bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody plus palliative chemotherapy as a first‐line treatment for recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhou Yixin , Zhang Xuanye , Fu Sha , Lin Zuan , Fang Wenfeng , Yang Yunpeng , Huang Yan , Zhao Hongyun , Hong Shaodong , Zhang Li
Published: January 2020

Background

Platinum‐based chemotherapy is the standard of care as first‐line treatment for recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (RM‐NPC); however, the prognosis of patients with RM‐NPC remains poor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (anti‐EGFR) antibody plus chemotherapy for RM‐NPC.

Methods

RM‐NPC patients who received first‐line chemotherapy plus an anti‐EGFR antibody were recruited from Sun Yat‐Sen University Cancer Center between July 2007 and November 2017. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan‐Meier method with a log‐rank test. A Cox proportional hazards model was used for the multivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 203 patients were enrolled in the present study. The median follow‐up time was 34.3 months (interquartile range: 19.7‐66.5 months). The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 8.9 months (95% CI: 7.7‐10.0 months) and the median overall survival (OS) was 29.1 months (95% CI: 23.5‐34.6 months). The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year PFS and OS rates were 35.5% and 79.6%, 15.2% and 42.5%, and 11.6% and 23.6%, respectively. The objective response rate (ORR) was 67.5% and the disease control rate (DCR) was 91.1%. The multivariate analysis identified the following prognostic factors for PFS: anti‐EGFR agent (P = .010), recurrence/metastasis sequence (P = .016), KPS (P = .017), and combined chemotherapy regimen (P = .015). Independent risk factors for OS included age >43 years (P = .002), Karnofsky performance score ≤80 (P < .001), and higher level of baseline Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA (P = .008). Leukopenia was the most common adverse event (AE) in this cohort (any grade, 84.2%; grades 3‐4, 43.4%).

Conclusions

Anti‐EGFR antibody plus chemotherapy achieved promising antitumor activity with a tolerable toxicity profile in RM‐NPC. Thus, randomized clinical trials are warranted to compare the efficacy of chemotherapy with or without anti‐EGFR antibody in these patients.
Chloropupukeananin and Pestalofone C Regulate Autophagy through AMPK and Glycolytic Pathway
Authors: Guo Longfang , Zhang Caining , Gao Quan , Hou Bolin , Liu Ling , Yang Huaiyi , Jiang Xuejun
Published: January 2020

Chloropupukeananin (RN56‐6) and Pestalofone C (RN56‐49), isolated from the culture of the plant endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis fici, have been shown cytotoxic, anti‐HIV, and antimicrobial activities. However, the underlying mechanism of their regulatory roles in autophagy remains unknown. In the present study, we revealed that both compounds increased the formation of autophagosome and enhanced autophagic flux. While RN56‐6 upregulated the expression of HK2, one of the key rate‐limiting enzymes of glycolysis, the inhibition of glycolysis chemically attenuated RN56‐6‐induced autophagy. On the contrary, RN56‐49 downregulated the expression of HK2, while the suppression of glycolysis promoted RN56‐49‐dependent autophagic flux. Moreover, the knockdown of AMPKβ1, a scaffolding subunit of AMPK, decreased autophagy induced by these two compounds. Collectively, these findings revealed that RN56‐6 and RN56‐49 regulated autophagic process through AMPK and glycolytic pathway.
Percutaneous coronary intervention with transcatheter aortic valve replacement makes no difference! None? Really?
Authors: Block Peter C. , Kumar Arnav
Published: January 2020

Key Points

Unless a patient who needs transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) presents with an acute coronary syndrome, “routine” percutaneous coronary intervention of coronary stenoses does not improve outcomes, even out to 5 years.

Randomized clinical trials are needed to sort out the best strategies to treat the complex interaction of coronary disease and aortic stenosis, though they are unlikely to be performed.

Without such evidence, patients undergoing TAVR need the judgment of a Heart Team to help strategize whether revascularization for CAD should be performed.
Assessing the risk of an anomalous circumflex artery using balloon aortic valvuloplasty prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Tabachnick Deborah , Obokhae Brigette , Harrington Katherine , Brown David L.
Published: January 2020

Anomalous origin of the left circumflex coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva or proximal right coronary artery (RCA) is a well‐known anatomic variation. Although the condition is usually benign, there is risk for compression of the anomalous artery by a prosthetic valve in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR). In more recent years, balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) has been performed prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to serve as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of symptom relief and procedural risks prior to definitive therapy with TAVR. However, the literature regarding BAV utilization in the assessment of coronary artery anomalies prior to TAVR is scarce. Our case illustrates the importance of performing preoperative BAV to assess the safety of a TAVR procedure in patients with coronary anomalies. Herein, we present a case of a patient who underwent BAV with selective angiography of her anomalous circumflex artery. During balloon inflation, the anomalous circumflex artery was transiently occluded, with complete resolution with balloon deflation. Given these findings, the patient was deemed to be unsuitable for TAVR and offered surgical AVR. This case demonstrates that patients with anomalous coronary circulation may require BAV with selective angiography to fully evaluate risk of coronary occlusion with TAVR.
Efficacy and safety of intravascular lithotripsy for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease: An individual patient‐level pooled data analysis
Authors: Madhavan Mahesh V. , Shahim Bahira , Mena‐Hurtado Carlos , Garcia Lawrence , Crowley Aaron , Parikh Sahil A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is one of the most common manifestations of atherosclerotic disease worldwide. Peripheral arterial calcification reduces acute success and long‐term patency of endovascular therapy for PAD. Several calcium modification devices are available for use in peripheral interventions. Outcomes after peripheral intravascular lithotripsy (IVL), a novel approach using pulsatile sonic waves to treat luminal and medial calcium in patients with PAD, have not been extensively characterized. Therefore, we sought to perform an individual patient‐level data (IPD) pooled analysis of available studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IVL in the treatment of PAD.

