bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of metronidazole plus amoxicillin or metronidazole plus penicillin V on periodontal pathogens in an in vitro biofilm model
Authors: Dabija‐Wolter Gabriela , Al‐Zubaydi Sundus Saad , Mohammed Marwan Mansoor Ali , Bakken Vidar , Bolstad Anne Isine
Published: January 2018

A combination of metronidazole (MET) and amoxicillin (AMX) is commonly used as adjunct to mechanical therapy of periodontal disease. The use of broad spectrum antibiotics such as AMX may contribute to development of antibiotic resistance. The aim was to evaluate the in vitro effect of replacing AMX with penicillin V (PV) in combination with MET on a biofilm model. A biofilm model consisting of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum was developed. The biofilms were exposed to AMX + MET and PV + MET in two different concentrations. Bacterial viability in biofilms following antibiotic exposure was assessed by viable counts and by confocal microscopy. No live colonies of P. gingivalis nor F. nucleatum were retrieved from biofilms exposed to AMX + MET or PV + MET. The amount of A. actinomycetemcomitans was 4–5 logs reduced following antibiotic treatment; no statistical significance was achieved between AMX + MET or PV + MET treated biofilms. Replacement of AMX with PV at the same concentration, in combination with MET, resulted in similar effect on bacterial viability in this in vitro model. The option of using PV + MET instead of AMX + MET deserves further investigation, as this may contribute to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance development.
A Co2P/WC Nano‐Heterojunction Covered with N‐Doped Carbon as Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Gao Ya , Lang Zhongling , Yu Feiyang , Tan Huaqiao , Yan Gang , Wang Yonghui , Ma Yuanyuan , Li Yangguang
Published: January 2018

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) produces clean hydrogen through an electrochemical process. However, new nonprecious‐metal electrocatalysts for the HER are required to reduce the consumption of energy. Herein, we report a new Co2P/WC nano‐heterojunction that consists of Co2P and WC composite phases coated with a few‐layer N‐doped graphitic carbon shells (Co2P/WC@NC). The composite was prepared by a one‐step annealing of the polyoxometalate Na9(NH4)5[{(B‐α‐PW9O34)Co3(OH)(H2O)2(Ale)}2Co]⋅35 H2O (Co7P6W18) and dicyandiamide (DCA). The preparation method consisted of the simultaneous phosphorization of Co and carbonization of W in a confined space to isolate a Co2P/WC nano‐heterojunction phase for the first time. Co2P/WC@NC facilitated the generation of hydrogen in the electrolysis process, which had an overpotential of only 91 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in the acid solution; an excellent HER performance (2 H++2 e−→H2) and Tafel slope (40 mV dec−1) as well as durability over a period of 50 h were achieved. Theoretical calculations showed that the Co2P, WC, and NpyridinicC dopants in the material synergistically promoted the HER activity rather than the individual constituents. Furthermore, Co2P/WC@NC nano‐heterojunctions showed good HER performance in the whole pH range of electrolytes and considerable durability in acidic media containing transition metal ions, which may attract more attention for the exploration and optimization of nano‐heterojunction catalysts for the HER.
Benzopyrano‐Fused N‐Heterocyclic Polyaromatics
Authors: Elbert Sven M. , Reinschmidt Martin , Baumgärtner Kevin , Rominger Frank , Mastalerz Michael
Published: January 2018

Polycyclic heteroaromatic compounds are potentially interesting materials for organic electronic applications. While most of those compounds contain nitrogen or sulfur, oxygen‐based structures are much rarer, especially those including annulated pyrane rings. By the utilization of a cascade of Pictet–Spengler reactions and thermally induced ipso‐substitutions, a series of peri‐benzopyrano‐fused nitrogen containing polycyclic aromatic compounds was synthesized and their optoelectronic properties investigated by UV/Vis and emission spectroscopy as well as cyclic voltammetry and DFT‐calculations.
An Aqueous Composition for Lubricant‐Free, Robust, Slippery, Transparent Coatings on Diverse Substrates
Authors: Baidya Avijit , Das Sarit Kumar , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: January 2018

Transparent, durable coating materials that show excellent liquid repellency, both water and oil, have multiple applications in science and technology. In this perspective, herein, a simple aqueous chemical formulation is developed that provides a transparent slippery coating without any lubricating fluids, on various substrates extended over large areas. The coatings repel liquids having a range of polarity (solvents) as well as viscosity (oils and emulsions) and withstand mechanical strains. Exceptional optical transparency of 99% in the range of 350–900 nm along with high stability even after cyclic temperature, frost, exposure to sunlight, and corrosive liquids like aqua regia treatments, makes this material unique and widens its applicability in different fields. Besides, being a liquid, it can be coated on an array of substrates independent of their underlying topography, by various easily available techniques. Aside from these interesting properties, the coating is demonstrated as a potential solution contributing to the remediation of one of the biggest global issues of tomorrow: affordable drinking water. The coated surface can capture 5 L of water per day per m2 at 27 °C when exposed to an atmosphere of 63% relative humidity.
Research status quo and its prevention implication of geological hazards in the Central China Orogen
Authors: Yuan Xuefeng , Ying Yue , Wei Xindong , Hou Rui , Wang Xiaofeng , Zhao Yonghua , Shao Yajing , Yao Yichen , Chang Jinwei
Published: January 2018

