bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and X‐Ray Crystallographic Characterisation of Frustum‐Shaped Ligated [Cu18H16(DPPE)6]2+ and [Cu16H14(DPPA)6]2+ Nanoclusters and Studies on Their H2 Evolution Reactions
Authors: Li Jiaye , Ma Howard Z. , Reid Gavin E. , Edwards Alison J. , Hong Yuning , White Jonathan M. , Mulder Roger J. , O'Hair Richard A. J.
Published: January 2018

We report new structural motifs for Cu nanoclusters that conceptually represent seed crystals for large face‐centred cubic (FCC) crystal growth. Kinetically controlled syntheses, high resolution mass spectrometry experiments for determination of the dication formulae and crystallographic characterisation were carried out for [Cu18H16(DPPE)6][BF4][Cl] (DPPE=bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) and [Cu16H14(DPPA)6][(BF4)2] (DPPA=bis(diphenylphosphino)amine) polyhydrido nanoclusters, which feature the unprecedented bifrustum and frustum metal‐core architecture in metal nanoclusters. The Cu18 nanocluster contains two Cu9 frustum cupolae and the Cu16 nanocluster has one Cu9 frustum cupola and a Cu7 distorted hexagonal‐shape base. Gas‐phase experiments revealed that both Cu18H16 and Cu16H14 cores can spontaneously release H2 upon removal of one bisphosphine capping ligand.
Microsphere Assemblies via Phosphonate Monoester Coordination Chemistry
Authors: Bladek Kamila J. , Reid Margaret E. , Nishihara Hirotomo , Akhtar Farid , Gelfand Benjamin S. , Shimizu George K. H.
Published: January 2018

By complexing a bent phosphonate monoester ligand with cobalt(II), coupled with in situ ester hydrolysis, coordination microspheres (CALS=CALgary Sphere) are formed whereas the use of the phosphonic acid directly resulted in a sheet‐like structure. Manipulation of the synthetic conditions gave spheres with different sizes, mechanical stabilities, and porosities. Time‐dependent studies determined that the sphere formation likely occurred through the formation of a Co2+ and ligand chain that propagates in three dimensions through different sets of interactions. The relative rates of these assembly processes versus annealing by ester hydrolysis and metal dehydration determine the growth of the microspheres. Hardness testing by nanoindentation is carried out on the spheres and sheets. Notably, no templates or capping agents are employed, the growth of the spheres is intrinsic to the ligand geometry and the coordination chemistry of cobalt(II) and the phosphonate monoester.
Hierarchy of Asymmetry at Work: Chain‐Dependent Helix‐to‐Helix Interactions in Supramolecular Polymers
Authors: Díaz‐Cabrera Sandra , Dorca Yeray , Calbo Joaquín , Aragó Juan , Gómez Rafael , Ortí Enrique , Sánchez Luis
Published: January 2018

A detailed investigation of the hierarchy of asymmetry operating in the self‐assembly of achiral (1) and chiral ((S)‐2 and (R)‐3) 1,3,5‐triphenylbenzenetricarboxamides (TPBAs) is reported. The aggregation of these TPBAs is conditioned by the point chirality at the peripheral side chains for (S)‐2 and (R)‐3. An efficient helix‐to‐helix interaction that goes further in the organization of fibrillar bundles is experimentally detected and theoretically supported only for the achiral TPBA 1. The effective interdigitation of the achiral aliphatic side chains produces a social self‐sorting to form preferentially heterochiral macromolecular aggregates.
Production of Electricity and Liquid Fuels with Low Carbon Footprint
Authors: Machhammer Otto , Maaß Hans‐Jürgen , Bode Andreas
Published: January 2018

Die Nutzung bestehender Kohlekraftwerke ermöglicht die Herstellung von Strom und flüssigen Kraftstoffen mit niedrigem Carbon Footprint. Drei verfahrenstechnische Prozessverbundvarianten werden miteinander verglichen. Im Kraftwerk wird Strom erzeugt und aus den Kraftwerksabgasen wird CO2 gewonnen, das mit Wasserstoff zu flüssigen Kraftstoffen hydriert wird. H2 wird durch Wasserelektrolyse oder Methanpyrolyse produziert. Gegenüber dem Vergleichsfall (Strom aus Kohlekraftwerk und Kraftstoffe aus einer Rohölraffinerie) lassen sich die CO2‐Emissionen senken, wenn der Wasserstoff aus einer mit Windstrom betriebenen Elektrolyse oder aus einer Methanpyrolyse kommt.
Targeting HER2 in colorectal cancer: The landscape of amplification and short variant mutations in ERBB2 and ERBB3
Authors: Ross Jeffrey S. , Fakih Marwan , Ali Siraj M. , Elvin Julia A. , Schrock Alexa B. , Suh James , Vergilio Jo‐Anne , Ramkissoon Shakti , Severson Eric , Daniel Sugganth , Fabrizio David , Frampton Garrett , Sun James , Miller Vincent A. , Stephens Philip J. , Gay Laurie M.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

In contrast to lung cancer, few precision treatments are available for colorectal cancer (CRC). One rapidly emerging treatment target in CRC is ERBB2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2]). Oncogenic alterations in HER2, or its dimerization partner HER3, can underlie sensitivity to HER2‐targeted therapies.

