bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel fluorescent sensor based on electrosynthesized benzene sulfonic acid‐doped polypyrrole for determination of Pb(II) and Cu(II)
Authors: Lo Momath , Diaw Abdou K.D. , Gningue‐Sall Diariatou , Oturan Mehmet A. , Chehimi Mohamed M. , Aaron Jean‐Jacques
Published: April 2019

To develop conducting organic polymers (COPs) as luminescent sensors for determination of toxic heavy metals, a new benzene sulfonic acid‐doped polypyrrole (PPy‐BSA) thin film was electrochemically prepared by cyclic voltammetry (CV) on flexible indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode in aqueous solution. PPy‐BSA film was characterized by FTIR spectrometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optical properties of PPy‐BSA were investigated by ultraviolet (UV)‐visible absorption and fluorescence spectrometry in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) diluted solutions. PPy‐BSA fluorescence spectra were strongly quenched upon increasing copper(II) ion (Cu2+) and lead(II) ion (Pb2+) concentrations in aqueous medium, and linear Stern–Volmer relationships were obtained, which indicated the existence of a main dynamic fluorescence quenching mechanism. BSA‐PPy sensor showed a high sensitivity for detection of both metallic ions, Cu2+ and Pb2+, with very low limit of detection values of 3.1 and 18.0 nM, respectively. The proposed quenching‐fluorimetric sensor might be applied to the determination of traces of toxic heavy metallic ions in water samples.
A novel numerical model for protein sequences analysis based on spherical coordinates and multiple physicochemical properties of amino acids
Authors: Yu Jia‐Feng , Qu Ang , Tang Hu‐Cheng , Wang Fang‐Hua , Wang Chun‐Ling , Wang Hong‐Mei , Wang Ji‐Hua , Zhu Huai‐Qiu
Published: April 2019

How to characterize short protein sequences to make an effective connection to their functions is an unsolved problem. Here we propose to map the physicochemical properties of each amino acid onto unit spheres so that each protein sequence can be represented quantitatively. We demonstrate the usefulness of this representation by applying it to the prediction of cell penetrating peptides. We show that its combination with traditional composition features yields the best performance across different datasets, among several methods compared. For the convenience of users, a web server has been established for automatic calculations of the proposed features at http://biophy.dzu.edu.cn/SNumD/.
Heat‐inactivated coelomic fluid of the earthworm Perionyx excavatus is a possible alternative source for fetal bovine serum in animal cell culture
Authors: Chellathurai Vasantha Niranjan , Rajagopalan Kamarajan , Selvan Christyraj Jackson Durairaj , Subbiahanadar Chelladurai Karthikeyan , Ganesan Mijithra , Azhagesan Ananthaselvam , Rajaian Pushpabai Rajesh , Mohan Manikandan , Selvan Christyraj Johnson Retnaraj Samuel
Published: April 2019

Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) is used as a major supplement in culturing animal cells under in vitro conditions. Due to ethical concern, high cost, biosafety, and geographical as well as batchwise result variations, it is important to reduce or replace the use of FBS in animal cell culture. The major objective of this work is to evaluate the feasibility of heat‐inactivated coelomic fluid (HI‐CF) of the earthworm, Perionyx excavatus as a possible alternative for FBS in animal cell culture experiments. The coelomic fluid (CF) was extruded from the earthworm using electric shock method and used for the experiments. Electric shock method is a simple non‐invasive technique, which has no harmful effect on earthworms. Mouse primary fibroblast and HeLa cell lines were used in this study. Among HI‐CF, autoclaved CF and crude CF, the supplement of medium with HI‐CF shows positive results. The processed HI‐CF (90°C for 5 min) at 10% supplement in cell culture medium promote maximum cell growth but cells need the initial support of FBS for the attachment to the culture flask. Microscopic observation and immunofluorescence assay with actin and lamin A confirm that the cellular and molecular morphology of the cells is maintained intact. The HI‐CF of earthworm, P. excavatus has shown better cellular viability when compared with FBS and making it possible as an alternative supplement to minimize the use of FBS.
Anatomical study of the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves: A new classification and application to understanding some migraine headaches
Authors: Kikuta Shogo , Iwanaga Joe , Watanabe Koichi , Kusukawa Jingo , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: April 2019

The frontal nerve is the largest branch of the ophthalmic nerve. This nerve gives rise to two terminal branches, the supraorbital (SON) and supratrochlear nerves (STN). To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports describing the detailed proximal course of these nerves while inside the orbit. Therefore, the goal of this study was to clarify the anatomy of the SON and STN inside and at their exit from the orbit. Twenty sides from ten fresh‐frozen cadavers were used in this study. Intra and extra orbital dissections were performed to observe the course of the SON and STN. Additionally, measurements of the nerves were made at these locations. The course of the SON and STN inside the orbit was classified into three groups depending on the STN branching pattern from the SON. The group without any branch from the SON and STN inside the orbit was the most common. The exit points of these nerves were via the supraorbital notch, foramen, or neither a notch nor foramen. A distinct fibrous band was consistently found tethering the nerve except in specimens with nerves traversing a bony foramen. The mean diameters of the SON and STN were 1.3 ± 0.2 and 0.7 ± 0.1 mm, respectively. The results of this study further our knowledge of the course and morphology of the SON and STN and might be useful for better understanding and potentially treating some forms of migraine headache due to SON or STN compression/entrapment. Clin. Anat. 33:332–337, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hyperammonemia after capecitabine associated with occult impairment of the urea cycle
Authors: Chu Gilbert , Salzman Julia
Published: April 2019

Background

Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy often complain of “chemobrain” or cognitive impairment, but mechanisms remain elusive.

