bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel technique for placing titanium mesh with porous polyethylene via the endoscopic transnasal approach into the orbit for medial orbital wall fractures
Authors: Bae Seong Hwan , Jeong Dae Kyun , Go Ju Young , Park Heeseung , Kim Joo Hyoung , Lee Jae Woo , Kang Taewoo
Published: September 2019

Background The endoscopic transnasal approach is widely used for reconstructing the medial orbital wall by filling it with a silicone sheet or Merocel, but this technique has the disadvantage of retaining the packing for a long time. To overcome this drawback, a method of positioning an absorbable plate in the orbit has been introduced, but there is a risk of defect recurrence after the plate is absorbed. Here, the authors report the results of a novel surgical technique of placing a nonabsorbable titanium mesh with porous polyethylene into the orbit through the endoscopic transnasal approach.

Methods Fourteen patients underwent surgery using the endoscopic transnasal approach. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) was used to calculate the size of the bone defect due to the fracture, and the titanium mesh was designed to be shorter than the anteroposterior length of the defect and longer than its height. The titanium mesh was inserted into the orbit under an endoscopic view. The authors then confirmed that the titanium mesh supported the orbital contents by pressing the eyeball and finished the operation. Immediately after surgery, CT results were evaluated.

Results Postoperative CT scans confirmed that the titanium mesh was well-inserted and in the correct position. All patients were discharged without any complications.

Conclusions We obtained satisfactory results by inserting a titanium mesh with porous polyethylene into the orbit via the transnasal approach endoscopically.
Hospital de animais silvestres: categoria ausente na estrutura de proteção à fauna brasileira
Authors: Ruas Robertho Marconi Santos , Furtado Diego Corrêa , Lopes Cinthia Távora de Albuquerque , Guerra Gutemberg Armando Diniz , Fischer Luly Rodrigues da Cunha , Domingues Sheyla Farhayldes Souza
Published: September 2019

Dentre os estabelecimentos aptos a manter animais silvestres em cativeiro, o ordenamento jurídico brasileiro não prevê a categoria hospital. Partindo dessa constatação, o presente artigo recorre à pesquisa de campo em um hospital universitário veterinário (HUV) especializado no atendimento a animais silvestres, com o objetivo de identificar características distintivas deste tipo de instituição em face das categorias legalmente previstas. Pauta-se por pesquisa qualitativa, empregando os métodos de observação participante e entrevistas semiestruturadas. Ao desvelar as especificidades da citada categoria e indicar as utopias que animam sua concretização no mundo social, o trabalho conclui que a negação de seu reconhecimento pelas autoridades ambientais reflete a valorização de contrastantes significados atribuídos à noção de proteção à fauna. Conclui, também, que tal lacuna afeta o modo como os estagiários e médicos veterinários residentes do HUV constroem suas percepções quanto aos objetivos que devem perseguir, traindo as utopias fundantes de seu projeto e dificultando a efetividade da ação conservacionista.
Composição florística e estrutura da vegetação da savana de Miombo em dois ambientes distintos no Distrito de Sanga, Norte de Moçambique
Authors: Manjate Merlindo Jacinto , Massuque Jonas Zefanias
Published: September 2019

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a composição e a estrutura da vegetação em dois ambientes de Miombo, sendo o primeiro denominado de Ambiente I (trecho de mata de Miombo), o segundo de Ambiente II (área abandonada após agricultura). Foram estabelecidas quinze parcelas de 20 m x 50 m em cada ambiente. Todos os indivíduos lenhosos e em regeneração com DAP> = 5cm foram medidos e identificados. A suficiência amostral foi avaliada com base nas curvas de rarefação. O padrão de variação florístico entre os ambientes avaliado através do Escalonamento Multidimensional não Métrico (NMDS). No Ambiente I, 40 espécies distribuídas em 21 famílias foram registradas enquanto que no ambiente II constatou-se a ocorrência de 19 espécies pertencentes a 10 famílias. Os parâmetros florísticos e fitossociológicos avaliados foram densidade, dominância, frequência e índice de valor de importância (IVI). Em ordem decrescente, Brachystegia spiciformis e Julbernardia globiflora apresentaram maiores IVI no Ambiente I. Uapaca kirkiana e Diplorhynchus condylocarpon detiveram os maiores valores para tal índice no Ambiente II. As espécies dominantes no Ambiente II são as comumente encontradas nesses ambientes e são capazes de crescer em áreas antropizadas e mostram uma capacidade de recuperação da vegetação do Miombo contra distúrbios antrópicos.
Doenças relacionadas ao saneamento ambiental inadequado e indicadores de saneamento
Authors: Dall'Agnol Ana Luiza Bertani , Loebens Larissa , Demarco Carolina Faccio , Leandro Diuliana , Andreazza Robson , Castro Andréa Souza , Quadro Maurizio Silveira
Published: September 2019

