bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magazine Journalism
Authors: Jenkins Joy
Published: April 2019

This entry provides an overview of the history, production, readership, and influence of magazine journalism. Magazines are known for their ability to connect and build relationships with specific segments of readers using a mix of informative and entertaining articles presented in an engaging package. Although magazines have existed in print for centuries, the digital age has introduced new platforms and tools for sharing content and interacting with readers. This entry addresses the history of magazines from the 1600s until today, as well as examines changing definitions of magazines, the key dimensions through which scholars have addressed this medium, and suggestions for directions for continued magazine scholarship.
Mobile Journalism
Authors: Westlund Oscar
Published: April 2019

Mobile journalism has gained much significance among news media across the globe. Journalism has become increasingly integrated with the production and distribution of mobile news, and mobile news consumption has earned a prominent place in the everyday life of many citizens. Research departing in journalism studies, and with cross‐disciplinary influence from mobile media and communication research, has started forming knowledge into this emerging area of scholarly inquiry.
Celebrity Coverage
Authors: Blumell Lindsey E. , Hellmueller Lea
Published: April 2019

Celebrity coverage is defined as mediated attention provided to well‐known individuals who through their state of fame become newsworthy. Coverage of celebrities ranges from stories about famous people in categories such as Hollywood, sports, politics, and music as well as celebrities who become famous through digital media. Celebrity journalism focuses on the process of becoming famous, known as the celebrification of individuals, and the influence celebrities have on politics, culture, and activism known as celebritization. Through an increasing interest in its content, celebrity coverage has turned into an economic good for media organizations. While celebrities continue to rely on mass media channels, digital media have changed not only celebrity culture, but also celebrity journalism.
Criticism and Reviews
Authors: From Unni
Published: April 2019

Criticism and reviewing in a journalistic context have been an important element in the coverage of specific areas, such as art, culture, and entertainment. While criticism and reviews have distinct characteristics, they share the aim of
evaluating
cultural products, services, phenomena, and tendencies, and they have always been associated with passing judgment. Historically, criticism and reviewing have been executed by intellectuals and professional journalists. However, in a contemporary digital media landscape the role as critics and reviewers are performed by many different voices and in many different settings. These different voices challenges the authority of traditional critics and reviewers, but also reproduce and reinvent traditional ways of evaluating cultural events, products, and phenomena.
Lifestyle Coverage
Authors: Hanusch Folker
Published: April 2019

Lifestyle coverage has been a part of journalism for some considerable time, but societal developments since the mid‐twentieth century have given it increased visibility and relevance, both for the journalism industry and journalism scholarship. Following a discussion of definitional aspects of lifestyle journalism, this entry provides a historical overview of its development and surveys the existing literature along four key themes: representations and identity formation; political relevance; consumerism and economic influences; and digital developments. Finally, avenues for future studies are outlined.
Travel Writing
Authors: Fürsich Elfriede
Published: April 2019

This entry discusses the past and current state of travel writing and travel journalism including central scholarship about this field. It highlights the professional situation of travel journalists as a type of lifestyle journalism that is undergoing dramatic changes in production and financing while negotiating its link to the increasingly sophisticated public relations efforts of the tourism industry. Moreover, it explains some of the shortcomings but also the potential of travel writing for undermining problematic representations of Others across the world.
Convergence
Authors: Grant August E. , Wilkinson Jeffrey S.
Published: April 2019

Convergence is the integration of previously distinct media components and technology. From a journalistic perspective, the term “convergence” is used in a variety of contexts, to describe or refer to journalistic processes and practices, to identify media technology and platforms, to focus on public and private organizations, and to differentiate aggregate and niche audiences. The rapid spread of news information in the twenty‐first century has been facilitated by new journalistic processes that take advantage of the ubiquitous smartphone, online media, and social media apps.
Hard and Soft News
Authors: Otto Lukas P. , Glogger Isabella
Published: April 2019

In this entry the concept of hard and soft news is introduced. First, the concept is defined and the entry discusses the (historical) development from one‐dimensional to multi dimensional understandings of the concept. The entry shows overlaps and differences to other, often synonymously used concepts. It also discusses content analytical and media effects research on hard and soft news. Lastly, the societal and academic relevance of the concept is pointed out.
Headlines
Authors: Opran Elena Rodica
Published: April 2019

This entry describes the most representative theoretical studies and directions on newspaper headlines to emphasize both the complexity of this research and the diversity of research paths, which heretofore have been only partially explored. This entry also explains what influences the journalist when conceiving a headline.
Pack Journalism
Authors: Frank Russell
Published: April 2019

Pack journalism refers to the standardized news coverage that can occur when reporters from multiple news organizations cover the same events and arrive at a consensus as to the most newsworthy aspects of those events. The term is often used to condemn such homogeneity on the assumption that the public obtains a richer news diet when reporters pursue their own lines of inquiry and cultivate their own sources. American journalist Timothy Crouse coined the term in his account of press coverage of the 1972 U.S. presidential campaign; it continues to resonate with writers who examine coverage of politics, sports, and breaking news around the world.
Scoops
Authors: Shaw Donna
Published: April 2019