Methods

A patient with gastric cancer developed delirium and hyperammonemia after chemotherapy with the 5‐fluorouracil pro‐drug capecitabine. Exome sequencing facilitated a search for mutations among 43 genes associated with hyperammonemia and affecting the urea cycle directly or indirectly.

Results

The patient's urea cycle was impaired by capecitabine‐induced liver steatosis, and portosystemic shunting of gut ammonia into the systemic circulation. The patient was also heterozygous for amino acid substitution mutations previously reported to create dysfunctional proteins in 2 genes, ORNT2 (ornithine transporter‐2 for the urea cycle), and ETFA (electron transport flavoprotein alpha for fatty acid oxidation). The mutations explained the patient's abnormal plasma amino acid profile and exaggerated response to allopurinol challenge. Global population variations among the 43 hyperammonemia genes were assessed for inactivating mutations, and for amino acid substitutions predicted to be deleterious by complementary algorithms, SIFT and PolyPhen‐2. One or 2 deleterious mutations occur among the 43 genes in 13.9% and 1% of individuals, respectively.

Conclusions

Capecitabine and 5‐fluorouracil inhibit pyrimidine biosynthesis, decreasing ammonia utilization. These drugs can induce hyperammonemia in susceptible individuals. The risk factors of hyperammonemia, gene mutations and liver dysfunction, are not rare. Diagnosis will trigger appropriate treatment and ameliorate brain toxicity.
Developing networks in disempowered communities: Experiencing hardships while focusing on opportunities
Authors: Stauss Kimberly , Jackson Brandon A. , Maxwell December
Published: April 2019

This study aims to present an evaluation and the process steps of a community‐based initiative (CBI) consisting of a group of organizations that work to enhance the lives of boys and men of colour. Using a participatory research model, the researchers collaborated with 14 community stakeholders to develop the questions during two data collection periods and reviewed the reports for accuracy. The findings were separated into two broad categories. The perceived challenges included a lack of clear goals and measurements of success, an absence of leadership and direction, and a shortage of resources. The successes included passion of partners, increased collaboration, and increasing and maintaining social capital within the community. The lessons learned from both data collection periods helped this CBI broaden its reach and collaboration efforts. Overall, this study provides suggestions to other CBIs as they embark on making changes in their own communities.
Synthesis and Antitumor Evaluation in Vitro of NO‐Donating Ursolic Acid‐Benzylidene Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Te , He Baoen , Yuan Huan , Feng Gaili , Chen Fenglian , Wu Aizhi , Zhang Lili , Lin Huiran , Zhuo Zhenjian , Wang Tao
Published: April 2019

Antitumor activity of triterpenoid and its derivatives has attracted great attention recently. Our previous efforts led to the discovery of a series of NO‐donor betulin derivatives with potent antitumor activity. Herein, we prepared eight compounds derived from ursolic acid (UA). All the compounds were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity against four human cancer cell lines (HepG‐2, MCF‐7, HT‐29 and A549). Among the compounds tested, compound 4a was found to be most active against HT‐29 (IC50=4.28 μm). Further biological assays demonstrated that compound 4a could induce cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, compound 4a was found to upregulate pro‐apoptotic Bax, p53 and downregulate anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2. All these results suggested that compound 4a is a potential candidate drug for the therapy of colon cancer.
Update on the clinical impact of mild aortic regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Insights from the Japanese multicenter OCEAN‐TAVI registry
Authors: Yoshijima Nobuhiro , Yanagisawa Ryo , Hase Hiromu , Tanaka Makoto , Tsuruta Hikaru , Shimizu Hideyuki , Fukuda Keiichi , Naganuma Toru , Mizutani Kazuki , Araki Motoharu , Tada Norio , Yamanaka Futoshi , Shirai Shinichi , Tabata Minoru , Ueno Hiroshi , Takagi Kensuke , Higashimori Akihiro , Watanabe Yusuke , Yamamoto Masanori , Hayashida Kentaro ,   On behalf of the OCEAN‐TAVI investigators
Published: April 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the clinical impact of mild postprocedural aortic regurgitation (post‐AR) to that of none‐trivial post‐AR after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and to identify the vulnerability factors to mild post‐AR.

Background

Moderate–severe post‐AR, associated with increased mortality, is an important issue. However, the clinical impact of mild post‐AR remains controversial.

Methods and results

We analyzed data from 1,572 consecutive patients (1,026 of none‐trivial post‐AR and 546 of mild post‐AR) obtained from the Optimized transCathEter vAlvular Intervention (OCEAN‐TAVI) Japanese multicenter registry. We evaluated the 1‐year cumulative cardiovascular death and re‐hospitalization rates for heart failure (HF) after TAVI according to the degree of post‐AR. Kaplan–Meier curves showed no significant difference between “none‐trivial post‐AR” and “mild post‐AR” in terms of cardiovascular death, but a significant difference was noted in the cumulative incidence of re‐hospitalization for HF between the two groups (hazard ratio 1.57, 95% confidence interval 1.02–2.41, p = .04). In the stratified analysis, only in patients with not more than 50% of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and none‐trivial pre‐procedural aortic regurgitation (pre‐AR), mild post‐AR resulted in a higher incidence of re‐hospitalization for HF.

