bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic and phenotypic differentiation of lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) across the North Atlantic: implications for conservation and aquaculture
Authors: Whittaker Benjamin Alexander , Consuegra Sofia , Garcia de Leaniz Carlos
Published: November 2018

Demand for lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) has increased exponentially over the last decade, both for their roe, which is used as a caviar substitute, and increasingly also as cleaner fish to control sea lice in salmon farming. The species is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN and there are growing concerns that over-exploitation of wild stocks and translocation of hatchery-reared lumpfish may compromise the genetic diversity of native populations. We carried out a comparative analysis of genetic and phenotypic variation across the species’ range to estimate the level of genetic and phenotypic differentiation, and determined patterns of gene flow at spatial scales relevant to management. We found five genetically distinct groups located in the West Atlantic (USA and Canada), Mid Atlantic (Iceland), East Atlantic (Faroe Islands, Ireland, Scotland, Norway and Denmark), English Channel (England) and Baltic Sea (Sweden). Significant phenotypic differences were also found, with Baltic lumpfish growing more slowly, attaining a higher condition factor and maturing at a smaller size than North Atlantic lumpfish. Estimates of effective population size were consistently low across the North East Atlantic (Iceland, Faroe Islands and Norway), the area where most wild lumpfish are fished for their roe, and also for the aquaculture industry. Our study suggests that some lumpfish populations are very small and have low genetic diversity, which makes them particularly vulnerable to over-exploitation and genetic introgression. To protect them we advocate curtailing fishing effort, closing the breeding cycle of the species in captivity to reduce dependence on wild stocks, restricting the translocation of genetically distinct populations, and limiting the risk of farm escapes.
Vanadium Doping Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Molybdenum Oxide in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Qu Gan , Wang Jun , Liu Guangyou , Tian Bingbing , Su Chenliang , Chen Zhesheng , Rueff Jean‐Pascal , Wang Zhongchang
Published: November 2018

Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) suffers from poor conductivity, a low rate capability, and unsatisfactory cycling stability in lithium‐ion batteries. The aliovalent ion doping may present an effective way to improve the electrochemical performances of MoO3. Here, it is shown, by first‐principle calculations, that doping MoO3 with V by 12.5% can modulate significantly electronic structure and provide a small diffusion barrier for enhancing the electrochemical performance of MoO3. The ultralong Mo0.88V0.12O2.94 nanostructures, which retain the h‐MoO3 structure and present an exceptionally high conductivity and fast ionic diffusion due to the substitution of V, facilitating lithiation/delithiation behavior, and induce a fine nanosized structure with a reduced volume change are prepared. As a result, the stress and strain are alleviated during the Li‐ion intercalation/deintercalation processes, improving the cycling stability and rate capability. Such a large improvement in the electrochemical properties can be ascribed to the stabilizing effect of V, the small migration energy barrier, and short diffusion path, which arise from the introduction of V into MoO3. The unique engineering strategy and facile synthesis route open up a new avenue in modifying and developing other species of electrode materials.
High‐Performance Cathode Based on Self‐Templated 3D Porous Microcrystalline Carbon with Improved Anion Adsorption and Intercalation
Authors: Zhang Ge , Ou Xuewu , Cui Chunyu , Ma Jianmin , Yang Jinghai , Tang Yongbing
Published: November 2018

Dual‐ion batteries (DIBs) have attracted much attention due to their advantages of low cost and especially environmental friendliness. However, the capacities of most DIBs are still unsatisfied (≈100 mAh g−1) ascribed to the limited capacity of anions intercalation for conventional graphite cathode. In this study, 3D porous microcrystalline carbon (3D‐PMC) was designed and synthesized via a self‐templated growth approach, and when used as cathode for a DIB, it allows both intercalation and adsorption of anions. The microcrystalline carbon is beneficial to obtain capacity originated from anions intercalation, and the 3D porous structure with a certain surface area contributes to anions adsorption capacity. With the synergistic effect, this 3D‐PMC is utilized as cathode and tin as anode for a sodium‐based DIB, which has a high capacity of 168.0 mAh g−1 at 0.3 A g−1, among the best values of reported DIBs so far. This cell also exhibits long‐term cycling stability with a capacity retention of ≈70% after 2000 cycles at a high current rate of 1 A g−1. It is believed that this work will provide a strategy to develop high‐performance cathode materials for DIBs.
Disassembly of 2D Vertical Heterostructures
Authors: Xiao Yao , Zhang Tao , Zhou Mengyue , Weng Zheng , Chang Xuejiao , Yang Kena , Liu Jinglu , Li Juntao , Wei Bin , Wang Zhongchang , Fu Lei
Published: November 2018

As one of the most widely discussed fields, the assembly of nanomaterials has always been extensively studied. However, its inverse process, namely disassembly, is still limited in the ambit of biomolecules. Specifically, in the emerging 2D research field, disassembly still remains unexplored. Inspired by the disassembly of DNA molecules via breaking intermolecular hydrogen bonds, the disassembly of 2D vertical heterostructures (2DVHs) is first achieved through the weakening of the interlayer van der Waals interactions. As a demonstration, ReS2/WS2 VHs is successfully disassembled into individual building blocks. Density functional theory calculations are performed to study the disassembly of the 2DVHs, which simulate that 2DVHs are first activated by the disassembly promoters and then disassembled with weakened interlayer van der Waals interactions. Such a disassembly process demonstrates that it has great potential to be expanded as a general strategy to achieve the disassembly of other 2D superstructures.
DBU‐Mediated Synthesis of Aryl Acetylenes or 1‐Bromoethynylarenes from Aldehydes
Authors: Thummala Yadagiri , Karunakar Galla V. , Doddi Venkata Ramana
Published: November 2018

