bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise testing after chronic total coronary occlusion revascularization in patients with STEMI and a concurrent CTO: A subanalysis of the EXPLORE‐trial
Authors: van Veelen Anna , van Dongen Ivo M. , Elias Joëlle , Råmunddal Truls , Eriksen Erlend , van der Schaaf René J. , Claessen Bimmer E. P. M. , Postema Pieter G. , Henriques José P. S.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To assess the effect of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO PCI) on ventricular ectopy (VE) and symptomatology during exercise testing.

Background

During exercise, the hypoxic myocardium in the CTO‐territory can act as a substrate for VE and could lead to anginal complaints.

Methods

In the EXPLORE‐trial, 302 ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)‐patients were randomized to CTO PCI or no‐CTO PCI. For this sub‐study, we analyzed all available exercise electrocardiograms (X‐ECGs) at 4 months follow‐up on symptoms and electrocardiographic parameters.

Results

A total of 155 X‐ECGs were available, 80 in the CTO PCI group (51.6%) and 75 in the no‐CTO PCI group (48.4%). There were no differences regarding exercised time, achieved endurance, ST‐deviation nor maximum heart‐rate. The percentage of patients experiencing chest‐pain during exercise was lower in the CTO PCI group (0% vs. 8.5%, p = .03). Also, there was a trend towards a higher maximum systolic blood pressure (SBP, 185 mmHg vs. 175, p = .09). No difference in VE was found between randomization groups, but patients with successful CTO PCI had a higher frequency of VE, compared to failed and no‐CTO PCI (26% vs. 8%, p = .02). This did not result in higher frequencies of sustained ventricular arrhythmias or mortality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in STEMI‐patients, CTO PCI is associated with a small reduction of chest‐pain during exercise and tended to be associated with an increase of maximum SBP. The observation that successful CTO PCI was associated with more VE during exercise, compared with failed/no‐CTO PCI needs further exploration.
Perforated gastric carcinomatosis following invasive lobular cancer of the breast
Authors: De Gruttola Ivan , Adil Md Tanveer , D’Souza Lorraine , Jambulingam Periyathambi , Whitelaw Douglas
Published: April 2019

Key Clinical Message

Current guidelines do not advocate a routine search for gastric metastasis in known patients of breast cancer. This makes it challenging to suspect them clinically as they progress over many years. Gastric carcinomatosis from primary invasive lobular cancer can perforate leading to life‐threatening abdominal emergency necessitating surgery.
A case report and focused literature review of d‐penicillamine and severe neutropenia: A serious toxicity from a seldom‐used drug
Authors: Pitman Stuart K. , Huynh Tony , Bjarnason Thorarinn A. , An Josiah , Malkhasyan Karen A.
Published: April 2019

Key Clinical Message

Prescribing d‐penicillamine for Wilson's disease must be accompanied by vigilant monitoring, including a complete blood cell count with differential. For most, this should occur once or twice weekly during the first month of therapy and during periods of dose escalation, then every two weeks for six additional months, then monthly.
Catalytic Activation of Esterases by PEGylation for Polyester Synthesis
Authors: Noro Jennifer , Castro Tarsila G. , Gonçalves Filipa , Ribeiro Artur , Cavaco‐Paulo Artur , Silva Carla
Published: April 2019

In this work we explored PEGylation as an efficient strategy to improve esterase's catalytic performance. For this, we PEGylated three esterases, namely lipase from Candida antarctica B (CALB), lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (TL) and cutinase from Fusarium solani pisi (CUT) and evaluated their catalytic performance by using the biosynthesis of poly(ethylene glutarate) as model reaction. After PEGylation with a 5 kDa aldehyde‐PEG, CALB and cutinase revealed an increase of activity against p‐nitrophenyl butyrate hydrolysis (2‐fold of increase for CALB and 4‐fold of increase for cutinase). Unmodified and PEGylated lipase TL displayed however similar activity results. The polymerase activity of native and PEGylated esterases was also assessed. The data revealed a higher polymerase activity for the lipase TL and cutinase PEGylated forms (88 % conversion for PEG‐lipase TL and 34 % for PEG‐cutinase). Molecular dynamics were used to evaluate the effect of PEG on the geometry of the active site of enzymes with lid domain (TL and CALB). These studies corroborate the experimental data revealing a more open active site cavity for the PEGylated catalysts facilitating the catalysis.
Bridging the Green Gap: Metal–Organic Framework Heteromultilayers Assembled from Porphyrinic Linkers Identified by Using Computational Screening
Authors: Haldar Ritesh , Batra Kamal , Marschner Stefan Michael , Kuc Agnieszka B. , Zahn Stefan , Fischer Roland A. , Bräse Stefan , Heine Thomas , Wöll Christof
Published: April 2019

