bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, spectroscopic, thermal properties, Calf thymus DNA binding and quantum chemical studies of M(II) complexes
Authors: Morgan Sh.M. , Diab M.A. , El‐Sonbati A.Z.
Published: March 2018

A new series of transition metal complexes of Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Mn(II) and Cd(II) were prepared from the ligand of 5‐(4‐benzenesulfonic acid azo)‐2‐thioxo‐4‐thiazolidinone (H2L). The M(II) complexes were structurally elucidated by elemental analysis, infrared spectra, spectral studies, thermal analysis, magnetic measurements and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Elemental analysis and IR result suggested the ligand was bonded to the metal ions in monobasic/neutral bidentate through the nitrogen atom of the hydrazone group and oxygen atom of carbonyl group. The bond length, bond angle, HOMO, LUMO and quantum chemical parameters were calculated to confirm the geometry of the ligand and the M(II) complexes. In vitro antimicrobial behavior of ligand (H2L) and its M(II) complexes (1‐5) was screened with targeted bacterial and fungal strains. Spectroscopic (UV‐vis) technique was employed in order to study the binding mode and binding strength of the ligand (H2L) and its M(II) complexes to Calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA). Intercalation is the most possible mode of interaction of the ligand (H2L) and its M(II) complexes with CT‐DNA and the determined binding constants. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding between the starts (4‐aminobenzenesulfonic acid (start 1) and 2‐thioxo‐4‐thiazolidinone (start 2)) and tautomers (A‐C) of ligand (H2L) with the receptors of prostate cancer mutant (PDB code: 2Q7K) and breast cancer mutant (PDB code: 3HB5).
Synthesis, spectral characterization, DFT studies and biological activity of novel Ligand 1‐(2‐cyclohexyl thioethyl) piperidine and its complexes with group 12 metal chlorides
Authors: Bhat Muzzaffar A. , Lone Shabir H. , Mir Muzzaffar A. , Majid Sheikh A. , Srivastava Sanjay K.
Published: March 2018

C6H11S‐Na+ (generated insitu by reaction of NaOH with C6H11SH) on treatment with 1‐(2‐chloroethyl) piperidine hydrochloride under N2 atmosphere resulted in (1‐(2‐cyclohexyl thioethyl) piperidine) (L1) as orange solid. It's complexes having the formula [ZnCl2. L1] (1), [CdCl2. (L1)] (2) and [HgCl2. L1] (3) have been prepared. L1 and its complexes 1‐3 were characterized on the basis of physico‐chemical and spectral (FT‐IR, Mass, 1H, 13C and DEPT 135o NMR) studies. Powder XRD diffraction pattern reveals the crystalline nature of L1 and complex 1. Complexes 1‐3 adopt distorted tetrahedral geometry showing bidentate mode of coordination through S and N. Using DFT‐based optimization of structures, the HOMO‐LUMO energy gaps and molecular electrostatic potential maps (EPM) of compound L1 and complexes 1‐3 were theoretically calculated at the B3LYP/6‐311G (d, p) level of theory. HOMO‐LUMO energy gap was calculated which allowed the calculation of relative properties like chemical hardness, chemical inertness, chemical potential, nucleophilicity and electrophillicity index of the synthesized products. The experimentally obtained IR and NMR results showed a good correlation with those of the theoretical ones. Ligand L1 and complexes 1‐3 display significant antibacterial and antifungal activity.
Two mononuclear cobalt(III) complexes exhibiting phenoxazinone synthase activity
Authors: Mahato Mamata , Van Hecke Kristof , Nayek Hari Pada
Published: March 2018

Two mononuclear cobalt(III) complexes, namely [LCo(tmtp)(H2O)]ClO4⋅MeOH (1) (tmtp = tri(m‐tolyl)phosphine) and [LCo(PPh3)(H2O)]PF6 (2), have been prepared from a polydentate ligand, N,N′‐bis(3‐methoxysalicylidehydene)cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine (H2L). Standard analytical techniques such as elemental analysis and UV–visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies were used to characterize both complexes. The solid‐state molecular structures of both complexes were confirmed from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Structural analyses show that the Co(III) ion occupies the centre of a distorted octahedron in a complex cation: [LCo(tmtp)(H2O)]+ and [LCo(PPh3)(H2O)]+ for 1 and 2, respectively. Phenoxazinone synthase activities of both complexes were screened. Kinetic studies and other experimental observations reveal that the reaction follows rate saturation kinetics and proceeds through the formation of a catalyst (complex)–substrate adduct. The turnover number (Kcat) of complex 2 is 54.07 h−1, exhibiting better catalytic activity compared to 1 (Kcat = 45.11 h−1).
A comparison between two Pd‐Ni catalysts supported on two different supports toward Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reaction
Authors: Taheri Masoud , Ghiaci Mehran , Shchukarev Andrey
Published: March 2018

