bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The performance of cleaner wrasse,Labroides dimidiatus,in a reversal learning task varies across experimental paradigms
Authors: Gingins Simon , Marcadier Fanny , Wismer Sharon , Krattinger Océane , Quattrini Fausto , Bshary Redouan , Binning Sandra A.
Published: May 2018

Testing performance in controlled laboratory experiments is a powerful tool for understanding the extent and evolution of cognitive abilities in non-human animals. However, cognitive testing is prone to a number of potential biases, which, if unnoticed or unaccounted for, may affect the conclusions drawn. We examined whether slight modifications to the experimental procedure and apparatus used in a spatial task and reversal learning task affected performance outcomes in the bluestreak cleaner wrasse,Labroides dimidiatus(hereafter “cleaners”). Using two-alternative forced-choice tests, fish had to learn to associate a food reward with a side (left or right) in their holding aquarium. Individuals were tested in one of four experimental treatments that differed slightly in procedure and/or physical set-up. Cleaners from all four treatment groups were equally able to solve the initial spatial task. However, groups differed in their ability to solve the reversal learning task: no individuals solved the reversal task when tested in small tanks with a transparent partition separating the two options, whereas over 50% of individuals solved the task when performed in a larger tank, or with an opaque partition. These results clearly show that seemingly insignificant details to the experimental set-up matter when testing performance in a spatial task and might significantly influence the outcome of experiments. These results echo previous calls for researchers to exercise caution when designing methodologies for cognition tasks to avoid misinterpretations.
Exogenous IL‐6 induces mRNA splice variant MBD2_v2 to promote stemness in TP53 wild‐type, African American PCa cells
Authors: Teslow Emily A. , Bao Bin , Dyson Greg , Legendre Christophe , Mitrea Cristina , Sakr Wael , Carpten John D. , Powell Isaac , Bollig‐Fischer Aliccia
Published: May 2018

African American men (AAM) are at higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) and are at higher risk of dying from the disease compared to European American men (EAM). We sought to better understand PCa molecular diversity that may be underlying these disparities. We performed RNA‐sequencing analysis on high‐grade PCa to identify genes showing differential tumor versus noncancer adjacent tissue expression patterns unique to AAM or EAM. We observed that interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) was upregulated in the nonmalignant adjacent tissue in AAM, but in EAM IL‐6 expression was higher in PCa tissue. Enrichment analysis identified that genes linked to the function of TP53 were overrepresented and downregulated in PCa tissue from AAM. These RNA‐sequencing results informed our subsequent investigation of a diverse PCa cell line panel. We observed that PCa cell lines that are TP53 wild‐type, which includes cell lines derived from AAM (MDA‐PCa‐2b and RC77T), did not express detectable IL‐6 mRNA. IL‐6 treatment of these cells downregulated wild‐type TP53 protein and induced mRNA and protein expression of the epigenetic reader methyl CpG binding domain protein 2 (MBD2), specifically the alternative mRNA splicing variant MBD2_v2. Further investigation validated that upregulation of this short isoform promotes self‐renewal and expansion of PCa cancer stem‐like cells (CSCs). In conclusion, this report contributes to characterizing gene expression patterns in high‐grade PCa and adjacent noncancer tissues from EAM and AAM. The results we describe here advance what is known about the biology associated with PCa race disparities and the molecular signaling of CSCs.
Multitasking in the military: Cognitive consequences and potential solutions
Authors: Chérif Lobna , Wood Valerie , Marois Alexandre , Labonté Katherine , Vachon François
Published: May 2018

Multitasking—the performance of several tasks at the same time—is becoming increasingly prevalent in workplaces. Multitasking is known to disrupt performance, particularly in complex and dynamic situations, which is exactly what most military occupations entail. Because military errors can be consequential, the detrimental impact of multitasking on cognitive functioning in such contexts should be taken seriously. This review pertains to high‐consequence military occupations that require strong multitasking skills. More specifically, it highlights cognitive challenges arising from different forms of multitasking and discusses their underlying cognitive processes. Because such challenges are not expected to diminish, this review proposes context‐relevant solutions to decrease occupational workload, either by reducing the cognitive load ensuing from the to‐be‐performed tasks or by improving soldiers' multitasking abilities. To ensure effective implementation of these solutions, we stress the need to design context‐adapted tools and procedures, and to guide human resource managers in developing particular strategies.
Fundamental failure to think logically about scientific questions: An illustration of tunnel vision with the application of Wason's Card Selection Test to criminal evidence
Authors: Rassin Eric
Published: May 2018

Logic and science are in some respects fundamentally different disciplines, in that for example, application of rules of logic can yield conclusions that are at odds with physical reality. Not surprisingly, people have ample difficulty with logical thinking. Nonetheless, in some instances, logical thinking can fuel empirical decision making. In the current research, it was established that applying rules of logic to a particular area of empirical decision making, that is, criminal fact finding, is indeed quite difficult (Study 1). Furthermore, the ability to think logically was found to be associated with superior evaluation of criminal evidence (Study 2). Implications of these findings are discussed.
Obesity is Independently Associated With Worse Patient‐Reported Outcomes in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Patterson Sarah L. , Schmajuk Gabriela , Jafri Kashif , Yazdany Jinoos , Katz Patricia
Published: May 2018

Objective

To determine whether obesity in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is independently associated with worse patient‐reported outcomes (PROs).