In organic photovoltaics, porphyrins (PPs) are among the most promising compounds owing to their large absorption cross‐section, wide spectral range, and stability. Nevertheless, a precise adjustment of absorption band positions to reach a full coverage of the so‐called green gap has not been achieved yet. We demonstrate that a tuning of the PP Q‐ and Soret bands can be carried out by using a computational approach for which substitution patterns are optimized in silico. The most promising candidate structures were then synthesized. The experimental UV/Vis data for the solvated compounds were in excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions. By attaching further functionalities, which allow the use of PP chromophores as linkers for the assembly of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), we were able to exploit packing effects resulting in pronounced redshifts, which allowed further optimization of the photophysical properties of PP assemblies. Finally, we use a layer‐by‐layer method to assemble the PP linkers into surface‐mounted MOFs (SURMOFs), thus obtaining high optical quality, homogeneous and crystalline multilayer films. Experimental results are in full accord with the calculations, demonstrating the huge potential of computational screening methods in tailoring MOF and SURMOF photophysical properties.
Corporate images and customer behavioral intentions in an environmentally certified context: Promoting environmental sustainability in the hospitality industry
Authors: Martínez Patricia , Herrero Ángel , Gómez‐López Raquel
Published: April 2019

Growing environmental awareness has made customers change their attitudes and increasingly demand that the hospitality industry provides products and services that are environmentally friendly. This sector faces increasing pressure to operate in a more ecofriendly manner given its negative influence on the natural environment. Extant research demonstrates that sustainable tourism can be promoted through environmental certifications. However, little attention has been paid to the relevance of customer perceptions about these schemes and their influence on customer behavioral intentions. So that, this study attempts to explore the conditions under which perceived green image leads to favorable customer behavioral intentions towards environmentally certified hotels by considering the mediating effects of functional and emotional images. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from hotel customers in Spain. The results indicate that green image serves as a predictor of functional image, which in turn is linked to customer behavioral intentions. This shows that the evaluation of environmental issues influences the assessment of cognitive aspects, although not the direct evaluation of affective aspects. Consequently, green image associations directly influence the cognitive responses of consumers but not their emotions. Therefore, consumers will evaluate a hotel's functional image not only by considering traditional attributes but also by taking into account environmental issues. These findings suggest that hotel companies should work to develop a green positioning strategy developing products and services possessing both greenness and high‐value attributes.
Dynamic properties of strongly coupled dusty plasmas with particles of finite dimensions
Authors: Yerimbetova Lazzat T. , Davletov Askar E. , Arkhipov Yuriy V. , Tkachenko Igor M.
Published: April 2019

The aim of the present study is to determine the impact the finite size of dust particles has on the static and dynamic characteristics of the dust component of a plasma. Taking into account both the finite dimensions of dust grains and the plasma screening, a model expression is chosen for the interdust interaction potential. The static structure factor of dust particles is evaluated by iteratively solving the reference hypernetted‐chain approximation, which inherently contains the hard sphere model handled within the Percus–Yevick closure. The self‐consistent method of moments is then engaged to relate the static and dynamic structure factors by assuming that the second derivative of the dynamic structure factor with respect to the frequency vanishes at the origin. Thus, an analytical expression for the dynamic structure factor is validated over quite a broad domain of dusty plasma non‐ideality and grains packing fraction. The calculated spectrum of dust‐acoustic waves reveals the appearance of the roton minimum, which becomes less pronounced when the packing fraction of dust particles rises. It is also predicted that the wavenumber position of the roton minimum is de facto independent of the size of dust particles. New analytical expressions for the dust‐acoustic wave spectrum and decrement of damping are proposed and thoroughly checked.
Students' Ethical Decision‐Making When Considering Boundary Crossings With Counselor Educators
Authors: Burns Stephanie T.
Published: April 2019

Counselor education students (N = 224) rated 16 boundary‐crossing scenarios involving counselor educators. They viewed boundary crossings as unethical and were aware of power differentials between the 2 groups. Next, they rated the scenarios again, after reviewing 1 of 4 ethical informational resources: relevant standards in the ACA Code of Ethics (American Counseling Association, 2014), 2 different boundary‐crossing decision‐making models, and a placebo. Although participants rated all resources except the placebo as moderately helpful, these resources had little to no influence on their ethical decision‐making. Only 47% of students in the 2 ethical decision‐making model groups reported they would use the model they were exposed to in the future when contemplating boundary crossings
Voltage balancing control based on gate signal delay in series connection of SiC‐MOSFET
Authors: Shingu Katsuya , Wada Keiji
Published: April 2019

Recently, research and development of SiC power devices have been done, and SiC power devices have become commercially available. The SiC power devices are suitable for realizing to medium voltage applications. Since, the voltage rating of commercial power devices is limited to less than 1.2 kV, they should be connected in series to maintain a higher voltage rating. However parasitic parameters of these devices are not the same, and therefore the voltage sharing during turn‐off operations cannot be controlled. This article proposes a digital control for the voltage balancing of series connected SiC‐MOSFETs during turn‐off operations. In order to compensate the voltage unbalance conditions, this article presents a time‐adjustment gate‐drive circuit using a digital delay line; experimental results for the feedback control using a buck chopper circuit are also presented.
Thermal analysis of parabolic trough concentration photovoltaic/thermal system for using in buildings
Authors: Alayi Reza , Kasaeian Alibakhsh , Atabi Farideh
Published: April 2019

