bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Phase1b Dose Escalation Study of Recombinant Circularly Permuted TRAIL in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Hou Jian , Qiu Lugui , Zhao Yaozhong , Zhang Xuejun , Liu Yan , Wang Zhao , Zhou Fang , Leng Yun , Yang Shifang , Xi Hao , Wang Fuxu , Zhu Bing , Chen Wenming , Wei Peng , Zheng Xiangjun
Published: September 2017

Objectives:

Circularly permuted tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (CPT), or CPT, is a novel antitumor drug candidate. This phase 1b study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and efficacy of single-agent CPT in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), and aimed to identify the recommended dose for the phase 2 study.

Materials and Methods:

Patients received single or multiple doses (once daily for 5 consecutive days per 21-d cycle) of CPT intravenous infusion at doses of 5, 6.5, 8, 10, and 15 mg/kg, to determine the maximum tolerated dose, dose-limiting toxicities, safety, and tolerability. PK were evaluated. Preliminary efficacy was assessed after each treatment cycle.

Results:

Twenty-nine RRMM patients received CPT. Neither the dose-limiting toxicity nor the maximum tolerated dose were identified. The most common treatment-related adverse events were liver enzyme elevations (eg, elevation of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), hematological abnormalities (eg, leukopenia and neutropenia), fever, fatigue, and vomiting. CPT had a terminal half-life of 0.90 to 1.27 hours at the 5 dose levels, and no accumulation was observed with repeated doses. Safety and PK profiles were similar across the 5 dose cohorts. The overall response rate (complete and partial response) was 18.5%. The clinical benefit rate (complete, partial, and minimal response) was 33.3%. Sixteen patients did not respond to CPT (no change and progressive disease). Patients treated with higher doses of CPT appeared to have better responses.

Conclusions:

CPT was safe and well tolerated by RRMM patients, and doses between 8 and 15 mg/kg were recommended for the phase 2 study.
Phase I/II Study of S-1 Plus Cisplatin Alternating With S-1 Plus Docetaxel in Patients With Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Hosokawa Ayumu , Ando Takayuki , Ogawa Kohei , Ueda Akira , Yoshita Hiroki , Mihara Hiroshi , Fujinami Haruka , Kajiura Shinya , Yabushita Kazuhisa , Horikawa Naoki , Kobayashi Yuka , Yoshioka Akira , Origasa Hideki , Sugiyama Toshiro
Published: September 2017

Objectives:

To investigate the usefulness of S-1 plus cisplatin alternating with S-1 plus docetaxel as first-line treatment in patients with advanced gastric cancer, we conducted a phase I/II study to determine the maximum tolerated dose and recommended dose, and evaluate efficacy and toxicity.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with histologically confirmed unresectable and recurrent gastric cancer were enrolled in this study. Cisplatin was administered on day 1 and the dose escalated by 10 mg/m2from a starting dose of 40 mg/m2in the phase I part. S-1 was given orally at 80 mg/m2on days 1 to 14 and docetaxel at 40 mg/m2on day 22 in combination with S-1 80 mg/m2on days 22 to 35. The treatment was repeated every 6 weeks. The primary endpoint of the phase II analysis was the response rate.

Results:

Nine patients entered the phase I and 24 the phase II part. Because 50% of patients (3/6) developed dose-limiting toxicities in the phase I part, the maximum tolerated dose of cisplatin was presumed to be 50 mg/m2. Therefore, the estimated recommended dose of cisplatin was 40 mg/m2; 27 patients received that dose. The response rate was 59.3% (95% confidence interval, 40.8-77.8) and the median follow-up 26.2 months. The median progression-free survival was 7.9 months and the median overall survival 18.6 months. The most common grade 3/4 toxicities were neutropenia (59.3%), leucopenia (37.0%), and anemia (29.6%). These toxicities were tolerable and manageable.

Conclusion:

This alternating treatment seems to have promising activity with tolerable toxicities in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer.
Anatomical Study of Perfusion of a Periosteal Flap with a Lateral Pedicle
Authors: Kim Boktae , Inoue Yoshikazu , Imanishi Nobuaki , Chang Hak , Shimizu Yusuke , Okumoto Takayuki , Kishi Kazuo
Published: September 2017

Background:

Pedicled periosteal flaps are commonly used for tissue defects between the base of the skull and the midfacial area. This study aimed to clarify the 3-dimensional vascular distribution of temporal region flaps.

Methods:

Ten fresh cadavers were used. Full-thickness cranial flaps were elevated from the cranial bone and each layer was detached separately. Contrast enhancement of the full thickness of the scalp, macroscopic evaluation, and histologic analyses were performed. Radiographs were obtained and image analysis was performed using a 3-dimensional monitor.

Results:

The mean number of deep vessels extending from the parietal branch of the superficial temporal artery was 68.7, including 14.2 and 54.5 vessels on the proximal and distal sides, respectively. The mean number of deep vessels extending from the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery was 71.6, including 17.6 and 54.0 vessels on the proximal and distal sides, respectively. There were significantly more perforating branches in the distal area than in the proximal area of both the frontal and parietal branches (P = 0.005). There was no significant difference in the number of perforating branches between the frontal and parietal branches.