The term “scoop” is used in journalism to describe an important story being revealed exclusively by a news outlet or other media concern. The highest value scoop often requires some prowess in investigative reporting, and is in the public interest. But in today's networked world, the “must read” scoop requires additional dimensions. It should set an agenda, draw the audience's attention, and add value to the outlet that publishes or broadcasts it. The “scoop mentality,” however, requires caution. Given the speed of digital media, it can result in more errors if standards of verification are ignored.
Copy Editors and Subeditors
Authors: Keith Susan
Published: April 2019

Copy editing (the U.S. term) and subediting (the term used in the United Kingdom and elsewhere) have played a vital role in newspaper production for more than 100 years. Copy editors and subeditors not only ensure accuracy by checking articles for errors of fact, grammar, punctuation, and style but also write the headlines that draw readers into print newspapers and websites. Copy editors and subeditors survived myriad technological changes in the newsroom during the twentieth century. Their jobs have been in jeopardy, however, since the beginning of the twenty‐first century, with revenue‐strapped publications consolidating their position and laying them off.
News Design and Designers
Authors: Moen Daryl
Published: April 2019

Modern news design was born in the United States in the 1960s and shortly thereafter spread through Europe. Not only did it change the way newspapers presented information, it also created a new specialty—designers—whose talents changed the management structure of newsrooms. Arguing for a stronger visual voice, designers demonstrated that giving them a role in determining the best way to tell stories produced more dramatic visual pages. They used more and larger photos, information graphics, and fewer stories on the front page. Many designers became part of upper management. Recognizing the design specialty, researchers produced a body of effects studies and schools created new curricula. The number of news designers peaked around 2010, then started to decline as the newspaper business started shrinking. Many news designers migrated to newspaper and non‐journalistic websites.
Pseudo‐Events and Photo Opportunities
Authors: Ferrucci Patrick
Published: April 2019

This entry provides an introduction to Daniel J. Boorstin's concept of the pseudo‐event. The entry details the intersection of journalists' news work and pseudo‐events, details how scholars have studied the concept, and examines potential future research of the subject. Boorstin defined pseudo‐events as planned occurrences such as press conferences and photo opportunities staged for the primary purpose of generating news coverage. Because these types of events are staged, they have an uncertain relationship with reality, which means that when journalists cover them, they are potentially communicating inaccuracies to the public. This entry identifies both the positive and negative aspects, in terms of news content, of journalists covering pseudo‐events.
Public Relations/Strategic Communications
Authors: Fröhlich Romy
Published: April 2019

This contribution provides a sensible system for differentiating among various public relations (PR) definitions before differentiating between journalism and PR and elaborating on the relationship between both and their interdependencies. It briefly delineates attempts at differentiation and discusses particular challenges, such as the emergence of social media which make it seemingly more difficult to identify a strict separation between journalism and PR. Social media enable PR to circumvent classic mass media and journalism. The contribution describes how this and other recent developments have changed the professional relationship between journalism and PR.
Visual Journalism
Authors: Gynnild Astrid
Published: April 2019

This entry provides an overview of the field of visual journalism and its major dimensions and future directions. In its broadest sense, visual journalism refers to the communication conveyed through the overall design of a platform or a site. More often, visual journalism refers to specific dimensions of visual storytelling across platforms, such as photos, videos, animations, and data visualizations, or it simply refers to the modalities of multimedia storytelling. The conceptual framing of visual journalism has varied throughout media history and has been closely interrelated with technology development. The entry includes a brief discussion of ethical challenges prompted by evolving technologies such as smartphones, camera drones, and virtual reality tools, which all exemplify increasing options for user interaction within visual journalism.
Comparison of the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score and the Five‐Factor Score to Assess Survival in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis: A Study of 550 Patients From Spain (REVAS Registry)
Authors: Solans‐Laqué Roser , Rodriguez‐Carballeira Monica , Rios‐Blanco Juan Jose , Fraile Guadalupe , Sáez‐Comet Luis , Martinez‐Zapico Aleida , Frutos Begoña , Solanich Xavier , Fonseca‐Aizpuru Eva , Pasquau‐Liaño Francisco , Zamora Monica , Oristrell Joaquim , Fanlo Patricia , Lopez‐Dupla Miguel , Abdilla Monica , García‐Sánchez Isabel , Sopeña Bernardo , Castillo Maria Jesus , Perales Isabel , Callejas Jose Luis ,   the Spanish Registry of Systemic Vasculitis, the Autoimmune Systemic Diseases Study Group, and the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine
Published: April 2019

Objective

To compare the accuracy of the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), version 3, and the Five Factor Score (FFS), version 1996 and version 2009, to assess survival in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitis (AAV).

Methods

A total of 550 patients with AAV (41.1% with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, 37.3% with microscopic polyangiitis, and 21.6% with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis), diagnosed between 1990 and 2016, were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and multivariable Cox analysis were used to assess the relationships between the outcome and the different scores.