In this research, a parabolic trough concentrating photovoltaic thermal (CPVT) was used to provide the energy needed for a residential building. In order to do this, the required amount of heating and cooling and electrical energy was first obtained using Carrier software, then the electrical demand was obtained according to the standard model and governing relations. In the next step, the CPVT as a source of heat and cooling, and electrical energy for the building, was simulated in TRNSYS software. In order to achieve the highest reliability in terms of heat supply and reduction of thermal losses in the whole system, phase‐change material was used as a heat storage source. Mehrabad (Tehran) was considered as the target area in simulation. For this area the highest radiation intensity is 7.79 kWh/m2·day, which shows the potential of the region. The simulation results of the studied system showed that the highest output temperature and solar fraction for total load in building from CPVT was 150°C and 0.0.2926. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: e13220, 2019
GHGs emission and mitigation burden for power plants in western china considering N2O and SO2 removal
Authors: Fu Shijun
Published: April 2019

Focusing on greenhouse gases (GHGs), this article explores the actual emissions and mitigation burden of coal‐fired power plants in western region of China. Utilizing the 2006 IPCC technology‐detailed methodology, this article developed a coal content‐based GHG measurement system under consideration of N2O emission and SO2 removal, thereafter employed it to evaluate 151 power plants in western China in 2014. At regional level, the three segmented emission sources: CO2 and N2O from coal combustion, and CO2 from sulfur content depreciation, each contributes to emission intensity at 1011.26, 8.24 and 6.09 gCO2e/KWh, respectively. At plant‐specific level, emission intensity is very different, with an average of 1025.60 as well as an interval of 722.38–1796.67 gCO2e/KWh, which implies large gap in mitigation burden among power plants. Comparing mitigation cost of two pathways: CCS technology and carbon market mechanism, it is verified that on average, the former induces electricity price raised by 64.84%–97.26%, while the latter only induces 8.32% upward. From mitigation burden perspective, carbon market is more feasible than CCS technology to motivate power plant to carry out GHGs abatement in the short‐run period. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: e13224, 2019
Associations between interoceptive sensitivity, intuitive eating, and body mass index in patients with anorexia nervosa and normal‐weight controls
Authors: Richard Anna , Meule Adrian , Georgii Claudio , Voderholzer Ulrich , Cuntz Ulrich , Wilhelm Frank H. , Blechert Jens
Published: April 2019

Reduced perception of bodily signals and low levels of intuitive eating have been reported in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) compared with normal‐weight individuals. However, findings have been inconsistent and treatment progress might account for some of these inconsistencies. Thirty‐seven inpatients with AN and 39 normal‐weight controls completed a heartbeat perception task and the Intuitive Eating Scale–2. Patients with AN reported lower intuitive eating than controls, whereas interoceptive sensitivity did not differ between groups. Higher interoceptive sensitivity was related to higher intuitive eating across both groups. In patients with AN, both higher interoceptive sensitivity and intuitive eating correlated with the number of days in the hospital and with higher body mass index (BMI), when controlling for BMI at admission. These relationships suggest that interoceptive sensitivity and intuitive eating improve during treatment. Future research should determine whether these improvements promote weight gain or follow it.
Muffins enriched with dietary fiber from kimchi by‐product: Baking properties, physical–chemical properties, and consumer acceptance
Authors: Heo Yena , Kim Min‐Joo , Lee Jo‐Won , Moon BoKyung
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary fiber from Chinese cabbage outer‐leaf powder, which is a main by‐product of kimchi, on the quality, texture properties, and sensory evaluation of muffins. The kimchi by‐product powder (KBP, 36.2% dietary fiber) was added at 1%–4% dietary fiber content, by replacing wheat flour (w/w basis). The physico‐chemical and sensory properties of the baked muffins were measured. The height and volume of the muffins decreased with the addition of KBP. Increasing the KBP content resulted in increased hardness and reduced chewiness. No significant difference was observed in the overall acceptance among the muffins, up to the 2% added dietary fiber group, and the positive effect of the incorporated KBP was also confirmed in the sensory evaluation. These results indicate that it is possible to produce functional muffins with increased dietary fiber content by adding KBP in place of flour.
Modification of barley dietary fiber through thermal treatments
Authors: Bader Ul Ain Huma , Saeed Farhan , Khan Muhammad Asif , Niaz Bushra , Rohi Madiha , Nasir Muhammad Adnan , Tufail Tabussam , Anbreen Friha , Anjum Faqir Muhammad
Published: April 2019

The current research was carried out to observe the effect of different thermal treatments on soluble and insoluble dietary fiber ratio to improve functional properties of barley. Two varieties of barley labeled as Haider‐93 and Jau‐87 were milled and then wet and dry heat‐treated. Soaking and then cooking of soaked and nonsoaked barley was performed. Untreated barley contained more insoluble dietary fiber (12.00–12.40 g/100g dm) than soluble dietary fiber (4.73–5.70 g/100g dm). Additionally, the modification of soluble (13.32%) and insoluble dietary fiber (8.79%) ratio through pressure cooking was nonsignificant while roasting showed significant results, that is, 53.91% increase in soluble dietary fiber and 8.79% decrease in insoluble dietary fiber. In phase II, cooking without soaking gave highest results, that is, 68.08% increase in soluble dietary fiber and 15.48% decrease in insoluble dietary fiber. Conclusively, among all treatments of phase I and II, the better results were shown by cooking without soaking.
Development of a Multiscale SOFC Model and Application to Axially‐Graded Electrode Design
Authors: Mastropasqua L. , Donazzi A. , Campanari S.
Published: April 2019

