces constrain organizations' willingness to adapt. Second, at medium levels of nature adversity intensity, coalition building and internal organizational politics allow managers to deploy adaptation resilience capabilities. Third, at severe levels, growing natural forces eventually impose limits beyond which protective adaptation becomes unviable. Our findings from a 2001 to 2013 analysis of western U.S. ski resorts' adaptation to temperature conditions indicate that firms facing medium levels of nature adversity intensity appear more likely to engage in higher levels of adaptation whereas those experiencing lower and higher intensity show a tendency for lower levels of adaptation, yielding an inverted U‐shaped relationship.
Optimizing checkpoint inhibitors therapy for relapsed or progressive classic Hodgkin lymphoma by multiplex immunohistochemistry of the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Carbone Antonino , Gloghini Annunziata , Pruneri Giancarlo , Dolcetti Riccardo
Published: May 2019

Immune checkpoint‐blocking antibodies have therapeutic activity against relapsed or progressive classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), but Hodgkin Reed‐Sternberg cells can develop resistance to this therapy via multiple mechanisms. To improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade, we need a more precise understanding of the immune escape mechanisms active in individual cHL patients, and this requires a detailed characterization of immune cell populations in the tumor microenvironment. These cell‐cell interactions can now be studied by multiplex immunohistochemistry coupled to digital image analysis. This method should allow the identification of actionable target molecules mediating resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in individual cHL patients, thereby favoring the implementation of personalized therapies.
Association of the prognostic nutritional index and overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer: A STROBE compliant retrospective cohort study
Authors: Luvián‐Morales Julissa , González‐Trejo Sagrario , Carrillo José F. , Herrera‐Goepfert Roberto , Aiello‐Crocifoglio Vincenzo , Gallardo‐Rincón Dolores , Ochoa‐Carrillo Francisco J. , Oñate‐Ocaña Luis F.
Published: May 2019

Background

The TNM classification does not completely reflect the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Several clinical factors have been used to increase its prognostic value, but factors pertaining to the patient's immunonutritional status have not usually been addressed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of Prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and other well‐known prognostic factors by multivariate analysis in a cohort of patients with CRC.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with CRC managed in a cancer center between January 1992 and December 2016. Cox's model was used to define the association of the PNI and other factors with Overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 3301 patients were included: 47.7% were female and 52.3% were male, with a mean age of 58.7 years. By bivariate analysis, PNI was strongly associated with OS (Risk ratio [RR] 0.968, 95% Confidence interval [CI] 0.962‐0.974; P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, PNI was an independent explanatory variable (as continuous variable and as categorized variable; RR 0.732, 95% CI 0.611‐0.878; RR 0.656, 95% CI 0.529‐0.813 and RR 0.646, 95% CI 0.521‐0.802, for quintiles 2, 3, and 4‐5, respectively); a biological gradient effect was demonstrated. The final prognostic model included PNI, location of the neoplasia in the colorectum, basal hemoglobin, lymphocyte count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, TNM stage, differentiation degree, R classification, and postoperative complications.

Conclusions

PNI is a significant and independent prognostic factor in patients with CRC. Its prognostic value adds precision to the TNM staging system including specific subgroups of patients with CRC; it should be evaluated in prospective clinical studies.
Control of a Hybrid Energy Storage System for a Hybrid Compensation System
Authors: Böhm Ralf , Steglich Michael , Rehtanz Christian , Paulsburg Martin , Datsevic Sergey , Brunner Benjamin , Franke Jörg
Published: May 2019

The combination of two or more different energy storage technologies in a hybrid energy storage system appears to be advantageous if the combination of technologies fulfils the storage purpose better than a single storage technology. Herein, requirements regarding the performance of the storage system are determined for a hybrid compensation system for provision of system services in medium‐voltage grids. In hybrid storage systems, a common control system ensures that the present storage technologies are utilized in such a way that total storage efficiency is highest and that usability of the application is maximized. The control system of a hybrid storage system consisting of a redox flow battery and high‐speed flywheel storage is introduced and evaluated.
Improving Energy Performance Indicators with the Help of Multivariable Linear Regression
Authors: Mutschler-Burghard Rainer
Published: May 2019

Companies with energy management systems face difficulties in practice to determine an improvement in energy efficiency in a way that can be verified. This is due to a variety of influences on energy consumption, such as differing product portfolios, rising production volumes, and climatic influences. With the aid of multivariable linear regression analysis, the relationship between a company's electricity consumption and potential influencing factors is examined step by step. The result is a mathematical formula that is at once the energy‐related baseline and the new energy performance indicator (EnPI) for electricity as an energy source.
Electrochemical Synthesis of 3‐Bromoimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines Directly from 2‐Aminopyridines and alpha‐Bromoketones
Authors: Jian Wen‐Qian , Wang Hai‐Bin , Du Ke‐Si , Zhong Wei‐Qiang , Huang Jing‐Mei
Published: May 2019

