bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient Simulation of Hollow‐Fiber Membrane Filtration with Nonuniform Permeability Distribution
Authors: Zhuang Liwei , Wang Yang , Xu Zhen-Liang , Dai Gance
Published: September 2018

Transient simulation of filtration in hollow‐fiber membranes with nonuniform permeability distribution was conducted. The diversity of permeability distributions caused different initial flux and transmembrane pressure distributions. Manipulating the permeability distribution enables a hollow‐fiber membrane to achieve its maximum volumetric flow rate. During solid‐liquid separation, the inter‐adjustment between flux and cake distributions improved their uniformities simultaneously. The reciprocal of the volumetric flow rate of the membranes all increased linearly with water production. Severely nonuniform permeability distribution caused low water production. The numerical results could be applicable to account for the non‐ideal performance of industrial hollow‐fiber membrane modules.
Photoswitchable Self‐Assembly/Disassembly of Near‐Infrared Fluorophores
Authors: Xie Nuo‐Hua , Li Chong , Chen Ying , Chen Tao , Liu Zhitian , Zhu Ming‐Qiang
Published: September 2018

A new photoswitchable near‐infrared fluorophore (TDI‐4DTE) with a symmetric structure exhibited reversible photo‐controllable self‐assembly and disassembly. The modification of π‐conjugated terrylenediimide with four dithienylethene groups not only induced photoswitchable near‐infrared fluorescence, but also photoregulated reversible precipitation–dissolution with microscopic and macroscopic polymorphism. Upon 302 nm UV‐light irradiation, a noticeable precipitation was observed within seconds. The precipitate was gradually dissolved again in half an hour upon visible light irradiation. Different microscopic morphologies of the precipitates, including nanoparticles, nanofibrils and nanosheets, were observed when altering the intensity of the 302 nm light irradiation, indicating the dynamic control process of self‐assembly. Upon UV‐light irradiation, TDI‐4DTE nanosheets were also obtained as a solid polymeric film, whereas well‐defined nanoribbons with molecular monolayer thickness formed at the oil/water interface with slower assembly dynamics.
Trifluoromethanesulfinyl Chloride for Electrophilic Trifluoromethythiolation and Bifunctional Chlorotrifluoromethythiolation
Authors: Jiang Lvqi , Yan Qiang , Wang Rongkang , Ding Tianqi , Yi Wenbin , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2018

Trifluoromethanesulfinyl chloride (CF3SOCl) has been introduced as a new reagent for C−H trifluoromethylthiolation of indoles, thiophenes, and ketones under catalyst‐free conditions and in the absence of reductant. The disproportionation of CF3SOCl to CF3SO2Cl and CF3SCl provides two pathways for the trifluoromethylthiolation. Direct trifluoromethylthiolation with CF3SCl or trifluoromethylsulfoxidation with CF3SOCl is followed by reduction with CF3SOCl. This reagent can be used to functionalize benzothiophenes, benzofurans, and indenes under the promotion of Ag2CO3. It can also be used for trifluoromethylthiolation of thiols and benzeneselenols, and 1,2‐bifunctional chlorotrifluoromethylthiolation of indoles, styrenes, and alkyenes. The method can also be extended for difluorometylthiolation reactions using CF2HSOCl.
Interfacial Asymmetric Post‐Functionalization of Graphene: Amphiphilic Graphene Derivatives Self‐Assembled to 3D Superstructures
Authors: Georgitsopoulou Sofia , Karakassides Angelliki , Georgakilas Vasilios
Published: September 2018

The interfacial asymmetric post‐functionalization of graphene nanosheets and their self‐assembly into superstructures is presented. By performing two sequential functionalizations, graphene nanosheets lying in the interface of a biphasic aqueous‐organic system become amphiphilic, thereby generating an organophilic side and a hydrophilic side. The as‐prepared Janus type amphiphilic graphene nanosheets are then self‐assembled to generate different interesting superstructures, depending on the nature of the solvent in which they are dispersed.
Breast cancer metastasis to gynaecological organs: a clinico‐pathological and molecular profiling study
Authors: Kutasovic Jamie R , McCart Reed Amy E , Males Renique , Sim Sarah , Saunus Jodi M , Dalley Andrew , McEvoy Christopher R , Dedina Liana , Miller Gregory , Peyton Stephen , Reid Lynne , Lal Samir , Niland Colleen , Ferguson Kaltin , Fellowes Andrew P , Al‐Ejeh Fares , Lakhani Sunil R , Cummings Margaret C , Simpson Peter T
Published: September 2018