Results

Overall mortality was 33.1%. The mean ± SD BVAS at diagnosis was 17.96 ± 7.82 and was significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors (mean ± SD 20.0 ± 8.14 versus 16.95 ± 7.47, respectively; P < 0.001). The mean ± SD 1996 FFS and 2009 FFS were 0.81 ± 0.94 and 1.47 ± 1.16, respectively, and were significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors (mean ± SD 1996 FFS 1.17 ± 1.07 versus 0.63 ± 0.81 [P < 0.001] and 2009 FFS 2.13 ± 1.09 versus 1.15 ± 1.05 [P < 0.001], respectively). Mortality rates increased according to the different 1996 FFS and 2009 FFS categories. In multivariate analysis, BVAS, 1996 FFS, and 2009 FFS were significantly related to death (P = 0.007, P = 0.020, P < 0.001, respectively), but the stronger predictor was the 2009 FFS (hazard ratio 2.9 [95% confidence interval 2.4–3.6]). When the accuracy of BVAS, 1996 FFS, and 2009 FFS to predict survival was compared in the global cohort, ROC analysis yielded area under the curve values of 0.60, 0.65, and 0.74, respectively, indicating that 2009 FFS had the best performance. Similar results were obtained when comparing these scores in patients diagnosed before and after 2001 and when assessing the 1‐year, 5‐year, and long‐term mortality. Correlation among BVAS and 1996 FFS was modest (r = 0.49; P < 0.001) but higher than between BVAS and the 2009 FFS (r = 0.28; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

BVAS and FFS are useful to predict survival in AAV, but the 2009 FFS has the best prognostic accuracy at any point of the disease course.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Carbonylative Suzuki‐Miyaura Reactions of Aryl Iodides with Arylboronic Acids Using N‐Formylsaccharin as CO Surrogate
Authors: Yu Dezhong , Xu Fangning , Li Dan , Han Wei
Published: April 2019

Unprecedented, high yielding, transition‐metal‐free carbonylative Suzuki‐Miyaura reactions of aryl iodides with arylboronic acids using N‐formylsaccharin as CO surrogate have been developed. Notably, this general protocol was adapted to the synthesis of the triglyceride and cholesterol regulator drug, fenofibrate, and carbon‐13 labeled biaryl ketone.

magnified image
Merging [2+2] Cycloaddition with 1,6‐/1,4‐Aza‐Binucleophilic Additions toward Unprecedented Indazole‐Containing Polycycles
Authors: Tang Bu‐Zheng , Li Jia‐Zhuo , Zhang Ai‐Wen , Hao Wen‐Juan , Tu Shu‐Jiang , Jiang Bo
Published: April 2019

The first metal‐free [2+2] cycloaddition and 1,6‐/1,4‐aza‐binucleophilic addition cascade of yne‐allenone esters and cyclic aza‐binucleophiles was reported, leading to the atom‐economic protocol toward hitherto unreported indazole‐containing polycycles with one quaternary carbon‐amino functionality and good to excellent yields. The reaction pathway involves [2+2] cycloaddition, ring‐opening of fused cyclobutenes and 1,6‐/1,4‐aza‐binucleophilic addition sequence, resulting in continuous multiple bond‐forming events including C−C and C−N bonds to build up molecular complexity

magnified image
Study of C677T variant of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase gene in autistic spectrum disorder Egyptian children
Authors: Ismail Samira , Senna Azza Abo , Behiry Eman G. , Ashaat Engy A. , Zaki Maha S. , Ashaat Neveen A. , Salah Dina M.
Published: April 2019

Background

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disease, various articles reported that dysfunctional folate‐methionine pathway enzymes might assume a paramount part in the pathophysiology of autism. Methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a basic catalyst for this pathway, also MTHFR gene C677T variant accounted as a risk factor of autism.

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the association of MTHFR gene rs1801133(C677T) variant among Egyptian autistic children.

Methods

The study included 78 autistic children, and 80 matched healthy control children. Full clinical and radiological examinations were conducted. MTHFR genetic variant, rs1801133(C677T) was studied by using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) methods followed by direct sequencing technique.

Results

MTHFR (C677T) allele frequency was found to be higher significantly in ASD cases compared with nonautistic children. Also, we had a higher distribution of combined CT + TT genotypes among autistic patients with consanguinity and family history of psychological disease. In Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and sleep disorders showed a higher distribution of hetero CT genotype as well as combined CT + TT genotypes.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a role of MTHFR gene (C667T) variant with the increased risk for ASD.
Light‐Driven Kinetic Resolution of α‐Functionalized Carboxylic Acids Enabled by an Engineered Fatty Acid Photodecarboxylase
Authors: Xu Jian , Hu Yujing , Fan Jiajie , Arkin Mamatjan , Li Danyang , Peng Yongzhen , Xu Weihua , Lin Xianfu , Wu Qi
Published: April 2019

Chiral α‐functionalized carboxylic acids are valuable precursors for a variety of medicines and natural products. Herein, we described an engineered fatty acid photodecarboxylase (CvFAP)‐catalyzed kinetic resolution of α‐amino acids and α‐hydroxy acids, which provides the unreacted R‐configured substrates with high yields and excellent stereoselectivity (ee up to 99 %). This efficient light‐driven process requires neither NADPH recycling nor prior preparation of esters, which were required in previous biocatalytic approaches. The structure‐guided engineering strategy is based on the scanning of large amino acids at hotspots to narrow the substrate binding tunnel. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of asymmetric catalysis by an engineered CvFAP.
Photo‐responsive block copolymer containing azobenzene group: Synthesis by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and characterization
Authors: Yang Runmiao , Liu Yuhai , Chen Jianxiang , Zhu Wen , Dong Guanxiu
Published: April 2019

