bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Mukaiyama–Mannich Reaction of Isatin‐Derived Ketimines for the Synthesis of Oxindolyl‐β3, 3‐Amino Acid Esters
Authors: Hajra Saumen , Laskar Sujay , Jana Bibekananda
Published: September 2019

Mukaiyama–Mannich reactions of ester enolate equivalents with aldimines have been elegantly used for the asymmetric synthesis of β‐amino acids; nevertheless, the corresponding asymmetric reaction employing ketimines are unexplored. Herein, the first organocatalytic enantioselective Mukaiyama–Mannich reaction employing isatin‐derived ketimines with unsubstituted silyl ketene acetals is disclosed towards the scalable synthesis of 2‐oxoindolinyl‐β3, 3‐amino acid esters at room temperature with excellent enantioselectivities (ee >99.5 %). Ultra‐low catalyst loadings (as low as 250 ppm) could be used for the quantitative product formation with high enantiopurity. The synthetic utility of this protocol has been showcased in the short formal synthesis of pharmaceutically demanded (+)‐AG‐041R, a potent gastrin/CCK‐B receptor antagonist.
Classification of Fine Particles Using the Hydrodynamic Forces in the Boundary Layer of a Membrane
Authors: Lösch Philipp , Nikolaus Kai , Antonyuk Sergiy
Published: September 2019

The wet classification of particles < 10 μm is a complex process that has been researched for many years. In this study, the usage of a modified cross‐flow filtration process as a classification process was investigated. With this process, particles in a fine micrometer range can be separated from suspensions. The upper particle size is dependent on hydrodynamic forces. The experimental results were compared with different hydrodynamic force models to predict upper size. The influence of the permeate flux and the particle concentration in the feed on the upper particle size is studied.
Online corporate social responsibility communication strategies and stakeholder engagements: A comparison of controversial versus noncontroversial industries
Authors: Song Baobao , Wen Jing (Taylor)
Published: September 2019

This study attempts to reveal the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programming and communication strategies of companies from controversial versus noncontroversial industry sectors and stakeholders' responses to these online CSR communications. A content analysis of CSR videos from 58 companies among the Fortune 500 and user comments on YouTube found that controversial and noncontroversial industries tended to use different strategies in their online CSR communications. Videos that (a) used information strategies, (b) took a company‐dominant perspective, and (c) described high fit CSR programs received more negative and skeptical comments; CSR videos that (a) emphasized the companies' commitment to the programs, (b) demonstrated the impact of CSR programs with anecdotal evidences, and (c) balanced their stated CSR motives between social benefits and business interests received less negative and skeptical comments. Most importantly, stakeholders' responses towards these communication strategies differed by industry sectors.
The diagnostic and prognostic role of flow cytometry in idiopathic and clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (ICUS/CCUS): A single‐center analysis of 79 patients
Authors: Dimopoulos Konstantinos , Hansen Olga Kristina , Sjö Lene Dissing , Saft Leonie , Schjødt Ida Marianne , Werner Hansen Jakob , Grønbæk Kirsten
Published: September 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic role of multiparameter flow cytometry (FC) in patients with idiopathic cytopenia of undetermined significance (ICUS) and clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS).

Methods

We performed FC using a standardized panel and two different diagnostic algorithms (Ogata, Wells) in a well‐characterized cohort of 79 patients with ICUS/CCUS and compared it with a retrospective blinded morphological evaluation and data from targeted next‐generation DNA sequencing of 20 myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)‐related genes.

Results

Our data show that FC has low sensitivity in distinguishing CCUS from ICUS patients (40.5% for Ogata score and 59.5% for Wells score). The Wells score was suggestive of dysplasia in ICUS/CCUS patients with concurrent morphological signs of dysplasia in the bone marrow (following re‐evaluation by two hematopathologists) and in CCUS patients with a higher mutational burden. Eight patients with ICUS/CCUS from our cohort progressed to another myeloid malignancy (MDS, acute myeloid leukemia, or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia), all showing flow cytometric signs of dysplasia.

Conclusion

FC performs poorly in diagnosing CCUS versus ICUS. However, it can potentially provide prognostic information in cytopenic patients by identifying a subgroup of patients with a higher grade of dysplasia, higher mutational burden, and higher risk of progression and, together with mutational screening, also identify a group of patients who might require morphological reassessment of dysplastic changes in their bone marrow.
Knowledge about dyslexia among early literacy teachers in China
Authors: Yin Li , Joshi R. Malatesha , Yan Hong
Published: September 2019

This study examined knowledge about dyslexia among Chinese‐speaking early literacy teachers in Mainland China. A total of 516 teachers, including 203 kindergarten teachers from developed regions (KDRs), 166 primary school teachers from developed regions (PDRs), and 147 primary school teachers from less developed regions (PLDRs), completed a survey measuring knowledge about dyslexia in three domains: general information, symptoms/diagnosis, and treatment. PLDRs scored significantly lower on the total scale and each of the subscales than KDRs and PDRs, with the latter two not significantly different from each other. The percentages of misunderstandings and lack of knowledge (“do not know” response) were higher for PLDRs than for KDRs or PDRs. In general, compared with alphabetic language‐speaking teachers in developed countries reported in previous studies, Chinese teachers showed less knowledge about dyslexia but similar misunderstandings. Prior exposure to children with dyslexia explained significant variance in Chinese teachers' knowledge about dyslexia, indicating that when specialized training is not available, learning from practice is a major source of knowledge about dyslexia. Findings of this study point to the universal need of providing explicit training on dyslexia for teachers, particularly in less developed regions where teacher knowledge is poorer.
The cost of standing tall: wood nutrients associated with tree invasions in nutrient‐poor fynbos soils of South Africa
Authors: Redmond Miranda D. , Morris Taryn L. , Cramer Michael C.
Published: September 2019