A multiscale model is built to understand how microscale characteristics and the thermo‐chemical and electrochemical phenomena, occurring in the electrode and electrolyte assembly, may affect the overall performance of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack. This study presents the integration of two‐dimensional finite volume models: a 1D microscale model and a 1D (or 2D) macroscale (channel/cell) model. The new tool is calibrated against the experimental data of a short‐stack via a numerical procedure aiming at the minimisation of the mean square deviation of the model from the measured data. Subsequently, the distribution of electrochemical active thickness in a state‐of‐the‐art solid oxide cell channel is calculated; the result is limited between 3% and 7% of the electrode thickness. An axially graded electrode is studied by changing the particle radii in order to locally control the triple phase boundary length distribution along the cell channel. The performances of a four‐section graded electrode is estimated in comparison to a reference non‐graded electrode. The average current density increases by approximately 6% in the short‐stack. If such a graded design was introduced into a state‐of‐the‐art cogeneration system, the extrapolation of these results suggests that a power output increase up to 13.5% is attainable.
The nonsense mutation MSH2 c.2152C>T shows a founder effect in Portuguese Lynch syndrome families
Authors: Pinheiro Manuela , Francisco Inês , Pinto Carla , Peixoto Ana , Veiga Isabel , Filipe Bruno , Santos Catarina , Maia Sofia , Silva João , Pinto Pedro , Santos Rui , Claro Isabel , Lage Pedro , Lopes Paula , Ferreira Sara , Rosa Isadora , Fonseca Ricardo , Rodrigues Paula , Henrique Rui , Chaves Paula , Pereira António Dias , Brandão Catarina , Albuquerque Cristina , Teixeira Manuel R.
Published: April 2019

The mutational spectrum of the MMR genes is highly heterogeneous, but specific mutations are observed at high frequencies in well‐defined populations or ethnic groups, due to founder effects. The MSH2 mutation c.2152C>T, p.(Gln718*), has occasionally been described in Lynch families worldwide, including in Portuguese Lynch syndrome families. During genetic testing for Lynch syndrome at the Portuguese Oncology Institutes of Porto and Lisbon, this mutation was identified in 28 seemingly unrelated families. In order to evaluate if this alteration is a founder mutation, haplotype analysis using microsatellite and SNP markers flanking the MSH2 gene was performed in the 28 probands and 87 family members. Additionally, the geographic origin of these families was evaluated and the age of the mutation estimated. Twelve different haplotypes were phased for 13 out of the 28 families and shared a conserved region of ∼3.6 Mb. Based on the mutation and recombination events observed in the microsatellite haplotypes and assuming a generation time of 25 years, the age estimate for the MSH2 mutation was 273 ± 64 years. The geographic origins of these families were mostly from the Northern region of Portugal. Concluding, these results suggest that the MSH2 c.2152C>T alteration is a founder mutation in Portugal with a relatively recent origin. Furthermore, its high proportion indicates that screening for this mutation as a first step, together with the previously reported Portuguese founder mutations, may be cost‐effective in genetic testing of Lynch syndrome suspects of Portuguese ancestry.
SSRI co‐medication with NOAC or VKA does not increase hospitalisation for bleeding: A retrospective nationwide cohort study in Austria 2010‐2015
Authors: Sheikh Rezaei Safoura , Mittlböck Martina , Reichardt Bertholdt , Wolzt Michael
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Non‐vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are used for the prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic events. A potential drug–drug interaction and increased bleeding events have been reported with co‐medication of selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs) and VKA. The aim of this study was to investigate the bleeding risk of a coprescription of NOAC or VKA with SSRI.

Methods

Patients with prescription of NOAC or VKA and an antidepressant drug therapy (ADTx) were selected from the drug reimbursement database of 13 Austrian health insurance funds. For this cohort, hospital discharge diagnoses for gastrointestinal bleeding, cerebral haemorrhage, and bleeding anaemia between 2010 and 2015 were analysed.

Results

Data were available from 50 196 female and 31 308 male patients. Among these, 892 patients had 987 hospitalisations with bleeding events. The most frequent bleeding cases were gastrointestinal bleedings with 588 events (59.6%), followed by cerebral haemorrhage with 344 (34.8%), and bleeding anaemia with 55 events (5.6%), respectively. The risk of bleeding events was similar between SSRI and other ADTx, when combined with oral anticoagulants (p = 0.51). Concomitant treatment of patients with SSRI or other ADTx and NOAC was associated with an increased bleeding risk compared with cotreatment with VKA (1.21, 95% CI: 1.05‐1.40; p = 0.0097).