The design and synthesis of a new azobenzene‐based methacrylate monomer (Azo‐IEM) was demonstrated, and its polymerization behavior during reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization was investigated. Well‐defined homopolymer and amphiphilic block copolymer containing Azo‐IEM monomeric units were successfully prepared as evidenced by NMR and GPC analysis. Moreover, the photo‐triggered reversible isomerization of polymer products in selected solvents was investigated. Finally, TEM analysis showed that there were significant differences in the nanoparticle morphologies when the block copolymer samples were irradiated with different wavelengths of light (i.e., UV and visible). The size and shapes of the p(HEMA‐b‐Azo‐IEM) polymer capable of transitions upon changes in Vis/UV light exposure which prepared from MeOH/CHCl3 mixture solvent. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47870.
Preventing elopement in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Pereira‐Smith Silvia , Boan Andrea , Carpenter Laura A. , Macias Michelle , LaRosa Angela
Published: April 2019

Reports of missing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are common in the media, and elopement can lead to dire consequences. This study quantified the use of preventive measures that target elopement, plus identified child/family characteristics associated with elopement and the use of preventive measures. This cross‐sectional study included 394 caregivers of children ages 2–17 years with ASD followed in an academic medical center's Developmental‐Behavioral Pediatrics clinic. Details about elopement, preventive measure use, and sociodemographic characteristics were assessed via an investigator‐designed, parent advocate‐approved questionnaire, while pertinent clinical factors were extracted from patients' electronic health records. Two hundred and sixty‐seven caregivers (68%) reported elopement by their child. Elopement risk was not associated with sociodemographic characteristics, nor with any specific comorbidity or neurobehavioral medication. Children with limited communication skills were more likely to have a history of elopement (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.30–3.84; P = 0.004). The most common preventive measure used was lock(s) at top of doors (51%), while less than a quarter of families were using handicap permits, signs/visual markers, or tracking devices. Implementation of certain modifications was statistically associated with socioeconomic status and comorbidities of interest. In addition to supporting previous literature about the increased elopement risk in children with limited communication skills, this study is the first to reveal that caregiver use of numerous preventive measures varies widely. The associations noted with use of specific preventive measures can help guide recommendations for this dangerous comorbid symptom, and provide information needed for future studies to assess the efficacy of various preventive measures. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1139–1146. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Elopement, defined as leaving an area without permission and placing oneself in a potentially dangerous situation, is a behavior exhibited by many children with autism. There is little information about the use of various modifications that target elopement in the pediatric population. This study identifies child/family characteristics that were related to elopement and the use of modifications, and stresses the importance of counseling families of children with autism about elopement.
Oxidative stress and DNA damage in the mechanism of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Authors: Bhatia Shama , Drake Danielle M. , Miller Lutfiya , Wells Peter G.
Published: April 2019

This review covers molecular mechanisms involving oxidative stress and DNA damage that may contribute to morphological and functional developmental disorders in animal models resulting from exposure to alcohol (ethanol, EtOH) in utero or in embryo culture. Components covered include: (a) a brief overview of EtOH metabolism and embryopathic mechanisms other than oxidative stress; (b) mechanisms within the embryo and fetal brain by which EtOH increases the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); (c) critical embryonic/fetal antioxidative enzymes and substrates that detoxify ROS; (d) mechanisms by which ROS can alter development, including ROS‐mediated signal transduction and oxidative DNA damage, the latter of which leads to pathogenic genetic (mutations) and epigenetic changes; (e) pathways of DNA repair that mitigate the pathogenic effects of DNA damage; (f) related indirect mechanisms by which EtOH enhances risk, for example by enhancing the degradation of some DNA repair proteins; and, (g) embryonic/fetal pathways like NRF2 that regulate the levels of many of the above components. Particular attention is paid to studies in which chemical and/or genetic manipulation of the above mechanisms has been shown to alter the ability of EtOH to adversely affect development. Alterations in the above components are also discussed in terms of: (a) individual embryonic and fetal determinants of risk and (b) potential risk biomarkers and mitigating strategies. FASD risk is likely increased in progeny which/who are biochemically predisposed via genetic and/or environmental mechanisms, including enhanced pathways for ROS formation and/or deficient pathways for ROS detoxification or DNA repair.
Experimentelle Untersuchung von Versagensvorgängen an Verbundankern mit einem In‐Situ‐Versuchsmodell
Authors: Horn Sebastian , Hölz Kevin , Schwabe Michael , Matthiesen Sven
Published: April 2019