Tree invasions into native grasslands and shrublands are global phenomena, with alien tree invasions occurring on nearly every continent. We hypothesized that wood nutrient concentrations are a key trait to enable successful tree invasions in regions limited by soil nutrient availability, such as the fynbos vegetation of the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. We sampled wood and bark of a height range of indigenous and alien woody species within the Cape Floristic Region. We used linear regression and phylogenetic analyses to assess associations between wood nutrients and tree height and analysis of variance to assess how wood nutrients vary across vegetation types. Alien trees had lower wood nutrient concentrations than many native trees, and nutrient concentrations, especially not only N and P, but also Mg and K, were negatively associated with tree height. These results suggest that recent tree invasions into the nutrient‐poor fynbos shrublands may be a result of low wood nutrient concentrations that allow the alien trees to successfully overtop the native vegetation. This indicates that wood nutrient concentrations may be a useful trait to predict whether an alien tree species has a greater potential of becoming invasive in regions with limited soil nutrients.
A non‐gassing electroosmotic pump with sandwich of poly(2‐ethyl aniline)‐Prussian blue nanocomposite and PVDF membrane
Authors: Chola Noufal Merukan , Sreenath Sooraj , Dave Brinda , Nagarale Rajaram K
Published: September 2019

Low voltage, non‐gassing electroosmotic pump (EOP) was assembled with poly(2‐ethyl aniline) (EPANI)‐Prussian blue nanocomposite electrode and commercially available hydrophilic PVDF membranes. The nanocomposite material combines excellent oxidation/reduction capacity of EPANI with exceptional stability by shuttling of proton between Prussian blue nanoparticles and EPANI redox matrix. The flow rate was highly dependent on the electrode composition but it was linear with applied voltage. The flow rate at 5 V for different nanocomposite, EPANI, EPANI‐A, EPANI‐B, and EPANI‐C were 127.29, 187.41, 148.51, and 95.47 µL/min cm2, respectively, which increases substantially with increase in the Prussian blue content. The obtained best electro osmotic flux was 43 µL/min/V/cm2 for EPANI‐A. It was higher than most of the EOP assembled using polyquinone and polyanthraquinone redox polymers. The assembled EOP remained exceptionally stable until the electrode charge capacity was fully utilized. The best EOP produces a maximum stall pressure of 1.2 kPa at 2 V. These characteristics make it suitable for a variety of microfluidic/device applications.
Leveraging mobility and content caching for proactive load balancing in heterogeneous cellular networks
Authors: Manzoor Sanaullah , Mazhar Suleman , Asghar Ahmad , Noor Mian Adnan , Imran Ali , Crowcroft Jon
Published: September 2019

Evolution of cellular networks into dynamic, dense, and heterogeneous networks have introduced new challenges for cell resource optimization, especially in the imbalanced traffic load regions. Numerous load balancing schemes have been proposed to tackle this issue; however, they operate in a reactive manner that confines their ability to meet the top‐notch quality of experience demands. To address this challenge, we propose a novel proactive load balancing scheme. Our framework learns users' mobility and demands statistics jointly to proactively cache future contents during their stay at lightly loaded cells, which results in quality of experience maximization and load minimization. System level simulations are performed and compared with the state‐of‐the‐art reactive schemes.
Drosophila ClC‐a is required in glia of the stem cell niche for proper neurogenesis and wiring of neural circuits
Authors: Plazaola‐Sasieta Haritz , Zhu Qi , Gaitán‐Peñas Héctor , Rios Martín , Estévez Raúl , Morey Marta
Published: September 2019

Glial cells form part of the neural stem cell niche and express a wide variety of ion channels; however, the contribution of these channels to nervous system development is poorly understood. We explored the function of the Drosophila ClC‐a chloride channel, since its mammalian ortholog CLCN2 is expressed in glial cells, and defective channel function results in leukodystrophies, which in humans are accompanied by cognitive impairment. We found that ClC‐a was expressed in the niche in cortex glia, which are closely associated with neurogenic tissues. Characterization of loss‐of‐function ClC‐a mutants revealed that these animals had smaller brains and widespread wiring defects. We showed that ClC‐a is required in cortex glia for neurogenesis in neuroepithelia and neuroblasts, and identified defects in a neuroblast lineage that generates guidepost glial cells essential for photoreceptor axon guidance. We propose that glia‐mediated ionic homeostasis could nonautonomously affect neurogenesis, and consequently, the correct assembly of neural circuits.
Changes in calcium metabolism and bone mineral density in new users of medroxyprogesterone acetate during the first year of use
Authors: Quintino‐Moro Alessandra , Zantut‐Wittmann Denise E. , Silva dos Santos Priscilla N. , Silva Conceição A. , Bahamondes Luis , Fernandes Arlete
Published: September 2019

Objective

To evaluate calcium metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD) in new users of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) in the first year of use.