Conclusion

Co‐medication of SSRI with VKA or NOAC has little if any impact on hospital discharge diagnoses for bleeding events compared with cotreatment of those anticoagulants with other antidepressant medications.
Assessment in Chemistry Education
Authors: Stowe Ryan L. , Cooper Melanie M.
Published: April 2019

Knowing what students know and can do is challenging business, as we cannot directly examine what any given person is thinking. Instead, we must construct opportunities for students to make their thinking visible and interpret the evidence elicited from these opportunities to infer progress toward desired outcomes. Here we describe the approach of “assessments as evidentiary arguments” and examine several types of assessments that are used to evaluate the learning of college chemistry students. Throughout this discussion, we will pay especial attention to the assumptions (or lack thereof) that particular assessment strategies make about how students learn. We have limited discussion to what students know and can do with regards to chemistry and chemical phenomena. That is, we are not concerned here with assessment of affective constructs (e. g. motivation, identity).
Rapidly progressing programmed cell death 1 inhibitor‐related pneumonitis in a hemodialytic patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Matsumura Yoshiaki , Iemura Yusuke , Fukui Shinji , Tatsumi Yoshihiro , Kagebayashi Yoriaki , Samma Shoji
Published: April 2019

Introduction

The efficacy and safety of nivolumab for patients receiving hemodialysis remain uncertain. Herein, we report a patient receiving a maintenance hemodialysis with life‐threatening interstitial pneumonitis caused by nivolumab for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Case presentation

A 61‐year‐old man with chronic kidney disease after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma was started on hemodialysis. Six months later, he developed multiple bone metastases and received pazopanib. Pazopanib, however, was not effective. We then switched to nivolumab as second‐line treatment. Five days after the first administration of nivolumab, he complained of respiratory discomfort and malaise with oxygen desaturation. Chest computed tomography demonstrated diffuse areas of ground glass opacity in both lung fields, suggesting programmed cell death 1 inhibitor‐related pneumonitis. Prompt corticosteroid therapy led to improvement of the symptoms.

Conclusion

Caution should be exercised on the administration of nivolumab to hemodialysis patients due to the risk of interstitial pneumonitis.
Ectopic adrenal adenoma causing gross hematuria: Steroidogenic enzyme profiling and literature review
Authors: Ashikari Daisaku , Tawara So , Sato Katsuhiko , Mochida Junichi , Masuda Shinobu , Mukai Kuniaki , Turcu Adina , Nishimoto Koshiro , Yamaguchi Kenya , Takahashi Satoru
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Aberrant cortical adrenal tissues are not generally identified in adults. Herein, we present a very rare case of an ectopic adrenal tumor located in the renal hilum that caused gross hematuria.

Case presentation

A 33‐year‐old man suddenly presented with asymptomatic gross hematuria. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a 35‐mm mass in the left renal hilum encroaching the renal vein. Following the surgical removal with frozen section of the mass, his gross hematuria immediately improved. Pathological analysis of the specimen revealed the features adrenal adenoma. Immunohistochemical staining for key steroidogenic enzymes confirmed the adrenocortical origin without excessive hormone production.

Conclusion

This is the first case of an ectopic adrenocortical adenoma in the renal hilum that caused gross hematuria without hormonal symptoms.
The GLP‐1 receptor agonist liraglutide protects against oxidized LDL‐induced endothelial inflammation and dysfunction via KLF2
Authors: Yue Wen , Li Yi , Ou Dengke , Yang Qing
Published: April 2019

Cardiovascular complications are the major causes of the mortality and morbidities in diabetic patients. The diabetic patients have an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, which could lead to heart attack and stroke. Glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists are a class of potent anti‐glycemic agents to treat diabetes. Recently, several GLP‐1 receptor agonists have been found to have cardiovascular benefit independent of their glucose lowing ability. Liraglutide is one of clinically approved effective GLP‐1 receptor agonists. In this study, we explored the molecular mechanism of Liraglutide against oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) in cultured endothelial cells. Our data show that Liraglutide treatment ameliorates ox‐LDL caused reduction of the transcriptional factor KLF2. In the same experiment, Liraglutide also rescues ox‐LDL induced reduction of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase extracellular signal regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) phosphorylation, and blockage of ERK5 activity by its inhibitor XMD8‐92 abolishes the protection of Liraglutide on KLF2 expression. These facts suggest that the action of Liraglutide on endothelial KLF2 is dependent on ERK5. Liraglutide also recovers ox‐LDL caused reduction of endothelial tight junctions protein Occludin and ameliorates ox‐LDL induced endothelial monolayer permeability increase. On the other hand, Liraglutide inhibits ox‐LDL induced expression of vascular adhesion molecules (E‐selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1), and prevents ox‐LDL induced attachment of monocytes adhesion to endothelial cells. Moreover, Liraglutide mitigates ox‐LDL triggered reduction of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and NO release. Collectively, our study provides multiple facets of the mechanisms that Liraglutide is a protective agent in endothelial cells and has the potential implication in therapeutic usage of vascular complication in diabetes patients. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(9):1347–1354, 2019
An adherent‐cell depletion technique to generate human neural progenitors and neurons
Authors: Leung Alan W. , Li James Y. H.
Published: April 2019