Breast cancer metastasis to gynaecological organs is an understudied pattern of tumour spread. We explored clinico‐pathological and molecular features of these metastases to better understand whether this pattern of dissemination is organotropic or a consequence of wider metastatic dissemination. Primary and metastatic tumours from 54 breast cancer patients with gynaecological metastases were analysed using immunohistochemistry, DNA copy‐number profiling, and targeted sequencing of 386 cancer‐related genes. The median age of primary tumour diagnosis amongst patients with gynaecological metastases was significantly younger compared to a general breast cancer population (46.5 versus 60 years; p < 0.0001). Median age at metastatic diagnosis was 54.4, time to progression was 4.8 years (range 0–20 years), and survival following a diagnosis of metastasis was 1.95 years (range 0–18 years). Patients had an average of five involved sites (most frequently ovary, fallopian tube, omentum/peritoneum), with fewer instances of spread to the lungs, liver, or brain. Invasive lobular histology and luminal A‐like phenotype were over‐represented in this group (42.8 and 87.5%, respectively) and most patients had involved axillary lymph nodes (p < 0.001). Primary tumours frequently co‐expressed oestrogen receptor cofactors (GATA3, FOXA1) and harboured amplifications at 8p12, 8q24, and 11q13. In terms of phenotype conversion, oestrogen receptor status was generally maintained in metastases, FOXA1 increased, and expression of progesterone receptor, androgen receptor, and GATA3 decreased. ESR1 and novel AR mutations were identified. Metastasis to gynaecological organs is a complication frequently affecting young women with invasive lobular carcinoma and luminal A‐like breast cancer, and hence may be driven by sustained hormonal signalling. Molecular analyses reveal a spectrum of factors that could contribute to de novo or acquired resistance to therapy and disease progression.
Regulating Nutrients and Phytoplankton by Extending the Habitats of Periphyton in a Deep River‐Type Reservoir
Authors: Peng Chengrong , Qin Hongjie , Bi Yonghong , Li Dunhai
Published: September 2018

Eutrophication and phytoplankton blooms threaten the water quality of many, reservoirs especially deep ones. Periphyton is an important component of aquatic ecosystems that can compete with phytoplankton for light and nutrients. However, studies on the dynamics of periphyton development in deep reservoirs are rare. Here, the growth characteristics of periphyton on the artificial substrate (AS) in both open water and enclosures of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) are investigated. The development and relative importance of periphyton are analyzed. The results indicate that mass growth of periphyton is observed on the AS platforms after several weeks. A potential phosphorus limitation for periphyton development in the TGR is evidenced by the relatively high TN/TP ratio in the water column. The differences of phytoplankton biomass in two enclosures suggest the existence of interactions between phytoplankton and periphyton. The results indicate that the artificially loaded AS on the water surface of the deep reservoir leads to the redistribution of nutrients and light between phytoplankton and periphyton. The results are very encouraging because the use of AS for periphyton incubation is an economical and practical way to reduce the probability of phytoplankton blooms in deep reservoirs, especially when the nutrient loads cannot be reduced effectively in a short period.
Communication‐aware message matching in MPI
Authors: Ghazimirsaeed S. Mahdieh , Mirsadeghi Seyed H. , Afsahi Ahmad
Published: September 2018

The Message Passing Interface (MPI) is the de facto standard for parallel programming in High Performance Computing (HPC). Asynchronous communications in MPI involve message matching semantics that must be satisfied by the conforming libraries. The matching performance is in the critical path of communications in MPI. However, the current message matching approaches suffer from scalability issues and/or do not consider the message queue characteristics of the applications. In this paper, we propose a new message matching mechanism for MPI that can speed up the operation by allocating dedicated queues for certain communications of an application. More specifically, we propose a design that categorizes communications into a set of partners and non‐partners based on the communication frequency in the corresponding queues. We propose a static and a dynamic approach for our message matching design. While the static approach works based on the information from a profiling stage, the dynamic approach utilizes the message queue characteristics at runtime. Our experimental evaluations show that the proposed design can provide up to 28x speedup in queue search time for long list traversals without degrading the performance for short list traversals. We can also gain up to 5x speedup for the FDS application, which is highly affected by the message matching performance.
The debate on network neutrality regulation: A technological innovation perspective
Authors: Yang Lin , Lin Xuchen , Lu Ting‐Jie , Chen Xia
Published: September 2018

In the network neutrality debate, safeguarding innovations in the digital economy is an important concern. However, the impacts of network neutrality regulation on technological innovation in telecommunications have not been well understood, especially with mathematical model. This study first briefly discusses the significant role of technological innovation in telecommunications. Then, we adopt a stylized two‐sided model (Internet broadband provider connect the two sides of Internet, content providers and end customers) and use two‐stage game theory to examine the decision‐making of network operators and content providers in two alternative situations, respectively, that is, the neutral regime and non‐neutral regime. By comparing players' decisions in the two regimes, the impacts of network neutrality regulation on innovations are revealed. We find that non‐neutral regime increases both network infrastructure investments and congestion‐sensitive content innovations. In other words, network neutrality regulation inhibits telecommunications technological innovation and meanwhile hinders the emergence of high‐level content innovation.
A modified PSO algorithm for task scheduling optimization in cloud computing
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Chang Jian , Hu Zhigang , Yu Junyang , Li Fangmin
Published: September 2018

With the increasing scale of tasks in cloud computing, the problem of high energy consumption becomes increasingly serious. To deal with the problem, we propose a cloud computing energy consumption model, which takes into account the execution and transmission cost of the processor. Then, based on this model, we put forward a task scheduling optimization algorithm named modified particle swarm optimization (M‐PSO) to handle the local optimum and slow convergence problem. Different from the PSO, M‐PSO can dynamically adjust the inertia weight coefficient to improve the speed of convergence according to the number of iterations. Finally, the performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated through the CloudSim toolkit, and the experimental results show that the M‐PSO can efficiently reduce total cost compared with other algorithms.
Effects of Nicotine Metabolic Rate on Withdrawal Symptoms and Response to Cigarette Smoking After Abstinence
Authors: Liakoni Evangelia , Edwards Kathryn C. , St. Helen Gideon , Nardone Natalie , Dempsey Delia A. , Tyndale Rachel F. , Benowitz Neal L.
Published: September 2018

