bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benzotriazol [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2019]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: April 2019

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated benzotriazole [
95‐14‐7
], considering all toxicological endpoints. Available publications and unpublished study reports are described in detail. A genotoxic potential is not found in bacterial or mammalian cell systems in vitro and benzotriazole does not induce micronuclei in the bone marrow of mice. In oral carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice, benzotriazole causes tumours in various organs with a low incidence of glioma and oligodendroglioma in the brain of rats. These rarely occur in control animals and are therefore considered to be substance‐induced. For this reason, benzotriazole is suspected of being carcinogenic and is classified in Carcinogen Category 3B. A NOAEL of 12.5 mg/kg body weight and day is obtained for bleeding of mucous membranes at nose and mouth and salivation at 5 mg/kg body weight and day from a subchronic oral toxicity study in rats. As an inhalation study has not been performed, but benzotriazole is irritating to the eye and is therefore expected to be irritating to the respiratory tract, a maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) cannot be derived. In a reproductive toxicity study with exposure of rats to benzotriazole, at 300 mg/kg body weight and day the body weight of pups is reduced during lactation. Teratogenicity was not examined. Skin contact is expected to contribute significantly to systemic toxicity. Therefore, benzotriazole is designated with an “H”. Limited data show no sensitization.
2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Therapeutic Approaches for Non‐Systemic Polyarthritis, Sacroiliitis, and Enthesitis
Authors: Ringold Sarah , Angeles‐Han Sheila T. , Beukelman Timothy , Lovell Daniel , Cuello Carlos A. , Becker Mara L. , Colbert Robert A. , Feldman Brian M. , Ferguson Polly J. , Gewanter Harry , Guzman Jaime , Horonjeff Jennifer , Nigrovic Peter A. , Ombrello Michael J. , Passo Murray H. , Stoll Matthew L. , Rabinovich C. Egla , Schneider Rayfel , Halyabar Olha , Hays Kimberly , Shah Amit Aakash , Sullivan Nancy , Szymanski Ann Marie , Turgunbaev Marat , Turner Amy , Reston James
Published: April 2019

Objective

To develop treatment recommendations for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis manifesting as non‐systemic polyarthritis, sacroiliitis, or enthesitis.

Methods

The Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) questions were developed and refined by members of the guideline development teams. A systematic review was conducted to compile evidence for the benefits and harms associated with treatments for these conditions. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology was used to rate the quality of evidence. A group consensus process was conducted among the Voting Panel to generate the final recommendations and grade their strength. A Parent and Patient Panel used a similar consensus approach to provide patient/caregiver preferences for key questions.

Results

Thirty‐nine recommendations were developed (8 strong and 31 conditional). The quality of supporting evidence was very low or low for 90% of the recommendations. Recommendations are provided for the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, biologics, and intraarticular and oral glucocorticoids. Recommendations for the use of physical and occupational therapy are also provided. Specific recommendations for polyarthritis address general medication use, initial and subsequent treatment, and adjunctive therapies. Good disease control, with therapeutic escalation to achieve low disease activity, was recommended. The sacroiliitis and enthesitis recommendations primarily address initial therapy and adjunctive therapies.

Conclusion

This guideline provides direction for clinicians, caregivers, and patients making treatment decisions. Clinicians, caregivers, and patients should use a shared decision‐making process that accounts for patients’ values, preferences, and comorbidities. These recommendations should not be used to limit or deny access to therapies.
Fundamental Mechanisms With Reactive Infiltration of Silicon Melt Into Carbon Capillaries
Authors: Hofbauer Peter J. , Rädlein Edda , Raether Friedrich
Published: April 2019

The LSI process, that is, the infiltration of molten silicon into porous structures, is one of the most economical techniques for the production of dense C/SiC composites. However, despite decades of development, the phenomena at the infiltration front have not been understood sufficiently. Consequently, a comprehensive model of the reactive infiltration process, which would help to optimize the production process of C/SiC components, has not been established yet. A special thermo‐optical measuring furnace, TOM_ac, enables in situ inspection during liquid silicon infiltration in a controlled atmosphere. Using a novel experimental set‐up, temperatures and atmospheres were varied during silicon melt infiltration into gap capillaries incorporated in glassy carbon. Results clearly demonstrate that the capillary effect is not the rate controlling process as commonly believed but show the importance of gas phase reactions. Besides optical inspection of the infiltration process, quenching experiments combined with SEM analyses of the samples provided a detailed insight into reaction mechanisms and transport processes.
Floral adaptations of two lilies: implications for the evolution and pollination ecology of huge trumpet‐shaped flowers
Authors: Liu Chang‐Qiu , Gao Yun‐Dong , Niu Yang , Xiong Ying‐Ze , Sun Hang
Published: April 2019

