bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nano/Microrobots Meet Electrochemistry
Authors: Moo James Guo Sheng , Mayorga‐Martinez Carmen C. , Wang Hong , Khezri Bahareh , Teo Wei Zhe , Pumera Martin
Published: February 2017

Artificial autonomous self‐propelled nano and microrobots are an important part of contemporary technology. They are typically self‐powered, taking chemical energy from their environment and converting it to motion. They can move in complex environments and channels, deliver cargo, perform nanosurgery, act as chemotaxis and perform sense‐and‐act actions. The electrochemistry is closely interwoven within this field. In the case of self‐electrophoretically driven nano/microrobots, electrochemical mechanism has been the basis of power, which translates chemical energy to motion. Electrochemistry is also a major tool for the fabrication of these micro and nanodevices. Electrochemistry and electric fields can be used for the directing of nanorobots and for detection of their positions. Ultimately, nano and microrobots can dramatically improve performances of electrochemical sensors and biosensors, as well as of the energy generating devices. Here, all aspects in the fundamentals and applications of electrochemistry in the realm of nano‐ and microrobots are reviewed.
A Planar Graphene‐Based Film Supercapacitor Formed by Liquid–Air Interfacial Assembly
Authors: Chen Xiangrong , Xiang Ting , Li Zhengjie , Wu Yanlin , Wu Hailong , Cheng Zhaofa , Shao Jiao‐Jing , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: February 2017

A liquid–air interfacial assembly is used to produce a flexible substrate‐supported graphene film, which does not need the tedious substrate‐transfer procedure that is generally required for many other film‐making methods. The graphene film is used as the active working electrode in its planar configuration and an acidic polymer gel is used as the electrolyte, which leads to a flexible planar graphene film supercapacitor with a large areal specific capacitance of 773 µF cm−2 and superior retention performance. In order to demonstrate the versatile application of interfacial assembly in obtaining graphene‐based hybrid film electrodes, graphene–manganese oxide and graphene–polyaniline hybrid films are assembled and used to construct planar film supercapacitors with areal specific capacitance of 963 and 2561 µF cm−2, respectively. Compared with the graphene film supercapacitor, the graphene–manganese oxide film supercapacitor, with neutral gel electrolyte, shows no apparent increase of specific capacitance, which is probably due to the larger electrolyte ions and hence the slower ion diffusion rate. Overall, the interfacial assembly is a universal technique for the fabrication of flexible, planar graphene‐based film supercapacitors, and this report demonstrates that such supercapacitors are promising as an advanced power system in wearable electronics.
From an Enhanced Understanding to Commercially Viable Electrodes: The Case of PTCLi4 as Sustainable Organic Lithium‐Ion Anode Material
Authors: Iordache Adriana , Bresser Dominic , Solan Sébastien , Retegan Marius , Bardet Michel , Skrzypski Jonathan , Picard Lionel , Dubois Lionel , Gutel Thibaut
Published: February 2017

Organic active materials are currently considered to be the most promising technology for the realization of fully sustainable secondary batteries. However, the understanding of the underlying reaction mechanisms is still at its beginning. In this paper, an in‐depth investigation of tetra‐lithium perylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxylate as a lithium‐ion anode model compound is presented, which can be easily synthesized from commercially available 3,4,9,10‐perylene‐tetracarboxylic‐dianhydride. The results reveal that the lithium uptake is limited to two lithium ions per molecule along a two‐phase equilibrium potential within an operational voltage range down to 0.1 V. Below the corresponding potential plateau at 1.1 V the origin of the extra capacity is solely related to the presence of large amounts of conductive carbon. Based on these findings, optimized electrode composites with increased active material ratios of up to 95 wt% and a total active material mass loading of about 12.0 mg cm−2, that is, remarkably augmented areal capacities (≈1.2 mAh cm−2), using percolating carbon nanotubes as electron conductor and environment‐friendly, fluorine‐free aqueous binders, are developed. In addition to the more than tenfold increase in areal capacity, these optimized electrode compositions show enhanced first cycle coulombic efficiencies, thus providing a great leap forward toward their commercial exploitation.
Silica exposure and disease in semi‐precious stone craftsmen, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Carneiro Ana Paula S. , Braz Nayara F.T. , Algranti Eduardo , Bezerra Olivia M.P.A. , Araujo Natália P.S. , Amaral Eng Hyg Lênio S. , Edmé Jean L. , Sobaszek Annie , Chérot‐Kornobis Nathalie
Published: February 2017

Background

Brazil is an exporter of precious stones and craftsmen often work in poor conditions. We assessed silica‐related diseases among crystal craftsmen and the complexity of its control.

Methods

Case‐series including 118 subjects evaluated from 2006 to 2015, based on medical interviews, chest X‐rays, spirometry, and respirable silica samples.

Results

Median age and length of exposure were 32 and 13 years, respectively. Silicosis, with 1/0 as a threshold, was diagnosed radiologically in 57 individuals (48.3%). Respirable silica concentrations were 0.9–29.3 times greater than the Brazilian occupational exposure limit. A Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve with the same diagnosis threshold showed best discrimination at a cut point of 12.5 years of exposure, corresponding to 4.85 mg‐y/m3 of cumulative silica exposure. There was a significant decline in FEV1 across radiological and cumulative silica exposure categories. Eleven individuals (9.3%) had mycobacterial diseases at baseline or follow‐up.