Conclusions

In this study, the clinical impact of mild post‐AR compared to none‐trivial post‐AR tended to be augmented in the presence of reduced LVEF, concentric LVH, and none‐trivial pre‐AR. Pre‐procedure echocardiographic findings including LVEF, left ventricular geometry, and pre‐AR may help to judge the necessity of postdilatation in case of mild post‐AR just after the bioprosthesis deployment.
Mesenteric follicular lymphoma
Authors: Nishimura Yoshito , Yamamoto Akira , Takahara Masahiro , Otsuka Fumio
Published: April 2019

When you see a patient with solid mesenteric tumors, malignant lymphoma should be considered as an important differential diagnosis. It is essential to include abdominal CT and 18F‐FDG PET/CT examinations in these patients for early diagnosis of malignant lymphoma, giving extra weight on patients' complaints.
A Broader‐scope Analysis of the Catalytic Reduction of Nitrophenols and Azo Dyes with Noble Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Shultz Lorianne R. , Hu Lin , Preradovic Konstantin , Beazley Melanie J. , Feng Xiaofeng , Jurca Titel
Published: April 2019

In addition to the broad environmental implications associated with the removal of nitroaromatics from industrial effluent, the catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4NP) has emerged as a benchmark model for quantifying catalytic activity of metal nanoparticles. Here we present a series of noble metal nanoparticles immobilized on amorphous carbon (Au@C, Ag@C, Pt@C and Pd@C). All materials show competitive catalytic activity over 4NP, amino‐substituted nitrophenols (ANPs) and azo dyes. Overall, Pd@C exhibits superior activity that increases further when exposed to recycling protocol. Moreover, testing all materials synthesized over a broader substrate scope with added functionalities reveals inconsistencies in the prognosticating ability of the ubiquitous 4NP model reaction. By incorporating variably substituted ANPs into the substrate scope and averaging performance, the resulting rank of catalyst activity more accurately reflects activity trends when applied to other reducible functionalities, such as ‐N=N‐ groups in azo dyes.
A Comprehensive Study on the Reductive Amination of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural into 2,5‐Bisaminomethylfuran over Raney Ni Through DFT Calculations
Authors: Zhou Kuo , Liu Haiyan , Shu Huimin , Xiao Shuwen , Guo Dechao , Liu Yingxin , Wei Zuojun , Li Xiaonian
Published: April 2019

Reductive amination of furfuryl alcohol, furfural and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) were carried out on various metal catalysts. Over Raney Ni catalyst, we obtained the highest furfurylamine yields of 81.8 % and 94.0 % from furfuryl alcohol in absence and presence of H2, respectively. While furfural was used as the substrate, 100 % yield of furfurylamine could be achieved over Raney Ni under rather moderate conditions. Although 5‐HMF was completely converted over all catalysts used, the highest yield of 2,5‐bisaminomethylfuran (60.7 %) was obtained over Raney Ni at 160 °C in 12 h. The DFT calculations on the adsorption behavior of NH3 and H2 on different metal surfaces showed that the difference of the adsorption energy between NH3 and H2 on Ni is lower than those of other metals, indicating that less metal active sites on Ni surface is occupied by NH3, which leaves more active sites for dehydrogenation/hydrogenation reactions and in the end promotes the reductive amination reactions.
Highly Efficient Ru/MgO Catalyst with Surface‐Enriched Basic Sites for Production of Hydrogen from Ammonia Decomposition
Authors: Ju Xiaohua , Liu Lin , Zhang Xilun , Feng Ji , He Teng , Chen Ping
Published: April 2019

Development of highly active and stable catalyst for decomposition of ammonia to COx‐free hydrogen is an urgent and challenging task. Here, MgO (c‐MgO) supported Ru nanoparticles derived from Ru/4MgCO3 ⋅ Mg(OH)2 ⋅ 4H2O composite was prepared by deposition precipitation method and investigated as catalyst for NH3 decomposition. The use of 4MgCO3 ⋅ Mg(OH)2 ⋅ 4H2O as support precursor leads to high density of basic sites and highly dispersed Ru nanoparticles (3.8–6.0 nm) on the Ru/c‐MgO catalysts. Thus, the Ru/c‐MgO catalysts show much enhanced activities and robust stability in the long‐term run (over 100 hours). Characterization results reveal that the much enhanced dispersion of Ru nanoparticles, high density of surface base sites and strong interaction between Ru nanoparticles and c‐MgO all benefit the highly efficient Ru/c‐MgO catalysts in NH3 decomposition. Further improvements in activity can be achieved by modification of Ru/c‐MgO catalyst with an optimized KOH content. Therefore, it is believed that the use of 4MgCO3 ⋅ Mg(OH)2 ⋅ 4H2O as support precursor opens opportunity to achieve highly active and stable Ru/MgO catalysts through tuning the basic properties of catalysts.
Superior Photocatalytic Generation of H2in Water Medium Through Grafting a Cobalt Molecule Co‐Catalyst from Carbon Nitride Nanosheets
Authors: Zhang Jun‐Shuai , Zhang Wei‐De
Published: April 2019