Conclusions:

Contrast-enhanced images of the loose areolar tissue and periosteal layers revealed vessels that extended radially. We successfully identified the 3-dimensional structure of the perforating vessels peripheral to the temporal fossa. Our findings provide a theoretical foundation for the feasibility of elevating a periosteal/loose areolar tissue flap with a reliable blood supply without sacrificing the temporal muscle.
Prepectoral Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Highton Lyndsey , Johnson Richard , Kirwan Cliona , Murphy John
Published: September 2017

Background:

The development of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) has facilitated single-stage implant breast reconstruction (IBR) following skin-sparing mastectomy. The conventional approach of postpectoral implant placement with lower pole ADM confers a good cosmetic result by improving lower pole projection and control, while minimizing issues of implant visibility, palpability, and rippling. This is balanced with potential disadvantages including pain, disruption of pectoral muscle function, and animation. We report the results of a prospective study of prepectoral IBR with total ADM coverage.

Methods:

Prepectoral IBR with total ADM coverage was performed in 106 patients (166 breasts) in our institution from 2013 to 2017. The cohort included patients undergoing immediate IBR (113 breasts) and revision of existing submuscular IBR (53 breasts). Patient demographics, surgical complications, and outcomes from a prospective database were analyzed.

Results:

At a mean follow-up of 485 days, patient satisfaction and cosmetic outcomes have been good, with no significant capsular contractures or animation deformity. Minor complications including delayed healing, red breast, or seroma occurred in 14 breasts (8.4%). Major complications including necrosis and implant loss occurred in 5 breasts (3 patients), with a total explantation rate of 3%. No patients required more than an overnight stay in hospital, and there were no delays to adjuvant treatment in therapeutic cases.

Conclusion:

Prepectoral implant placement with ADM cover is emerging as an alternative approach for IBR. This method facilitates breast reconstruction with a good cosmetic outcome for patients who want a quick recovery without potential compromise of pectoral muscle function and associated problems.
Neurologic and Functional Morbidity in Critically Ill Children With Bronchiolitis*
Authors: Shein Steven L. , Slain Katherine N. , Clayton Jason A. , McKee Bryan , Rotta Alexandre T. , Wilson-Costello Deanne
Published: September 2017

Objectives:

Neurologic and functional morbidity occurs in ~30% of PICU survivors, and young children may be at particular risk. Bronchiolitis is a common indication for PICU admission among children less than 2 years old. Two single-center studies suggest that greater than 10–25% of critical bronchiolitis survivors have neurologic and functional morbidity but those estimates are 20 years old. We aimed to estimate the burden of neurologic and functional morbidity among more recent bronchiolitis patients using two large, multicenter databases.

Design:

Analysis of the Pediatric Health Information System and the Virtual Pediatric databases.

Setting:

Forty-eight U.S. children’s hospitals (Pediatric Health Information System) and 40 international (mostly United States) children’s hospitals (Virtual Pediatric Systems).

Patients:

Previously healthy PICU patients less than 2 years old admitted with bronchiolitis between 2009 and 2015 who survived and did not require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Interventions:

None. Neurologic and functional morbidity was defined as a Pediatric Overall Performance Category greater than 1 at PICU discharge (Virtual Pediatric Systems subjects), or a subsequent hospital encounter involving developmental delay, feeding tubes, MRI of the brain, neurologist evaluation, or rehabilitation services (Pediatric Health Information System subjects).

Measurements and Main Results:

Among 3,751 Virtual Pediatric Systems subjects and 9,516 Pediatric Health Information System subjects, ~20% of patients received mechanical ventilation. Evidence of neurologic and functional morbidity was present at PICU discharge in 707 Virtual Pediatric Systems subjects (18.6%) and more chronically in 1,104 Pediatric Health Information System subjects (11.6%). In both cohorts, neurologic and functional morbidity was more common in subjects receiving mechanical ventilation (27.5% vs 16.5% in Virtual Pediatric Systems; 14.5% vs 11.1% in Pediatric Health Information System; both p < 0.001). In multivariate models also including demographics, use of mechanical ventilation was the only variable that was associated with increased neurologic and functional morbidity in both cohorts.

Conclusions:

In two large, multicenter databases, neurologic and functional morbidity was common among previously healthy children admitted to the PICU with bronchiolitis. Prospective studies are needed to measure neurologic and functional outcomes using more precise metrics. Identification of modifiable risk factors may subsequently lead to improved outcomes from this common PICU condition.
Reducing Elevated Heart Rates in Patients with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome with The I f (Funny Channel Current) Inhibitor Ivabradine
Authors: Nuding Sebastian , Schröder Jochen , Presek Peter , Wienke Andreas , Müller-Werdan Ursula , Ebelt Henning , Werdan Karl
Published: September 2017

Introduction:

A heart rate higher than 90 beats/min indicates an unfavorable prognosis for patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). We sought to investigate the effect of the pacemaker current (I
f) inhibitor ivabradine on heart rate, hemodynamics, and disease severity among patients with MODS.

