bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra‐Narrow‐Band Blue‐Emitting Oxoberyllates AELi2[Be4O6]:Eu2+ (AE=Sr,Ba) Paving the Way to Efficient RGB pc‐LEDs
Authors: Strobel Philipp , Maak Christian , Weiler Volker , Schmidt Peter J. , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: May 2018

Highly efficient phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes (pc‐LEDs) are popular in lighting and high‐tech electronics applications. The main goals of present LED research are increasing light quality, preserving color point stability and reducing energy consumption. For those purposes excellent phosphors in all spectral regions are required. Here, we report on ultra‐narrow band blue emitting oxoberyllates AELi2[Be4O6]:Eu2+ (AE=Sr,Ba) exhibiting a rigid covalent network isotypic to the nitridoalumosilicate BaLi2[(Al2Si2)N6]:Eu2+. The oxoberyllates’ extremely small Stokes shift and unprecedented ultra‐narrow band blue emission with fwhm ≈25 nm (≈1200 cm−1) at λem=454–456 nm result from its rigid, highly condensed tetrahedra network. AELi2[Be4O6]:Eu2+ allows for using short‐wavelength blue LEDs (λem<440 nm) for efficient excitation of the ultra‐narrow band blue phosphor, for application in violet pumped white RGB phosphor LEDs with improved color point stability, excellent color rendering, and high energy efficiency.
Nonhypothesis Analysis of a Mutagenic Soybean (Glycine max [L.]) Population for Protein and Fatty‐Acid Composition
Authors: Anderson James , Lakhssassi Naoufal , Kantartzi Stella K. , Meksem Khalid
Published: May 2018

Soybean is a major source of oil for food, feed, and biofuel production. Mutagenesis is a tool for creating unique traits useful in breeding programs. The aim of this study is to use nonhypothesis statistical testing methods to make decisions about a mutagenic population. To this end, a total of 1037 mutation lines and 28 wild‐type lines were analyzed for fatty‐acid composition and protein content. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze the fatty acid profile, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to build a selection model for seed weight per plant and weight per 10 seeds, and clustering in conjunction with power analysis to determine the minimum number of individuals needed to create a MANOVA selection model for the oil to protein content. Five of the 35 possible entries were identified by PCA analysis for stearic acid and four of 16 possible entries for oleic acid. Interestingly, most of the selected mutants were validated genetically. In fact, selected mutants with high seed stearic acid or high seed oleic acid contents were verified to carry mutations on GmFAD2‐1A, GmFAD2‐1B, and GmSACPD‐C genes. This shows a promising method of identifying smaller portion of the population to screen for desired mutations.
Iron‐Catalyzed Vinylic C−H Alkylation with Alkyl Peroxides
Authors: Ge Liang , Jian Wujun , Zhou Huan , Chen Shaowei , Ye Changqing , Yu Fei , Qian Bo , Li Yajun , Bao Hongli
Published: May 2018

A variety of alkyl peresters and alkyl diacyl peroxides, which are readily accessible from carboxylic acids, are utilized as general primary, secondary, and tertiary alkylating reagents for iron‐catalyzed vinylic C−H alkylation of vinyl arenes, dienes, and 1,3‐enynes. This transformation affords olefinic products in up to 98 % yield with high E/Z values. A broad range of functionalities, including carboxyl, boronic acid, methoxy, ester, amino, and halides, are tolerated. This protocol provides a facile approach to some olefins that are difficult to access, and hence, offers an alternative to existing systems. The synthetic utility of this method is demonstrated by late‐stage functionalization of selected natural‐product derivatives.
UHPC‐Druckgehäuse für Anwendungen in der Tiefsee
Authors: Wilhelm Sebastian , Curbach Manfred
Published: May 2018

Der vorliegende Artikel beschreibt die Entwicklung von Druckgehäusen aus ultrahochfestem Beton für Tiefseeanwendungen im Rahmen der Helmholtz Allianz ROBEX. Neben grundlegenden Untersuchungen zum Materialverhalten von UHPC, wie zeitabhängige oder mehraxiale Druckfestigkeit und E‐Modul, Bruchdehnung, Größeneffekt, Einfluss von Wärmebehandlung und Salzwasserlagerung oder Porositätsmessungen, wurden auch diverse Studien zu Konstruktionsgrundsätzen für wiederverschließbare Druckgehäuse durchgeführt. Die Experimente wurden begleitend numerisch simuliert und das nichtlineare Materialmodell multiPlas in ANSYS anhand der gewonnenen experimentellen Daten kalibriert. Neben einer Vielzahl an Druck‐ und Implosionsversuchen von Betongehäusen im Labor wurden zwei je einjährige Feldstudien in der Arktis in 2500 m Tiefe erfolgreich absolviert, um die Dauerhaftigkeit der Betongehäuse und den Einfluss der maritimen Umgebung auf UHPC zu untersuchen. Dabei konnten Ergebnisse zum Kriechen von UHPC unter hoher Dauerlast, zur Diffusionsdichtheit und zum Einfluss der Calcit‐Kompensationstiefe gewonnen werden. Die gewonnenen Erkenntnisse wurden in Bemessungsempfehlungen zusammengefasst.
Rosenstein‐Pavillon
Authors: Kovaleva Daria , Gericke Oliver , Kappes Jonas , Haase Walter
Published: May 2018