Premise

Evolutionary transitions among floral morphologies, many of which provide evidence for adaptation to novel pollinators, are common. Some trumpet‐shaped flowers are among the largest flowers in angiosperms, occurring in different lineages. Our goal was to investigate the role of pollinators in the evolution of these flowers using Lilium.

Methods

We investigated floral traits and pollinators of L. primulinum var. ochraceum and L. brownii var. viridulum and reviewed reports of visitors to huge trumpet‐shaped flowers. Using a published phylogeny of Lilium, we reconstructed ancestral floral morphological states in Lilium to elucidate the origins of trumpet‐shaped lilies.

Results

Both lilies are largely self‐incompatible and show floral syndromes indicative of hawkmoth pollination. The short trumpet‐shaped lily can be pollinated by short‐tongued (<40 mm) but not long‐tongued hawkmoths (>65 mm), while the huge trumpet‐shaped lily can be pollinated by both. A literature review including 22 species of trumpet‐shaped flowers suggests that their pollinator guilds commonly include both short‐ and long‐tongued moths. A phylogenetic reconstruction indicates that trumpet‐shaped lilies possibly have multiple origins from tepal‐reflexed ancestors, at least six of which have evolved huge flowers (>50 mm).

Conclusions

Adaptation to short‐tongued hawkmoths may have initiated the evolution of trumpet‐shaped lilies. Huge trumpet‐shaped lilies may have evolved as a response to selection by long‐tongued hawkmoths, without excluding the short‐tongued ones. This evolutionary pathway leads to a functionally more generalized pollination system instead of an increasingly specialized one and is not necessarily associated with pollinator shifts.
Weekly carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: A phase 1b study
Authors: Biran Noa , Siegel David , Berdeja Jesus G. , Raje Noopur , Cornell Robert Frank , Alsina Melissa , Kovacsovics Tibor , Fang Belle , Kimball Amy S. , Landgren Ola
Published: April 2019

Twice‐weekly carfilzomib (27 mg/m2) with lenalidomide‐dexamethasone (KRd) is a standard‐of‐care in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). This phase 1b study evaluated KRd with once‐weekly carfilzomib in RRMM. Patients received carfilzomib (30‐minute infusion; 56 or 70mg/m2) on days 1, 8, and 15; lenalidomide 25 mg on days 1‐21; and dexamethasone 40 mg on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 (day 22 omitted for cycles 9+) of 28‐day cycles. Primary objective was safety/tolerability; efficacy was a secondary objective. Fifty‐six RRMM patients enrolled: 22 during dose evaluation (56‐mg/m2, n = 10; 70‐mg/m2, n = 12) and 34 during dose expansion (all initiated dosing at 70 mg/m2). After 2 fatal adverse events (AEs) during 70‐mg/m2 dose expansion, dosage reduction to 56 mg/m2 was permitted. Results are presented for carfilzomib 56‐mg/m2 (n = 10) and 70‐mg/m2 groups (dose evaluation/expansion; n = 46). Median carfilzomib dose was 53.2 mg/m2 (56‐mg/m2 group) and 62.4 mg/m2 (70‐mg/m2 group). Grade ≥3 AE rates were 70.0% (56 mg/m2) and 69.6% (70 mg/m2). Overall response rates were 90.0% (56 mg/m2) and 89.1% (70 mg/m2); ≥very good partial response rates were 50.0% (56 mg/m2) and 73.9% (70 mg/m2). Once‐weekly KRd was active with acceptable toxicity in RRMM, supporting further evaluation of this regimen.
High‐Resolution Photoelectron Imaging of IrB3−: Observation of a π‐Aromatic B3+ Ring Coordinated to a Transition Metal
Authors: Czekner Joseph , Cheung Ling Fung , Kocheril G. Stephen , Kulichenko Maksim , Boldyrev Alexander I. , Wang Lai‐Sheng
Published: April 2019

