bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential responses of the acidobacterial community in the topsoil and subsoil to fire disturbance in Pinus tabulaeformis stands
Authors: Li Weike , Liu Xiaodong , Niu Shukui
Published: December 2019

Acidobacteria is found to be dominant and abundant in forest soil, and performs specific ecological functions (such as cellulose decomposition and photosynthetic capacity, etc.). However, relative limited is known about its changing patterns after a fire interruption. In this study, the response of soil Acidobacteria to a wildfire disturbance was investigated using the Illumina MiSeq sequencing system. The research area was classified by different severities of fire damage (high, moderate, and low severity, and an unburnt area), and samples were collected from various soil layers (0–10 cm as topsoil; 10–20 cm as subsoil). We obtained a total of 986,036 sequence reads; 31.77% of them belonged to Acidobacteria. Overall, 18 different Acidobacteria subgroups were detected, with subgroups 4, 6, 1, 3, and 2 the most abundant, accounting for 31.55%, 30.84%, 17.42%, 6.02%, and 5.81% of acidobacterial sequences across all samples, respectively. Although no significant differences in acidobacterial diversity were found in the same soil layer across different fire severities, we observed significantly lower numbers of reads, but higher Shannon and Simpson indices, in the topsoil of the high-severity fire area than in the subsoil. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) also revealed significant differences in the acidobacterial community structure between the two soil layers. Soil pH, total nitrogen, NH4+-N, the Shannon index of understory vegetation and canopy density were the major drivers for acidobacterial community structure in the topsoil, while soil pH and organic matter were significant factors in the subsoil. A variance partitioning analysis (VPA) showed that edaphic factors explained the highest variation both in the topsoil (15.6%) and subsoil (56.3%). However, there are large gaps in the understanding of this field of research that still need to be explored in future studies.
Soil and plant phytoliths from theAcacia-Commiphoramosaics at Oldupai Gorge (Tanzania)
Authors: Mercader Julio , Clarke Siobhán , Bundala Mariam , Favreau Julien , Inwood Jamie , Itambu Makarius , Larter Fergus , Lee Patrick , Lewiski-McQuaid Garnet , Mollel Neduvoto , Mwambwiga Aloyce , Patalano Robert , Soto María , Tucker Laura , Walde Dale
Published: December 2019

This article studies soil and plant phytoliths from the Eastern Serengeti Plains, specifically theAcacia-Commiphoramosaics from Oldupai Gorge, Tanzania, as present-day analogue for the environment that was contemporaneous with the emergence of the genusHomo. We investigate whether phytolith assemblages from recent soil surfaces reflect plant community structure and composition with fidelity. The materials included 35 topsoil samples and 29 plant species (20 genera, 15 families). Phytoliths were extracted from both soil and botanical samples. Quantification aimed at discovering relationships amongst the soil and plant phytoliths relative distributions through Chi–square independence tests, establishing the statistical significance of the relationship between categorical variables within the two populations. Soil assemblages form a spectrum, or cohort of co-ocurring phytolith classes, that will allow identifying environments similar to those in theAcacia-Commiphoraecozone in the fossil record.
Socioeconomic Profile of Fish Farmers of Telangana and Usage of Mobile Apps
Authors: Dhenuvakonda Kiranmayi , Sharma Arpita , Prasad K. Pani , Sharma Rama
Published: December 2019

This study assessed the socioeconomic profile of fish farmers of Telangana and usage of mobile apps by them. An interview schedule was designed to assess the socioeconomic profile and to compile information on usage of mobile phones. Information was collected about age, income, fisheries experience, farm size, production, species cultivated and constraints faced by farmers. Information on mobile phone usage was studied through possession of mobile phone/smart phone, usage of mobile phones, usage of mobile apps, awareness of agriculture/fisheries apps and attitude towards usage of apps related to fisheries. Farmers’ attitude towards mobile app related to fish culture was also studied. Results indicated that farmers’ age was in the range of 35-50 years. Yearly income was in the range 2-5 lakhs. They had fish farming experience between 15-30 years. Majority had pond size of <1 hectare and fish production was between 1-2 tonnes/hectare. It was found that all the farmers used smart phones. Most common apps used by farmers were WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube and State Bank of India personal banking app. It was found that farmers were not aware of any mobile apps related to fisheries and aquaculture and thus usage was also not reported. However, they had a positive attitude towards usage of a mobile app related to fisheries. This study recommends development of mobile apps for fish farmers in a participatory manner which will be useful in disseminating information.  Based on farmers’ needs a mobile app Matsya Kiran was developed.
Beclin 1 deficiency causes hepatic cell apoptosis via endoplasmic reticulum stress in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Dong Guoping , Zhang Zhe , Duan Kun , Shi Wenpeng , Huang Rui , Wang Bangjun , Luo Lingfei , Zhang Yaoguang , Ruan Hua , Huang Honghui
Published: December 2019

Beclin 1/Atg6 is an essential autophagy gene, and deficiency of this gene in organisms leads to impaired autophagic flux, usually with cell apoptosis; however, the causative mechanism of cell apoptosis is not clear. Here, we knocked out the beclin 1 gene in zebrafish and found that autophagic flux is disrupted in mutants. Beclin 1‐deficient zebrafish live through embryogenesis but die at larval stage. We found accumulated protein aggregates and vigorous apoptosis in mutant larvae, predominantly in the liver. The hepatic cell apoptosis in mutants results from an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response; however, it is not the leading cause of mutant larval lethality. Our work proposes that ER stress induces cell apoptosis in Beclin 1‐deficient organisms.
Targeting claudin‐overexpressing thyroid and lung cancer by modified Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin
Authors: Piontek Anna , Eichner Miriam , Zwanziger Denise , Beier Laura‐Sophie , Protze Jonas , Walther Wolfgang , Theurer Sarah , Schmid Kurt Werner , Führer‐Sakel Dagmar , Piontek Jörg , Krause Gerd
Published: December 2019

Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) can be used to eliminate carcinoma cells that overexpress on their cell surface CPE receptors – a subset of claudins (e.g., Cldn3 and Cldn4). However, CPE cannot target tumors expressing solely CPE‐insensitive claudins (such as Cldn1 and Cldn5). To overcome this limitation, structure‐guided modifications were used to generate CPE variants that can strongly bind to Cldn1, Cldn2 and/or Cldn5, while maintaining the ability to bind Cldn3 and Cldn4. This enabled (a) targeting of the most frequent endocrine malignancy, namely, Cldn1‐overexpressing thyroid cancer, and (b) improved targeting of the most common cancer type worldwide, non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is characterized by high expression of several claudins, including Cldn1 and Cldn5. Different CPE variants, including the novel mutant CPE‐Mut3 (S231R/S313H), were applied on thyroid cancer (K1 cells) and NSCLC (PC‐9 cells) models. In vitro, CPE‐Mut3, but not CPEwt, showed Cldn1‐dependent binding and cytotoxicity toward K1 cells. For PC‐9 cells, CPE‐Mut3 improved claudin‐dependent cytotoxic targeting, when compared to CPEwt. In vivo, intratumoral injection of CPE‐Mut3 in xenograft models bearing K1 or PC‐9 tumors induced necrosis and reduced the growth of both tumor types. Thus, directed modification of CPE enables eradication of tumor entities that cannot be targeted by CPEwt, for instance, Cldn1‐overexpressing thyroid cancer by using the novel CPE‐Mut3.
Nanoscale Selective Passivation of Electrodes Contacting a 2D Semiconductor
Authors: Lihter Martina , Graf Michael , Iveković Damir , Radenovic Aleksandra
Published: December 2019

2D semiconducting materials have become the central component of various nanoelectronic devices and sensors. For sensors operating in liquid, it is crucial to efficiently block the electron transfer that occurs between the electrodes contacting the 2D material and the interfering redox species. This reduces current leakages and preserves a good signal‐to‐noise ratio. Here, a simple electrochemical method is presented for passivating the electrodes contacting a monolayer of MoS2, a representative of transition metal dichalcogenide semiconductors. The method is based on blocking the electrode surface by a thin and compact layer of electronically nonconductive poly(phenylene oxide), PPO, formed by electrochemical polymerization of phenol. Since the phenol polymerization occurs in the potential window where MoS2 is electrochemically inactive, the PPO deposition is area‐selective, limited to the electrode surface. The deposited PPO film is characterized by electrochemical, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy techniques. The applicability of this method is demonstrated by coating the electrodes of a MoS2‐based field‐effect transistor coupled with a nanopore. The highly selective deposition, the simple approach, and the compatibility with MoS2 makes this method a good strategy for efficient insulation of micro‐ and nanoelectrodes contacting 2D semiconductor‐based devices.
An Oxygen Self‐Evolving, Multistage Delivery System for Deeply Located Hypoxic Tumor Treatment
Authors: Jiang Wei , Han Xiaoxue , Zhang Taixing , Xie Diya , Zhang Hao , Hu Yong
Published: December 2019

The hypoxia‐induced resistance to radiotherapy (RT) is a great threat to cancer patients. Therefore, overcoming the hypoxia tumor microenvironment is a vital issue. Herein, spindle‐shaped CuS@CeO2 core–shell nanoparticles combining self‐supplied oxygen, photothermal ability, and RT sensitive to cancer therapy are introduced. The spindle shape of CuS@CeO2 core–shell nanoparticles can potentiate their tumor penetration and subsequent internalization by cancer cells. The presence of CeO2, functioning as a nanoenzyme, catalyzes the endogenous H2O2 in tumor tissue into O2, which remodels the hypoxic microenvironment into one susceptible to RT. CuS nanoparticles encapsulated in CeO2 undergo a steady release and deep tumor penetration, allowing the regression of lesions less affected by RT. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies reveal that the design not only mitigates the dosage of RT, but more importantly allows the entire tumor to be treated without relapses.
Flexible Bioelectronic Devices Based on Micropatterned Monolithic Carbon Fiber Mats
Authors: Vomero Maria , Gueli Calogero , Zucchini Elena , Fadiga Luciano , Erhardt Johannes B. , Sharma Swati , Stieglitz Thomas
Published: December 2019

Polymer‐derived carbon can serve as an electrode material in multimodal neural stimulation, recording, and neurotransmitter sensing platforms. The primary challenge in its applicability in implantable, flexible neural devices is its characteristic mechanical hardness that renders it difficult to fabricate the entire device using only carbon. A microfabrication technique is introduced for patterning flexible, cloth‐like, polymer‐derived carbon fiber (CF) mats embedded in polyimide (PI), via selective reactive ion etching. This scalable, monolithic manufacturing method eliminates any joints or metal interconnects and creates electrocorticography electrode arrays based on a single CF mat. The batch‐fabricated CF/PI composite structures, with critical dimension of 12.5 µm, are tested for their mechanical, electrical, and electrochemical stability, as well as to chemicals that mimic acute postsurgery inflammatory reactions. Their recording performance is validated in rat models. Reported CF patterning process can benefit various carbon microdevices that are expected to feature flexibility, material stability, and biocompatibility.
Microcapsule‐Based Visualization Smart Sensors for Damage Detection: Principles and Applications
Authors: Zheng Xu , Wang Qing , Li Yao , Luan Jinjin , Wang Ning
Published: December 2019