Der Rosenstein‐Pavillon ist eine funktional gradierte Betonschale, die für die Sonderausstellung „baubionik – biologie beflügelt architektur“ im Stuttgarter Schloss Rosenstein entworfen und gebaut wurde. Die dort präsentierten Exponate zeigen die Forschungsergebnisse des Sonderforschungsbereichs TRR 141 „Biological Design and Integrative Structures“, in dem biologische Vorbilder im Hinblick auf eine mögliche Abstraktion von Wirkprinzipien und deren Übertragung auf Objekte und Technologien des Bauwesens untersucht werden. Der Pavillon ist ein Prototyp der Implementierung eines Konstruktionsprinzips leichter, aber starker Strukturen, die anhand struktureller Biomaterialien als Inspirationsquelle für gewichtsoptimierte Tragsysteme entwickelt wurden. Im Zentrum der Forschung stand das bionische Prinzip der Strukturoptimierung durch die lokale Anpassung von mechanischen Eigenschaften an äußere und innere Gegebenheiten. In den technischen Disziplinen ist dieses Prinzip auch als funktionale Gradierung bekannt und wird in den Materialwissenschaften, der Medizin, dem Maschinenbau und dem Bauingenieurwesen in großer Breite angewendet – Voraussetzung hierfür ist die Entwicklung von Werkstoffen und Strukturen mit Eigenschaften, die lokal an statische, mechanische, physikalische oder sonstige funktionelle Anforderungen angepasst werden können.

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird vorgeschlagen, das Prinzip der Gradierung auf den Bereich des Designs und der Architektur auszudehnen – die Material‐ und Energieeffizienz des Gebäudes soll als ebenso wichtig angesehen werden wie andere Entwurfsfaktoren. Dies ist insbesondere im Hinblick auf die zunehmende Verknappung der natürlichen Ressourcen im Kontrast zu einer stetig wachsenden Bevölkerung von besonderer Bedeutung.
Synthesis, Cancer‐Selective Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Effects of Some (±)‐Naringenin Cycloaminoethyl Derivatives
Authors: Zaim Ömer , Doğanlar Oğuzhan , Zreigh Mohamed M. , Doğanlar Zeynep Banu , Özcan Hafize
Published: May 2018

Naringenin is a naturally occurring flavonoid and due to its broad spectrum of biological activities, including anticancer properties, has attracted scientific attention in recent years. To contribute to these studies, we synthesized some new (±)‐naringenin cyclic aminoethyl derivatives, analyzed the cytotoxic and anti‐proliferative properties of them via 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and mitochondrial apoptosis signaling response and gene expressions belong to caspase‐3 depended apoptosis as biomarkers in both healthy and cancer cell lines. Our results suggest that some of our naringenin derivatives are potential anticancer agents with a selective death potential and targeting properties for mitochondrial apoptosis signaling against at least human cervix and breast cancer.
Police interactions and interventions with suspects flagged as experiencing mental health problems
Authors: Kane Eddie , Evans Emily , Mitsch Jurgen , Jilani Tahseen , Quinlan Philip , Cattell Jack , Khalifa Najat
Published: May 2018

Background

Interactions between individuals experiencing mental health (MH) problems and the police are complex, and effectiveness of innovative support and diversion models in England and Wales not yet fully evaluated.

Aims/hypotheses

Our aims were to examine police interactions with suspects and to measure the immediate effectiveness of police/NHS MH interventions, including liaison and diversion and embedded staff in police contact and control rooms. We hypothesised that those with an MH flag would have significantly greater benefit from such interventions than those without in terms of how far they are taken down the criminal justice pathway and how long they spend in police custody.

Methods

We examined police interactions with suspects with and without flagged MH problems in relation to key outcome measures over a 15‐month period, overall or when flagged by nurses alone. ‘MH flagging’ is defined as the presence of a marker on police systems, including both historical and current information, that alerts control room staff and response officers that the call may involve an individual/s with MH problems. Serial cross‐sectional analysis of material from a database of individual cases integrating information from three police sources (N = 13,472) was used to test for associations between ‘mental health flagging’ and outcomes.

Results

Individuals with an MH flag have almost identical police dispatch response profiles to those without; they were arrested for and charged with similar offences. Those with an MH flag were significantly more likely to be charged with a criminal offence, less likely to receive a caution and spent longer periods in police custody than people under similar accusations but no MH flag.

Conclusions

MH flagging appeared to disadvantage the people flagged, despite the presence of theoretically appropriate interventions. Further research is needed to understand this. It may be that indicating this form of vulnerability if the person is not judged to qualify for a MH service is discriminatory and may even account for excessive rates of mental disorder among prisoners.
Permanent His‐Bundle pacing in a patient with advanced conduction system disease: What is the mechanism of QRS narrowing?
Authors: Verma Nishant , Knight Bradley P.
Published: May 2018

Key Clinical Message

QRS narrowing during permanent His‐bundle pacing is primarily thought to result from longitudinal dissociation within the His bundle. We present a case with an alternative mechanism, highlighting the likelihood that there are actually multiple explanations for this phenomenon. In addition, this case highlights the utility of His‐bundle pacing even in the face of a wide QRS.
Giant liver tumor causing dyspnea upon exertion
Authors: Machairas Nikolaos , Garoufalia Zoe , Sotiropoulos Georgios C.
Published: May 2018