Conclusion

Crystal craftsmen continue to suffer from silicosis, lung function impairment, comorbidity, and death due to silicosis. To date collective protection in some work sheds has not diminished silica levels. Long‐term follow‐up is needed to evaluate further improvements in preventive measures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:239–247, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk of work injury among adolescent students from single and partnered parent families
Authors: Wong Imelda S. , Breslin F. Curtis
Published: February 2017

Background

Parental involvement in keeping their children safe at work has been examined in a handful of studies, with mixed results. Evidence has suggested that non‐work injury risk is higher among children from single‐parent families, but little is known about their risk for work‐related injuries.

Methods

Five survey cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey were pooled to create a nationally representative sample of employed 15–19‐year old students (N = 16,620). Multivariable logistic regression estimated the association between family status and work injury.

Results

Risk of work‐related repetitive strains (OR:1.24, 95%CI: 0.69–2.22) did not differ by family type. However, children of single parents were less likely to sustain a work injury receiving immediate medical care (OR:0.43, 95%CI: 0.19–0.96).

Conclusion

Despite advantages and disadvantages related to family types, there is no evidence that work‐related injury risk among adolescents from single parent families is greater than that of partnered‐parent families. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:285–294, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular detection by active Fano‐sensor
Authors: Tao Yifei , Guo Zhongyi
Published: February 2017

The optical properties and sensing performances of the molecular sensors based on plasmonic Fano‐resonance (PFR) nanostructures have been numerically investigated in detail. The on‐resonance sensor, in which the Fano‐resonance position is overlapping with the absorption‐band of the detected molecules perfectly, reveals a powerful ability to detect the molecules with a low concentration or thin thickness. By the bias‐modulation of a single‐layer graphene, the Fano‐resonance position of the nanostructures can be tuned effectively. On being modulated properly, the PFR sensor shows an ultrahigh performance because of the unprecedentedly high overlap of the Fano‐resonance position with the absorption‐band of molecules, which is enabling superior signal strength in the molecular detections based on their vibrational fingerprints. Our proposed strategy may enable the development of dynamic sensors and open exciting prospects for bio‐sensing.

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Models for a multimode bosonic tunneling junction
Authors: Fischer David , Wimberger Sandro
Published: February 2017

We discuss the relaxation dynamics for a bosonic tunneling junction with two modes in the central potential well. We use a master equation description for ultracold bosons tunneling in the presence of noise and incoherent coupling processes into the two central modes. Whilst we cannot quantitatively reproduce the experimental data of the setup reported in [Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 050601 (2015)], we find a reasonable qualitative agreement of the refilling process of the initially depleted central site. Our results may pave the way for the control of bosonic tunneling junctions by the simultaneous presence of decoherence processes and atom‐atom interaction.

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Eine Geschichte über zwei Elemente: die Umpolung der Lewis‐Acidität/Basizität von Bor und Phosphor
Authors: Stephan Douglas W.
Published: February 2017

Dieser Kurzaufsatz befasst sich mit der Umpolung der Lewis‐Acidität/Basizität von Bornucleophilen und Phosphorelektrophilen.
Dihydrogen Splitting Using Dialkylsilylene‐Based Frustrated Lewis Pairs
Authors: Dong Zhaowen , Li Zhifang , Liu Xupeng , Yan Chenting , Wei Ningka , Kira Mitsuo , Müller Thomas
Published: February 2017

Isolable dialkylsilylene 5 reacts with dihydrogen in the presence of a small amount of a conventional Lewis acid (BPh3, BEt3) or a base (PPh3, PEt3, NPh3, NEt3) at low temperatures in a hydrocarbon solvent, giving the corresponding dihydrosilane 10 in high yields. Both 5/Lewis acid and Lewis base/5 pairs work as a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) to split dihydrogen, being in accord with the amphoteric nature of silylene 5.
Rare copy number variants in patients with congenital conotruncal heart defects
Authors: Xie Hongbo M. , Werner Petra , Stambolian Dwight , Bailey‐Wilson Joan E. , Hakonarson Hakon , White Peter S. , Taylor Deanne M. , Goldmuntz Elizabeth
Published: February 2017

Background

Previous studies using different cardiac phenotypes, technologies and designs suggest a burden of large, rare or de novo copy number variants (CNVs) in subjects with congenital heart defects. We sought to identify disease‐related CNVs, candidate genes, and functional pathways in a large number of cases with conotruncal and related defects that carried no known genetic syndrome.

Methods

Cases and control samples were divided into two cohorts and genotyped to assess each subject's CNV content. Analyses were performed to ascertain differences in overall CNV prevalence and to identify enrichment of specific genes and functional pathways in conotruncal cases relative to healthy controls.

Results

Only findings present in both cohorts are presented. From 973 total conotruncal cases, a burden of rare CNVs was detected in both cohorts. Candidate genes from rare CNVs found in both cohorts were identified based on their association with cardiac development or disease, and/or their reported disruption in published studies. Functional and pathway analyses revealed significant enrichment of terms involved in either heart or early embryonic development.