Methods and results

We pooled IPD, including baseline and procedural variables, from five prospective studies which assessed IVL in the treatment of patients with extensive peripheral artery calcification. Final postprocedural percent diameter stenosis (%DS) and procedural angiographic complications were assessed by independent core laboratory. Efficacy endpoints were analyzed using linear mixed effects models and safety endpoints were tabulated overall and by vascular bed. Among 336 patients who underwent endovascular revascularization with use of IVL, there was a significant reduction between pre‐procedural and final %DS of 55.1% (95% confidence interval 53.3–57.0%, p < .0001). Core‐laboratory assessed lesion‐level complications, including flow‐limiting dissections (Types D–F), vessel perforation, distal embolization, thrombus, abrupt closure, and no reflow, occurred in 4/328 (1.22%) of treated lesions.

Conclusions

The present IPD of five prospective studies, marking the largest analysis to date evaluating the use of IVL in significantly calcified PAD lesions, demonstrates this treatment strategy to be both effective and safe.
Complete percutaneous apical access and closure: Short and intermediate term outcomes
Authors: Eng Marvin H. , Kherallah Riyad Yazan , Guerrero Mayra , Greenbaum Adam B. , Frisoli Tiberio , Villablanca Pedro , Wang Dee Dee , Lee James , Wyman Janet , O'Neill William W.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To examine the safety of utilizing transapical access during structural interventions.

Background

Complex interventions of the mitral or aortic region sometimes require coaxial forces to orient and deliver devices. Apical access can provide coaxial countertraction for either transseptal or retrograde aortic access. This manuscript describes the single center experience of small bore transapical access.

Methods

Retrospective review of cases from 2013 to 2018 at Henry Ford Hospital was performed. Patient demographics and procedure characteristics were abstracted to describe the safety of transapical access using small bore sheaths.

Results

A total 21 cases were performed at Henry Ford, most of them for transcatheter mitral valve replacement (81%). The mean sheath size used was 4.7 ± 0.9 Fr and protamine was used at the end of 57% of cases. All patients received nitinol‐based plugs, 80.1% were from the Amplatz Duct Occluder II type. Four major complications related apical puncture occurred, two pericardial effusions, two hemothorax. Over a median follow time of 430 days (IQR 50–652) a total of five deaths occurred, two related to the procedure and three late deaths with a median time of 362 days (range 205–628 days). No deaths were associated with transapical access. Echocardiographic follow up did not detect any late structural complications from occluder devices.

Conclusions

Transapical access and closure with nitinol‐based devices is feasible and facilitates complex interventions where coaxial forces are need for device delivery and alignment. The most common complication is bleeding and this should be kept in perspective when treating high‐risk patients.
Compression of the left mainstem bronchus by patent ductus arteriosus in neonates under consideration for ductal stenting
Authors: Smith Christopher L. , Saul David , Goldfarb Samuel B. , Biko David M. , O'Byrne Michael L.
Published: January 2020

Stent angioplasty of patent ductus arteriosus has been shown to be a viable alternative to operative shunt placement in cyanotic neonates. With broader implementation of this strategy, novel complications are bound to arise. We present a series of cases evaluated for ductal stent angioplasty in which a dilated and torturous ductus arteriosus compressed the left mainstem bronchus. After reviewing our recent experience with ductal stenting and isolated Blalock‐Taussig shunts, our best estimate of the incidence of bronchial compression by the dilated ductus is 4.6% (3/64, 95% confidence interval 1.0–12.9%). Awareness of the airway and other nonvascular contents of the thorax is an important consideration prior to ductal stenting.
Intravascular lithotripsy to treat an underexpanded coronary stent: 4‐Month angiographic and OCT follow‐up
Authors: Alawami Mohammed , Thirunavukarasu Sharmaine , Ahmed Javed , El‐Omar Magdi
Published: January 2020

We report the case of a 79‐year‐old man with stable angina who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention to a severe and calcified left circumflex lesion. Despite extensive preparation of the lesion with high‐pressure balloon predilatation and rotablation, the implanted stent was grossly underexpanded and failed to respond to high‐pressure balloon postdilatation. The patient was readmitted 6 weeks later for intravascular lithotripsy that resulted in excellent stent expansion. Coronary angiography with optical coherence tomography 4 months later revealed sustained acute lumen gain with no evidence of stent recoil or in‐stent restenosis.
Hollow and Hierarchical Cobalt–Metal Organic Framework@CoCr2O4 Microplate Array as a Battery‐Type Electrode for High‐Performance Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Qin , Zhou Jiaojiao , Zhao Shihang , Li Yanli , Chen Chen , Tao Kai , Liu Rui , Han Lei
Published: January 2020