Key Clinical Message

Asymptomatic elevation of the right hemidiaphragm should always raise suspicion of a silent hepatic tumor. Prompt multimodality imaging plays a critical role in the identification of this entity; high clinical suspicion is the key element for diagnosis of a possible hepatic tumor.
Mechanism of the Dehydrogenative Phenothiazination of Phenols
Authors: Goswami Monalisa , Konkel Alexander , Rahimi Maryam , Louillat‐Habermeyer Marie‐Laure , Kelm Harald , Jin Rongwei , de Bruin Bas , Patureau Frederic W.
Published: May 2018

The straightforward capture of oxidized phenothiazines with phenols under aerobic conditions represents a unique cross‐dehydrogenative C−N bond‐forming reaction in terms of operational simplicity. The mechanism of this cross‐dehydrogenative N‐arylation of phenothiazines with phenols has been the object of debate, particularly regarding the order in which the substrates are oxidized and their potentially radical or cationic nature. Understanding the selective reactivity of phenols for oxidized phenothiazines is one of the key objectives of this study. The reaction mechanism is investigated in detail by utilizing electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, radical trap experiments, kinetic isotope effects, and solvent effects. Finally, the key reaction steps are calculated by using density functional theory (DFT) and broken‐symmetry open‐shell singlet DFT methods to unravel a unique biradical mechanism for the oxidative phenothiazination of phenols.
Direct Immunoassay for Facile and Sensitive Detection of Small Molecule Aflatoxin B1 based on Nanobody
Authors: Pan Deng , Li Guanghui , Hu Huizhen , Xue Huaijia , Zhang Mingming , Zhu Min , Gong Xue , Zhang Yuanjian , Wan Yakun , Shen Yanfei
Published: May 2018

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), one of the most toxic mycotoxins, is classified as a group I carcinogen and ubiquitous in various foods and agriproducts. Thus, accurate and sensitive determination of AFB1 is of great significance to meet the criteria of food safety. Direct detection of AFB1 is difficult by monoclonal antibody (mAb) with large molecular size (≈150 kD) since the target is too small to produce a detectable signal change. Herein, by combining the electrochemical properties of nanomaterials and the advantages of nanobodies, we developed a direct, highly selective and sensitive electrochemical immunosensor for small molecule detection. The proposed immunosensor had a wide calibration range of 0.01 to 100 ng mL−1 and a low detection limit of 3.3 pg mL−1 (S/N=3). Compared with the immunosensor prepared with mAb which was applied in the typical indirect immunoassay, the immunosensor in this work possessed two orders of magnitudes wider linear range and 10‐fold more sensitivity. The as‐obtained immunosensor was further successfully applied for sensing AFB1 in real samples. This proposed assay would provide a simple, highly sensitive and selective approach for the direct immunoassay of small molecule AFB1, and is extendable to the development of direct immunosensing systems for other small molecules detection by coupling nanocarbon and nanobody.
Synthesis of Chlorotrifluoromethylated Pyrrolidines by Electrocatalytic Radical Ene‐Yne Cyclization
Authors: Ye Ke‐Yin , Song Zhidong , Sauer Gregory S. , Harenberg Johannes H. , Fu Niankai , Lin Song
Published: May 2018

The stereoselective synthesis of chlorotrifluoromethylated pyrrolidines was achieved using anodically coupled electrolysis, an electrochemical process that combines two parallel oxidative events in a convergent and productive manner. The bench‐stable and commercially available solids CF3SO2Na and MgCl2 were used as the functional group sources to generate CF3. and Cl., respectively, via electrochemical oxidation, and the subsequent reaction of these radicals with the 1,6‐enyne substrate was controlled with an earth‐abundant Mn catalyst. In particular, the introduction of a chelating ligand allowed for the ene–yne cyclization to take place with high stereochemical control over the geometry of the alkene group in the pyrrolidine product.
Structure‐Based Design of a Eukaryote‐Selective Antiprotozoal Fluorinated Aminoglycoside
Authors: Kanazawa Hiroki , Saavedra Oscar M. , Maianti Juan Pablo , Young Simon A. , Izquierdo Luis , Smith Terry K. , Hanessian Stephen , Kondo Jiro
Published: May 2018

Aminoglycosides (AG) are antibiotics that lower the accuracy of protein synthesis by targeting a highly conserved RNA helix of the ribosomal A‐site. The discovery of AGs that selectively target the eukaryotic ribosome, but lack activity in prokaryotes, are promising as antiprotozoals for the treatment of neglected tropical diseases, and as therapies to read‐through point‐mutation genetic diseases. However, a single nucleobase change A1408G in the eukaryotic A‐site leads to negligible affinity for most AGs. Herein we report the synthesis of 6′‐fluorosisomicin, the first 6′‐fluorinated aminoglycoside, which specifically interacts with the protozoal cytoplasmic rRNA A‐site, but not the bacterial A‐site, as evidenced by X‐ray co‐crystal structures. The respective dispositions of 6′‐fluorosisomicin within the bacterial and protozoal A‐sites reveal that the fluorine atom acts only as a hydrogen‐bond acceptor to favorably interact with G1408 of the protozoal A‐site. Unlike aminoglycosides containing a 6′‐ammonium group, 6′‐fluorosisomicin cannot participate in the hydrogen‐bonding pattern that characterizes stable pseudo‐base‐pairs with A1408 of the bacterial A‐sites. Based on these structural observations it may be possible to shift the biological activity of aminoglycosides to act preferentially as antiprotozoal agents. These findings expand the repertoire of small molecules targeting the eukaryotic ribosome and demonstrate the usefulness of fluorine as a design element.
The GWIPS‐viz Browser
Authors: Kiniry Stephen J. , Michel Audrey M. , Baranov Pavel V.
Published: May 2018