METHODS

In this study, 8887 CRC cases were evaluated by comprehensive genomic profiling for genomic alterations in 315 cancer‐related genes, tumor mutational burden, and microsatellite instability. This cohort included both colonic (7599 cases; 85.5%) and rectal (1288 cases; 14.5%) adenocarcinomas.

RESULTS

A total of 569 mCRCs were positive for ERBB2 (429 cases; 4.8%) and/or ERBB3 (148 cases; 1.7%) and featured ERBB amplification, short variant alterations, or a combination of the 2. High tumor mutational burden (≥20 mutations/Mb) was significantly more common in ERBB‐mutated samples, and ERBB3‐mutated CRCs were significantly more likely to have high microsatellite instability (P<.002). Alterations affecting KRAS (27.3%) were significantly underrepresented in ERBB2‐amplified samples compared with wild‐type CRC samples (51.8%), and ERBB2‐ or ERBB3‐mutated samples (49.0% and 60.8%, respectively) (P<.01). Other significant differences in mutation frequency were observed for genes in the PI3K/MTOR and mismatch repair pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Although observed less often than in breast or upper gastrointestinal carcinomas, indications for which anti‐HER2 therapies are approved, the percentage of CRC with ERBB genomic alterations is significant. Importantly, 32% of ERBB2‐positive CRCs harbor short variant alterations that are undetectable by routine immunohistochemistry or fluorescence in situ hybridization testing. The success of anti‐HER2 therapies in ongoing clinical trials is a promising development for patients with CRC. Cancer 2018;124:1358‐73. © 2018 Foundation Medicine, Inc. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society.
Phase 1 trial evaluating cisplatin, gemcitabine, and veliparib in 2 patient cohorts: Germline BRCA mutation carriers and wild‐type BRCA pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: O'Reilly Eileen M. , Lee Jonathan W. , Lowery Maeve A. , Capanu Marinela , Stadler Zsofia K. , Moore Malcolm J. , Dhani Neesha , Kindler Hedy L. , Estrella Hayley , Maynard Hannah , Golan Talia , Segal Amiel , Salo‐Mullen Erin E. , Yu Kenneth H. , Epstein Andrew S. , Segal Michal , Brenner Robin , Do Richard K. , Chen Alice P. , Tang Laura H. , Kelsen David P.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

A phase 1 trial was used to evaluate a combination of cisplatin, gemcitabine, and escalating doses of veliparib in patients with untreated advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in 2 cohorts: a germline BRCA1/2‐mutated (BRCA+) cohort and a wild‐type BRCA (BRCA–) cohort. The aims were to determine the safety, dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs), maximum tolerated dose, and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of veliparib combined with cisplatin and gemcitabine and to assess the antitumor efficacy (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1) and overall survival.

METHODS

Gemcitabine and cisplatin were dosed at 600 and 25 mg/m2, respectively, over 30 minutes on days 3 and 10 of a 21‐day cycle. Four dose levels of veliparib were evaluated: 20 (dose level 0), 40 (dose level 1), and 80 mg (dose level 2) given orally twice daily on days 1 to 12 and 80 mg given twice daily on days 1 to 21 (dose level 2A [DL2A]).

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were enrolled: 9 BRCA+ patients, 7 BRCA– patients, and 1 patient with an unknown status. DLTs were reached at DL2A (80 mg twice daily on days 1 to 21). Two of the 5 patients in this cohort (40%) experienced grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Two grade 5 events occurred on protocol. The objective response rate in the BRCA+ cohort was 7 of 9 (77.8%). The median overall survival for BRCA+ patients was 23.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.8‐30.2 months). The median overall survival for BRCA– patients was 11 months (95% CI, 1.5‐12.1 months).

CONCLUSIONS

The RP2D of veliparib was 80 mg by mouth twice daily on days 1 to 12 in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine; the DLT was myelosuppression. Substantial antitumor activity was seen in BRCA+ PDAC. A randomized phase 2 trial is currently evaluating cisplatin and gemcitabine with and without veliparib for BRCA+ PDAC (NCT01585805). Cancer 2018;124:1374‐82. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Synthesis, Radiolabelling and In Vitro Imaging of Multifunctional Nanoceramics
Authors: Lledos Marina , Mirabello Vincenzo , Sarpaki Sophia , Ge Haobo , Smugowski Hubert J. , Carroll Laurence , Aboagye Eric O. , Aigbirhio Franklin I. , Botchway Stanley W. , Dilworth Jonathan R. , Calatayud David G. , Plucinski Pawel K. , Price Gareth J. , Pascu Sofia I.
Published: January 2018

Molecular imaging has become a powerful technique in preclinical and clinical research aiming towards the diagnosis of many diseases. In this work, we address the synthetic challenges in achieving lab‐scale, batch‐to‐batch reproducible copper‐64‐ and gallium‐68‐radiolabelled metal nanoparticles (MNPs) for cellular imaging purposes. Composite NPs incorporating magnetic iron oxide cores with luminescent quantum dots were simultaneously encapsulated within a thin silica shell, yielding water‐dispersible, biocompatible and luminescent NPs. Scalable surface modification protocols to attach the radioisotopes 64Cu (t1/2=12.7 h) and 68Ga (t1/2=68 min) in high yields are reported, and are compatible with the time frame of radiolabelling. Confocal and fluorescence lifetime imaging studies confirm the uptake of the encapsulated imaging agents and their cytoplasmic localisation in prostate cancer (PC‐3) cells. Cellular viability assays show that the biocompatibility of the system is improved when the fluorophores are encapsulated within a silica shell. The functional and biocompatible SiO2 matrix represents an ideal platform for the incorporation of 64Cu and 68Ga radioisotopes with high radiolabelling incorporation.
Integrated Reporting Quality: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Pistoni Anna , Songini Lucrezia , Bavagnoli Francesco
Published: January 2018