Methods

Data were derived from a prospective study of adult women with a diagnosis of SLE that was verified by medical record review. Two established definitions for obesity were used: fat mass index (FMI) ≥13 kg/m2 and body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2. Dependent variables included 4 validated PROs: disease activity as assessed by the Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire (SLAQ), depressive symptoms as assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D), pain as assessed by the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) pain subscale, and fatigue as assessed by the SF‐36 vitality subscale. We used multivariable linear regression to evaluate the associations of obesity with PROs, while controlling for potential confounders (age, race, education, income, smoking, disease duration, disease damage, and prednisone use).

Results

The analysis included 148 participants, 32% of whom were obese. In the multivariate regression model, obesity was associated with worse scores for each PRO. Mean adjusted scores for the SLAQ and CES‐D comparing obese versus non‐obese participants were 14.8 versus 11.5 (P = 0.01) and 19.8 versus 13.1 (P < 0.01), respectively. The obese group also reported worse mean adjusted scores for pain (38.7 versus 44.2; P < 0.01) and fatigue (39.6 versus 45.2; P = 0.01).

Conclusion

In a representative sample of women with SLE, obesity (as defined by both FMI and BMI) was independently associated with worse PROs, including disease activity, depressive symptoms, and symptoms of pain and fatigue. Obesity may represent a modifiable target for improving outcomes among obese women with SLE.
Ultrathin AuAg Nanofilms from Ice‐Templated Assembly of AuAg Nanowires
Authors: Li Xingyun , Wang Haiqing , Xu Qingchi , Guo Shengshi , Du Junou , Liu Xiangyang , Weng Jian , Xu Jun
Published: May 2018

Ice templates have been widely used for controlled assembly of nanoparticles into well‐defined 3D superstructures. However, ultrathin 2D nanofilms, which are highly desirable for wearable smart nanodevices, are seldom reported to be prepared via conventional ice‐templated assembly method. In this work, ultrathin AuAg nanofilms are successfully prepared by a simple ice‐templated assembly method from ultrathin AuAg nanowires (NWs). The ice/liquid interface is proposed as a unique platform facilitating the self‐assembly of NWs into monolayer nanofilms. Benefiting from the polymer‐like property of ultrathin AuAg NWs, the obtained ultrathin AuAg nanofilms exhibit high flexibility and excellent stability. The AuAg nanofilms prepared on the flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrate retain high transparency and conductivity under harsh environments and upon strong deformations. The nonspecific ice/liquid interfacial assembly can be further extended to prepare other ultrathin nanofilms made of various inorganic ultrathin NWs.
Topologically Protected Photonic Edge States in the Visible in Plasmo‐Gyroelectric Metamaterials
Authors: Wu Xueyuan , Ye Fan , Merlo Juan M. , Naughton Michael J. , Kempa Krzysztof
Published: May 2018

Gyroelectric materials can be used to realize nontrivial photonic topological states. The usual strategy to maximize this effect is to increase the strength of the typically very small, off‐diagonal dielectric permittivity tensor components. This is a very difficult task, in particular at high frequencies. Here, an alternative method is proposed: reducing the strength of the diagonal permittivity tensor components. It is shown that this can be achieved by employing a layered plasmo‐gyroelectric metamaterial as the background medium of a 2D photonic crystal. It is demonstrated that by applying magnetic field, which breaks time reversal invariance, a topologically nontrivial photonic gap opens in the band structure of square and hexagonal photonic crystals. This is confirmed by detecting the presence of a topologically protected edge state at the boundary of this structure. This state is a photonic analog of the edge state in the conventional integer quantum Hall effect, also characterized by suppressed backscattering.
Advanced Hierarchical Vesicular Carbon Co‐Doped with S, P, N for High‐Rate Sodium Storage
Authors: Zou Guoqiang , Hou Hongshuai , Foster Christopher W. , Banks Craig E. , Guo Tianxiao , Jiang Yunling , Zhang Yun , Ji Xiaobo
Published: May 2018

Hierarchical nanoscale carbons have received wide interest as electrode materials for energy storage and conversion due to their fast mass transfer processes, outstanding electronic conductivity, and high stability. Here, heteroatom (S, P, and N) doped hierarchical vesicular carbon (HHVC) materials with a high surface area up to 867.5 m2 g−1 are successfully prepared using a surface polymerization of hexachloro‐cyclotriphosphazene (HCCP) and 4,4′‐sulfonyldiphenol (BPS) on the ZIF‐8 polyhedrons. Significantly, it is the first time to achieve a controllability of the wall thickness for this unique carbon, ranging from 18 to 52 nm. When utilized as anodes for sodium ion batteries, these novel carbon materials exhibit a high specific capacity of 327.2 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles, which can be attributed to the expanded interlayer distance and enhanced conductivity derived from the doping of heteroatoms. Importantly, a high capacity of 142.6 mAh g−1 can be obtained even at a high current density of 5 A g−1, assigning to fast ion/electronic transmission processes stemming from the unique hierarchical vesicular structure. This work offers a new route for the fabrication/preparation of multi‐heteroatom doped hierarchical vesicular materials.
3D Wettable Framework for Dendrite‐Free Alkali Metal Anodes
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Chengwei , Pastel Glenn , Kuang Yudi , Xie Hua , Li Yiju , Liu Boyang , Luo Wei , Chen Chaoji , Hu Liangbing
Published: May 2018