The smart sensor is an effective way to detect damage and improve structural safety in structural health monitoring. Microcapsule‐based visualization sensors stand out from the smart sensors. Here, the research progress of microcapsule visualization materials in recent years is summarized and the sensing principles, influence factors, performances, applications, and future prospects are introduced. The way to achieve the visualizing function of microcapsule visualization sensors is the fabrication of microcapsules that are encapsulated with solutions of dyes or indicator. When the protective shell of microcapsules is broken, the dyes will be released and activated under optical, chemical, or mechanical conditions. These visualized microcapsules can be added to the interior of the structure or prepared as a coating to provide structural health monitoring of the interior and surface of the structure. They can accurately detect microcracks and highlight them in bright colors. Additionally, the structural health monitoring applications of microcapsule visualization sensing coatings in concrete, asphalt, and steel are presented with detailed examples. The development and application of these microcapsule visualization sensors are of great significance in improving the structural life and avoiding structural failure in engineering.
Heterogeneous Conductance‐Based Locally Shape‐Morphable Soft Electrothermal Actuator
Authors: Ahn Junseong , Jeong Yongrok , Zhao Zhi‐Jun , Hwang Soonhyoung , Kim Kyuyoung , Ko Jiwoo , Jeon Sohee , Park Jaeho , Kang Hyeokjung , Jeong Jun‐Ho , Park Inkyu
Published: December 2019

The development of soft electrothermal actuators (ETAs) that can be designed in arbitrary shapes and can easily handle soft objects has recently attracted much attention. However, the existing ETAs cannot be locally designed with a single substrate geometry, which places certain limitations on their applications. In addition, some limited materials (e.g., highly aligned carbon nanotubes) are used as heating layers for improving actuation controllability, which results in a high driving voltage, thus limiting the diversity and utility of ETAs. Herein, a novel method for a heterogeneous conductance‐based locally shape‐morphable electrothermal actuator (HC‐ETA) is suggested, revealing that conductance programming allows control of the heat distribution in ETAs. Thus, by controlling the actuator heat distribution, the designed actuation motion can be implemented. Furthermore, Ag nanowire/carbon nanotube composites are used as conductive nanomaterials for a heating layer to realize a low‐driving‐voltage actuator. Additionally, combining a porous fabric substrate with a bipolymer actuator structure allows mechanical interlocking and the chemical bonding between actuator multilayers, resulting in significantly enhanced mechanical durability. Finally, the utility of the proposed actuator and the corresponding design method is successfully demonstrated by fabricating a biomimetic self‐walking robot and an object lifting soft robot for vacuum chamber applications.
A Nanoparticle Platform for Improved Potency, Stability, and Adjuvanticity of Poly(I:C)
Authors: Gale Emily C. , Roth Gillie A. , Smith Anton A. A. , Alcántara‐Hernández Marcela , Idoyaga Juliana , Appel Eric A.
Published: December 2019

Cancer immunotherapies and prophylactic vaccines against infectious diseases often exploit adjuvants such as toll‐like receptor agonists (TLRa) to drive potent and directed immune responses. Unfortunately, a promising class of TLRa based on nucleic acid derivatives is susceptible to degradation by nucleases, cause life‐threatening systemic toxicities, and is difficult to target to specific cell populations or tissues within the body. In this study a library of cationic polymeric nanoparticles (NP) is developed for encapsulation and delivery of the double‐stranded RNA structural mimic, poly(I:C) (pIC), to address these limitations. Using a combinatorial library screening approach, pIC/poly(β‐amino ester) (PBAE) NPs are identified that skew activation resulting in enhanced potency (13‐fold increase in type I interferon [IFN] production) and negligible toxicity. These highly potent adjuvant NPs increase the magnitude, duration, and affinity maturation of antigen‐specific antibodies following vaccination with a model subunit vaccine. This NP platform provides an opportunity to alter the immune response to pIC, creating a potent type I IFN‐producing adjuvant capable of driving stronger humoral responses to immunization and improving affinity maturation more than 14‐fold. This platform can be applied generally to develop more effective vaccines and immunotherapies.
Controlled Ionic Tunneling in Lithium Nanoionic Synaptic Transistor through Atomically Thin Graphene Layer for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Nikam Revannath Dnyandeo , Kwak Myonghoon , Lee Jongwon , Rajput Krishn Gopal , Hwang Hyunsang
Published: December 2019