Nas últimas décadas, presenciou-se um rápido crescimento das cidades em tamanho, população e densidade, concentrando os problemas e desafiando a sociedade e aqueles que a administram. Atualmente, o Brasil ainda se encontra em posição de atraso no cenário internacional de saneamento, o que implica em prejuízos à qualidade de vida da população e à economia do país. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o comportamento das internações e óbitos ocasionados por doenças relacionadas ao saneamento ambiental inadequado (DRSAI) e os indicadores de saneamento em 29 municípios do Rio Grande do Sul, no período de 2000 a 2010. Foram utilizados dados do cadastro do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do SUS e dos Censos de 2000 e 2010. Foi verificado que o número de internações teve declínio no intervalo de anos estudado, no entanto as internações em decorrência de DRSAIs não apresentaram o mesmo comportamento. Em 2000, o total de internações foi de 86.135, caindo para 69.749 em 201. Já as internações por DRSAI, em 2000, totalizaram 1.170 e, em 2010, elevando-se para 1.509. Todos os indicadores de saneamento básico, quando avaliados para a região como um todo, apresentaram crescimento no que diz respeito à cobertura dos serviços no período, no entanto, recomenda-se a análise de cada município separadamente
Otimização para controle de alagamentos urbanos: aplicação na bacia hidrográfica Vila Santa Isabel/Viamão/RS
Authors: HÃ¼ffner Anelise Nardi , Siqueira Tirzah Moreira , Corrêa Bárbara de Lima , Caldeira Tamara Leitzke , Cardoso Iulli Pitone , Hammes Helena Figueiredo , Ribeiro Patrícia Damasceno
Published: September 2019

O crescimento rápido e descontrolado da urbanização, principalmente nos países em desenvolvimento, vem provocando impactos significativos tanto no meio ambiente quanto para a própria população. A existência de áreas altamente impermeabilizadas traz como consequência o aumento do volume escoado superficialmente, causando aumento nas vazões máximas de duas a dez vezes a vazão de pré-urbanização. Surge, então, a necessidade de alternativas que solucionem ou reduzam os problemas relacionados ao aumento do volume escoado, não somente que os transfiram para outro local. Neste sentido, pode-se aplicar as Melhores Práticas de Gestão (Best Management Practices – BMPs), medidas que servem no gerenciamento das águas pluviais em áreas urbanas, destacando-se os reservatórios de detenção. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo desenvolver uma metodologia para avaliar a minimização do impacto hidrológico de uma bacia urbanizada para que ela se comporte de maneira hidrologicamente semelhante às condições de pré-urbanização, analisando os custos de implantação de bacias de detenção para evitar alagamentos à jusante. Para isso, fez-se uso de simulação hidrológica com modelo IPHS1 para determinação dos hidrogramas de saída dos afluentes da bacia estudada, que corresponde à bacia da Vila Santa Isabel, conhecida também como bacia Mãe D’água, de 3,39 km², localizada no município de Viamão/RS. Os resultados mostraram que a aplicação de uma técnica de otimização associada a um modelo hidrológico mostrou-se útil na avaliação dos custos de projetos de controle do escoamento pluvial urbano (bacias de detenção) para a bacia estudada. Além disso, mesmo sem a disponibilidade de dados hidrológicos observados e informações mais detalhadas acerca do processo de urbanização da área de estudo, foi possível, através da aplicação da metodologia apresentada, desenvolver cenários para análise do aumento da zona urbana e quantificação do impacto hidrológico, para que assim o problema de alagamentos fosse minimizado.
Diagnóstico das condições de balneabilidade da Praia Beira Rio do município de Porto Nacional (TO)
Authors: Silva Anderson Pereira da , Lima Diogo Pedreira , Balduino Ã‚ngelo Ricardo
Published: September 2019

O Rio Tocantins possui boas condições propícias a atividades recreacionais. Ao longo do seu percurso, o mesmo apresenta belíssimas praias disponíveis à prática de atividades recreacionais de contato primário. No entanto, para uso dessas águas para tais atividades, existem critérios específicos de balneabilidade, os quais determinam se as mesmas estão aptas ou não para uso. Desta forma, indicadores de balneabilidade devem ser avaliados em lugares com fins recreacionais, tendo como objetivo prever e evitar efeitos adversos à saúde humana e a vida aquática. Sendo assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a qualidade da água da Praia Beira Rio de Porto Nacional (TO) para fins de balneabilidade, determinando o nível de coliformes termotolerantes e de Escherichia coli por meio do método Colilert. Os resultados demonstraram que os níveis de coliformes fecais se apresentaram em 12,6 na primeira coleta, 17,7 na segunda coleta, 18,3 na terceira coleta, 50,6 na quarta coleta, 83,30 na quinta coleta e 325,7 na sexta coleta. Quanto aos níveis de Escherichia coli, os mesmos foram maiores que 2.419,6. Assim, concluiu-se que a água da praia pode provocar doenças à população, bem como estão com um alto nível de coliformes fecais que podem ser provenientes das águas das chuvas contaminadas.
The effect of external lateral stabilization on the use of foot placement to control mediolateral stability in walking and running
Authors: Mahaki Mohammadreza , Bruijn Sjoerd M , H. van Dieën Jaap
Published: September 2019

It is still unclear how humans control mediolateral (ML) stability in walking and even more so for running. Here, foot placement strategy as a main mechanism to control ML stability was compared between walking and running. Moreover, to verify the role of foot placement as a means to control ML stability in both modes of locomotion, this study investigated the effect of external lateral stabilization on foot placement control. Ten young adults participated in this study. Kinematic data of the trunk (T6) and feet were recorded during walking and running on a treadmill in normal and stabilized conditions. Correlation between ML trunk CoM state and subsequent ML foot placement, step width, and step width variability were assessed. Paired t-tests (either SPM1d or normal) were used to compare aforementioned parameters between normal walking and running. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs (either SPM1d or normal) were used to test for effects of walking vs. running and of normal vs. stabilized condition. We found a stronger correlation between ML trunk CoM state and ML foot placement and significantly higher step width and step width variability in walking than in running. The correlation between ML trunk CoM state and ML foot placement, step width, and step width variability were significantly decreased by external lateral stabilization in walking and running, and this reduction was stronger in walking than in running. We conclude that ML foot placement is coordinated to ML trunk CoM state to stabilize both walking and running and this coordination is stronger in walking than in running.
Curcumin plays a synergistic role in combination with HSV-TK/GCV in inhibiting growth of murine B16 melanoma cells and melanoma xenografts
Authors: Li Hong , Du Haiyan , Zhang Guangxian , Wu Yingya , Qiu Pengxiang , Liu Jingjing , Guo Jing , Liu Xijuan , Sun Lingling , Du Biaoyan , Tan Yuhui
Published: September 2019