Two well known synthetic organic reactions Ramirez olefination and Corey‐fuchs reactions are integrated in one‐pot sequential manner for the synthesis of arylacetylenes and 1,3‐enynes starting directly from commercially available aldehydes. The bicyclic amidine 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) along with additive NaOH not only exclusively afforded the terminal alkynes directly from the aldehydes, but also enhanced the reaction rate. The dynamic nature of DBU also facilitated the isolation of 1‐bromoalkynes intermediate products. Selection of additive from NaOH and H2O served as a switch for the synthesis of terminal alkyne and 1‐bromoalkynes, respectively.

magnified image
Ordered mesoporous SBA‐15 functionalized with yttrium(III) and cerium(III) complexes: Towards active heterogeneous catalysts for oxidation of sulfides and preparation of 5‐substituted 1H‐tetrazoles
Authors: Molaei Somayeh , Tamoradi Taiebeh , Ghadermazi Mohammad , Ghorbani‐Choghamarani Arash
Published: November 2018

Mesoporous SBA‐15 was synthesized and modified with 3‐chloropropyltrimethoxysilane and then used in immobilization of creatinine groups, which were employed to introduce Y3+ and Ce3+ to give rise to two novel yttrium and cerium catalysts: SBA‐15@Creatinine@M (M = Y and Ce). The structures of the SBA‐15@Creatinine@M catalysts were determined using various techniques. These catalysts offered outstanding catalytic performances in the oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and in the preparation of 5‐substituted 1H‐tetrazoles. An important characteristic of the SBA‐15@Creatinine@M catalysts is that they are very stable without a considerable decrease in their catalytic performance lasting seven cycles.
An efficient in situ reduction and cyclization reaction for synthesis of spiro compound derivatives in Fe–H2O–AcOH medium from nitro compounds
Authors: Xu Hui , Pan Zhengbing , Dai Lei , Mao Kaimin , Rong Liangce
Published: November 2018

An efficient in situ reduction and cyclization reaction for the synthesis of nitrogen‐containing spiro compounds directly form 5‐nitro‐1H‐indazole, 6‐nitro‐1H‐indazole and 5‐nitroindole in Fe–H2O–AcOH medium is reported. 5‐Nitro‐1H‐indazole, 6‐nitro‐1H‐indazole and 5‐nitroindole were first used to synthesize spiro compounds, and this is a novel method for the synthesis of spiro compounds from nitro compounds. The advantages of this reaction are stable reagents, easily available raw materials, wide range of substrates and high yields.
Bioactive mono/bis (carboxyamide) based Co (II), Ni (II) and Cu (II) complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, DNA binding and Anticancer Potentials
Authors: Dhivya Raman , Kathiresan Sellamuthu , Vigneshwar Murugesan , Ranjani Jothi , Rajendhran Jeyaprakash , Bhuvanesh Nattamai S.P. , Annaraj Jamespandi
Published: November 2018

Bioactive carboxyamide ligated CuII (1), CoII (2) and NiII (3) complexes have been synthesized and characterized using various physico‐chemical techniques. In particular, the occurred slightly distorted square planar geometry in complex 1 was confirmed by single X‐ray crystal structure. Their (1, 2 and 3) potential interactions with herring sperm DNA (HS‐DNA) have been investigated using spectral and electrochemical techniques. All these studies suggested that the complex 1 could partially penetrated in the sugar phosphate backbone and stacked in between the DNA base pairs, while the other complexes 2 & 3 could bound only on the grooves of HS‐DNA due to their bi‐ligated architecture around the metal centre. The potent cytotoxicity of L and its complexes 1–3 was also evaluated against AGS human gastric cancer cells. Hoechst 33342/PI double staining images revealed that the complexes significantly induced cell death through apoptosis. In vivo administration of complex 1 remarkably inhibits the tumor growth in male Swiss albino mice, moreover it did not show any hepatotoxicity in mice. All these observed results suggested that these complexes may utilized as good conventional therapeutic agents in the near feature after a series of biological assessments.
Three‐Dimensional Graphene‐based N‐doped Carbon Composites as High‐Performance Anode Materials for Sodium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Chang Bin , Chen Jing , Zhou Mingan , Zhang Xiaojie , Wei Wei , Dai Bin , Han Sheng , Huang Yanshan
Published: November 2018

A nitrogen‐doped carbon layer coating on a 3D graphene framework (NCL@GF) was produced by the in‐situ polymerization of a uniform polyimide layer on the graphene framework surface and a carbonization process. The NCL@GF exhibited a 3D macroporous structure with uniform N‐doped porous carbon layers and a high 5.4 at. % nitrogen content, which not only effectively enhanced the active sites but also facilitated fast ion and electron transport in the 3D pathways. Consequently, the NCL@GF as the anode of a sodium‐ion battery (SIB) exhibited a discharge capacity of 357 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 200 cycles, a remarkable rate capability with a capacity of 122 mAh g−1 at 8 A g−1, and a super long cycle life with a capacity retention of 70 % capacity after 2500 cycles at 0.5 A g−1. Such performance is superior to that of previously reported carbon or graphene‐based composites.
Cover Image, Volume 12, Issue 6
Authors: Distler Tobias , Sitzmann Werner
Published: November 2018

The cover image by is based on the Perspective An investigation on additives for pelletizing highly torrefi ed biomass by Tobias Distler and Werner Sitzmann, DOI: 10.1002/bbb.1919. Image Credit: ©Amandus Kahl GmbH & Co.

image
Contemporary transradial access practices: Results of the second international survey
Authors: Shroff Adhir R. , Fernandez Christopher , Vidovich Mladen I. , Rao Sunil V. , Cowley Michael , Bertrand Olivier F. , Patel Tejas M. , Pancholy Samir B.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To gain insight into current practice of transradial angiography and intervention in the United States and around the world.