Thema des vorliegenden Artikels ist die Untersuchung von Versagensvorgängen an Verbundankern. Um die Tragfähigkeit von Verbundankern optimieren zu können, ist das Verständnis dieser Versagensvorgänge notwendig. In einzelnen Versuchen wurden Bestrebungen unternommen, die Versagensvorgänge von Verbundankern untersuchbar zu machen. Bisher ist der tatsächliche, lastabhängige Verlauf der Versagensvorgänge bei Verbundankern, insbesondere bei kombiniertem Versagen, noch nicht vollständig geklärt. Ziel des vorliegenden Beitrags ist die experimentelle Untersuchung von Versagensvorgängen an einem Verbundanker bei steigender Zuglast. Da die kontinuierliche Analyse der realen Versagensvorgänge mit bisherigen Methoden nicht möglich ist, wird ein In‐Situ‐Versuchsmodell vorgestellt. Ergebnis der Untersuchung ist die lastabhängige Analyse der Versagensvorgänge von zwölf Verbundankern mit Vinylestermörtel. Die Analysen der Versagensvorgänge zeigen, dass 30 % der entstandenen Risse in den unteren 10 % der eingemörtelten Gewindestange entstehen. Die Rissentstehung beginnt dabei bereits bei 35 % der Auszugskraft und findet an den Zuschlagstoffen im Beton statt. Die entstehenden Risse wachsen bei weiterer Laststeigerung zu den Gewindeflanken des Verbundankers. Die hieraus gewonnenen Erkenntnisse können die Auslegung von Verbundankern verbessern.
Enantioseparation of 5‐chloro‐2‐{2‐[3,4‐dihydroisoquinoline‐2(1H)‐yl]ethyl}‐2‐methyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐1‐one (SYA 40247), a high‐affinity 5‐HT7 receptor ligand, by HPLC–PDA using amylose tris‐(3, 5‐ dimethylphenylcarbamate) as a chiral stationary phase
Authors: Onyameh Edem K. , Bricker Barbara A. , Ofori Edward , Ablordeppey Seth Y.
Published: April 2019

In previous structure–activity relationship studies to identify new and selective 5‐HT7 receptor (5‐HT7R) ligands, we identified the chiral compound, 5‐chloro‐2‐{2‐[3,4‐dihydroisoquinoline‐2(1H)‐yl]ethyl}‐2‐methyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐1‐one (SYA 40247), with high‐affinity binding to the 5‐HT7R. Thus, it was of interest to separate the enantiomers in order to evaluate their affinity at the 5‐HT7R. To achieve this separation, a normal‐phase analytical method using HPLC–PDA and a 4.6 × 250 mm Chiralpak AD‐H column was developed. Optimized isocratic conditions of 1.00 mL/min 95:5:0.1 v/v/v hexane–ethanol–diethylamine and a 254 nm analysis wavelength yielded a 6.07 min baseline separation. The method was scaled up to a 10 × 250 mm Chiralpak AD‐H column, allowing 3 mg of racemate to be separated with a single injection, and 6 mg for an overlapping double injection in the same run. The separated enantiomers were reinjected into the analytical HPLC system, peak identities confirmed by retention time and PDA UV spectra, and the enantiomeric purities determined to be 100% for peak 1 and 100% for peak 2. A Jasco P‐1020 polarimeter was used to determine the specific rotation [α] of the enantiomers of peaks 1 and 2, which were −86.2 and +93.3 (deg mL)/(g dm) respectively. No racemization was observed, and the enantiomeric purity remained at 100% for each peak.
Inhibition of transcription factor T‐cell factor 3 (TCF3) using the oligodeoxynucleotide strategy increases embryonic stem cell stemness: possible application in regenerative medicine
Authors: Johari Behrooz , Asadi Zoleykha , Rismani Elham , Maghsood Faezeh , Sheikh Rezaei Zahra , Farahani Sima , Madanchi Hamid , Kadivar Mehdi
Published: April 2019

The transcription factor T‐cell factor 3 (TCF3), one component of the Wnt pathway, is known as a cell‐intrinsic inhibitor of many pluripotency genes in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) that influences the balance between pluripotency and differentiation. In this study, the effects of inhibition of TCF3 transcription factor on the stemness of mouse ESCs (mESCs) were investigated using the decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) strategy. The TCF3 decoy and its scramble ODNs were designed and synthesized. The interaction specificity of the TCF3 decoy with the TCF3 transcription factor was evaluated by the electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Subcellular localization was carried out using fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Self‐renewal and pluripotency of mESCs were analyzed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), cell cycle and apoptosis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), embryoid body (EB) formation, and real‐time assays. All experiments were performed in triplicate. The results showed that knockdown of TCF3 by decoy ODNs transfection in mESCs led to an increase in the cell proliferation, ALP enzyme activity, and master regulatory stemness genes and a decrease in the number and diameter of EBs. These results supported TCF3 as a potential target to maintain the pluripotency and self‐renewal capacity of mESCs. Knockdown of the TCF3 transcription factor using decoy ODNs can be a promising method to maintain the stemness of stem cells in regenerative medicine and cell therapy researches.
Comparison of long‐term clinical outcomes in multivessel coronary artery disease patients treated either with bioresoarbable polymer sirolimus‐eluting stent or permanent polymer everolimus‐eluting stent: 5‐year results of the CENTURY II randomized clinical trial
Authors: Iñiguez Andrés , Chevalier Bernard , Richardt Gert , Neylon Antoinette , Jiménez Victor A. , Kornowski Ran , Carrie Didier , Moreno Raul , Barbato Emanuele , Serra‐Peñaranda Antoni , Guiducci Vincenzo , Valdés‐Chávarri Mariano , Yajima Junji , Wijns William , Saito Shigeru ,   on behalf of CENTURY II study investigators
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To assess the long‐term safety and efficacy of a sirolimus‐eluting stent with bioresorbable polymer (BP‐SES; Ultimaster), in comparison to a benchmark everolimus‐eluting, permanent polymer stent (PP‐EES; Xience), in a prespecified subgroup of patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD) enrolled in the CENTURY II trial.