To study the status quo of research on geological hazards in the Central China Orogen and its geological distribution quantitatively, we used bibliometric methods and deeply analysed the numbers, the authors and research institutions involved, and the distribution and changes of the research contents of papers on geological hazards published from 1962 to 2016. This review involved 26,677 documents, 26,339 authors, and 11,095 research institutions. The results showed that the study of geological hazards has significant time‐domain characteristics. In this field, the greatest number of papers was published in Recent Developments in World Seismology and the Chinese Journal of Geophysics–Chinese Edition, with 456 and 159 papers, respectively. As shown by an analysis of keywords, the current research focuses mainly on the evaluation, distribution characteristics, development regularity, detection and prediction, and prevention and control of geological hazards. The conclusions find that the authors of foreign‐published papers are mostly Chinese researchers, which cannot reflect the status quo of foreign research in this field to a certain extent. Differentiation between domestic and foreign research approaches and objectives through comparative analysis should be further explored.
Discovery of aMississippian–earlyBashkirian carbonate platform coeval with condensed cephalopod limestone sedimentation inNW Spain
Authors: Sanz‐López J. , Cózar P. , Blanco‐Ferrera S.
Published: January 2018

A new Mississippian to early Bashkirian shallow‐water carbonate platform, the Valdediezma Limestone, is identified in the central–eastern part of the Picos de Europa tectonic unit of the Cantabrian Mountains. The oldest beds (probably late Tournaisian or early Viséan) are faulted above middle Cambrian rocks. Biostratigraphy based on conodont and foraminiferal faunas allows to differentiate the Viséan–early Bashkirian Valdediezma Limestone from younger Bashkirian and Moscovian shallow‐water platforms previously described in the same area (Valdeteja and Picos de Europa formations). The Valdediezma Limestone recorded the rapid growth of a carbonate platform contemporaneous to the extended sedimentation of the Mississippian condensed, cephalopod‐bearing, nodular carbonates of the Alba Formation in the adjacent deep‐water basin. The growth of the platform continued during the late Serpukhovian and early Bashkirian, when deep‐water carbonates of the Barcaliente Formation were deposited in a geographically restricted foreland basin, and siliciclastic deposits filled the foredeep in the south‐western margin of the Cantabrian Mountains. A sedimentary hiatus from the early Bashkirian to the late Moscovian occurs above the Valdediezma Limestone. The exhumed and eroded platform was buried by late Moscovian to Kasimovian strata when the Variscan deformation affected the Picos de Europa unit. The Valdediezma Limestone was deposited on an isolated platform that rarely is preserved in South Europe, where contemporary shallow‐water carbonates were eroded and reworked into the synorogenic siliciclastic deposits of flysch‐type facies.
Direct health and residential care costs of people living with dementia in Australian residential aged care
Authors: Gnanamanickam Emmanuel S. , Dyer Suzanne M. , Milte Rachel , Harrison Stephanie L. , Liu Enwu , Easton Tiffany , Bradley Clare , Bilton Rebecca , Shulver Wendy , Ratcliffe Julie , Whitehead Craig , Crotty Maria
Published: January 2018

Objectives

This analysis estimates the whole‐of‐system direct costs for people living with dementia in residential care by using a broad health and social care provision perspective and compares it to people without dementia living in residential care.

Methods

Data were collected from 541 individuals living permanently in 17 care facilities across Australia. The annual cost of health and residential care was determined by using individual resource use data and reported by the dementia status of the individuals.

Results

The average annual whole‐of‐system cost for people living with dementia in residential care was approximately AU$88 000 (US$ 67 100) per person in 2016. The cost of residential care constituted 93% of the total costs. The direct health care costs were comprised mainly of hospital admissions (48%), pharmaceuticals (31%) and out‐of‐hospital attendances (15%). While total costs were not significantly different between those with and without dementia, the cost of residential care was significantly higher and the cost of health care was significantly lower for people living with dementia.

Conclusion

This study provides the first estimate of the whole‐of‐system costs of providing health and residential care for people living with dementia in residential aged care in Australia using individual level health and social care data. This predominantly bottom‐up cost estimate indicates the high cost associated with caring for people with dementia living permanently in residential care, which is underestimated when limited cost perspectives or top‐down, population costing approaches are taken.
Measuring anticholinergic exposure in patients with dementia: A comparative study of nine anticholinergic risk scales
Authors: Turró‐Garriga Oriol , Calvó‐Perxas Laia , Vilalta‐Franch Joan , Blanco‐Silvente Lidia , Castells Xavier , Capellà Dolors , Garre‐Olmo Josep ,   on behalf of the Registry of Dementia of Girona Study Group (ReDeGi Study Group)
Published: January 2018

Objective

To describe the prevalence and concordance of anticholinergic exposure according to 9 published scales, to quantify the relative weight of the drug subtypes included in each scale, and to identify clinical variables related to anticholinergic exposure.

Methods

Observational and cross‐sectional study using 5323 cases of dementia diagnosed in the 7 hospitals of the public health care system of the Health Region of Girona (Spain) between 2007 and 2014 and registered by the Registry of Dementias of Girona (ReDeGi). We used the Pharmacy database that includes all the drugs prescribed by specialist and primary care physicians and dispensed in pharmacies. We calculated the anticholinergic exposure using the scoring rules of each scale. Age, gender, place of residence, dementia subtype, Clinical Dementia Rating score, Mini‐Mental Status Examination score, and Blessed Dementia Rating Score at the moment of dementia diagnose were retrieved from the ReDeGi.