Methods

This prospective, non‐randomized study, conducted at the University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, was carried out between February 2011 and February 2013. Women aged from 18 to 40 with a body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) <30 and with no known history of disease or medication use who chose to use DMPA were paired by age (±1 year) and BMI (±1) with women commencing the use of a copper intrauterine device (IUD). The primary outcomes were BMD measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and calcium metabolism markers; other variables were body composition and lifestyle habits. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate associations.

Results

Twenty‐seven women using DMPA and 24 using IUD were evaluated, with a mean age of 29.7 years and 28.6 years, respectively. The DMPA group presented with a 3.6% (P<0.001) loss of lumbar spine BMD, a 2.1% (P=0.100) loss of femoral neck BMD and higher phosphorus (P=0.014) concentrations at 12 months compared to the IUD group. The decreases in BMD were associated with the use of DMPA, while total mass and coffee intake were found to be protective factors.

Conclusion

Changes in calcium metabolism and a decrease in BMD were found in the DMPA group at 12 months.
Yield of whole exome sequencing in undiagnosed patients facing insurance coverage barriers to genetic testing
Authors: Reuter Chloe M. , Kohler Jennefer N. , Bonner Devon , Zastrow Diane , Fernandez Liliana , Dries Annika , Marwaha Shruti , Davidson Jean , Brokamp Elly , Herzog Matthew , Hong Joyce , Macnamara Ellen , Rosenfeld Jill A. , Schoch Kelly , Spillmann Rebecca ,   Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Loscalzo Joseph , Krier Joel , Stoler Joan , Sweetser David , Palmer Christina G.S. , Phillips John A. , Shashi Vandana , Adams David A. , Yang Yaping , Ashley Euan A. , Fisher Paul G. , Mulvihill John J. , Bernstein Jonathan A. , Wheeler Matthew T.
Published: September 2019

Background

Despite growing evidence of diagnostic yield and clinical utility of whole exome sequencing (WES) in patients with undiagnosed diseases, there remain significant cost and reimbursement barriers limiting access to such testing. The diagnostic yield and resulting clinical actions of WES for patients who previously faced insurance coverage barriers have not yet been explored.

Methods

We performed a retrospective descriptive analysis of clinical WES outcomes for patients facing insurance coverage barriers prior to clinical WES and who subsequently enrolled in the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN). Clinical WES was completed as a result of participation in the UDN. Payer type, molecular diagnostic yield, and resulting clinical actions were evaluated.

Results

Sixty‐six patients in the UDN faced insurance coverage barriers to WES at the time of enrollment (67% public payer, 26% private payer). Forty‐two of 66 (64%) received insurance denial for clinician‐ordered WES, 19/66 (29%) had health insurance through a payer known not to cover WES, and 5/66 (8%) had previous payer denial of other genetic tests. Clinical WES results yielded a molecular diagnosis in 23 of 66 patients (35% [78% pediatric, 65% neurologic indication]). Molecular diagnosis resulted in clinical actions in 14 of 23 patients (61%).

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that a substantial proportion of patients who encountered insurance coverage barriers to WES had a clinically actionable molecular diagnosis, supporting the notion that WES has value as a covered benefit for patients who remain undiagnosed despite objective clinical findings.
The need for biochemical testing in beta‐enolase deficiency in the genomic era
Authors: Wigley Ralph , Scalco Renata S. , Gardiner Alice R. , Godfrey Richard , Booth Suzanne , Kirk Richard , Hilton‐Jones David , Houlden Henry , Heales Simon , Quinlivan Ros
Published: September 2019

Glycogen storage disease type XIII (GSDXIII) is a very rare inherited metabolic myopathy characterized by autosomal‐recessive mutations in the ENO3 gene resulting in muscle β‐enolase deficiency, an enzymatic defect of the distal part of glycolysis. Enzyme kinetic studies of two patients presenting with exertion intolerance and recurrent rhabdomyolysis are reported. Next generation sequencing confirmed patient 1 was homozygous for p.E187K in ENO3, while patient 2 was homozygous for p.C357Y. ENO3 variants pathogenicity was confirmed by functional studies in skeletal muscle. p.E187K caused extremely low total enolase activity. p.C357Y was associated with a higher level of residual activity but kinetic studies showed a lower maximum work rate (Vmax). This study illustrates that GSDXIII may be caused by either null mutations leading to β‐enolase deficiency or by mutations that alter the enzyme's kinetic profile. This study highlights the importance of carrying out functional studies as part of the diagnostic process following the identification of variants with next generation sequencing.
Association study between the polymorphisms of angiogenesis‐related genes and cervical cancer susceptibility in Chinese Uygur population
Authors: Han Lili , Husaiyin Sulaiya , Ma Chunhua , Niyazi Mayinuer
Published: September 2019

Background

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignant tumor in women, and its invasion and metastasis are regulated by tumor angiogenic growth factors and their cognate receptors. In this study, we explored the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of angiogenesis‐related genes (VEGF‐C, VEGFR‐2, and VEGFR‐3) and the risk of cervical cancer in Chinese Uygur population.

Methods

We investigated four single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 342 cervical cancer cases and 498 controls to evaluate their association with the risk of cervical cancer. Their correlations were evaluated by chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test, t test, and genetic model analyses. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression.