The infinite volume change and dendritic behavior in alkali metal anodes lead to low Coulombic efficiency and short‐circuit issues that significantly hamper renewed efforts at commercialization. Here, a dendrite‐free alkali metal anode, made by thermally preloading molten Li or Na into a 3D framework with high alkali wettability, is reported. In the mechanically robust 3D framework, carbon fiber (CF) serves as an electrical highway that provides fast charge transfer for the redox reaction. Through a facile solution‐based process, a SnO2 coating is introduced to modify the poor wetting behavior of the carbon framework and drastically improve both the electrochemical performance and reliability. The kinetic barrier to adhesion of molten alkali metals on the CF framework is eliminated by the mixed reaction with SnO2. The growth of dendrites is effectively repressed under the decreased local current density of the 3D framework. In full‐cell configurations with LiFePO4 cathodes, the Li–CF electrode shows reduced polarization and 90% capacity retention after 500 cycles in traditional carbonate electrolyte. Comparable improvements are also observed in 3D electrodes for Na metal batteries. These findings on a stable 3D carbon framework with improved wetting behavior provide significant practical implications for achieving safe and commercially viable alkali metal anodes.
The first reported case of an inherited pathogenic CHD2 variant in a clinically affected mother and daughter
Authors: Petersen Andrea Klunder , Streff Haley , Tokita Mari , Bostwick Bret L.
Published: May 2018

Pathogenic variants in CHD2 (chromodomain helicase DNA‐binding protein 2) have been reported in neurodevelopmental disorders with a broad spectrum of phenotypic variability, ranging from mild intellectual disability to atonic‐myoclonic epilepsy. However, given the paucity of reported cases the extent of this phenotypic spectrum is currently unknown. Furthermore, all confirmed pathogenic CHD2 variants reported to date have been de novo, preventing the study of intrafamilial phenotypic heterogeneity and creating ambiguity regarding recurrence risk, penetrance, and expressivity. Here, we report the first known case of an inherited pathogenic CHD2 variant in affected mother and daughter. This case demonstrates intrafamilial phenotypic heterogeneity and confirms potential heritability of CHD2‐related neurodevelopmental disorders.
Solitary chemosensory cells producing interleukin‐25 and group‐2 innate lymphoid cells are enriched in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Patel Neil N. , Kohanski Michael A. , Maina Ivy W. , Triantafillou Vasiliki , Workman Alan D. , Tong Charles C.L. , Kuan Edward C. , Bosso John V. , Adappa Nithin D. , Palmer James N. , Herbert De'Broski R. , Cohen Noam A.
Published: May 2018

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is commonly characterized by type‐2 inflammation. It is established that group‐2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are a subset of immune cells important in orchestrating mucosal type‐2 response. IL‐25 is an epithelial‐derived cytokine that is a critical activator of ILC2s. Recent evidence demonstrates that specialized taster epithelial cells, such as solitary chemosensory cells (SCCs), may be producers of IL‐25. To elucidate the relationship between SCCs and ILC2s in CRSwNP, we sought to quantify ILC2s and SCCs to determine if these cell types are enriched in nasal polyps compared to healthy sinonasal mucosa.

Methods

We quantified SCCs and ILC2s using multicolor flow cytometry in nasal polyps and non‐inflamed turbinate mucosa from seven patients and investigated the role of IL‐13 and dexamethasone on SCC frequency using tissue explants of nasal polyps and turbinate mucosa.

Results

SCCs were found to be the primary source of IL‐25. Nasal polyps demonstrated higher populations of SCCs (33.0% vs 5.6%, p < 0.001) and ILC2s (2.40% vs 0.19%, p = 0.008) compared to patient‐matched nonpolypoid turbinates. In cultured polyp explants, exogenous IL‐13 increased the proportion of epithelial SCCs (40.2% IL‐13 condition vs 28.9% untreated, p = 0.012), and this effect was reversed by addition of dexamethasone (40.2% vs 8.9%, p < 0.0005).

Conclusion

These data support SCC and ILC2 expansion as well as increased IL‐25 production in nasal polyps and may represent early events in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP. IL‐13 stimulates proliferation of SCC in a feed‐forward loop, a process that is steroid‐sensitive.
Prodromal symptoms of multiple sclerosis in primary care
Authors: Disanto Giulio , Zecca Chiara , MacLachlan Sharon , Sacco Rosaria , Handunnetthi Lahiru , Meier Ute C. , Simpson Alex , McDonald Laura , Rossi Andrea , Benkert Pascal , Kuhle Jens , Ramagopalan Sreeram V. , Gobbi Claudio
Published: May 2018

Objective

Early diagnosis and treatment initiation significantly influence long‐term disability outcome in multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed at identifying prodromal symptoms of MS in primary care settings.

Methods

This was a nested case–control study comparing the occurrence of various symptoms in MS patients versus controls at 0 to 2, 2 to 5, and 5 to 10 years before index date (first MS record). A total of 10,204 incident MS cases were identified within the United Kingdom Clinical Practice Research Datalink between January 1, 1987 and February 28, 2016 (median age = 47 years, interquartile range [IQR] = 39–57, females = 7,308 [71.6%]). Patients were matched to 39,448 controls with no MS record by sex, year of birth, general practitioner, and year of registration (age = 47 years, IQR = 39–56, females = 28,248 [71.6%]). Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using conditional logistic regression.

Results

MS patients had significantly higher risk of presenting up to 10 years prior to index date with gastric, intestinal, urinary, and anorectal disturbances, anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, headache, and various types of pain. MS risk progressively increased with each additional symptom presented (0–2 years: OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.47–1.55, p < 0.001; 2–5 years: OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.25–1.33, p < 0.001; 5–10 years: OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.15–1.26, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analyses in patients with age at index < 40 years and no neurological disturbances prior to symptoms of interest showed consistent results.