Results

Prevalence of the annual anticholinergic exposure ranged from 36.3% to 69.0% according to the different scales, the concordance among scales was poor to moderate, and the central nervous system drugs accounted the most for anticholinergic exposure. Being in a nursing home, having depressive symptoms, having a non‐Alzheimer's dementia subtype, the number of drug treatments, and the severity of dementia were main determinants of anticholinergic exposure.

Conclusions

There is a large difference in outcomes among the 9 anticholinergic risk scales. Clinicians and researchers should be aware of these differences when using these instruments in patients with dementia.
Converting MMSE to MoCA and MoCA 5‐minute protocol in an educationally heterogeneous sample with stroke or transient ischemic attack
Authors: Wong Adrian , Black Sandra E. , Yiu Stanley Y.P. , Au Lisa W.C. , Lau Alexander Y.L. , Soo Yannie O.Y. , Chan Anne Y.Y. , Leung Thomas W.H. , Wong Lawrence K.S. , Kwok Timothy C.Y. , Cheung Theodore C.K. , Leung Kam‐Tat , Lam Bonnie Y.K. , Kwan Joseph S.K. , Mok Vincent C.T.
Published: January 2018

Background

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is psychometrically superior over the Mini‐mental State Examination (MMSE) for cognitive screening in stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). It is free for clinical and research use. The objective of this study is to convert scores from the MMSE to MoCA and MoCA‐5‐minute protocol (MoCA‐5 min) and to examine the ability of the converted scores in detecting cognitive impairment after stroke or TIA.

Methods

A total of 904 patients were randomly divided into training (n = 623) and validation (n = 281) samples matched for demography and cognition. MMSE scores were converted to MoCA and MoCA‐5 min using (1) equipercentile method with log‐linear smoothing and (2) Poisson regression adjusting for age and education. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used to examine the ability of the converted scores in differentiating patients with cognitive impairment.

Results

The mean education was 5.8 (SD = 4.6; ranged 0–20) years. The entire spectrum of MMSE scores was converted to MoCA and MoCA‐5 min using equipercentile method. Relationship between MMSE and MoCA scores was confounded by age and education, and a conversion equation with adjustment for age and education was derived. In the validation sample, the converted scores differentiated cognitively impaired patients with area under receiver operating characteristics curve 0.826 to 0.859.

Conclusion

We provided 2 methods to convert scores from the MMSE to MoCA and MoCA‐5 min based on a large sample of patients with stroke or TIA having a wide range of education and cognitive levels. The converted scores differentiated patients with cognitive impairment after stroke or TIA with high accuracy.
EEG/MEG source imaging using fMRI informed time‐variant constraints
Authors: Xu Jing , Sheng Jingwei , Qian Tianyi , Luo Yue‐Jia , Gao Jia‐Hong
Published: January 2018

Multimodal functional neuroimaging by combining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) or magnetoencephalography (MEG) is able to provide high spatiotemporal resolution mapping of brain activity. However, the accuracy of fMRI‐constrained EEG/MEG source imaging may be degraded by potential spatial mismatches between the locations of fMRI activation and electrical source activities. To address this problem, we propose a novel fMRI informed time‐variant constraint (FITC) method. The weights in FITC are determined by combining the fMRI activities and electrical source activities in a time‐variant manner to reduce the impact of the fMRI extra sources. The fMRI weights are modified using cross‐talk matrix and normalized partial area under the curve to reduce the impact of fMRI missing sources. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to compare the source estimates produced by L2‐minimum norm estimation (MNE), fMRI‐weighted minimum norm estimation (fMNE), FITC, and depth‐weighted FITC (wFITC) algorithms with various spatial mismatch conditions. Localization error and temporal correlation were calculated to compare the four algorithms under different conditions. The simulation results indicated that the FITC and wFITC methods were more robust than the MNE and fMNE algorithms. Moreover, FITC and wFITC were significantly better than fMNE under the fMRI missing sources condition. A human visual‐stimulus EEG, MEG, and fMRI test was performed, and the experimental data revealed that FITC and wFITC displayed more focal areas than fMNE and MNE. In conclusion, the proposed FITC method is able to better resolve the spatial mismatch problems encountered in fMRI‐constrained EEG/MEG source imaging.
Pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma with nodal melanosis: A rare cause of cystic cervical lymphadenopathy
Authors: Tan Hiang Jin , Lee Lianne Ai Ling , Paulus Felix , Tan Choon Chieh
Published: January 2018

Background

Head and neck malignancies often present as firm, solid nodal masses. However, malignancies arising from Waldeyer's Ring may give rise to cystic lymph nodes.

Methods

A 57‐year‐old man was referred for left‐sided neck swelling of 2 weeks' duration. A CT scan revealed an enlarged cystic cervical node at level 5A/B and he underwent excision biopsy.

Results

Histology reported nodal fibrosis with melanophages. Further examination revealed a black nodule on his back where he had wide excision and the histology confirmed pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma.