Results

We observed that rs12646659 in VEGF‐C was associated with a lower cervical cancer risk in allele, dominant, and log‐additive models (allele: p = .017; dominant: p = .018; log‐additive: p = .018). For the individuals older than 43, rs4604006 (VEGF‐C) was related to an increased cervical cancer risk under codominant model (p = .035), and rs12646659 was significantly associated with a reduced cervical cancer risk in allele, dominant, log‐additive models (allele: p = .028; codominant: p = .037; log‐additive: p = .037) However, there were no significant correlation of rs1000611 (VEGFR‐2) and rs1195571 (VEGFR‐3) with cervical cancer risk in Chinese Uygur population.

Conclusion

Our study firstly provided evidence that rs4604006 and rs12646659 of VEGF‐C gene were related to the susceptibility of cervical cancer in Chinese Uygur population.
Whole‐exome sequencing identifies a donor splice‐site variant in SMPX that causes rare X‐linked congenital deafness
Authors: Lv Yuan , Gu Jia , Qiu Hao , Li Huan , Zhang Zhitao , Yin Shaowei , Mao Yan , Kong Lingyin , Liang Bo , Jiang Hongkun , Liu Caixia
Published: September 2019

Background

X‐linked deafness‐4 (DFNX4) caused by functional loss of SMPX is a nonsyndromic form of progressive hearing loss with post‐lingual onset. Herein, we describe a male neonate from an ethnic Han Chinese family who presented with congenital deafness.

Methods

The proband and the family members were subjected to comprehensively hearing screen. Genetic testing was carried out using whole‐exome sequencing (WES). The result was verified by Sanger sequencing. Functional characterization of the identified variant was completed by reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR), Sanger sequencing, and fluorogenic quantitative PCR (qPCR).

Results

The proband was diagnosed with progressive sensorineural hearing loss. The proband's mother showed normal hearing at present. The proband's maternal grandmother exhibited mild HL since the age of 50. Using whole‐exome sequencing (WES), we identified a donor splice‐site variant (NM_014332.2: c.132 + 1G>A) in the SMPX gene in the proband. The mother and maternal grandmother were both carriers, which suggested a X‐linked inheritance of the condition in the family. RT‐PCR and Sanger sequencing revealed that four alternative splice pairs within intron 3 have led to four aberrant RNAs transcripts, including two non‐canonical splice‐pairs (GC‐AG and CT‐AG). The variant generated a novel frameshift variant, creating a premature termination codon (PTC) upstream of a newly formed splice site (p.Met45Glyfs*16). SMPX mRNA expression assay showed that the PTC has caused degradation of mRNA via nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD).

Conclusion

This is the first study to report a SMPX (DFNX4) splicing variant in a Chinese family. These findings, especially congenital deafness, contributed to existing knowledge regarding the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of SMPX‐associated hearing loss.
Successful urinary discrimination between calcium oxalate kidney stone patients and healthy subjects using 1H NMR spectroscopy: Suggestion of a possible link to protein content
Authors: Shadbolt Sheila , Jackson Graham E. , Rodgers Allen L.
Published: September 2019

Stone formation in the urinary tract is a multifactorial world‐wide disease afflicting between 8 and 20% of population groups in different geographical locations. Discrimination between stone formers and healthy persons on the basis of urine composition remains a crucial goal among researchers. Since 1H NMR is able to monitor the metabolic function of the kidney we applied it to the urine of 60 stone formers (34 females, 26 males) and 38 healthy persons (14 females, 24 males). Spectra were normalized relative to an internal standard and integrated over 37 consecutive regions. The resulting data were subjected to principal component and canonical discriminant analysis. Excellent discrimination between patient and controls for both genders was achieved, with all the data falling within the 95% confidence interval. The most important variables allowing for this inter‐group separation correspond to those associated with protein signals. We therefore speculate that the discrimination between patients and controls may be due to the presence or absence of macromolecular stone promoters and/or inhibitors. This supports numerous in vitro studies demonstrating that urinary macromolecules play significant roles in stone formation and prevention. Our finding that 1H NMR analysis of urine differentiates between stone formers and healthy persons represents an important breakthrough for rapid screening of individuals who are at risk for this disease.
On predicting foldability of a protein from its sequence
Authors: Mezei Mihaly
Published: September 2019

Several properties of amino acid sequences corresponding to proteins that are known to fold are compared to those of randomly generated sequences and to sequences of intrinsically disordered proteins in order to find properties that distinguish folding sequences from the rest. The properties studied included helix and sheet propensities from secondary structure prediction, adjacency correlations, directionality correlations, as well as propensities of all possible triplets and quadruplets. Small differences between known folded and random sequences were observed for the adjacency and directional correlations, and significant differences were seen on the triplet and especially on the quadruplet propensities. Based on the differences in the adjacency, triplet or quadruplet propensities folding scores were defined and used to test the accuracy of foldability prediction based on these statistics. The best predictions were obtained from the quadruplet propensities.
Nutricosmetics: A brief overview
Authors: Dini Irene , Laneri Sonia
Published: September 2019