Melanoma is a global concern and accounts for the major mortality of skin cancers. Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene with ganciclovir (HSV-TK/GCV) is a promising gene therapy for melanoma. Despite its low efficiency, it is well known for its bystander effect which is mainly mediated by gap junction. In this study, we found that curcumin reduced B16 melanoma cell viability in both time- and dose-dependent manner. Further study showed that curcumin improved the gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) function, and upregulated the proteins essential to gap junction, such as connexin 32 and connexin 43, indicating the potential role in enhancing the bystander effect of HSV-TK/GCV. By co-culturing the B16TK cells, which stably expressed TK gene, with wildtype B16 (B16WT) cells, we found that co-treatment of curcumin and GCV synergistically inhibited B16 cell proliferation, but the effect could be eliminated by the gap junction inhibitor AGA. Moreover, curcumin markedly increased apoptosis rate of B16WT cells, suggesting its effect in enhancing the bystander effect of HSV-TK/GCV. In the in-vivo study, we established the xenografted melanoma model in 14 days by injecting mixture of B16TK and B16WT cell in a ratio of 3:7. The result demonstrated that, co-administration of curcumin and GCV significantly inhibited the xenograft growth, as indicated by the smaller size and less weight. The combinational effect was further confirmed as a synergistic effect. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that curcumin could enhance the killing effect and the bystander effect of HSV-TK/GCV in treating melanoma, which might be mediated by improved gap junction. Our data suggested that combination of HSV-TK/GCV with curcumin could be a potential chemosensitization strategy for cancer treatment.
Computational Molecular Analysis of the 5 Candidate Genes of Suidae Family Related to African Swine Fever Occurrence
Authors: Oluwole O. O.
Published: September 2019

Suidae family consisting, domestic pig, warthog and babyrousa are identified with even hooves and snout nose. They have been reported to be tolerant to African swine fever virus (ASFV) with the exception of the domestic pig. Domestic pig is valuable for humans as a source of protein all over the world, but is more susceptible to this disease. ASFV has been found in warthog and bush pig. Five candidate genes, RELA, PPP3CB, PPIA, NFKBIA, and NFATC1 have been suggested to be responsible for the genetic variation between the components of Suidae family, which may contribute to the species-specific responses to ASFV infection. This study aims to investigate the evolution, differentiation and functional function of these five genes in three species of Suidae family that are either susceptible or tolerant to ASFV using molecular computational genetics.

The nucleotide and amino acid sequence (aas) of the 5 genes of pig, warthog and babyrousa were downloaded from NCBI, Essembel geneome browser, and Uniprot database. They were aligned and analysed to predict functional effect of amino acid substitution as deleterious or neutral for small insertions and deletions.

The candidate genes were observed to have variants with the exception of NFKBIA. They were observed to have deleterious variants. These deleterious variants may be responsible for the susceptibility or tolerance of this family to ASF disease.
miRNA‐215‐5p suppresses the aggressiveness of breast cancer cells by targeting Sox9
Authors: Gao Jia Bao , Zhu Ming Nan , Zhu Xiao Liang
Published: September 2019

Several studies have shown that miR‐215‐5p acts as a tumor suppressor in certain cancers, but its role in the progression and metastasis of breast carcinoma remains incompletely understood. Herein, we prove that miR‐215‐5p is substantially down‐expressed in breast carcinoma as compared with nontumor tissue. Up‐regulation of miR‐215‐5p inhibits the aggressive abilities of breast carcinoma cells in vitro. We performed luciferase reporter tests to show that SRY‐Box 9 (Sox9) is the target of miR‐215‐5p; as predicted, Sox9 depletion replicates the suppressive effects of miR‐215‐5p on breast carcinoma cells, and overexpression of Sox9 rescues the effects of miR‐215‐5p on breast cancer cell progression. In addition, a xenograft model assay was used to reveal that miR‐215‐5p inhibits breast cancer cell growth and metastatic potential in vivo. Overall, these results imply that miRNA‐215‐5p suppresses the aggressiveness of breast cancer cells through targeting Sox9.
Optimization of motion management parameters in a synchrotron‐based spot scanning system
Authors: Johnson Jedediah E. , Herman Michael G. , Kruse Jon J.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To quantify the effects of combining layer‐based repainting and respiratory gating as a strategy to mitigate the dosimetric degradation caused by the interplay effect between a moving target and dynamic spot‐scanning proton delivery.