When a single metal fails to promote an efficient Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reaction at ambient temperature, the synergistic cooperation of two distinct metals might improve the reaction. To examine the synergistic effect of palladium and nickel for catalyzing Suzuki coupling reaction, g‐C3N4 supported metal nanoparticles of PdO, NiO and Pd‐PdO‐NiO were prepared, characterized and their catalytic activities evaluated over different aryl halides at room temperature and 78 °C. The morphological characterization of Pd‐PdO‐NiO/g‐C3N4 demonstrated that the bimetallic particles were uniformly dispersed over the g‐C3N4 layers with diameters ranging from 3.5‐7.7 nm. XPS analysis showed that nanoparticles of Pd‐PdO‐NiO consisted of Pd(II), Pd(0) and Ni(II) sites. The experiments performed on the catalytic activity of Pd‐PdO‐NiO/g‐C3N4 showed that the prepared catalyst demonstrated an efficient activity without using toxic solvents.
Synthesis, characterization and binding studies of novel diorganotin(IV) complexes of sodium 2‐mercaptoethanesulfonate
Authors: Kumari Ranjana , Nath Mala
Published: March 2018

Diorganotin(IV) complexes (1‐4) of MESNA (sodium 2‐mercaptoethanesulfonate HSCH2CH2SO3Na) and a mixed ligand complex of dibutyltin(IV), 1,10‐phenanthroline and MESNA (5) were synthesized with thermal and microwave assisted methods. All the complexes were characterized thoroughly with the help of analytical and various spectroscopic techniques viz. FTIR, NMR (1H, 13C, and 119Sn NMR) spectroscopy and ESI‐MS spectrometery. Various spectrophotometric studies were carried out to decipher the binding mode of MESNA and its diorganotin complexes 1‐5 with calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) and thus, to calculate the binding constant (Kb). Absorption spectrophotometric study confirmed the interaction is through partial intercalation of all the complexes including MESNA, inside the DNA helix and calculated binding constant (Kb) is in the order of 103 M‐1. A series of emission spectrophotometric experiments support the results obtained through the absorption spectrophotometric studies. Circular dichroic (CD) spectroscopic analysis and viscosity measurement of CT DNA further complemented the fact that the partial intercalation plays a major role in the interaction of the studied complexes with CT DNA. All the studies corroborated that complex 2 bound to CT DNA with maximum affinity followed by complex 5 among all the complexes. Involvement of hydroxyl radicals as an active species in the cleavage activity of pBR322 plasmid DNA is proved by carrying out agarose gel electrophoretic technique.
Influence of the processing parameters on needleless electrospinning from double ring slits spinneret using response surface methodology
Authors: Wei Liang , Qiu Qiaohua , Wang Rongwu , Qin Xiaohong
Published: March 2018

Needleless electrospinning technology was an effective processing method which can fabricate large scale nanofibers. We first developed a novel double rings slit spinneret to overcome the shortcomings of current needleless electrospinning spinnerets. The solution of the flow rate was controlled accurately by peristaltic control pump. Response surface methodology was adopted to investigate the influence of the processing parameters on the morphology and diameter of nanofibers. The main spinning processing parameters comprised solution concentration, applied voltage, collection distance and solution flow rate. The analysis of variance was used to evaluate response surface reduced quadratic model for nanofiber diameter. The linear and quadratic coefficients were obtained. The morphology of nanofibers was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Effects of different processing parameters on the nanofiber mean diameter have been discussed. Predicated values have a good agreement with actual values for nanofiber diameter. Actual nanofiber diameter ranges from129.15 to 404.70 nm with different process parameters. Mechanical properties of nanofiber membrane have been investigated. High quality and high throughout nanofiber could be continuously produced. This novel needleless electrospinning spinneret has a great potential for large scale nanofibers production to promote electrospinning technology development. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46407.
Self‐healing polyurethane nanocomposite films with recoverable surface hydrophobicity
Authors: Yu Xi , Yang Pengfei , Zhang Zhiliang , Wang Liang , Liu Lian , Wang Yongqing
Published: March 2018

It is a great challenge for self‐healing materials to recover their mechanical property and surface hydrophobicity simultaneously after being damaged severely, such as deep and wide surface scratches. In this work, a series of hydrophobic films were prepared by mixing perfluoroalkyl‐loaded SiO2 nanoparticles with thermally self‐healing polyurethane. The Diels–Alder reaction of furan groups with bismaleimides endowed the polyurethane with self‐healing property, and the introduction of perfluoroalkyl chains gave surface hydrophobicity. When being heated, the low surface energy compounds could gradually move onto the surface to make the surface hydrophobicity recoverable. The self‐healing mechanical property and recoverable hydrophobicity would improve the durability and expand the application of polyurethane nanocomposites as self‐cleaning and self‐healing coatings/surfaces. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46421.
Polyurethane/clay nanocomposites with improved helium gas barrier and mechanical properties: Direct versus master‐batch melt mixing route
Authors: Adak Bapan , Joshi Mangala , Butola Bhupendra Singh
Published: March 2018

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/clay nanocomposite films were produced by incorporation of organo‐modified montmorillonite clay (Cloisite 30B) in TPU matrix by two different melt‐mixing routes (direct and master‐batch‐based mixing), followed by compression molding. In master‐batch mixing where the master‐batch was prepared by mixing of clay and TPU in a solvent, better dispersion of clay‐layers was observed in comparison to the nanocomposites produced by direct mixing. As a consequence, superior mechanical and gas barrier properties were obtained by master‐batch mixing route. The master‐batch processing resulted in 284 and 236% increase in tearing strength and tearing energy, respectively, with 5 wt % clay‐loading. Interestingly, in case of master‐batch mixing, the tensile strength, stiffness as well as breaking extension increased simultaneously up to 3 wt % clay‐loading. The helium gas permeability reduced by about 39 and 31% for the TPU/clay nanocomposites produced by mater‐batch and direct mixing routes, respectively, at 3 wt % loading of clay. Finally, the gas permeability results have been compared using three different gas permeability models and a good correlation was observed at lower volume fraction of clay. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46422.
Terahertz spectroscopic estimation of crystallinity of poly(phenylene sulfide)
Authors: Azeyanagi Chisato , Ohki Yoshimichi
Published: March 2018