Background

Transradial access (TRA) has grown worldwide. In a prior survey, there was significant practice variation and there was minimal US participation which limited the generalizability to US operators.

Methods

We used an internet‐based survey software program to solicit input from practicing interventional cardiologists from the United States and around the world. US operators were compared with outside the United States (OUS) operators and respondent‐level comparisons were made with the prior survey to assess for temporal changes in practice.

Results

Between August 2016 and January 1, 2017, 125 interventional cardiologists completed the survey representing 91 countries with the United States having 449 (39.9%) respondents. Preprocedure, noninvasive testing for collateral circulation is used more commonly in the United States (54.1%) than around the world (26.6%) but its use has decreased since 2010. In the US, 48.8% of operators never use ultrasound and 92.6% of OUS operators never use it; only 4.4% overall use ultrasound in >50% of cases. Use of bivalirudin has decreased in the US and OUS. Nearly, 30% of operators do not assess for radial artery patency following hemostasis. US respondents used TRA less commonly for primary PCI for STEMI than their global counterparts.

Conclusions

There is wide variation in how TRA procedures are performed including relatively low rates of adherence to practices that are known to improve outcomes. Further education aimed at increasing use of best practices will impact patient outcomes.
Reversal of Tabun Toxicity Enabled by a Triazole‐Annulated Oxime Library—Reactivators of Acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Kovarik Zrinka , Kalisiak Jarosław , Hrvat Nikolina Maček , Katalinić Maja , Zorbaz Tamara , Žunec Suzana , Green Carol , Radić Zoran , Fokin Valery V. , Sharpless K. Barry , Taylor Palmer
Published: November 2018

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme that degrades the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, when covalently inhibited by organophosphorus compounds (OPs), such as nerve agents and pesticides, can be reactivated by oximes. However, tabun remains among the most dangerous nerve agents due to the low reactivation efficacy of standard pyridinium aldoxime antidotes. Therefore, finding an optimal reactivator for prophylaxis against tabun toxicity and for post‐exposure treatment is a continued challenge. In this study, we analyzed the reactivation potency of 111 novel nucleophilic oximes mostly synthesized using the CuAAC triazole ligation between alkyne and azide building blocks. We identified several oximes with significantly improved in vitro reactivating potential for tabun‐inhibited human AChE, and in vivo antidotal efficacies in tabun‐exposed mice. Our findings offer a significantly improved platform for further development of antidotes and scavengers directed against tabun and related phosphoramidate exposures, such as the Novichok compounds.
Pd‐Catalyzed Annulation of 1‐Halo‐8‐arylnaphthalenes and Alkynes Leading to Heptagon‐Embedded Aromatic Systems
Authors: Yan Jianming , Rahman Md. Shafiqur , Yoshikai Naohiko
Published: November 2018

A palladium‐catalyzed heptagon‐forming annulation reaction between 1‐halo‐8‐arylnaphthalene and diarylacetylene is reported. The reaction is promoted using a catalytic system comprised of Pd(OAc)2, moderately electron‐deficient triarylphosphine P(4‐ClC6H4)3, and Ag2CO3 to afford benzo[4,5]cyclohepta[1,2,3‐de]naphthalene derivatives in moderate to good yields, in preference to fluoranthene as a competing byproduct. Twofold annulation can also be achieved to access a novel heptagon‐embedded polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compound.
Novel prognostic markers within the CD44‐stromal ligand network in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Franklin Oskar , Billing Ola , Öhlund Daniel , Berglund Anette , Herdenberg Carl , Wang Wanzhong , Hellman Urban , Sund Malin
Published: November 2018