Hollow metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derived materials have shown fascinating structural complexity, such as diverse morphology, tunable porosity and hierarchical structure, which largely extends their intrinsic applications, especially in electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Herein, a hollow and hierarchical Co–MOF@CoCr2O4 microplate array on nickel foam was successfully prepared through a simple one‐step in situ conversion strategy, in which Co–MOF served both as self‐supporting etching template and as a self‐sacrificing ion‐exchange template. When used as a battery‐type electrode for advanced hybrid supercapacitors, the Co–MOF@CoCr2O4 composite expressed a high specific capacity of 596.8 C g−1 at 0.4 A g−1, excellent rate properties (72.6 % retention rate at 10 A g−1 compared with the initial capacitance at 0.4 A g−1) and good cycling stability (85.1 % retention over 5000 cycles). Furthermore, a fabricated hybrid supercapacitor device reached a high energy density of 0.4 mWh cm−2 (34.36 Wh kg−1) at a power density of 2.34 mW cm−2 (201.03 W kg−1), and superior cycle stability (96.2 % retention over 5000 cycles). These enhanced electrochemical behaviors indicated that this advanced approach can be extended to design various hollow and hierarchical structural MOF/bimetallic‐oxide‐based composite arrays for high‐performance hybrid supercapacitors.
Synthesis of CoS2 Nanoparticles/Nitrogen‐Doped Graphitic Carbon/Carbon Nanotubes Composite as an Advanced Anode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Yong , Guo Rui , Sun Yanting , Wang Yong , Liu Wen , Pei Haijuan , Zhao Hongbin , Zhang Jiujun , Ye Daixin , Xie Jingying , Kong Jilie
Published: January 2020

Cobalt sulfide (CoS2) is a promising anode material for high‐performance sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) because of its low cost, excellent electrical conductivity, and high theoretical capacity. The practical implementation of a CoS2 anode, however, is still hindered by fast capacity decay and low power density caused by its huge volume expansion during the charging/discharging process. Herein, we developed a low‐cost, facile and large‐scale method to fabricate a nitrogen‐doped carbon‐layer‐constrained structured CoS2/carbon nanotubes (NC@CoS2@CNTs) hybrid with a novel morphology for high‐performance SIBs. The hybrid electrode has reversible specific capacities of 669 and 334 mAh g−1 at the current densities of 200 mA g−1 and 5000 mA g−1, respectively, and an unprecedented cycling stability of approximately 0.014 % capacity decay per cycle over 1000 cycles at 3000 mA g−1. The balanced high electrochemical performance for the hybrid electrode can be attributed to the synergetic effect among the CoS2 nanoparticles, N‐doped carbon coating and in situ grown CNTs. The results demonstrate that the CoS2 can be well utilized with the N‐doped carbon/carbon nanotubes hybrid material structure, which provides a facile approach to realize excellent performance for practical applications.
Synthesis, Modification, and Biological Evaluation of a Library of Novel Water‐Soluble Thiopyridone‐Based Organometallic Complexes and Their Unexpected (Biological) Behavior
Authors: Harringer Sophia , Happl Barbara , Ozenil Marius , Kast Caroline , Hejl Michaela , Wernitznig Debora , Legin Anton A. , Schweikert Andreas , Gajic Natalie , Roller Alexander , Koellensperger Gunda , Jakupec Michael A. , Kandioller Wolfgang , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: January 2020

A series of 16 dinuclear thiopyridone‐based organometallics with excellent water solubility, increased stability and remarkable cytotoxicity were synthesized and characterized. The complexes of this work formed dimeric species featuring a double positive charge in polar protic solvents, accounting for their outstanding solubility in aqueous solution. Most of them displayed higher antiproliferative activity than their parental thiomaltol complex, with unexpected cytotoxicity trends depending on the employed metal center, ligand modification, and cell line. Insights into their behavior in biological systems were gathered by means of amino‐acid interaction studies, cytotoxicity tests in 3D spheroid models, laser ablation, cellular accumulation measurements, as well as cell cycle experiments.
Ambident Nucleophilic Substitution: Understanding Non‐HSAB Behavior through Activation Strain and Conceptual DFT Analyses
Authors: Bettens Tom , Alonso Mercedes , De Proft Frank , Hamlin Trevor A. , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias
Published: January 2020

The ability to understand and predict ambident reactivity is key to the rational design of organic syntheses. An approach to understand trends in ambident reactivity is the hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) principle. The recent controversy over the general validity of this principle prompted us to investigate the competing gas‐phase SN2 reaction channels of archetypal ambident nucleophiles CN−, OCN−, and SCN− with CH3Cl (SN2@C) and SiH3Cl (SN2@Si), using DFT calculations. Our combined analyses highlight the inability of the HSAB principle to correctly predict the reactivity trends of these simple, model reactions. Instead, we have successfully traced reactivity trends to the canonical orbital‐interaction mechanism and the resulting nucleophile–substrate interaction energy. The HOMO–LUMO orbital interactions set the trend in both SN2@C and SN2@Si reactions. We provide simple rules for predicting the ambident reactivity of nucleophiles based on our Kohn–Sham molecular orbital analysis.
Organocatalytic synthesis of 5‐hydroxyisoxazolidine catalyzed by camphor sulfonyl hydrazines through aza‐Michael addition/cyclization
Authors: Xu Fang‐Fang , Chen Ling‐Yan , Sun Peng , Lv Yixin , Zhang Yan‐Xue , Li Jia‐Yu , Yin Xiaoying , Li Ya
Published: January 2020