Lithium nanoionic transistors have recently emerged as promising artificial synaptic devices for neuromorphic hardware systems. However, mimicking the essential synaptic functionalities including nonvolatile conductance modulation with a near‐linear analog weight update has been a crucial milestone in those synaptic devices and has a direct impact on pattern recognition accuracy. The volatile channel conductance change due to the instability of the solid electrolyte interface and lithium‐ion nucleation at electrolyte‐channel interface are two key phenomena responsible for the nonlinear switching in lithium nanoionics transistor. Graphene is proposed as an atomically thin ionic tunneling layer to establish nonvolatile analog multilevel conduction in lithium nanoionic transistor. The combined effects of controlled ionic tunneling through graphene and stable solid electrolyte interface result in the device exhibiting nearly linear conductance switching with distinct gate‐controllable nonvolatile multilevel conduction states and a smallest asymmetric ratio of 0.26 and highest on/off ratio of 28. A neural network simulation result obtained from the graphene layer device indicates high handwritten digit recognition accuracy. These results demonstrate the potential application of atomically thin two‐dimensional (2D) materials as an ionic tunneling layer in nanoionics synaptic transistors and may facilitate the development of a neuromorphic computing system with high performance.
Stretchable Supercapacitors as Emergent Energy Storage Units for Health Monitoring Bioelectronics
Authors: Chen Xue , Villa Nicolo Simone , Zhuang Yanfeng , Chen Linzhe , Wang Tianfu , Li Zida , Kong Tiantian
Published: December 2019

Emerging health monitoring bioelectronics require energy storage units with improved stretchability, biocompatibility, and self‐charging capability. Stretchable supercapacitors hold great potential for such systems due to their superior specific capacitances, power densities, and tissue‐conforming properties, as compared to both batteries and conventional capacitors. Despite the rapid progress that has been made in supercapacitor research, practical applications in health monitoring bioelectronics have yet to be achieved, requiring innovations in materials, device configurations, and fabrications tailored for such applications. In this review, the progress in stretchable supercapacitor‐powered health monitoring bioelectronics is summarized and the required specifications of supercapacitors for different types of application settings with varying demands on biocompatibility are discussed, including nontouching wearables, skin‐touching wearables, skin‐conforming wearables, and implantables. The perspective of this review is then broadened to focus on integration of stretchable supercapacitors in bioelectronics and aspects of energy harvesting and sensing. Finally further insights on the existing challenges in this developing field and potential solutions are provided.
Phylogeny of the Neotropical tribe Jacarandeae (Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Ragsac Audrey C. , Farias‐Singer Rosana , Freitas Loreta B. , Lohmann Lúcia G. , Olmstead Richard G.
Published: December 2019

Premise

The tribe Jacarandeae includesJacaranda(49 species) andDigomphia(3 species), two genera of trees and woody shrubs with Neotropical distribution. Jacarandeae is sister to the rest of the Bignoniaceae, but not much is known about interspecific and intergeneric relationships within this group.

Methods

We reconstructed the phylogeny of Jacarandeae using chloroplast (ndhF,rpl32‐trnL,trnL‐F) and nuclear (ETS,PPR62) markers. Evolutionary relationships within Jacarandeae were inferred using Bayesian, Maximum Likelihood, and species tree approaches. The resulting phylogenetic framework was used as the basis to interpret the evolution of key morphological character states (i.e., stamen and calyx traits) and revise the infra‐generic classification of the group.

Results

JacarandaandDigomphiabelong to a well‐supported clade, withDigomphianested withinJacaranda. We propose the necessary taxonomic changes to recognize monophyletic taxa, including a broadly circumscribedJacarandadivided into four sections: (1)Jacarandasect.Nematopogon, species previously included inDigomphiaand united by divided staminode apices and spathaceous calyces; (2)Jacarandasect.Copaia, species with monothecal anthers and cupular calyces; (3)Jacarandasect.Jacaranda, species with monothecal anthers and campanulate calyces; and (4)Jacarandasect.Dilobos, species with dithecal anthers and cupular calyces, and including more than half of the species of the genus, all restricted to Brazil.

Conclusions

As circumscribed here, Jacarandeae includes only a broadly definedJacarandadivided into four sections. Each section is defined by a unique combination of anther and calyx morphologies.
Circularly Polarized Luminescence of Aluminum Complexes for Chiral Sensing of Amino Acid and Amino Alcohol
Authors: Jin Qingxian , Wang Fulin , Chen Shuyu , Zhou Liming , Jiang Hejin , Zhang Li , Liu Minghua
Published: December 2019

Determination of the absolute configuration (AC) of chiral molecules is a key issue in many fields related to chirality such as drug development, the asymmetric reaction screening, and the structure determination of natural compounds. Although various methods, such as X‐ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy, are used to determine the AC, a simple and cheap alternative method is always anticipated. So far, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy has been widely used to ascertain the AC and enantiomeric excess (ee) values by applying appropriate organic probes. Here, circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectroscopy was applied to determine the AC and ee values of a series of amino acid and amino alcohol. The measurements were conducted by mixing the amino acids or amino alcohols with an achiral 1‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthaldehyde. Upon in situ formation of the Schiff base complexes, the system showed emission enhancement and CPL in the presence of Al3+, whose intensity and sign can be used to assign the chiral sense of the amino acids and amino alcohols. The authenticity of the method was further compared with the established CD spectroscopy, revealing that CPL spectra of formed Al3+ complex were effective to determine the AC of chiral species.
Strategies for Designing Nanoparticles for Electro‐ and Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Choi Ji Yong , Choi Woong , Park Joon Woo , Lim Chan Kyu , Song Hyunjoon
Published: December 2019

Conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into value‐added chemicals has attracted much attention because it can not only resolve global warming issues by reducing CO2 accumulation in the atmosphere, but also produce renewable hydrocarbon fuels that are important feedstocks for the chemical industry. Among the diverse approaches reported, CO2 reduction via electro‐ and photocatalytic methods is at the center of topics due to potential engineering of reaction performance through rational design of catalyst features. In this Minireview, we highlight recent strategies for designing nanoparticles to maximize the reaction efficiency and selectivity; from a materials viewpoint, these strategies can provide critical information to guide future research directions.
Ag@Au Core‐Shell Nanowires for Nearly 100 % CO2‐to‐CO Electroreduction
Authors: Liu Jinze , Wang Yating , Jiang Hao , Jiang Haibo , Zhou Xiaodong , Li Yuhang , Li Chunzhong
Published: December 2019

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to CO is regarded as an efficient method to utilize the greenhouse gas CO2, because the CO product can be further converted into high value‐added chemicals via the Fisher–Tropsch process. Among all electrocatalysts used for CO2‐to‐CO reduction, Au‐based catalysts have been demonstrated to possess high selectivity, but their precious price limits their future large‐scale applications. Thus, simultaneously achieving high selectivity and reasonable price is of great importance for the development of Au‐based catalysts. Here, we report Ag@Au core–shell nanowires as electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction, in which a nanometer‐thick Au film is uniformly deposited on the core Ag nanowire. Importantly, the Ag@Au catalyst with a relative low Au content can drive CO generation with nearly 100 % Faraday efficiency in 0.1 m KCl electrolyte at an overpotential of ca. −1.0 V. This high selectivity of CO2 reduction could be attributed to a suitable adsorption strength for the key intermediate on Au film together with the synergistic effects between the Au shell and Ag core and the strong interaction between CO2 and Cl− ions in the electrolyte, which may further pave the way for the development of high‐efficiency electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction.
Macrocyclic Metal Complexes Bearing Rigid Polyaromatic Ligands: Synthesis and Catalytic Activity
Authors: Yamamoto Koji , Higuchi Kazuki , Ogawa Masahiro , Sogawa Hiromitsu , Kuwata Shigeki , Hayashi Yoshihiro , Kawauchi Susumu , Takata Toshikazu
Published: December 2019

We synthesised palladium and platinum complexes possessing cyclic and acyclic pincer‐type polyaromatic ligands and investigated their structural effect on the catalysis. The pincer‐type bis(6‐arylpyridin‐2‐yl)benzene skeleton was constructed via Kröhnke pyridine synthesis under transition metal‐free conditions on gram‐scale quantity. Ligand structure significantly influenced catalytic activity toward the platinum‐catalysed hydrosilylation of diphenyl acetylenes, despite the ligand‐independence of the conformations and electronic properties of these complexes.
Determination of Fenpyroximate in Aqueous Matrices by Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction
Authors: Noh Jongsung , Myung Seung‐Woon
Published: December 2019

Fenpyroximate is a pesticide used to control mites for various crops including fruits, bellflower, and vegetables. In Korea and other countries, restrictions on the amount of fenpyroximate used are mandated by governmental agencies. The dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) method was used as a pretreatment method for chromatographic analysis of fenpyroximate from aqueous samples and the extraction parameters were optimized. The extraction and dispersion solvents, ratio of extraction to dispersion solvent, pH, and salt contents were optimized. The optimized parameters for fenpyroximate extraction were: extraction solvent, 1,2‐dichloroethane; dispersing solvent, methanol; ratio of the extraction to dispersion solvent, 1:10; pH, 6; salt content, 0 g. The detection limit (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the samples added in small amounts were 5.18 and 17.28 μg/L, respectively. The precision and accuracy were 3.3–12.7% and 96.7–107.0%, respectively.
Occupational disparities in bladder cancer survival: A population‐based cancer registry study in Japan
Authors: Zaitsu Masayoshi , Lee Hye‐Eun , Lee Sangchul , Takeuchi Takumi , Kobayashi Yasuki , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: December 2019

Background

Little is known about occupational disparities in bladder cancer survival.

Methods

Using data from a population‐based cancer registry (1970‐2016), we identified 3593 patients with incident bladder cancer diagnosed during 1970‐2011 who completed occupational information. The patients were followed for 5 years (median follow‐up time 5.0 years). Their longest‐held occupations at incident bladder cancer diagnosis were classified according to a national standardized classification. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall death were estimated by Cox proportional hazard model, adjusted for age, sex, and year of diagnosis. Clerical workers served as the reference group.

Results

Overall prognosis was fair in this population (5‐year overall survival, 61.9%). Compared with patients in clerical jobs, survival was poorer for those in professional and managerial jobs (mortality HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.09‐1.69), sales and service jobs (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01‐1.56), construction jobs (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.40‐2.38), and manufacturing jobs (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.05‐1.66), as well as those not actively employed (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.02‐1.58). A similar pattern was observed in the subgroup analyses restricted to male patients as well as additional analyses adjusted for potential prognostic variables (eg, stage) with multiple imputation.