The dense stroma in pancreatic cancer tumours is rich in secreted extracellular matrix proteins and proteoglycans. Secreted hyaluronan, osteopontin and type IV collagen sustain oncogenic signalling by interactions with CD44s and its variant isoform CD44v6 on cancer cell membranes. Although well established in animal and in vitro models, this oncogenic CD44‐stromal ligand network is less explored in human cancer. Here, we use a pancreatic cancer tissue microarray from 69 primary tumours and 37 metastatic lymph nodes and demonstrate that high tumour cell expression of CD44s and, surprisingly, low stromal deposition of osteopontin correlate with poor survival independent of established prognostic factors for pancreatic cancer. High stromal expression of hyaluronan was a universal trait of both primary tumours and metastatic lymph nodes. However, hyaluronan species of different molecular mass are known to function differently in pancreatic cancer biology and immunohistochemistry cannot distinguish between them. Using gas‐phase electrophoretic molecular mobility analysis, we uncover a shift towards high molecular mass hyaluronan in pancreatic cancer tissue compared to normal pancreas and at a transcriptional level, we find that hyaluronan synthesising HAS2 correlates positively with CD44. The resulting prediction that high molecular mass hyaluronan would then correlate with poor survival in pancreatic cancer was confirmed in serum samples, where we demonstrate that hyaluronan >27 kDa measured before surgery is an independent predictor of postoperative survival. Our findings confirm the prognostic value of CD44 tissue expression and highlight osteopontin tissue expression and serum high molecular mass hyaluronan as novel prognostic markers in pancreatic cancer.
Targeted Synthesis of Complex Spiro[3H‐indole‐3,2′‐pyrrolidin]‐2(1H)‐ones by Intramolecular Cyclization of Azomethine Ylides: Highly Potent MDM2–p53 Inhibitors
Authors: Gollner Andreas , Weinstabl Harald , Fuchs Julian E. , Rudolph Dorothea , Garavel Geraldine , Hofbauer Karin S. , Karolyi‐Oezguer Jale , Gmaschitz Gerhard , Hela Wolfgang , Kerres Nina , Grondal Elisabeth , Werni Patrick , Ramharter Juergen , Broeker Joachim , McConnell Darryl B.
Published: November 2018

Mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) is a main and direct inhibitor of the crucial tumor suppressor p53. Reports from initial clinical trials showed that blocking this interaction with a small‐molecule inhibitor can have great value in the treatment of cancer for patients with p53 wild‐type tumors; however, it also revealed dose‐limiting hematological toxicities and drug‐induced resistance as main issues. To overcome the former, an inhibitor with superior potency and pharmacokinetic properties to ultimately achieve full efficacy with less‐frequent dosing schedules is required. Toward this aim, we optimized our recently reported spiro‐oxindole inhibitors by focusing on the crucial interaction with the amino acid side chain of His96MDM2. The designed molecules required the targeted synthesis of structurally complex spiro[indole‐3,2′‐pyrrolo[2,3‐c]pyrrole]‐2,4′‐diones for which we developed an unprecedented intramolecular azomethine ylide cycloaddition and investigated the results by computational methods. One of the new compounds showed superior cellular potency over previously reported BI‐0252. This finding is a significant step toward an inhibitor suitable to potentially mitigate hematological on‐target adverse effects.
Structure–Activity Relationships of Hexahydrocyclopenta[c]quinoline Derivatives as Allosteric Inhibitors of CDK2 and EGFR
Authors: Carlino Luca , Christodoulou Michael S. , Restelli Valentina , Caporuscio Fabiana , Foschi Francesca , Semrau Marta S. , Costanzi Elisa , Tinivella Annachiara , Pinzi Luca , Lo Presti Leonardo , Battistutta Roberto , Storici Paola , Broggini Massimo , Passarella Daniele , Rastelli Giulio
Published: November 2018

Following the discovery of a type III allosteric modulator of cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) characterized by a hexahydrocyclopenta[c]quinolone scaffold, three different series of its derivatives were synthesized and biologically evaluated. Docking of the synthesized compounds into the allosteric pocket of CDK2 allowed the elucidation of structure–activity relationships (SARs). Moreover, the compounds were tested on the wild‐type epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase domain (KD) and its clinically relevant T790M/L858R mutant form. Herein we describe the first SAR investigation of allosteric ligands that bind to the type III inhibitor pocket of CDK2 and EGFR‐KD. Although the activity of the synthesized inhibitors needs to be improved, the obtained results provide clear‐cut indications about pharmacophore requirements and selectivity determinants. Remarkably, this study led to the identification of a selective T790M/L858R EGFR allosteric inhibitor that is inactive toward both wild‐type EGFR and CDK2. Finally, docking into the T790M/L858R EGFR‐KD led us to hypothesize that the compounds bind to the double‐mutant EGFR‐KD by adopting a binding mode different from that in CDK2, thus rationalizing the observed selectivity profile.
Role of adjuvant therapy in resected stage IA subcentimeter (T1a/T1b) pancreatic cancer
Authors: Shaib Walid L. , Narayan Amit Surya , Switchenko Jeffrey M. , Kane Sujata R. , Wu Christina , Akce Mehmet , Alese Olatunji B. , Patel Pretesh R. , Maithel Shishir K. , Sarmiento Juan M. , Kooby David A. , El‐Rayes Bassel F.
Published: November 2018

Background

The standard of care for patients with resected stage I to stage III pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is adjuvant gemcitabine‐based chemotherapy. The role of adjuvant treatment in patients with subcentimeter, stage IA PDAC is unknown. The current study evaluated the effect of adjuvant treatment on survival outcomes among patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer/International Union Against Cancer stage IA (T1N0) resected PDAC using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB).

Methods

A retrospective review of the NCDB was conducted for patients diagnosed with T1 (tumor limited to the pancreas and measuring ≤2 cm in greatest dimension), lymph node–negative (N0), resected PDAC between 2004 and 2013. Patient demographics, histology, adjuvant treatment, and survival trends were examined. Kaplan‐Meier analysis and log‐rank tests were performed to determine the unadjusted association between overall survival (OS), tumor size, and treatment.