GWIPS‐viz is a publicly available browser that provides Genome Wide Information on Protein Synthesis through the visualization of ribosome profiling data. Ribosome profiling (Ribo‐seq) is a high‐throughput technique which isolates fragments of messenger RNA that are protected by the ribosome. The alignment of the ribosome‐protected fragments or footprint sequences to the corresponding reference genome and their visualization using GWIPS‐viz allows for unique insights into the genome loci that are expressed as potentially translated RNA. The GWIPS‐viz browser hosts both Ribo‐seq data and corresponding mRNA‐seq data from publicly available studies across a number of genomes, avoiding the need for computational processing on the user side. Since its initial publication in 2014, over 1885 tracks have been produced across 24 genomes. This unit describes the navigation of the GWIPS‐viz genome browser, the uploading of custom tracks, and the downloading of the Ribo‐seq/mRNA‐seq alignment data. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Behavioral Modulation by Social Experiences in Rodent Models
Authors: Morozov Alexei
Published: May 2018

The lasting behavioral changes elicited by social signals provide important adaptations for survival of organisms that thrive as a group. Unlike the rapid innate responses to social cues, such adaptations have been understudied. Here, the rodent models of the lasting socially induced behavioral changes are presented as either modulations or reinforcements of the distinct forms of learning and memory or non‐associative changes of affective state. The purpose of this categorization is to draw attention to the potential mechanistic links between the neuronal pathways that process social cues and the neuronal systems that mediate the well‐studied forms of learning and memory. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Thermally Stable High‐Performance Polymer Solar Cells Enabled by Interfacial Engineering
Authors: Chen Chao‐Hsuan , Lin Zhi‐Wei , Huang Kuan‐Min , Meng Hsin‐Fei , Chen Szu‐Han , Ge Ziyi , Zan Hsiao‐Wen , Chang Chih‐Yu , Chao Yu‐Chiang , Horng Sheng‐Fu
Published: May 2018

Interfacial engineering plays an important role in determining the performance and stability of polymer solar cells (PSCs). In this study, thermally stable highly efficient PSCs are fabricated by incorporating a solution‐processed cathode interfacial layer (CIL), including 4,4′‐({[methyl(4‐sulfonatobutyl)ammonio]bis(propane‐3,1‐diyl)}bis(dimethylammoniumdiyl))bis(butane‐1‐sulfonate) (MSAPBS) and polyethylenimine (PEI). For PSCs based on blends of poly{4,8‐bis[5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl]benzo[1,2‐b;4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐[4‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3fluorothieno[3,4‐b]thiophene‐2‐carboxylate‐2,6‐diyl]} (PBDTTT‐EFT) and [6,6]‐phenyl C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM), the maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of inverted PSCs reaches 8.1 % and 7.2 % for MSAPBS and PEI CILs, respectively. The inverted PEI devices exhibit remarkable stability (lifetime >6000 h) under accelerated thermal aging (at 80 °C in ambient environment), which is much superior to that of the device with commonly used LiF CIL (lifetime≈33 h). This stability represents the best result reported for PSCs. The promising results based on this strategy can stimulate further work on the development of novel CILs for PSCs and pave the way towards the realization of commercially viable PSCs with high performance and long‐term stability.
Drug–drug interaction and doping: Effect of non‐prohibited drugs on the urinary excretion profile of methandienone
Authors: Mazzarino Monica , Khevenhüller‐Metsch Franziska L. , Fiacco Ilaria , Parr Maria Kristina , de la Torre Xavier , Botrè Francesco
Published: May 2018

The potential consequences of drug–drug interactions on the excretion profile of the anabolic androgenic steroid methandienone (17β‐hydroxy‐17α‐methylandrosta‐1,4‐dien‐3‐one) are discussed. More specifically, we have evaluated by in vitro and in vivo experiments the effects of 7 non‐prohibited drugs (fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and nefazodone) on the main metabolic pathways of methandienone. These are selected among those most commonly used by the athletes. The in vitro assays were based on the use of human liver microsomes, specific recombinant enzyme isoforms of cytochrome P450 and uridine 5′‐diphospho‐glucuronosyl‐transferase. The in vivo study was performed by analyzing urines collected after the oral administration of methandienone with and without the co‐administration of ketoconazole. Methandienone and its metabolites were determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry–based techniques after sample pretreatment including an enzymatic hydrolysis step (performed only for the investigation on phase II metabolism) and liquid/liquid extraction with t‐butyl methyl‐ether. The results from the in vitro experiments showed that the formation of the hydroxylated and dehydrogenated metabolites was significantly reduced in the presence of itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole and nefazodone, whereas the production of the 18‐nor‐hydroxylated metabolites and glucuronidation reactions was reduced significantly only in the presence of ketoconazole and miconazole. The analysis of the post‐administration samples confirmed the in vitro observations, validating the hypothesis that drug–drug interaction may cause significant alterations in the metabolic profile of banned drugs, making their detection during doping control tests more challenging.
Near‐infrared spectrometry allows fast and extensive predictions of functional traits from dry leaves and branches
Authors: Costa Flávia R. C. , Lang Carla , Almeida Danilo R. A. , Castilho Carolina V. , Poorter Lourens
Published: May 2018