In a high‐resolution photoelectron imaging and theoretical study of the IrB3− cluster, two isomers were observed experimentally with electron affinities (EAs) of 1.3147(8) and 1.937(4) eV. Quantum calculations revealed two nearly degenerate isomers competing for the global minimum, both with a B3 ring coordinated with the Ir atom. The isomer with the higher EA consists of a B3 ring with a bridge‐bonded Ir atom (Cs , 2A′), and the second isomer features a tetrahedral structure (C3v , 2A1). The neutral tetrahedral structure was predicted to be considerably more stable than all other isomers. Chemical bonding analysis showed that the neutral C3v isomer involves significant covalent Ir−B bonding and weak ionic bonding with charge transfer from B3 to Ir, and can be viewed as an Ir–(η3‐B3+) complex. This study provides the first example of a boron‐to‐metal charge‐transfer complex and evidence of a π‐aromatic B3+ ring coordinated to a transition metal.
Boron Phosphorus Nitride at Extremes: PN6 Octahedra in the High‐Pressure Polymorph β‐BP3N6
Authors: Vogel Sebastian , Bykov Maxim , Bykova Elena , Wendl Sebastian , Kloß Simon D. , Pakhomova Anna , Chariton Stella , Koemets Egor , Dubrovinskaia Natalia , Dubrovinsky Leonid , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: April 2019

The high‐pressure behavior of non‐metal nitrides is of special interest for inorganic and theoretical chemistry as well as materials science, as these compounds feature intriguing elastic properties. The double nitride α‐BP3N6 was investigated by in situ single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD) upon cold compression to a maximum pressure of about 42 GPa, and its isothermal bulk modulus at ambient conditions was determined to be 146(6) GPa. At maximum pressure the sample was laser‐heated, which resulted in the formation of an unprecedented high‐pressure polymorph, β‐BP3N6. Its structure was elucidated by single‐crystal XRD, and can be described as a decoration of a distorted hexagonal close packing of N with B in tetrahedral and P in octahedral voids. Hence, β‐BP3N6 is the first nitride to contain PN6 octahedra, representing the much sought‐after proof of principle for sixfold N‐coordinated P that has been predicted for numerous high‐pressure phases of nitrides.
Designing a Perylene Diimide/Fullerene Hybrid as Effective Electron Transporting Material in Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells with Enhanced Efficiency and Stability
Authors: Luo Zhenghui , Wu Fei , Zhang Teng , Zeng Xuan , Xiao Yiqun , Liu Tao , Zhong Cheng , Lu Xinhui , Zhu Linna , Yang Shihe , Yang Chuluo
Published: April 2019

Electron transport materials (ETM) play an important role in the improvement of efficiency and stability for inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This work reports an efficient ETM, named PDI‐C60, by the combination of perylene diimide (PDI) and fullerene. Compared to the traditional PCBM, this strategy endows PDI‐C60 with slightly shallower energy level and higher electron mobility. As a result, the device based on PDI‐C60 as electron transport layer (ETL) achieves high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.6 %, which is significantly higher than those of the control devices of PCBM (16.6 %) and PDI (13.8 %). The high PCE of the PDI‐C60‐based device can be attributed to the more matching energy level with the perovskite, more efficient charge extraction, transport, and reduced recombination rate. To the best of our knowledge, the PCE of 18.6 % is the highest value in the PSCs using PDI derivatives as ETLs. Moreover, the device with PDI‐C60 as ETL exhibits better device stability due to the stronger hydrophobic properties of PDI‐C60. The strategy using the PDI/fullerene hybrid provides insights for future molecular design of the efficient ETM for the inverted PSCs.
Spectroscopic and DFT studies of photoactivatable Mn(I) tricarbonyl complexes
Authors: Mansour Ahmed M. , Ragab Mona S.
Published: April 2019

A combined experimental study and density functional theory calculations of fac‐[MnBr (CO)3L] complexes (L = 2‐(2′‐pyridyl)benzimidazole ligand, furnished with either morpholine (Lmorph) or phthalimido (Lphth) side‐chain) were performed using different spectral and analytical tools. The synthesized complexes released carbon monoxide upon the exposure to LED source light at 468 nm. Illumination of fac‐[MnBr (CO)3L] (10 μM) in the myoglobin solution (Mb) produced about 25 μM MbCO. The plateau of the CO release process is attained within 25 min. With the aid of time‐dependent density functional theory calculations, the observed lowest energy absorption transition at ~ 400 nm has a ground‐state composed of d (Mn)/π (pyridyl) and excited‐state of ligand π*‐orbitals forming MLCT/π‐π*. Natural population analyses of fac‐[MnBr (CO)3L] were carried out to get information about the strength of Mn–CO bonds, electronic arrangment and natural charge of manganese ion.
Simultaneous production of industrially important alkaline xylanase‐pectinase enzymes by a bacterium at low cost under solid‐state fermentation conditions
Authors: Kaur Amanjot , Varghese Libin Mathew , Mahajan Ritu
Published: April 2019