Patients and Methods:

In this prospective, controlled, randomized, open-label, two-arm phase II trial, 70 patients with MODS, a sinus rhythm of at least 90 beats/min, and contraindications to β-blocker therapy were randomly assigned to receive the standard treatment ± ivabradine (5 mg twice daily) for 96 h via the enteral route. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients with a heart rate reduction of at least 10 beats/min after 96 h. Secondary outcomes included the effect of ivabradine on hemodynamics, disease severity, vasopressor use, mortality, and adverse events.

Results:

There were no significant differences in the primary outcome between the ivabradine and control groups (P = 0.147). After 96 h, the daily median heart rate was reduced by 7 beats/min in the control group and by 16 beats/min in the ivabradine group (P = 0.014). No differences in secondary outcomes were observed.

Conclusions:

The number of critically ill patients with MODS and a sinus rhythm of at least 90 beats/min that experienced a heart rate reduction of at least 10 beats/min after oral ivabradine treatment did not differ significantly between groups. The moderate but significant reduction of heart rate by 7 beats/min did not affect hemodynamics or disease severity.
Red supergiants as supernova progenitors
Authors: Davies Ben
Published: September 2017

It is now well-established from pre-explosion imaging that red supergiants (RSGs) are the direct progenitors of Type-IIP supernovae. These images have been used to infer the physical properties of the exploding stars, yielding some surprising results. In particular, the differences between the observed and predicted mass spectrum has provided a challenge to our view of stellar evolutionary theory. However, turning what is typically a small number of pre-explosion photometric points into the physical quantities of stellar luminosity and mass requires a number of assumptions about the spectral appearance of RSGs, as well as their evolution in the last few years of life. Here I will review what we know about RSGs, with a few recent updates on how they look and how their appearance changes as they approach supernova.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Bridging the gap: from massive stars to supernovae’.
Understanding short-term interactions between arousal and attention in infants and children: applying the Aston-Jones framework
Authors: Wass Sam V.
Published: September 2017

Differential Susceptibility Theory explains long-term associations between neurobiological sensitivity and cognitive outcomes, but no comparable theoretical framework exists to understand how neurobiological sensitivity and cognitive performance inter-relate on shorter time-frames. Here, we evaluate a framework proposed by Aston-Jones and colleagues, building on the Yerkes-Dodson model, to understand these associations. The framework describes how slow-moving (tonic) changes in autonomic arousal relate to fast (phasic) changes, as observed for example relative to experimenter-determined events, and how phasic changes relate to attention. Larger phasic changes, which associate with better selective attention, are most likely at mid-level tonic arousal. Smaller phasic changes, and worse selective attention, are observed at hypo-and hyper-arousal. We review the fit of this model to typical and atypical development, during infancy and childhood.
Association between alcohol consumption and Alzheimer’s disease: A Mendelian randomization Study
Authors: Andrews Shea J. , Goate Alison , Anstey Kaarin J.
Published: September 2017

INTRODUCTION

Observational studies have suggested that light-moderate alcohol consumptions decreases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, but it is unclear if this association is causal.

METHODS

Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to examine whether alcohol consumption, alcohol dependence or Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) scores were causally associated with the risk of Late Onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) or Alzheimer’s disease age of onset survival (AAOS). Additionally, γ-glutamyltransferase levels were included as a positive control.

RESULTS

There was no evidence of a causal association between alcohol consumption, alcohol dependence or AUDIT and LOAD. Alcohol consumption was associated with an earlier AAOS and increased γ-glutamyltransferase blood concentrations. Alcohol dependence was associated with a delayed AAOS.

DISCUSSION

MR found robust evidence of a causal association between alcohol consumption and an earlier AAOS, but not alcohol intake and LOAD risk. The protective effect of alcohol dependence is potentially due to survivor bias.

Research in Context

Systematic Review

The authors reviewed the literature using online databases (e.g. PubMed). Previous research links light-moderate alcohol consumption to a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), however, prior studies based on observational study designs may be biased due to unmeasured confounders influencing both alcohol consumption and AD risk.

Interpretation

We used a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to evaluated the causal relationship between alcohol intake and AD. MR uses genetic variants as proxies for environmental exposures to provide an estimate of the causal association between an intermediate exposure and a disease outcome. MR found evidence of a causal association between alcohol consumption and an earlier AD age of onset, suggesting that light-moderate alcohol consumption does not reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Future Directions

Future studies should use alterative study designs and account for additional confounders when evaluating the causal relationship between alcohol consumption and AD.