A series of chiral 5‐hydroxy isoxazolidines has been successfully synthesized through camphor sulfonyl hydrazine‐catalyzed asymmetric aza‐Michael addition reaction between N,O‐protected hydroxyamines and enals. Moderate yields with moderate to good enantioselectivities (up to 96% enantiomeric excess [ee]) were achieved. It provides an alternative asymmetric approach to preparing isoxazolidine derivatives.
New entry to the enantioselective formation of substituted cyclohexenes bearing an all‐carbon quaternary stereogenic center
Authors: Komine Keita , Urayama Yasuhiro , Hosaka Taku , Fukuda Hayato , Hatakeyama Susumi , Ishihara Jun
Published: January 2020

Enantioselective formation of cyclohexene derivatives bearing an all‐carbon quaternary stereogenic center is described. The racemic cyclohexenes are readily transformed to chiral substituted cyclohexenes in good yield with excellent enantioselectivity and diastereoselectivity by a palladium‐mediated deracemization. The resulting products are promising synthetic intermediates of biologically active natural products. This protocol provides us with a new entry to the concise and scalable synthesis of multifunctionalized compounds.
Impact of leaflet thrombosis on hemodynamics and clinical outcomes after bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Tian Zixin , Li Tiejun , Ma Shumei
Published: January 2020

Background

Leaflet thrombosis (LT, also called cusp thrombosis) detected by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is common in bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (bAVR). However, it remains contradictory whether MDCT‐defined LT following bAVR is associated with hemodynamic deterioration and stroke. Thus, we performed the first meta‐analysis to assess hemodynamic outcomes and updated the latest researches on the clinical outcomes of MDCT‐defined LT after bAVR.

Hypothesis

MDCT‐defined LT might be associated with worse hemodynamic and clinical outcomes after bAVR.

Method

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrial.gov were searched from inception to 15th April 2019. The fix‐effect model was utilized to calculate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The primary outcomes were hemodynamic stability indexes, including mean pressure gradient (MPG), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), paravalvular leak (PVL), and clinical heart failure. The secondary endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), which consisted of myocardial infarction, all‐cause death, stroke, and transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Results

Twelve studies with 4820 patients were included. The total prevalence of MDCT‐defined LT was 9.7%. MDCT‐defined LT was associated with a significantly increased risk of MPG (inverse variance 0.43, 95% CI: [0.30, 0.57]), MACCEs (OR 2.43, 95% CI: [1.45, 4.06]), stroke (OR 1.79, 95% CI: [1.03, 3.11]), and TIA (OR 4.09, 95% CI: [1.59, 10.54]). There were no differences for other outcomes.

Conclusions

MDCT‐defined LT after bAVR is associated with increased MPG and increased risk of adverse cerebrovascular events, including TIA and stroke. While LVEF, PVL, and clinical heart failure were similar between patient with and without LT.
Methods for Exerting and Sensing Force in Polymer Materials Using Mechanophores
Authors: Stratigaki Maria , Göstl Robert
Published: January 2020

In recent years, polymer mechanochemistry has evolved as a methodology to provide insights into the action‐reaction relationships of polymers and polymer‐based materials and composites in terms of macroscopic force application (stress) and subsequent deformation (strain) through a mechanophore‐assisted coupling of mechanical and chemical phenomena. The perplexity of the process, however, from the viewpoint of mechanophore activation via a molecular‐scaled disruption of the structure that yields a macroscopically detectable optical signal, renders this otherwise rapidly evolving field challenging. Motivated by this, we highlight here recent advancements of polymer mechanochemistry with particular focus on the establishment of methodologies for the efficient activation and quantification of mechanophores and anticipate to aptly pinpoint unresolved matters and limitations of the respective approaches, thus highlighting possible developments.
Can We Rely on Results From IQVIA Medical Research Data UK Converted to the Observational Medical Outcome Partnership Common Data Model?
Authors: Candore Gianmario , Hedenmalm Karin , Slattery Jim , Cave Alison , Kurz Xavier , Arlett Peter
Published: January 2020

Exploring and combining results from more than one real‐world data (RWD) source might be necessary in order to explore variability and demonstrate generalizability of the results or for regulatory requirements. However, the heterogeneous nature of RWD poses challenges when working with more than one source, some of which can be solved by analyzing databases converted into a common data model (CDM). The main objective of the study was to evaluate the implementation of the Observational Medical Outcome Partnership (OMOP) CDM on IQVIA Medical Research Data (IMRD)‐UK data. A drug utilization study describing the prescribing of codeine for pain in children was used as a case study to be replicated in IMRD‐UK and its corresponding OMOP CDM transformation. Differences between IMRD‐UK source and OMOP CDM were identified and investigated. In IMRD‐UK updated to May 2017, results were similar between source and transformed data with few discrepancies. These were the result of different conventions applied during the transformation regarding the date of birth for children younger than 15 years and the start of the observation period, and of a misclassification of two drug treatments. After the initial analysis and feedback provided, a rerun of the analysis in IMRD‐UK updated to September 2018 showed almost identical results for all the measures analyzed. For this study, the conversion to OMOP CDM was adequate. Although some decisions and mapping could be improved, these impacted on the absolute results but not on the study inferences. This validation study supports six recommendations for good practice in transforming to CDMs.
Mechanistic Population Pharmacokinetic Model of Oseltamivir and Oseltamivir Carboxylate Accounting for Physiological Changes to Predict Exposures in Neonates and Infants
Authors: Gibiansky Leonid , Ravva Patanjali , Parrott Neil J. , Bhardwaj Rajinder , Zwanziger Elke , Grimsey Paul , Clinch Barry , Sturm Stefan
Published: January 2020