Conclusion

Cervical lymphadenopathy can rarely be due to an upper back lesion, such as pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma. Thus, routine clinical examination of the upper back should be performed in patients with cervical lymphadenopathy.
Portal Effects on the Stability of Cucurbituril Complexes
Authors: Kaifer Angel E.
Published: December 2017

This work is concerned with the properties of cucurbit[n]uril (CBn) host portals. The carbonyl oxygens lining each of the cavity openings on these hosts give rise to a rim of negative charge density, which often has strong effects on guest binding processes. The negative effect that carboxylates exert on guest binding to cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) is described in detail, as well as the fact that the protonation state of terminal −COO−/COOH groups can be utilized to control CB7 shuttling on suitably designed pseudorotaxanes. Carboxylates can also slow down the kinetics of CB7 complex formation and dissociation. Finally, the electrostatic properties of the portals are useful ‐with suitable molecular design‐ to develop strong cooperativity effects, resulting from attractive side‐by‐side interactions, on the assembly of multi‐component supramolecular complexes.
Evaluating the effects of maternal alcohol consumption on murine fetal brain vasculature using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Raghunathan Raksha , Wu Chen , Singh Manmohan , Liu Chih‐Hao , Miranda Rajesh C. , Larin Kirill V.
Published: January 2018

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can result in a range of anomalies including brain and behavioral dysfunctions, collectively termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. PAE during the 1st and 2nd trimester is common, and research in animal models has documented significant neural developmental deficits associated with PAE during this period. However, little is known about the immediate effects of PAE on fetal brain vasculature. In this study, we used in utero speckle variance optical coherence tomography, a high spatial‐ and temporal‐resolution imaging modality, to evaluate dynamic changes in microvasculature of the 2nd trimester equivalent murine fetal brain, minutes after binge‐like maternal alcohol exposure. Acute binge‐like PAE resulted in a rapid (<1 hour) and significant decrease (P < .001) in vessel diameter as compared to the sham group. The data show that a single binge‐like maternal alcohol exposure resulted in swift vasoconstriction in fetal brain vessels during the critical period of neurogenesis.
Direct remembering, mediated remembering, and atypical forgetting functions
Authors: Geoffrey White K.
Published: January 2018

Atypical forgetting functions have been demonstrated in several recent studies of delayed matching to sample, in which experimental conditions are altered partway through the retention interval. The forgetting functions are atypical in that accuracy or discriminability is not always a negatively accelerated monotonic function of increasing retention interval duration, but may increase at later times in the retention interval. Atypical forgetting functions reflect changes in levels of discrimination. A switch from a lower level to a higher level of discrimination, or vice versa, can occur at any time in the retention interval. The behavioral theories of remembering proposed by Nevin, Davison, Odum, and Shahan (2007), and White and Brown (2014), offer quantitative predictions of forgetting functions that differ in intercept or slope. Both theories are able to account for atypical forgetting functions, by assuming time‐independent changes in the mediating effect of attending to sample and comparison stimuli (in Nevin et al.'s model) or in the direct effect of the context of reinforcement of the conditional discrimination (in White & Brown's model). Despite differences in their main assumptions, the theories have an edge over any theory that assumes that forgetting is time‐dependent.
Arterial‐spin‐labeling (ASL) perfusion MRI predicts cognitive function in elderly individuals: A 4‐year longitudinal study
Authors: De Vis Jill B. , Peng Shin‐Lei , Chen Xi , Li Yang , Liu Peiying , Sur Sandeepa , Rodrigue Karen M. , Park Denise C. , Lu Hanzhang
Published: January 2018

Background

With the disappointing outcomes of clinical trials on patients with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), there is increasing attention to understanding cognitive decline in normal elderly individuals, with the goal of identifying subjects who are most susceptible to imminent cognitive impairment.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To evaluate the potential of cerebral blood flow (CBF) as a biomarker by investigating the relationship between CBF at baseline and cognition at follow‐up.

Study Type

Prospective longitudinal study with a 4‐year time interval.

Population

309 healthy subjects aged 20–89 years old.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T pseudo‐continuous‐arterial‐spin‐labeling MRI.

Assessment

CBF at baseline and cognitive assessment at both baseline and follow‐up.

Statistical Tests

Linear regression analyses with age, systolic blood pressure, physical activity, and baseline cognition as covariates.

Results

Linear regression analyses revealed that whole‐brain CBF at baseline was predictive of general fluid cognition at follow‐up. This effect was observed in the older group (age ≥54 years, β = 0.221, P = 0.004), but not in younger or entire sample (β = 0.018, P = 0.867 and β = 0.089, P = 0.098, respectively). Among major brain lobes, frontal CBF had the highest sensitivity in predicting future cognition, with a significant effect observed for fluid cognition (β = 0.244 P = 0.001), episodic memory (β = 0.294, P = 0.001), and reasoning (β = 0.186, P = 0.027). These associations remained significant after accounting for baseline cognition. Voxelwise analysis revealed that medial frontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, part of the default mode network (DMN), are among the most important regions in predicting fluid cognition.

Data Conclusion

In a healthy aging cohort, CBF can predict general cognitive ability as well as specific domains of cognitive function.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2018;48:449–458.
Track‐weighted imaging for neuroretina: Evaluations in healthy volunteers and ischemic optic neuropathy
Authors: Attyé Arnaud , Jean Clément , Remond Perrine , Peyrin Carole , Lecler Augustin , Boudiaf Naïla , Aptel Florent , Chiquet Christophe , Lamalle Laurent , Krainik Alexandre
Published: January 2018

Background

The use of MRI‐tractography to explore the human neuroretina is yet to be reported. Track‐weighted imaging (TWI) was recently introduced as a qualitative tractography‐based method with high anatomical contrast.