This study investigated the influence of the rate of nicotine metabolism, as indicated by the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR), on tobacco dependence. We stratified 136 smokers on the basis of saliva NMR as fast (n = 65) and slow (n = 71) metabolizers. Two “loading cigarettes” were smoked after overnight, and a “reward cigarette” was smoked after 6 hours of daytime, abstinence. Blood nicotine concentrations, expired carbon monoxide, withdrawal/craving, and reward questionnaires were collected before/after smoking and during daytime abstinence. Compared with slow metabolizers, fast metabolizers had a shorter nicotine elimination half‐life (P < 0.001), lower plasma nicotine concentrations (P < 0.001), and higher withdrawal/craving scores (P < 0.05) for most times during daytime abstinence, indicating that fast metabolizers are likely smoking more to relieve withdrawal symptoms (negative reinforcement). Reward/satisfaction scores were similar in fast and slow metabolizers, suggesting that faster nicotine metabolism, assessed by NMR, is not associated with greater positive reinforcement. CYP2A6 normal (n = 82) and reduced (n = 42) genotype predicted plasma nicotine concentrations but not withdrawal symptoms.
Investment in intangible resources and capabilities spurs sustainable competitive advantage and firm performance
Authors: Khan Sher Zaman , Yang Qing , Waheed Abdul
Published: September 2018

This study investigates the influence of investment in key intangible resources and capabilities of firms, including intellectual capital (IC), financial capability (FC), and corporate social responsibility (CSR) on sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) and firm performance (FP) in an emerging country, Pakistan. The research model and its pertinent hypotheses are tested on a sample of 329 Pakistani small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by a structural equation model (SEM). The results exhibited a significant influence of the aforesaid factors on FP. However, SCA fully mediates the relationship between FC and FP and between CSR and FP, whereas SCA partially mediates the relationship between IC and FP. Taken together, the findings suggest the role of CSR and FC in indirectly spurring FP through SCA. Despite the limitations of this study, the results have several practical and theoretical implications for owners, managers, and policymakers.
Inhibition of Zinc Dendrite Growth in Zinc‐Based Batteries
Authors: Lu Wenjing , Xie Congxin , Zhang Huamin , Li Xianfeng
Published: September 2018

Zinc deposition and dissolution is a significant process in zinc‐based batteries. During this process, the formation of zinc dendrites is pervasive, which leads to the loss of efficiency and capacity of batteries. The continually growing dendrites will finally pierce the separator and cause the batteries to short circuit. Thus, employing effective methods to inhibit the formation and growth of zinc dendrites is vital for the practical application of zinc‐based batteries. This Minireview first clarifies the formation and growth principles of zinc dendrites. Then, the research and development of methods to solve the problem of zinc dendrites are reviewed, including ways to suppress the further formation and growth of dendrites as far as possible, to minimize the adverse effects of dendrites, along with ways to produce dendrite‐free deposition processes. The mechanisms, advantages, drawbacks, and perspectives of these methods are illustrated. Thus, this overview of these methods will aid understanding of the formation process of zinc dendrites and provide an extensive, comprehensive, and professional reference to resolve the problem of zinc dendrites completely.
Secrecy performance of a generalized partial relay selection protocol in underlay cognitive networks
Authors: Dinh Tran Hieu , Trung Tran Duy , Choi Seong Gon
Published: September 2018

In this, we propose a generalized partial relay selection (PRS) protocol to enhance the secrecy performance for cooperative cognitive radio networks (CRNs) in terms of the secrecy outage probability (SOP) and the probability of non‐zero secrecy capacity (NSC). In the proposed scheme, a secondary source communicates with a secondary destination via the assistance of multiple secondary relays, in the presence of multiple secondary eavesdroppers and multiple primary users (PUs). With a reliance on the source‐relay channel state information (CSI), the source selects a group of the potential relays, and one is then chosen to forward the source data to the secondary destination using the randomize‐and‐forward (RF) technique. We consider the relay selection methods in two practical cases, where the CSIs of the eavesdropping links are available or not available. For the performance evaluation and comparison, we derived exact and asymptotic SOP and NSC closed‐form expressions for the proposed protocols and the corresponding full relay selection (FRS) protocol over Rayleigh‐fading channels. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations are presented to confirm the theoretical‐derivation correction. The results confirmed that the proposed protocols can outperform the conventional PRS protocols by designing the number of the potential relays appropriately.
Low complexity equalization techniques using interference cancellation for SC‐FDMA uplink systems under doubly selective channels
Authors: P. Muneer , Al‐Rayif Mohammed I. , Ijyas V. P. Thafasal
Published: September 2018