Simultaneous production of alkaline xylanase and all seven types of pectinases by a bacterial isolate, under solid‐state fermentation was checked in this study. Under optimized conditions, high concurrent production of xylanase (22,800 ± 578 IU/g substrate) and pectinase (4,832 ± 189 IU/g substrate) was achieved. The different types of pectinases produced were exo‐polymethylgalacturonase (782 IU/g), endo‐polymethylgalacturonase (6.42 U/g), exo‐polygalacturonase (2,250 IU/g), endo‐polygalacturonase (11.57 U/g), polymethylgalacturonate lyase (53.99 IU/g), polygalacturonate lyase (59.78 IU/g), and pectin esterase (5.78 IU/g). Wheat bran resulted in the highest titer of both enzymes. The maximum xylanase‐pectinase yield was detected after 7 days of incubation with 2 mM MgSO4 and 1.5 g/L K2HPO4 at wheat bran to moisture ratio 1:1.5 (w/v), media to flask volume ratio 1:25, pH 7.0, temperature 37 °C, and inoculum size 15%. Xylanase was most stable at pH 8.0, retained more than 75% activity up to 24 H, whereas pectinase was most stable at pH 9.0, having full activity even after 24 H. At 45 °C, the xylanase showed 82% residual activity after 6 H of incubation. The pectinase was 97% and 61% stable up to 3 H at 50 and 55 °C, respectively. This is the first report showing the production of xylanase‐pectinases by bacterium along with high titer of seven types of pectinases, suitable for industries.
Stabilizing p‐Dithiobenzyl Urethane Linkers without Rate‐Limiting Self‐Immolation for Traceless Drug Release
Authors: Zheng Yiwu , Shen Yang , Meng Xiaoting , Wu Yaqi , Zhao Yibing , Wu Chuanliu
Published: April 2019

Exploiting the redox sensitivity of disulfide bonds is a prevalent strategy in targeted prodrug designs. In contrast to aliphatic disulfides, p‐thiobenzyl‐based disulfides have rarely been used for prodrug designs, given their intrinsic instability caused by the low pKa of aromatic thiols. Here, we examined the interplay between steric hindrance and the low‐pKa effect on thiol–disulfide exchange reactions and uncovered a new thiol–disulfide exchange process for the self‐immolation of p‐thiobenzyl‐based disulfides. We observed a central leaving group shifting effect in the α,α‐dimethyl‐substituted p‐dithiobenzyl urethane linkers (DMTB linkers), which leads to increased disulfide stability by more than two orders of magnitude, an extent that is significantly greater than that observed with typical aliphatic disulfides. In particular, the DMTB linkers display not only high stability, but also rapid self‐immolation kinetics due to the low pKa of the aromatic thiol, which can be used as a general and robust linkage between targeting reagents and cytotoxic drugs for targeted prodrug designs. The unique and promising stability characteristics of the present DMTB linker will likely inspire the development of novel targeted prodrugs to achieve traceless release of drugs into cells.
Soluble Cello‐Oligosaccharides Produced by Carbon‐Catalyzed Hydrolysis of Cellulose
Authors: Chen Pengru , Shrotri Abhijit , Fukuoka Atsushi
Published: April 2019

Cello‐oligosaccharides are biologically important molecules that can elicit a defensive immune response in plants and improve the health of animals. Cellulose, a polymer of glucose linked by β‐1,4‐glycosidic bonds, is an ideal feedstock for synthesis of cello‐oligosaccharides. However, cello‐oligosaccharides rapidly degrade under the conditions used for cellulose hydrolysis. Here, cellulose was hydrolyzed over a carbon catalyst in a semi‐flow reactor to achieve a high yield of cello‐oligosaccharides (72 %). The excellent activity of the oxidized carbon catalyst, the adsorption of cellulose on the catalyst, and the high space velocity of products in the reactor were essential. Moreover, a method for quantification of individual cello‐oligosaccharides was developed, which suggested a reduction in the rate of hydrolysis with a reduction in chain length.
Implementation of the MILAN system for reporting salivary gland cytopathology: Interobserver concordance and cytohistological correlation of discordant cases
Authors: Garg Neha , Diwaker Preeti , Pathak Priya , Aggarwal Divya , Arora Vinod K.
Published: April 2019