Results

A total of 876 patients met the inclusion criteria. The patients had a mean age of 66.2 years (range, 32‐90 years); approximately 83.3% were white (730 patients) and 53.1% were female (465 patients). Approximately 45.9% of the patients had moderately differentiated tumor histology (402 patients); 70.0% (613 patients) had tumors measuring 1 to 2 cm (T1c) and 30.0% (263 patients) had tumors measuring <1 cm (T1a/T1b). Approximately 94.2% of patients had negative surgical margins (815 patients) and 46.9% (410 patients) received adjuvant therapy. The median OS was significantly different for patients who received adjuvant therapy compared with patients who did not (70.7 months vs 46.9 months; P = .0001). For patients with tumors measuring <1 cm, survival was not found to be significantly different between patients who received adjuvant treatment compared with those who did not (not reached vs 85.3 months; P = .54). In the multivariable analysis, none of the covariates (treatment group, Charlson‐Deyo Score, age, insurance, and facility status) demonstrated significant differences for patients with tumors measuring <1 cm.

Conclusions

The current study is the first to demonstrate no survival benefit for adjuvant therapy in patients with resected subcentimeter PDAC.
Variable‐size dust grains with generalized (r, q) electrons in a dusty plasma
Authors: El‐Taibany W.F. , Taha R.M.
Published: November 2018

The effect of the generalized (r, q) distribution on the non‐linear propagation of dust acoustic waves (DAWs) in a dusty plasma consisting of variable‐size dust grains is discussed. A Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation is derived using the reductive perturbation technique (RPT). The dust size obeys the power‐law dust size distribution (DSD). The present results reveal that rarefactive and compressive waves can propagate in the proposed plasma model. It is found that the spectral indices r and q influence the main properties of DAWs. Especially, the velocity, amplitude, and width of the DAW change drastically with r compared to changes in q.
Novelty‐driven recommendation by using integrated matrix factorization and temporal‐aware clustering optimization
Authors: Raja Kumar , Pushpa S.
Published: November 2018

With the rapid proliferation of information and communication technology (ICT), the vast amount of available data creates information overload. The Websites and e‐commerce applications employ several information filtering methods such as personalized recommender system to manage the information overload. The recommender system assists the users in obtaining the desired list of products based on their interest. Several existing research works focus on the novelty or unexpectedness in the recommendation list while ensuring the quality to enhance the recommendation mechanism. It is essential to balance the unexpected and useful products or services to generate the satisfactory personalized recommendations with novelty. Thus, this paper proposes a novelty‐driven movie suggestion using integrated matrix factorization and temporal‐aware clustering optimization (NOMINATE). The proposed approach determines the personalized preferences through probabilistic matrix factorization (PMF) and contextually updates the rules and extracts the user preferences based on the inherent features of both the users and movies with temporal information. The NOMINATE approach also suggests the novelty‐driven, and desired top‐N movies to the users through the K‐means, and particle swarm optimization (PSO)‐based clustering algorithm with the help of LOD source. To identify the expert users, the NOMINATE approach applies the K‐means and PSO‐based clustering algorithm to enrich the personalized features of the users. Moreover, it integrates the relevant features with the preferred set of features for each user using the LOD source and decides a set of optimal preferences of the users. Finally, the NOMINATE approach generates the top‐N recommendation list for the corresponding user through ranking method. The experiment results stipulate that the NOMINATE approach personalize the top‐N movie recommendations with high performance regarding accuracy and novelty when compared with the existing recommendation method.
LTE efficiency when used in traffic information systems: A stable interest aware clustering
Authors: Ahmad Iftikhar , Md Noor Rafidah , Reza Z'aba Muhammad
Published: November 2018

Long‐term evolution (LTE) technology is critical for the envisioned usage scenarios in the Internet of Vehicles. An important usage scenario is traffic information systems (TIS) for vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) that depend on LTE for the delivery of non‐safety information to vehicles. TISs are centralized data warehouses that collect and process traffic information and subsequently allow vehicles to receive such information before and during a road trip. Considering the extensive deployment of VANETs, the LTE demand for TIS is expected to increase. Therefore, we explore and quantify the inefficiency of LTE when used in TIS. By envisioning basic test case scenarios, we establish the trends of data usage while commuting and providing insights into how LTE usage in TIS may lead to the inefficient use of the available wireless spectrum during road trips. To reduce identified inefficiency in LTE usage and cluster instability due to the high speed of the vehicles, we proposed a novel stable interest‐aware clustering (SIAC) mechanism. SIAC consider VANETs mobility constraint, LTE link quality, and exploit interest of the vehicles, in cluster formation phase. Resulting in the reduction in the data demand of the vehicles and frequency of link failures among the vehicles and provides transmission path stability. SIAC performs well as compared with the existing approaches shows more cluster stability and reduces the LTE usage for driving assistance and route planning applications.
Boost your department's success by cracking the communication code
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: November 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Some people communicate from the heart, while others communicate from the head, and this causes a disconnect in their communication and relationships at work and beyond, according to Kevin DeShazo, a partner with Culture Wins, a division of GiANT Worldwide.
Focus on student needs to achieve enrollment growth
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: November 2018

Maryville University in Missouri has experienced enrollment growth for 14 consecutive years. And enrollment for the current year has grown 19 percent over the previous year. Every enrollment sector — first‐year, transfer, graduate, and online — grew year to year.
Divergence in female damselfly sensory structures is consistent with a species recognition function but shows no evidence of reproductive character displacement
Authors: Barnard Alexandra A. , Masly John P.
Published: November 2018