Conclusion

Our study tested one of the largest cohorts specifically with cardiac conotruncal and related defects. These results confirm and extend previous findings that CNVs contribute to disease risk for congenital heart defects in general and conotruncal defects in particular. As disease heterogeneity renders identification of single recurrent genes or loci difficult, functional pathway and gene regulation network analyses appear to be more informative. Birth Defects Research 109:271–295, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Persistent double dorsal aorta: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Mills Brandy , Gest Thomas
Published: February 2017

Our discovery of a case of persistent double dorsal aorta prompted us to systematically review the literature of all previously reported cases of this anomaly. For our case, we present a completely separated double dorsal aorta, with the right accessory aorta arising from the abdominal aorta and ascending through the aortic hiatus to supply posterior intercostal arteries (PIAs) to the 9th‐3rd spaces bilaterally. We examined and compiled data from the 10 previously reported cases, along with our observations from our cadaver, into a systematic review of all known cases of persistent double dorsal aorta. In addition to our case report and systematic review, we investigated the literature focusing on formation of the dorsal aorta in the embryo in order to postulate potential mechanisms for formation of this anomaly. Two variants of persistent double dorsal aorta have been reported in the literature. The first type is characterized by a double‐lumen descending aorta with a central dividing septum, and the second features complete separation of the two dorsal aortae. The completely separated variant shows further heterogeneity in the origins of the PIAs and the iliac arteries, and the majority of the reported cases also demonstrate additional anatomical anomalies. We outline the events in embryonic dorsal aorta formation as well as discuss several potential mechanisms that could underlie persistent double dorsal aorta formation. Clin. Anat. 30:517–524, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Translation of Hecker's 1922 “the occipital–atlanto–axial ligament system”: A study in comparative anatomy
Authors: Oakes Peter C. , Sardi Juan Pablo , Iwanaga Joe , Topale Nitsa , Oskouian Rod J. , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: February 2017

In 1922, Paul Hecker, a French physician and Head of Anatomy at the Medical College of Strasbourg, published a sentinel thesis on the ligaments of the craniocervical junction based on a study of comparative anatomy. Unfortunately, this dissertation has been lost to history and until now, was unavailable in the English language. Herein, we present a translation of Hecker's work with an update in its nomenclature, which with modern imaging capabilities of the craniocervical junction is germane and timely. Clin. Anat. 30:322–329, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Value of vaginal cervical position in estimating uterine anatomy
Authors: Fidan Ulaş , Keskin Uğur , Ulubay Mustafa , Öztürk Mustafa , Bodur Serkan
Published: February 2017

The anatomy of the uterus is defined with the angles of the vagina, cervix and uterine corpus. Hereunder there are angles of version and flexion. The cervical position observed during the vaginal speculum examination, may give information about the uterine anatomy. In this study, we investigated the place of the cervical position in the estimation of the uterine anatomy observed during the cervical examination. We enrolled 240 patients in our study, who applied to our routine gynecology outpatient clinic with various complaints. We divided these patients into two groups according to the cervical position (anterior cervical position and posterior cervical position) observed during the speculum examination. We recorded the uterine anatomy also with the transvaginal ultrasonography. During the speculum examination, we determined that 90% of the cases with posterior fornix position were anteverted and 10% retroverted; 64.2% of the cases with anterior fornix position were anteverted and 35.8% retroverted. According to these findings, cervical position observed during the speculum examination might be useful in the estimation of the uterine anatomy regarding the angles of the version. However, the ultrasonographic examination is essential for a definitive determination of the uterine anatomy. Clin. Anat. 30:404–408, 2017. © 2017 The Authors. Clinical Anatomy published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Clinical Anatomists.
Prepare for potential changes in handling of key legal, civil rights issues on campus
Authors: Porter Michael
Published: February 2017

The recent change in government leadership at the federal level will almost certainly lead to some changes in the way harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, are managed on college campuses.
Get a handle on Clery compliance for your campus
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2017

PHOENIX — Keeping your campus safe is a full‐time job. Meeting federal requirements and mandates, while important to achieve the goal of full campus security, can feel like another separate full‐time job in and of itself. However, the guidance for complying with these mandates can provide clear actions for making your campus a safer place. Involving your entire campus in meeting these benchmarks and requirements is the best way to go about integrating compliance into effective campus safety and crime prevention programs. At the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators annual conference, Jim Moore, director of the Clery Compliance Division of the Department of Education, shared practical advice for ways to involve your entire institution in meeting the requirements of the Clery Act.
Determine when misconduct calls for team suspensions, season cancellations
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: February 2017

The intercollegiate athletics world changed swiftly and dramatically this past fall when five prominent schools put the brakes on one of each of their respective men's teams that allegedly had at best engaged in inappropriate behavior and at worst engaged in vulgar and offensive sexist and/or racist conduct or communications. From allegedly providing “scouting” reports on the members of the corresponding women's team to describing the sexual history and types of sexual acts in which certain women on campus might engage, team members memorialized and disseminated their communications in text messages, documents, and spreadsheets.
NDRG1 is important to maintain the integrity of airway epithelial barrier through claudin‐9 expression
Authors: Gon Yasuhiro , Maruoka Shuichiro , Kishi Hiroyuki , Kozu Yutaka , Kazumichi Kuroda , Nomura Yasuyuki , Takeshita Ikuko , Oshima Takeshi , Hashimoto Shu
Published: February 2017