Background

The use of coronary stenting in high‐risk subgroups, like MVD patients, is rising. The clinical evidence, including long‐term comparative analysis of the efficacy and safety benefits of different new‐generation drug eluting stents, however, remains insufficient.

Methods

Among 1,119 patients (intention‐to‐treat) enrolled in the CENTURY II prospective, randomized, single‐blind, multicenter trial, a prespecified subgroup of 456 MVD patients were allocated by stratified randomization to treatment with BP‐SES (n = 225) or PP‐EES (n = 231). The previously reported primary endpoint of this study was freedom from target lesion failure (TLF: a composite of cardiac death, target vessel‐related myocardial infarction [MI] and clinically‐indicated target lesion revascularization) at 9 months.

Results

In this MVD substudy, baseline patient, lesion and procedure characteristics were similar between the treatment arms. At 1 and 5 years, both BP‐SES and PP‐EES displayed low and comparable rates of TLF (5.3 vs. 7.8%; p = .29 and 10.2 vs. 13.4%; p = .29), and definite or probable stent thrombosis (0.4 vs. 1.3%; p = .33 and 0.9 vs. 1.7%; p = .43), respectively. Composite endpoint of cardiac death and MI, and patient‐oriented composite endpoint of any death, MI, and coronary revascularizations were also similar.

Conclusions

These results confirm good long‐term safety and efficacy of the studied bioresorbable polymer stent in this high‐risk patient population.
Multiple recurrences of spontaneous coronary artery dissection in a woman with fibromuscular dysplasia
Authors: Yeung Darwin F. , Saw Jacqueline
Published: April 2019

A 54‐year‐old woman with no prior coronary artery disease or cardiac risk factors was diagnosed with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) after presenting with an acute coronary syndrome. Over the next 5 years, she experienced four more episodes of SCAD, involving different coronary artery distributions, with evidence of complete angiographic healing following conservative management with antiplatelet therapy and beta‐blockade.
Stereoselective Cascade Cyclizations with Samarium Diiodide to Tetracyclic Indolines: Precursors of Fluorostrychnines and Brucine
Authors: Beemelmanns Christine , Nitsch Dominik , Bentz Christoph , Reissig Hans‐Ulrich
Published: April 2019

A series of γ‐indolylketones with fluorine, cyano or alkoxy substituents at the benzene moiety was prepared and subjected to samarium diiodide‐promoted cyclization reactions. The desired dearomatizing ketyl cascade reaction forming two new rings proceeded in all cases with high diastereoselectivity, but with differing product distribution. In most cases, the desired annulated tetracyclic compounds were obtained in moderate to good yields, but as second product tetracyclic spirolactones were isolated in up to 29 % yield. The reaction rate was influenced by the substituents at the benzene moiety of the substrate as expected, with electron‐accepting groups accelerating and electron‐donating groups decelerating the cyclization process. In case of a difluoro‐substituted γ‐indolylketone a partial defluorination was observed. The intermediate samarium enolate of the tetracyclic products could be trapped by adding reactive alkylating agents as electrophiles delivering products with quarternary carbons. In the case of a dimethoxy‐substituted tetracyclic cyclization product a subsequent reductive amination stereoselectively provided a pentacyclic compound that was subsequently N‐protected and subjected to a regioselective elimination. The obtained functionalized pentacyclic product should be convertible into the alkaloid brucine by four well‐established steps. Overall, the presented report shows that functionalized tetracyclic compounds with different substituents are rapidly available with the samarium diiodide cascade cyclization as crucial step. Hence, analogues of the landmark alkaloid strychnine, for example, with specific fluorine substitutions, should be easily accessible.
Dismantling the Hyperconjugation of π‐Conjugated Phosphorus Heterocycles
Authors: Larrañaga Olatz , Romero‐Nieto Carlos , de Cózar Abel
Published: April 2019

The development of π‐extended phosphorus heterocycles has been rapidly increasing because of their unique optoelectronics properties, which are very often considered to be a consequence of special hyperconjugative interactions. However, the latter interactions have primarily been investigated within the five‐membered species, phospholes, and they are often conceptually extrapolated to the rest of π‐extended phosphorus heterocycles (including six‐membered P‐heterocycles) despite evident structural differences. Herein, we report, for the first time, a detailed investigation that sheds light on the hyperconjugative effects of a series of phosphorus heterocyclic systems by means of EDA and NBO calculations within a DFT framework. Our results lay the foundations for the future design of π‐extended phosphorus heterocycles with improved optoelectronics properties.
E‐ and Z‐Proxamidines, Unprecedented 1,3‐Diazacyclooct‐1‐ene Alkaloids from Fruiting Bodies of Laccaria proxima
Authors: Schrey Hedda , Spiteller Peter
Published: April 2019