Integrated Reporting (IR) represents the most recent evolution of the corporate reporting movement. Despite the proposed benefits to stakeholders and the number of contributes aimed at identifying best practices in its adoption, IR is still scarcely diffused among companies and when it is adopted the framework is not fully implemented. Starting from these premises, this paper aims to assess the quality of integrated reports issued by firms. We have developed a scoring model and an IR Scoreboard (IRS), which were applied to analyze 116 integrated reports issued in years 2013 and 2014. The main findings show that IR quality is low. Generally, firms follow the IR framework, but scarce information is disclosed on aspects such as capital, the business model, strategic priorities, and the value creation process; more attention is given to the IR form than to its content. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Multidimensional trait space informed by a mechanistic model of tree growth and carbon allocation
Authors: Fell Michael , Barber Jarrett , Lichstein Jeremy W. , Ogle Kiona
Published: January 2018

Plant functional traits research has revealed many interesting and important patterns among morphological, physiological, and life‐history traits and the environment. These are exemplified in trade‐offs between groups of traits such as those embodied in the leaf and wood economics spectra. Inferences from empirical studies are often constrained by the correlative nature of the analyses, availability of trait data, and a focus on easily measured traits. However, empirical studies have been fundamental to modeling endeavors aiming to enhance our understanding of how functional traits scale up to affect, for example, community dynamics and ecosystem productivity. Here, we take a complementary approach utilizing an individual‐based model of tree growth and mortality (the allometrically constrained growth and carbon allocation [ACGCA] model) to investigate the theoretical trait space (TTS) of North American trees. The model includes 32 parameters representing allometric, physiological, and anatomical traits, some overlapping leaf and wood economics spectra traits. Using a Bayesian approach, we fit theACGCAmodel to individual tree heights and diameters from theUSFSForest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) dataset, with further constraints by literature‐based priors. Fitting the model to 1.3 millionFIArecords—aggregated across individuals, species, and sites—produced a posterior distribution of traits leading to realistic growth. We explored this multidimensional posterior distribution (theTTS) to evaluate trait–trait relationships emerging from theACGCAmodel, and compare these against empirical patterns reported in the literature. Only three notable bivariate correlations, among 496 possible trait pairs, were contained in theTTS. However, stepwise regressions uncovered a complicated structure; only a subset of traits—related to photosynthesis (e.g., radiation‐use efficiency and maintenance respiration)—exhibited strong multivariate trade‐offs with each other, while half of the traits—mostly related to allometries and construction costs—varied independently of other traits. Interestingly, specific leaf area was related to several rarely measured root traits. The trade‐offs contained in theTTSgenerally reflect mass‐balance (related to carbon allocation) and engineering (mostly related to allometries) trade‐offs represented in theACGCAmodel and point to potentially important traits that are under‐explored in field studies (e.g., root traits and branch senescence rates).
Electrochemical Behaviour of Microwave‐assisted Oxidized MWCNTs Based Disposable Electrodes: Proposal of a NADH Electrochemical Sensor
Authors: Blandón‐Naranjo Lucas , Della Pelle Flavio , Vázquez Mario V. , Gallego Jaime , Santamaría Alexander , Alzate‐Tobón Manuela , Compagnone Dario
Published: January 2018

The effect of the oxidation degree of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for the detection of NADH was evaluated in this paper. MWCNTs were oxidized by microwave‐assisted sulfonitic treatment at different times (5, 10, 15, and 30 min) and deposited onto a graphite screen printed electrodes. Oxidized MWCNTs were characterized and the electrochemical performance evaluated. The best sensor in terms of sensitivity and stability was obtained after 15 minutes of oxidation (SPE/CNT15). A significant reduction of the NADH oxidation potential was recorded for oxidized MWCNTs compared with unmodified MWCNTs (0.270 V and 0.500 V, respectively vs. Ag/AgCl pseudo reference electrode), increasing the selectivity of the system. Chronoamperometric calibration curves carried out applying a potential of 0.3 V for 1 min were linear in the 4–35 μM range of NADH. A limit of detection of 1 μM was achieved with negligible surface fouling (three consecutive calibration curves, 30 total measurements: slope decrease 5.9 %). Inter electrode reproducibility (n=13) was good resulting in RSD of 15.2 % and 5.0 % for the peak intensity and the oxidation potential, respectively. Quantification of glucose in white wine samples was carried out to demonstrate the ability of the NADH sensor to work in real samples. A good correlation with a spectrophotometric kit for the glucose quantification was achieved.
Ketogenic diet for treatment of intractable epilepsy in adults: A meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Yang Yi , Wang Yunbing , Tang Hong , Zhang Fan , Zhang Yong , Zhao Yong
Published: January 2018