Methods

An analytic routine modeled three‐dimensional dose distributions of pencil‐beam proton plans delivered to a moving target. Spot positions and weights were established for a single field to deliver 100 cGy to a static, 15‐cm deep, 3‐cm radius spherical clinical target volume with a 1‐cm isotropic internal target volume expansion. The interplay effect was studied by modeling proton delivery from a clinical synchrotron‐based spot scanning system and respiratory target motion, patterned from surrogate patient breathing traces. Motion both parallel and orthogonal to the beam scanning direction was investigated. Repainting was modeled using a layer‐based technique. For each of 13 patient breathing traces, the dose from 20 distinct delivery schemes (combinations of four gate window amplitudes and five repainting techniques) was computed. Delivery strategies were inter‐compared based on target coverage, dose homogeneity, high dose spillage, and delivery time.

Results

Notable degradation and variability in plan quality were observed for ungated delivery. Decreasing the gate window reduced this variability and improved plan quality at the expense of longer delivery times. Dose deviations were substantially greater for motion orthogonal to the scan direction when compared with parallel motion. Repainting coupled with gating was effective at partially restoring dosimetric coverage at only a fraction of the delivery time increase associated with very small gate windows alone. Trends for orthogonal motion were similar, but more complicated, due to the increased severity of the interplay.

Conclusions

Layer‐based repainting helps suppress the interplay effect from intra‐gate motion, with only a modest penalty in delivery time. The magnitude of the improvement in target coverage is strongly influenced by individual patient breathing patterns and the tumor motion trajectory.
Variation in accumulated dose of volumetric‐modulated arc therapy for pancreatic cancer due to different beam starting phases
Authors: Sasaki Makoto , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Mukumoto Nobutaka , Goto Yoko , Ishihara Yoshitomo , Nakata Manabu , Sugimoto Naozo , Mizowaki Takashi
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To assess the effects of different beam starting phases on dosimetric variations in the clinical target volume (CTV) and organs at risk (OARs), and to identify the relationship between plan complexity and the dosimetric impact of interplay effects in volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans for pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Single and double full‐arc VMAT plans were generated for 11 patients. A dose of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions was prescribed to cover 50% of the planning target volume. Patient‐specific Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine–Radiation Therapy plan files were divided into 10 files based on the respiratory phases in four‐dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) simulations. The phase‐divided VMAT plans were calculated in consideration of the beam starting phase for each arc and were then combined in the mid‐ventilation phase of 4DCT (4D plans). The dose‐volumetric parameters were compared with the calculated dose distributions without consideration of the interplay effects (3D plans). Additionally, relationships among plan parameters such as modulation complexity scores, monitor units (MUs), and dose‐volumetric parameters were evaluated.

Results

Dosimetric differences in the median values associated with different beam starting phases were within ± 1.0% and ± 0.2% for the CTV and ± 0.5% and ± 0.9% for the OARs during single and double full‐arc VMAT, respectively. Significant differences caused by variations in the beam starting phases were observed only for the dose‐volumetric parameters of the CTV during single full‐arc VMAT (P < 0.05), associated with moderate or strong correlations between the MUs and the dosimetric differences between the 4D and 3D plans.

Conclusions

The beam starting phase affected CTV dosimetric variations of single full‐arc VMAT. The use of double full‐arc VMAT mitigated this problem. However, variation in the dose delivered to OARs was not dependent on the beam starting phase, even for single full‐arc VMAT.
Toxico‐Metabolomics of Engineered Nanomaterials: Progress and Challenges
Authors: Ahmad Farooq , Wang Xiaoyan , Li Wanwan
Published: September 2019

Nanoscale matter has unique attributes that potentiate their widespread application from biomedicine, engineering, food, cosmetics, sensing, to energy. Due to the rapid industrialization of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) as a result of increasing consumer interests, more ENMs will be released into the environment, greatly increasing the probability of their contact with humans. Once these ENMs enter the human body or an ecosystem, they may initiate various biochemical responses in unprecedented ways, thus raising important concerns in regard to their effects on human health and the ecosystem. Here, the shifts in the intricate metabolic pathways instigated by ENMs are highlighted and those altered metabolic changes are extrapolated for the elucidation of environmental health and risk assessment. Furthermore, the toxico‐metabolomics knowledge of ENMs provides the opportunity to design novel nanomedicine with high efficacies by capitalizing on their abilities to rewire metabolic networks for the treatment of diseases.
Enhanced Incorporation of Guanidinium in Formamidinium‐Based Perovskites for Efficient and Stable Photovoltaics: The Role of Cs and Br
Authors: Zhou Yang , Xue Haibo , Jia Yong‐Heng , Brocks Geert , Tao Shuxia , Zhao Ni
Published: September 2019

Recently, incorporating guanidium (GA) cations into organolead halide perovskites is shown to effectively improve the stability and performance of the solar cells. However, the underlying mechanisms that govern the GA incorporation have remained unclear. Here, FAPbI3 is used as a basic framework to investigate experimentally and theoretically the role of cesium (Cs) and bromine (Br) substitutions in GA+ incorporation. It is found that simultaneous introduction of the small‐size Cs+ and Br– in the FAPbI3 lattice is critical to create sufficient space for the large GA+ and that the presence of the Cs+ prevents the formation of a GA‐contained low‐dimensional phase, which both assist GA+ incorporation. Upon entering the perovskite lattice, the GA+ can stabilize the lattice structure via forming strong hydrogen bonds with their neighboring halide ions. Such structure modification suppresses halide vacancy formation, thus leading to improved material properties. Compared to the GA‐free perovskite reference samples, the optimal system GA0.05Cs0.15FA0.8Pb(I0.85Br0.15)3 exhibits substantially improved thermal and photothermal stability, as well as increased photocarrier lifetime. Solar cells fabricated with the optimal material system show an excellent photovoltaic performance, with the champion device reaching a power conversion efficiency of 21.3% and an open circuit voltage of 1.229 V.
“Lattice Strain Matching”‐Enabled Nanocomposite Design to Harness the Exceptional Mechanical Properties of Nanomaterials in Bulk Forms
Authors: Zhang Junsong , Liu Yinong , Cui Lishan , Hao Shijie , Jiang Daqiang , Yu Kaiyuan , Mao Shengcheng , Ren Yang , Yang Hong
Published: September 2019