The nutricosmetics are products and ingredients that act as nutritional supplements to care skin, nails, and hair natural beauty. They work from the inside to promote beauty from within. Nutricosmetic is the latest trend in the beauty industry. This tendency rapidly gained many followers because it fits with the modern culture: Today, consumers are very careful with the food that they introduce into their body, and there is also an increasing demand for natural products able to enhance one's health and beauty without side effects and significant traction before use. However, many nutricosmetic products are considered effective due to the historical use and word of mouth. Comprehensive analysis of the global nutricosmetics market is conducted considering form, end‐user applications, and some product components such as collagen, peptides, proteins, vitamins, carotenes, minerals, and omega‐3 fatty acid are reported. Plant extract ingredients used in nutricosmetic are also described.
The Synthesis of SiO2@AuAg@CeO2 Sandwich Structures with Enhanced Catalytic Performance Towards CO Oxidation
Authors: Yang Hongxiao , Liu Wei , Wang Zhaohui , Sun Guoxin
Published: September 2019

Novel sandwich structure SiO2@AuAg@CeO2 nanospheres (SACs), as low‐temperature CO oxidation catalysts, were designed and prepared in this work. The SACs include SiO2 nanosphere support, embedded bimetallic AuAg nanoparticles, and CeO2 shell. The transmission electron microscope (TEM), elemental mapping images, and ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) spectroscopy indicated the successful fabrication of the SACs sandwich structure. The catalytic performance of SACs varies with the AuAg composition and achieves the best catalytic activity when Au/Ag atomic ratio is 2:1. The strong synergistic effect of AuAg alloy remarkably promotes the CO oxidation through facilitating the adsorption of CO and O2 on the AuAg nanoparticles. The CeO2 non‐compact shell not only provides effective protection for AuAg nanoparticles from aggregation but also gives CO full access to the catalysts. With unique sandwich structure and specific chemical composition, the SiO2@Au2Ag1@CeO2 nanospheres with CeO2 shell thickness of 5 nm present excellent low‐temperature catalytic activity and high‐temperature thermal stability.
Room‐Temperature Self‐Assembled Preparation of Porous ZnFe2O4/MIL‐100(Fe) Nanocomposites and Their Visible‐Light Derived Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Hu Pengfei , Chen Changchun , Wang Yifeng , Pan Lin , Lu Chunhua
Published: September 2019

Herein, a facile self‐assembly synthesis of magnetic porous ZnFe2O4/MIL‐100(Fe) composites by slowly oxidizing Fe2+ to Fe3+ was reported. By this method, ZnFe2O4/MIL‐100(Fe) composites with a particle size of about 300 nm can be obtained at room temperature and pressure. The efficacy of the products was evaluated for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. It was found that the introduction of MIL‐100(Fe) can not only significantly improve the adsorption capacity of composites and provide more active sites for the degradation process, but also form heterojunctions with ZnFe2O4 particles to efficiently promote separation of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs. Moreover, the existence of ZnFe2O4 provides good magnetic recovery property and photochemical stability to composite samples. These results indicate that ZnFe2O4/MIL‐100(Fe) has obvious application potential in photocatalytic wastewater treatment.
Microwave Assisted Three Component One‐pot Synthesis of Bis(aminoazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines) and Bis(aminoazino[1,2‐a]benzimidazoles) Bearing Thiazole Moiety
Authors: Mekky Ahmed E. M. , Sanad Sherif M. H. , Ahmed Ahmed A. M.
Published: September 2019

Novel bis[(thiazol‐2‐yl)acetonitrile] derivatives were prepared in good yields by the cyclocondensation of bis(bromoacetyl) derivatives with two equivalents of 2‐cyanothioacetamide in dioxane at reflux. The bis[(thiazol‐2‐yl)acetonitrile] derivatives were taken as synthetic precursors for the synthesis of novel bis(aminoazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines), bearing thiazole moiety. The target molecules were prepared by the three component one pot reaction of bis[(thiazol‐2‐yl)acetonitrile] derivatives, dimethylformamide‐dimethylacetal and several of 3‐aminopyrazoles in pyridine under microwave irradiation at 140 °C for 2 h. Using the same protocol, novel bis(aminotriazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines), bis(aminopyrimido[1,2‐a]benzimidazoles) and bis(aminopyrido[1,2‐a]benzimidazoles), incorporating thiazole moieties, were prepared by using the appropriate heterocyclic amine or 2‐(1H‐benzoimidazol‐2‐yl)acetonitrile instead of 3‐aminopyrazoles. The structure of the newly prepared thiazoles was confirmed via considering their elemental analyses and spectral data.
Profiling of Exosomal Biomarkers for Accurate Cancer Identification: Combining DNA‐PAINT with Machine‐ Learning‐Based Classification
Authors: Chen Chen , Zong Shenfei , Liu Yun , Wang Zhuyuan , Zhang Yizhi , Chen Baoan , Cui Yiping
Published: September 2019

Exosomes are endosome‐derived vesicles enriched in body fluids such as urine, blood, and saliva. So far, they have been recognized as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnostics. However, the present single‐variate analysis of exosomes has greatly limited the accuracy and specificity of diagnoses. Besides, most diagnostic approaches focus on bulk analysis using lots of exosomes and tend to be less accurate because they are vulnerable to impure extraction and concentration differences of exosomes. To address these challenges, a quantitative analysis platform is developed to implement a sequential quantification analysis of multiple exosomal surface biomarkers at the single‐exosome level, which utilizes DNA‐PAINT and a machine learning algorithm to automatically analyze the results. As a proof of concept, the profiling of four exosomal surface biomarkers (HER2, GPC‐1, EpCAM, EGFR) is developed to identify exosomes from cancer‐derived blood samples. Then, this technique is further applied to detect pancreatic cancer and breast cancer from unknown samples with 100% accuracy.
Janus Ga2SeTe: A Promising Candidate for Highly Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Jin , Guo Hui , Xue Junjun , Chen Dunjun , Yang Guofeng , Liu Bin , Lu Hai , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou
Published: September 2019