The ketogenic diet (KD) is an effective treatment for children with drug‐resistant epilepsy and has been widely used in young children. Adult patients with intractable epilepsy would also benefit from this dietary treatment. However, only a few studies have been published, and the use of the KD in intractable epilepsy in adults has been limited. This meta‐analysis summarized the findings of the relevant published studies to identify the efficacy of the KD for the treatment of intractable epilepsy in adults. In this meta‐analysis, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were used for searching studies concerning the effects of the KD and its major subtypes with intractable epilepsy in adults published up to January 10, 2017. The primary outcomes were seizure freedom, seizure reduction by 50% or more, and seizure reduction by <50%. The quality of the methodology of the observational studies was reviewed by using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. We identified 402 articles, of which, 16 studies including 338 patients met the inclusion criteria. The results of the meta‐analysis showed that the combined efficacy rates of all the symptoms of seizure freedom, seizure reduction by 50% or more, and seizure reduction below 50% in adults with intractable epilepsy were 13%, 53%, and 27%, respectively. The adverse reactions of the KD were mild, whereas low glycemic index diet (LGID) and low‐dose fish oil diet (LFOD) may have fewer side effects. Weight loss, high level of low‐density lipoprotein, and elevated total cholesterol were most frequent. The meta‐analysis indicates that the KD for refractory epilepsy in adults is a well‐tolerated treatment and that its side effects are acceptable, which show that the KD is a promising treatment in adult intractable epilepsy. Further research is needed to assess which type of diet or ratio is more effective in the KD treatment.
NERC Reliability Standards and Compliance Adjust With Experience
Authors: Hilt David W.
Published: January 2018

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards for bulk electric system reliability became mandatory and enforceable in June of 2007. Since then, the standards and the compliance monitoring and enforcement programs have been ever‐changing to improve and expand the NERC reliability standards and to modify and focus the NERC Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program.
Today's Substation Physical Security Designs Take into Account Improved Technology
Authors: Kelley Brian P
Published: January 2018

Until relatively recently, the focus of substation physical security had been public safety and deterrence of random acts of vandalism.
Utilities Can Leverage Industry Relationships to Increase Customer Success
Authors: Piper Michael , Arney Ann
Published: January 2018

When utilities and other infrastructure‐support entities collaborate, everybody wins. Customers feel secure when their service providers can work together to create seamless projects. Coordination and cooperation show both professionalism and that the client's needs are the top priority.
Petrogenesis and tectonic implication of the Late Mesozoic volcanic rocks in East Mongolia
Authors: Bars Amarjargal , Miao Laicheng , Fochin Zhang , Baatar Munkhtsengel , Anaad Chimedtseren , Togtokh Khasmaral
Published: January 2018

This paper presents new geochemical and geochronological data of the Late Mesozoic volcanic rocks in East Mongolia. These volcanic rocks belong to high‐K calc‐alkaline and shoshonitic series and exhibit features of bimodal rocks. The mafic rocks have elevated incompatible trace element concentrations and significantly negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies, with 87Sr/86Sr(i) and ƐNd(t) values of 0.70502–0.70572 and −1.72459 to +1.720736, respectively, which suggest that the mafic magma was derived from a lithospheric mantle source that might have been metasomatized by subduction‐derived fluids, experienced fractional crystallization, and was contaminated by crustal materials. The felsic rocks have similar rare earth element patterns to the mafic rocks but show much more significantly negative Eu and Sr anomalies. The felsic rocks have higher 87Sr/86Sr(i) values of 0.706496–0.71104 than the mafic rocks but similar ƐNd(t) values (−0.28003 to +2.928506) to the mafic ones. These data indicate that the felsic rocks originated from partial melting of a crustal source that is dominated by juvenile mafic rocks. Our new K‐Ar dating, together with previous data, shows that the Late Mesozoic volcanism in East Mongolia took place during the Late Jurassic‐Early Cretaceous between ca. 155 and 99 Ma. The model of back‐arc extension, possibly induced by slab rollback of the westward subducted Pacific Plate and the subduction zone retreat, can explain the geodynamic setting and the eastward younging trend of the Late Mesozoic volcanism in East Mongolia and in adjacent NE China.
Braided–meandering system evolution in the rock record: Implications for climate control on the Middle–Upper Jurassic in the southern Junggar Basin, north‐west China
Authors: Yao Zongquan , Yu Xinghe , Shan Xin , Li Shunli , Li Shengli , Li Yalong , Tan Chengpeng , Chen Hongliang
Published: January 2018

This paper presents the current body of knowledge regarding the evolution of a braided–meandering system in the southern Junggar Basin, north‐west China, based on the preserved architecture evidences. The response to climate change was also discussed. Herein, 10 types of lithofacies are summarized, including information of their primary sedimentary structures, characteristic lithology, and geometry. This study focuses on recognizing the architectural elements within the channels (migrating channel: CHm, switching channel: CHs, transiting channel: CHt, and filling channel: CHf), the bar units (downstream accretion: DA, lateral accretion: LA, unit bar: UB, and compound bar: CB), and fine‐grained clastic deposits (floodplain fines: FF and overbank fines: OF). Three representative sections of outcrops were selected, and detailed observation and analysis of these sections revealed 3 stages can be divided: the braided stage, in which the deposits show an evidence of CHm, DA elements which are the mainly architectural elements, multichannel with aggradational filling; The transformation between braided–meandering stage, during which the fluvial system consists of CHt and CHm elements with lateral accretion; and meandering stage which is characterized by dominance of CHm, LA elements, and the channels become isolated and meandering. Finally, this paper concludes with an interpretation of climate events as manifested by the fluvial archives of the colours of sedimentary rocks, special mineral, palaeontology, geochemistry spanning the Middle–Upper Jurassic (between 166.1 and 152.1 Ma).
Assessing the availability, price, nutritional value and consumer views about foods and beverages from vending machines across university campuses in regional New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Ng Ker Wei , Sangster Janice , Priestly Jacqueline
Published: January 2018