As a crystalline polymer, various properties of poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) depend on its crystallinity. Evaluation of crystallinity of PPS is examined by terahertz (THz) absorption spectroscopy in this research. For sheets of PPS thermally annealed differently, sharp absorption peaks appearing at 3.2 and 4.2 THz are well proportional to the crystallinity estimated by X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption spectroscopy. Therefore, THz absorption spectroscopy can be a good tool for estimating the crystallinity of PPS. Especially, it is useful for thick PPS sheets, for which FTIR spectroscopy in transmission mode is difficult to apply due to the saturation of absorbance. Since THz spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy are complementary in the vibrations that the two methods can detect, using the two methods should be effective to improve the accuracy of estimation of crystallinity. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46427.
Preparation and characterization of antifouling and antibacterial polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes incorporated with a silver–polydopamine nanohybrid
Authors: Wu Huiqing , Liu Yuejun , Huang Jing , Mao Long , Chen Jianhong , Li Meng
Published: March 2018

A silver–polydopamine (Ag–PDA) nanohybird was used to produce polysulfone (PSf) ultrafiltration membranes with excellent antifouling and antibacterial properties. First, the catechol functional groups of polydopamine (PDA) helped with the in situ immobilization of silver (Ag) nanoparticles (<10 nm) on the PDA sphere surface; this led to the formation of the Ag–PDA nanohybrid. Then, Ag–PDA/PSf hybrid membranes were prepared via the phase‐inversion method, and the influence of Ag–PDA loading on the hybrid membrane properties was systematically investigated. When the content of Ag–PDA was 0.5 wt %, the hybrid membrane achieved optimal separation performance, including a dramatically increased pure water flux and a well‐maintained bovine serum albumin rejection. Furthermore, the Ag–PDA/PSf hybrid membranes presented a significantly enhanced protein‐fouling resistance and a good antibacterial activity. These improvements were attributed to the unique structure and properties of the Ag–PDA nanohybrid because of the synergistic effect of the hydrophilic PDA substrate and well‐distributed Ag nanoparticles. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46430.
Nanofiber films of chloroacetated natural rubber/poly(vinyl alcohol) by electrospinning technique: Silica effects on biodegradation
Authors: Azarian Mohammad Hossein , Boochathum Ploenpit
Published: March 2018

Green electrospinning technique was employed to prepare chloroacetated natural rubber (CNR)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofiber films by varying the addition of PVA in the range 2.5–55 wt % followed by encapsulation of 2.5 wt % fumed silica (FS). In this study, the risk of using organic solvents was eliminated using CNR in latex. The encapsulated electrospun fiber mats showed a fairly homogenous composition with enhanced water absorption ability of 703.54% ± 33.95%. The FS improved the interfacial adhesion and contributed to enhancing the intermolecular interaction between the two polymers. The mean diameter of the nanofibers decreased from 64.0 ± 19.0 to 41.0 ± 13.0 nm and significant improvement in the hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation rate was observed implying that FS can facilitate the degradation rate. Furthermore, loading of PVA and encapsulation of FS resulted in an improved stiffness of CNR at room temperature and storage modulus increased to 2.48 and 2.12 MPa, respectively. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46432.
Flame retardation and thermal stability of novel phosphoramide/expandable graphite in rigid polyurethane foam
Authors: Liu Dong‐Yue , Zhao Bin , Wang Jun‐Sheng , Liu Peng‐Wei , Liu Ya‐Qing
Published: March 2018

A novel flame retardant named diethyleneN,N',N''‐tri (diethoxy)phosphoramide (DTP) was synthesized using diethyl phosphate and diethylenetriamine via Atherton–Todd reaction. Then, series of flame‐retardant water‐blown rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) with expandable graphite (EG) and DTP were prepared through box‐foaming. The results of thermogravimetric analysis showed that DTP/EG changed thermal degradation process of RPUF and promoted enhancing char residues. The complex flame‐retardant system (EG/DTP) endowed RPUF higher limiting oxygen index (LOI) values (29.1%–30.2%) and lower heat release rate peak (PHRR) values according to LOI and microscale combustion calorimeter tests. More importantly, the synergistic flame‐retardant effect between EG and DTP in RPUF was proved by the analysis of synergistic effectivity values. Based on the analysis of cone calorimetric tests, EG/DTP revealed remarkable effects to inhibit the fire intensity and smoke release of RPUF with decreased PHRR and total smoke production due to good char‐forming action. To further investigate the char‐residues of the foams after combustion, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analyses were conducted. The results suggested that EG/DTP flame‐retardant system promoted RPUF forming a compact, continuous and phosphorus‐rich char layer as a good fire barrier in combustion. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46434.
Effects of flame‐retardant flax‐fiber on enhancing performance of the rigid polyurethane foams
Authors: Cheng Jia‐Ji , Qu Wen‐Juan , Sun Shao‐Hua
Published: March 2018