Highlights

We evaluated causal relationships between alcohol intake and Alzheimer’s disease

Alcohol consumption is causally associated with an earlier Alzheimer’s age of onset

No evidence of causal assocations between alcohol intake and Alzheimer’s risk
Deciphering cell lineage specification during male sex determination with single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Stévant Isabelle , Neirjinck Yasmine , Borel Christelle , Escoffier Jessica , Smith Lee B. , Antonarakis Stylianos E. , Dermitzakis Emmanouil T. , Nef Serge
Published: September 2017

The gonad is a unique biological system for studying cell fate decisions. However, major questions remain regarding the identity of somatic progenitor cells and the transcriptional events driving cell differentiation. Using time course single cell RNA sequencing on XY mouse gonads during sex determination, we identified a single population of somatic progenitor cells prior sex determination. A subset of these progenitors differentiate into Sertoli cells, a process characterized by a highly dynamic genetic program consisting of sequential waves of gene expression. Another subset of multipotent cells maintains their progenitor state but undergo significant transcriptional changes that restrict their competence towards a steroidogenic fate required for the differentiation of fetal Leydig cells. These results question the dogma of the existence of two distinct somatic cell lineages at the onset of sex determination and propose a new model of lineage specification from a unique progenitor cell population.
Effect of vertical slit turbulence on metabolism and swimming behavior of juvenile grass carp (ctenopharyngodon idella)
Authors: Xi Yuan , Qing Jiang , Meng Xu , Zhi-ying Tu , Yi-hong Zhou , Ying-ping Huang
Published: September 2017

Baffles were incorporated into the swim chamber of a flume-type swimming respirometer, and the effect of vertical slit turbulence on the swimming behavior and metabolism of juvenile grass carp were investigated. Results showed a significant lowerTBFin turbulent flow than in laminar flow (p< 0.05). However, differences inTBFat different inlet velocities were not significant (p> 0.05), whether the fish passed through the baffles or not. In turbulent flow, the residence time ratios of test fish at different flow zone were low water velocity > medium velocity > high velocity. Oxygen consumption rate (MO2) increased with flow velocity and was higher in turbulent flow than in laminar flow. Further, the speed exponent c, in turbulent flow, was significantly higher than in laminar flow, indicated a decrease swimming efficiency. This study of fish swimming in turbulent flow extends knowledge of fish ecology and provides data for guiding the design of hydrokinetic turbulent where needed, so preventing ecological impacts.
Identifying structural variants using linked-read sequencing data
Authors: Elyanow Rebecca , Wu Hsin-Ta , Raphael Benjamin J.
Published: September 2017

Structural variation, including large deletions, duplications, inversions, translocations, and other rearrangements, is common in human and cancer genomes. A number of methods have been developed to identify structural variants from Illumina short-read sequencing data. However, reliable identification of structural variants remains challenging because many variants have breakpoints in repetitive regions of the genome and thus are difficult to identify with short reads. The recently developed linked-read sequencing technology from 10X Genomics combines a novel barcoding strategy with Illumina sequencing. This technology labels all reads that originate from a small number (~5-10) DNA molecules ~50Kbp in length with the same molecular barcode. These barcoded reads contain long-range sequence information that is advantageous for identification of structural variants. We present Novel Adjacency Identification with Barcoded Reads (NAIBR), an algorithm to identify structural variants in linked-read sequencing data. NAIBR predicts novel adjacencies in a individual genome resulting from structural variants using a probabilistic model that combines multiple signals in barcoded reads. We show that NAIBR outperforms several existing methods for structural variant identification – including two recent methods that also analyze linked-reads – on simulated sequencing data and 10X whole-genome sequencing data from the NA12878 human genome and the HCC1954 breast cancer cell line. Several of the novel somatic structural variants identified in HCC1954 overlap known cancer genes.
Receptor-mediated Drp1 oligomerization on endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Ji Wei-Ke , Chakrabarti Rajarshi , Fan Xintao , Schoenfeld Lori , Strack Stefan , Higgs Henry N.
Published: September 2017

Drpl is a dynamin GTPase important for mitochondrial and peroxisomal division. Drp1 oligomerization and mitochondrial recruitment are regulated by multiple factors, including interaction with mitochondrial receptors such as Mff, MiD49, MiD51 and Fis. In addition, both endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and actin filaments play positive roles in mitochondrial division, but mechanisms for their roles are poorly defined. Here, we find that a population of Drp1 oligomers is ER-associated in mammalian cells, and is distinct from mitochondrial or peroxisomal Drp1 populations. Sub-populations of Mff and Fis1, which are tail-anchored proteins, also localize to ER. Drp1 oligomers assemble on ER, from which they can transfer to mitochondria. Suppression of Mff or inhibition of actin polymerization through the formin INF2 significantly reduces all Drp1 oligomer populations (mitochondrial, peroxisomal, ER-bound) and mitochondrial division, while Mff targeting to ER has a stimulatory effect on division. Our results suggest that ER can function as a platform for Drp1 oligomerization, and that ER-associated Drp1 contributes to mitochondrial division.

Assembly of the dynamin GTPase Drp1 into constriction-competent oligomers is a key event in mitochondrial division. Here, Jiet alshow that Drp1 oligomerization can occur on endoplasmic reticulum through an ER-bound population of the tail-anchored protein Mff.