Impairment of epithelial barrier integrity caused by environmental triggers is associated with the pathogenesis of airway inflammation. Using human airway epithelial cells, we attempted to identify molecule(s) that promote airway epithelial barrier integrity. Microarray analyses were conducted using the Affimetrix human whole genome gene chip, and we identified the N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) gene, which was induced during the development of the epithelial cell barrier. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed strong NDRG1 expression in ciliated epithelial cells in nasal tissues sampled from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and the low expression of NDRG1 was observed in goblet cells or damaged epithelial cells. NDRG1 gene knockdown with its specific siRNA decreased the transepithelial electrical resistance and increased the dextran permeability. Immunocytochemistry revealed that NDRG1 knockdown disrupted tight junctions of airway epithelial cells. Next, we analyzed the effects of NDRG1 knockdown on the expression of tight and adhesion junction molecules. NDRG1 knockdown significantly decreased only claudin‐9 expression, but did not decrease other claudin family molecules, such as E‐cadherin, and ZO‐1, ‐2, or ‐3. Knockdown of claudin‐9 markedly impaired the barrier function in airway epithelial cells. These results suggest that NDRG1 is important for the barrier integrity in airway epithelial cells.
Proton‐Reduction Reaction Catalyzed by Homoleptic Nickel–bis‐1,2‐dithiolate Complexes: Experimental and Theoretical Mechanistic Investigations
Authors: Zarkadoulas Athanasios , Field Martin J. , Artero Vincent , Mitsopoulou Christiana A.
Published: February 2017

A series of homoleptic monoanionic nickel dithiolene complexes [Ni(bdt)2](NBu4), [Ni(tdt)2](NBu4), and [Ni(mnt)2](NBu4) containing the ligands benzene‐1,2‐dithiolate (bdt2−), toluene‐3,4‐dithiolate (tdt2−), and maleonitriledithiolate (mnt2−), respectively, were employed as electrocatalysts in the hydrogen‐evolution reaction with trifluoroacetic acid as the proton source in acetonitrile. All complexes are active catalysts with TONs reaching 113, 158, and 6 for [Ni(bdt)2](NBu4), [Ni(tdt)2](NBu4), and [Ni(mnt)2](NBu4), respectively. The Faradaic yield for the hydrogen evolution reaction reaches 88 % for 2−, which also displays the minimal overpotential requirement value (467 mV) within the series. Two pathways for H2 evolution can be hypothesized that differ in the sequence of protonation and reduction steps. DFT calculations are in agreement with experimental data and indicate that protonation at sulfur follows the reduction to the dianion. Hydrogen evolves from the direduced–diprotonated form via a highly distorted nickel hydride intermediate. The effects of acid strength and concentration in the hydrogen‐evolving mechanism are also discussed.
A Tethered Ru–S Complex with an Axial Chiral Thiolate Ligand for Cooperative Si–H Bond Activation: Application to Enantioselective Imine Reduction
Authors: Wübbolt Simon , Maji Modhu Sudan , Irran Elisabeth , Oestreich Martin
Published: February 2017

An axial chiral version of the 2,6‐dimesitylphenyl group attached to sulfur is reported. Its multistep preparation starts from (S)‐binol, and the thiol group is established by a racemization‐free thermal Newman–Kwart rearrangement. The new chiral thiolate ligand decorated with one mesityl group is used in the synthesis of a tethered ruthenium chloride complex. Its spectroscopic characterization revealed solvent‐dependent epimerization at the ruthenium center. The major diastereomer is crystallographically characterized. Chloride abstraction with tetrakis[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate (NaBArF4) yields the corresponding coordinatively unsaturated ruthenium complex with the Ru−S bond exposed. Si−H bond activation at this Ru−S bond proceeds in syn fashion but with moderate facial selectivity (d.r.=70:30), generating diastereomeric chiral‐at‐ruthenium hydrosilane adducts. Their application to catalytic imine hydrosilylation led to promising enantioinduction (40 % ee), thereby providing proof of concept for asymmetric catalysis involving cooperative Si−H bond activation.
Small Molecule Mixture Analysis by Heteronuclear NMR under Spin Diffusion Conditions in Viscous DMSO–Water Solvent
Authors: Lameiras Pedro , Patis Solène , Jakhlal Jouda , Castex Stéphanie , Clivio Pascale , Nuzillard Jean‐Marc
Published: February 2017

Spin diffusion in NMR occurs for small‐ and medium‐sized molecules when their tumbling rate reduces in solution so that magnetization exchange by longitudinal cross relaxation becomes highly efficient. Composite DMSO–water viscous solvents were used for the first time to access the individual NMR spectra of a mixture components in spin diffusion conditions. The easy handling and high dissolution power of [D6]DMSO/H2O offers a wide range of potential applications for polar and moderately apolar mixture analysis. In addition to 2D 1H‐1H NOESY and 1H‐13C HSQC‐NOESY, 1H‐15N HSQC‐NOESY, 1D and 2D 1H‐19F heteronuclear NOESY (HOESY) experiments were set up to offer new ways to individualize molecules within a mixture. This article reports the analysis of a polar mixture of four dipeptides dissolved in [D6]DMSO/H2O (7:3 v/v) and that of a medium‐polarity fluorinated dinucleotide dissolved in [D6]DMSO/H2O (8:2 v/v) by means of spin diffusion in NOESY, HOESY, and HSQC–NOESY experiments.
Solvothermal Synthesis of TiO2/Bi2WO6 Heterojunction Photocatalyst with Optimized Interface Structure and Enabled Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Jiang Linpeng , Wang Shujie , Shi Liyi , Zhao Yin , Wang Zhuyi , Zhang Meihong , Yuan Shuai
Published: February 2017