The original flax fibers (FF) and the modified FFs were subjected to the treatment with the flame retardant, were used to improve the performance of rigid polyurethane foams (RPUF). The mechanical properties of composites were evaluated by compressive strength test, torsion strength test, and shear stress test. The fire characteristics (smoke and heat production) were studied using cone calorimeter. And the thermal decomposition and flammable properties were further evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis and limiting oxygen index. The results showed that the FF could improve the mechanical properties of RPUF and had a good prospect in reducing the fire hazard for RPUF. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46436.
Mechanical enhancement of amine‐functionalized TiO2 reinforced polyimine composites
Authors: Lv Yanting , Lu Bo , Zhang Si , Li Jiayi , Lu Guolong , Sun Hang , Liang Song , Liu Zhenning
Published: March 2018

Polyimine vitrimers are known for their malleability, which endows these materials with properties such as self‐healing, recycling, and reshaping. To enhance the mechanical properties of the polyimine vitrimers, composites were fabricated by incorporating amine‐functionalized TiO2 microspheres (amTiO2MS) into polyimine matrix. The pure polyimine matrix and polyimine composites hybridized with TiO2 microspheres (TiO2MS) without surface modification were also obtained and examined as the controls in characterization. X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy were employed to demonstrate the presence and distribution of amTiO2MS and TiO2MS in the polyimine matrices. The investigation of mechanical properties of the amTiO2MS enhanced polyimine composites and control samples indicated that incorporation of amTiO2MS and TiO2MS exhibited different characteristic distribution, which strongly affected the performance of the composites. The optimal filling concentration of amTiO2MS was found to be 3%, with which the microspheres were uniformly distributed in the polyimine matrix. The self‐healing behavior of the polyimine‐amTiO2‐X was also studied. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46446.
Habitat protection actions for the Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphin: Baseline gaps, scopes, and resolutions for the Taiwanese subspecies
Authors: Huang Shiang‐Lin , Wang Chun‐Chieh , Yao Chiou‐Ju
Published: March 2018

Information gaps resulting from incomplete data used to describe habitat configuration frequently hinder the efficacy of habitat protection action (HPA) for an animal with a wide distribution range. Such concerns are particularly important for the Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphin, inhabiting disturbed coastal and estuarine habitats.

This study inspected the likely habitat use of the Taiwanese humpback dolphin, an endemic subspecies that inhabits a highly disturbed habitat. Habitat use was evaluated using species distribution modelling with occurrence data from field surveys and remotely sensed oceanographic layers.

Likely core habitats of the Taiwanese humpback dolphin were predicted near estuaries. The chlorophyll‐a concentration was the primary factor affecting the distribution of the Taiwanese humpback dolphin. Bathymetry influenced the humpback dolphin distribution in the early 1980s, but became less important in the early 2010s.

Significant sea surface temperature increases in the estuarine and coastal waters and chlorophyll‐a concentration decreases in the inshore waters were observed from the 1980s to the 2010s, indicating declining ecosystem productivity and shifting ecosystem functions. These oceanographic changes may be associated with adverse consequences of coastal alterations in western Taiwan.

We propose revising the current HPA scope by refining the HPA zoning, integrating coastal and watershed management, implementing regulatory fishery management, and designing and conducting restoration measures in compromised habitats and watershed landscapes. The need to reassess the current baselines of habitat use and HPA complex for the humpback dolphin across its natural range has been addressed.
Fetal Development of Fasciae around the Arm and Thigh Muscles: A Study Using Late Stage Fetuses
Authors: Cho Kwang Ho , Jang Hyung Suk , Abe Hiroshi , Yamamoto Masahito , Murakami Gen , Shibata Shunichi
Published: March 2018

To obtain a better understanding of multi‐laminar deep fascia covering skeletal muscles, we examined nondecalcified histological sections of the arm and thigh of 20 human fetuses aged 25–33 weeks. Morphologies of the fasciae varied between sites and specimens, but the initial morphology was most likely to be a thin and loose sheet on the external surface of the muscles (fascia‐1 or F1). When the F1 became wavy, thick and tight, it was detached from the muscle surface. Beneath the F1, the second lamina of fascia (F2) appeared on the muscle surface and it was also detached. In this manner at 25–33 weeks' gestation, fasciae covering the triceps and vastus lateralis muscles had a three‐layered configuration (F1, F2, and F3). Due to significant individual variations, this process was not correlated to the ages and sizes of specimens. Muscle contractions might facilitate the detachment. In these muscles, the intramuscular tendon joined the F2 or F3 and the latter became thick and aponeurotic. Along the finally developed lamina, muscle fibers carried a desmin‐positive spot for insertion. Increased laminae were accompanied by a reduced number of CD68‐positive macrophages and, nerves were absent, near the developing fascia. In contrast to skin ligaments or superficial fasciae showing de novo development in loose tissue, a deep or muscle‐covering fascia seemed to originate from the skeletal muscle itself at the surface, and this process was repeated to produce multi‐layered fascia. Depending on sites, collagen fibers were added by the intramuscular tendon. Anat Rec, 301:1235–1243, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, anticancer activity, and molecular modeling of etodolac‐thioether derivatives as potent methionine aminopeptidase (type II) inhibitors
Authors: Çoruh Işıl , Çevik Özge , Yelekçi Kemal , Djikic Teodora , Küçükgüzel Ş. Güniz
Published: March 2018