Conclusion

We documented occupational disparities in bladder cancer survival in Japan. However, the pattern of disparity did not favor highest occupational groups.
Facebook rituals: Identifying rituals of social networking sites using structural ritualization theory
Authors: Bartholomew Darrell E. , Mason Marlys J.
Published: December 2019

This article applies structural ritualization theory (SRT) to identify different rituals and determine their importance in the daily lives of social networking sites (SNS) users, especially Facebook users. A mixed‐methods approach of in‐depth interviews and netnography viewed through the lens of SRT allowed us to identify and analyze the types of rituals users engaged in, and how these rituals impacted users and evolved over time. During customer journeys on the SNS of Facebook, users shared daily ritual practices in distinct behavioral stages. Production and consumption of these daily rituals are important to marketers in SNS platform design for building and maintaining connectivity between users and the SNS platform.
Synthesis of New Lathyrane Diterpenoid Derivatives from Euphorbia lathyris and Evaluation of Their Anti‐Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Wang Wang , Wu Yanli , Li Chen , Yang Yueying , Li Xingzhou , Li Hua , Chen Lixia
Published: December 2019

Euphorbia factor L3, a lathyrane diterpenoid extracted from Euphorbia lathyris, was found to display good anti‐inflammatory activity with very low cytotoxicity. To find more potent anti‐inflammatory drugs, two series of Euphorbia factor L3 derivatives with fatty and aromatic acids were designed and synthesized. Among them, lathyrane derivative 5n exhibited most potent inhibition on LPS‐induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells with no obvious cytotoxicity. To determine the key characteristics of Euphorbia factor L3 derivatives that contribute to anti‐inflammatory activity, we conducted a structure‐activity relationship study of these compounds.
Organocatalyzed Domino Synthesis of New Thiazole‐Based Decahydroacridine‐1,8‐diones and Dihydropyrido[2,3‐d : 6,5‐d′]‐ dipyrimidines in Water as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Bhosle Manisha R. , Kharote Sayali A. , Bondle Giribala M. , Sangshetti Jaiprakash N. , Ansari Siddique A. , Alkahtani Hamad M.
Published: December 2019

Organopromoter, 2‐aminoethanesulfonic acid was used to catalyze the synthesis of a series of structurally intriguing new hybrids thiazolyl acridine‐1,8(2H,5H)‐diones and dihydropyrido[2,3‐d : 6,5‐d′]dipyrimidine‐2,4,6,8(1H,3H,5H,7H)‐tetraones for the first time. 2‐Aminoethanesulfonic acid is a biobased organopromoter, used to generate four new bonds for the synthesis of new coupled thiazole‐based decahydroacridine‐1,8‐diones. Superior green credentials, operational simplicity, easy work‐up and recyclability of the catalyst are the key strengths of this method. The broad substrate scope, mild reaction conditions, short reaction time, cost effectiveness, high atom economy and good to excellent yields make the present method a distinct improvement over existing methods. Spectral (IR, 1H‐NMR,13C‐NMR, Mass) data and elemental analyses confirmed the structures of the titled products. A series of thiazolyl acridine‐1,8(2H,5H)‐diones and dihydropyrido[2,3‐d : 6,5‐d′]dipyrimidine‐2,4,6,8(1H,3H,5H,7H)‐tetraones were screened for their antimicrobial activity against four bacterial and three fungal strains.
Hutchinson’s sign of ophthalmic zoster
Authors: Frary Johanna , Petersen Pelle Trier , Pareek Manan
Published: December 2019

A 77‐year‐old woman presented with ophthalmic zoster and nasal tip involvement, consistent with Hutchinson's sign. Ocular examination disclosed a swollen upper eyelid, chemosis, conjunctival injection, pus, and mild corneal endothelial decompensation. The presence of Hutchinson's sign requires urgent consultation with an ophthalmologist due to the high risk of ocular complications.
Influence of Synthesis Conditions on the Structure of Nickel Nanoparticles and their Reactivity in Selective Asymmetric Hydrogenation
Authors: Arrigo Rosa , Gallarati Simone , Schuster Manfred E. , Seymour Jake M. , Gianolio Diego , da Silva Ivan , Callison June , Feng Haosheng , Proctor John E. , Ferrer Pilar , Venturini Federica , Grinter David , Held Georg
Published: December 2019

Unsupported and SiO2‐supported Ni nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesised via hot‐injection colloidal route using oleylamine (OAm) and trioctylphosphine (TOP) as reducing and protective agents, respectively. By adopting a multi‐length scale structural characterization, it was found that by changing equivalents of OAm and TOP not only the size of the nanoparticles is affected but also the Ni electronic structure. The synthetized NPs were modified with (R,R)‐tartaric acid (TA) and investigated in the asymmetric hydrogenation of methyl acetoacetate to chiral methyl‐3‐hydroxy butyrate. The comparative analysis of structure and catalytic performance for the synthetized catalysts has enabled us to identify a Ni metallic active surface, whereby the activity increases with the size of the metallic domains. Conversely, at the high conversion obtained for the unsupported NPs there was no impact of particle size on the selectivity. (R)‐selectivity was very high only on catalysts containing positively charged Ni species such as over the SiO2‐supported NiO NPs. This work shows that the chiral modification of metallic Ni NPs with TA is insufficient to maintain high selectivity towards the (R)‐enantiomer at long reaction times and provides guidance for the engineering of long‐term stable enantioselective catalysts.
Stoichiometric Photochemical Carbene Transfer by Bamford–Stevens Reaction
Authors: Jana Sripati , Li Fang , Empel Claire , Verspeek Dennis , Aseeva Polina , Koenigs Rene M.
Published: December 2019