TiO2/Bi2WO6 (TB) heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully synthesized and characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, UV–vis and photoluminescence measurement. The heterojunction interface structure of TB heterojunction photocatalyst was optimized via adjusting the ethylene glycol/water (EG/W) ratio. Based on XRD, SEM and TEM, the crystal size of Bi2WO6 reduced from 14.6 nm to 8.8 nm, and the interface structure between Bi2WO6 nanosheets and TiO2 particle significantly changed with increasing EG concentration. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity and the related mechanism of TB heterojunction photocatalyst were systematically discussed. Among them, TBEG/W sample shows the highest normalized apparent rate constant, which is attributed to its highest electron–hole pairs separation ability driven by optimized heterojunction interface between two semiconductors.
ZnS Nano‐Spheres Formed by the Aggregation of Small Crystallites and Their Photocatalytic Degradation of Eosin B
Authors: Khan Sovann , Han Joon Soo , Lee Seung Yong , Cho So‐Hye
Published: February 2017

Monodispersed ZnS nano‐spheres were synthesized by a simple precipitation. By adjusting the concentration of Zn and S sources, the particle size and morphology were easily controlled. Careful examination of the obtained particles suggested porous structures composed of building blocks of small crystallites, ca. 4–13.4 nm in diameter. A higher [S]/[Zn]‐precursor ratio resulted in a bigger crystallite size but a smaller particle size, and vice versa, for the lower precursor ratio. However, an extreme [S]/[Zn] ratio of 20 provided no spherical aggregation, but a formation of amorphous aggregates. We consider the rate to nucleation and the diffusion‐controlled aggregation of crystallites to be important parameters in determining particle sizes and size distributions. Size homogeneity of the obtained ZnS nano‐spheres, especially with a [S]/[Zn]‐precursor ratio of 5, afforded a photonic crystal array that can potentially benefit the photocatalytic activity. When the photocatalytic activities of the ZnS nano‐spheres obtained via different conditions were compared, it was found that spherical aggregation and high surface areas have a positive effect on catalytic activity. Although using a [S]/[Zn] ratio of 20 provided the highest surface area, the amorphous aggregation and overly excessive use of S caused a detrimental influence on the catalytic activity.
Anthropometric parameters and the incidence of atrial fibrillation in older people: the PRO.V.A study
Authors: Trevisan Caterina , Maggi Stefania , Curreri Chiara , Nante Giovanni , Noale Marianna , De Rui Marina , Perissinotto Egle , Sartori Leonardo , Zambon Sabina , Crepaldi Gaetano , Manzato Enzo , Sergi Giuseppe
Published: February 2017

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been associated with body size and central obesity, but the impact of different anthropometric measures in this relationship has been inadequately investigated.

Hypothesis

In this study, we examined the association between baseline anthropometric parameters with the incidence of AF in older people, hypothesizing that body size could impact the onset of AF more than fat distribution.

Methods

Our study included 1764 participants with a mean age of 74.3 ± 6.9 years and no AF at baseline. Body mass index (BMI), body height, body surface area (BSA), waist and hip circumference, waist‐to‐stature ratio, waist‐to‐hip ratio, and mid–upper arm circumference (MUAC) were measured by trained physicians. AF was assessed after a 4.4‐year follow‐up.

Results

There were 115 new cases of AF observed after the follow‐up. Taking lower values of these measures for reference, the adjusted AF risk was 2.42 (95% confidence interval [CI]:1.88‐3.12) for the highest stature quartile, 1.36 (95% CI:1.15‐1.62) for BMI ≥30 kg/m2, 2.12 (95% CI:1.73–2.59) for the highest BSA quartile, 1.38 (95% CI: 1.21‐1.56) for higher MUAC, and 1.39 (95% CI: 1.23‐1.58, P < 0.0001) for higher hip circumference values. Central obesity did not seem to relevantly predict the onset of AF in our sample. Stature revealed the strongest impact on the onset of AF (5% higher risk of developing AF per 1 cm increase in height).

Conclusions

Body size, particularly tall stature and obesity, but not fat distribution, seems to be associated with the risk of AF in the elderly.
A Detailed Analysis of Sediment Particle Sizes and Clogging in Permeable Pavements
Authors: Nichols Peter W. B. , Lucke Terry
Published: February 2017