Issue addressed

Vending machines are ubiquitous. However, there is limited evidence on the nutritional value of food and beverages vended on university campuses and on the views of potential users. This study identified the availability, price and nutritional value of food and beverages vended on regional university campuses and investigated the views of university staff and students.

Methods

The availability and price of food and beverages vended on five regional university campuses were assessed by direct observation. Volunteers (n = 222) completed an anonymous, online or paper survey to assess their perspectives on products available in campus vending machines.

Results

Sixty per cent of 1259 slots identified in 49 vending machines were for foods and 40% were for beverages. Almost all foods (93%) and the majority of beverages (53%) vended were categorised as “less healthy.” The mean difference between the prices of healthier and less healthy foods and beverages was $0.72 and $0.16, respectively, but these differences were not statistically significant. Nearly 40% of participants were unsatisfied with the products available.

Conclusion

Vending machines on regional university campuses contained a high proportion of energy‐dense nutrient‐poor foods which contribute to an obesogenic environment. Regional university staff and students desire healthier vending options.

So what?

Findings can be used to inform stakeholders of the need to improve the nutritional quality of food and beverages vended on regional university campuses. Development of food policy for university settings and adoption of strategies to improve the availability and price of healthy foods would promote healthier food choices.
«Synthesis: Science or Technology?» A Few Comments from an Old‐timer
Authors: Ghosez Léon
Published: January 2018

This short commentary adresses some problems associated with the present status and the future of research in organic synthesis. It simply reflects the personal opinion of an author who has been involved with organic synthesis for more than 50 years.
A multilevel factor model: Identification, asymptotic theory and applications
Authors: Choi In , Kim Dukpa , Kim Yun Jung , Kwark Noh‐Sun
Published: January 2018

This paper studies a multilevel factor model with global and country factors. The global factors affect all individuals, whereas the country factors affect only those within each specific country. A sequential procedure to identify the global and country factors separately is proposed. In the initial step, the global factors are estimated by canonical correlation analysis. Using this initial estimator, the principal component estimators (PCEs) of the global and country factors are constructed. It is shown that the PCEs estimate the spaces of the global and country factors consistently and are normally distributed in the limit. Several information criteria that can estimate the number of country factors are proposed. The number of global factors is assumed to be known. Extensive simulation results demonstrate that the sequential procedure and information criteria work well in finite samples. The method of this paper is applied to 25 OECD countries to identify an international business cycle. It is reported that the method extracts a global factor reasonably well.
Self‐production of oxygen system CaO2/MnO2@PDA‐MB for the photodynamic therapy research and switch‐control tumor cell imaging
Authors: Ji Chenhui , Lu Zhongzhong , Xu Yonghui , Shen Beibei , Yu Shiyong , Shi Dan
Published: January 2018

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) holds promise in biochemical study and tumor treatment. A novel multifunctional nanosystem CaO2/MnO2@polydopamine (PDA)‐methylene blue (MB) nanosheet (CMP‐MB) was designed. CaO2 nanoparticles were encapsulated by MnO2 nanosheet, and then PDA was coated on the surface of CaO2/MnO2 nanosheets, which could adsorb photosensitizer MB through hydrophobic interaction or π‐π stacking. In this nanosystem, CaO2/MnO2 had the ability of self‐production of oxygen, which solved the problem of tumor hypoxia largely. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that the fluorescence of MB was suppressed by MnO2, while its emission was triggered in the simulated tumor microenvironment. Therefore, CMP‐MB nanosheet could be used to switch‐control cell imaging potentially. 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐thiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide testing and Live/Dead assay confirmed CMP‐MB nanosheet had fewer side effects without illumination while it destroyed Hela cell with the illumination of light. Vitro cell experiment demonstrated CMP‐MB nanosheet could achieve tumor microenvironment responsive imaging and inhibit tumor cell growth under illumination effectively. Therefore, the system has great potential for PDT application and switch‐control tumor cell imaging. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2544–2552, 2018.
Epigenetic regulation of megakaryocytic and erythroid differentiation by PHF2 histone demethylase
Authors: Yang Jichun , Ma Jing , Xiong Yu , Wang Yanlin , Jin Kaiyue , Xia Wenjun , Chen Qing , Huang Jianbo , Zhang Jin , Jiang Nan , Jiang Shayi , Ma Duan
Published: January 2018