This paper addresses the important and challenging issue of joint equalization of carrier frequency offsets (CFOs), timing offsets, and doubly selective channels (DSCs) of multiple users in a SC‐FDMA uplink. Low complexity, iterative equalizer solutions are proposed, which give impressive performance under rapidly varying channel conditions. We propose three different equalization schemes that make use of iterative interference cancellation technique named as iterative equalizer with interference cancellation (IEIC), iterative equalizer with interference cancellation and decoding (IEICD), and simplified iterative equalizer with interference cancellation and decoding (SIEICD). The SIEICD method proposed is a simplified version of the IEICD, and it makes use of the only significant elements in the receive signal model in the matrix form. The superior performance of the methods in high mobility conditions with several users is amply demonstrated through extensive simulation studies.
Regulation of Notch signaling in the developing Drosophila eye by a T‐box containing transcription factor, Dorsocross
Authors: Paul Maimuna S. , Dutta Debdeep , Singh Ankita , Mutsuddi Mousumi , Mukherjee Ashim
Published: September 2018

Owing to a multitude of functions, there is barely a tissue or a cellular process that is not being regulated by Notch signaling. To allow the Notch signal to be deployed in numerous contexts, many different mechanisms have evolved to regulate the level, duration and spatial distribution of Notch activity. To identify novel effectors of Notch signaling in Drosophila melanogaster, we analyzed the whole transcriptome of the wing and eye imaginal discs in which an activated form of Notch was overexpressed. Selected candidate genes from the transcriptome analysis were subjected to genetic interaction experiments with Notch pathway components. Among the candidate genes, T‐box encoding gene, Dorsocross (Doc) showed strong genetic interaction with Notch ligand, Delta. Genetic interaction between them resulted in reduction of eye size, loss of cone cells, and cell death, which represent prominent Notch loss of function phenotypes. Immunocytochemical analysis in Df(3L)DocA/Dl
5f trans‐heterozygous eye discs showed accumulation of Notch at the membrane. This accumulation led to decreased Notch signaling activity as we found downregulation of Atonal, a Notch target and reduction in the rate of Notch‐mediated cell proliferation. Doc mutant clones generated by FLP‐FRT system showed depletion in the expression of Delta and subsequent reduction in the Notch signaling activity. Similarly, Doc overexpression in the eye discs led to modification of Delta expression, loss of Atonal expression and absence of eye structure in pharate adults. Taken together, our results suggest that Doc regulates the expression of Delta and influence the outcome of Notch signaling in the eye discs.
Improving decision‐making and cognitive impulse control in bulimia nervosa by rTMS: An ancillary randomized controlled study
Authors: Guillaume Sebastien , Gay Aurélia , Jaussent Isabelle , Sigaud Torrance , Billard Stephane , Attal Jerome , Seneque Maude , Galusca Bogdan , Thiebaut Sylvain , Massoubre Catherine , Courtet Philippe
Published: September 2018

Objective

Impaired decision‐making and inhibitory control may be involved in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders like bulimia nervosa (BN). Their improvement after neuromodulation may underpin clinical improvement. We assessed the effects of rTMS on these cognitive functions in a sample of women with BN.

Methods

Thirty‐nine participants (22 in a sham group and 17 in an rTMS group) were assessed before and after 10 high frequency rTMS sessions over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).

Results

The between‐group analyses revealed no differences in the final neuropsychological performances. The within‐group analyses showed that inhibitory control improved in both the go/no‐go task (p = .03) and the BIS cognitive impulsivity subscale (p = .01) in the rTMS group only. Switches toward good choices on the Iowa gambling task significantly improved in the rTMS group only (p = .002), and understanding of the task contingencies increased between the two assessments, also in the rTMS group only (p = .03).

Discussion

This preliminary evidence suggests that modulation of left DLPFC might improve two putative cognitive biomarkers of BN.
Dynamic occupancy modeling of temperate marine fish in area‐based closures
Authors: Calvert Jay , McGonigle Chris , Sethi Suresh Andrew , Harris Bradley , Quinn Rory , Grabowski Jon
Published: September 2018

Species distribution models (SDMs) are commonly used to model the spatial structure of species in the marine environment, however, most fail to account for detectability of the target species. This can result in underestimates of occupancy, where nondetection is conflated with absence. The site occupancy model (SOM) overcomes this failure by treating occupancy as a latent variable of the model and incorporates a detection submodel to account for variability in detection rates. These have rarely been applied in the context of marine fish and never for the multiseason dynamic occupancy model (DOM). In this study, a DOM is developed for a designated species of concern, cusk (Brosme brosme), over a four‐season period. Making novel use of a high‐resolution 3‐dimensional hydrodynamic model, detectability of cusk is considered as a function of current speed and algae cover. Algal cover on the seabed is measured from video surveys to divide the study area into two distinct regions: those with canopy forming species of algae and those without (henceforth bottom types). Modeled estimates of the proportion of sites occupied in each season are 0.88, 0.45, 0.74, and 0.83. These are significantly greater than the proportion of occupied sites measured from underwater video observations which are 0.57, 0.28, 0.43, and 0.57. Individual fish are detected more frequently with increasing current speed in areas lacking canopy and less frequently with increasing current speed in areas with canopy. The results indicate that, where possible, SDM studies for all marine species should take account of detectability to avoid underestimating the proportion of sites occupied at a given study area. Sampling closed areas or areas of conservation often requires the use of nonphysical, low impact sampling methods like camera surveys. These methods inherently result in detection probabilities less than one, an issue compounded by time‐varying features of the environment that are rarely accounted for marine studies. This work highlights the use of modeled hydrodynamics as a tool to correct some of this imbalance.
Evolution of nuchal glands, unusual defensive organs of Asian natricine snakes (Serpentes: Colubridae), inferred from a molecular phylogeny
Authors: Takeuchi Hirohiko , Savitzky Alan H. , Ding Li , de Silva Anslem , Das Indraneil , Nguyen Tao Thien , Tsai Tein‐Shun , Jono Teppei , Zhu Guang‐Xiang , Mahaulpatha Dharshani , Tang Yezhong , Mori Akira
Published: September 2018