Background

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) plays a pivotal role in evaluating salivary gland (SG) tumors. Several studies have shown diagnostic utility of MILAN system for reporting salivary gland cytopathology (MSRSGC) by examining risk of malignancy but only an occasional study has focused on interobserver variability. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the agreement among cytopathologists with varying experience in SG cytopathology using MSRSGC and to re‐evaluate discordant cytohistological diagnoses for possible causes of misinterpretation.

Methods

All SG lesions subjected to FNAC over a period of 3½ years were studied. The cases were critically reviewed by 2 pathologists with variable experience in cytopathology using MSRSGC and concordance level among them was calculated. Cytohistological discordant diagnoses were reclassified and possible causes of misinterpretation during routine reporting were evaluated.

Results

Of 150 SG aspirates categorized according to MSRSGC, diagnostic disagreement between 2 pathologists was found in 10. Unweighted Cohen's Kappa score between consultant and resident was 0.812 (high). Among 55 cases with histological correlation, cytohistological discordance was seen in 12. True pitfalls constituted 50% of discordant cases while rest 50% were attributed to practical issues (turnaround time and heavy case load) during routine reporting.

Conclusion

MSRSGC can be used with good reproducibility between observers with variable cytopathology experience. Heterogeneous nature of SG neoplasm is a known pitfall in FNA diagnosis of SG neoplasms. During routine reporting turnaround time, heavy case load and reporting by cytopathologists with variable experience add on to challenges faced in reporting cytopathology of SG neoplasm.
The Intermediates in Lewis Acid Catalysis with Lanthanide Triflates
Authors: Tripodi Guilherme L. , Correra Thiago C. , Angolini Célio F. F. , Ferreira Bruno R. V. , Maître Philippe , Eberlin Marcos N. , Roithová Jana
Published: April 2019

Lanthanide triflates are effective Lewis acid catalysts in reactions involving carbonyl compounds due to their high oxophilicity and water stability. Despite the growing interest, the identity of the catalytic species formed in lanthanide catalysed reactions is still unknown. We have therefore used mass spectrometry and ion spectroscopy to intercept and characterize the intermediates in a reaction catalysed by ytterbium and dysprosium triflates. We were able to identify a number of lanthanide intermediates formed in a simple condensation reaction between a C‐acid and an aldehyde. Results show correlation between the reactivity of lanthanide complexes and their charge state and suggest that the triply charged complexes play a key role in lanthanide catalysed reactions. Spectroscopic data of the gaseous ions accompanied by theoretical calculations reveal that the difference between catalytic efficiencies of ytterbium and dysprosium ions can be explained by their different electrophilicity.
Flavin Catalysis Employing an N(5)‐Adduct: an Application in the Aerobic Organocatalytic Mitsunobu Reaction
Authors: März Michal , Babor Martin , Cibulka Radek
Published: April 2019

An artificial flavin system has been firstly proved to employ an N(5)‐adduct for a catalytic transformation. This mode of catalysis occurs in some flavoenzymes but it is unknown in chemocatalysis, still exclusively using only C(4a)‐adducts. In our report, an ethylene‐bridged biomimetic flavin has been shown to participate in the Mitsunobu esterification reaction as an alternative to dialkyl azodicarboxylate. The reaction occurs via a flavin N(5)‐triphenylphosphane adduct and is catalytic from the point of view of the flavin, which is regenerated by oxygen. This approach distinguishes from other catalytic Mitsunobu reaction procedures which require an extra catalytic system.
Efficient Diastereoselective Three‐Component Synthesis of Pipecolic Amides
Authors: van der Heijden Gydo , van Schaik Timo B. , Mouarrawis Valentinos , de Wit Martin J. M. , Velde Christophe M. L. Vande , Ruijter Eelco , Orru Romano V. A.
Published: April 2019