Interpretation

Various clinical disturbances precede MS diagnosis by several years, supporting a prodromal phase to the disease and improving our clinical knowledge of early MS. Integrating these symptoms in the diagnostic procedure may help earlier disease identification. Ann Neurol 2018
Integrated magnetic resonance imaging and [11C]‐PBR28 positron emission tomographic imaging in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Alshikho Mohamad J. , Zürcher Nicole R. , Loggia Marco L. , Cernasov Paul , Reynolds Beverly , Pijanowski Olivia , Chonde Daniel B. , Izquierdo Garcia David , Mainero Caterina , Catana Ciprian , Chan James , Babu Suma , Paganoni Sabrina , Hooker Jacob M. , Atassi Nazem
Published: May 2018

Objective

To characterize [11C]‐PBR28 brain uptake using positron emission tomography (PET) in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS). We have previously shown increased [11C]‐PBR28 uptake in the precentral gyrus in a small group of ALS patients. Herein, we confirm our initial finding, study the longitudinal changes, and characterize the gray versus white matter distribution of [11C]‐PBR28 uptake in a larger cohort of patients with ALS and PLS.

Methods

Eighty‐five participants including 53 with ALS, 11 with PLS, and 21 healthy controls underwent integrated [11C]‐PBR28 PET–magnetic resonance brain imaging. Patients were clinically assessed using the Upper Motor Neuron Burden (UMNB) and the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale–Revised (ALSFRS‐R). [11C]‐PBR28 uptake was quantified as standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) and compared between groups. Cortical thickness and fractional anisotropy were compared between groups and correlated with SUVR and the clinical data. [11C]‐PBR28 uptake and ALSFRS‐R were compared longitudinally over 6 months in 10 ALS individuals.

Results

Whole brain voxelwise, surface‐based, and region of interest analyses revealed increased [11C]‐PBR28 uptake in the precentral and paracentral gyri in ALS, and in the subcortical white matter for the same regions in PLS, compared to controls. The increase in [11C]‐PBR28 uptake colocalized and correlated with cortical thinning, reduced fractional anisotropy, and increased mean diffusivity, and correlated with higher UMNB score. No significant changes were detected in [11C]‐PBR28 uptake over 6 months despite clinical progression.

Interpretation

Glial activation measured by in vivo [11C]‐PBR28 PET is increased in pathologically relevant regions in people with ALS and correlates with clinical measures. Ann Neurol 2018;83:1186–1197
Emulsion‐Assisted Polymerization‐Induced Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of Giant Sea Urchin‐like Aggregates on a Large Scale
Authors: Xu Qingsong , Huang Tong , Li Shanlong , Li Ke , Li Chuanlong , Liu Yannan , Wang Yuling , Yu Chunyang , Zhou Yongfeng
Published: May 2018

Hierarchical solution self‐assembly has become an important biomimetic method to prepare highly complex and multifunctional supramolecular structures. However, despite great progress, it is still highly challenging to prepare hierarchical self‐assemblies on a large scale because the self‐assembly processes are generally performed at high dilution. Now, an emulsion‐assisted polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (EAPISA) method with the advantages of in situ self‐assembly, scalable preparation, and facile functionalization was used to prepare hierarchical multiscale sea urchin‐like aggregates (SUAs). The obtained SUAs from amphiphilic alternating copolymers have a micrometer‐sized rattan ball‐like capsule (RBC) acting as the hollow core body and radiating nanotubes tens of micrometers in length as the hollow spines. They can capture model proteins effectively at an ultra‐low concentration (ca. 10 nm) after functionalization with amino groups through click copolymerization.
Elektrophile Formylierung von Aromaten durch silyliumionvermittelte Aktivierung von Kohlenmonoxid
Authors: Omann Lukas , Qu Zheng‐Wang , Irran Elisabeth , Klare Hendrik F. T. , Grimme Stefan , Oestreich Martin
Published: May 2018

Aromatenstabilisierte Silyliumionen reagieren mit Kohlenmonoxid und eben nicht Kohlenmonoxidaddukte von Silyliumionen mit Aromaten. Dieser Mechanismus ist durch quantenchemische Rechnungen gestützt. Selbst sterisch gehindertes Mesitylen und elektronisch desaktiviertes Chlorbenzol nehmen an dieser elektrophilen aromatischen Substitution teil. Die silyliumionvermittelte Formylierung entspricht Gattermann‐Koch‐Reaktionen, die durch starke Brønsted‐Säuren vorangetrieben werden. Das entstandene Silylcarboxoniumion des aromatischen Aldehyds wurde kristallographisch charakterisiert, womit erstmals die Molekülstruktur dieser bedeutenden Synthesezwischenstufe gezeigt ist.
Synthese und Charakterisierung von nichtklassischen Polyinterhalogeniden basierend auf Brommonochlorid
Authors: Schmidt Benjamin , Sonnenberg Karsten , Beckers Helmut , Steinhauer Simon , Riedel Sebastian
Published: May 2018

Aufgrund eines sehr ausgeprägten σ‐Lochs bildet BrCl stärkere Halogenbrücken als Cl2 und Br2. Diese Stabilisierung ermöglicht die kristallographische Charakterisierung einer Vielzahl neuartiger Polyinterhalogenide mit Chlorid als Zentralion, z. B. in den Kristallstrukturen von [AsPh4][Cl(BrCl)3] und [CCl(NMe2)2][Cl(BrCl)5]. Darüber hinaus wird erstmals die Kristallstruktur eines oktaedrisch koordinierten, nichtklassischen Interhalogenids beschrieben. Das Tridekainterhalogenid‐Monoanion [Cl(BrCl)6]− besteht aus einem zentralen Chloridion, das von sechs BrCl‐Molekülen in einer leicht verzerrten oktaedrischen Struktur koordiniert wird. Alle beschriebenen Verbindungen wurden durch Einkristalldiffraktometrie, NMR‐ und Raman‐Spektroskopie sowie durch quantenchemische Rechnungen charakterisiert.
Organocatalyzed Domino [3+2] Cycloaddition/Payne‐Type Rearrangement using Carbon Dioxide and Epoxy Alcohols
Authors: Sopeña Sergio , Cozzolino Mariachiara , Maquilón Cristina , Escudero‐Adán Eduardo C. , Martínez Belmonte Marta , Kleij Arjan W.
Published: May 2018