A mechanistic population‐pharmacokinetic model was developed to predict oseltamivir exposures in neonates and infants accounting for physiological changes during the first 2 years of life. The model included data from 13 studies, comprising 436 subjects with normal renal function (317 pediatric subjects (≥ 38 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA), ≥ 13 days old) and 119 adult subjects < 40 years). Concentration–time profiles of oseltamivir and its active metabolite, oseltamivir carboxylate (OC), were characterized by a four‐compartment model, with absorption described by three additional compartments. Renal maturational changes were implemented by description of OC clearance with allometric function of weight and Hill function of PMA. Clearance of OC increased with weight up to 43 kg (allometric coefficient 0.75). Half the adult OC clearance was reached at a PMA of 45.6 weeks (95% confidence interval (CI) 41.6–49.6) with a Hill coefficient of 2.35 (95% CI 1.67–3.04). The model supports the European Union/United States‐approved 3 mg/kg twice‐daily oseltamivir dose for infants < 1 year (PMA ≥ 38 weeks) and allows prediction of exposures in preterm neonates.
Reversible Tricolor Mechanochromic Luminescence in Anthranyl π‐Conjugates by Varying the Number of Methoxy Substituents: A Structure‐Property Relationship Study
Authors: Prusti Banchhanidhi , Aggarwal Himanshu , Chakravarty Manab
Published: January 2020

Considering the demand and challenges ahead in the development of new and easily accessible small molecules as mechano(piezo)fluorochromic aggregation‐induced emission active fluorogens (PAIEgens), 1,3,5‐trimethoxybenzene is conveniently connected to anthracene and linked to mono‐N‐alkyl‐phenothiazine with different alkyl chain lengths via a facile, low‐cost and metal‐free synthetic route. These unsymmetrical π‐conjugates are established as small blue‐shifted AIEEgens (AIEE=aggregation‐induced enhanced emission) that exhibit tricolor switching with a sharp PL (photoluminescence or fluorescence) color change (48 nm red‐shift) from green‐to‐yellow on grinding and yellow‐to‐reddish upon thermal annealing at 150 °C. The color change is found to be reversible on exposure to solvent vapor. The role of the trimethoxy groups and N‐alkylphenothiazine core to achieve PAIEE is demonstrated by analyzing its molecular structure and crystal packing with various intermolecular interactions. The structure‐property relationship study shows the significant role of the combination of trimethoxy groups and phenothiazine cores for this system. A variation on the destruction and creation of different crystal facets under different external stimuli are identified through powder X‐ray diffraction studies. The existence of different metastable states is also captured by the appearance of exothermic peaks in the differential scanning calorimetry experiments. Such PAIEgens are shown to be useful as a platform with “write‐erase‐write” functions in security writing and anti‐counterfeiting applications under external stimuli.
Enhanced drought tolerance with artificial microRNA‐mediated StProDH1 gene silencing in potato
Authors: Li Shigui , Zhang Ning , Zhu Xi , Ma Rui , Yang Jiangwei , Tang Xun , Si Huaijun
Published: January 2020

Proline is a multifunctional molecule, which especially is associated with response to abiotic stress. The proline dehydrogenase (ProDH) is the rate‐limiting enzyme in the process of proline catabolism. In the present study, two potato ProDH genes, StProDH1 and StProDH2, were cloned from potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivar ‘Favorita’. Gene expression analysis indicated that these two genes exhibited tissue‐specific expression and responded differently to various stress conditions, and that the StProDH1 plays a predominant role in most of these conditions. An artificial microRNA expression vector, under the control of CaMV 35S promoter, was constructed to generate transgenic potato plants by Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation, thereby silencing the StProDH1 gene. The result showed that the artificial microRNA caused a decline in StProDH1 expression, which was accompanied by a concomitant increase in proline content in transgenic plants under drought stress. The transgenic potato plants showed normal phenotypes under drought stress, while the non‐transgenic plants appeared withered. Results of physiological parameters assays showed that malondialdehyde, relative water content, and chlorophyll content in the transgenic potato plants were higher than that of non‐transgenic plants. Upon rehydration after two weeks of drought, proline and soluble sugar contents of the transgenic potato plants were significantly higher than those of non‐transgenic plants. These results combined demonstrate that the StProDH1 is a key player in the process of potato response to drought stress.
A Metal‐Free Donor–Acceptor Covalent Organic Framework Photocatalyst for Visible‐Light‐Driven Reduction of CO2with H2O
Authors: Lei Kai , Wang Di , Ye Liqun , Kou Mingpu , Deng Yu , Ma Zhaoyu , Wang Li , Kong Yan
Published: January 2020