The photolysis of diazoalkanes is a timely strategy to conduct carbene‐transfer reactions under mild and metal‐free reaction conditions, and has developed as an important alternative to conventional metal‐catalyzed carbene‐transfer reactions. One of the major limitations lies within the rapidly occurring side reaction of the carbene intermediate with remaining diazoalkane molecules that result in the use of an excess of the reaction partner and thus impacts on the reaction efficiency. Herein, we describe a protocol that takes advantage of the in situ generation of donor–acceptor diazoalkanes by Bamford–Stevens reaction. Following this strategy, the concentration of the diazoalkane reaction partner can be minimized to reduce unwanted side reactions and to now conduct photochemical carbene transfer reactions under stoichiometric reaction conditions. We have explored this approach in the C−H and N−H functionalization and cyclopropanation reaction of N‐heterocycles and could demonstrate the applicability of this method in 51 examples.
Ether‐ and Thioether‐Linked Naphthalene‐Based Liquid‐Crystal Dimers: Influence of Chalcogen Linkage and Mesogenic‐Arm Symmetry on the Incidence and Stability of the Twist–Bend Nematic Phase
Authors: Arakawa Yuki , Ishida Yuko , Tsuji Hideto
Published: December 2019

The twist–bend nematic (NTB) phase with a heliconical nanostructure of the local director generating symmetry breaking by achiral bent‐shaped molecules is a hot topic of current liquid‐crystal science. As opposed to the most common methylene‐linked dimers, this study demonstrates chalcogen ether‐ and/or thioether‐linked 6‐(4‐cyanophenyl)‐2‐naphthyl‐based liquid‐crystal dimers with symmetric and asymmetric π‐conjugated mesogenic‐arm structures that exhibit the NTB phase. Although the symmetric bis(ether)‐linked dimer exhibits only the conventional nematic (N) phase, the asymmetric bis(ether)‐linked dimer can form the NTB phase. All thioether‐linked dimers form the NTB phase, wherein the dimers with asymmetric arms vitrify in the NTB phase on cooling to room temperature. The phase transitions are discussed in terms of the chalcogen linkage combination, mesogenic‐arm symmetry, and spacer length. It is revealed that thioether‐linked dimers based on asymmetric π‐conjugated mesogenic arms with terminal cyano groups are highly beneficial for the realization of materials that form a wide range of NTB phases and glassy NTB states at room temperature.
Towards appropriate polypharmacy in older cardiovascular patients: How many medications do I have to take?
Authors: Disdier Moulder Magali P. A. , Hendricks Abby K. , Ou Narith N.
Published: December 2019

Background

Polypharmacy in older adults leads to increased risks of side effects and drug‐drug interactions, affecting their health outcomes and quality of life. Deprescribing, the act of simplifying medication regimens, is challenging due to the lack of consensus guidelines.

Hypothesis

To offer some guidance on managing medication regimens for older cardiovascular patients.

Methods

We reviewed the most recent pertinent guidelines and literature.

Results

This review provides practical considerations for appropriate prescribing in the older population with cardiovascular disease in order to strike a balance between unnecessary or harmful medications and therapies with proven long‐term benefits.

Conclusion

On‐going dialogue between healthcare providers and patients allows close monitoring of medication effectiveness and prevention of side effects. Medication regimens require individualization, as patients' goals of care change with advancing age.
Molecular Epitope Determination of Aptamer Complexes of the Multidomain Protein C‐Met by Proteolytic Affinity‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Lupu Loredana , Wiegand Pascal , Hüttmann Nico , Rawer Stephan , Kleinekofort Wolfgang , Shugureva Irina , Kichkailo Anna S. , Tomilin Felix N. , Lazarev Alexander , Berezovski Maxim V. , Przybylski Michael
Published: December 2019

C‐Met protein is a glycosylated receptor tyrosine kinase of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), composed of an α and a β chain. Upon ligand binding, C‐Met transmits intracellular signals by a unique multi‐substrate docking site. C‐Met can be aberrantly activated leading to tumorigenesis and other diseases, and has been recognized as a biomarker in cancer diagnosis. C‐Met aptamers have been recently considered a useful tool for detection of cancer biomarkers. Herein we report a molecular interaction study of human C‐Met expressed in kidney cells with two DNA aptamers of 60 and 64 bases (CLN0003 and CLN0004), obtained using the SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) procedure. Epitope peptides of aptamer‐C‐Met complexes were identified by proteolytic affinity‐mass spectrometry in combination with SPR biosensor analysis (PROTEX‐SPR‐MS), using high‐pressure proteolysis for efficient digestion. High affinities (KD, 80–510 nM) were determined for aptamer‐C‐Met complexes, with two‐step binding suggested by kinetic analysis. A linear epitope, C‐Met (381–393) was identified for CLN0004, while the CLN0003 aptamer revealed an assembled epitope comprised of two peptide sequences, C‐Met (524–543) and C‐Met (557–568). Structure modeling of C‐Met‐aptamers were consistent with the identified epitopes. Specificities and affinities were ascertained by SPR analysis of the synthetic epitope peptides. The high affinities of aptamers to C‐Met, and the specific epitopes revealed render them of high interest for cellular diagnostic studies.
National treatment trends in human papillomavirus–positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhan Kevin Y. , Puram Sidharth V. , Li Michael M. , Silverman Dustin A. , Agrawal Amit A. , Ozer Enver , Old Matthew O. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Rocco James W. , Higgins Kevin M. , Enepekides Danny J. , Husain Zain , Kang Stephen Y. , Eskander Antoine
Published: December 2019

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV)–mediated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is associated with dramatically improved survival in comparison with HPV‐negative OPC and can be successfully treated with surgical and nonsurgical approaches. National treatment trends for OPC were investigated with the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB).

Methods

The NCDB was reviewed for primary HPV‐mediated OPC in 2010‐2014. Multivariable regression was used to identify predictors of both nonsurgical therapy and receipt of adjuvant chemoradiation (CRT).