An unprecedented organocatalytic approach towards highly substituted cyclic carbonates from tri‐ and tetrasubstituted oxiranes and carbon dioxide has been developed. The protocol involves the use of a simple and cheap superbase under mild, additive‐ and metal‐free conditions towards the initial formation of a less substituted carbonate product that equilibrates to a tri‐ or even tetrasubstituted cyclic carbonate under thermodynamic control. The latter are conveniently trapped in situ, providing overall a new domino process for synthetically elusive heterocyclic scaffolds. Control experiments provide a rationale for the observed cascade reactions, which demonstrate similarity to the well‐known Payne rearrangement of epoxy alcohols.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nonclassical Interhalides Based on Bromine Monochloride
Authors: Schmidt Benjamin , Sonnenberg Karsten , Beckers Helmut , Steinhauer Simon , Riedel Sebastian
Published: May 2018

Due to a more distinct σ‐hole, BrCl is able to form stronger halogen bonds than those in polyhalogen anions based on Cl2 and Br2. This stabilization allows the crystallographic characterization of a variety of new polyinterhalides, in which chloride functions as the central ion as shown by the molecular structures of [AsPh4][Cl(BrCl)3] and [CCl(NMe2)2][Cl(BrCl)5]. Furthermore, the solid‐state structure of an octahedrally coordinated nonclassical interhalide is reported for the first time. The tridecainterhalide monoanion [Cl(BrCl)6]− consists of a central chloride ion, which is coordinated by six BrCl molecules in a slightly distorted octahedral structure. All new compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD), NMR and Raman spectroscopy, as well as quantum‐chemical calculations.
Synthesis, molecular docking, and pharmacological evaluation of N‐(2‐(3,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)benzoxazole‐5‐yl)benzamide derivatives as selective COX‐2 inhibitors and anti‐inflammatory agents
Authors: Kaur Avneet , Pathak Dharam P. , Sharma Vidushi , Wakode Sharad
Published: May 2018

A series of N‐(2‐(3,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)benzoxazole‐5‐yl)benzamide derivatives (3am) was synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro inhibitory activity against COX‐1 and COX‐2. The compounds with considerable in vitro activity (IC50 < 1 μM) were evaluated in vivo for their anti‐inflammatory potential by the carrageenan‐induced rat paw edema method. Out of 13 newly synthesized compounds, 3a, 3b, 3d, 3g, 3j, and 3k were found to be the most potent COX‐2 inhibitors in the in vitro enzymatic assay, with IC50 values in the range of 0.06–0.71 μM. The in vivo anti‐inflammatory activity of these six compounds (3a, 3b, 3d, 3g, 3j, and 3k) was assessed by the carrageenan‐induced rat paw edema method. Compounds 3d (84.09%), 3g (79.54%), and 3a (70.45%) demonstrated significant anti‐inflammatory activity compared to the standard drug ibuprofen (65.90%) and were also found to be safer than ibuprofen, by ulcerogenic studies. A docking study was done using the crystal structure of human COX‐2, to understand the binding mechanism of these inhibitors to the active site of COX‐2.
Multistate multivariate statistical process control
Authors: Odom Gabriel J. , Newhart Kathryn B. , Cath Tzahi Y. , Hering Amanda S.
Published: May 2018

For high‐dimensional, autocorrelated, nonlinear, and nonstationary data, adaptive‐dynamic principal component analysis (AD‐PCA) has been shown to do as well or better than nonlinear dimension reduction methods in flagging outliers. In some engineered systems, designed features can create a known multistate scheme among multiple autocorrelated, nonlinear, and nonstationary processes, and incorporating this additional known information into AD‐PCA can further improve it. In simulations with one of three types of faults introduced, we compare accounting for the states versus ignoring them. We find that multistate AD‐PCA reduces the proportion of false alarms and reduces the average time to fault detection. Conversely, we also investigate the impact of assuming multiple states when only one exists, and find that as long as the number of observations is sufficient, this misspecification is not detrimental. We then apply multistate AD‐PCA to real‐world data collected from a decentralized wastewater treatment system during in control and out of control conditions. Multistate AD‐PCA flags a strong system fault earlier and more consistently than its single‐state competitor. Furthermore, accounting for the physical switching system does not increase the number of false alarms when the process is in control and may ultimately assist with fault attribution.
Effects of gut microbiota and time of treatment on tissue levels of green tea polyphenols in mice
Authors: Liu Anna B. , Tao Siyao , Lee Mao‐Jung , Hu Qi , Meng Xiaofeng , Lin Yong , Yang Chung S.
Published: May 2018