Plant homeodomain finger 2 (PHF2) is a JmjC family histone demethylase that demethylates H3K9me2, a repressive gene marker. PHF2 was found to play a role in the differentiation of several tissue types such as osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation. We report here that PHF2 plays a role in the epigenetic regulation of megakaryocytic (MK) and erythroid differentiation. We investigated PHF2 expression during MK and erythroid differentiation in K562 and human CD34+ progenitor (hCD34+) cells. Our data demonstrate that PHF2 expression is down‐regulated during megakaryopoiesis and erythropoiesis. PHF2 has a negative role in MK and erythroid differentiation of K562 cells; knockdown of PHF2 promotes MK and erythroid differentiation of hCD34+ cells. Similarly, we found that p53 expression is also down‐regulated during MK and erythroid differentiation, which parallels PHF2 expression. PHF2 binds to the p53 promoter and regulates the expression of p53 by demethylating H3K9me2 in the promoter region of p53. Taken together, our data show that PHF2 is a negative epigenetic regulator of MK and erythroid differentiation, and that one of the pathways through which PHF2 affects MK and erythroid differentiation is via regulation of p53 expression.
Effects of treatment with Maraviroc a CCR5 inhibitor on a human hepatic stellate cell line
Authors: Coppola Nicola , Perna Angelica , Lucariello Angela , Martini Salvatore , Macera Margherita , Carleo Maria A. , Guerra Germano , Esposito Vincenzo , De Luca Antonio
Published: January 2018

After an acute liver damage, tissue regeneration repairs lesions with degradation of deposed fibrotic material, while mechanisms of tissue restoration are persistently activated following several repeated injuries, inducing deposition of extracellular matrix. (ECM). Factors responsible for ECM remodeling have been identified in a pathway involving a family of zinc‐dependent enzyme matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), together with tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Recent experimental models suggested a role of CCR5 receptor in the genesis of liver fibrosis. Drawing from these background we decided to evaluate the effects of the treatment with the CCR5 inhibitor Maraviroc on LX‐2, a human hepatic stellate cell line (HSC). Treatment with Maraviroc resulted in a block in S phase of LX‐2 cells with increased expression levels of cyclin D1 and p21 while the expression of p53 was reduced. Treatment with Maraviroc was also able to block the accumulation of fibrillar collagens and extracellular matrix proteins (ECM), as demonstrated by the decrease of specific markers as Collagen type I, α‐SMA, and TGF‐β1. In addition we observed a down regulation of both metalloproteins (MMP‐2, MMP‐9), used for the degradation of the extracellular matrix and their inhibitors (TIMP‐1, TIMP‐2). The identification of a compound that may modulate the dynamic of liver fibrosis could be crucial in all chronic liver diseases. Maraviroc could play an important role because, in addition to its own anti‐HIV activity, it could reduce the release of pro‐inflammatory citokynes implicated in liver fibrogenesis.
Every Saint has a Past, and Every Sinner has a Future: Influences of Regulatory Focus on Consumers’ Moral Self‐Regulation
Authors: Schwabe Maria , Dose David B. , Walsh Gianfranco
Published: January 2018

Moral decisions in the marketplace largely depend on consumers’ own behavioral history. Psychology literature distinguishes two possible routes for consumers’ sequential moral decision making: moral balancing and moral consistency. Moral balancing refers to consumers’ deviation from the moral stance reflected in their past decisions; moral consistency implies that consumers repeat their prior moral and immoral decisions. Drawing on regulatory focus theory, four experimental studies affirm that balancing effects occur for consumers with a strong promotion focus, but consistency is more pronounced for prevention‐focused consumers; the studies also elucidate the processes underlying these effects. In addition, the promotion‐balancing effect, but not the prevention‐repetition effect, disappears if the second decision is unambiguously moral or immoral. These findings contribute to a better understanding of morality in the marketplace by showing that the prevention‐repetition effect from psychology literature arises in consumption situations, and the promotion‐balancing effect emerges as a new consumer behavior phenomenon.
An Efficient Green Synthesis of Some Functionalized Spiro Chromene Based Scaffolds as Potential Antitubercular Agents
Authors: Khan Gulzar A. , Naikoo Gowhar A. , War Javeed A. , Sheikh Imtiyaz A. , Pandit Umar Jan , Khan Imran , Harit Amit K. , Das Ratnesh
Published: January 2018

A facile multicomponent one pot synthesis of novel spiro [chromene‐2, 2‐pyrollidin]‐4′‐one derivatives3a–lwas conveniently carried out in acetic acid at feasible reaction conditions. The reaction mechanism operates through two key intermediates 3‐N‐aryliminocoumarin and coumarinylidene acetone. This protocol is an environmentally benign preparation and gives excellent yields of the target compounds (77–92%). The structure of new compounds were determined by spectroscopic techniques like FTIR,1H NMR,13C NMR, and MS. Docking studies against enoyl‐acyl carrier protein reductase predicts that the compounds bind at the active site with higher binding affinity values. The compound3k(MIC, 10 μg/mL) shows comparable activity in reference with Isoniazid at the same concentrations against MT H37 Rv.
The investigation of substituent effects on the fragmentation pathways of pentacoordinated phenoxyspirophosphoranes by ESI‐MSn
Authors: Cui Xiaoyan , Sun Can , Zhao Pei , Wang Yanyan , Guo Yanchun , Zhao Yufen , Cao Shuxia
Published: January 2018