A large body of evidence indicates that evolutionary innovations of novel organs have facilitated the subsequent diversification of species. Investigation of the evolutionary history of such organs should provide important clues for understanding the basis for species diversification. An Asian natricine snake, Rhabdophis tigrinus, possesses a series of unusual organs, called nuchal glands, which contain cardiotonic steroid toxins known as bufadienolides. Rhabdophis tigrinus sequesters bufadienolides from its toad prey and stores them in the nuchal glands as a defensive mechanism. Among more than 3,500 species of snakes, only 17 Asian natricine species are known to possess nuchal glands or their homologues. These 17 species belong to three nominal genera, Balanophis, Macropisthodon, and Rhabdophis. In Macropisthodon and Rhabdophis, however, species without nuchal glands also exist. To infer the evolutionary history of the nuchal glands, we investigated the molecular phylogenetic relationships among Asian natricine species with and without nuchal glands, based on variations in partial sequences of Mt‐CYB, Cmos, and RAG1 (total 2,767 bp). Results show that all species with nuchal glands belong to a single clade (NGC). Therefore, we infer that the common ancestor of this clade possessed nuchal glands with no independent origins of the glands within the members. Our results also imply that some species have secondarily lost the glands. Given the estimated divergence time of related species, the ancestor of the nuchal gland clade emerged 19.18 mya. Our study shows that nuchal glands are fruitful subjects for exploring the evolution of novel organs. In addition, our analysis indicates that reevaluation of the taxonomic status of the genera Balanophis and Macropisthodon is required. We propose to assign all species belonging to the NGC to the genus Rhabdophis, pending further study.
At the confluence of vicariance and dispersal: Phylogeography of cavernicolous springtails (Collembola: Arrhopalitidae, Tomoceridae) codistributed across a geologically complex karst landscape in Illinois and Missouri
Authors: Katz Aron D. , Taylor Steven J. , Davis Mark A.
Published: September 2018

The processes of vicariance and dispersal are central to our understanding of diversification, yet determining the factors that influence these processes remains a significant challenge in evolutionary biology. Caves offer ideal systems for examining the mechanisms underlying isolation, divergence, and speciation. Intrinsic ecological differences among cavernicolous organisms, such as the degree of cave dependence, are thought to be major factors influencing patterns of genetic isolation in caves. Using a comparative phylogeographic approach, we employed mitochondrial and nuclear markers to assess the evolutionary history of two ecologically distinct groups of terrestrial cave‐dwelling springtails (Collembola) in the generaPygmarrhopalites(Arrhopalitidae) andPogonognathellus(Tomoceridae) that are codistributed in caves throughout the Salem Plateau—a once continuous karst region, now bisected by the Mississippi River Valley in Illinois and Missouri. Contrasting phylogeographic patterns recovered for troglobioticPygmarrhopalitessp. and eutroglophilicPogonognathellussp. suggests that obligate associations with cave habitats can restrict dispersal across major geographic barriers such as rivers and valleys, but may also facilitate subterranean dispersal between neighboring cave systems.Pygmarrhopalitessp. populations spanning the Mississippi River Valley were estimated to have diverged 2.9–4.8 Ma, which we attribute to vicariance resulting from climatic and geological processes involved in Mississippi River Valley formation beginning during the late Pliocene/early Pleistocene. Lastly, we conclude that the detection of many deeply divergent, morphologically cryptic, and microendemic lineages highlights our poor understanding of microarthropod diversity in caves and exposes potential conservation concerns.
Improved glycaemic control and lower hypoglycaemia risk with reduced prior oral antidiabetes drug therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin glargine 300 U/mL
Authors: Dailey George , Reid Timothy , White John , Chao Jason , Zhou Fang L. , Paranjape Sachin , Berhanu Paulos
Published: September 2018

Aims

Data from the EDITION 3 randomized study and the Clinformatics claims database were analysed to determine whether insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla‐300) could provide insulin‐naive patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) on oral antidiabetes drugs (OADs) with reductions in prior OAD therapy without compromising glycaemic control, and while preserving its known low incidence of hypoglycaemia compared with insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Gla‐100).

Methods

Patient‐level data from EDITION 3 and de‐identified data from the Clinformatics real‐world claims database were analysed.