A highly efficient co‐electrolysis of 3‐bromoimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines has been developed in a simple undivided cell without any external oxidant. This protocol proceeds smoothly to provide the products with a broad substrate scope through a domino condensation/bromination sequence. Importantly, it can be easily scaled up.
Tuning Electron Transport Direction through the Deposition Sequence of MoS2 and WS2 on Fluorine‐Doped Tin Oxide for Improved Electrocatalytic Reduction Efficiency
Authors: Liu Yajuan , Yin Jie , Zhou Yuqing , Sun Luo , Yue Wenjin , Sun Yueming , Wang Yuqiao
Published: May 2019

MoS2−WS2 films on fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) can be vulcanized through chemical vapor deposition by using MoO3 and WO3 as precursors prepared by pulsed laser deposition. The electron transport direction can be tuned by the deposition sequence of metal sulfides on FTO, owing to the differences in the conduction bands (CBs, MoS2 −4.38 vs. WS2 −4.13 eV), defined as the energy level impedance to adjust the electron transport rate. It means that the electron transport rate from FTO to the MoS2 surface of FTO/WS2/MoS2 might be higher than the rate from FTO to the WS2 surface of FTO/MoS2/WS2. The assumption was verified by the electrocatalytic reduction of I3− to I− using the above films as a counter electrode in a dye‐sensitized solar cell. The short‐circuit photocurrent density of FTO/WS2/MoS2 achieved 14.16 mA cm−2, which is superior to FTO/MoS2/WS2 (11.72 mA cm−2), indicating that the catalytic activity of FTO/WS2/MoS2 was higher than that of FTO/MoS2/WS2. The electron transport direction can be successfully regulated by tuning the deposition order.
A New Discovery of Calcium Phosphate Urinary Stones Formation Induced by Melamine: Nanocrystalline Assembly Mechanism
Authors: Dong Wenya , Hu Ruiming , Wu Qingsheng
Published: May 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Melamine (Mel), a contaminant that has received much attention in recent years, has been adulterated into milk powder, causing a large number of infants suffering from kidney stone disease. To study the process and mechanism of calcium phosphate (CaP) stone formation induced by Mel, we simulated the formation process of CaP stones and studied the effect of Mel on crystallization in aqueous and synthetic urine systems, respectively. Ion selective electrode method was used to study the thermodynamic parameters and reaction rate of the crystallization process. It was firstly discovered that Mel could induce the formation of CaP crystals significantly under weak acidic urine conditions in which CaP cannot be stably present, so it may cause people to produce CaP stones. Thermodynamic parameter and reaction rate analysis indicated that Mel could increase the reaction tendency and accelerate the formation of CaP crystals, which was achieved by two process of electrostatic adsorption and release of calcium ions. This research is expected to provide scientific guidance for the prevention and treatment of Mel‐related stones.
Transcription factors Sp8 and Sp9 regulate the development of caudal ganglionic eminence‐derived cortical interneurons
Authors: Wei Song , Du Heng , Li Zhenmeiyu , Tao Guangxu , Xu Zhejun , Song Xiaolei , Shang Zicong , Su Zihao , Chen Haotian , Wen Yan , Liu Guoping , You Yan , Zhang Zhuangzhi , Yang Zhengang
Published: May 2019

Cortical interneurons are derived from the subcortical medial ganglionic eminence (MGE), caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE) and preoptic area (POA). CGE‐derived cortical interneurons, which comprise around 30% of all cortical interneurons, mainly express Htr3a, calretinin (CR), Reelin (RELN) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). In the present study, we show that transcription factors Sp8 and Sp9 are co‐expressed in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the dorsal CGE. Conditional knockout of Sp8/9 using the Gsx2‐Cre transgenic line results in severe loss of CGE‐derived cortical interneurons. We observed migration defects of Sp8/9 double mutant CGE‐derived cortical interneurons as they had longer leading processes than controls and they ectopically accumulated in the CGE. Dlx5/6‐CIE conditional deletion of Sp8/9 also leads to a significant reduction in the CGE‐derived cortical interneurons. We provide evidence that Sp8/9 coordinately regulate CGE‐derived cortical interneuron development in part through repressing the expression of Pak3, Robo1, and Slit1. Finally, we show that Cxcl14, a member of the CXC chemokine family, is mainly expressed in CGE‐derived interneurons in cortical layers I and II, and its expression is critically dependent on SP8.
Identification of Android malware using refined system calls
Authors: K. Deepa , G. Radhamani , P. Vinod , Shojafar Mohammad , Kumar Neeraj , Conti Mauro
Published: May 2019