The trapping of sediments within permeable interlocking concrete pavements (PICPs) during infiltration is a key process that contributes to their pollution removal performance. This process also leads to clogging which decreases infiltration capacity and reduces pollution removal performance. Previous studies have shown clogging to be caused by a number of factors, including the trapping of fine particles, construction techniques, the lack of maintenance, and the mass of the trapped sediments. However, results of these studies have been varied, and the processes governing clogging are not well understood. This field study, undertaken over 12 months, measured the infiltration rates of PICPs that had been in service for a number of years. The study examined sediment extracted from the surface joints of pavements in order to correlate reduced infiltration with sediment particle size distributions (PSDs). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to compare the differences in infiltration rates and the differences in PSD size class groups between the sites and sub‐sites. This study found it was the 251–550 μm particle sizes that explained the most variation at sites with lower measured infiltration rates. A better understanding of sediment PSDs and PICP clogging should help designers to install these systems with more confidence in their long‐term infiltration and pollution reduction performance.
A phase 2 and biomarker study of cabozantinib in patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Goyal Lipika , Zheng Hui , Yurgelun Matthew B. , Abrams Thomas A. , Allen Jill N. , Cleary James M. , Knowles Michelle , Regan Eileen , Reardon Amanda , Khachatryan Anna , Jain Rakesh K. , Nardi Valentina , Borger Darrell R. , Duda Dan G. , Zhu Andrew X.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Advanced cholangiocarcinoma carries a poor prognosis, and no standard treatment exists beyond first‐line gemcitabine/platinum‐based chemotherapy. A single‐arm, phase 2 and biomarker study of cabozantinib, a multikinase inhibitor with potent activity against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and MET, was performed for patients with advanced refractory cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

Previously treated patients with unresectable or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma received cabozantinib (60 mg orally and daily on a continuous schedule). The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS). Tumor MET expression and plasma biomarkers were evaluated.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 19 patients with cholangiocarcinoma (female, 68%; median age, 67 years; intrahepatic vs extrahepatic, 84% vs 16%). The median PFS was 1.8 months (95% confidence interval, 1.6‐5.4 months), and the median overall survival (OS) was 5.2 months (95% confidence interval, 2.7‐10.5 months). Grade 3/4 adverse events occurred in 89% of the patients and included neutropenia (5%), hyperbilirubinemia (5%), epistaxis (5%), bowel perforation (5%), enterocutaneous fistulas (5%), and hypertension (11%). One patient with 3 + MET expression in the tumor stayed on treatment for 278 days, but the MET expression did not correlate with the outcomes in the overall study population. Plasma vascular endothelial growth factor, placental growth factor, and stromal cell–derived factor 1α increased and soluble VEGFR2 and angiopoietin 2 decreased after treatment (all P values < .01). Plasma tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 was inversely correlated with PFS, and soluble MET (sMET) and interleukin 6 were inversely correlated with OS.

CONCLUSIONS

In unselected patients with cholangiocarcinoma, cabozantinib demonstrated limited activity and significant toxicity. In the first clinical trial to assess the role of MET inhibition in cholangiocarcinoma, 1 patient with a MET‐high tumor had a prolonged benefit from treatment. Baseline plasma soluble MET was associated with OS. Any further development of this drug in cholangiocarcinoma should include a dose reduction and a biomarker‐driven approach. Cancer 2017;123:1979–1988. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Lenalidomide use in myelodysplastic syndromes: Insights into the biologic mechanisms and clinical applications
Authors: Stahl Maximilian , Zeidan Amer M.
Published: February 2017

Myelosysplastic syndromes (MDS) include a heterogeneous group of clonal myeloid neoplasms characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis leading to blood cytopenias and a variable risk of progression into acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although the hypomethylating agent azacitidine prolongs survival among patients with higher risk (HR)‐MDS compared with conventional care, no drug has been shown conclusively to prolong survival or delay progression to AML among patients with lower‐risk MDS (LR‐MDS). Lenalidomide is the drug with the most impressive clinical activity in the subset of anemic LR‐MDS patients who harbor a deletion of the long arm of chromosome 5 (5q−), where it leads to high rates of transfusion independence and cytogenetic responses. Furthermore, lenalidomide delays progression to AML and prolongs survival among responders. In this article, we review the recently recognized mechanisms of action of lenalidomide and discuss the most recent clinical data regarding its use in patients with both 5q− MDS as well as non‐5q− MDS. Finally, we forecast the future directions to improve the efficacy of lenalidomide in MDS with and without 5q−. Cancer 2017;123:1703–1713. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Overall survival and the response to radiotherapy among molecular subtypes of breast cancer brain metastases treated with targeted therapies
Authors: Miller Jacob A. , Kotecha Rupesh , Ahluwalia Manmeet S. , Mohammadi Alireza M. , Chao Samuel T. , Barnett Gene H. , Murphy Erin S. , Vogelbaum Michael A. , Angelov Lilyana , Peereboom David M. , Suh John H.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

The current study was conducted to investigate survival and the response to radiotherapy among patients with molecular subtypes of breast cancer brain metastases treated with or without targeted therapies.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with breast cancer brain metastases at a single tertiary care institution were included. The primary outcome was overall survival, whereas secondary outcomes included the cumulative incidences of distant intracranial failure, local failure, and radiation necrosis. Competing risks regression was used to model secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Within the study period, 547 patients presented with 3224 brain metastases and met inclusion criteria. Among patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐amplified disease, 80% received HER2 antibodies and 38% received HER2/epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The median survival was significantly shorter in the basal cohort (8.4 months), and progressively increased in the luminal A (12.3 months), HER2‐positive (15.4 months), and luminal B (18.8 months) cohorts (P<.001). Among patients with HER2‐amplified disease, the median survival was extended with the use of both HER2 antibodies (17.9 months vs 15.1 months; P = .04) and TKIs (21.1 months vs 15.4 months; P = .03). The 12‐month cumulative incidences of local failure among molecular subtypes were 6.0% in the luminal A cohort, 10.3% in the luminal B cohort, 15.4% in the HER2‐positive cohort, and 9.9% in the basal cohort (P = .01). Concurrent HER2/epidermal growth factor receptor TKIs with stereotactic radiosurgery significantly decreased the 12‐month cumulative incidence of local failure from 15.1% to 5.7% (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Molecular subtypes appear to be prognostic for survival and predictive of the response to radiotherapy. TKIs were found to improve survival and local control, and may decrease the rate of distant failure. To preserve neurocognition, these results support a paradigm of upfront radiosurgery and HER2‐directed therapy in the HER2‐amplified population, reserving whole‐brain radiotherapy for salvage. Cancer 2017;123:2283–2293. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Crystal characterization and transformation of the forms I and II of anticoagulant drug rivaroxaban
Authors: Xu Yue , Wu Shu‐Ping , Liu Xi‐Jian , Zhang Li‐Juan , Lu Jie
Published: February 2017