Results

At baseline, 70% of patients in EDITION 3 were on a background of ≥2 OADs. Among the 435 and 437 patients who initiated basal insulin with Gla‐300 and Gla‐100, respectively, at Month 6, 336 (77%) and 338 (77%) were using ≤1 OAD. Adding Gla‐300 or Gla‐100 similarly allowed for a reduction in background OAD medication in the Clinformatics dataset (N = 6430), such that, at 6 months postbasal insulin initiation, 14% of patients were no longer taking any OADs. In the analysis of the EDITION 3 study, reduction in OAD burden did not compromise glycaemic benefit, and the low incidence of hypoglycaemia associated with Gla‐300 compared with Gla‐100 was also preserved. Documented symptomatic hypoglycaemia (blood glucose ≤70 mg/dL) occurred in 30.5% vs 41.0% of patients treated with Gla‐300 and Gla‐100, respectively (P = 0.0442).

Conclusion

Patients with T2D who initiate basal insulin with Gla‐300 could potentially reduce their prior OAD use without compromising glycaemic control and with less hypoglycaemia than with Gla‐100.
The tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib reduces the growth of intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis despite impairing T‐cell function
Authors: Wehrstedt Stephanie , Kubis Jan , Zimmermann Andreas , Bruns Heiko , Mayer Daniel , Grieshober Mark , Stenger Steffen
Published: September 2018

Tyrosine kinases are checkpoints for multiple cellular pathways and dysregulation induces malignancies, most notably chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Inhibition of Abl‐tyrosine kinases has evolved as a new concept for the treatment of CML and other malignant diseases. Due to the multiple immune‐modulatory pathways controlled by tyrosine kinases, treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) will not only affect the biology of malignant cells but also modulate physiological immune functions. To understand the effects of TKIs on host defense against intracellular bacteria, we investigated the immunological impact of the dual Abl/Src TKI dasatinib on the cellular immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Our results demonstrate that dasatinib impaired proliferation, cytokine release (IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, GM‐CSF), expression of granulysin and degranulation of cytotoxic effector molecules of human Mtb‐specific T‐lymphocytes by inhibition of lymphocyte‐specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) phosphorylation. Despite this profound inhibition of T‐cell function, dasatinib suppressed growth of virulent Mtb in human macrophages co‐cultured with autologous Mtb‐specific T‐cells (49±15%). Functional analysis suggested that growth inhibition is due to dasatinib‐triggered lysosomal acidification in Mtb‐infected macrophages. These results highlight the significance of innate immune responses, i.e. acidification of lysosomes, which control the multiplication of intracellular bacteria despite the lack of efficient T‐cell support.
A Computational Determination of the Origins of Diastereoselective Alkylations of a Cysteinesulfenate Anion
Authors: Schwan Adrian L.
Published: September 2018

Sulfenic acid anions (RSO–) represent an untapped functional group for the formation of sulfoxides and other organic compounds. Their stereoselective alkylation is an important component of this chemistry, but factors governing reaction outcomes are not fully understood. The current study uses Density Functional Theory methods to break down the influencing roles of substituents attached to 2‐aminoethanesulfenate. The lithium counterion can be coordinated to pendant ester or carbamate carbonyl groups, whereas the sulfenate oxygen readily participates in hydrogen bonding with proximal hydrogen atoms of the (protected) amino group. A Moc‐protected, ester substituted, 2‐aminoethanesulfenate adopts both lithium coordination and hydrogen bonding in the lowest energy form and demonstrates stereoselective methylation and benzylation consistent with experiments from the literature.
Ring‐Closing Strategy Utilizing Nitrile α‐Anions: Chiral Synthesis of (+)‐Norchrysanthemic Acid and Expeditious Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (+)‐Grandisol
Authors: Fujiwara Tetsuya , Okabayashi Tomohito , Takahama Yuji , Matsuo Noritada , Tanabe Yoo
Published: September 2018

Chiral syntheses of two distinct small cycloalkanes, (1R,3R)‐(1Z)‐norchrysanthemic acid and (+)‐grandisol, were performed by characteristic ring‐closing methodologies using carbanions at the α‐position of nitriles (nitrile α‐anions). (i) (1R,3R)‐(1Z)‐Norchrysanthemic acid, a highly potent ingredient of synthetic pyrethroid containing a cyclopropane structure, was synthesized from readily available (S)‐epoxide derived from 3‐methyl‐but‐2‐en‐1‐ol in 7 steps in 23 % overall yield and with > 98 % ee. This sequence involves a trans‐selective cyclopropane formation using the nitrile α‐anion of (S)‐3‐mesyloxynitrile as the key step. The present chiral synthesis was performed with effective stereocontrol of both the chirality in the 1,3‐positions on the cyclopropane and the Z‐geometry of the propenyl group. (ii) (+)‐Grandisol, an insect sex pheromone possessing a characteristic cyclobutane structure, was synthesized from commercially available cyclopropyl methyl ketone (route A) or from commercially available 3‐cyanopropylzinc bromide and 1‐bromo‐1‐methylpropene (route B) in 10 or 8 steps in 6 % or 8 % overall yield and with 80 % ee. This sequence involves a Shi asymmetric epoxidation of a trisubstituted olefin and a straightforward Stork‐type asymmetric cyclobutane formation with clean SN2 stereoinversion using the nitrile α‐anion of the chiral epoxynitrile. The present expedient method is the second asymmetric total synthesis starting from achiral compounds.
New advances in microfluidic flow cytometry
Authors: Gong Yanli , Fan Na , Yang Xu , Peng Bei , Jiang Hai
Published: September 2018