Visible‐light‐driven CO2reduction to valuable chemicals without sacrificial agents and cocatalysts remains challenging, especially for metal‐free photocatalytic systems. Herein, a novel donor–acceptor (D–A) covalent organic framework (CT‐COF) was constructed by the Schiff‐base reaction of carbazole‐triazine based D–A monomers and possessed a suitable energy band structure, strong visible‐light‐harvesting, and abundant nitrogen sites. CT‐COF as a metal‐free photocatalyst could reduce CO2with gaseous H2O to CO as the main carbonaceous product with approximately stoichiometric O2evolution under visible‐light irradiation and without cocatalyst. The CO evolution rate (102.7 μmol g−1 h−1) was 68.5 times that of g‐C3N4under the same conditions. In situ Fourier‐transform (FT)IR analysis indicated that CT‐COF could adsorb and activate the CO2and H2O molecules and that COOH* species may be a key intermediate. DFT calculations suggested that nitrogen atoms in the triazine rings may be photocatalytically active sites.
Tunnel FET‐based ultralow‐power and hardware‐secure circuit design considering p‐i‐n forward leakage
Authors: Japa Aditya , Majumder Manoj Kumar , Sahoo Subhendu K. , Vaddi Ramesh
Published: January 2020

Tunnel field‐effect transistor (TFET) exhibits significant p‐i‐n forward leakage with the increase in drain‐to‐source voltage bias, and this adversely impacts the power consumption and reliability of TFET digital circuits. This work presents low‐power circuit techniques that result in novel compact gates and recommends tristate gates to mitigate the leakage effects. The proposed novel compact gates and tristate gates demonstrate two and six times lower power consumption compared with conventional TFET transmission gates with enhanced reliability. Further, this work introduces a new design methodology that leverages TFET p‐i‐n forward leakage for hardware obfuscation applications. Utilizing the proposed design methodology, the optimization of 40% and 80% in area and power consumption of hardware security primitives like true random number generators is also accomplished.
Development of vertical and forward jumping skills in typically developing children in the context of referent control of motor actions
Authors: Chan‐Viquez Daniela , Hasanbarani Fariba , Zhang Lei , Anaby Dana , Turpin Nicolas A. , Lamontagne Anouk , Feldman Anatol G. , Levin Mindy F.
Published: January 2020

The empirically based referent control theory of motor actions provides a new framework for understanding locomotor maturation. Mature movement patterns of referent control are characterized by periods of minimization of activity across multiple muscles (global electromyographic [EMG] minima) resulting from transient matching between actual and referent body configurations. We identified whether locomotor maturation in young children was associated with (a) development of referent control and (b) children's frequency of participation in everyday activities evaluated by parents. Kinematics and EMG activity were recorded from typically developing children (n = 15, 3–5 years) and young adults (n = 10, 18–25 years) while walking, vertical or forward jumping. Presence and location of global EMG minima in movement cycles, slopes of ankle vertical/sagittal displacements, and shoulder displacement ratios were evaluated. Children had fewer global EMG minima compared to adults during specific phases of vertical and forward jumps. Ankle displacement profiles for walking and jumping forward were related to each other in adults, whereas those for walking and vertical jumping were related in children. Higher frequency of participation was significantly correlated with more mature jumping patterns in children. A decrease in the number of global EMG minima and changes in ankle movement patterns could be indicators of locomotor immaturity in typically developing children.
Prevention of foot ulcers in the at‐risk patient with diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: van Netten Jaap J. , Raspovic Anita , Lavery Lawrence A. , Monteiro‐Soares Matilde , Rasmussen Anne , Sacco Isabel C. N. , Bus Sicco A.
Published: January 2020

Prevention of foot ulcers in patients with diabetes is important to help reduce the substantial burden on both patient and health resources. A comprehensive analysis of reported interventions is needed to better inform healthcare professionals about effective prevention. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness of interventions to help prevent both first and recurrent foot ulcers in persons with diabetes who are at risk for this complication. We searched the available medical scientific literature in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane databases for original research studies on preventative interventions. We screened trial registries for additional studies not found in our search and unpublished trials. Two independent reviewers assessed data from controlled studies for methodological quality, and extracted and presented this in evidence and risk of bias tables. From the 13,490 records screened, 35 controlled studies and 46 non‐controlled studies were included. Few controlled studies, which were of generally low to moderate quality, were identified on the prevention of a first foot ulcer. For the prevention of recurrent plantar foot ulcers, there is benefit for the use of daily foot skin temperature measurements, and for therapeutic footwear with demonstrated plantar pressure relief, provided it is consistently worn by the patient. For prevention of ulcer recurrence, there is some evidence for providing integrated foot care, and no evidence for a single session of education.Surgical interventions have been shown effective in selected patients, but the evidence base is small. Foot‐related exercises do not appear to prevent a first foot ulcer. A small increase in the level of weight‐bearing daily activities does not seem to increase the risk for foot ulceration. The evidence base to support the use of specific self‐management and footwear interventions for the prevention of recurrent plantar foot ulcers is quite strong. The evidence is weak for the use of other, sometimes widely applied, interventions, and is practically non‐existent for the prevention of a first foot ulcer and non‐plantar foot ulcer.
The role of spines in anthropogenic seed dispersal on the Galápagos Islands
Authors: Johnson Mae K. A. , Johnson Oscar P. J. , Johnson Reagan A. , Johnson Marc T. J.
Published: January 2020

Dispersal has important ecological and evolutionary consequences for populations, but understanding the role of specific traits in dispersal can be difficult and requires careful experimentation. Moreover, understanding how humans alter dispersal is an important question, especially on oceanic islands where anthropogenic disturbance through species introductions can dramatically alter native ecosystems.