Fruiting bodies of Laccaria proxima were screened for the presence of new secondary metabolites by means of HPLC‐UV and LC‐HR‐(+)‐ESIMS. Thus, two isomeric alkaloids with a highly unusual core structure, E‐proxamidine and its Z‐isomer, were isolated from Laccaria proxima. The proxamidines consist of an eight‐membered heterocyclic ring system with a formamidine unit. The structures were established by 2D NMR spectroscopic methods, HR‐(+)‐ESIMS, and HR‐(+)‐ESIMS/MS. The proxamidines are probably biosynthetically derived from tryptophan, dimethylallyl pyrophosphate, and S‐adenosylmethionine and the eight‐membered ring of the proxamidines is likely to be generated by a rearrangement of the tryptophan sceleton. Metabolic profiling of fruiting bodies of some other Laccaria species revealed that the proxamidines appear in significant amounts only in L. proxima making the compounds suitable as chemotaxonomic markers. E‐Proxamidine exhibits herbicidal activity against Lepidium sativum.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Metastable 2,5‐Dihydrooxepines through Retro‐Claisen Rearrangements: Method and Applications
Authors: Zhang Wei , Baudouin Emmanuel , Cordier Marie , Frison Gilles , Nay Bastien
Published: April 2019

A one‐pot methodology to synthesize metastable bicyclic 2,5‐dihydrooxepines from cyclic 1,3‐diketones and 1,4‐dibromo‐2‐butenes through the retro‐Claisen rearrangement of syn‐2‐vinylcyclopropyl diketone intermediates is reported. DFT calculations were performed to understand the reaction selectivity and mechanisms towards [1,3]‐ or [3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangements, highlighting the crucial influence of the temperature. The reaction was successfully applied to a short protecting group‐free total synthesis of radulanin A, a natural 2,5‐dihydrobenzoxepine. Moreover, the strong herbicidal potential of this natural product is demonstrated for the first time.
Infants plan prehension while pivoting
Authors: Soska Kasey C. , Rachwani Jaya , von Hofsten Claes , Adolph Karen E.
Published: April 2019

Skilled object retrieval requires coordination of the perceptual and motor systems. Coordination is especially challenging when body position is changing and visual search is required to locate the target. In three experiments, we used a “pivot paradigm” to induce changes in body position: Participants were passively pivoted 180° toward a target placed at varied locations to the left and right of the center of a reaching board. Experiment 1 showed that 6‐ to 15‐month‐old infants (n = 41) plan prehension so quickly that they retrieve targets mid‐turn and scale their reaches to target location relative to turn direction. Experiment 2 characterized planning mid‐turn reaching in 6‐ to 8‐month‐olds (n = 5) wearing a head‐mounted eye tracker. Reach planning depended on when the target appeared in the field of view—not on target fixation. Experiment 3 used head‐mounted eye tracking and motion tracking to assess perceptual–motor coordination in adults (n = 13). Adults displayed more mid‐turn reaching than infants. But like infants, adults scaled reaching to target location relative to turn direction, and contact time depended on when the target came into view—not on target fixation. Findings show that fast, efficient perceptual–motor coordination supports flexibility in infant prehension, and constraints on coordination are similar across the lifespan.
Development of a cost‐effective single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping array for management of greater yam germplasm collections
Authors: Cormier Fabien , Mournet Pierre , Causse Sandrine , Arnau Gemma , Maledon Erick , Gomez Rose‐Marie , Pavis Claudie , Chair Hâna
Published: April 2019

Using genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery in greater yam (Discorea alata L.), 4,593 good quality SNPs were identified in 40 accessions. One hundred ninety six of these SNPs were selected to represent the overall dataset and used to design a competitive allele specific PCR array (KASPar). This array was validated on 141 accessions from the Tropical Plants Biological Resources Centre (CRB‐PT) and CIRAD collections that encompass worldwide D. alata diversity. Overall, 129 SNPs were successfully converted as cost‐effective genotyping tools. The results showed that the ploidy levels of accessions could be accurately estimated using this array. The rate of redundant accessions within the collections was high in agreement with the low genetic diversity of D. alata and its diversification by somatic clone selection. The overall diversity resulting from these 129 polymorphic SNPs was consistent with the findings of previously published studies. This KASPar array will be useful in collection management, ploidy level inference, while complementing accurate agro‐morphological descriptions.
Preliminary study to evaluate the phytochemicals and physiochemical properties in red and black date's vinegar
Authors: Ali Zeshan , Ma Haile , Rashid Muhammad Tayyab , Wali Asif , Younas Shoaib
Published: April 2019

Antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids, carotenoids, pH, and total titratable acidity of red and black date's vinegar were analyzed. The extraction method was designed and optimized for this purpose with respect to the variety and solvent concentrations along with the time of ultrasonication. The results showed that red dates' vinegar has significantly (p < 0.05) higher total phenols (3.38 ± 0.13 mg GAE/ml) and antioxidant activity as compared to black dates' vinegar, which had a higher amount of carotenoids (3.43 ± 0.11 mg/100 ml). Similarly, red dates' vinegar has more flavonoids as compared to commercially available Zhenjiang vinegar. In terms of physiochemical properties, both red and black date's vinegar were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Use of 50% and 80% methanol with 25 min of ultrasonication for extraction seemed more effective. The total phenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, carotenoids, and physiochemical analysis of the red and black date's vinegar indicated that vinegar from dates (red or black dates) is a competitive product in the marketplace.
Microglia responses to interleukin‐6 and type I interferons in neuroinflammatory disease
Authors: West Phillip K. , Viengkhou Barney , Campbell Iain L. , Hofer Markus J.
Published: April 2019

Microglia are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS). They are a heterogenous, exquisitely responsive, and highly plastic cell population, which enables them to perform diverse roles. They sense and respond to the local production of many different signals, including an assorted range of cytokines. Microglia respond strongly to interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and members of the type I interferon (IFN‐I) family, IFN‐alpha (IFN‐α), and IFN‐beta (IFN‐β). Although these cytokines are essential in maintaining homeostasis and for activating and regulating immune responses, their chronic production has been linked to the development of distinct human neurological diseases, termed “cerebral cytokinopathies.” IL‐6 and IFN‐α have been identified as key mediators in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory disorders including neuromyelitis optica and Aicardi‐Goutières syndrome, respectively, whereas IFN‐β has an emerging role as a causal factor in age‐associated cognitive decline. One of the key features that unites these diseases is the presence of highly reactive microglia. The current understanding is that microglia contribute to the development of cerebral cytokinopathies and represent an important therapeutic target. However, it remains to be resolved whether microglia have beneficial or detrimental effects. Here we review and discuss what is currently known about the microglial response to IL‐6 and IFN‐I, based on both animal models and clinical studies. Foundational knowledge regarding the microglial response to IL‐6 and IFN‐I is now being used to devise therapeutic strategies to ameliorate neuroinflammation and promote repair: either through targeting microglia, or by targeting the reduction of CNS levels or downstream biological pathways of IL‐6 or IFN‐I.
Numerical study of the effects of internal and external forces on the nanoparticle mixing in a ferrofluid flow
Authors: Hamdollahi Reza , Aminfar Habib , Mohammadpourfard Mousa , Jahanshaloo Leila
Published: April 2019

Micromixers are an essential part of microfluidic devices. Numerous studies have previously discussed improving the mixing efficiency in micromixers. In the present study, the scale analysis of different forces has been done to predict their influence on the behavior of the particles. Results show that the order of the magnitude of gravitational force is lower than other forces in this study and it is not effective. Then, in the absence of the magnetic field, the effects of different forces on the mixing of magnetic nanoparticles have been studied using the one‐way coupling method. According to the numerical results, it is observed that the Brownian force is essential for the normal behavior of nanoparticles. The thermophoretic force causes the penetration of particles into pure water, but homogeneous mixing does not occur. Finally, two methods have been introduced to improve mixing, including increasing the velocity of ferrofluid and magnetic field implementation. Both approaches make particle distribution more homogeneous. Incidentally, both of the above‐mentioned factors are useful for improving the mixing process. Using them together yields more homogeneous mixing in a shorter length of the mixing channel.
Awareness training reduces college students' speech disfluencies in public speaking
Authors: Montes Christina C. , Heinicke Megan R. , Geierman Danielle M.
Published: April 2019

Recent research suggests that a modified habit reversal procedure, including awareness training alone or combined with competing response training, is effective in decreasing speech disfluencies for college students. However, these procedures are potentially lengthy, sometimes require additional booster sessions, and could result in covariation of untargeted speaker behavior. We extended prior investigations by evaluating awareness training as a sole intervention while also measuring collateral effects of treatment on untargeted filler words and rate of speech. We found awareness training was effective for all participants without the use of booster sessions, and covariation between targeted filler words and secondary dependent variables was idiosyncratic across participants.
Noncoding RNAs as circulating biomarkers in osteosarcoma patients
Authors: Botti Gerardo , Giordano Antonio , Feroce Florinda , De Chiara Anna Rosaria , Cantile Monica
Published: April 2019

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) identify a large family of RNAs that do not encode proteins and represent an important group of tumor biomarkers, directly involved in the process of tumor pathogenesis and progression. Many of them have also been identified in biological fluids of patients with cancer, especially blood, suggesting their role as an emerging class of circulating biomarkers. Many ncRNAs, both miRNAs and lncRNAs, are deregulated in sarcoma tissues, with the most consistent data in osteosarcomas. In patients with osteosarcoma, the role of ncRNAs as circulating biomarkers is taking enormous value, above all for their ability to vary expression levels during disease progression and in response to therapy. In this mini‐review, we summarize the main studies supporting the role of circulating ncRNAs in monitoring disease status in patients with osteosarcoma.