The electronic and optical properties of Janus Ga2SeTe monolayer are calculated using first‐principles calculations and it is found that it has potential in solar cells. It is found that ultrathin cross‐plane pn‐junctions are obtained by stacking Ga2SeTe structures. The graphene‐Ga2SeTe‐graphene sandwich‐structured solar cells are configured to explore the device performance of Ga2SeTe solar cells. The photocurrent and the power conversion efficiency of the Janus Ga2SeTe solar cells are evaluated. The results show that multilayer Janus Ga2SeTe solar cells give rise to a photocurrent exceeding that of thin‐film silicon devices, indicating that Ga2SeTe is a potential material that could be used in photovoltaics devices.
Cranial osteology of the Middle Jurassic (Callovian) Martillichthys renwickae (Neopterygii, Pachycormiformes) with comments on the evolution and ecology of edentulous pachycormiforms
Authors: Dobson Claire , Giles Sam , Johanson Zerina , Liston Jeff , Friedman Matt
Published: September 2019

Our understanding of the ecology and phylogenetic relationships of Pachycormiformes, a group of Mesozoic stem teleosts including the iconic Leedsichthys, has often been hindered by a lack of comprehensive morphological information. Micro‐CT scanning of an articulated, although flattened, cranium of the edentulous Martillichthys renwickae from the Middle Jurassic (Callovian) Oxford Clay of the UK reveals previously unknown internal details of the most complete suspension‐feeding pachycormiform skull known, including the palate, braincase and branchial skeleton. The latter preserves gill rakers with elongate, pointed projections similar to those of Asthenocormus, in contrast to the finer fimbriations associated with Leedsichthys. We also reinterpret some previously described features, including dermal bone patterns of the snout, skull roof and lower jaw, and the morphology of the ventral hyoid arch. These new anatomical data reinforce the phylogenetic placement of Martillichthys as part of the Jurassic clade of edentulous pachycormiforms. The elongate skull geometry of these Jurassic taxa is strikingly similar to that of Ohmdenia, the sister taxon to edentulous pachycormiforms, but contrasts sharply with the morphology of the Late Cretaceous edentulous pachycormiform Bonnerichthys, raising questions over the phylogenetic relationships among these taxa. Most significantly, Martillichthys shows specialized characters with a restricted phylogenetic distribution among suspension‐feeding pachycormiforms, including the distinctive gill rakers and a greatly extended occipital stalk. Our analysis of Martillichthys supports past interpretations of a close relationship with Asthenocormus, and provides a model for interpreting the less complete remains of other members of this enigmatic group of fishes.
A perspective on systems thinking, architecting, and art
Authors: McDermott Tom , Salado Alejandro
Published: September 2019

Systems architecture has been considered as both an art and a science. The systems architect uses heuristics, stories, and models to communicate complex architectural concepts to stakeholders. Since the earliest times, master building architects have developed their skills broadly across the technical, business, and fine art domains. Why should engineering be different? Principles and practices of systems architecture are exhibited in the creation of film scores, fine arts, and building architecture. Why not teach art as a core skill of the systems architect? In this work, we explore a formal competency model linking art, systems thinking, and systems architecture. We associate competencies across these domains with the concept of elegant design. We explore formal education in the arts as a way to bridge the communication problems that technical architects have with their stakeholders. The goal is to improve the competencies of systems architects and systems thinkers by bringing the methods of the art studio class to systems education.
Phylogenetic reconstruction of the genus Tephrocactus (Cactaceae) based on molecular, morphological, and cytogenetical data
Authors: Las Peñas M. Laura , Kiesling Roberto , Bernardello Gabriel
Published: September 2019

Tephrocactus comprises species mainly endemic to Argentina. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of all proposed species of the genus as well as classical (chromosome number, karyotype) and molecular cytogenetical techniques (DNA content, heterochromatin amount, rDNA genes) were conducted. Sequence data of two plastid DNA markers of Tephrocactus taxa were analyzed. Evolution of character states of cytogenetical and morphological (growth form, presence of leaves, glochids and tepal spiny mucrons, flower color) traits were reconstructed. Species show x = 11 with different ploidy levels (2n = 22, 44, 66, 77, 242, 319), small chromosomes, and symmetrical karyotypes. Tephrocactus was recovered as monophyletic with three main clades including 12 species, using molecular and morphological data. Tephrocactus geometricus, T. halophilus, and T. paediophilus are recognized as distinct species. Banding patterns showed CMA+/DAPI− constitutive heterochromatin associated with nuclear organized regions. Heterochromatin amount ranged from 2.99% to 6.50%. The 18S‐5.8S‐26S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sites coincided with the CMA+/DAPI− signals. The 5S sites varied with ploidy levels of the taxa. DNA content (2C = 1.99–24.50 pg) had a significant and positive correlation with ploidy level and the number of rDNA genes. The ancestor is reconstructed to have been a dwarf shrub with strong articulation, glochids, and deciduous leaves, white, pink or pearly tepals without spiny mucrons, 2n = 22, low DNA content, and one pair of each rDNA gene followed by three polyploidization events. Tephrocactus diversification has been associated with polyploidy and few cumulative small cryptic chromosomal changes.
Blind adaptive detection using approximate oblique projector for synchronous DS/CDMA communication
Authors: Nagase Ryudo , Oishi Kunio , Furukawa Toshihiro
Published: September 2019