Purpose

To explore the human retina in healthy volunteers and patients with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) using TWI reconstructions.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Twenty AION patients compared with 20 healthy volunteers.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T MRI diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) with b‐value of 1000 s/mm2 and 60 diffusion‐weighting noncollinear directions.

Assessment

We performed constrained spherical deconvolution from the diffusion‐weighted signal and volumetric tractography method, whereby 10 million streamlines are initiated from seed points randomly distributed throughout the orbital area. We then reconstructed TWI maps with isotropic voxel size of 300 μm.

Statistical Tests

We tested the effect of the number of diffusion‐weighting directions, ocular laterality, and ocular dominance on healthy retinal fascicles distribution. We then performed factorial analysis of variance to test the effects of the presence/absence of the fascicles on the visual field defect in patients.

Results

In healthy volunteers, we found more temporal fascicle in right eyes (P = 0.001), more superior fascicles in dominant eyes (P = 0.014), and fewer fascicles with tractography maps based on 30 directions than those based on 45 directions (P = 9 × 10−8) and 60 directions (P = 6 × 10−7). Eight out of 20 AION patients presented with complete absence of neuroretinal fascicle, side of the disease, which was correlated with visual field mean deviation at the 6‐month visit [F(1,17) = 6.97, P = 0.016]. Seven patients presented with a temporal fascicle in the injured eye; this fascicle presence was linked to visual field mean deviation at the 6‐month visit [F(1,17) = 8.43, P = 0.009].

Data Conclusion

In AION patients, the presence of the temporal neuroretinal fascicle in the affected eye provides an objective outcome radiological sign correlated with visual performance.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:737–747.
Using overlap‐extension PCR technique to fusing genes for constructing recombinant plasmids
Authors: Lu Yuanyuan , Xiao Shuqin , Yuan Mingyue , Gao Yibo , Sun Jiaying , Xue Chunsheng
Published: January 2018

Overlap‐extension PCR is a method for splice of gene segments to produce focused fragments for constructing recombinant plasmid, but its complexity limits its application. To simplify the protocol and to improve the effectiveness, we employed gradient temperatures to replace the single annealing temperature in the thermo‐cycling program, and optimize the templates ratio. The concentration of each fragment was adjusted to 10 ng µl−1. Fragment concentration ratio was the inverse of the fragment size ratio. The products of fused segments were 2000–5000 bp in length using the revised one‐step method. This method splices effective two or more fragments to fused gene and produce recombinant plasmid.
Systematic study on metabolism and activity evaluation of Radix Scutellaria extract in rat plasma using UHPLC with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and microdialysis intensity‐fading mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Xueju , Liu Shu , Xing Junpeng , Pi Zifeng , Liu Zhiqiang , Song Fengrui
Published: January 2018

Radix Scutellaria is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of various diseases. However, the activities of the absorbed components and metabolites of its main flavones in rat plasma need further investigation. In this study, a systematic method based on ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with quadruple time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was developed to speculate the absorbed components and metabolites of the main flavonoids in Radix Scutellaria extract in rat plasma sample after oral administration of the extract. Twelve compounds, including four prototype components and eight metabolites, were confirmed in drug‐containing plasma. In these metabolites, five were originally detected in rat plasma. The possible metabolic pathways of these polyhydroxy flavones in vivo were described and clarified. Microdialysis with intensity‐fading mass spectrometry was originally employed to investigate the binding affinities of the absorbed components and metabolites with α‐glucosidase. The order of their binding affinities was P4 > P3 > P2 > P1≥M5 > M3 > M1. The research result is helpful to deepen the understanding of the absorbed components and metabolic pathways of main flavones from Radix Scutellaria, and provide a new approach to screen potential inhibitors from in vivo components originated from Chinese herb.
Towards an improved typology approach to segmenting cultural tourists
Authors: Chen Ganghua , Huang Songshan (Sam)
Published: January 2018

This study aims to improve the cultural tourist typology methodology that uses cultural centrality and depth of cultural experience in its framework. Using a sample of Chinese tourists in Macau (n = 595) collected via questionnaire surveys, the study confirmed the determination effect of cultural centrality on depth of cultural experience. Subsequently, the study demonstrated an improved approach that eliminates such a determination effect in typology identification. Compared to McKercher's () approach, the improved typology presents a balanced segmentation of cultural tourists and distinguishes the segments more clearly in their sociodemographic characteristics. The improved typology generated more meaningful practical implications.
Excellent Stability in Water of Single‐Chain Nanoparticles against Chain Scission by Sonication
Authors: González‐Burgos Marina , González Edurne , Pomposo José A.
Published: January 2018

In this study the superior stability against degradation induced by ultrasound irradiation of water‐soluble single‐chain polymer nanoparticles when compared to their parent precursor polymers is reported, and a loop scission mechanism in support of such behavior is suggested.
Facile Synthesis of Optically Active and Magnetic Nanoparticles Carrying Helical Poly(phenyl isocyanide) Arms and Their Application in Enantioselective Crystallization
Authors: Lin Ya‐Lan , Chu Jia‐Hong , Lu Hao‐Jun , Liu Na , Wu Zong‐Quan
Published: January 2018