The previous studies have shown that tea polyphenols are metabolized by gut microbiota. This study investigated the effect of gut microbiota on the bioavailability, tissue levels, and degradation of tea polyphenols. Mice were treated with antibiotics (ampicillin/sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) in drinking water and the control mice received water for 11 days, and they were given an AIN93M diet enriched with 0.32% of Polyphenon E. The levels of catechins and their metabolites (if present) in the serum, liver, urine, and fecal samples were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that treatment with antibiotics significantly increased the levels of the major polyphenol, (–)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), in serum and liver samples. Antibiotics also raised the levels of some catechins in urine and fecal samples but decreased the levels of their metabolites. These results suggest that antibiotics eliminated gut microbes and increased the bioavailabilities of these tea catechins. In a second study, mice were given different concentrations of green tea infusions as the drinking fluid. The plasma levels of EGCG and (–)‐epicatechin‐3‐gallate (ECG) at day 112 were significantly lower than those at day 5. The urine levels of EGCG and ECG increased in the first 4 or 5 days, and then decreased to much lower levels at day 23 and beyond. In contrast, the levels of (–)‐epigallocatechin and (–)‐epicatechin showed a trend of increase during the 112‐day experiment, likely owing to microbial hydrolysis of EGCG and ECG. Both sets of experiments support the idea that the degradation of EGCG and ECG by gut microbiota decreases their bioavailabilities. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(4):348–360, 2018
A perception‐based emotion contagion model in crowd emergent evacuation simulation
Authors: Liu Zhen , Liu Tingting , Ma Minhua , Hsu Hui‐Huang , Ni Zhongrui , Chai Yanjie
Published: May 2018

With the increasing number of emergencies, the crowd simulation technology has attracted wide attention in the recent years. Existing emergencies have shown that individuals are easy to be influenced by others' emotion during the evacuation. This will make it easier for people to aggregate together and increase security risks. Some of the existing evacuation models without considering emotion are therefore not suitable for describing crowd behaviors in emergencies. We propose a perception‐based emotion contagion model and use multiagent technology to simulate crowd behaviors. Navigation points are introduced to guide the movement of the agents. Based on the proposed model, a prototype simulation system for crowd emotion contagion is developed. The comparative simulation experiments verify that the model can effectively deduct the evacuation time and crowd emotion contagion. The proposed model could be an assistant analysis method for crowd management in emergencies.
MicroRNA‐150 restores endothelial cell function and attenuates vascular remodeling by targeting PTX3 through the NF‐κB signaling pathway in mice with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Luo Xian‐Yuan , Zhu Xiao‐Qing , Li Ying , Wang Xue‐Bin , Yin Wei , Ge Yi‐Shan , Ji Wei‐Min
Published: May 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been known to function as important regulators in the vascular system, with various physiopathological effects such as vascular remodeling and hypertension modulation. We aimed to explore whether microRNA‐150 (miR‐150) regulates endothelial cell function and vascular remodeling in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and the involvement of PTX3 and NF‐κB signaling pathway. Ten normal mice and sixty ApoE−/− mice were chosen, and their coronary artery tissues and endothelial cells were extracted. ApoE−/− mice were injected with a series of inhibitor or mimic for miR‐150, or siRNA against PTX3. The miR‐150 expression, NF‐κB1, RELA, and PTX3 mRNA expression were assessed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and pentraxin‐3, p‐P50, and p‐P65 protein expression by Western blot analysis. Cell viability and migration were assessed by MTT assay and scratch test. Matrigel tube formation assay was employed to determine vascular remodeling of endothelial cells. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay verified that PTX3 was a target of miR‐150. Mice with ACS presented with decreased miR‐150 but increased PTX3. It was observed that the miR‐150 mimic and siRNA against PTX3 reduced levels of PTX3, NF‐κB1, and RELA in mice, and the miR‐150 inhibitor reversed the tendency. The in vitro cell experimentation proved that miR‐150 might facilitate endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and restrain vascular remodeling via inhibiting PTX3 expression. On the basis of the results of this study, it was hypothesized that miR‐150 could possibly maintain endothelial cell function and suppress vascular remodeling by inhibiting PTX3 through the NF‐κB signaling pathway in mice with ACS.
A huge asymptomatic pheochromocytoma
Authors: Machairas Nikolaos , Papaconstantinou Dimetrios , Papala Anna , Ioannidis Argyrios , Patapis Paul , Misiakos Evangelos P.
Published: May 2018

Key Clinical Message

Due to their evolution in the retroperitoneal space, pheochromocytomas may grow significantly in size and remain asymptomatic for a long period of time. Normal values of urine catecholamine levels must not preclude the diagnosis of these endocrine lesions.
Metachronous gastric metastasis from lung primary, with synchronous pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma
Authors: El Hajj Ihab I. , Lawrence Karen A. , Tirkes Temel , Shahda Safi , Sherman Stuart
Published: May 2018

Key Clinical Message

The finding of gastric metachronous metastasis, several years after the diagnosis of primary lung large cell carcinoma is rare and incidental. Even more extremely rare is the finding of a synchronous primary pancreas cancer. EUS‐FNA with immunohistochemistry is useful for diagnosing metastatic lesions and differentiating those from synchronous primary lesions.
Recovery of muscle weakness and physical function in a patient with severe ICU‐acquired weakness following pulmonary embolism: A case report
Authors: Morimoto Yosuke , Sekino Motohiro , Eishi Kiyoyuki , Kozu Ryo
Published: May 2018

Key Clinical Message

Although ICU‐AW is a common condition in critically ill, it is unclear which intervention is best to treat. We applied combined exercise training and nutritional supplementation, and these were effective to recover the skeletal muscle function and exercise capacity. We should recognize necessity of nutritional support in ICU‐AW patients.
Pathology after a combination of sequential and simultaneous unipolar radiofrequency ablation of ventricular tachycardia in a postmortem heart with cardiac sarcoidosis
Authors: Miyamoto Koji , Matsuyama Taka‐aki , Noda Takashi , Ishibashi‐Ueda Hatsue , Kusano Kengo
Published: May 2018