To develop stable, efficient, non‐noble metal‐based photocatalysts for water splitting has become a long‐standing challenge. Here, cobalt−phenanthroline active species are grafted from metal‐free photosensitive carbon nitride nanosheets (CN) by dehydration reaction between pendant amino groups from CN and carboxyl groups of functional phenanthroline ligands for photocatalytic H2evolution in water medium. The cobalt complex unit serves as a cocatalyst to accelerate separation and transferring of photoexcited charge carriers, and reduce overpotential for H2evolution. The hybrid catalyst without any precious metals exhibits excellent performance of H2evolution (272 μmol g−1 h−1) and high stability during photocatalytic reaction. The finding not only develops a facile way to prepare high‐performance low‐cost photocatalysts for photocatalytic H2production, but also provides a new insight into optimizing the interface between cocatalysts and photosensitizers for photocatalytic reaction by grafting active sites directly from semiconductors.
Electrochemical Performance of Free‐Standing and Flexible Graphene and TiO2 Composites with Different Conductive Polymers as Electrodes for Supercapacitors
Authors: Jiang Lili , Luo Dan , Zhang Qinyong , Ma Sude , Wan Guojiang , Lu Xiong , Ren Zhifeng
Published: April 2019

The advantage of using composite electrode materials for energy storage is, to a large extent, the synergistic role of their components. Our work focuses on the investigation of the interactions of each phase, exploring the patterns found with the change of materials to provide theoretical or experimental foundations for future study. Here, conductive polymers (CPs), including polyaniline (PANi), polypyrrole (PPy), and polythiophene (PTh), as well as reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and TiO2 with the different crystalline phases of anatase and rutile were applied to form a series of free‐standing and flexible binary or ternary composite electrodes. The electrochemical behaviors of these composite electrodes are presented. The results indicate that the synergistic improvement in electrochemical performance is due to the incorporation of the different components. CPs significantly increase the current density of these composite films and contribute their pseudocapacitance to improve the specific capacitance, but lead to a decline in cycle stability. After introducing TiO2, both the specific capacitance and the cycle‐stability of rGO‐TiO2‐CP were synergistically improved. A CP can magnify the pseudocapacitance behavior of any of the TiO2 crystalline phases, and interactions vary with the specific CP and the specific TiO2 crystalline phase employed. The synergistic effects of the as‐prepared composites were theoretically predicted and explored.
(Isocyano Group π‐Hole)⋅⋅⋅[d‐MII] Interactions of (Isocyanide)[MII] Complexes, in which Positively Charged Metal Centers (d8‐M=Pt, Pd) Act as Nucleophiles
Authors: A. Katkova Svetlana , S. Mikherdov Alexander , A. Kinzhalov Mikhail , S. Novikov Alexander , A. Zolotarev Andrey , Boyarskiy Vadim P. , Kukushkin Vadim Yu.
Published: April 2019

Inspection of the X‐ray structures of the newly prepared trans‐[MII(CNXyl)2(DAPT)2]Cl(BF4) (M=Pd, Pt; Xyl=2,6‐Me2C6H3; DAPT=4,6‐diaminopyrimidine‐2(1H)‐thione) complexes and the appropriate Hirshfeld molecular surface analysis allowed the recognition of the previously unknown π‐hole⋅⋅⋅metal interactions between a ligated isocyano group (acting as a π‐hole donor) and the positively charged d8‐PtII and d8‐PdII metal centers (acting as nucleophiles); this is the first identification of π‐hole⋅⋅⋅metal interactions with triple‐bond species. Results of DFT calculations followed by the topological analysis of the electron density distribution within the framework of Bader's theory (quantum theory of atoms in molecules, QTAIM) confirmed the presence of these contacts. The electrostatic surface potential calculations indicated that π‐hole⋅⋅⋅metal contacts are formed upon interaction between the electrophilic isocyano C atom (π‐hole donor) and the nucleophilic d
orbital of the metal centers, which act as π‐hole acceptors. Available CCDC data were processed from the perspective of the π‐hole⋅⋅⋅metal interactions with isocyanide ligands, and their analysis disclosed the role of metal nucleophilicity in the corresponding π‐hole acceptor ability.
meta‐Nitration of Arenes Bearing ortho/para Directing Group(s) Using C−H Borylation
Authors: Li Xuejing , Deng Xingwang , Coyne Anthony G. , Srinivasan Rajavel
Published: April 2019