Abbreviations used in this paper: Drp1, dynamin-related protein 1; Fis1, mitochondrial fission 1 protein; INF2, inverted formin 2; KD, siRNA-mediated knock down; KI, CRISPR-mediated knock in; KO, CRISPR-mediated knock out; LatA, Latrunculin A; MDV, mitochondrially-derived vesicle; Mff, mitochondrial fission factor; MiD49 and MiD51, mitochondrial dynamics protein of 49 and 51 kDa; OMM, outer mitochondrial membrane; TA, tail-anchored.
Crystal structure of the OH-dominant gadolinite-(Y) analogue (Y,Ca)2(Fe,□)Be2Si2O8(OH,O)2 from Heftetjern pegmatite, Norway
Authors: Chukanov Nikita V. , Aksenov Sergey M. , Rastsvetaeva Ramiza K. , Kristiansen Roy , Pekov Igor V. , Belakovskiy Dmitriy I. , Van Konstantin V. , Bychkova Yana V. , Britvin Sergey N.
Published: September 2017

A hydroxyl-dominant analogue of gadolinite-(Y) (OH-Gad) has been discovered in the Heftetjern granitic pegmatite, southern Norway, in association with late-stage rare-earth-element containing minerals. The empirical formula, based on ten O atoms per formula unit, is (Y1.285Ca0.55Ce0.07La0.04Nd0.01)Σ1.955(Fe2+
0.57□0.43)Be2.02Si1.995O8.48(OH)1.52. The mineral is monoclinic, space group P21/c, a = 4.7514 (10), b = 7.5719 (16), c = 9.9414 (2) Å, β = 90.015 (4)°, V = 357.663 (3) Å3 and Z = 2. The density calculated using the empirical formula is 3.903 g cm−3. The crystal structure was refined to R = 0.0217 for 776 reflections with I > 2σ(I). OH-Gad is isostructural with gadolinite-(Y) and it is characterized by the predominance of OH− over O2− at the anionic Ø-site. The refined crystal-chemical formula is:
A
(Y1.25Ca0.55Ce0.2)
X
(Fe2+
0.57□0.43)
Z
Be2

T
Si2O8
Ø[(OH)0.86O0.59(OH)*0.55] (Z = 2). The possible orientation and local environment of the hydroxyl group were suggested based on bond-valence sum calculations and geometrical analysis of the crystal structure. The infrared spectrum confirms disordering of H atoms. OH-Gad seems to be a potentially new mineral, the first simultaneously hydroxyl- and iron-dominant member of the gadolinite subgroup. It is an OH-analogue of gadolinite-(Y) and an Fe2+-analogue of hingganite-(Y).
A commensurately modulated structure of parabutlerite, FeIIISO4(OH)·2H2O
Authors: Plášil Jakub , Petříček Václav , Majzlan Juraj
Published: September 2017

Parabutlerite, orthorhombic FeIIISO4(OH)·2H2O, has been reinvestigated using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of parabutlerite is commensurately modulated, witha= 20.0789 (8),b= 7.4024 (7),c= 7.2294 (15) Å andq= 0.4b*. The superstructure has been determined, using a superspace approach, as having the superspace groupPnma(0β0)s0sandt0= 1/20, and refined toR= 0.0295 for 2392 main reflections withI> 3σ(I). The structure consists of infinite chains of Fe octahedra that are linkedviavertices (OH groups); these chains are encased from both sides by SO4tetrahedra. The displacive modulation of atoms in parabutlerite is connected with a tilt of the chains around thebaxis towards the adjacent chains due to the accommodation of an energetically more favorable hydrogen-bond geometry.
A note on the distortion theorem
Authors: Nickolsky M. S.
Published: September 2017

The distortion theorem is a conditional statement that establishes the certain relations between the variation of the mean bond length and the variation of the valence of a central ion of a coordination polyhedron. It was found that in some principal cases the conditional part of the distortion theorem is not necessary. A combinatorial evaluation of the distortion theorem and a theoretical analysis of the bond length–bond valence correlation were performed. An extension of the distortion theorem is proposed.
Temperature-induced order–disorder structural phase transitions of two-dimensional isostructural hexamethylenetetramine co-crystals
Authors: Chia Tze Shyang , Quah Ching Kheng
Published: September 2017

Hexamethylenetetramine-benzoic acid (1/2) (HBA) and hexamethylenetetramine-4-methylbenzoic acid (1/2) (HMBA) co-crystals undergo order–disorder structural phase transition from a low-temperature monoclinic crystal structure to a high-temperature orthorhombic crystal structure at the transition temperatures of 257.5 (5) K (Pn ↔ Fmm2) and 265.5 (5) K (P21/n ↔ Cmcm), respectively, using variable-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The observed phase transitions were confirmed to be reversible first-order transitions as indicated by the sharp endothermic and exothermic peaks in the differential scanning calorimetry measurement. The three-molecule aggregate of HBA and HMBA consists of a hexamethylenetetramine molecule and two benzoic acid or two 4-methylbenzoic acid molecules, respectively. The acid molecules are ordered at the low-temperature phase and are equally disordered over two positions, which are related by a mirror symmetry, at the high-temperature phase. The two-dimensional supramolecular constructs common to both co-crystals are formed by three-molecule aggregates via weak intermolecular C—H...O and C—H...π interactions into molecular trilayers parallel to the ac plane with small XPac dissimilarity indices and parameters. The PIXEL interaction energies of all corresponding molecular contacts were calculated and the results are comparable between HBA and HMBA co-crystals, resulting in similar lattice energies and transition temperatures despite their two-dimensional isostructural relationship. The observed phase transitions of these two energetically similar co-crystals are triggered by similar mechanisms, i.e. the molecular rotator ordering and structural order–disorder transformation, which induced non-merohedral twinning with similar twin matrices in the low-temperature crystal form of both co-crystals.
Crystal chemistry and the role of ionic radius in rare earth tetrasilicates: Ba2RE2Si4O12F2 (RE = Er3+–Lu3+) and Ba2RE2Si4O13 (RE = La3+–Ho3+)
Authors: Fulle Kyle , Sanjeewa Liurukara D. , McMillen Colin D. , Kolis Joseph W.
Published: September 2017