The crystal forms I and II of rivaroxaban were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Powder dissolution testing was carried out at 310.15 K in the dissolution media at pH = 1.0 and pH = 6.8, respectively. The solution‐mediated phase transformation from form II to form I was investigated under different temperature, slurry density and stirring speed, respectively, by use of the FTIR spectroscopy. The results showed that, the two forms were monotropically‐related, and in the both dissolution media the concentration of form II was obviously higher than that of form I at the same time which demonstrated that form II was the metastable form. Among the evaluated solid‐state kinetic models the Prout‐Tompkins and Avrami‐Erofeev (n = 3) equations gave a satisfactory correlation of the phase transformation process from form II to form I. The activation energy of phase transformation was calculated as 19.151 kJ·mol−1 by means of Arrhenius analysis. In addition, the phase transformation rate increased with increasing temperature, slurry density and stirring speed.
Enzyme Immobilized on Nanoporous Carbon Derived from Metal–Organic Framework: A New Support for Biodiesel Synthesis
Authors: Liu Li‐Hao , Shih Yung‐Han , Liu Wan‐Ling , Lin Chia‐Her , Huang Hsi‐Ya
Published: February 2017

In this study, nanoporous carbon (NPC) derived from metal–organic framework was used as support for the immobilization of Burkholderia cepacia lipase. The decorated aluminum oxide within the mesoporous NPC improved the enzyme loading efficiency as well as the catalytic ability for the transesterification of soybean oil, thus making it a promising green and sustainable catalytic system for industrial application.
NS1209/SPD 502, A Novel Selective AMPA Antagonist for Stroke, Neuropathic Pain or Epilepsy? Drug Development Lessons Learned
Authors: Keppel Hesselink Jan M.
Published: February 2017

Preclinical Research

The selective AMPA (α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid) receptor antagonist, NS1209 (also known as SPD 502) has been explored in several research and development campaigns since its selection as a lead drug candidate in the early 1990s by the Danish biotechnology company, NeuroSearch. The compound was successively tested in animal models of stroke, neuropathic pain and epilepsy. The preclinical data to support development for the treatment of stroke were incomplete, as the compound was administered after the stroke episode, and did not protect subcortical areas of the brain. Preclinical data for neuropathic pain and epilepsy appeared more promising, but the design of the Phase IIa studies in both indications was suboptimal, and an exploratory study in neuropathic pain, like one in refractory epilepsy gave inconclusive results. Preclinical data in pain models were much less convincing than reported by the authors in abstract and discussion sections. Due to a long preclinical sequential testing phase and insufficiently powered clinical trials, NS 1209 disappeared from the CNS development pipeline, while its patent protection exclusivity was markedly reduced due to the unfortunate slow speed in development—a phenomenon far from unusual in CNS drug discovery. NeuroSearch ceased operations as an R&D entity in 2012 and its R & D portfolio was transferred to Teva Pharmaceuticals and to a spin off, Saniona A/S. Based on an in‐depth case analysis of the development of NS 1209, a number of recommendations are given to reduce chances of failure during clinical development of neuropathic pain compounds and, more generally, of CNS compounds. Drug Dev Res 78 : 75‐80, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Methane seepage in a Cretaceous greenhouse world recorded by an unusual carbonate deposit from the Tarfaya Basin, Morocco
Authors: Smrzka Daniel , Zwicker Jennifer , Kolonic Sadat , Birgel Daniel , Little Crispin T.S. , Marzouk Akmal M. , Chellai El Hassane , Wagner Thomas , Peckmann Jörn
Published: February 2017

During the Cretaceous major episodes of oceanic anoxic conditions triggered large scale deposition of marine black shales rich in organic carbon. Several oceanic anoxic events (OAEs) have been documented including the Cenomanian to Turonian OAE 2, which is among the best studied examples to date. This study reports on a large limestone body that occurs within a black shale succession exposed in a coastal section of the Tarfaya Basin, Morocco. The black shales were deposited in the aftermath of OAE 2 in a shallow continental sea. To decipher the mode and causes of carbonate formation in black shales, a combination of element geochemistry, palaeontology, thin section petrography, carbon and oxygen stable isotope geochemistry and lipid biomarkers are used. The 13C‐depleted biphytanic diacids reveal that the carbonate deposit resulted, at least in part, from microbially mediated anaerobic oxidation of methane in the shallow subseafloor at a hydrocarbon seep. The lowest obtained δ13Ccarbonate values of −23·5‰ are not low enough to exclude other carbon sources than methane apart from admixed marine carbonate, indicating a potential contribution from in situ remineralization of organic matter contained in the black shales. Nannofossil and trace metal inventories of the black shales and the macrofaunal assemblage of the carbonate body reveal that environmental conditions became less reducing during the deposition of the background shales that enclose the carbonate body, but the palaeoenvironment was overall mostly characterized by high productivity and episodically euxinic bottom waters. This study reconstructs the evolution of a hydrocarbon seep that was situated within a shallow continental sea in the aftermath of OAE 2, and sheds light on how these environmental factors influenced carbonate formation and the ecology at the seep site.
Environmental enrichment, sexual dimorphism, and brain size in sticklebacks
Authors: Toli Elisavet A. , Noreikiene Kristina , DeFaveri Jacquelin , Merilä Juha
Published: February 2017