Herein, we report the meta‐nitration of arenes bearing ortho/para directing group(s) using the iridium‐catalyzed C−H borylation reaction followed by a newly developed copper(II)‐catalyzed transformation of the crude aryl pinacol boronate esters into the corresponding nitroarenes in a one‐pot fashion. This protocol allows the synthesis of meta‐nitrated arenes that are tedious to prepare or require multistep synthesis using the existing methods. The reaction tolerates a wide array of ortho/para‐directing groups, such as −F, −Cl, −Br, −CH3, −Et, −iPr −OCH3, and −OCF3. It also provides regioselective access to the nitro derivatives of π‐electron‐deficient heterocycles, such as pyridine and quinoline derivatives. The application of this method is demonstrated in the late‐stage modification of complex molecules and also in the gram‐scale preparation of an intermediate en route to the FDA‐approved drug Nilotinib. Finally, we have shown that the nitro product obtained by this strategy can also be directly converted to the aniline or hindered amine through Baran's amination protocol.
Separation, Quantification and Structural Study of (+)‐Catechin and (–)‐Epicatechin by Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Combined with Theoretical Algorithms
Authors: Bian Xinyu , Zhao Bing , Pang Bo , Zheng Zhong , Liu Shu , Liu Zhiqiang , Song Fengrui
Published: April 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Two catechin epimers and their non‐covalent complexes with γ‐cyclodextrin were studied by using ion mobility coupled with mass spectrometry (IM‐MS). Rapid separation of complexes was achieved with the peak‐to‐peak resolution reaching 0.86 after optimization of IM condition. Collision cross section (CCS) was measured to explore the structural difference of complexes. A gap of 11.75 Å2 between two complexes was found. Molecular modeling and theoretical CCS calculation were adopted to explain the measurement results. Two binding ways of both complexes were found and the calculated CCS corresponds accurately to the measured CCS. Quantification of catechins in mixtures was performed and the relative error was less than 15%, indicating the effectiveness of quantification by IM‐MS.
Design of Natural‐Product‐Inspired Multitarget Ligands by Machine Learning
Authors: Grisoni Francesca , Merk Daniel , Friedrich Lukas , Schneider Gisbert
Published: April 2019

A virtual screening protocol based on machine learning models was used to identify mimetics of the natural product (−)‐galantamine. This fully automated approach identified eight compounds with bioactivities on at least one of the macromolecular targets of (−)‐galantamine, with different polypharmacological profiles. Two of the computer‐generated hits possess an expanded spectrum of bioactivity on targets relevant to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and are suitable for hit‐to‐lead expansion. These results advocate multitarget drug design by advanced virtual screening protocols based on chemically informed machine learning models.
Selective Transfer Coupling of Nitrobenzene to Azoxybenzene on Rh Nanoparticle Catalyst Promoted by Photoexcited Hot Electrons
Authors: Dai Xinyan , Wei Qilin , Duong Thao , Sun Yugang
Published: April 2019

The reaction rate and product selectivity of nitrobenzene reduction catalyzed on Rh nanocrystals of several nanometers in size are significantly improved under illumination of visible light. Light absorption in the Rh nanocrystals generates hot electrons that are injected into nitrobenzene molecules adsorbed on the Rh surface, accelerating the reduction of nitrobenzene and favoring the transfer coupling of reduced nitrobenzene intermediates into azoxybenzene. The photocatalytic performance is enhanced by loading the Rh nanocrystals on dielectric silica spheres with sizes of hundreds of nanometers, which exhibit strong surface scattering resonances to increase the light absorption power in the Rh nanocrystals. The large size of silica particles also improves the colloidal stability of the small Rh nanocrystals, benefiting the photocatalytic performance. This study highlights the promise of hot electrons in catalyzing hydrogenation reaction with improved kinetics and selectivity.
Universal gates on garbled circuit construction
Authors: Innocent A. Anasuya Threse , K Sangeeta , Prakash G.
Published: April 2019

Efficient garbled circuit construction can lead to more practical secure computation protocols. Garbled circuit construction has been considered as a separate goal for optimization as efficiency of the secure computation protocol is directly related to the efficiency of garbled circuit construction. Various optimizations such as, point‐and‐permute technique, free‐XOR, garbled row reduction, and dual‐key cipher are proved to make the garbled circuit construction efficient. In this paper, we propose garbled circuit construction with the universal gates; for demonstration purpose, we have considered NOR gates and shown optimization on circuit construction in two models. By the use of single type of gate, the gate array in the circuit representation is eliminated and a constant value is used in protocols. In addition, we have reduced the number of rows in garbled table to two rows per gate with two or zero encryption calls during garbled circuit construction and two or zero decryption calls during evaluation of garbled circuit.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Stereodivergent Synthesis ofE‐ andZ‐Alkenes by Hydrogenation of Alkynes
Authors: Murugesan Kathiravan , Bheeter Charles Beromeo , Linnebank Pim R. , Spannenberg Anke , Reek Joost N. H. , Jagadeesh Rajenahally V. , Beller Matthias
Published: April 2019

A convenient protocol for stereodivergent hydrogenation of alkynes toE‐ andZ‐alkenes by using nickel catalysts was developed. Simple Ni(NO3)2⋅6 H2O as a catalyst precursor formed active nanoparticles, which were effective for the semihydrogenation of several alkynes with high selectivity for theZ‐alkene (Z/E>99:1). Upon addition of specific multidentate ligands (triphos, tetraphos), the resulting molecular catalysts were highly selective for theE‐alkene products (E/Z>99:1). Mechanistic studies revealed that theZ‐alkene‐selective catalyst was heterogeneous whereas theE‐alkene‐selective catalyst was homogeneous. In the latter case, the alkyne was first hydrogenated to aZ‐alkene, which was subsequently isomerized to theE‐alkene. This proposal was supported by density functional theory calculations. This synthetic methodology was shown to be generally applicable in >40 examples and scalable to multigram‐scale experiments.
Follow these tips for successful meetings
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: April 2019