The linking of individual functional traits to ecosystem processes is the basis for making generalizations in ecology, but the measurement of individual values is laborious and time consuming, preventing large‐scale trait mapping. Also, in hyper‐diverse systems, errors occur because identification is difficult, and species level values ignore intra‐specific variation. To allow extensive trait mapping at the individual level, we evaluated the potential of Fourrier‐Transformed Near Infra‐Red Spectrometry (FT‐NIR) to adequately describe 14 traits that are key for plant carbon, water, and nutrient balance. FT‐NIR absorption spectra (1,000–2,500 nm) were obtained from dry leaves and branches of 1,324 trees of 432 species from a hyper‐diverse Amazonian forest. FT‐NIR spectra were related to measured traits for the same plants using partial least squares regressions. A further 80 plants were collected from a different site to evaluate model applicability across sites. Relative prediction error (RMSErel) was calculated as the percentage of the trait value range represented by the final model RMSE. The key traits used in most functional trait studies; specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, wood density and wood dry matter content can be well predicted by the model (R2 = 0.69–0.78, RMSErel = 9–11%), while leaf density, xylem proportion, bark density and bark dry matter content can be moderately well predicted (R2 = 0.53–0.61, RMSErel = 14–17%). Community‐weighted means of all traits were well estimated with NIR, as did the shape of the frequency distribution of the community values for the above key traits. The model developed at the core site provided good estimations of the key traits of a different site. An evaluation of the sampling effort indicated that 400 or less individuals may be sufficient for establishing a good local model. We conclude that FT‐NIR is an easy, fast and cheap method for the large‐scale estimation of individual plant traits that was previously impossible. The ability to use dry intact leaves and branches unlocks the potential for using herbarium material to estimate functional traits; thus advancing our knowledge of community and ecosystem functioning from local to global scales.
Long‐term effects of patiromer for hyperkalaemia treatment in patients with mild heart failure and diabetic nephropathy on angiotensin‐converting enzymes/angiotensin receptor blockers: results from AMETHYST‐DN
Authors: Pitt Bertram , Bakris George L. , Weir Matthew R. , Freeman Mason W. , Lainscak Mitja , Mayo Martha R. , Garza Dahlia , Zawadzki Rezi , Berman Lance , Bushinsky David A.
Published: May 2018

Aims

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in heart failure (HF) increases the risk of hyperkalaemia (HK), limiting angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE‐I) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) use. Patiromer is a sodium‐free, non‐absorbed potassium binder approved for HK treatment. We retrospectively evaluated patiromer's long‐term safety and efficacy in HF patients from AMETHYST‐DN.

Methods and results

Patients with Type 2 diabetes, CKD, and HK [baseline serum potassium >5.0–5.5 mmol/L (mild) or >5.5–<6.0 mmol/L (moderate)], with or without HF (New York Heart Association Class I and II, by investigator judgement), on ACE‐I/ARB, were randomized to patiromer 8.4–33.6 g to start, divided twice daily. Overall, 105/304 (35%) patients had HF (75%, Class II). Mean (standard deviation) ejection fraction (EF) was 44.9% (8.2) (n = 81) in patients with HF; 26 had EF ≤40%. In HF patients, mean serum potassium decreased by Day 3 through Week 52. At Week 4, estimated mean (95% confidence interval) change in serum potassium was −0.64 mmol/L (−0.72, −0.55) in mild and −0.97 mmol/L (−1.14, −0.80) in moderate HK (both P < 0.0001). Most HF patients with mild (>88%) and moderate (≥73%) HK had normokalaemia at each visit from Weeks 12 to 52. Three HF patients were withdrawn because of high (n = 1) or low (n = 2) serum potassium. The most common patiromer‐related adverse event was hypomagnesaemia (8.6%).

Conclusions

In patients with a clinical diagnosis of HF, diabetes, CKD, and HK on ACE‐I/ARB, patiromer was well tolerated and effective for HK treatment over 52 weeks.
A Strategy toward Icetexane Natural Products
Authors: Moon Daniel J. , Al‐Amin Mohammad , Lewis Robert S. , Arnold Kimberly M. , Yap Glenn P. A. , Sims‐Mourtada Jennifer , Chain William J.
Published: May 2018

Icetexane diterpenoids are richly complex polycyclic natural products that have been described with a variety of biological activities. We report here a general synthetic approach toward the 6‐7‐6 tricyclic core structure of these interesting synthetic targets based on a two‐step enolate alkylation and ring‐closing metathesis reaction sequence.
Mode selection considering fairness in D2D‐enabled cellular networks
Authors: Madani Najmeh
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we consider the problem of mode selection, resource allocation, and power control for device‐to‐device (D2D) communications in cellular networks. We propose optimization frameworks based on max‐min fairness and proportional fairness where cellular and D2D links share the cellular resources. The optimization problem is solved in different resource sharing modes (ie, cellular, overlay, and underlay), and the mode leading to the highest optimal value is selected in the system. We further propose a two‐stage mode selection scheme based on channel quality in which the resource partitioning is expressed in closed form. We compare the performance of the proposed schemes with that of optimization framework based on sum‐rate and no‐mode selection scheme. The numerical results indicate that cellular and D2D links achieve higher rates in proportional fairness and max‐min fairness schemes compared to no‐mode selection scheme. While the rate improvement of D2D link is more significant in sum‐rate optimization, the cellular link may achieve lower rate in this scheme compared to other methods including the no‐mode selection scheme. The results also reveal that the rates of cellular and D2D links in channel quality scheme can vary within the range of rates obtained in max‐min and sum‐rate optimization frameworks.
Memory complaints in amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: More prospective or retrospective?
Authors: de Mendonça Alexandre , Felgueiras Helena , Verdelho Ana , Câmara Sara , Grilo Cláudia , Maroco João , Pereira Antonina , Guerreiro Manuela
Published: May 2018

Objective

Patients with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI), usually considered an early stage of Alzheimer's disease, have deficits not only in retrospective memory (RM), that is, recalling of past events, words or people, but also on prospective memory (PM), the cognitive ability of remembering to execute delayed intentions in the future. This study investigated whether patients with aMCI refer more PM complaints as compared with RM complaints, and whether this might depend upon short‐term vs long‐term items or time‐based vs event‐based tasks.