Evidence for phenotypic plasticity in brain size and the size of different brain parts is widespread, but experimental investigations into this effect remain scarce and are usually conducted using individuals from a single population. As the costs and benefits of plasticity may differ among populations, the extent of brain plasticity may also differ from one population to another. In a common garden experiment conducted with three‐spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) originating from four different populations, we investigated whether environmental enrichment (aquaria provided with structural complexity) caused an increase in the brain size or size of different brain parts compared to controls (bare aquaria). We found no evidence for a positive effect of environmental enrichment on brain size or size of different brain parts in either of the sexes in any of the populations. However, in all populations, males had larger brains than females, and the degree of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in relative brain size ranged from 5.1 to 11.6% across the populations. Evidence was also found for genetically based differences in relative brain size among populations, as well as for plasticity in the size of different brain parts, as evidenced by consistent size differences among replicate blocks that differed in their temperature.
Sensitivity of sea urchin fertilization to pH varies across a natural pH mosaic
Authors: Kapsenberg Lydia , Okamoto Daniel K. , Dutton Jessica M. , Hofmann Gretchen E.
Published: February 2017

In the coastal ocean, temporal fluctuations in pH vary dramatically across biogeographic ranges. How such spatial differences in pH variability regimes might shape ocean acidification resistance in marine species remains unknown. We assessed the pH sensitivity of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus in the context of ocean pH variability. Using unique male–female pairs, originating from three sites with similar mean pH but different variability and frequency of low pH (pHT ≤ 7.8) exposures, fertilization was tested across a range of pH (pHT 7.61–8.03) and sperm concentrations. High fertilization success was maintained at low pH via a slight right shift in the fertilization function across sperm concentration. This pH effect differed by site. Urchins from the site with the narrowest pH variability regime exhibited the greatest pH sensitivity. At this site, mechanistic fertilization dynamics models support a decrease in sperm–egg interaction rate with decreasing pH. The site differences in pH sensitivity build upon recent evidence of local pH adaptation in S. purpuratus and highlight the need to incorporate environmental variability in the study of global change biology.
C(sp3)–H Bond Activation Induced by Monohydroborane Coordination at an Iridium(III)–Phosphoramidate Complex
Authors: Drover Marcus W. , Christopherson Cheyenne J. , Schafer Laurel L. , Love Jennifer A.
Published: February 2017

The reaction of Cp*IrIII phosphoramidate (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) complexes with a monohydroborane (HBR2; R = cyclohexyl or mesityl) generates cyclometalated Cp*IrIII complexes following two sequential intramolecular B–H and C(sp3)–H bond‐activation events. Preliminary mechanistic inquiry suggests that boron stabilization provided by the hemilabile phosphoramidate ligand provides a δ‐B–H···[Ir] coordinated intermediate, which succumbs to borane‐induced C(sp3)–H bond activation.
Efficient Syntheses of 2,5‐Dihydropyrroles, Pyrrolidin‐3‐ones, and Electron‐Rich Pyrroles from N‐Tosylimines and Lithiated Alkoxyallenes
Authors: Okala Amombo Ghislaine Marlyse , Flögel Oliver , Kord Daoroun Kalai Scheghajeh , Schoder Stefan , Warzok Ulrike , Reissig Hans‐Ulrich
Published: February 2017

N‐Tosylimines and lithiated alkoxyallenes afforded the corresponding allenyl N‐tosylamines in good to excellent yields. The 5‐endo‐trig cyclizations of these intermediates to 2,5‐dihydropyrrole derivatives were achieved under strongly basic conditions with potassium tert‐butoxide or under milder conditions with either silver(I) or gold(I) catalysis. In general, gold chloride catalyzed reactions occurred with the lowest catalyst loadings and delivered the best yields. With phenyl‐substituted 2,5‐dihydropyrrole, we investigated typical reactions such as oxidative and reductive transformations. The acid‐promoted hydrolysis of the enol ether moieties of three 2,5‐dihydropyrroles furnished the corresponding pyrrolidin‐3‐ones, which were reduced to give 3‐hydroxypyrrolidine derivatives in good yields. The aromatization of 2,5‐dihydropyrroles to 3‐methoxypyrrole derivatives was accomplished by base treatment, which caused the elimination of p‐tolyl sulfinate. Electron‐rich pyrrole derivatives were synthesized in good yields even on a large scale. All of the experiments illustrate the efficacy and flexibility of the alkoxyallene approach to pyrrole derivatives.