In this paper, the facile synthesis of hybrid Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles carrying helical poly(phenyl isocyanide) (PPI) arms via both “grafting from” and “grafting onto” strategies is reported. First, alkyne‐Pd(II) catalysts are anchored onto the surface of the Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle, which promote the polymerization of enantiopure phenyl isocyanide, affording the expected hybrid magnetic nanoparticle with Fe3O4 in core and helical PPI as arms. The nanoparticle also exhibits highly optical activity due to the excess of one‐handed helicity of the PPI arms. Moreover, the hybrid magnetic nanoparticle can be alternatively synthesized via “grafting onto” strategy. A triethoxysilanyl‐terminated single handed helical PPI bearing l‐alanine ester pendants is prepared and grafted onto the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticle. The generated hybrid magnetic nanoparticles show both magnetic character and optical activity. Taking advantage of these properties, they can be used in enantioselective crystallization of racemic threonine. The enantiomeric excess (ee) of the induced crystals is up to 93%. Moreover, the nanoparticles can be facilely recovered and recycle used for at least four times in enantioselective crystallization without significantly loss of its enantioselectivity.
Design and Synthesis of a Novel n‐Type Polymer Based on Asymmetric Rylene Diimide for the Application in All‐Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Jing , Chen Fan , Ran Huijuan , Hu Jian‐Yong , Xiao Bo , Tang Ailing , Wang Xiaochen , Zhou Erjun
Published: January 2018

A novel n‐type polymer of PTDI‐T based on asymmetric rylene diimide and thiophene is designed and synthesized. The highest power conversion efficiency of 4.70% is achieved for PTB7‐Th:PTDI‐T‐based devices, which is obviously higher than those of the analogue polymers of PPDI‐2T and PDTCDI. When using PBDB‐T as a donor, an open‐circuit voltage (VOC) as high as 1.03 V is obtained. The results indicate asymmetric rylene diimide is a kind of promising building block to construct n‐type photovoltaic polymers.
Das Unbehagen der Chemie
Authors: Müllen Klaus
Published: January 2018

Einig ist sich eine Mehrheit der Menschen in einem diffusen Unbehagen an der Chemie. Aber wie ist es umgekehrt mit dem Unbehagen der Chemiker? Gemeint ist ein dreifaches Unbehagen: an der Gesellschaft, an den Nachbardisziplinen und, ja, leider auch am eigenen Fach.
Erdölbegleitgas nutzen
Authors: Schmidt Volkmar M. , Hördt Gunter , Zenner Julian
Published: January 2018

Nebenprodukte der Erdölförderung sollten nicht nur verbrannt, sondern auch stofflich verwendet werden. Dabei könnte die trockene Methanreformierung helfen.
Hochleistungsakkus: Weiter kommen mit Silicium
Authors: Hansen Sandra , Carstensen Jürgen , Kienle Lorenz , Adelung Rainer
Published: January 2018

Herkömmliche Akkus für die E‐Mobilität stoßen an ihr Reichweitenlimit. Silicium erhöht sowohl die Reichweite – bis zum Fünffachen, als auch die Langlebigkeit, und solche Akkus sind zugleich schnell zu laden. Eine elastische Hülle um das Silicium erhält eine hohe Kristallqualität.
Translational control of aberrant stress responses as a hallmark of cancer
Authors: El‐Naggar Amal M , Sorensen Poul H
Published: January 2018

Altered mRNA translational control is emerging as a critical factor in cancer development and progression. Targeting specific elements of the translational machinery, such as mTORC1 or eIF4E, is emerging as a new strategy for innovative cancer therapy. While translation of most mRNAs takes place through cap‐dependent mechanisms, a sub‐population of cellular mRNA species, particularly stress‐inducible mRNAs with highly structured 5'‐UTR regions, are primarily translated through cap‐independent mechanisms. Intriguingly, many of these mRNAs encode proteins that are involved in tumour cell adaptation to microenvironmental stress, and thus linked to aggressive behaviour including tumour invasion and metastasis. This necessitates a rigorous search for links between microenvironmental stress and aggressive tumour phenotypes. Under stress, cells block global protein synthesis to preserve energy while maintaining selective synthesis of proteins that support cell survival. One highly conserved mechanism to regulate protein synthesis under cell stress is to sequester mRNAs into cytosolic aggregates called stress granules (SGs), where their translation is silenced. SGs confer survival advantages and chemotherapeutic resistance to tumour cells under stress. Recently, it has been shown that genetically blocking SG formation dramatically reduces tumour invasive and metastatic capacity in vivo. Therefore, targeting SG formation might represent a potential treatment strategy to block cancer metastasis. Here, we present the critical link between selective mRNA translation, stress adaptation, SGs, and tumour progression. Further, we also explain how deciphering mechanisms of selective mRNA translation occurs under cell stress holds great promise for the identification of new targets in the treatment of cancer. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phase 1 trial of ontuxizumab (MORAb‐004) in children with relapsed or refractory solid tumors: A report from the Children's Oncology Group Phase 1 Pilot Consortium (ADVL1213)
Authors: Norris Robin E. , Fox Elizabeth , Reid Joel M. , Ralya Andrew , Liu Xiaowei W. , Minard Charles , Weigel Brenda J.
Published: January 2018

Background

Ontuxizumab is a humanized IgG monoclonal antibody that targets the cell‐surface glycoprotein endosialin (tumor endothelial marker‐1[TEM‐1]/CD248) found on activated mesenchymal cells and certain tumors. Ontuxizumab binding to endosialin may interfere with platelet‐derived growth factor signaling, prevent tumor stroma organization, and prevent new vessel formation.