Methods

Patients with aMCI (n = 178) and healthy controls (n = 160) underwent the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ), a 16‐item instrument to appraise differences between PM and RM complaints, as well as a general mental state examination, a subjective memory complaints questionnaire, objective memory tests, and assessment of depressive symptoms and activities of daily living.

Results

Patients with aMCI reported more memory complaints evaluated with the PRMQ (total score = 44.3 ± 10.8) as compared with controls (36.7 ± 9.8, P < 0.001). Using a mixed effect repeated‐measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed that participants generally referred more retrospective than prospective memory complaints. Patients with aMCI had significantly more complaints on short‐term memory as compared with long‐term memory, and more complaints in time‐based (auto‐initiated) as compared with event‐based tasks, than healthy controls.

Conclusion

Patients with aMCI reported significantly more difficulties on short‐term memory, presumably reflecting internal temporal lobe pathology typical of Alzheimer's disease, and more complaints on time‐based tasks, which are cognitively very demanding, but did not seem particularly troubled regarding prospective memory.
Dialysis‐related practice patterns among hemodialysis patients with cancer
Authors: Nishiwaki Hiroki , Fukuma Shingo , Hasegawa Takeshi , Kimachi Miho , Akizawa Tadao , Fukuhara Shunichi
Published: May 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

With the achievement of longevity in hemodialysis patients, the risk of comorbid cancer has begun to draw attention. In the present study, we examined dialysis‐related practice patterns and compared those patterns by cancer status.

Methods

Using data from the Japan Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study phase 4, we evaluated 2153 hemodialysis patients. Baseline cancer status for patients was separated into 3 categories: no cancer, cancer with recent treatment, and cancer without recent treatment. We then assessed variations among hemodialysis patients in dialysis‐related practice patterns, including anemia management, management of mineral and bone metabolism disorder, nutritional management, and dialysis treatment, by cancer status.

Results

We observed both similarities and differences in dialysis‐related practice patterns among hemodialysis patients, by cancer status. Hemoglobin levels were largely similar for all cancer statuses, although erythropoiesis stimulating agents dose tended to be higher in hemodialysis patients with recent cancer treatment (multivariable adjusted mean difference of erythropoiesis stimulating agents dose: 5.4 × 103 IU/L/month) than in those without cancer. Phosphorus and calcium levels were also similar. Nutrition statuses were similar among cancer statuses, as were dialysis therapies. These results suggested that physicians do not modulate their dialysis‐related practices based on whether or not a hemodialysis patient has cancer.

Conclusion

Among long‐term facility‐based hemodialysis patients with cancer, we detected no statistically significant differences to suggest that cancer status affects hemodialysis practice regarding mineral and bone disorder management, nutritional management, and dialysis treatment. Facility‐based hemodialysis patients with recent cancer treatment, however, receive a higher dose of erythropoietin‐stimulating agent than those without cancer.
Occupational class and risk of renal cell cancer
Authors: Zaitsu Masayoshi , Cuevas Adolfo G. , Trudel‐Fitzgerald Claudia , Takeuchi Takumi , Kobayashi Yasuki , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: May 2018

Objectives

We sought to examine the association between occupational class linked to job stress and the risk of renal cell cancer. To identify potential mediators, we additionally examined whether any observed associations persisted even after controlling for the contribution of stress‐related factors (eg, smoking, hypertension, and obesity).

Methods

Using nationwide inpatient records (1984 to 2016) from the Rosai Hospital group in Japan, we identified 3316 cases of renal cell cancer (excluding upper tract urothelial cancer) and 168 418 controls. We classified patients' occupational class (blue‐collar workers, service workers, professionals, and managers) and cross‐classified it by industry type (blue‐collar, service, and white‐collar) based on a standardized national classification. Unconditional logistic regression with multiple imputation was used for the analyses.

Results

A significantly elevated risk of renal cell cancer was found among men in higher occupational class (eg, professionals and managers). The elevated odds in male managers across all industries persisted even after controlling for smoking and alcohol consumption, with the association being more pronounced in blue‐collar industries (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.34‐1.93). The association appeared to be mainly mediated by hypertension.

Conclusion

Occupational class is associated with the risk of renal cell cancer in men, particularly through modifiable risk factors.
The impact of ditch blocking on fluvial carbon export from a UK blanket bog
Authors: Evans Christopher D. , Peacock Michael , Green Sophie M. , Holden Joseph , Chapman Pippa J. , Lebron Inma , Callaghan Nathan , Grayson Richard , Baird Andrew J.
Published: May 2018