Key Clinical Message

This report shows a postmortem examination of a heart performed in a patient with cardiac sarcoidosis undergoing a sequential and simultaneous unipolar radiofrequency ablation. A combination of a sequential and simultaneous unipolar radiofrequency ablation might be useful for creating transmural ablation lesions on the interventricular septum in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis.
Enhancement in Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity of Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanostructures in Acidic Media through Chloride‐Ion Exposure
Authors: Jain Deeksha , Mamtani Kuldeep , Gustin Vance , Gunduz Seval , Celik Gokhan , Waluyo Iradwikanari , Hunt Adrian , Co Anne C. , Ozkan Umit S.
Published: May 2018

Nitrogen‐doped carbon nanostructures (CNx) are promising cathode materials as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Incorporation of chlorine into CNx catalysts using a facile methodology can lead to a significant improvement in the ORR activity in acidic media, as confirmed by electrochemical half‐cell measurements. The chlorine‐containing CNx catalyst (CNx−Cl) is synthesized by soaking CNx powder in 0.3 M HCl. The analysis of near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure spectra collected in the C K‐edge region and Fourier‐transform infrared spectra confirm the formation of C−Cl bonds in CNx−Cl. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results reveal the presence of three distinct chlorine species in the CNx−Cl sample: (i) organic chlorine (C−Cl), (ii) anionic chloride in the positively charged environment of a pyridinium ring (N+Cl−), and (iii) physisorbed ionic chloride. Results from temperature‐programmed desorption studies under inert atmosphere corroborate the conclusions from XPS depth profiling analysis. The improvement in ORR activity after exposure of the CNx catalyst to chloride anions can be attributed to the creation of C−Cl functionalities as additional active sites. The difference in the electronegativity of C and Cl atoms results in a net positive charge on adjacent carbon sites, leading to the side‐on adsorption of oxygen molecules and breakage of the O−O bond during ORR.
Efficiency of Water‐Soluble Nitroxide Biradicals for Dynamic Nuclear Polarization in Rotating Solids at 9.4 T: bcTol‐M and cyolyl‐TOTAPOL as New Polarizing Agents
Authors: Geiger Michel‐Andreas , Jagtap Anil P. , Kaushik Monu , Sun Han , Stöppler Daniel , Sigurdsson Snorri T. , Corzilius Björn , Oschkinat Hartmut
Published: May 2018

Nitroxide biradicals are very efficient polarizing agents in magic angle spinning (MAS) cross effect (CE) dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Many recently synthesized, new radicals show superior DNP‐efficiency in organic solvents but suffer from insufficient solubility in water or glycerol/water for biological applications. We report DNP efficiencies for two new radicals, the water‐solublebcTol‐Mandcyolyl‐TOTAPOL, and include a comparison with three known biradicals,TOTAPOL,bcTol, andAMUPol. They differ by linker groups, featuring either a 3‐aminopropane‐1,2‐diol or a urea tether, or by the structure of the alkyl substituents that flank the nitroxide groups. For evaluating their performances, we measured both signal enhancementsϵand DNP‐enhanced sensitivityκ, and compared the results to electron spin relaxation data recorded at the same magnetic field strength (9.4 T). In our study, differences in DNP efficiency correlate with changes in the nuclear polarization dynamics rather than electron relaxation. The ratios of their individualϵandκdiffer by up to 20 %, which is explained by starkly different nuclear polarization build‐up rates. For the radicals compared here empirically, using proline standard solutions, the new radicalbcTol‐Mperforms best while being most soluble in water/glycerol mixtures.
Long‐Term Stability of the Oxidized Hole‐Transporting Materials used in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kasparavicius Ernestas , Magomedov Artiom , Malinauskas Tadas , Getautis Vytautas
Published: May 2018

The vast majority of the hole transporting materials require the use of chemical doping as an essential step for preparation of efficient perovskite solar cells. An oxidized organic hole‐transporting material, obtained during a doping procedure, could potentially be one of the weak links in the device composition. It is not uncommon for the solar cell to heat up under summer sun; therefore, all device components must possess some degree of resistance to repetitive thermal stress. In the current publication, a series of oxidized hole‐transporting materials have been synthesized and their long‐term stability investigated. During thermal stability testing of the films, kept at 100 °C under an inert atmosphere, it was observed that oxidized HTMs start to degrade and partly revert to original unoxidized material. It is known that oxidized HTM, formed during doping, is responsible for the increased conductivity and ultimately for better efficiency of hole extraction process in the PSC device; therefore, observed instability of the oxidized HTMs in the thin films at elevated temperatures could be one of the causes of drop in conductivity reported for the doped spiro‐OMeTAD. It could also potentially be one of the reasons why perovskite solar cells lose their efficiency under prolonged thermal stress.
Bond Rotation in an Aromatic Carbaporphyrin: Allyliporphyrin
Authors: Hong Jung‐Ho , Aslam Adil S. , Ko Min‐Sung , Choi Jonghoon , Lee Yunho , Cho Dong‐Gyu
Published: May 2018

Allyliporphyrin is a carbaporphyrin that has replaced one pyrrole with an allyl group. Dynamic behavior (bond rotation) was observed by variable temperature 1H NMR and 2D‐NOESY NMR spectroscopy and theoretically examined by DFT calculations. These studies revealed that well‐defined bond rotation was first observed in the limited space of the carbaporphyrin from 2 through cis‐2 and the calculated rotational barrier was low enough, with the relative energy level of cis‐2 only 0.65 kcal mol−1 higher than 2. The synthesized allyliporphyrin (2) is a strongly aromatic macrocycle as indicated by the chemical shifts of its inner NH and CH signals. However, its palladium complex displayed reduced aromaticity due to the tilted thiophene of Pd‐2.
Titan‐Slime – zwischen Hightech und Spielzeug
Authors: Lühken Arnim , Sgoff Dieter
Published: May 2018