Nanosized materials are known to have the ability to withstand ultralarge elastic strains (4–10%) and to have ultrahigh strengths approaching their theoretical limits. However, it is a long‐standing challenge to harnessing their exceptional intrinsic mechanical properties in bulk forms. This is commonly known as “the valley of death” in nanocomposite design. In 2013, a breakthrough was made to overcome this challenge by using a martensitic phase transforming matrix to create a composite in which ultralarge elastic lattice strains up to 6.7% are achieved in Nb nanoribbons embedded in it. This breakthrough was enabled by a novel concept of phase transformation assisted lattice strain matching between the uniform ultralarge elastic strains (4–10%) of nanomaterials and the uniform crystallographic lattice distortion strains (4–10%) of the martensitic phase transformation of the matrix. This novel concept has opened new opportunities for developing materials of exceptional mechanical properties or enhanced functional properties that are not possible before. The work in progress in this research over the past six years is reported.
Outstanding Absolute Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Effectiveness of Cross‐Linked PEDOT:PSS Film
Authors: Bora Pritom J. , Anil Amith G. , Vinoy Kalarickaparambil J. , Ramamurthy Praveen C.
Published: September 2019

Conducting polymer ultrathin films with high absolute electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) is highly desirable for their facile processability. The conducting polymer, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), possesses excellent conductivity. However, a thin film of PEDOT:PSS is water soluble, making it disadvantageous for EMI shielding. Here, a cross‐linked, water‐insoluble, ultrathin film of PEDOT:PSS for EMI shielding is evaluated. A 9 ± 1 µm thick cross‐linked PEDOT:PSS film exhibits an average EMI SE of 40 dB. Standard electrodynamics simulation also confirms the experimental data. The most realistic parameter of EMI shielding for practical application is the absolute SE. The absolute SE of cross‐linked PEDOT:PSS film is obtained to be 51 480 dB cm2 g−1, highest ever reported. Mechanistically, the absorption predominant SE originates from the cross‐linking of PEDOT:PSS, resulting in a higher conductivity (769 S cm−1) and creating internal reflecting surfaces. The mechanical strength, solution processability, and outstanding absolute EMI SE make cross‐linked PEDOT:PSS film to be an attractive EMI shield for real‐time applications such as in defense arena.
External Oxidant‐Free Oxidative Tandem Cyclization: NaI‐Catalyzed Thiolation for the Synthesis of 3‐Thiosubstituted Pyrroles
Authors: Yuan Bingxiang , Jiang Yong , Qi Zhenjie , Guan Xin , Wang Ting , Yan Rulong
Published: September 2019

A simple method for the synthesis of 3‐thiosubstituted pyrroles from homopropargylic amines and thiosulfonates via a tandem sulfenylation/cyclization has been developed. The thiosulfonates are used both as substrates and oxidants in this transformation. This procedure exhibits good functional group tolerance and a series of 3‐thiosubstituted pyrrole derivatives was obtained in moderate to good yields.

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Cobalt(II)‐Catalyzed Bisfunctionalization of Alkenes with Diarylphosphine Oxide and Peroxide
Authors: Shen Jian , Xiao Bo , Hou Yang , Wang Xue , Li Gui‐Zhi , Chen Jin‐Chun , Wang Wei‐Li , Cheng Jian‐Bo , Yang Bin , Yang Shang‐Dong
Published: September 2019

The low‐cost cobalt(II) catalyst has been used for the first time to achieve P(O)‐radical‐mediated bisfunctionalization of alkenes with diarylphosphine oxide and peroxides. This simple process is performed under mild conditions to afford a wide variety of phosphonation‐peroxidation products in a one‐pot manner. Computational studies are carried out to provide a theoretical support for the P(O)‐radical‐involved bisfunctionalization of alkenes.

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Dimethyl Sulfoxide: Yesterday's Solvent, Today's Reagent
Authors: Tashrifi Zahra , Khanaposhtani Mohammad Mohammadi , Larijani Bagher , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: September 2019

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has had a long history of use as a polar solvent and active pharmaceutical ingredient in the past decades. However, in this decade DMSO has attracted the attention of scientists as a source of oxygen, carbon or sulfur in a wide range of organic reactions. In this review, we have summarized and classified the latest findings in this area based on applications of DMSO as a single or a dual synthon.