In recent years, researchers are paying the increasing attention to the development of portable microfluidic diagnostic devices including microfluidic flow cytometry for the point‐of‐care testing. Microfluidic flow cytometry, where microfluidics and flow cytometry work together to realize novel functionalities on the microchip, provides a powerful tool for measuring the multiple characteristics of biological samples. The development of a portable, low‐cost, and compact flow cytometer can benefit the health care in underserved areas such as Africa or Asia. In this article, we review recent advancements of microfluidics including sample pumping, focusing and sorting, novel detection approaches, and data analysis in the field of flow cytometry. The challenge of microfluidic flow cytometry is also examined briefly.
Effective Removal of Azo Dye Reactive Blue 222 from Aqueous Solutions Using Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles with Sodium Alginate/Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Shokoohi Reza , Torkshavand Zahra , Mahmoudi Mohammad Molla , Behgoo Abbas Moradi , Ghaedrahmati Effat , Hosseini Farnaz Mohammad
Published: September 2018

The present work aimed to study the removal efficiency of Reactive Blue 222 (RB222) from aqueous solutions by applying a combined process with magnetic sodium alginate beads/H2O2. The effect of various operating parameters including sodium alginate dosage, H2O2 concentration, pH, and dye concentration on the efficiency of the process was investigated. The Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were used to explain the adsorption process. Adsorption kinetics of RB222 with magnetic sodium alginate beads were also investigated using the pseudo‐first‐, second‐order, and intra‐particle diffusion kinetic models. Optimum conditions for dye removal were determined at [dye concentration] = 50 mg/L, [H2O2] = 250 mg/L, and [pH] = 3 with a reaction time of 180 min. Dye removal percentages obtained in this research were 54.51% and 90.39% using magnetic sodium alginate and magnetic sodium alginate/H2O2 processes, respectively. SEM and XRD were used for the characterization of the obtained magnetic sodium alginate beads. It was revealed that the adsorption of the dye in sodium alginate beads was more consistent with the Freundlich model (R2 = 0.9934) compared to that of the Langmuir model (R2 = 0.7457). Also, the results demonstrated that the adsorption of RB222 in magnetic alginate beads was consistent with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models (R2 = 0.9854). © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S205–S213, 2019
A Detailed Investigation of the Walls Shading Effect on the Performance of Solar Ponds
Authors: Aramesh Mohamad , Kasaeian Alibakhsh , Pourfayaz Fathollah , Ahmadi Mohammad Hossein
Published: September 2018

In this article, a general modification on the existing heat storage modeling methods of solar ponds is presented. For this purpose, the walls shading effects have been thoroughly investigated. Four common structural types of the solar pond are studied and proper relations have been derived for them. Considering all the effective parameters on the walls shading status, precise relations for calculation of the sunny area at any desired time and location were presented. To compare different configurations, all the four types are studied in two design sets; ponds with the same top surface area of 12.56 m2, and ponds with the same total volume of 18 m3. It was indicated that the derived formulas can reduce the pond temperature calculation uncertainty from 8% (in the case of neglecting the shading effects) to less than 3%. Also, it was concluded that in the same total volume, the ponds with sloped walls show a better thermal performance. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13014, 2019
Clonal architecture in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and double or minor complex abnormalities: Detailed analysis of clonal composition, involved abnormalities, and prognostic significance
Authors: Schanz Julie , Solé Francesc , Mallo Mar , Luño Elisa , Cervera Jose , Granada Isabel , Hildebrandt Barbara , Slovak Marylin L. , Ohyashiki Kazuma , Fonatsch Christa , Pfeilstöcker Michael , Nösslinger Thomas , Valent Peter , Giagounidis Aristoteles , Aul Carlo , Lübbert Michael , Stauder Reinhard , Krieger Otto , Le Beau Michelle M. , Bennett John M. , Greenberg Peter , Germing Ulrich , Haase Detlef
Published: September 2018

The study analyzes the clonal architecture and the abnormalities involved in a series of 191 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and 2‐3 clonal abnormalities. All patients were extracted from an international database. The patients were classified into six clonal subtypes (2A‐3C) based on the number of abnormalities and the presentation of unrelated clones (UC) and/or a clonal evolution. UC were detected in 23/191 patients (12%). The composition of UC showed great variability. The only recurrent combination of abnormalities was del(5q) and + 8 in 8 of 23 patients (35%). In patients with clonal evolution, the clone size of the primary and secondary clone varied: Patients with −7 and + 8 in the primary clone showed a larger primary and a smaller secondary clone (−7: median 74% vs 10%; +8 73% vs 18%) while patients with del(5q) in the primary clone showed a smaller primary and a larger secondary clone (33% vs 61%). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed no significant differences regarding overall or AML‐free survival between the clonal subtypes. Only the subtype 3C (3 abnormalities and clonal evolution) was an independent risk factor for developing AML (Hazard Ratio 5.5 as compared to subtype 2A, P < .05). Finally, our study confirms that the number of abnormalities clearly defines a significant risk factor for overall‐ as well as AML‐free survival. Importantly, in patients with more than one clone, the calculation of the number of abnormalities in the entire sample instead of the number of abnormalities per clone allows a higher prognostic accuracy.
Diagenetic characteristics and reservoir quality in tight gas sandstones: A case study of the Shanxi Formation in the north‐eastern Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Shao Xinhe , Pang Xiongqi , Jiang Fujie , Li Longlong , Huyan Yuying , Zheng Dingye
Published: September 2018