Slime fasziniert als gummielastische Masse. Im Chemieunterricht kann es einfach hergestellt werden und regt zu fachlichen Fragestellungen an. Problematisch ist die Verwendung von Borverbindungen bei der Herstellung, diese können jedoch durch unbedenkliche Chemikalien ersetzt werden. Die Verwendung von Titan(IV)‐Komplexverbindungen bietet hier nun eine weitere Variante der Slime‐Herstellung, die zu einem hervorragend gummielastischen Produkt und darüber hinaus zu Fragestellungen mit hoch signifikanten Bezügen zur technischen Lebenswelt führt.
Effects of Biochar, N Fertilizer, and Crop Residues on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Acidic Soils
Authors: Xiao Yan , Che Yeye , Zhang Fengge , Li Yang , Liu Mohan
Published: May 2018

An incubation experiment is conducted at 20 °C for 30 days to explore the influence of biochar, nitrogen, and their interactions on CH4, CO2, and N2O emissions, as well as C and N variations in soils with milk vetch and rape residue amendment or in soils without plant residue. Both the biochar and nitrogen additions had negative effects on the cumulative CH4 and CO2 emissions in the presence of milk vetch and rape residues. Regardless of the biochar and nitrogen addition, the CH4 and CO2 emissions from soils amended with milk vetch residue are the highest, followed by those from soils amended with rape residue and those from soils with no plant residue. With the N application, N2O emissions from soils amended with rape residue are significantly higher than those from soils without plant residue, whereas the N2O emissions from soils amended with milk vetch residue are significantly lower than those from soil without plant residue. DOC is positively related with CO2 emissions. NH4+N, NO3−N, and TIN are also positively correlated with N2O emissions. In soils with the N fertilizer application, milk vetch residue, and biochar decreases the global warming potential, whereas rape residue increases the global warming potential. The results indicate that milk vetch residue in combination with biochar could benefit greenhouse gas mitigation and should be recommended for agricultural practices at high nitrogen level. In contrast, rape residue incorporated with biochar should be applied cautiously, especially in N abundant soils.
Targeted Delivery of DNA‐Au Nanoparticles across the Blood–Brain Barrier Using Focused Ultrasound
Authors: Chan Tiffany G. , Morse Sophie V. , Copping Matthew J. , Choi James J. , Vilar Ramon
Published: May 2018

Nanoparticles have been widely studied as versatile platforms for in vivo imaging and therapy. However, their use to image and/or treat the brain is limited, as they are often unable to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). To overcome this problem, herein we report the use of focused ultrasound in vivo to successfully deliver DNA‐coated gold nanoparticles to specific locations in the brains of mice.
Analyzing the clinical actionability of germline pharmacogenomic findings in oncology
Authors: Wellmann Rebecca , Borden Brittany A. , Danahey Keith , Nanda Rita , Polite Blase N. , Stadler Walter M. , Ratain Mark J. , O'Donnell Peter H.
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Germline and tumor pharmacogenomics impact drug responses, but germline markers less commonly guide oncology prescribing. The authors hypothesized that a critical number of clinically actionable germline pharmacogenomic associations exist, representing clinical implementation opportunities.

METHODS

In total, 125 oncology drugs were analyzed for positive germline pharmacogenomic associations in journals with impact factors ≥5. Studies were assessed for design and genotyping quality, clinically relevant outcomes, statistical rigor, and evidence of drug‐gene effects. Associations from studies of high methodologic quality were deemed potentially clinically actionable, and translational summaries were written as point‐of‐care clinical decision support (CDS) tools and formally evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument.

RESULTS

The authors identified germline pharmacogenomic results for 56 of 125 oncology drugs (45%) across 173 publications. Actionable associations were detected for 12 drugs, including 6 that had germline pharmacogenomic information within US Food and Drug Administration labels or published guidelines (capecitabine/fluorouracil/dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase [DPYD], irinotecan/uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1 [UGT1A1], mercaptopurine/thioguanine/thiopurine S‐methyltransferase [TPMT], tamoxifen/cytochrome P450 [CYP] family 2 subfamily D member 6 [CYP2D6]), and 6 others were novel (asparaginase/nuclear factor of activated T‐cells 2 [NFATC2]/human leukocyte antigen D‐related β1 [HLA‐DRB1], cisplatin/acylphosphatase 2 [ACYP2], doxorubicin/adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette subfamily C member 2/Rac family small guanosine triphosphatase 2/neutrophil cytosolic factor 4 [ABCC2/RAC2/NCF4], lapatinib/human leukocyte antigen DQ α1 [HLA‐DQA1], sunitinib/cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily A member 5 [CYP3A5], vincristine/centrosomal protein 72 [CEP72]). By using AGREE II, the developed CDS summaries had high mean ± standard deviation scores (maximum score, 100) for scope and purpose (92.7 ± 5.1) and rigour of development (87.6 ± 7.4) and moderate yet robust scores for clarity of presentation (58.6 ± 25.1) and applicability (55.9 ± 24.6). The overall mean guideline quality score was 5.2 ± 1.0 (maximum score, 7). Germline pharmacogenomic CDS summaries for these 12 drugs were recommended for implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

Several oncology drugs have actionable germline pharmacogenomic information, justifying their delivery through institutional pharmacogenomic implementations to determine clinical utility. Cancer 2018;124:3052‐65. © 2018 American Cancer Society.