We investigated the effects of ditch blocking on fluvial carbon concentrations and fluxes at a 5‐year, replicated, control‐intervention field experiment on a blanket peatland in North Wales, UK. The site was hydrologically instrumented, and run‐off via open and blocked ditches was analysed for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), particulate organic carbon, dissolved carbon dioxide, and dissolved methane. DOC was also analysed in peat porewater and overland flow. The hillslope experiment was embedded within a paired control‐intervention catchment study, with 3 years of preblocking and 6 years of postblocking data. Results from the hillslope showed large reductions in discharge via blocked ditches, with water partly redirected into hillslope surface and subsurface flows, and partly into remaining open ditches. We observed no impacts of ditch blocking on DOC, particulate organic carbon, dissolved carbon dioxide or methane in ditch waters, DOC in porewaters or overland flow, or stream water DOC at the paired catchment scale. Similar DOC concentrations in ditch water, overland flow, and porewater suggest that diverting flow from the ditch network to surface or subsurface flow had a limited impact on concentrations or fluxes of DOC entering the stream network. The subdued response of fluvial carbon to ditch blocking in our study may be attributable to the relatively low susceptibility of blanket peatlands to drainage, or to physical alterations of the peat since drainage. We conclude that ditch blocking cannot be always be expected to deliver reductions in fluvial carbon loss, or improvements in the quality of drinking water supplies.
Developing self‐regulation in a dysregulating world: Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch‐up for a toddler in foster care
Authors: Imrisek Steven D. , Castaño Katerina , Bernard Kristin
Published: May 2018

Toddlers in foster care have typically experienced histories of maltreatment and disruptions in relationships with primary caregivers. As a result, they are at increased risk for developing disorganized attachment and showing emotional, behavioral, and physiological dysregulation. Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch‐up for Toddlers in Foster Care (ABC‐T) was developed to address the needs of these vulnerable children by supporting foster parents in responding with nurturance to children's distress, following children's lead, and helping children calm when they are becoming overwhelmed or dysregulated. We describe the theoretical underpinnings, evidence base, and clinical approach of ABC‐T. Using a case example of Luna and her foster mother Ms. Rosio, we present the typical course of ABC‐T, demonstrating core aspects of the model including ongoing observation of parent–child interactions and “in the moment” commenting. Additionally, we consider several challenges to delivering attachment‐based interventions in the context of foster care.
The deterioration of muscle mass and radiodensity is prognostic of poor survival in stage I–III colorectal cancer: a population‐based cohort study (C‐SCANS)
Authors: Brown Justin C. , Caan Bette J. , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Weltzien Erin , Xiao Jingjie , Cespedes Feliciano Elizabeth M. , Kroenke Candyce H. , Castillo Adrienne , Kwan Marilyn L. , Prado Carla M.
Published: May 2018

Background

Muscle abnormalities such as low muscle mass and low muscle radiodensity are well known risk factors for unfavourable cancer prognosis. However, little is known in regard to the degree and impact of longitudinal changes in muscle mass and radiodensity within the context of cancer. Here, we explore the relationship between muscle wasting and mortality in a large population‐based study of patients with non‐metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

A total of 1924 patients with stage I–III CRC who underwent surgical resection in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Health System were included. Muscle mass and radiodensity were quantified using computed tomography images obtained at diagnosis and after approximately 14 months. Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios for all‐cause mortality.

Results

The hazard ratio for all‐cause mortality among patients with the largest deterioration in muscle mass (≥2 SD; ≥11.4% loss from baseline), as compared with those who remained stable (±1 SD; 0.0 ± 5.7%) was 2.15 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.59–2.92; P < 0.001]. The hazard ratio for all‐cause mortality among patients who experienced the largest deterioration in muscle radiodensity (≥2 SD; ≥20.2% loss from baseline), as compared with those who remained stable (±1 SD; 0.0 ± 10.1%) was 1.61 (95% CI: 1.20–2.15; P = 0.002).

Conclusions

In patients with stage I–III CRC, muscle wasting is a risk factor for mortality, independent of change in body mass and other body composition parameters.
CCL19 with CCL21-tail displays enhanced glycosaminoglycan binding with retained chemotactic potency in dendritic cells
Authors: Jørgensen Astrid S , Adogamhe Pontian E , Laufer Julia M , Legler Daniel F , Veldkamp Christopher T , Rosenkilde Mette M , Hjortø Gertrud M
Published: May 2018

CCL19 is more potent than CCL21 in inducing chemotaxis of human dendritic cells (DC). This difference is attributed to 1) a stronger interaction of the basic C-terminal tail of CCL21 with acidic glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the environment and 2) an autoinhibitory function of this C-terminal tail. Moreover, different receptor docking modes and tissue expression patterns of CCL19 and CCL21 contribute to fine-tuned control of CCR7 signaling. Here, we investigate the effect of the tail of CCL21 on chemokine binding to GAGs and on CCR7 activation. We show that transfer of CCL21-tail to CCL19 (CCL19CCL21-tail) markedly increases binding of CCL19 to human dendritic cell surfaces, without impairing CCL19-induced intracellular calcium release or DC chemotaxis, although it causes reduced CCR7 internalization. The more potent chemotaxis induced by CCL19 and CCL19CCL21-tail compared to CCL21 is not transferred to CCL21 by replacing its N-terminus with that of CCL19 (CCL21CCL19-N-term). Measurements of cAMP production in CHO cells uncover that CCL21-tail transfer (CCL19CCL21-tail) negatively affects CCL19 potency, whereas removal of CCL21-tail (CCL21tailless) increases signaling compared to full-length CCL21, indicating that the tail negatively affects signaling via cAMP. Similar to chemokine-driven calcium mobilization and chemotaxis, the potency of CCL21 in cAMP is not improved by transfer of the CCL19 N-terminus to CCL21 (CCL21CCL19-N-term). Together these results indicate that ligands containing CCL21 core and C-terminal tail (CCL21 and CCL21CCL19-N-term) are most restricted in their cAMP signaling; a phenotype attributed to a stronger GAG binding of CCL21 and defined structural differences between CCL19 and CCL21.