I worked for a president whose senior leadership meetings dragged on for four to five hours, usually straight through lunchtime. The agenda included 30 to 40 items and never seemed to change much. By the end of the marathon, we were so hungry and mentally drained we weren't thinking clearly or creatively.
LIBOR sunset: Discover what it means for higher ed finance
Authors: Scott Kevin B.
Published: April 2019

If you have a role in the financial aspects of your college or university, you may be aware that LIBOR (London Inter‐Bank Offered Rate) is set to be discontinued in the last quarter of 2021. LIBOR has been the base index for most variable‐rate loans, bonds, interest‐rate swaps, and other instruments for many years. Despite the trillions of dollars of debt obligations based on LIBOR, there hasn't been as much press as one would expect about its imminent demise.
Learned societies need anti‐harassment policies
Authors: Baker Kelly J.
Published: April 2019

I attended the American Academy of Religion annual conference for the first time in 2003, as a grad student. A colleague and I, both young white women, attended the reception together. Within minutes of our arrival, an older white man sidled up next to us, drink in hand, to ask us about what we studied. He openly leered at us. We managed to extricate ourselves from this “conversation” and left quickly. After that one reception, I decided to not go again because I didn't feel safe.
Synthesis, in vivo anticonvulsant testing, and molecular modeling studies of new nafimidone derivatives
Authors: Acar Mustafa F. , Sari Suat , Dalkara Sevim
Published: April 2019

An estimated 50 million people suffer epilepsy worldwide and 30% of the cases do not respond to current antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Here, we report synthesis and anticonvulsant screening of new derivatives of nafimidone, a well‐known member of (arylakyl)azole anticonvulsants. The compounds showed promising protection against maximal electroshock (MES)‐induced seizures in mice and rats when administered via intraperitoneal (ip) and oral route. Especially, 5b, 5c, and 5i displayed outstanding activity in rats in MES test when given ip (ED50: 16.0, 15.8, and 11.8 mg/kg, respectively). Additionally, 5l was active against 6 Hz and corneal‐kindled mice models. Behavioral toxicity of the compounds was very low and their therapeutic indexes were high compared to some currently available AEDs. A number of pharmaceutically relevant descriptors and properties were predicted for the compounds in silico in comparison with a set of known drugs. Favorable results were obtained such as good blood–brain barrier permeability and high oral absorption, as well as drug‐likeness. 5l was found to show affinity to the benzodiazepine binding site of A‐type GABA receptor via molecular docking simulations.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and risk of bone fracture in patients with type 2 diabetes: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cheng Liang , Hu Yun , Li Yun‐Yun , Cao Xin , Bai Ning , Lu Ting‐Ting , Li Guo‐Qing , Li Na , Wang An‐Ning , Mao Xiao‐Ming
Published: April 2019

Aims

To evaluate the association between glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) and the risk of bone fracture in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and methods

We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception to 28 February 2018 and identified eligible randomized controlled trials. The following data were extracted from each study: first author, year of publication, sample size, patient characteristics, study design, intervention drug, control drug, follow‐up time, and incident bone fracture events. A meta‐analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3 software to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous variables.

Results

A total of 38 studies with 39 795 patients with T2DM were included. There were 241 incident bone fracture cases (107 in the GLP‐1 RAs group and 134 in the control group). Compared with patients who received placebo and other anti‐diabetic drugs, those who received GLP‐1 RAs treatment showed a pooled OR of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.56‐0.91) for bone fracture. Subgroup analysis showed that treatments with liraglutide and lixisenatide were associated with significantly reduced risk of bone fractures (ORs, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.38‐0.81 and 0.55; 95% CI, 0.31‐0.97, respectively). However, other GLP‐1 RAs did not show superiority to placebo or other anti‐diabetic drugs. Moreover, these beneficial effects were dependent on the duration of GLP‐1 RAs treatment, only a GLP‐1 RAs treatment period of more than 52 weeks could significantly lower the risk of bone fracture in patients with T2DM (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56‐0.91).

Conclusions

Compared with placebo and other anti‐diabetic drugs, liraglutide and lixisenatide were associated with a significant reduction in the risk of bone fractures, and the beneficial effects were dependent on the duration of treatment.
Kindness begins with yourself: The role of self‐compassion in adolescent body satisfaction and eating pathology
Authors: Pullmer Rachelle , Coelho Jennifer S. , Zaitsoff Shannon L.
Published: April 2019

Objective

A wealth of evidence indicates that self‐compassion is linked with positive psychological outcomes; however, little is known about the process through which self‐compassion exerts its effect. The primary purpose of this research was to investigate the direct and indirect impact of self‐compassion on body satisfaction and eating pathology in adolescents.

Method

Two hundred and thirty‐eight students were recruited from three local high schools (Mage = 16.49, 43.7% boys). All participants completed the Self‐Compassion Scale (SCS), Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL‐5), Body Areas Satisfaction Scale (BASS), and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire ‐ Adolescent Version (EDE‐Q) at baseline. The SCL‐5, BASS, and EDE‐Q were completed 4 months later.

Results

Self‐compassion was positively associated with body satisfaction and negatively associated with psychological distress and eating pathology in boys and girls at both time points. Longitudinal conditional process analyses revealed that self‐compassion predicted changes in body satisfaction and eating pathology through changes in psychological distress for girls only. Notably, self‐compassion was higher in boys than in girls.