A series of (R,S)‐1‐{[5‐(substituted)sulfanyl‐4‐substituted‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐yl]methyl}‐1,8‐diethyl‐1,3,4,9‐tetrahydropyrano[3,4‐b]indoles (5a–v) were designed and synthesized using a five‐step synthetic protocol that involves substituted benzyl chlorides and (R,S)‐5‐[(1,8‐diethyl‐1,3,4,9‐tetrahydropyrano[3,4‐b]indole‐1‐yl)methyl]‐4‐substituted‐2,4‐dihydro‐3H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thiones in the final step. The synthesized derivatives were evaluated for cytotoxicity and anticancer activity in vitro using the MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) colorimetric method against VERO, HEPG2 (human hepatocellular liver carcinoma), SKOV3 (ovarian carcinoma), MCF7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), PC3 and DU145 (prostate carcinoma) cells at 10−5 M (10 μM) for 24 h. Compounds 5d and 5h showed the best biological potency against the SKOV3 cancer cell line (IC50 = 7.22 and 5.10 μM, respectively) and did not display cytotoxicity toward VERO cells compared to etodolac. Compounds 5k, 5s, and 5v showed the most potent biological activity against the PC3 cancer cell line (IC50 = 8.18, 3.10, and 4.00 μM, respectively) and did not display cytotoxicity. Moreover, these compounds were evaluated for caspase‐3, ‐9, and ‐8 protein expression and activation in the apoptosis pathway for 6, 12, and 24 h, which play a key role in the treatment of cancer. In this study, we also investigated the apoptotic mechanism and molecular modeling of compounds 5k and 5v on the methionine aminopeptidase (type II) enzyme active site in order to get insights into the binding mode and energy.
Sustained Response Following Discontinuation of Methotrexate in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated With Subcutaneous Tocilizumab
Authors: Kremer Joel M. , Rigby William , Singer Nora G. , Birchwood Christine , Gill Darcy , Reiss William , Pei Jinglan , Michalska Margaret
Published: March 2018

Objective

To evaluate whether tocilizumab (TCZ) monotherapy is noninferior to treatment with TCZ plus methotrexate (MTX) for maintaining clinical responses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in whom low disease activity is achieved with TCZ plus MTX.

Methods

Patients with RA who experienced an inadequate response to MTX received MTX plus TCZ 162 mg subcutaneously. At 24 weeks, patients who achieved a Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28‐ESR) of ≤3.2 were randomized to receive TCZ monotherapy or to continue treatment with TCZ plus MTX until week 52. The primary outcome measure was the comparison of the mean change in the DAS28‐ESR from week 24 to week 40 between the TCZ monotherapy and TCZ plus MTX arms (noninferiority margin of 0.6). Secondary outcome measures included worsening of the DAS28‐ESR by ≥1.2, achievement of a DAS28‐ESR of <2.6 and ≤3.2, and safety and immunogenicity.

Results

Among the 718 patients enrolled, 296 were randomized at week 24 to receive TCZ monotherapy (n = 147) or TCZ plus MTX (n = 147). The mean changes in the DAS28‐ESR from week 24 to week 40 were 0.46 and 0.14 in the TCZ monotherapy arm and the TCZ plus MTX arm, respectively (weighted difference between the groups, 0.318 [95% confidence interval 0.045, 0.592]); discontinuing MTX in TCZ responders was noninferior to continuing MTX. Safety events were broadly similar between the randomized treatment groups; the most common serious adverse event was infection, which occurred in 2.1% of patients in the TCZ monotherapy group and 2.2% of patients receiving TCZ plus MTX.

Conclusion

Patients with RA receiving TCZ plus MTX who achieve low disease activity can discontinue MTX without significant worsening of disease activity during the 16 weeks following MTX discontinuation.
Rituximab May Cause Increased Hepatitis C Virus Viremia in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Through Declining Exosomal MicroRNA‐155
Authors: Liao Tsai‐Ling , Hsieh Shie‐Liang , Chen Yi‐Ming , Chen Hsin‐Hua , Liu Hung‐Jen , Lee Hsiu‐Chin , Chen Der‐Yuan
Published: March 2018

Objective

Several studies have shown that rituximab may enhance hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in modulating the host immune response in HCV infection; miRNAs can be packaged into the exosomes and then shuttled by the exosomes to aid biologic functions. However, the role of exosomal miRNAs (exo‐miRNAs) in rituximab‐related HCV activity enhancement remains unclear.

Methods

The association between rituximab and increased HCV activity was examined using an in vitro cell‐based assay. Purified exosomes were confirmed using immunoblotting and flow cytometry and quantified using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Exosomal miRNA‐155 (exo‐miR‐155) levels were measured using quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction.