Existing methodologies to produce human neural stem cells and neurons from embryonic stem cells frequently involve multistep processes and the use of complex and expensive media components, cytokines or small molecules. Here, we report a simple technique to generate human neuroepithelial progenitors and neurons by periodic mechanical dissection and adherent‐cell depletion on regular cell‐culture grade plastic surfaces. This neural induction technique does not employ growth factors, small molecules or peptide inhibitors, apart from those present in serum‐free supplements. Suggestive of their central nervous system origin, we found that neural progenitors formed by this technique expressed radial glia markers, and, when differentiated, expressed TUBB3, RBFOX3 (NeuN) and serotonin, but not markers for peripheral neurons. With these data, we postulate that incorporation of periodic mechanical stimuli and plastic surface‐mediated cell selection could improve and streamline existing human neuron production protocols.
Virus‐inspired and mimetic designs in non‐viral gene delivery
Authors: Luo Tianying , Liang Hong , Jin Rongrong , Nie Yu
Published: April 2019

Virus‐inspired mimics for nucleic acid transportation have attracted much attention in the past decade, especially the derivative microenvironment stimuli‐responsive designs. In the present mini‐review, the smart designs of gene carriers that overcome biological barriers and realize an efficient delivery are categorized with respect to the different “triggers” provided by tumor cells, including pH, redox potentials, ATP, enzymes and reactive oxygen species. Some dual/multi‐responsive gene vectors have also been introduced that show a more precise and efficient delivery in the complicated environment of human body. In addition, inspired by the special recognition mechanisms and components of viruses, improvements in the design of carriers relating to targeting/penetration properties, as well as chemical component evolution, are also addressed.
Facile radiolabeling optimization process via design of experiments and an intelligent optimization algorithm: Application for omeprazole radioiodination
Authors: Farrag Nourihan S. , Abdel‐Halim Hala A. , Abdel Moamen Ola A.
Published: April 2019

The major uses of radiopharmaceuticals (RP) in clinical areas are diagnosis and/or therapy. The present study aimed to utilize the application of fractional factorial design analysis (FFDA) coupled with particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) to assess the optimization of RP production process. In this regard, omeprazole (OMP), which is gastric parietal cell proton pump inhibitor (PPI), was radiolabeled with iodine‐125 (125I) isotope in order to be used as a radiotracer for stomach imaging. Different factors that affect radiolabeling process were studied. According to the proposed design, just 16 experimental runs of radiolabeling process were performed using the extremes of each factor. In addition, one run was executed at the mean point of each factor. Undesirable maximum radiolabeling yield (RY) of radioiodinated omeprazole (125I‐OMP) was deduced from application of FFDA (88.4%). Furthermore, after applying PSO with changing limits of one factor, the maximum RY of 125I‐OMP was found to be 93.78%. Moreover, the practically verification from optimum conditions, which obtained from PSO, was found to give an RY of 93.99%. Overall, the findings of this study confirmed the potential use of that hybrid design for optimization of radiolabeling processes.
Restructured frame‐of‐reference training improves rating accuracy
Authors: Tsai Ming‐Hong , Wee Serena , Koh Brandon
Published: April 2019

The use of heuristic judgments is prevalent in organizations and negatively impacts accurate employee assessments. To minimize the negative impact of heuristic judgments (i.e., anchoring and adjustment), we aim to improve rating accuracy by restructuring frame‐of‐reference (FOR) training. We conducted five studies (N = 1,143) using different samples (three including participants with hiring experience), training environments (onsite and online), and rating contexts (evaluations of sales representatives, teachers, contract negotiation specialists, and retail store managers). Across the five studies, the average improvement in rating accuracy was at least twice as large for restructured FOR (vs. control) training as it was for typical FOR (vs. control) training; the difference in rating accuracy between restructured and typical FOR training was statistically significant. Furthermore, minimizing the anchoring effect rather than increasing opportunities for rating adjustments improved rating accuracy (Study 4). Finally, restructured FOR training achieved higher criterion validity (i.e., a higher strength of the association between ratings regarding a target and the target's objective performance) than did typical FOR training (Studies 3 and 5). We discuss implications for improving the effectiveness of diverse training programs and the accuracy of judgments in organizations.
Computational study of inhibitory effect of urea, n‐allylthiourea, thiosemicarbazide, and phenylhydrazine on the aluminum surfaces
Authors: Zeidabadinejad Leila , Hosseini Seyyed Mohammad Ali
Published: April 2019

The interactions between urea, n‐allylthiourea, thiosemicarbazide, and phenylhydrazine on the aluminum surface have been analyzed employing B3LYP/6‐31g(d,p) level of theory in liquid water and gas phase. The interaction energies for two orientations of urea, n‐allylthiourea, thiosemicarbazide, and phenylhydrazine were considered. The calculations revealed that in all cases the urea, n‐allylthiourea, thiosemicarbazide, and phenylhydrazine are located parallel to the Al surface. The preferred complex orientation is that one, in which the maximum number of donor atoms of inhibitors have interacted with the Al surface. The thermodynamic descriptor such as the Gibbs free energy of the complexes of inhibitors with the Al surface has been evaluated. The natural bond orbital analysis of inhibitors complexes with the Al surface was done to find out how to transfer the charge and compare the stability of the interactions. The localized orbital locator, electron location function and analysis and quantum theory of atoms in the molecule have been used to investigate the nature of the various possible interactions between inhibitors with Al surface in terms of bond critical points.
Controlled Growth of Ultra‐Thick Polymer Brushes via Surface‐Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization with Active Polymers as Initiators
Authors: Zeng Yiyang , Xie Lei , Chi Fangting , Liu Dejian , Wu Haoyan , Pan Ning , Sun Guangai
Published: April 2019