In this study, we investigated the functional role of spines in seed dispersal of the plant caltrop (Tribulus cistoides L., Zygophyllaceae) by anthropogenic dispersal agents. We also tested whether humans or wildlife are more important seed dispersers of T. cistoides on the Galápagos.

Tribulus cistoides is found on tropical mainland and oceanic island habitats. The dispersal structure of T. cistoides is called a mericarp, and they are typically protected by one pair of upper spines and a second pair of lower spines, but the presence and size of spines varies within and between populations. On the Galápagos, the upper and lower spines protect mericarps from seed predation by Darwin's finches. We tested whether spines play a dual role in dispersal by factorially manipulating the presence/absence of the upper and lower spines to simulate natural variation in mericarp morphology.

The upper spines greatly facilitated seed dispersal, whereas the lower spines had no discernible effect on dispersal. The presence of upper spines increased dispersal rate on shoes by pedestrians 23‐fold, on fabrics (e.g., towels) and cars by nearly twofold, and the presence of upper spines increased dispersal distance by cars sixfold. When comparing dispersal rates in habitats with high (roads and foot paths) versus low (arid forest) anthropogenic activity, dispersal rates were demonstrably higher in the habitats with more human activity.

These results have important implications for understanding the ecology and evolution of plant dispersal in the Anthropocene. Spines on the fruits of T. cistoides play important functional roles in anthropogenic dispersal, whereas native and introduced wildlife plays a minor role in dispersal on inhabited islands of the Galápagos. Our results imply that seed predators and humans are jointly shaping the ecology and evolution of contemporary populations of T. cistoides on the Galápagos.
Ecological response to altered rainfall differs across the Neotropics
Authors: Srivastava Diane S. , Céréghino Régis , Trzcinski M. Kurtis , MacDonald A. Andrew M. , Marino Nicholas A. C. , Mercado Dimaris Acosta , Leroy Céline , Corbara Bruno , Romero Gustavo Q. , Farjalla Vinicius F. , Barberis Ignacio M. , Dézerald Olivier , Hammill Edd , Atwood Trisha B. , Piccoli Gustavo C. O. , Ospina-Bautista Fabiola , Carrias Jean‐François , Leal Juliana S. , Montero Guillermo , Antiqueira Pablo A. P. , Freire Rodrigo , Realpe Emilio , Amundrud Sarah L. , de Omena Paula M. , Campos Alice B. A.
Published: January 2020

There is growing recognition that ecosystems may be more impacted by infrequent extreme climatic events than by changes in mean climatic conditions. This has led to calls for experiments that explore the sensitivity of ecosystems over broad ranges of climatic parameter space. However, because such response surface experiments have so far been limited in geographic and biological scope, it is not clear if differences between studies reflect geographic location or the ecosystem component considered. In this study, we manipulated rainfall entering tank bromeliads in seven sites across the Neotropics, and characterized the response of the aquatic ecosystem in terms of invertebrate functional composition, biological stocks (total invertebrate biomass, bacterial density) and ecosystem fluxes (decomposition, carbon, nitrogen). Of these response types, invertebrate functional composition was the most sensitive, even though, in some sites, the species pool had a high proportion of drought‐tolerant families. Total invertebrate biomass was universally insensitive to rainfall change because of statistical averaging of divergent responses between functional groups. The response of invertebrate functional composition to rain differed between geographical locations because (1) the effect of rainfall on bromeliad hydrology differed between sites, and invertebrates directly experience hydrology not rainfall and (2) the taxonomic composition of some functional groups differed between sites, and families differed in their response to bromeliad hydrology. These findings suggest that it will be difficult to establish thresholds of “safe ecosystem functioning” when ecosystem components differ in their sensitivity to climatic variables, and such thresholds may not be broadly applicable over geographic space. In particular, ecological forecast horizons for climate change may be spatially restricted in systems where habitat properties mediate climatic impacts, and those, like the tropics, with high spatial turnover in species composition.
Metal‐free graphene/boron nitride heterointerface for CO2 reduction: Surface curvature controls catalytic activity and selectivity
Authors: Mao Xin , Wijethunge Dimuthu , Zhang Lei , Wang Sufan , Yan Cheng , Zhu Zhonghua , Du Aijun
Published: January 2020

Searching environmentally friendly and low‐cost catalysts for CO2 reduction is critical for the development of sustainable energy and environmental technologies. In this work, we report a novel heterointerface between graphene and BN nanotubes or nanoribbons as efficient catalysts for CO2 reduction with high activity and selectivity. The active sites are found to be at the C‐N interfaces of graphene‐BN (G‐BN) and their excellent catalytic performance is derived from the surface curvature effect. The density functional theory (DFT) results reveal that the most energy favorable pathway for the formation of CH3OH is * + CO2 → *COOH → *CO → *OCH → *OCH2 → *OCH3 → *CH3OH → * + CH3OH. And the formation of CH4 is through * + CO2 → *COOH → *CO → *OCH → *OCH2 → *OCH3 → *O + CH4 → *OH + CH4 → *H2O + CH4 pathway. Moreover, the calculated results further demonstrate that for the smaller index of G‐BN nanotubes, such as G‐BN (3), the formation of CH3OH product is much easier than the *O intermediate and CH4 molecule due to the lower free energy change. However, for the higher indexed G‐BN nanotubes, after forming *OCH3 intermediate, the generation of *O and CH4 molecule is more feasible, particularly for G‐BN (9), and the calculated limiting potential is only −0.42 V, which is higher than the best Cu‐based materials, like −0.93 V on Cu(111), and −0.74 V on Cu (211). This metal free heterostructure is confirmed to facilitate CO2 conversion with high activity and selectivity, demonstrating a great potential as a new type of catalyst for CO2 reduction.