Results

In vitro data showed that B cell–derived miR‐155 could inhibit HCV replication in hepatocytes through exosome transmission. Rituximab could both induce B cell depletion and affect intracellular miR‐155 production as well as exo‐miR‐155 transmission and then enhance HCV activity in hepatocytes (P < 0.005). Serum exosome levels were increased in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with HCV infection compared with the levels in RA patients without HCV infection (P < 0.01). The exo‐miR‐155 levels were significantly increased in RA patients with HCV infection compared with those without infection (P < 0.01). A significantly greater decrement of exo‐miR‐155 expression was observed after rituximab therapy compared with those observed before therapy (P < 0.01), and hepatitis C viral loads increased simultaneously (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Circulating exo‐miR‐155 levels were negatively correlated with hepatitis C viral loads and subsequently associated with rituximab‐related HCV activity enhancement in RA patients. Exo‐miR‐155 may become a potential diagnostic biomarker or therapeutic target.
On the differences between citations and altmetrics: An investigation of factors driving altmetrics versus citations for finnish articles
Authors: Didegah Fereshteh , Bowman Timothy D. , Holmberg Kim
Published: March 2018

This study examines a range of factors associated with future citation and altmetric counts to a paper. The factors include journal impact factor, individual collaboration, international collaboration, institution prestige, country prestige, research funding, abstract readability, abstract length, title length, number of cited references, field size, and field type and will be modeled in association with citation counts, Mendeley readers, Twitter posts, Facebook posts, blog posts, and news posts. The results demonstrate that eight factors are important for increased citation counts, seven different factors are important for increased Mendeley readers, eight factors are important for increased Twitter posts, three factors are important for increased Facebook posts, six factors are important for increased blog posts, and five factors are important for increased news posts. Journal impact factor and international collaboration are the two factors that significantly associate with increased citation counts and with all altmetric scores. Moreover, it seems that the factors driving Mendeley readership are similar to those driving citation counts. However, the altmetric events differ from each other in terms of a small number of factors; for instance, institution prestige and country prestige associate with increased Mendeley readers and blog and news posts, but it is an insignificant factor for Twitter and Facebook posts. The findings contribute to the continued development of theoretical models and methodological developments associated with capturing, interpreting, and understanding altmetric events.
Selenadiazole Derivatives Inhibit Angiogenesis‐Mediated Human Breast Tumor Growth by Suppressing the VEGFR2‐Mediated ERK and AKT Signaling Pathways
Authors: Lai Haoqiang , Fu Xiaoyan , Sang Chengcheng , Hou Liyuan , Feng Pengju , Li Xiaoling , Chen Tianfeng
Published: March 2018

Selenadiazole derivatives (SeDs) have been found to show promise in chemo‐/radiotherapy applications by activating various downstream signaling pathways. However, the functional role of SeDs on angiogenesis, which is pivotal for tumor progression and metastasis, has not yet been elucidated. In the present study, we have examined the antiangiogenic activities of SeDs and elucidated their underlying mechanisms. The results showed that the as‐synthesized SeDs not only enhanced their anticancer activities against several human cancer cells but also showed more potent inhibition on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The in vitro results suggested that SeDs, especially 1 a, dose‐dependently inhibited the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐induced cell migration, invasion, and capillary‐like structure formation of HUVECs. Compound 1 a also significantly suppressed VEGF‐induced angiogenesis in a Matrigel plug assay as part of a C57/BL6 mice assay by means of down regulation of VEGF. Furthermore, we found that 1 a significantly inhibited MCF‐7 human breast tumor growth in nude mice without severe systematic cytotoxicity. Compound 1 a was more effective in inhibiting cell proliferation and induced a much more pronounced apoptosis effect in endothelial cells than MCF‐7 cells, which implies that endothelial cells might be the primary target of 1 a. Further mechanistic studies on tumor growth inhibition effects and neovessel formation suppression demonstrated that 1 a inhibited cell viability of MCF‐7 and HUVECs by induction of cell apoptosis, accompanied by poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose)polymerase (PARP) cleavage and caspase activation. Additionally, the 1 a‐induced antiangiogenesis effect was achieved by abolishing the VEGF‐VEGFR2‐ERK/AKT (ERK=extracellular signal–regulated kinases; AKT=protein kinease B) signal axis and enhanced the apoptosis effect by triggering reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated DNA damage. Taken together, these results clearly demonstrate the antiangiogenic potency of SeDs and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Redox‐Driven Symmetry Change for Terbium(III) Bis(porphyrinato) Double‐Decker Complexes by the Azimuthal Rotation of the Porphyrin Macrocycles
Authors: Yamashita Ken‐ichi , Yamanaka Takayo , Sakata Naoya , Ogawa Takuji
Published: March 2018

Molecular structures for three oxidation forms (anion, radical, and cation) of terbium(III) bis(porphyrinato) double‐decker complexes have been systematically studied. We found that the redox state controls the azimuthal rotation angle (φ) between the two porphyrin macrocycles. For [TbIII(tpp)2]n (tpp: tetraphenylporphyrinato, n=−1, 0, and +1), φ decreases at each stage of the oxidation process. The decrease in φ is due to the higher steric repulsion between the phenyl rings on the porphyrin macrocycle and the β hydrogen atoms on the other porphyrin macrocycle, which results from the shorter interfacial distance between the two porphyrin macrocycles. Conversely, φ=45° for both [TbIII(oep)2]−1 and [TbIII(oep)2]0 (oep: octaethylporphyrinato), but φ=36° for [TbIII(oep)2]+1. Theoretical calculations suggest that the smaller azimuthal rotation angle of the cation form is due to the electronic interaction in the doubly oxidized ligand system.
Symbolic Geometric Modelling of Tree‐Structure Robotic Mechanisms Using Lie Groups and Graph Theory
Authors: Escalera Juan A. , Abu‐Dakka Fares J. , Abderrahim Mohamed
Published: March 2018