Methods

Ontuxizumab was administered intravenously on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of a 28‐day cycle at three dose levels (4, 8, and 12 mg/kg). Further dose escalation to 16 mg/kg was planned if the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was not reached and the ontuxizumab systemic clearance was ≥30% higher in children compared to adults. Following determination of the MTD/recommended phase 2 dose, an additional cohort of six patients (<12 years) was enrolled for further pharmacokinetics (PK) evaluation.

Results

Twenty‐seven eligible patients (17 male, median age 15 years, range 3–21 years) were enrolled. Twenty‐two patients (neuroblastoma [5], Ewing sarcoma [4], rhabdomyosarcoma [4], and other tumors [9]) were fully evaluable for toxicity. Five patients did not complete cycle 1 due to tumor progression. Two of 10 patients experienced dose‐limiting toxicity of bacteremia (n = 1) and hyponatremia (n = 1) at 12 mg/kg. Grade ≤2 fever or infusion‐related reactions occurred in 10 patients. Clearance was dose dependent and within 30% of adult value at 12 mg/kg.

Conclusion

Ontuxizumab administered weekly at 12 mg/kg appears to be well tolerated in children with relapsed or refractory solid tumors. The PK of ontuxizumab does not appear to be significantly different in children compared to adults.
Kosmischer Steinschlag
Authors: Rumpf Clemens
Published: January 2018

Ein Asteroideneinschlag hat das Ende der Dinosaurier eingeläutet. Besteht eine ähnliche Gefahr für uns heute? Tatsächlich kollidieren täglich Asteroiden mit der Erde. Dabei handelt es sich häufig nur um kleine Objekte, die Sternschnuppen produzieren. Was passiert aber, wenn die Asteroiden größer sind? Eine neue Studie erläutert, wie häufig solche Ereignisse vorkommen und welche Konsequenzen sie haben. Außerdem erklärt sie, welche Möglichkeiten des Selbstschutzes wir haben und wie Asteroiden für uns über die Einschlagsgefahr hinaus interessant sind.
Mit Lichtschrauben ans Quantenlimit
Authors: Fickler Robert , Krenn Mario , Zeilinger Anton
Published: January 2018

Licht erlaubt es, Quanteneffekte zwischen weit entfernten Systemen mit vielen Einstellmöglichkeiten zu präparieren. Dazu zählen auch „Lichtschrauben“ mit Bahndrehimpulsen hoher Quantenzahl. Mit speziellen Spiegeln wurden bereits Bahndrehimpulse mit Quantenzahlen bis zu 10 000 ħ erzeugt. Dies ist sogar bei einzelnen Photonen möglich. Damit ist eine Form der Quantenverschränkung nutzbar, welche die Bahndrehimpuls‐Quantenzahl eines Photons mit der Polarisation eines Partnerphotons verschränkt. Bei hoher Drehimpulsquantenzahl lässt sich in einem solchen Paar entsprechend viel Quanteninformation speichern. Diese Verschränkung bleibt sogar bei der Übertragung über große Distanzen in Luft erhalten. Sie könnte damit die Bandbreite der Freiluft‐Quanteninformationsübertragung erheblich steigern.
Brillantes Röntgenlicht
Authors: Decking Winfried , Weise Hans , Flegel Ilka
Published: January 2018

Anfang September 2017 wurde bei Hamburg der 3,4 km lange Röntgenlaser European XFEL eröffnet. Als eine der größten Forschungsanlagen der Welt setzt der Freie‐Elektronen‐Laser Maßstäbe bei der Erzeugung höchst brillanter Photonenstrahlen. Ihre Wellenlängen liegen im Subnanometer‐Bereich. Die Anlage besitzt den längsten supraleitenden Linearbeschleuniger der Welt. In ihm kommt modernste Beschleunigertechnologie zum Einsatz. Zahlreiche Partner realisierten den European XFEL als internationales Gemeinschaftsprojekt.
Die Weichheit atomarer Kollisionen
Authors: Mil Alexander
Published: January 2018

Atomare Stoßprozesse nehmen Einfluss auf viele Merkmale von ultrakalten Quantengasen, wie das Erreichen des thermischen Gleichgewichts oder den zeitlichen Verlauf von Kohärenz. In unserem Experiment am Weizmann‐Institut in Rehovot, Israel, haben wir eine spektroskopische Methode entwickelt, mit der die Weichheit von atomaren Stoßprozessen erstmals direkt bestimmt werden kann.
Collaborative and competitive strategies in the variability and resiliency of large‐scale societies in Mesoamerica
Authors: Feinman Gary M. , Carballo David M.
Published: January 2018

Examinations of the variation and duration of past large‐scale societies have long involved a conceptual struggle between efforts at generalization and the unraveling of specific trajectories. Although historical particulars are critical to understanding individual cases, there exist both scientific and policy rationales for drawing broader implications regarding the growing corpus of cross‐cultural data germane to understanding variability in the constitution of human societies, past and present. Archaeologists have recently paid increased attention to successes and failures in communal‐resource management over the long term, as articulated by the transdisciplinary theory on cooperation and collective action. In this article, we consider frameworks that have been traditionally employed in studies of the rise, diversity, and fall of large‐scale preindustrial aggregations. We suggest that a comparative theoretical perspective that foregrounds collective‐action problems, unaligned individual and group interests, and the social mechanisms that promote or hamper cooperation advances our understanding of variability in these early cooperative arrangements. We apply such a perspective to an examination of cities from pre‐Columbian Mesoamerica to demonstrate tendencies for more collective systems to be larger and longer lasting than less collective ones, likely reflecting greater resiliency in the face of the ecological and cultural perturbations specific to the region and era.
“Never had the hand”: Distribution and inequality in the diverse economy of a refugee camp
Authors: Trapp Micah M.
Published: January 2018