The ever increasing number of Android malware has always been a concern for cybersecurity professionals. Even though plenty of anti‐malware solutions exist, we hypothesize that the performance of existing approaches can be improved by deriving relevant attributes through effective feature selection methods. In this paper, we propose a novel two‐step feature selection approach based on Rough Set and Statistical Test named as RSST to extract refined system calls, which can effectively discriminate malware from benign apps. By refined set of system call, we mean the existence of highly relevant calls that are uniformly distributed thought target classes. Moreover, an optimal attribute set is created, which is devoid of redundant system calls. To address the problem of higher dimensional attribute set, we derived suboptimal system call space by applying the proposed feature selection method to maximize the separability between malware and benign samples. Comprehensive experiments conducted on three datasets resulted in an accuracy of 99.9%, Area Under Curve (AUC) of 1.0, with 1% False Positive Rate (FPR). However, other feature selectors (Information Gain, CFsSubsetEval, ChiSquare, FreqSel, and Symmetric Uncertainty) used in the domain of malware analysis resulted in the accuracy of 95.5% with 8.5% FPR. Moreover, the empirical analysis of RSST derived system calls outperformed other attributes such as permissions, opcodes, API, methods, call graphs, Droidbox attributes, and network traces.
Towards Sustainable Lactic Acid Production: Avoiding Gypsum as a Byproduct by using Selective Liquid‐Phase Adsorption
Authors: Rübenach Lukas , Lins Jonas , Koh Ezra , Rose Marcus
Published: May 2019

The utilization of biomass is one of the major challenges for the transition from fossil to renewable resources. Often, the separation of the desired product from the reaction mixture is the most energy‐intensive step. Liquid‐phase adsorption is a promising separation technology that could significantly improve downstream processing in biorefineries. Highly hydrophobic adsorbents were applied for the separation of lactic acid (LA) from aqueous solutions and to avoid the formation of gypsum as a byproduct. High uptakes and selectivity were obtained in single‐solute and co‐adsorption experiments. Porous hyper‐crosslinked polymers (HCP) and polymer‐based spherical activated carbon performed best and showed excellent selectivity for the selective removal of LA. Desorption experiments revealed that HCP was the ideal adsorbent for the separation of LA from aqueous solution and enabled the production of gypsum‐free LA.
Effects of Song Experience and Song Quality on Immediate Early Gene Expression in Female Canaries (Serinus canaria)
Authors: Haakenson Chelsea M. , Madison Farrah N. , Ball Gregory F.
Published: May 2019

Female songbirds are thought to make mate choices based on aspects of male song quality. Male canaries (Serinus canaria) produce songs with “special” syllables that have been shown to be highly salient to female listeners – eliciting high rates of sexual displays and enhanced immediate early gene (IEG) expression. Immunohistochemistry for the IEG ZENK was used to examine the effects of experience with these syllables on activity in the caudal mesopallium (CMM) and nidocaudal mesopallium (NCM), two auditory areas important in processing conspecific song. Photostimulated female canaries were housed in sound attenuated chambers and played pseudosongs containing either three special syllables or three non‐special syllables, an intro, and an outro sequence. Females that heard special syllable pseudosongs exhibited higher ZENK expression in CMM. To assess the effects of experience, photostimulated females were pair housed and exposed to playback of song with or without special syllables for 14 days. After transfer to individual housing, birds were played one of the aforementioned stimuli or silence. ZENK expression in CMM and NCM was equivalent for song with and without special syllables, but significantly lower for silence. Females who experienced song with special syllables had lower plasma estradiol concentrations after final song playback. This study indicates that CMM exhibits an IEG response bias to special syllables in limited acoustic contexts, but not in full song, which may contain additional biologically relevant information. Furthermore, estradiol concentrations may mediate changes in song responses, serving as a mechanism for modulating mate choice in differing song environments.
PDGF‐B: The missing piece in the mosaic of PDGF family role in craniofacial development
Authors: Corsinovi Debora , Giannetti Kety , Cericola Alessia , Naef Valentina , Ori Michela
Published: May 2019

Background

The platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) family consists of four ligands (PDGF‐A, PDGF‐B, PDGF‐C, PDGF‐D) and two tyrosine kinase receptors (PDGFR‐α and PDGFR‐β). In vertebrates, PDGF signaling influences cell proliferation, migration, and matrix deposition, and its up‐regulation is implicated in cancer progression. Despite this evidence, the role of each family member during embryogenesis is still incomplete and partially controversial. In particular, study of the role of pdgf signaling during craniofacial development has been focused on pdgf‐a, while the role of pdgf‐b is almost unknown due to the lethal phenotypes of pdgf‐b‐null mice.