The present work describes a symbolic formulation based on Lie groups and graph theory to obtain the dynamic equations of tree‐structure robotic mechanisms (TRM)s. The resulting equation is the equivalent geometric form of the classical Newton‐Euler's equation of motion. Such formulation is valid for any TRM without closed kinematic chains and whose joints have one degree of freedom (revolute and/or prismatic). For instance, open chain manipulator, robotic hands or humanoids are included within TRM. The structure of the proposed formulation allows analytic differentiation, which is required for techniques such as optimal control or robust control. Moreover, the assembly parameters are explicitly held in matrices, so that they can be mathematically manipulated in order to be adapted for simulation, analysis or identification algorithms. Finally, the formulation is applied to a 7DOF manipulator and to a two arm torso of 16 degrees of freedom. The results are compared with the multi‐body simulation software package MSC/ADAMS© proving the correctness of the formulation.
Synchronization and Tracking Control for Dual‐motor Driving Servo Systems with Friction Compensation
Authors: Zhao Wei , Ren Xuemei , Li Linwei
Published: March 2018

A nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode (NFTSM) controller is designed by incorporating the variable gain neural network (NN) observer, which is utilized to guarantee motor speed synchronization and load position tracking of dual‐motor driving servo systems. By designing the variable gain NN observer, the states and uncertain nonlinearities of servo systems are estimated with fast convergence rate and small steady‐state error, where the effects from external disturbance are suppressed as well. Based on the estimated states, the cross‐coupling synchronization strategy and NFTSM tracking scheme are designed to achieve the rapid speed synchronization and precise load tracking, where the NNs are introduced to approximate and compensate friction nonlinearities. In particular, a novel nonlinear synchronization factor characterizing the degree of speed synchronization is proposed to achieve switching between synchronization control and tracking control, which is proven to deal with the coupling problem of synchronization and tracking. Finally, the comparative simulations and experiments are included to verify the reliability and effectiveness.
Time series with Birnbaum‐Saunders marginal distributions
Authors: Rahul T. , Balakrishnan N. , Balakrishna N.
Published: March 2018

A stationary sequence of random variables with Birnbaum‐Saunders marginal distribution is constructed using a Gaussian autoregressive moving average sequence. The parameters of the model are then estimated by the maximum likelihood method, and the resulting estimators are shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal. A simulation study is carried out to assess the performance of the estimators. The proposed model is finally used to analyze 2 real data sets.
Graphics to facilitate informative discussion and team decision making
Authors: Anderson‐Cook Christine M. , Lu Lu
Published: March 2018

Everyone knows the expression “A picture is worth a thousand words,” and this effectively summarizes the ability of graphical summaries to convey information and persuade. However, in many cases, the goal for the right visualization is to encourage and guide discussion while helping focus a team to make carefully considered, defensible, and data‐driven decisions. The aims of graphics differ if we are trying to communicate the merits of a single choice versus outlining several contending alternatives for further comparison and discussion. These choices each have their own strengths and weaknesses depending on how we value different criteria. They also serve different purposes at various stages of decision making. Often the role of statisticians is not to provide a single answer but to provide rich information and summaries in a manageable and compact form to enable productive discussion among team members. Through a series of diverse examples, we present principles and strategies for encouraging discussion and informed decision making and discuss how they can be integrated with versatile use of graphical tools for examining multiple objectives, framing trade‐offs between alternatives, and examining the impact of subjective priorities and uncertainty on the final decision.
Findings about the BMMPP for modeling dependent and simultaneous data in reliability and queueing systems
Authors: Yera Yoel G. , Lillo Rosa E. , Ramírez‐Cobo Pepa
Published: March 2018

The batch Markov‐modulated Poisson process (BMMPP) is a subclass of the versatile batch Markovian arrival process (BMAP), which has been widely used for the modeling of dependent and correlated simultaneous events (as arrivals, failures, or risk events). Both theoretical and applied aspects are examined in this paper. On one hand, the identifiability of the stationaryBMMPPm(K ) is proven, whereKis the maximum batch size andmis the number of states of the underlying Markov chain. This is a powerful result for inferential issues. On the other hand, some novelties related to the correlation and autocorrelation structures are provided.
Gemcitabine induces apoptosis and autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Zhu Jinhui , Chen Yan , Ji Yun , Yu Yuanquan , Jin Yun , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Zhou Jiale
Published: March 2018

Gemcitabine (GEM)‐based chemotherapy is a commonly used treatment for pancreatic cancer. However, acquired drug resistance, a major problem in pancreatic cancer treatment, causes a reduction in the survival rate of patients with cancer. In this study, we attempted to reveal the molecular mechanism of GEM resistance. Our data showed that GEM treatment inhibits cell growth, induces apoptosis, and activates autophagy via the AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. The combination of GEM treatment and AMPK knockdown resulted in a dramatic increase of apoptosis and inhibition of autophagy. Additionally, inhibition of mammalian target of Rapamycin induced autophagy. Our findings show the potential therapeutic implications of the combined treatment with GEM and AMPK inhibitors for pancreatic cancer.
Mischungsstabilität fließfähiger Betone
Authors: Begemann Christoph , Cotardo Dario , Lohaus Ludger
Published: March 2018