Males and females transmit and receive signals prior to mating that convey information such as sex, species identity, or individual condition. In some animals, tactile signals relayed during physical contact between males and females before and during mating appear to be important for mate choice or reproductive isolation. This is common among odonates, when a male grasps a female's thorax with his terminal appendages prior to copulation, and the female subsequently controls whether copulation occurs by bending her abdomen to complete intromission. It has been hypothesized that mechanosensory sensilla on the female thoracic plates mediate mating decisions, but is has been difficult to test this idea. Here, we use North American damselflies in the genusEnallagma(Odonata: Coenagrionidae) to test the hypothesis that variation in female sensilla traits is important for species recognition.Enallagma annaandE. carunculatumhybridize in nature, but experience strong reproductive isolation as a consequence of divergence in male terminal appendage morphology. We quantified several mechanosensory sensilla phenotypes on the female thorax among multiple populations of both species and compared divergence in these traits in sympatry versus allopatry. Although these species differed in features of sensilla distribution within the thoracic plates, we found no strong evidence of reproductive character displacement among the sensilla traits we measured in regions of sympatry. Our results suggest that species‐specific placement of female mechanoreceptors may be sufficient for species recognition, although other female sensory phenotypes might have diverged in sympatry to reduce interspecific hybridization.
Real‐world GLP‐1 RA therapy in type 2 diabetes: A long‐term effectiveness observational study
Authors: Tofé Santiago , Argüelles Iñaki , Mena Elena , Serra Guillermo , Codina Mercedes , Urgeles Juan Ramón , García Honorato , Pereg Vicente
Published: November 2018

Aims

To evaluate in a real‐world setting the effectiveness and tolerability of available GLP‐1 RA drugs in patients with type 2 diabetes after a prolonged follow‐up.

Materials and methods

Observational, retrospective, single‐centre study in patients starting GLP‐1 RA therapy. Change in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and body mass index (BMI) along with gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events and withdrawal from GLP‐1 RA therapy were evaluated. Lack of efficacy of GLP‐1 RA therapy according to prespecified goals was also measured.

Results

A total of 735 patients were included, mean age 59.7 years, duration of diabetes 9.01 years, HbA1c 8.18% and BMI 38.56 kg/m2. Average follow‐up was 18.97 months (range 4.2‐39.09). All HbA1c (0.93%; P < 0.01), FPG (24 mg/dL; P < 0.01) and BMI (1.55 kg/m2; P < 0.05) were significantly reduced from baseline and maintained throughout follow‐up, regardless of prescribed GLP‐1 RA. GI adverse events were present in 13.81% of patients at first follow‐up visit, 37.07% of patients discontinued GLP‐1 RA treatment, and 38.63% did not meet efficacy goals.

Conclusions

In a real‐world setting, GLP‐1 RA therapy is largely prescribed in severely obese patients with a long‐standing and poorly controlled diabetes. All prescribed GLP‐1 RAs significantly decreased HbA1c, FPG and BMI. GI adverse events affected a low proportion of patients. Inversely, a high proportion of patients did not meet efficacy goals and/or discontinued GLP‐1 RA treatment. Baseline characteristics of patients and lack of adherence may represent important issues underlying differences in effectiveness in real‐world studies versus randomized trials.
Tailoring the Optical Properties of Organic D‐π‐A Photosensitizers: Effect of Sulfur Introduction in the Acceptor Group
Authors: Bettucci Ottavia , Franchi Daniele , Sinicropi Adalgisa , di Donato Mariangela , Foggi Paolo , Fabrizi de Biani Fabrizia , Reginato Gianna , Zani Lorenzo , Calamante Massimo , Mordini Alessandro
Published: November 2018

In this work, we present for the first time the synthesis and characterization of potential DSSC organic sensitizers whose cyanoacrylic acceptor/anchoring group was modified by replacement of oxygen with one or more sulfur atoms. Using known carboxylic acid dye DF15 as a reference, their TD‐DFT computational analysis indicated that oxygen‐sulfur substitution should induce a significant red‐shift of the corresponding UV/Vis absorption spectra. Whereas synthesis of monothiocarboxylic derivatives of DF15 was successfully carried out, isolation of the analogous dithiocarboxylic acid proved impossible due to its very low stability: despite that, their relative spectroscopic properties could be compared by analyzing the corresponding benzylic esters. Combined computational and transient absorption spectroscopy studies suggested that photoexcited thiocarboxylic acid 1‐SO and thioamide 1‐SN were able to inject electrons into nanocrystalline TiO2 and indicated a similar charge injection efficiency for 1‐SO relative to DF15. Preliminary DSSC studies showed that, when tert‐butylpyridine was present in the electrolyte solution, 1‐SO was rapidly degraded; however, in the absence of basic additives 1‐SO provided a sufficiently stable device, giving a slightly lower efficiency compared to carboxylic sensitizer DF15.
Help students with disabilities make a smooth transition
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: November 2018

ALBUQUERQUE — Entering students often don't understand that disability accommodations are handled differently in college than they are in high school. For example, they might not understand they need to self‐disclose their disabilities.
An optimal kernel‐based U‐statistic method for quantitative gene‐set association analysis
Authors: He Tao , Li Shaoyu , Zhong Ping‐Shou , Cui Yuehua
Published: November 2018