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Material and Thickness Investigation in Ferromagnet/Ta/CoFeB Trilayers for Enhancement of Spin–Orbit Torque and Field‐Free Switching
Authors: Oh Young‐Wan , Ryu Jeongchun , Kang Jaimin , Park Byong‐Guk
Published: September 2019

Spin–orbit torques (SOTs) in ferromagnet (FM)/Ta/CoFeB trilayers are investigated as a function of Ta thickness. When the Ta is thinner than 1.5 nm, the sign of the SOT exerting on the top perpendicularly magnetized CoFeB depends on the bottom FM layer; it is positive for NiFe and negative for CoFeB. As the Ta thickness increases, the sign becomes negative irrespective of the bottom FM, indicating that SOTs are dominated by Ta, which has a negative spin Hall angle. SOT‐induced switching without an in‐plane magnetic field is observed in the thickness ranges where the bottom FM or FM/Ta interface‐generated SOT is dominant. The results herein demonstrate that proper design of an FM/heavy metal combination and the material thickness can lead to an enhancement of the SOT efficiency and allow for field‐free SOT switching.
A Robust 2D Photo‐Electrochemical Detector Based on NiPS3 Flakes
Authors: Liu Jiefeng , Wang Yingwei , Fang Yiyun , Ge Yanqi , Li Xinzhe , Fan Dianyuan , Zhang Han
Published: September 2019

Photodetectors fabricated from very thin two‐dimensional (2D) materials with high photoelectric conversion efficiency have unprecedented potential to overcome the limitations of conventional photodetectors. In particular, recent interest in 2D metal phosphorus trichalcogenides (MPTs) has derived from their strong light absorption, tunable bandgap, and robust stability. Here, large and atomically thin NiPS3 flakes, prepared by electrochemical cathodic exfoliation, are used as electrodes for a self‐powered photo‐electrochemical (PEC) detector. It exhibits high photocurrent density, sensitive responsivity, cycling stability, and excellent on/off behavior under sunlight in a 0.1 m KOH solution. The KOH concentration and the external potential affect the performance, indicating that it can be an excellent PEC‐type detector. This work provides fundamental knowledge about PEC‐type MPT photodetectors and reveals the great potential of NiPS3 as an optoelectronic device.
Fingerprint‐Enhanced Capacitive‐Piezoelectric Flexible Sensing Skin to Discriminate Static and Dynamic Tactile Stimuli
Authors: Navaraj William , Dahiya Ravinder
Published: September 2019

Inspired by the structure and functions of the human skin, a highly sensitive capacitive‐piezoelectric flexible sensing skin with fingerprint‐like patterns to detect and discriminate between spatiotemporal tactile stimuli including static and dynamic pressures and textures is presented. The capacitive‐piezoelectric tandem sensing structure is embedded in the phalange of a 3D‐printed robotic hand, and a tempotron classifier system is used for tactile exploration. The dynamic tactile sensor, interfaced with an extended gate configuration to a common source metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), exhibits a sensitivity of 2.28 kPa−1. The capacitive sensing structure has nonlinear characteristics with sensitivity varying from 0.25 kPa−1 in the low‐pressure range (<100 Pa) to 0.002 kPa−1 in high pressure (≈2.5 kPa). The output from the presented sensor under a closed‐loop tactile scan, carried out with an industrial robotic arm, is used as latency‐coded spike trains in a spiking neural network (SNN) tempotron classifier system. With the capability of performing a real‐time binary naturalistic texture classification with a maximum accuracy of 99.45%, the presented bioinspired skin finds applications in robotics, prosthesis, wearable sensors, and medical devices.
Impact of palliative treatment on survival in sinonasal malignancies
Authors: Farber Nicole I. , Povolotskiy Roman , Bavier Richard D. , Riccardi Julia , Eloy Jean Anderson , Hsueh Wayne D.
Published: September 2019

Background

Although palliative care treatment modalities have been shown to improve functional outcomes and provide symptom alleviation in sinonasal cancer, its impact on survival still remains unclear. In this study we aimed to elicit the impact of different palliative therapy options on survival in a nationally representative sample of sinonasal cancer patients.

Methods

National Cancer Database 2004‐2015 data sets were queried for cases of primary sinonasal cancer (N = 380). Kaplan‐Meier analysis was utilized to determine median overall survival (M‐OS) and overall survival (OS) among the different treatment cohorts (pain management, palliative radiation therapy, palliative chemotherapy, palliative surgery, and combination therapy). Prognostic factors were elicited by comparing OS by log‐rank tests and subsequent multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

Of the total patients of sinonasal malignancy treated with palliative therapy, most were <70 years old, had stage 4 cancer, and histology indicating squamous cell carcinoma (p < 0.05). On Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis, the 1‐year OS (1Y‐OS) and M‐OS were 43.6% and 10.1 months, respectively. The 1Y‐OS and M‐OS for pain management alone were 35.3% and 4.56 months, respectively. Surgery had the highest 1Y‐OS and M‐OS, at 74.7% and 22.8 months, respectively (p = 0.002). All treatment modalities had increased 1Y‐OS compared with pain management alone. Multivariant analysis demonstrated palliative surgery to be associated with decreased risk of death (hazard ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.17‐0.63).

Conclusion

In this study we identify the impact of palliative treatment modalities on survival in sinonasal cancer. Palliative surgery was shown to have the highest 1Y‐OS and M‐OS compared with other palliative treatment modalities.
Constrained Peptides with Fine‐Tuned Flexibility Inhibit NF‐Y Transcription Factor Assembly
Authors: Jeganathan Sadasivam , Wendt Mathias , Kiehstaller Sebastian , Brancaccio Diego , Kuepper Arne , Pospiech Nicole , Carotenuto Alfonso , Novellino Ettore , Hennig Sven , Grossmann Tom N.
Published: September 2019