Results

By using a pdgf‐b splice‐blocking morpholino approach, we highlighted impairment of neural crest cell (NCC) migration in Xenopus laevis morphants, leading to alteration of NCC derivatives formation, such as cranial nerves and cartilages. We also uncovered a possible link between pdgf‐b and the expression of cadherin superfamily members cdh6 and cdh11, which mediate cell‐cell adhesion promoting NCC migration.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that pdgf‐b signaling is involved in cranial NCC migration and it is required for proper formation of craniofacial NCC derivatives. Taken together, these data unveiled a new role for pdgf‐b during vertebrate development, contributing to complete the picture of pdgf signaling role in craniofacial development.
New frontiers in modeling tuberous sclerosis with human stem cell‐derived neurons and brain organoids
Authors: Blair John D. , Bateup Helen S.
Published: May 2019

Recent advances in human stem cell and genome engineering have enabled the generation of genetically defined human cellular models for brain disorders. These models can be established from a patient's own cells and can be genetically engineered to generate isogenic, controlled systems for mechanistic studies. Given the challenges of obtaining and working with primary human brain tissue, these models fill a critical gap in our understanding of normal and abnormal human brain development and provide an important complement to animal models. Recently, there has been major progress in modeling the neuropathophysiology of the canonical “mTORopathy” tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) with such approaches. Studies using two‐ and three‐dimensional cultures of human neurons and glia have provided new insights into how mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes impact human neural development and function. Here we discuss recent progress in human stem cell‐based modeling of TSC and highlight challenges and opportunities for further efforts in this area.
Molecular analyses identify hybridization‐mediated nuclear evolution in newly discovered fungal hybrids
Authors: Sillo Fabiano , Gonthier Paolo , Lockman Blakey , Kasuga Takao , Garbelotto Matteo
Published: May 2019

Hybridization may be a major driver in the evolution of plant pathogens. In a high elevation Alpine larch stand in Montana, a novel hybrid fungal pathogen of trees originating from the mating of Heterobasidion irregulare with H. occidentale has been recently discovered. In this study, sequence analyses of one mitochondrial and four nuclear loci from 11 Heterobasidion genotypes collected in the same Alpine larch stand indicated that hybridization has increased allelic diversity by generating novel polymorphisms unreported in either parental species. Sequence data and ploidy analysis through flow cytometry confirmed that heterokaryotic (n + n) genotypes were not first‐generation hybrids, but were the result of multiple backcrosses, indicating hybrids are fertile. Additionally, all admixed genotypes possessed the H. occidentale mitochondrion, indicating that the hybrid progeny may have been backcrossing mostly with H. occidentale. Based on reticulate phylogenetic network analysis by PhyloNet, Bayesian assignment, and ordination tests, alleles can be defined as H. irregulare‐like or H. occidentale‐like. H. irregulare‐like alleles are clearly distinct from all known H. irregulare alleles and are derived from the admixing of both Heterobasidion species. Instead, all but one H. occidentale alleles found in hybrids, although novel, were not clearly distinct from alleles found in the parental H. occidentale population. This discovery demonstrates that Alpine larch can be a universal host favouring the interspecific hybridization between H. irregulare and H. occidentale and the hybridization‐mediated evolution of a nucleus, derived from H. irregulare parental species but clearly distinct from it.
Knowing your limits: estimating range boundaries and co‐occurrence zones for two competing plethodontid salamanders
Authors: Amburgey S. M. , Miller D. A. W. , Brand A. , Dietrich A. , Campbell Grant E. H.
Published: May 2019

Understanding threats to species persistence requires knowledge of where species currently occur. We explore methods for estimating two important facets of species distributions, namely where the range limit occurs and how species interactions structure distributions. Accurate understanding of range limits is crucial for predicting range dynamics and shifts in response to interspecific interactions and climate change. Additionally, species interactions are increasingly recognized as an important but not well‐understood predictor of range shifts. Our objective was to predict range limits and contact zones for two plethodontid salamanders, the highly range‐restricted Shenandoah salamander (Plethodon shenandoah) and the wide‐ranging red‐backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus). Using detection/non‐detection data, we assess four methodological decisions when estimating species’ distributions: (1) accounting for imperfect detection, (2) covariates to predict species occurrences, (3) accounting for species interactions, and (4) the inclusion of spatial autocorrelation. We found that Shenandoah salamander and red‐backed salamander co‐occurrence would have been underestimated and the range edge misidentified had we not accounted for incomplete detection. Covariates related to habitat were not sufficient to explain species’ range boundaries. Models that included spatial autocorrelation (i.e., a conditional autoregressive random effect) performed better than models that included just species interactions (i.e., detection and occurrence were conditional on the other species being present) and models that included both spatial autocorrelation and species interactions. Further, we found that the breadth of primary contact zones was typically 60–170 m, which is greater on average than previous estimates. In addition, we frequently observed secondary, disjunct contact zones along the range boundary. Understanding the extent to which species co‐occur and how the range boundaries are shaped is crucial to conservation efforts. Our work indicates that accounting for detection is crucial for accurately characterizing range edges and that spatial models may be especially effective in modeling distributions at the boundary.