Discussion

Results underscore how self‐compassion may be an important factor to target in fostering a positive body image and preventing disordered eating in adolescents.
Temporal intraspecific trait variability drives responses of functional diversity to interannual aridity variation in grasslands
Authors: Chen Huiying , Huang Yongmei , He Kejian , Qi Yu , Li Engui , Jiang Zhiyun , Sheng Zhilu , Li Xiaoyan
Published: April 2019

Interannual climate variation alters functional diversity through intraspecific trait variability and species turnover. We examined these diversity elements in three types of grasslands in northern China, including two temperate steppes and an alpine meadow. We evaluated the differences in community‐weighted means (CWM) of plant traits and functional dispersion (FDis) between 2 years with contrasting aridity in the growing season. Four traits were measured: specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), leaf nitrogen concentration (LNC), and the maximum plant height (H). CWM for SLA of the alpine meadow increased in the dry year while that of the temperate steppe in Qinghai showed opposing trends. CWM of LDMC in two temperate steppes became higher and CWM of LNC in all grasslands became lower in the dry year. Compared with the wet year, FDis of LDMC in the alpine meadow and FDis of LNC in the temperate steppe in Qinghai decreased in the dry year. FDis of H was higher in the dry year for two temperate steppes. Only in the temperate steppe in Qinghai did the multi‐FDis of all traits experience a significant increase in the dry year. Most of the changes in CWM and FDis between 2 years were explained by intraspecific trait variation rather than shifts in species composition. This study highlights that temporal intraspecific trait variation contributes to functional responses to environmental changes. Our results also suggest it would be necessary to consider habitat types when modeling ecosystem responses to climate changes, as different grasslands showed different response patterns.
Ecological mechanisms can modify radiation effects in a key forest mammal of Chernobyl
Authors: Mappes Tapio , Boratyński Zbyszek , Kivisaari Kati , Lavrinienko Anton , Milinevsky Gennadi , Mousseau Timothy A. , Møller Anders P. , Tukalenko Eugene , Watts Phillip C.
Published: April 2019

Nuclear accidents underpin the need to quantify the ecological mechanisms which determine injury to ecosystems from chronic low‐dose radiation. Here, we tested the hypothesis that ecological mechanisms interact with ionizing radiation to affect natural populations in unexpected ways. We used large‐scale replicated experiments and food manipulations in wild populations of the rodent, Myodes glareolus, inhabiting the region near the site of the Chernobyl disaster of 1986. We show linear decreases in breeding success with increasing ambient radiation levels with no evidence of any threshold below which effects are not seen. Food supplementation of experimental populations resulted in increased abundances but only in locations where radioactive contamination was low (i.e., below ≈ 1 μSv/h). In areas with higher contamination, food supplementation showed no detectable effects. These findings suggest that chronic low‐dose‐rate irradiation can decrease the stability of populations of key forest species, and these effects could potentially scale to broader community changes with concomitant consequences for the ecosystem functioning of forests impacted by nuclear accidents.
Cognitive functional therapy in patients with non‐specific chronic low back pain—a randomized controlled trial 3‐year follow‐up
Authors: Vibe Fersum Kjartan , Smith Anne , Kvåle Alice , Skouen Jan Sture , O'Sullivan Peter
Published: April 2019

Objectives

This randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of cognitive functional therapy (CFT) compared with manual therapy and exercise (MT‐EX) for people with non‐specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) at 3‐year follow‐up.

Methods

Hundred and twenty‐one patients were randomized to CFT (n = 62) or MT‐EX (n = 59). Three‐year data were available for 30 (48.4%) participants in the CFT group, and 33 (55.9%) participants in the MT‐EX group. The primary outcomes were disability (Oswestry disability Index [ODI]) and pain intensity (numerical rating scale) and secondary outcomes were anxiety/depression (Hopkins Symptoms Checklist) and pain‐related fear (Fear‐Avoidance Belief Questionnaire). A full intention to treat analysis was conducted using linear mixed models.

Results

Significantly greater reductions in disability were observed for the CFT group, with ODI scores at 3 years 6.6 points lower in the CFT than the MT‐EX group (95%CI:‐10.1 to −3.1, p < 0.001, standardized effect size = 0.70). There was no significant difference in pain intensity between the groups at 3 years (0.6 points 95%CI:‐1.4–0.3, p = 0.195). Significantly greater reductions were also observed for the CFT group for Hopkins Symptoms Checklist and Fear‐Avoidance Belief Questionnaire (Work).

Conclusions

CFT is more effective at reducing disability, depression/anxiety and pain‐related fear, but not pain, at 3‐year follow‐up than MT‐EX.

Significance

Cognitive functional therapy (CFT) was more effective than manual therapy and exercise (MT‐EX) in reducing disability at 3‐year follow‐up, in people with non‐specific chronic low back pain. The sustained reduction in disability without concomitant reductions in pain intensity in the CFT group suggests a de‐coupling of the pain—disability relationship.