This article presents a blind adaptive detector based on an approximate oblique projector (AOP) for interference cancellation in direct‐sequence code‐division multiple‐access (DS/CDMA) system. An expression for obtaining the AOP from the inverse of the correlation matrix of received signals without a prior knowledge about the structured interference subspace is derived. Applying the matrix inversion lemma to compute the inverse of the correlation matrix is useful for updating the AOP. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed blind adaptive detector is suitable for a dynamic environment. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Impact of low‐dose aspirin on adverse perinatal outcome: meta‐analysis and meta‐regression
Authors: Turner J. M. , Robertson N. T. , Hartel G. , Kumar S.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To perform a meta‐analysis and meta‐regression of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the impact of low‐dose aspirin (LDA) on perinatal outcome, independent of its effect on pre‐eclampsia (PE), preterm birth and low birth weight.

Methods

An electronic search of EMBASE, PubMed, CENTRAL, PROSPERO and Google Scholar databases was performed to identify RCTs assessing the impact of LDA in pregnancy, published in English prior to May 2019, which reported perinatal outcomes of interest (placental abruption, delivery mode, low 5‐min Apgar score, neonatal acidosis, neonatal intensive care unit admission, periventricular hemorrhage and perinatal death). Risk ratios (RR) and 95% CI were calculated and pooled for analysis. Analysis was stratified according to gestational age at commencement of treatment (≤ 16 weeks vs > 16 weeks) and subgroup analysis was performed to assess the impact of aspirin dose (< 100 mg vs ≥ 100 mg). Meta‐regression was used to assess the impact of LDA on perinatal outcome, independent of the reduction in PE, preterm birth and low birth weight.

Results

Forty studies involving 34 807 participants were included. When LDA was commenced ≤ 16 weeks' gestation, it was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of perinatal death (RR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.25–0.88; P = 0.02; number needed to treat, 92); however, this risk reduction was only seen when a daily dose of ≥ 100 mg was administered. If commenced > 16 weeks' gestation, LDA was associated with a significant reduction in 5‐min Apgar score < 7 (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58–0.96; P = 0.02) and periventricular hemorrhage (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47–0.99; P = 0.04), but a trend towards an increase in the risk of placental abruption (RR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.00–1.46; P = 0.06) was also noted. LDA was not associated with any significant increase in adverse events if commenced ≤ 16 weeks gestation. LDA had no effect on delivery mode, irrespective of the gestational age at which it was started. Meta‐regression confirmed that the effect of LDA on perinatal death, when treatment was started ≤ 16 weeks' gestation, was independent of any reduction in the rate of PE and preterm birth.

Conclusion

LDA improves some important perinatal outcomes, without increasing adverse events such as placental abruption or periventricular hemorrhage, and its utility, if commenced prior to 16 weeks' gestation, may be considered in a wider context beyond the prevention of PE or fetal growth restriction. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
An analytical solution for nonlinear dynamic response and vibration of FG‐CNT reinforced nanocomposite elliptical cylindrical shells resting on elastic foundations
Authors: Dat Ngo Dinh , Khoa Nguyen Dinh , Nguyen Pham Dinh , Duc Nguyen Dinh
Published: September 2019

The present study deals with the nonlinear dynamic response and vibration of functionally graded carbon nanotubes (FG‐CNT) reinforced composite elliptical cylindrical shells resting on elastic foundations in thermal environments using an analytical solution. The nanocomposite elliptical cylindrical shells are reinforced by single‐walled carbon nanotubes. Based on the classical shell theory with the geometrical nonlinearity in von Kármán and the nonlinear dynamic response and vibration results are obtained by using the Airy stress function, Galerkin method, and Runge‐Kutta method. In numerical results, the effect of geometrical parameters, initial geometric imperfection, Winkler and Pasternak elastic foundations and volume fractions and types of distribution of CNTs on the nonlinear dynamic response and vibration of FG‐CNT reinforced composite elliptical cylindrical shells are investigated.
Searches for other vacua. Part I. Bubbles in our universe
Authors: Hook Anson , Huang Junwu
Published: September 2019

Abstract

We discuss models in which vacua other than our own can be directly observed in the present universe. Models with density-dependent vacuum structure can give rise to ‘non-lethal’-vacua: vacua with lower energy-density than our vacuum, but only in regions with finite Standard Model densities. These models provide an explicit example of a bubble which is confined to a finite region of space and produces potentially detectable signatures, unlike standard Coleman tunneling events where bubbles expand at the speed of light and are never directly observable. We study the expansion and contraction of a confined bubble created after a core-collapse supernova, focusing on energy deposition that may be observable in the vicinity of a supernova remnant due to the formation and evolution of a confined bubble.
Charting the phase diagram of QCD3
Authors: Argurio Riccardo , Bertolini Matteo , Mignosa Francesco , Niro Pierluigi
Published: September 2019