Reservoir quality is critical in tight gas exploration. A systematic study of the petrological, petrophysical, and diagenetic characteristics of the Shanxi Formation sandstones in the north‐eastern Ordos Basin (China) was undertaken to characterize the pore system of these tight sandstones and recognize the distribution of reservoirs favourable for hydrocarbon accumulation. The results suggest that the Shanxi Formation sandstone has low compositional and moderate textural maturity, with its porosity ranging from 0.7% to 11.8% (average 5.97%) and permeability ranging from 0.001 to 2.77 mD (average 0.36 mD). In addition, thin section and SEM observations suggest that the sandstone is dominated by secondary dissolution pores, primary intergranular pores as well as microfractures, and has undergone compaction, cementation, and dissolution. Diagenetic minerals, such as carbonate cements, authigenic quartz, clay minerals, and dissolved feldspar, are identified. Fluid inclusions are observed in healed microfractures of quartz grains and in quartz overgrowths, while the homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions in healed microfractures and in quartz overgrowth are in the ranges of 92.8–179.1°C (average 134.8°C) and 104.7–169.1°C (average 145.7°C), respectively. Authigenic kaolinite is sourced from the process of K‐feldspar dissolution, authigenic illite is sourced from transformation of smectite and kaolinite, while sources for quartz cements include mineral alteration and pressure dissolution. Selective dissolution of K‐feldspar in the presence of carbonate minerals is observed in the Shanxi Formation tight sandstones due to the different equilibrium constants of carbonate minerals and K‐feldspar leaching, resulting in dissolution pores associated with K‐feldspar. Reservoir quality in the Shanxi Formation tight sandstones is greatly influenced by diagenesis, as compaction and cementation are responsible for the loss of porosity while dissolution accounts for the enhancement of secondary porosity.
Length of myelin internodes of individual oligodendrocytes is controlled by microenvironment influenced by normal and input‐deprived axonal activities in sensory deprived mouse models
Authors: Osanai Yasuyuki , Shimizu Takeshi , Mori Takuma , Hatanaka Nobuhiko , Kimori Yoshitaka , Kobayashi Kenta , Koyama Shinsuke , Yoshimura Yumiko , Nambu Atsushi , Ikenaka Kazuhiro
Published: September 2018

Oligodendrocytes myelinate neuronal axons to increase conduction velocity in the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS). Recent studies revealed that myelin formed on highly active axons is more stable compared to activity‐silenced axons, and length of the myelin sheath is longer in active axons as well in the zebrafish larva. However, it is unclear whether oligodendrocytes preferentially myelinate active axons compared to sensory input‐deprived axons in the adult mammalian CNS. It is also unknown if a single oligodendrocyte forms both longer myelin sheaths on active axons and shorter sheaths on input‐deprived axons after long‐term sensory deprivation. To address these questions, we applied simultaneous labeling of both neuronal axons and oligodendrocytes to mouse models of long‐term monocular eyelid suturing and unilateral whisker removal. We found that individual oligodendrocytes evenly myelinated normal and input‐deprived axons in the adult mouse CNS, and myelin sheath length on normal axons and input‐deprived axons formed by a single oligodendrocyte were comparable. Importantly, the average length of the myelin sheath formed by individual oligodendrocytes did change depending on relative abundance of normal against sensory‐input deprived axons, indicating an abundance of deprived axons near an oligodendrocyte impacts on myelination program by a single oligodendrocyte.
Education, and the balance between dynamic and stationary functional connectivity jointly support executive functions in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lin Sue‐Jin , Vavasour Irene , Kosaka Brenda , Li David K. B. , Traboulsee Anthony , MacKay Alex , McKeown Martin J.
Published: September 2018

Graphical network characteristics and nonstationary functional connectivity features, both derived from resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) data, have been associated with cognitive performance in healthy subjects. How these features jointly relate to cognition in diseased states has not been investigated. In this study, 46 relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis subjects underwent rsfMRI scans and a focused cognitive battery. With a sliding window approach, we examined six dynamic network features that indicated how connectivity changed over time as well as six measures derived from graph theory to reflect static network characteristics. Multiset canonical correlation analysis (MCCA) was then carried out to investigate the relations between dynamic network features, stationary network characteristics, cognitive testing, demographic, disease severity, and mood. Multiple sclerosis (MS) subjects demonstrated weaker connectivity strength, decreased network density, reduced global changes, but increased changes in interhemispheric connectivity compared to controls. The MCCA model determined that executive functions and processing speed ability measured by Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale IV (WAIS‐IV) Working Memory Index, WAIS‐IV Processing Speed Index, and the Verbal Fluency Test were positively correlated with education, dynamic connectivity, and static connectivity strength; while poor task switching was correlated with disease severity, psychiatric comorbidities such as depression, anxiety, and fatigue, and static network density. Taken together, our results suggest that better executive functioning in MS requires maintenance of a continued coordination between stationary and dynamic functional connectivity as well as the support of education, and dynamic functional connectivity may provide an additional cognitive biomarker of disease severity in the MS population.