Structural variations across a series of barium rare earth (RE) tetrasilicates are studied. Two different formulas are observed, namely those of a new cyclo-silicate fluoride, BaRE2Si4O12F2 (RE = Er3+–Lu3+) and new compounds in the Ba2RE2Si4O13 (RE = La3+–Ho3+) family, covering the whole range of ionic radii for the rare earth ions. The Ba2RE2Si4O13 series is further subdivided into two polymorphs, also showing a dependence on rare earth ionic radius (space group P{\overline 1} for La3+–Nd3+, and space group C2/c for Sm3+–Ho3+). Two of the structure types identified are based on dinuclear rare earth units that differ in their crystal chemistries, particularly with respect to the role of fluorine as a structural director. The broad study of rare earth ions provides greater insight into understanding structural variations within silicate frameworks and the nature of f-block incorporation in oxyanion frameworks. The single crystals are grown from high-temperature (ca 953 K) hydrothermal fluids, demonstrating the versatility of the technique to access new phases containing recalcitrant rare earth oxides, enabling the study of structural trends.
Markedly different molecular formation in DPP-based small-molecule solar cells probed by grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Kim Yu Jin , Song Chang Eun , Suranagi Sanjaykumar R. , Lee Jong-Cheol , Park Chan Eon
Published: September 2017

This study comprehensively explores the nanostructural properties of two diketopyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-dione (DPP)-based small molecules with different alkyl side groups and their blends with the fullerene derivative PC71BM, using grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering synchrotron techniques. Preferentially relative face-on orientation within the larger and more ordered stacking phase of SM1 with its shorter side group (ethylhexyl) was observed in the majority of both pristine and blend thin films, whereas SM2 crystals showed strictly perpendicular orientation. These contrasting crystalline characteristics led to significant differences in the results, from which crystalline structure–performance property correlations are proposed. Thus, the results not only demonstrate important scientific insights into the relationship between molecular structure and crystalline formation but also provide molecular design directions that will facilitate further improvement to the morphology and performance of DPP-based small-molecule solar cells.
Unusual formation of (E)-11-(aminomethylene)-8,9,10,11-tetrahydropyrido[2′,3′:4,5]pyrimido[1,2-a]azepin-5(7H)-one and its crystal structure
Authors: Khodjaniyazov Khamid U. , Makhmudov Utkir S. , Turgunov Kambarali K. , Elmuradov Burkhon Z.
Published: September 2017

Selective C-formylation of 8,9,10,11-tetrahydropyrido[2′,3′:4,5]pyrimido[1,2-a]-azepin-5(7H)-one has been studied for the first time. It was revealed that formylation proceeds by the formation of an intermediate salt, which due to the re-amination process on treatment with aqueous ammonia transformed into the corresponding (E)-11-(aminomethylene)-8,9,10,11-tetrahydropyrido[2′,3′:4,5]-pyrimido[1,2-a]azepin-5(7H)-one, C13H14N4O, as anE-isomer. Formylation was carried out by Vilsmeier–Haack reagent and the structure of the synthesized compound was confirmed by X-ray structural analysis, spectroscopic and LC–MS methods. In the molecule, the seven-membered pentamethylene ring adopts a twist-boat conformation.
Crystal structure of 5-(dibenzofuran-4-yl)-2′-deoxyuridine
Authors: Gayakhe Vijay , Kapdi Anant Ramakant , Borozdina Yulia , Schulzke Carola
Published: September 2017

The molecule of the title compound, C21H18N2O6, has a bent rather than a linear conformation supported by three intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The packing in the crystal lattice is largely determined by interactions between hydrogen atoms with oxygen atom lone pairs with one molecule interacting with neigbouring moleculesviaO—H...O, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The title compound crystallizes in the chiral orthorhombic space groupP212121. Its absolute structure could not be determined crystallographically and was assumed with reference to that of the reactant 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine.
Crystal structure of ebastinium 3,5-dinitrobenzoate
Authors: Shaibah Mohammed A. E. , Sagar Belakavadi K. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Kumar S. Madan , Glidewell Christopher
Published: September 2017