Polymer brushes exhibit functionalities useful for a large number of applications. Often these functionalities only emerge when the polymer brushes have a desired thickness. Here, a significant breakthrough is achieved in the synthesis of ultra‐thick polymer brushes using polymer initiators in the approach of surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization, yielding polymer brushes with a controllable thickness up to 15.1 µm. This is reportedly the thickest polymer brush ever synthesized. This approach is applicable for several monomers such as acrylonitrile, methyl acrylate, and styrene, and for other types of polymer substrates such as fibers.
Making Nanocomposites of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Polymers Using Gas‐Responsive Cellulose Nanocrystals
Authors: Farnia Farhad , Fan Weizheng , Dory Yves , Zhao Yue
Published: April 2019

Generally, different surface‐functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are required for use as nanofillers in hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers. In the present study, for the first time, a kind of “universal” nanofiller for polymer composites is demonstrated by using CNC grafted with a gas‐responsive polymer. CNC are functionalized with pyrene‐containing poly(2‐(N,N‐diethylaminoethyl)methacrylate) (CNC‐g‐PDEAEMA‐Py). The reversible transport of the nanocrystals between phase‐separated water and toluene is proved by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and fluorescence spectroscopy. On the one hand, water‐soluble poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) can be mixed with dispersed CNC upon CO2 bubbling for making the PVA‐CNC nanocomposite. On the other hand, after the transfer of CNC into the toluene solution upon N2 bubbling, styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS) triblock copolymer can be dissolved for the SBS‐CNC nanocomposite. In both systems, CNC are well dispersed, having an effect on the mechanical and shape memory properties of SBS and PVA, respectively.
Classification of Metal Binders by Naïve Bayes Classifier on the Base of Molecular Fragment Descriptors and Ensemble Modeling
Authors: Solov'ev Vitaly , Tsivadze Aslan , Marcou Gilles , Varnek Alexandre
Published: April 2019

Here, we report two‐class classification models for organic molecules (“ligands”) able to bind various metal cations in water. The modeling was performed on 30 data sets, each corresponding to a particular metal, using the Naïve Bayes method and the ISIDA fragment descriptors. The ligands were classified on weak and strong binders according to threshold of the logarithm of the stability constant of the 1 : 1 (metal : ligand) complexes. The “consensus models” consisted each of 50 best individual models demonstrated a good predictive performance in 5‐fold cross validation: the balanced accuracy (BA) varies from 0.965 (Yb3+) to 0.767 (Mg2+). The best predictions (BA>0.90) were obtained for the binders of rare‐earth metals (Yb3+, Tm3+, Er3+, Lu3+, Ho3+, Gd3+ and Dy3+) and Pb2+. For 17 small external test sets of new ligands, BA varies from 0.800 to 1. The impact of variables selection on the predictive performance of the models is discussed.
Address the career and life needs of students with workforce experience
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: April 2019

Gordon Swartz, Ph.D., brings experience in management consulting and business school teaching to his current role as dean of the School of Business at Golden Gate University in San Francisco. Making the academic program highly relevant to students with an established history in the workforce is an essential priority at a university where the average age of both undergraduate and graduate students is 34.
Chemical Kinetics of the Oxidation of Manganese and of the Decomposition of MnO2 by XRD and TG Measurements
Authors: Kelzenberg Stefan , Eisenreich Norbert , Knapp Sebastian , Koleczko Andrzej , Schuppler Heike , Fietzek Harald
Published: April 2019

Data from heated in‐situ X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetry from the decomposition of MnO2 and from the oxidation of Mn are evaluated to get kinetical parameters for combustion and reaction modelling. Reaction schemes could be derived for the decomposition of MnO2: MnO2→Mn2O3→Mn3O4 and for the oxidation of Mn: Mn→MnO→Mn3O4→Mn2O3. Different reaction models were used to fit the data and result in different kinetical parameters for the reaction steps. But comparing the results is very difficult and does not give a conclusive picture.
Side chain electrostatic interactions and pH‐dependent expansion of the intrinsically disordered, highly acidic carboxyl‐terminus of γ‐tubulin
Authors: Payliss Brandon J. , Vogel Jackie , Mittermaier Anthony K.
Published: April 2019

Intramolecular electrostatic attraction and repulsion strongly influence the conformational sampling of intrinsically disordered proteins and domains (IDPs). In order to better understand this complex relationship, we have used nuclear magnetic resonance to measure side chain pKa values and pH‐dependent translational diffusion coefficients for the unstructured and highly acidic carboxyl‐terminus of γ‐tubulin (γ‐CT), providing insight into how the net charge of an IDP relates to overall expansion or collapse of the conformational ensemble. Many of the pKa values in the γ‐CT are shifted upward by 0.3–0.4 units and exhibit negatively cooperative ionization pH profiles, likely due to the large net negative charge that accumulates on the molecule as the pH is raised. pKa shifts of this magnitude correspond to electrostatic interaction energies between the affected residues and the rest of the charged molecule that are each on the order of 1 kcal mol−1. Diffusion of the γ‐CT slowed with increasing net charge, indicative of an expanding hydrodynamic radius (rH). The degree of expansion agreed quantitatively with what has been seen from comparisons of IDPs with different charge content, yielding the general trend that every 0.1 increase in relative charge (|Q|/res) produces a roughly 5% increase in rH. While γ‐CT pH titration data followed this trend nearly perfectly, there were substantially larger deviations for the database of different IDP sequences. This suggests that other aspects of an IDP's primary amino acid sequence beyond net charge influence the sensitivity of rH to electrostatic interactions.
DC Electrical Resistivity, Dielectric, and Magnetic Studies of Rare‐Earth (Ho3+) Substituted Nano‐Sized CoFe2O4
Authors: Routray Krutika L. , Saha Sunirmal , Behera Dhrubananda
Published: April 2019