CFT resulted in long‐lasting reductions in anxiety and depression, and pain‐related fear regarding work compared to MT‐EX. The findings support the long‐term benefits of a individualized behaviourally orientated intervention that targets pain beliefs, functional restoration and lifestyle factors.
Recommendations for colleges and universities to avoid closing or merging
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: April 2019

In last month's column, I shared facts about college and university closings and mergers. Since that time, Green Mountain College in Vermont announced it would close at the end of the spring 2019 semester and Hampshire College in New Hampshire announced it was seeking a suitable merger partner.
Recruit, retain students with augmented reality communications
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: April 2019

“We're always looking for new ways to engage current and prospective students,” said Vinnie Cazzetta, vice president for institutional advancement and chief executive of the Newburgh Campus of Orange County Community College. SUNY Orange used to find students through radio ads and newspapers. Then the college's website and social media became key communications tools, he added. After hearing about the success of augmented reality engagement, such as the millions of Pokemon Go players, officials said, “Let's give this a try,” Cazzetta said.
Give students ownership of credentials with blockchain technology
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: April 2019

When Central New Mexico Community College started looking at digital services for diplomas, transcripts, and other credentials, they were guided by the institution's strategic plan. One of the priorities was to shift from college‐owned to student‐owned technology, said Feng Hou, chief information officer and chief digital learning officer.
An Innovative Process for Ultra‐Thick Electrodes Elaboration: Toward Low‐Cost and High‐Energy Batteries
Authors: Zolin Lorenzo , Chandesris Marion , Porcher Willy , Lestriez Bernard
Published: April 2019

An effective route to enhance the volume ratio of active materials in a lithium‐ion battery (LIB) or sodium‐ion battery (NaB) consists in increasing the electrode thickness, that is, active mass loading, as it reduces the volume and weight fractions of the separator and current collectors in the cell. This approach also serves to reduce the battery cost, chiefly associated with the expensive polymeric separator. However, following the standard industrial coating process, the mechanically stable electrode can hardly exceed an active mass loading of about 30 mg cm−2, corresponding to a nominal areal capacity around 6 mAh cm−2 due to the binder migration during the drying step. Herein, a straightforward manufacturing process based on a filtration technique is developed. It enables the design of LIB electrodes with a nominal areal capacity up to 20 mAh cm−2. A pierced and serrated current collector allows at the same time both filtration and mechanical interlocking of the electrode layer. Cells assembled with such ultra‐thick filtered electrodes exhibit very promising performances, thereby promoting the design of high‐energy and low‐cost LIBs and NaBs by a fast fabrication process.
Shaking table tests on a masonry building monitored using smart bricks: Damage detection and localization
Authors: Meoni Andrea , D'Alessandro Antonella , Cavalagli Nicola , Gioffré Massimiliano , Ubertini Filippo
Published: April 2019

The seismic behavior of unreinforced masonry buildings is typically characterized by premature brittle collapse mechanisms that can cause serious consequences for the protection of human lives and for the preservation of historical and cultural heritage. Structural health monitoring can be a powerful tool enabling a quick post‐earthquake assessment of the structure's performance, but its applications are still scarce as a consequence of the severe limitations affecting off‐the‐shelf sensing technologies, in terms of local nature of the measurements, costs, as well as long‐term behavior, installation, and maintenance. To overcome some of these limitations, the authors have recently proposed a new sensing technology, called “smart brick,” that is a durable clay brick doped with stainless steel microfibers, working as a smart strain sensor for masonry buildings. This paper presents the first full‐scale application of smart bricks, used for detecting and localizing progressive earthquake‐induced damage in an unreinforced masonry building subjected to shaking table tests. Smart bricks are employed to detect changes in load paths on masonry walls, comparing strain measurements acquired after each step of the seismic sequence with those referring to the undamaged structure. Experimental results are interpreted using a 3D finite element model built to reproduce the shaking table tests. Overall, the results demonstrate that the smart bricks can effectively reveal local permanent changes in structural conditions following a progressive damage, therefore being apt for earthquake‐induced damage detection and localization.
Out‐of‐plane shaking table tests of full‐scale historic adobe corner walls retrofitted with timber elements
Authors: Reyes Juan C. , Galvis Francisco A. , Yamin Luis E. , Gonzalez Cristian , Sandoval Juan D. , Heresi Pablo
Published: April 2019

Historic adobe structures pose a high seismic risk mainly because of the poor out‐of‐plane bending response of their walls that may produce fatalities and significant economic, cultural, and heritage losses. In this paper, we propose a retrofitting technique that increases the wall strength for both in‐plane and out‐of‐plane directions. This technique consists of vertical and horizontal timber elements symmetrically installed on each face of the wall to form a confining wood frame, supplemented with vertical tensors that pre‐compress the wall. This study evaluates the performance of this retrofitting technique with a two‐set experimental program on full‐scale historic adobe walls. On the first set, four specimens were subjected to a static overturning test with boundary conditions representing the confinement effect at both ends by orthogonal walls. On the second set, three full‐scale specimens, one unretrofitted and two retrofitted, were subjected to four ground motion records on a shaking table to assess the out‐of‐plane dynamic behavior of typical corner walls. The unretrofitted specimen collapsed during the second motion (peak ground acceleration [PGA] = 0.39 g), while both retrofitted walls survived all four motions (maximum PGA of 0.75 g) proving the high effectiveness of the proposed retrofitting. The addition of base anchors as a variation of the retrofitting technique significantly reduced the rocking effects and the residual drifts of the system, thus improving its overall seismic performance. Further research is needed to develop guidelines for seismic retrofit of heritage buildings including multistory full‐scale tests of specimens with various types of openings and retrofitting strategies that minimize their architectural impact.