Single‐variant‐based genome‐wide association studies have successfully detected many genetic variants that are associated with a number of complex traits. However, their power is limited due to weak marginal signals and ignoring potential complex interactions among genetic variants. The set‐based strategy was proposed to provide a remedy where multiple genetic variants in a given set (e.g., gene or pathway) are jointly evaluated, so that the systematic effect of the set is considered. Among many, the kernel‐based testing (KBT) framework is one of the most popular and powerful methods in set‐based association studies. Given a set of candidate kernels, the method has been proposed to choose the one with the smallest p‐value. Such a method, however, can yield inflated Type 1 error, especially when the number of variants in a set is large. Alternatively one can get p values by permutations which, however, could be very time‐consuming. In this study, we proposed an efficient testing procedure that cannot only control Type 1 error rate but also have power close to the one obtained under the optimal kernel in the candidate kernel set, for quantitative trait association studies. Our method, a maximum kernel‐based U‐statistic method, is built upon the KBT framework and is based on asymptotic results under a high‐dimensional setting. Hence it can efficiently deal with the case where the number of variants in a set is much larger than the sample size. Both simulation and real data analysis demonstrate the advantages of the method compared with its counterparts.
Microglial modulation through colony‐stimulating factor‐1 receptor inhibition attenuates demyelination
Authors: Wies Mancini Victoria Sofía Berenice , Pasquini Juana María , Correale Jorge Daniel , Pasquini Laura Andrea
Published: November 2018

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common causes of progressive disability affecting young people with very few therapeutic options available for its progressive forms. Its pathophysiology involves demyelination and neurodegeneration apparently driven by microglial activation, which is physiologically dependent on colony‐stimulating factor‐1 receptor (CSF‐1R) signaling. In the present work, we used microglial modulation through oral administration of brain‐penetrant CSF‐1R inhibitor BLZ945 in acute and chronic cuprizone (CPZ)‐induced demyelination to evaluate preventive and therapeutic effects on de/remyelination and neurodegeneration. Our results show that BLZ945 induced a significant reduction in the number of microglia. Preventive BLZ945 treatment attenuated demyelination in the acute CPZ model, mainly in cortex and external capsule. In contrast, BLZ945 treatment in the acute CPZ model failed to protect myelin or foster remyelination in myelin‐rich areas, which may respond to a loss in microglial phagocytic capacity and the consequent impairment in oligodendroglial differentiation. Preventive and therapeutic BLZ945 treatment promoted remyelination and neuroprotection in the chronic model. These results could be potentially transferred to the treatment of progressive forms of MS.
π‐Dimerization ability of conjugated oligomer dication diradicaloids composed of dithienylpyrrole and benzodithiophene units
Authors: Akahane Takahiro , Takase Masayoshi , Mazaki Yasuhiro , Nishinaga Tohru
Published: November 2018

Stable conjugated oligomer dications 12+ and 22+ composed of 2,5‐di(2‐thienyl)‐N‐methylpyrrole (DTP) units at the both ends of the π‐systems with methoxy substituents at the 3‐position of thienyl units and methylthio end‐capping group and benzo[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene (BDT) unit(s) at the central part with sterically demanding phenyl substituents were synthesized. From DFT calculations and ESR experiments, it was concluded that the diradical character in 12+ and 22+ was reduced in comparison with the radical character of their reference compound 3·+ composed of one DTP and one BDT units. In addition, the shorter 12+ was considered to have a further lower diradical character than that of 22+. Nevertheless, judging from the results of VT‐UV‐vis‐NIR measurements, both 12+ and 22+ showed a comparable π‐dimerization ability at the DTP moiety in dichloromethane solution with 3·+.
Tuning of hydrogel stiffness using a two‐component peptide system for mammalian cell culture
Authors: Scelsi Alessandra , Bochicchio Brigida , Smith Andrew , Workman Victoria L. , Castillo Diaz Luis A. , Saiani Alberto , Pepe Antonietta
Published: November 2018

Self‐assembling peptide hydrogels (SAPHs) represent emerging cell cultures systems in several biomedical applications. The advantages of SAPHs are mainly ascribed to the absence of toxic chemical cross‐linkers, the presence of ECM‐like fibrillar structures and the possibility to produce hydrogels with a large range of different mechanical properties. We will present a two‐component peptide system with tuneable mechanical properties, consisting of a small pentapeptide (SFFSF‐NH2, SA5N) that acts as a gelator and a larger 21‐mer peptide (SFFSF‐GVPGVGVPGVG‐SFFSF, SA21) designed as a physical cross‐linker. The hydrogels formed by different mixtures of the two peptides are made up mainly of antiparallel β‐sheet nanofibers entangling in an intricate network. The effect of the addition of SA21 on the morphology of the hydrogels was investigated by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and correlated to the mechanical properties of the hydrogel. Finally, the biocompatibility of the hydrogels using 2D cell cultures was tested. © 2018 The Authors. journal Of Biomedical Materials Research Part A Published By Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 535–544, 2019.
Mkx-Deficient Mice Exhibit Hedgehog Signaling–Dependent Ectopic Ossification in the Achilles Tendons
Authors: Liu Han , Xu Jingyue , Jiang Rulang
Published: November 2018