Ebastine, 4-(benzhydryloxy)-1-[4-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-4-oxobutyl]piperidine, reacts with 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid in methanol solution to give the title 1:1 salt, ebastinium 3,5-dinitrobenzoate, C32H40NO2+·C7H3N2O6−. In the cation, the disubstituted aryl ring exhibits orientational disorder over two sets of atomic sites having occupancies 0.706 (4) and 0.294 (6), with a dihedral angle of 41.2 (5)° between the two orientations: the bulky Ph2CH—O– substituent occupies an axial site on the piperidine ring. The two ions in the selected asymmetric unit are linked by a nearly linear N—H...O hydrogen bond and this, in combination with two C—H...O hydrogen bonds, links the ions into complex sheets.
The online examinations at Universitas Terbuka: an innovation diffusion viewpoint
Authors: Sugilar Sugilar
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the students’ adoption rate of the online examinations at Universitas Terbuka (UT), which is a hotbed of technological innovation in higher education, by analyzing the students’ adoption rate of the online examinations related to their academic factors (program of study, GPA, credit earned), socioeconomic status (age, sex, marital status, employment status), and residential factor.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an in-depth case study of 1,540 first-year students for the period ranging from the start of the second semester of 2013 to the first semester of 2016 at Bengkulu Regional Office of UT. During the term, quantitative data were set up with ordinal regression to measure the extent to which the adoption rate categories were influenced by such demographic characteristics as academic attainment, personal background, and current residence.

Findings

The results showed that while the program of study, grade point average, credits earned, sex, and residence had systematic effects on adopter categories, employment and marital status did not. The highlights of the results were that students with GPA less than or equal to 2.9 were 2.02 times likely to fall into a higher adopter category as compared to those with GPA above 2.9, and students residing in city were 2.50 times more likely to hit the higher levels of adopter category, compared to those residing outside city.

Research limitations/implications

As this is a case study of the students enrolled in the second semester of 2013 and because there has been a rapid change in the way people access information technology, further work should be done, in particular on the sample of students who have enrolled lately.

Practical implications

The institution of open and distance learning (ODL) should accelerate the introduction of new learning resources based on diffusion of innovation modeling.

Social implications

It is also recommended to especially encourage the new students of ODL to have a feeling of easiness and self-confidence regarding online examinations, and understand their importance. To achieve this objective, regional office staffs can guide the students to try out the online examination in the orientation study activities for new students.

Originality/value

Despite the extensive research on diffusion model for the past decades, this field of study has much more to offer in terms of describing and incorporating such current innovation as an online examination in ODL platforms with which to associate students’ academic and demographic profiles.
Quality assurance in learning material development at OUM
Authors: Ahmad Zabidi Nazrai , Woo Tai Kwan , Rajesh Kumar P. , Fadzil Mansor , Syed Husain Syarifah Hidayatul
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the stages involved in the module development process at the Open University Malaysia (OUM), to make them “print ready,” and how this has evolved over the years with various quality assurance (QA) mechanisms in place.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds upon the 12 quality control checks in the various stages of module development from pre-development to actual development and finally to post-development process. This is in line with the QA continuous improvement process of PDCA or Plan, Do, Check and Act.

Findings

Change, through the fine-tuning of QA processes and open door communication, is the key toward achieving quality modules, and hence meeting learners’ expectations.

Research limitations/implications

This paper highlights the experiences of only the Centre for Instructional Design and Technology, OUM in the development of quality learning material for the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) learners.

Originality/value

This paper outlines the step-by-step process in module development, from print to print-ready material, to assist the ODL universities in their mission to provide quality learning material to learners.
Student characteristics and knowledge on ODL concepts at first registration
Authors: Kuruppuarachchi K.A.J.M. , Karunanayake K.O.L.C
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify socio-economic/demographic characteristics and to evaluate the knowledge on different open distance learning (ODL) concepts of BSc undergraduates of The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) at first registration.

Design/methodology/approach

The surveying technique was adapted with a piloted structured questionnaire consisting of two components. The structured component was used to evaluate personal, socio-economic and demographic data. The open ended component evaluated the student’s perception on ODL concepts. The questionnaire was randomly adapted to 456 (35 percent Colombo Regional Centre (CRC) registrants) prospective BSc undergraduates at first registration time at the CRC in 2014. Data collected from the structured component were frequency tabulated and cross-tabulated with the SPSS computer software. Responses of the open ended part were examined, categorized and the frequency percentages of each response category were calculated.

Findings

The structured component recognized that the majority of BSc undergraduates of the OUSL represent employed (53 percent), late adolescents (92 percent below age 27) who reside in rural or semi-urban areas (75 percent). They belong mostly to the lower middle class and 69 percent are from families which have a monthly family income below SLR30,000/(USD208). Answers of the open ended component on ODL concepts recognized that, prior knowledge on ODL concepts were developed by most BSc undergraduates. Approximately 50 percent of respondents perceived OUSL as an institute which facilitates working people by conducting part time-based or distance mode education with self-learning features. In total, 56.9 percent students perceived the role of an ODL teacher correctly as a facilitator or a guide. The educational process was perceived correctly as an ODL system by 52 percent, while the remainder also identified the system to be a more self-study and student centered flexible learning system. However, the role of a BSc student at OUSL was recognized as self-independent learners by only 36.7 percent and the majority had no clear perception of the role they have to play as an ODL student. Hence, more attention should be paid to make students recognize the role they have to play in an ODL system in order to succeed at OUSL.