Low chemotaxis potency of CCL21 relies on overall chemokine structure since it cannot be transferred by tail alone.
PPAR-γ in innate and adaptive lung immunity
Authors: Nobs Samuel Philip , Kopf Manfred
Published: May 2018

The transcription factor PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ) is a key regulator of lung immunity exhibiting multiple cell type specific roles in controlling development and function of the lung immune system. It is strictly required for the generation of alveolar macrophages by controlling differentiation of fetal lung monocyte precursors. Furthermore, it plays an important role in lung allergic inflammation by licensing lung dendritic cell t helper 2 (Th2) priming capacity as well as acting as a master transcription factor for pathogenic Th2 cells. Due to this plethora of functions and its involvement in multiple pulmonary diseases including asthma and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, understanding the role of PPAR-γ in lung immunity is an important subject of ongoing research.

Review on novel role of PPAR-γ in immunity.
PLS, iPLS, GA‐PLS models for soluble solids content, pH and acidity determination in intact dovyalis fruit using near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: de Assis Mateus WD , De Fusco Deborah O , Costa Rosangela C , de Lima Kássio MG , Cunha Júnior Luis C , de Almeida Teixeira Gustavo H
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Dovyalis species Dovyalis abyssinica Warb. and Dovyalis hebecarpa Warb. were introduced into Brazil, but the fruit quality of these species is not appropriate for fresh consumption due to their high titratable acidity (TA) and low soluble solids content (SSC). With the selection of new D. abyssinica clones with lower acidity and the hybridization of these two dovyalis species (D. abyssinica and D. hebecarpa) the fruit quality improved and the better physical–chemical characteristics make them more suitable for fresh consumption. The objective of this study was to develop partial least squares (PLS) models using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for the determination of SSC, TA and pH in intact dovyalis hybrid fruit (D. abyssinica Warb. × D. hebecarpa Warb.).

RESULTS

The best SSC prediction model was developed with PLS regression (root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.71 °Brix, prediction data set (RP2) of 0.74 and residual predictive deviation (RPD) of 2.82). Although interval PLS was tested, genetic algorithm PLS performed better for TA (RMSEP of 4.8 g kg−1, RP2 of 0.40, and RPD of 1.67), and for pH (RMSEP of 0.03, RP2 of 0.90, and RPD of 6.67).

CONCLUSION

NIRS can be used as a non‐destructive method to determine quality parameters in intact dovyalis hybrid fruit. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Seasonal regulation of the coupling between photosynthetic electron transport and carbon fixation in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Ryan‐Keogh Thomas J. , Thomalla Sandy J. , Little Hazel , Melanson Jenna‐Rose
Published: May 2018

Active fluorescence measurements can provide rapid, non‐intrusive estimates of phytoplankton primary production at high spatial and temporal resolution, but there is uncertainty in converting from electrons to ecologically relevant rates of CO2 assimilation. In this study, we examine the light‐dependent rates of photosynthetic electron transport and 13C‐uptake in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean to derive a conversion factor for both winter (July 2015–August 2015) and summer (December 2015–February 2016). The results revealed significant seasonal differences in the light‐saturated chlorophyll specific rate of 13C‐uptake, (
), with mean summer values 2.3 times higher than mean winter values, and the light limited chlorophyll specific efficiency, (αB), with mean values 2.7 times higher in summer than in winter. Similar patterns were observed in the light‐saturated photosynthetic electron transport rates (
, 1.5 times higher in summer) and light limited photosynthetic electron transport efficiency (αRCII, 1.3 times higher in summer). The conversion factor between carbon and electrons (Φe:C (mol e− mol C−1)) was derived utilizing in situ measurements of the chlorophyll‐normalized number of reaction centers (nRCII), resulting in a mean summer Φe:C which was ∼ 3 times lower than the mean winter Φe:C. Empirical relationships were established between Φe:C, light and NPQ, however they were not consistent across locations or seasons. The seasonal decoupling of Φe:C is the result of differences in Ek‐dependent and Ek‐independent variability, which require new modelling approaches and improvements to bio‐optical techniques to account for these inter‐seasonal differences in both taxonomy and environmental mean conditions.
Gold nanoparticles in ophthalmology
Authors: Masse Florence , Ouellette Mathieu , Lamoureux Guillaume , Boisselier Elodie
Published: May 2018

Many research projects are underway to improve the diagnosis and therapy in ophthalmology. Indeed, visual acuity deficits affect 285 million people worldwide and different strategies are being developed to strengthen patient care. One of these strategies is the use of gold nanoparticles (GNP) for their multiple properties and their ability to be used as both diagnosis and therapy tools. This review exhaustively details research developing GNPs for use in ophthalmology. The toxicity of GNPs and their distribution in the eye are described through in vitro and in vivo studies. All publications addressing the pharmacokinetics of GNPs administered in the eye are extensively reviewed. In addition, their use as biosensors or for imaging with optical coherence tomography is illustrated. The future of GNPs for ophthalmic therapy is also discussed. GNPs can be used to deliver genes or drugs through different administration routes. Their antiangiogenic and anti‐inflammatory properties are of great interest for different ocular pathologies. Finally, GNPs can be used to improve stereotactic radiosurgery, brachytherapy, and photothermal therapy because of their many properties.