The effect of Fe substitution by rare‐earth (Holmium; Ho3+) ions in CoFe2O4(CFO) prepared by glycine nitrate process is investigated from electrical, dielectric, magnetic, and Mössbauer perspectives. The anticipated spinel cubic phase structure is confirmed by X‐ray diffractometry and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis which support the presence of a secondary phase of HoFe2O3at higher Ho content. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) micrographs confirmed that the incorporation of Ho3+significantly reduced the grain size of the samples from 50 nm to 20 nm. The complex impedance and modulus spectroscopy are investigated as a function of frequency in the regime of 102–106Hz in the temperature range of 30–300 °C. The conduction mechanism is attributed to the hopping of both electrons and holes. Activation energies (Ea) obtained from the Arrhenius plots of the grain and the grain boundary conductions are ascribed to the hopping of charge carriers. Electrical modulus results specify the existence of the non‐Debye type of dielectric relaxation. A massive reduction in loss factor is successfully achieved. Room temperature magnetization measurements indicate a reduction in saturation magnetization and coercivity (hysteresis losses) with increasing Ho3+content, which entails these materials to be used for magnetic data storage and magneto recording devices.
A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study to assess the efficacy of Andrographis paniculata standardized extract (ParActin®) on pain reduction in subjects with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Hancke Juan L. , Srivastav Shalini , Cáceres Dante D. , Burgos Rafael A.
Published: April 2019

Andrographis paniculata Wall (Acanthaceae) is becoming more recognized for its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was conducted to assess the efficacy of an andrographolide‐containing supplement, ParActin® (300 and 600 mg daily), on Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain reduction in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Joint stiffness, physical function, changes in the SF‐36 quality of life questionnaire, a fatigue scale, and safety were also evaluated. A total of 103 male and female patients with I‐II osteoarthritis of the knee joint were assessed. Patients treated with 300 or 600 mg/day of ParActin® showed a significant reduction in pain at days 28, 56, and 84 compared with a placebo group. WOMAC stiffness scores, physical function score, and the fatigue score showed a significant improvement in both ParActin®‐treated groups compared with the placebo group. At the end of the study, the quality of life (SF‐36 questionnaire) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) scores showed significant improvements in both ParActin®‐treated groups compared with the placebo group.

Overall, it can be concluded that ParActin® in 300 and 600 mg/day dosages were found to be effective and safe in reducing pain in individuals suffering from mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.
A rare epidermal growth factor receptor H773L/V774M compound mutation in advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer with poor response to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Authors: Chen Lun‐Che , Shih Jin‐Yuan , Yu Chong‐Jen , Yang Ching‐Yao
Published: April 2019

Uncommon mutations account for 10–15% of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer. Afatinib is currently the most efficient EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) against uncommon EGFR mutations. Here we report a 56‐year‐old woman presenting with persistent cough for one month. She was diagnosed with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma by bronchoscopic biopsy to the left lower lung tumour and serial image modalities. A rare H773L/V774M compound mutation in exon 20 was detected by gene sequencing. The patient received first‐line afatinib but primary resistance was noted with rapid left lower lung tumour progression. Second‐line chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab, pemetrexed, and cisplatin demonstrated more durable response. Our case suggests that H773L/V774M may be one of the EGFR‐TKI‐resistant uncommon EGFR mutations.
CEO selection as risk‐taking: A new vantage on the debate about the consequences of insiders versus outsiders
Authors: Quigley Timothy J. , Hambrick Donald C. , Misangyi Vilmos F. , Rizzi G. Alessandra
Published: April 2019

Research Summary

Our paper sheds new light on the performance implications associated with insider versus outsider CEOs. We frame CEO selection as risk‐taking, in which outsiders are relatively risky hires, with a greater tendency to generate extreme performance outcomes—either positive or negative—as compared to insiders. We base this expectation on two complementary theoretical perspectives: human capital and information asymmetry. We conduct multiple tests on large samples of CEO successions, with controls for endogeneity, and find that outsiders are indeed associated with more extreme performance outcomes than are insiders.

Managerial Summary

We shed new light on the performance implications associated with outsider CEOs. Instead of asking the customary question, “Do outsider CEOs, on average, perform better or worse than insider CEOs?,” we frame CEO selection as risk‐taking. Under this view, outsiders are relatively risky hires, with a greater likelihood of generating extreme performance outcomes—either positive or negative—as compared to insiders. We conduct multiple tests on large samples of CEO successions and find that outsiders are indeed associated with more extreme performance outcomes than are insiders.