Originality/value

Although research has been carried out periodically on the process of ODL education system at OUSL, on the graduate (output) and dropouts, etc., not many have focused on the nature of input such as characteristic features of first registrant and their prior knowledge on ODL. As the output invariably depends on the input and the process, this type of survey is timely and novel.
Effective material logistics in urban construction sites: a structural equation model
Authors: Spillane John P. , Oyedele Lukumon O.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify best practice relating to the effective management of materials in an urban, confined construction site, using structural equation modelling.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review, case study analysis and questionnaire survey are used, with the results scrutinised using confirmatory factor analysis in the form of structural equation modelling.

Findings

The following are the leading strategies in the management of materials in a confined urban site environment: consult and review the project programme, effective communication and delivery, implement site safety management plans and proactive spatial monitoring and control.

Research limitations/implication

With the relentless expansion of urban centres and the increasing high cost of materials, any potential savings made on-site would translate into significant monetary concessions on completion of a project.

Originality/value

As on-site project management professionals successfully identify and implement the various strategies in the management of plant and materials on a confined urban site, successful resource management in this restrictive environment is attainable.
Does FDI affect carbon intensity? New evidence from dynamic panel analysis
Authors: Shao Yanmin
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and carbon intensity. This study uses the dynamic panel data model to study and provide fresh evidence for the issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This study first uses the dynamic panel data model to consider the endogeneity problem, and applies a system-generalized method of moments estimator to study the effect of FDI on carbon intensity using the panel data of 188 countries during 1990-2013.

Findings

The result shows that FDI has a significant negative impact on carbon intensity of the host country. After considering the other factors, including share of fossil fuels, industrial intensity, urbanization level and trade openness, the impact of FDI on carbon intensity is still significantly positive. In addition, FDI also has a significant negative impact on carbon intensity of high-income countries and middle- and low-income countries.

Originality/value

This paper offers two contributions to the literature on the effect of FDI on carbon intensity. From a methodological perspective, this paper is the first to apply a dynamic panel data model to study the effect of FDI on carbon intensity using worldwide panel data. Second, this paper is the first to analyze the effect of FDI on carbon intensity in different countries with different income levels separately.
(−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate and EZH2 inhibitor GSK343 have similar inhibitory effects and mechanisms of action on colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Ying Le , Yan Feng , Williams Bryan RG , Xu Ping , Li Xin , Zhao Yueling , Hu Yiqun , Wang Yuefei , Xu Dakang , Dai Jing
Published: September 2017

Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) is a type of catechin. It exhibits excellent antioxidant effects and anti‐tumour activities for cancer chemoprevention. The mechanism of anti‐tumour effects of EGCG on different cancers has been studied for the past few decades, but remains controversial. To investigate the potential role that EGCG may play in the epigenetic regulation of colorectal cancer (CRC) cell line, we integrated bioinformatics analysis with experimental validation. We found that levels of the enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) were significantly higher in CRC tissues compared to normal adjacent tissues, based on the Genomic Data Commons (GDC) data portal. Different human CRC cell lines exhibited differing expression of levels of the EZH2 protein. In RKO cells, EGCG and the EZH2 inhibitor GSK343 exhibited similar inhibitory efficacy on the proliferation, invasion and migration abilities of the cells, and suppressed protein expression of trimethylated lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3), which may be caused by the loss of the enzymatic function of EZH2. EGCG and GSK343 were found to have a synergistic effect on the growth of RKO cells in lower concentrations. EZH2‐correlated genes were enriched in the cell cycle pathway, the top‐ranking up‐regulated pathway in tumour tissues, based on pathway analyses using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). In accord with this, we confirmed that EGCG and GSK343 could both significantly arrest the G0/G1 phase in RKO cell cycle, suggesting EGCG and EZH2 inhibitor share a common mechanism of action in RKO cells.
MiR‐30a‐5p ameliorates spinal cord injury‐induced inflammatory responses and oxidative stress by targeting Neurod 1 through MAPK/ERK signalling
Authors: Fu Xiaodong , Shen Yi , Wang Weili , Li Xiaomiao
Published: September 2017

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major disability requiring more effective treatment than is currently available. MicroRNAs have been shown to effectively regulate gene expression at the translational level. The aim of the present study was to explore the potential role of miR‐30‐5p and possible mechanism in SCI. We found that miR‐30‐5p was notably down‐regulated, while Neurod 1 expression was highly elevated in microglia from the mouse model of SCI. Additionally, overexpression of miR‐30a‐5p significantly suppressed inflammatory responses as reflected by a decrease in the secretion of the cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐10 triggered by SCI. Furthermore, introduction of miR‐30a‐5p strengthened the scavenging of oxygen free radicals accompanied by an increase in the expression of SEPN1, TXNL1 and GPX1. More importantly, our study explored that Neurod 1 was a direct and functional target of miR‐30a‐5p, which was validated by the dual luciferase reporter assay. qRT‐PCR and western blot analysis further validated that miR‐30a‐5p negatively regulated the expression of Neurod 1. Mechanistically, overexpression of miR‐30a‐5p or silencing of the Neurod 1 gene prevented the MAPK/ERK signalling and inhibited inflammatory responses, meanwhile activated SEPN1, TXNL1 and GPX1. These findings indicate that miR‐30a‐5p ameliorates inflammatory responses and oxidative stress by targeting Neurod 1 through MAPK/ERK signalling.