Protein complex formation depends on the interplay between preorganization and flexibility of the binding epitopes involved. The design of epitope mimetics typically focuses on stabilizing a particular bioactive conformation, often without considering conformational dynamics, which limits the potential of peptidomimetics against challenging targets such as transcription factors. We developed a peptide‐derived inhibitor of the NF‐Y transcription factor by first constraining the conformation of an epitope through hydrocarbon stapling and then fine‐tuning its flexibility. In the initial set of constrained peptides, a single non‐interacting α‐methyl group was observed to have a detrimental effect on complex stability. Biophysical characterization revealed how this methyl group affects the conformation of the peptide in its bound state. Adaption of the methylation pattern resulted in a peptide that inhibits transcription factor assembly and subsequent recruitment to the target DNA.
From Bad Electrochemical Practices to an Environmental and Waste Reducing Approach for the Generation of Active Hydrogen Evolving Electrodes
Authors: Ring Lisa , Pollet Bruno G. , Chatenet Marian , Abbou Sofyane , Küpper Karsten , Schmidt Mercedes , Huck Marten , Gries Aurelia , Steinhart Martin , Schäfer Helmut
Published: September 2019

The electrodeposition of noble metals using corresponding dissolved metal salts represents an interesting process for the improvement of the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) properties of less active substrate materials. The fact that only a small fraction of the dissolved noble metals reaches the substrate represents a serious obstacle to this common procedure. We therefore chose a different path. It was found that the HER activity of Ni42 alloy drastically increased (η=140 mV at j=10 mA cm−2; pH 1) when a platinum counter electrode was used during polarization experiments in acid. This improvement was caused by a platinum transfer from the platinum anode to the steel cathode, a process which occurred simultaneously to the hydrogen evolution. The negligible accumulation of Pt (26 μg) in the electrolyte turns this straight‐forward transfer procedure into a highly cost‐effective, environmentally friendly, and waste reducing approach for the generation of cheap, stable and effective HER electrodes.
Asymmetric Synthesis of 1,4‐Dicarbonyl Compounds from Aldehydes by Hydrogen Atom Transfer Photocatalysis and Chiral Lewis Acid Catalysis
Authors: Kuang Yulong , Wang Kai , Shi Xiangcheng , Huang Xiaoqiang , Meggers Eric , Wu Jie
Published: September 2019

Enantioenriched 1,4‐dicarbonyl compounds are versatile synthons in natural product and pharmaceutical drug synthesis. We herein report a mild pathway for the efficient enantioselective synthesis of these compounds directly from aldehydes through synergistic cooperation between a neutral eosin Y hydrogen atom transfer photocatalyst and a chiral rhodium Lewis acid catalyst. This method is distinguished by its operational simplicity, abundant feedstocks, atom economy, and ability to generate products in high yields (up to 99 %) and high enantioselectivity (up to 99 % ee).
Isolation and characterization of spontaneously immortalized B‐lymphocyte lines from HIV‐infected patients with and without non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Zhuang Ke , Zhang Yongxi , Zhou Li , Qi Xiaoying , Xu Xiqiu , Meng Fengzhen , Xu Zhigao , liu Jinbiao , Shao Liang , Liu Huan , Liu Hang , Fang Jun , Deng Di , Peng Jianhong , Zhou Fuling , Liu Li , Tang Hongbin , Xiong Yong , Ho Wenzhe , Guo Deying , Ke Hengning , Gui Xien
Published: September 2019

Isolation of viable circulating tumor cells (CTC) holds the promise for improving screening, early diagnosis, and personalized treatment of lymphoma. In this study, we isolated and characterized spontaneously immortalized B‐lymphocyte (SIBC) lines from HIV‐infected patients with and without Non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma (AIDS‐NHL). A total of 22 SIBC lines was isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of HIV‐infected patients with (n = 40) and without (n = 77) clinically detectable NHL, but not from healthy individuals (n = 34). Of these, 8 SIBC lines named HIV‐SIBC were generated from HIV‐infected patients without AIDS‐NHL (10%, 8/77), while 14 SIBCs named AIDS‐NHL‐SIBC were from 13 of the AIDS‐NHL patients (32.5%, 13/40). Among the 14 AIDS‐NHL‐SIBCs, 12 were derived from AIDS‐NHL patients with poor prognoses (survival time less than 1 year). SIBCs displayed markers typical of memory B cells (CD3‐CD20+CD27+) with EBV infection. Moreover, AIDS‐NHL‐SIBCs were representative of CTC as evidenced by monoclonal Ig gene rearrangement, abnormal chromosomal karyotype, and the formation of xenograft tumors, while HIV‐SIBCs generated harbored some features of tumor cells, none had the capacity of xenograft tumor formation, suggesting HIV‐SIBC present the precursor of CTC. These results indicate that SIBCs is associated with poor prognosis in AIDS‐NHL patients and can be isolated from HIV‐infected patients with NHL and without NHL. This findings point to the need for further molecular characterization and functional studies of SIBCs, which may prove the value of SIBCs in the diagnosis, prognoses, and screening for NHL among HIV‐infected patients.
Recent Progress in Visible Light Driven Water Oxidation Using Semiconductors Coupled with Molecular Catalysts
Authors: Liang Xiangming , Cao Xiaohu , Sun Wanjun , Ding Yong
Published: September 2019

Hybrid systems combining the molecular catalyst and semiconductors have been demonstrated to be feasible and efficient for water oxidation under visible light illumination. Herein, we present a brief review on recent developments of constructing molecule/semiconductor hybrid systems. These hybrid systems combined molecular catalysts with dye‐sensitized semiconductors or visible‐light‐response semiconductors. This review systematically summarizes the fabrication strategies of hybrid systems in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting and powdered photocatalytic water oxidation. Furthermore, we highlight the excellent water oxidation performances and stability of different hybrid systems and provide valuable guidance to design construction strategies for more robust and capable devices.
Natural Seashell Waste as an Efficient and Low‐Cost Catalyst for the Synthesis of Arylmethylenemalonitriles
Authors: Gao Ziyang , Yang Hongyuan , Liu Qing
Published: September 2019