The fragmentation pathways of pentacoordinated phenoxyspirophosphoranes were investigated in the positive mode by electrospray ionization multistage mass spectrometry. The results demonstrate that the sodium adducts of the title compounds undergo two competitive fragmentation pathways, and the fragmentation patterns are heavily dependent on the various substituent patterns at the phenolic group. An electron‐withdrawing substituent at the ortho‐position always results in the removal of a corresponding phenol analogue, while cleavage by spiroring opening becomes the predominant fragmentation pathway if an electron‐donating substituent is at the phenolic group. The substituent effects on the competitive fragmentation pathways were further elucidated by theoretical calculations, single crystal structure analysis, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The results contribute to the understanding of the gas‐phase fragmentation reactions and the structure identification of spirophosphorane analogues by electrospray ionization multistage mass spectrometry.
The dynamic relationship between multiple team membership and individual job performance in knowledge‐intensive work
Authors: van de Brake Hendrik J. , Walter Frank , Rink Floor A. , Essens Peter J. M. D. , van der Vegt Gerben S.
Published: January 2018

Many employees in modern, knowledge‐based organizations are concurrently involved in more than one team at the same time. This study investigated whether a within‐person change in such individual multiple team membership (MTM) may precede and may be predicted by changes in an employee's overall job performance. We examined this reciprocal relationship using longitudinal archival data from a large knowledge‐intensive organization, comprising 1,875 employees and spanning 5 consecutive years. A latent change score model demonstrated that an increase in an employee's MTM was associated with a subsequent decrease in his or her overall job performance evaluations. By contrast, an increase in job performance was associated with a subsequent increase in an employee's MTM. Moreover, our results indicated that although an increase in an individual employee's MTM initially decreases his or her job performance, in the long run, this increase in MTM was associated with higher job performance. Together, these results suggest a dynamic association between an individual employee's MTM and his or her overall job performance, such that these variables are mutually connected in a highly complex manner over time.
CAL Download – an innovative approach to making books more accessible
Authors: Burges Jo
Published: January 2018

Key points

The number of people who struggle to access the printed word is increasing exponentially.

Calibre Audio Library worked with i‐Publishing Consultants to transform the way the blind, partially‐sighted, and those with reading difficulties access their audio library.

Providing entirely audio prompts allows visually impaired users the independence to manage their own library.

Calibre and i‐Publishing Consultants won the 2017 Stationers’ Company Innovation Excellence Award for Social Development.
How publishing has helped and hindered me: Experiences and advice from a blind reader and publisher
Authors: Abbott George
Published: January 2018

Key points

Braille remains a relevant technology for access.

Properly structured content is vital for ease of understanding, as are correctly labelled links and action buttons.

Accessibility has hugely improved in the past 30 years but remains a fragile benefit, relying on stringent adherence to standards.
Benetech global literacy services: Working towards a ‘born accessible’ world
Authors: Turner Brad
Published: January 2018

Key points

Bookshare is the world's largest library of accessible titles provided to members and through special agreements.

Dyslexia is often forgotten as an impediment to access but must be accounted for within accessible publications.

Certification of accessibility provides confidence for purchasers and a marketing tool for publishers.

Accessibility requires multiple routes to access, on different platforms and in different formats.

Accessible artworks need particular attention, and this is often lacking in ‘accessible’ publications.
Self‐Healing in Supramolecular Polymers
Authors: Campanella Antonella , Döhler Diana , Binder Wolfgang H.
Published: January 2018

Adaption and self‐healing are two major principles in material science, often coupled with the placement of supramolecular moieties within a material. Proper molecular design can enable self‐healing within such materials, displaying enormous potential in technology and application. Here, basic physicochemical aspects as well as new material developments in the field are described, published after a recent review inMacromolecular Rapid Communicationsin 2013.
Metallic Nanodot Patterns with Unique Symmetries Templated from ABC Triblock Terpolymer Networks
Authors: Aissou Karim , Mumtaz Muhammad , Alvarez‐Fernandez Alberto , Mercat Jean , Antoine Ségolène , Pécastaings Gilles , Ponsinet Virginie , Dobrzynski Cécile , Fleury Guillaume , Hadziioannou Georges
Published: January 2018

Nanotemplates derived from the self‐assembly of AB‐type block copolymers provide an elegant route to achieve well‐defined metallic dot arrays, even if the variety of pattern symmetries is restricted due to the limited number of structures offered by microphase separated diblock copolymers. A strategy that relies on the use of complex network structures accessible through the self‐assembly of linear ABC‐type terpolymers is presented for the formation of metallic nanodots arrays with “outside‐the‐box” symmetries. Patterned templates formed by the cubic Q214 and orthorhombic O70 network structures are used as excellent platforms to build well‐ordered gold nanodot arrays with unique p3m1 and p2 symmetries, respectively. A simple yet efficient blending strategy is used to tune the critical dimensions of the p3m1 pattern while laterally ordered gold nanodot arrays are also demonstrated through a directed self‐assembly approach. Such highly ordered gold nanodots with tunable particle dimensions and array periods, enabling the control of their plasmonic responses, are attractive probes for biological imaging.
Candida auris: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of current updates on an emerging multidrug‐resistant pathogen
Authors: Osei Sekyere John
Published: January 2018