Insbesondere unter schwierigen Verarbeitungsbedingungen ist es erforderlich, weiche bis fließfähige Betone einzusetzen. Mit zunehmender Fließfähigkeit der Betone geht allerdings gleichzeitig ein erhöhtes Risiko der Entmischung einher. Insbesondere unter dem Einfluss einer Verdichtung gewinnt die Mischungsstabilität als maßgebliche Frischbetoneigenschaft an Bedeutung. Sie ist im Entwurf neben der hohen Fließfähigkeit gleichbedeutend zu berücksichtigen. Im Gegensatz zu selbstverdichtenden Betonen (SVB) existieren jedoch für fließfähige Rüttelbetone weder Modelle noch Strategien zur Beschreibung und Sicherstellung der Mischungsstabilität. Es sind noch nicht einmal geeignete Prüfverfahren etabliert, die zur Beurteilung der Mischungsstabilität im Labor und auf der Baustelle herangezogen werden könnten. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt zunächst Konzepte, wie Mischungsstabilität im Entwurf berücksichtigt werden kann. Dabei wird zum einen auf die Anteile der granularen Partikel (Gesteinskörnung), der fließfähigen Komponente (Bindemittelleim), ihre jeweiligen Eigenschaften sowie deren gegenseitige Beeinflussung bei Rütteleinwirkung eingegangen. Zum anderen werden weiterentwickelte Prüfmethoden zur Beurteilung der Mischungsstabilität (insbesondere die Sedimentationsstabilität) näher beschrieben.
Postfolate spina bifida lesion level change
Authors: Eldridge Carin , Bandlamuri Sruti , Andrews Jennifer G. , Galindo Maureen Kelly , Contreras Dianna , Flood Timothy J. , Rice Sydney
Published: March 2018

Background

Spina bifida accounts for a large proportion of birth defects in the United States. Studies have evaluated the decrease in prevalence at birth after folate fortification of food grains, but little is known about neurologic functional changes related to fortification. This study assesses the functional level of lesions in the prefortification and postfortification eras.

Methods

Data were collected through retrospective review of medical records from a regional multispecialty clinic in Arizona. This study included individuals born between 1981–1995 (prefortification) and 1999–2013 (postfortification). Patients were included if they had a primary diagnosis of spina bifida with or without hydrocephalus.

Results

There was a significant difference in functional lesion level with an 85% reduction in thoracic level lesions in the postfortification era (p < .005). There were no differences in gender or ethnicity across eras; however, Hispanic ethnicity had a higher number of cases overall (51.7%). The most common lesion level in both eras was mid‐lumbar, accounting for 35.7 and 34.4% of cases in the prefolate and postfolate eras, respectively.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a significant difference in the distribution of lesion level of spina bifida patients born in the postfortification era, based on neurologic function. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to determine if this observation holds true nationally.
Stroke localization and classification using microwave tomography with k‐means clustering and support vector machine
Authors: Guo Lei , Abbosh Amin
Published: March 2018

For any chance for stroke patients to survive, the stroke type should be classified to enable giving medication within a few hours of the onset of symptoms. In this paper, a microwave‐based stroke localization and classification framework is proposed. It is based on microwave tomography, k‐means clustering, and a support vector machine (SVM) method. The dielectric profile of the brain is first calculated using the Born iterative method, whereas the amplitude of the dielectric profile is then taken as the input to k‐means clustering. The cluster is selected as the feature vector for constructing and testing the SVM. A database of MRI‐derived realistic head phantoms at different signal‐to‐noise ratios is used in the classification procedure. The performance of the proposed framework is evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The results based on a two‐dimensional framework show that 88% classification accuracy, with a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 87%, can be achieved. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:312–324, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Abdichten von Fugen in Beton mit Fugenbändern – die neue Anwendungsnorm DIN 18197
Authors: Hohmann Rainer
Published: March 2018

Mit der DIN 18197 „Abdichten von Fugen in Beton mit Fugenbändern“ wird dem Planer sowie dem Bauausführenden ein Regelwerk zur Verfügung gestellt, in dem neben relevanten Hinweisen für die Planung und Handhabung von Fugenbändern auch Auswahldiagramme zu finden sind, mit denen der Planer in Abhängigkeit von der Beanspruchung auf einfache Art Fugenbänder auswählen kann. Dieser Beitrag geht auf die wesentlichen, die Fugenabdichtung mit Fugenbändern betreffenden Regeln ein und zeigt an ausgewählten Beispielen, wie der Planer das auf seine Belastungen abgestimmte Fugenband mithilfe der Auswahldiagramme der DIN 18197 auswählen kann. Den Bauausführenden wird ausführlich erläutert, was beim Umgang mit Fugenbändern auf der Baustelle zu beachten ist.
An Emerging Group of Membrane Property Sensors Controls the Physical State of Organellar Membranes to Maintain Their Identity
Authors: Radanović Toni , Reinhard John , Ballweg Stephanie , Pesek Kristina , Ernst Robert
Published: March 2018

The biological membranes of eukaryotic cells harbor sensitive surveillance systems to establish, sense, and maintain characteristic physicochemical properties that ultimately define organelle identity. They are fundamentally important for membrane homeostasis and play active roles in cellular signaling, protein sorting, and the formation of vesicular carriers. Here, we compare the molecular mechanisms of Mga2 and Ire1, two sensors involved in the regulation of fatty acid desaturation and the response to unfolded proteins and lipid bilayer stress in order to identify their commonalities and specializations. We will speculate on the cellular significance of membrane property sensors in other organelles and discuss their putative mechanisms. Based on these findings, we propose membrane property sensors as an emerging class of proteins with wide implications for organelle communication and function.