Results

There were 13,363 patients identified with a median age at diagnosis of 58 years. The incidence of triple‐modality treatment (surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy) decreased from 23.7% in 2010 to 16.9% in 2014 (R2 = 0.96), whereas the incidence of nonsurgical treatment increased from 63.9% to 68.7% (R2 = 0.89). Hospitals in the top treatment volume quartile (quartile 1 [Q1]; n = 29) had a lower rate of positive margins (16.3%) than bottom‐quartile centers (n = 741; rate of positive margins, 36.4%; P < .001); Q1 hospitals used surgical therapy significantly more. Independent predictors of nonsurgical therapy included older age, advanced disease, lower hospital volume, and living closer to the hospital or outside the Pacific United States. In surgically treated patients, younger age, lower hospital volume, nodal disease, positive surgical margins, and extranodal extension (ENE) also predicted more adjuvant CRT use.

Conclusions

The use of upfront surgical treatment decreased from 2010 to 2014. Hospital volume shows a strong, inverse correlation with the rate of positive surgical margins. The upfront treatment strategy is predicted not only by staging but also by patient‐, geographic‐, and hospital‐specific factors. Lower hospital volume remains independently associated with increased triple‐modality therapy after adjustments for positive margins, ENE, and pathologic staging.
Single transistor RC‐only second‐order allpass filters
Authors: Maundy B. J. , Elwakil A. S. , Belostotski L. , Herencsar N.
Published: December 2019

In this letter, all possible single transistor RC‐only second‐order allpass filters obtainable from a four impedance common‐source topology are reported. It is shown that there are only seven such filters with only one of them being a minimum component canonical 2R‐2C filter. Two of the found filters are designed and simulated in a 65‐nm CMOS process.
Accuracy and convergence with coupled finite‐volume Monte Carlo codes for time‐dependent plasma edge simulations
Authors: Ghoos Kristel , Samaey Giovanni , Baelmans Martine
Published: December 2019

With state‐of‐the‐art plasma edge codes, which consist of coupled finite‐volume (FV) Monte Carlo (MC) codes, it is challenging to obtain accurate results for time‐dependent simulations in a feasible computational time. For steady‐state simulations, it has been recently demonstrated that the speed and accuracy can be drastically improved by choosing more suitable numerical parameters and including post‐processing averaging. This article extends the methodology for accuracy assessment to time‐dependent simulations. For a simplified one‐dimensional (1D) plasma edge model, we compare the numerical accuracy of solutions obtained with an implicit approach, where the code system is fully solved in each time step, to those with a mixed implicit/explicit approach, where only the FV code is converged in each time step. We demonstrate the importance of choosing the numerical parameters adequately in both approaches.
Dynamic handover algorithm with interference cancellation in 5G networks for emergency communication
Authors: Kiruthika Venugopalan , Vembu Sumathy
Published: December 2019

The integration of 5G networks with cognitive radio (CR) technology enables the software‐defined networking (SDN) infrastructure to support emergency applications. In future, CR can be integrated with 5G and many wireless networks like Wi‐Fi, WSN, and MANET for efficient spectrum utilization with higher data rate and lower latency. This CR technology allows unlicensed users to access the licensed spectrum, whenever it is free. In this paper, an efficient SDN architecture with cognitive ability for emergency network is proposed in which the SDN controller prolong communication between disaster victims and first responders and so the first responders can arrive at the spot directly and rescue the victims. The SDN controller has cognitive ability so that the victims can utilize the vacant licensed band to communicate with the first responders, thereby improving the spectrum utilization of the network. Another two main challenges during emergency are the occurrence of interference and link failure. The proposed dynamic handover algorithm with interference cancellation (DHAIC) cancels the interference between the nodes inside the network and performs dynamic handoff, whenever link failure occurs between the cluster head (CH) and the controller. An optimum throughput and minimal delay is achieved to ensure the network performance.
Assessment of preoperative pancreatic biopsy, cytological/histological review of cell‐block‐specimens obtained by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration: Laboratory‐based study
Authors: Mizutani Natsuko , Mochizuki Makoto , Toki Masao
Published: December 2019

Background

Pancreatic cancer is among the most lethal cancers worldwide due to the limited availability of techniques for early detection of signs and symptoms. Reportedly, it is the fourth‐leading cause of cancer‐related mortality among Japanese adults. With the advent of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) for diagnosing pancreatic cancer, the rate of the cytological and histological diagnoses of cell‐block‐specimens has significantly increased in Japan.

Methods

The cytological specimens of 165 patients with pancreatic lesions obtained using EUS‐FNA between January 2010 and July 2016 at the Kyorin University Hospital were investigated. The clinical course of 153 patients was assessed from their clinical records, which included information on their imaging diagnosis, laboratory data, final clinical diagnosis and treatment; moreover, the accuracy of the cytological/histological examination and clinical diagnosis at our hospital were analysed.

Results

The number of cells in cell‐block‐specimens was too small to estimate data. However, cytological specimens were sufficient to observe the findings of suspected malignancy such as necrosis. Biopsy was deemed necessary for diagnosis using both histological and cytological specimens.

Conclusion

EUS‐FNA can be used not only to diagnose benign or malignant types of pancreatic cancers but also to assess the sensitivity of molecular target drugs and chemotherapy methods. Therefore, both histological and cytological diagnoses are required to enhance diagnostic precision both in our hospital and at other institutions.