In a long‐term refugee camp with few opportunities for wage labor, giving and receiving become vital mechanisms for finding food to eat. Drawing on mixed‐methods research at the Buduburam Liberian refugee camp in Ghana, this article focuses on the ethnographic details of everyday economic life to dismantle dominant narratives that shape current understandings of refugee economies. Exclusion from capitalist narratives and the lack of categories to account for the economic lives of refugees mask the dynamic and diverse impacts of the camp economy. Instead, ethnographic analysis of distributive practices and channels at Buduburam reveals how an underlying restorative narrative shapes the camp economy. Economic activities that sustain life inside the refugee camp—and the categories used to describe these activities—do not simply afford social protection; they also generate conflict and inequality.
Ru(II)‐η6‐benzene Complexes of Dibenzosuberenyl Appended Aroyl/Acylthiourea Ligands: In vitro Biomolecular Interaction Studies and Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation
Authors: Rohini Gandhaveeti , Haribabu Jebiti , Sheeba Mani M. , K. N. Aneesrahman , Bhuvanesh Nattamai S. P. , Balachandran Chandrasekhar , Karvembu Ramasamy , Sreekanth Anandaram
Published: January 2018

A series of novel N‐dibenzosuberene appended aroyl/acylthiourea ligands (L1‐L4) and their Ru(II)‐benzene complexes (1‐4), [RuCl2(η6‐benzene)L] (L=monodentate aroyl/acylthiourea ligand) was synthesized and well characterized. The coordination mode of aroyl/acylthiourea ligand with Ru ion through S (neutral monodentate) donor atom was determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. In vitro Calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) and Bovine serum albumin (BSA) interaction of the complexes were investigated by UV‐Visible, fluorescence spectroscopic and hydrodynamic methods. The results showed the intercalative mode of binding (in the order of 1 > 4 > 3 > 2) of the Ru(II)‐benzene complexes with CT‐DNA. The DNA (pUC19) cleavage study showed that the complexes cleaved DNA through a hydrolytic pathway. All the complexes have been thoroughly screened for their cytotoxicity against human liver carcinoma (HepG‐2) and lung cancer (A549) cells under in vitro conditions. Complex 1 exhibited significant cytotoxic activity (IC50=46.1 μM) towards HepG‐2 cancer cell line. In addition to this, the prepared complexes have been utilized as catalyst precursors for transfer hydrogenation (TH) of ketones, aldehydes and nitro compounds using 2‐propanol as a hydrogen source. The TH reactions proceeded with exceptional conversions (up to 99%) and the present catalytic system was extended to substituted aromatic/heterocyclic carbonyl and nitro compounds.
Effect of Retro‐Inverso Isomer of Bradykinin on Size‐Dependent Penetration of Blood–Brain Tumor Barrier
Authors: Su Bingxia , Wang Ruifeng , Xie Zuoxu , Ruan Huitong , Li Jichen , Xie Cao , Lu Weiyue , Wang Jing , Wang Dongli , Liu Min
Published: January 2018

Retro‐inverso bradykinin (RI‐BK) has better metabolic stability and higher affinity for the BK type 2 (B2) receptor, compared with bradykinin. At low doses, RI‐BK can selectively enhance the permeability of the blood–brain tumor barrier (BBTB) without harming normal brain tissue. In this study, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) of size ranging from 5 to 90 nm are synthesized to assess the optimal size of nanocarriers that achieves maximum brain accumulation after the treatment of RI‐BK. The ability of the GNPs to cross the BBTB is tested in a rat C6 glioma tumor model. The results of inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy indicate that GNPs with size of 70 nm achieve maximum permeability to the glioma. The present study supports the conclusion that RI‐BK can enhance the permeability of BBTB and provides fundamental information for further development of nanomedicines or nanoprobes for glioma therapy.
Assembly and Self‐Assembly of Nanomembrane Materials—From 2D to 3D
Authors: Huang Gaoshan , Mei Yongfeng
Published: January 2018

Nanoscience and nanotechnology offer great opportunities and challenges in both fundamental research and practical applications, which require precise control of building blocks with micro/nanoscale resolution in both individual and mass‐production ways. The recent and intensive nanotechnology development gives birth to a new focus on nanomembrane materials, which are defined as structures with thickness limited to about one to several hundred nanometers and with much larger (typically at least two orders of magnitude larger, or even macroscopic scale) lateral dimensions. Nanomembranes can be readily processed in an accurate manner and integrated into functional devices and systems. In this Review, a nanotechnology perspective of nanomembranes is provided, with examples of science and applications in semiconductor, metal, insulator, polymer, and composite materials. Assisted assembly of nanomembranes leads to wrinkled/buckled geometries for flexible electronics and stacked structures for applications in photonics and thermoelectrics. Inspired by kirigami/origami, self‐assembled 3D structures are constructed via strain engineering. Many advanced materials have begun to be explored in the format of nanomembranes and extend to biomimetic and 2D materials for various applications. Nanomembranes, as a new type of nanomaterials, allow nanotechnology in a controllable and precise way for practical applications and promise great potential for future nanorelated products.