From 2009, Candida auris has emerged as a multidrug‐resistant ascomycete yeast pathogen with the capacity for easy transmission between patients and hospitals, as well as persistence on environmental surfaces. Its association with high mortalities, breakthrough and persistent candidaemia, inconsistencies in susceptibility testing results, misidentification by available commercial identification systems and treatment failure, complicates its management and detection. Within the last nine years, C. auris has been increasingly reported from far‐Eastern Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, South and North America with substantial fatalities and misidentification. Herein, I provide a systematic and thorough review of this emerging pathogen. Meta‐analysis showed that at least 742 C. auris isolates have been reported in 16 countries, with most of these being from India (≥243), USA (≥232) and UK (≥103) (p‐value = .0355) within 2013–2017. Most isolates were from males (64.76%) (p‐value = .0329) and blood (67.48%) (p‐value < .0001), with substantial crude mortality (29.75%) (p‐value = .0488). Affected patients presented with other comorbidities: diabetes (≥52), sepsis (≥48), lung diseases (≥39), kidney diseases (≥32) etc. (p‐value < .0001). Resistance to fluconazole (44.29%), amphotericin B (15.46%), voriconazole (12.67%), caspofungin (3.48%) etc. were common (p‐value = .0059). Commonly used diagnostic tools included PCR (30.38%), Bruker MALDI‐TOF MS (14.00%), Vitek 2 YST ID (11.93%), AFLP (11.55%) and WGS (10.04%) (p‐value = .002). Multidrug resistance, high attributable mortality and persistence are associated with C. auris infections. Two novel drugs, SCY‐078 and VT‐1598, are currently in the pipeline. Contact precautions, strict infection control, periodic surveillance and cleaning with chlorine‐based detergents, efficient, faster and cheaper detection tools are necessary for prevention, containment and early diagnosis of C. auris infections.
Comparison of algebraic multigrid methods for an adaptive space–time finite‐element discretization of the heat equation in 3D and 4D
Authors: Steinbach Olaf , Yang Huidong
Published: January 2018

The aim of this work is to compare algebraic multigrid (AMG) preconditioned GMRES methods for solving the nonsymmetric and positive definite linear systems of algebraic equations that arise from a space–time finite‐element discretization of the heat equation in 3D and 4D space–time domains. The finite‐element discretization is based on a Galerkin–Petrov variational formulation employing piecewise linear finite elements simultaneously in space and time. We focus on a performance comparison of conventional and modern AMG methods for such finite‐element equations, as well as robustness with respect to the mesh discretization and the heat capacity constant. We discuss different coarsening and interpolation strategies in the AMG methods for coarse‐grid selection and coarse‐grid matrix construction. Further, we compare AMG performance for the space–time finite‐element discretization on both uniform and adaptive meshes consisting of tetrahedra and pentachora in 3D and 4D, respectively. The mesh adaptivity occurring in space and time is guided by a residual‐based a posteriori error estimation.
A robust time‐space formulation for large‐scale scalar wave problems using exponential basis functions
Authors: Movahedian B. , Boroomand B. , Mansouri S.
Published: January 2018

In this paper, a new effective boundary node method is presented for the solution of acoustic problems, directly in time domain, using exponential basis functions. Unlike many other methods using boundary information, the final coefficient matrix is sparse. The formulation is well suited for domains whose extent is relatively larger than the distance traveled by the acoustic wave in an increment of time. The exponential basis functions used satisfy the time‐space governing equation. This helps to choose a relatively large time increment and a moderate number of boundary points, which leads to reduction of computation time. The computation is performed incrementally using a weighted residual in time. Through a series of numerical examples, it is shown that the method, when combined with a domain decomposition strategy, is effectively capable of solving various 1‐ to 3‐dimensional acoustic problems.
A new risk prioritization model for failure mode and effects analysis
Authors: Anes V. , Henriques E. , Freitas M. , Reis L.
Published: January 2018

Failure modes and effects analysis is a framework that has been widely used to improve reliability by prioritizing failures modes using the so‐called risk priority number. However, the risk priority number has some problems frequently pointed out in literature, namely its non‐injectivity, non‐surjectivity, and the impossibility to give weights to risk variables. Despite these disadvantages, the risk priority number continues to be widely used due to its higher simplicity when compared with other alternatives found in literature. In this paper, we propose a novel risk prioritization model to overcome the major drawbacks of the risk priority number. The model contains 2 functions, the risk isosurface function that prioritizes 3 risk variables considering their order of importance in a given risk scenario, and the risk prioritization index function which prioritizes 3 risk variables considering their weights. The novelty of the proposed model is its injectivity, surjectivity, and ease of use in failure modes prioritization. The performance of the proposed model was analyzed using some examples typically used to discuss the conventional risk priority number shortcomings. The model was applied to a case study and its performance correlated with other risk prioritization models. Results show that the failure modes prioritization reached with the proposed model agrees with the expectations made for the risk scenario.
Critical remarks on the governance of sustainability: On the institutional framework of standards
Authors: Mann Stefan
Published: January 2018

Sustainability assessment is on the rise: both the number and the importance of tools and labels are increasing quickly. This paper begins with the notion that today's organization of sustainability assessment is tribal, with small groups competing against each other. Using standards for social sustainability as a case in point, the vast heterogeneity in scale and scope of standards is demonstrated. The prevailing differences cause high transaction costs for consumers who are interested in purchasing sustainably. Using both historical evidence from the organic sector and the debate on information asymmetries as a rationale for the state to intervene, the paper concludes that the involvement of national governments in sustainability assessment would constitute progress, but that international coordination would be even better. It suggests engaging the International Organization for Standardization.