In this work, four kinds of natural seashells (clam shell, oyster shell, scallop shell, and conch shell) are investigated as catalysts for the Knoevenagel reaction to produce arylmethylenemalonitriles, among which conch shells show the highest catalytic activity due to their mixed phases of calcite and aragonite, resulting in the relatively weak base strength and fewer number of basic sites. Solvent effect and catalyst usage are systematically investigated, and conch shells show high universality for nine aromatic aldehydes to produce the desired products with high yield in short time under optimized conditions. In addition, this catalyst possesses good recyclability and could be used four times without obvious deactivation. In all, conch shell is an efficient, low‐cost, green, and recyclable catalyst for the Knoevenagel reaction.
Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Dust‐Bound Trace Metal Elements around Kuhdasht Watershed Area in Iran
Authors: Alipour Hamid , Jalalian Ahmad , Honarjoo Naser , Tommanian Norair , Sarmadian Fereidoon
Published: September 2019

Dust, as a source of trace metal elements, affects the health of society. The spatial and temporal concentrations of dust‐bound trace metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cu, and Mn) in Kuhdasht watershed (456 km2), Lorestan Province, Iran, is investigated. Dust is collected using glass traps placed in ten research stations in the region. The spatial and temporal distribution of dust trace metals are plotted using ARC‐GIS. The highest and the lowest concentrations of Zn (9751150 mg kg−1), Pb (46.352.9 mg kg−1), and Cd (2.443.30 mg kg−1) are obtained in winter, of Ni (98110 mg kg−1) and Cu in autumn (16.053.5 mg kg−1), and of Mn in summer (385505 mg kg−1). The spatial concentrations of dust‐bound trace metals indicate all, except Cu, show a decreasing trend from the mountains toward the plains, similar to that of soil and of dust, except for Zn, which shows higher concentrations in dust than in soil. The potential sources of dust‐bound trace metals and their rate of contamination are also investigated using the enrichment and contamination factors. The major sources of Cd and Zn in the dust of watershed are due to anthropogenic activities or from activities outside the borders.
Cu2+ Effects on Beta‐Amyloid Oligomerisation Monitored by the Fluorescence of Intrinsic Tyrosine
Authors: Alghamdi Abeer , Wellbrock Thorben , Birch David J. S. , Vyshemirsky Vladislav , Rolinski Olaf J.
Published: September 2019

A non‐invasive intrinsic fluorescence sensing of the early stages of Alzheimer's beta amyloid peptide aggregation in the presence of copper ions is reported. By using time‐resolved fluorescence techniques the formation of beta amyloid‐copper complexes and the accelerated peptide aggregation are demonstrated. The shifts in the emission spectral peaks indicate that the peptides exhibit different aggregation pathways than in the absence of copper.
Unveiling the Origin of the High Catalytic Activity of Ultrathin 1T/2H MoSe2 Nanosheets for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Xiao Weiping , Bukhvalov Danil , Zou Zhaoyong , Zhang Lin , Lin Zixia , Yang Xiaofei
Published: September 2019

2 D transition metal dichalcogenide materials with layered nanostructures and specific phases usually exhibit excellent catalytic activities for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). A facile solvothermal process was used to prepare ultrathin noble‐metal‐free 2 D biphasic MoSe2 nanosheets composed of a metastable metallic 1T phase and a semiconducting 2H phase. High metallic 1T phase content and few‐layer‐thick MoSe2 nanosheets were obtained by tuning the amount of NaBH4 used in the reaction. The optimal integration of a metallic 1T phase and an environmentally stable 2H phase in MoSe2 electrocatalysts provides abundant active sites and good conductivity beneficial for the HER. The combination of experimental results and DFT calculations implies that the electrocatalytic activity for the HER on the MoSe2 surface goes through a collaborative Heyrovsky and Volmer reaction process. The theoretical studies suggest that the presence of 1T‐MoSe2 could reduce the band energy relative to 2H‐MoSe2 and, consequently, accelerate the sluggish HER kinetics of 2H‐MoSe2. This work provides valuable and novel insights into the understanding of the structure–activity relationships in 2 D transition metal dichalcogenide electrocatalysts.
Iridium Tetra(4‐carboxyphenyl) Porphyrin, Calix[4]pyrrole and Tetraphenyl Porphyrin Complexes as Potential Hydrogenation Catalysts
Authors: Anjali Kaiprathu , Aswini Manammuzhangiyil Sivadasan , Aswin Peringayi , Ganesh Venkatachalam , Sakthivel Ayyamperumal
Published: September 2019

Here we report the preparation of first examples of iridium‐based organometallic macromolecules, viz., iridium‐tetra (4‐carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (IrTCPP), iridium‐calix[4]pyrrole (IrCP) iridium‐tetraphenylporphyrin (IrTPP), which are effective catalysts for hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to γ‐valerolactone (GVL) and 1,4‐pentanediol under base free conditions. The turnover number in the range of 1220–2850 is evident for the chosen reaction using iridium macromolecule based catalysts. The heterogenization of homogeneous IrTCPP, IrCP, and IrTPP result in stable reactivity of the catalysts for several runs.