Heterotopic ossification is the abnormal formation of mineralized bone in skin, muscle, tendon, or other soft tissues. Tendon ossification often occurs from acute tendon injury or chronic tendon degeneration, for which current treatment relies heavily on surgical removal of the ectopic bony tissues. Unfortunately, surgery creates additional trauma, which often causes recurrence of heterotopic ossification. The molecular mechanisms of heterotopic ossification are not well understood. Previous studies demonstrate that Mkx is a transcription factor crucial for postnatal tendon fibril growth. Here we report that Mkx–/– mutant mice exhibit ectopic ossification in the Achilles tendon within 1 month after birth and the tendon ossification deteriorates with age. Genetic lineage labeling revealed that the tendon ossification in Mkx–/– mice resulted from aberrant differentiation of tendon progenitor cells. Furthermore, tissue-specific inactivation of Mkx in tendon cells postnatally resulted in a similar ossification phenotype, indicating that Mkx plays a key role in tendon tissue homeostasis. Moreover, we show that Hedgehog signaling is ectopically activated at early stages of tendon ossification and that tissue-specific inactivation of Smoothened, which encodes the obligatory transducer of Hedgehog signaling, in the tendon cell lineage prevented or dramatically reduced tendon ossification in Mkx–/– mice. Together, these studies establish a new genetic mouse model of tendon ossification and provide new insight into its pathogenic mechanisms. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
PINK1/Parkin‐mediated mitophagy promotes apelin‐13‐induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by AMPKα and exacerbates atherosclerotic lesions
Authors: He Lu , Zhou Qionglin , Huang Zheng , Xu Jin , Zhou Hong , Lv Deguan , Lu Liqun , Huang Shifang , Tang Mingzhu , Zhong Jiuchang , Chen Jian‐xiong , Luo Xuling , Li Lanfang , Chen Linxi
Published: November 2018

Aberrant proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) is a critical contributor to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS). Our previous studies have demonstrated that apelin‐13/APJ confers a proliferative response in VSMC, however, its underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of mitophagy in apelin‐13‐induced VSMC proliferation and atherosclerotic lesions in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE‐/‐) mice. Apelin‐13 enhances human aortic VSMC proliferation and proliferative regulator proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in dose and time‐dependent manner, while is abolished by APJ antagonist F13A. We observe the engulfment of damage mitochondria by autophagosomes (mitophagy) of human aortic VSMC in apelin‐13 stimulation. Mechanistically, apelin‐13 increases p‐AMPKα and promotes mitophagic activity such as the LC3I to LC3II ratio, the increase of Beclin‐1 level and the decrease of p62 level. Importantly, the expressions of PINK1, Parkin, VDAC1, and Tom20 are induced by apelin‐13. Conversely, blockade of APJ by F13A abolishes these stimulatory effects. Human aortic VSMC transfected with AMPKα, PINK1, or Parkin and subjected to apelin‐13 impairs mitophagy and prevents proliferation. Additional, apelin‐13 not only increases the expression of Drp1 but also reduces the expressions of Mfn1, Mfn2, and OPA1. Remarkably, the mitochondrial division inhibitor‐1(Mdivi‐1), the pharmacological inhibition of Drp1, attenuates human aortic VSMC proliferation. Treatment of ApoE‐/‐ mice with apelin‐13 accelerates atherosclerotic lesions, increases p‐AMPKα and mitophagy in aortic wall in vivo. Finally, PINK1‐/‐ mutant mice with apelin‐13 attenuates atherosclerotic lesions along with defective in mitophagy. PINK1/Parkin‐mediated mitophagy promotes apelin‐13‐evoked human aortic VSMC proliferation by activating p‐AMPKα and exacerbates the progression of atherosclerotic lesions.
Annexin A3 gene silencing promotes myocardial cell repair through activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in rats with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Meng Hua , Zhang Yan , An Song‐Tao , Chen Yan
Published: November 2018

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), as a severe consequence of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, always contributes to the loss of myocardial cells. Mounting evidence shows that annexin protects the myocardium from ischemic injury. In this study, we examine the inhibition of annexin A3 (ANXA3) on AMI through the phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. We selected rats to build an AMI model which was then assigned into different groups. The hemodynamic parameters after transfection were detected by using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The effect of silencing of ANXA3 on inflammatory reaction and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was assessed. Rats transfected with ANXA3‐short hairpin RNA had alleviated hemodynamics, inflammatory reaction, decreased infarct size, α‐smooth muscle actin, Collagen I, and Collagen III as well as an increased vascular endothelial growth factor. Silencing ANAX3 would promote repair and healing of myocardial tissue by activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Collectively, our study provides evidence that the downregulation of ANXA3 promotes the repair and healing of myocardial tissues by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Echo‐tracking evaluation of changes in common carotid artery wall elasticity after smoking cessation
Authors: Zhang Pu , Guo Ruijun , Wang Chen , Xiao Dan , Qin Haiyan , Zhang Lingling
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to explore changes in the common carotid arterial wall elasticity after smoking cessation. Carotid artery ultrasonographic examination was performed in 136 patients, then 1 or 2 years after smoking cessation. We used echo‐tracking (ET) to measure stiffness index (β), pressure‐strain elasticity modulus (Ep), arterial compliance (AC), augmentation index (AI), and local pulse wave velocity (PWVβ). Patients were divided into four groups based on whether or not they successfully stopped smoking (groups M and N, respectively) and whether (groups M2 and N2, respectively) or not (groups M1 and N1, respectively) they showed comorbidities. In group M1, β, Ep and PWVβ were lower at 1 year than before smoking cessation, while AC and AI did not change. At 2 years, β, Ep, PWVβ, and AC, but not AI, improved further. In group M2, β, Ep, and PWVβ decreased at 2 years, whereas AC and AI did not change. In groups N1 and N2, none of the variables changed significantly. ET can be used quantitatively to evaluate the impact of smoking cessation on the elasticity of the common carotid artery wall.