Abstract

We study the phase diagram of SU (N) gauge theory in three space-time dimensions with a Chern-Simons term at level k, coupled to two sets of fundamental fermions with masses m
1 and m
2, respectively. The two-dimensional phase diagram that we propose shows a rich structure and widens in an interesting way previous results in the literature, to which it reduces in some limits. We present several checks of our proposal, including consistency with boson/fermion dualities. In this respect, we extensively comment on the structure of the scalar potential which is needed on the bosonic side of the duality.
The optical microscopic observation of frictional interface between high strength gels and a glass ball by ball-on-disk method
Authors: Yamada Naoya , Wada Masato , Kawakami Masaru , Furukawa Hidemitsu
Published: September 2019

The polymer gels with the properties of high strength and low friction show promise as the ideal materials for a living body-like soft robot joint. To date, the relationship between contact area and friction behavior of hydrogels has been revealed from the observation of flat frictional surface. Here, we designed the microscopic observation system for the friction surface of soft materials under deformation condition. A specially arranged ball-on-disk measuring part was combined with inverted microscope to observe the frictional interface during the friction. Both of transparent glass ball and moving glass stage were employed in this instrument and the microscope camera was thereby able to take the moving picture of frictional interface imaged by the refractive index differences between a soda-lime glass ball, transparent hydrogels and air. By using this customized measuring instrument, when water was not rich on the friction surface, the moving pictures of the frictional interface between glass ball and transparent polymer gels were observed while measuring the frictional force. The visualized frictional contact area due to the differences of refractive index and the frictional measurement data indicated that the local deformation by adhesion between gels and counter sample cause high friction resistant as a static friction coefficient.
Longitudinal PET Imaging to Monitor Treatment Efficacy by Liposomal Irinotecan in Orthotopic Patient-Derived Pancreatic Tumor Models of High and Low Hypoxia
Authors: Ventura Manuela , Bernards Nicholas , De Souza Raquel , Fricke Inga B. , Hendriks Bart S. , Fitzgerald Jonathan B. , Lee Helen , Klinz Stephan G. , Zheng Jinzi
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Hypoxia is linked to aggressiveness, resistance to therapy, and poor prognosis of pancreatic tumors. Liposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI, ONIVYDE®) has shown potential in reducing hypoxia in the HT29 colorectal cancer model, and here, we investigate its therapeutic activity and ability to modulate hypoxia in patient-derived orthotopic tumor models of pancreatic cancer.

Procedures

Mice were randomized into nal-IRI treated and untreated controls. Magnetic resonance imaging was used for monitoring treatment efficacy, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with F-18-labelled fluoroazomycinarabinoside ([18F]FAZA) for tumor hypoxia quantification, and F-18-labelled fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT) for tumor cell proliferation.

Results

The highly hypoxic OCIP51 tumors showed significant response following nal-IRI treatment compared with the less hypoxic OCIP19 tumors. [18F]FAZA-PET detected significant hypoxia reduction in treated OCIP51 tumors, 8 days before significant changes in tumor volume. OCIP19 tumors also responded to therapy, although tumor volume control was not accompanied by any reduction in [18F]FAZA uptake. In both models, no differences were observable in [18F]FLT uptake in treated tumors compared with control mice.

Conclusions

Hypoxia modulation may play a role in nal-IRI’s mechanism of action. Nal-IRI demonstrated greater anti-tumor activity in the more aggressive and hypoxic tumor model. Furthermore, hypoxia imaging provided early prediction of treatment response.
SABIC builds on material success for the building and construction industry
Authors: Tag Reinhard
Published: September 2019

Innovative and more sustainable heavy-duty panels replacing wooden and metal panels in applications in the building and construction industry.
THE PROBLEM OF FREE WILL AND DETERMINISM: AN ABDUCTIVE APPROACH
Authors: Mickelson Kristin M.
Published: September 2019

This essay begins by dividing the traditional problem of free will and determinism into a “correlation” problem and an “explanation” problem. I then focus on the explanation problem, and argue that a standard form of abductive reasoning (that is, inference to the best explanation) may be useful in solving it. To demonstrate the fruitfulness of the abductive approach, I apply it to three standard accounts of free will. While each account implies the same solution to the correlation problem, each implies a unique solution to the explanationproblem. For example, all libertarian-friendly accounts of free will imply that it is impossible to act freely when determinism is true. However, only a narrow subset of libertarians have the theoretical resources to defend the incompatibilist claim that deterministic laws (qua deterministic) undermine free will, while other libertarians must reject this traditional incompatibilist view.
Populism and the American Party System: Opportunities and Constraints
Authors: Lee Frances E.
Published: September 2019

Does populism threaten American democracy, and if so, what is the nature of that threat? In dialogue with the comparative literature on populism, this article considers the opportunity structure available to populist parties and candidates in the American political system. I argue that compared to most other democracies, the US system offers much less opportunity for organized populistpartiesbut more opportunity for populistcandidacies. Today’s major parties may also be more vulnerable to populist insurgency than at other points in US history because of (1) changes in communications technology, (2) the unpopularity of mainstream parties and party leaders, and (3) representation gaps created by an increasingly racialized party system. Although no democratic system is immune to deterioration, the US constitutional system impedes authoritarian populism, just as it obstructs party power generally. But the vulnerability of the major parties to populist insurgency poses a threat to liberal democratic norms in the United States, just as it does elsewhere.