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Single vs double atom catalyst for N2 activation in nitrogen reduction reaction: A DFT perspective
Authors: Qian Yumin , Liu Yuanyue , Zhao Yu , Zhang Xiaohong , Yu Guihua
Published: January 2020

Ammonia synthesis through electrochemical reduction of nitrogen molecules is a promising strategy to significantly reduce the energy consumption in traditional industrial process. Detailed mechanism study of multistep complex nitrogen reduction reaction is prerequisite for the design of highly efficient catalyst. Stable atomically dispersed catalyst with unique geometric and electronic structure is suitable for the mechanism clarification of such a complex reaction. In this study, d‐block transition‐metal (TM) anchored C2N single layer catalyst is investigated by the density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Both single TM‐anchored single atom catalyst (SAC) and double TM‐anchored double atom catalyst (DAC) exhibit good thermodynamic stability in atomically dispersed catalyst. In the case of SACs, IVB metals (Ti, Zr, Hf) exhibit the highest reactivity and lowest overpotential. While in the case of DACs, Cr─Cr system leads to the NH3 formation, but V─V system leads to the N2H4 formation. The SACs show much lower overpotential and stronger activation of N2 molecule than the DACs due to the different activation mechanisms: traditional σ‐donation/π‐backdonation N2 activation mechanism is found in SACs, while a new π‐donation/π‐backdonation N2 activation mechanism is found in the DACs. The present work demonstrates that the different catalytic effect for NRR between SAC and DAC and their corresponding electronic structure origin, which gives more insight into the single atom catalyst.

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DNA methylation in Schwann cells and in oligodendrocytes
Authors: Arthur‐Farraj Peter , Moyon Sarah
Published: January 2020

DNA methylation is one of many epigenetic marks, which directly modifies base residues, usually cytosines, in a multiple‐step cycle. It has been linked to the regulation of gene expression and alternative splicing in several cell types, including during cell lineage specification and differentiation processes. DNA methylation changes have also been observed during aging, and aberrant methylation patterns have been reported in several neurological diseases. We here review the role of DNA methylation in Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes, the myelin‐forming glia of the peripheral and central nervous systems, respectively. We first address how methylation and demethylation are regulating myelinating cells' differentiation during development and repair. We then mention how DNA methylation dysregulation in diseases and cancers could explain their pathogenesis by directly influencing myelinating cells' proliferation and differentiation capacities.
Similarities and dissimilarities of codon usage in mitochondrial ATP genes among fishes, aves, and mammals
Authors: Uddin Arif , Mazumder Tarikul H. , Barbhuiya Parvin A. , Chakraborty Supriyo
Published: January 2020

In this study, we used bioinformatic approach to analyze the compositional features and codon usage bias (CUB) of ATP6 and ATP8 genes among three groups, namely, fishes, aves, and mammals which thrive in three different habitats as no work was reported yet. The coding sequences of these genes were retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology Information to explore the similarities and dissimilarities of codon usage of each gene among these groups. Low values of synonymous codon usage order in fishes, aves, and mammals for ATP6 and ATP8 genes suggested that the CUB of ATP6 and ATP8 genes was low. In ATP6 gene, overall GC contents in fishes, aves and mammals were (mean ± SD) 44.09 ± 3.10, 46.65 ± 1.90, and 39.41 ± 2.89%, respectively, whereas in ATP8 gene, the overall GC contents were 42.76 ± 4.38, 44.16 ± 2.43, and 34.19 ± 3.82% in fishes, aves, and mammals, that is, both genes were found to be AT rich. In ATP6 gene, the codon AGC was overrepresented in fishes but under‐represented in aves and mammals, whereas in ATP8 gene, the codon GCC was overrepresented in fishes but underrepresented in aves and mammals. The pattern of codon usage was different in these genes and varied among groups as evident from correspondence analysis. The slope of the regression line in neutrality plot was lower than 0.5, which revealed that the role of natural selection was higher than mutation pressure in shaping the CUB in ATP6 and ATP8 genes.
Estimation of average treatment effects using panel data when treatment effect heterogeneity depends on unobserved fixed effects
Authors: Sakaguchi Shosei
Published: January 2020

This paper proposes a new panel data approach to identify and estimate the time‐varying average treatment effect (ATE). The approach allows for treatment effect heterogeneity that depends on unobserved fixed effects. In the presence of this type of heterogeneity, existing panel data approaches identify the ATE for limited subpopulations only. In contrast, the proposed approach identifies and estimates the ATE for the entire population. The approach relies on the linear fixed effects specification of potential outcome equations and uses exogenous variables that are correlated with the fixed effects. I apply the approach to study the impact of a mother's smoking during pregnancy on her child's birth weight.