An efficient Ugi‐type three‐component reaction (U‐3CR) for the synthesis of pipecolic amides is reported. The U‐3CR between electronically diverse isocyanides, carboxylic acids and 4‐substituted Δ1‐piperideines proceeds in a highly diastereoselective fashion. The Δ1‐piperideines are obtained by NCS‐mediated oxidation of the corresponding 4‐substituted piperidines, which in turn are generated by an efficient two‐step procedure involving the alkylation of 4‐picoline and subsequent catalytic hydrogenation of the pyridine ring. We demonstrate the utility of this U‐3CR, in combination with the convertible isocyanide 2‐bromo‐6‐isocyanopyridine, in the synthesis of the anticoagulant argatroban.
Polyethylenimine‐assisted Synthesis of Au Nanoparticles for Efficient Syngas Production
Authors: Chung Young‐Hoon , Ha Min Gwan , Na Youngseung , Park Hee‐Young , Kim Hyoung‐Juhn , Henkensmeier Dirk , Yoo Sung Jong , Kim Jin Young , Lee So Young , Lee Seung Woo , Park Hyun S. , Kim Yong‐Tae , Jang Jong Hyun
Published: April 2019

The ability to capture, store, and use CO2 is important for remediating greenhouse‐gas emissions and combatting global warming. Herein, Au nanoparticles (Au‐NPs) are synthesized for effective electrochemical CO2 reduction and syngas production, using polyethylenimine (PEI) as a ligand molecule. The PEI‐assisted synthesis provides uniformly sized 3‐nm Au NPs, whereas larger irregularly shaped NPs are formed in the absence of PEI in the synthesis solution. The Au‐NPs synthesized with PEI (PEI−Au/C, average PEI Mw=2000) exhibit improved CO2 reduction activities compared to Au‐NPs formed in the absence of PEI (bare Au NPs/C). PEI−Au/C displays a 34 % higher activity toward CO2 reduction than bare Au NPs/C; for example, PEI−Au/C exhibits a CO partial current density (jCO) of 28.6 mA cm−2 at −1.13 VRHE, while the value for bare Au NPs/C is 21.7 mA cm−2; the enhanced jCO is mainly due to the larger surface area of PEI−Au/C. Furthermore, the PEI−Au/C electrode exhibits stable performance over 64 h, with an hourly current degradation rate of 0.25 %. The developed PEI−Au/C is employed in a CO2‐reduction device coupled with an IrO2 water‐oxidation catalyst and a proton‐conducting perfluorinated membrane to form a PEI−Au/C|Nafion|IrO2 membrane‐electrode assembly. The device using PEI−Au/C as the CO2‐reduction catalyst exhibits a jCO of 4.47 mA/cm2 at 2.0 Vcell. Importantly, the resulted PEI−Au/C is appropriate for efficient syngas production with a CO ratio of around 30–50 %.
Provenance study from petrography and geochronology of Middle Jurassic Haifanggou Formation in Xingcheng Basin, western Liaoning Province
Authors: Liang Chenyue , Liu Yongjiang , Hu Zuhong , Li Xiaobo , Li Weimin , Zheng Changqing , Neubauer Franz , Zhang Qian
Published: April 2019

In recent decades, the Yanshanian movement in the Mesozoic has been a hotspot of much geological research, attracting numerous studies focusing on regional tectonics, basin evolution, and associated magmatism and volcanic activities. The Haifanggou Formation, exposed in Xingcheng Basin, which is one of intracontinental basins in western Liaoning Province, North China Craton (NCC), comprises mainly conglomerates dominated with interbedded sandstone. Although palaeontology, stratigraphy and lithofacies have been established, its mineralogical compositions and geochronology, even the provenance and implications for Yanshanian movement are still poorly discussed. Available sandstone samples provided a unique opportunity to study the genesis and further deciphered the tectonic mechanisms. The sandstone types of Haifanggou Formation are dominantly litho‐feldspathic litharenite and litharenite. Modal sandstone analysis shows that the origin and deposition mainly are due to arid to semi‐arid weathering and recycling of older rocks and magmatic arcs, eroded and transported debris from eastern NCC. Our new detrital zircon U–Pb ages exhibit that the maximum depositional ages of the Haifanggou Formation were conservatively estimated as late Middle Jurassic (165.6 ± 3.1 Ma). The detrital zircon U–Pb age spectrum of this formation is dominated by several peaks that indicate a provenance from the surrounding rocks including the basement of NCC. The sedimentation of the Haifanggou Formation is deposited under compressional tectonics as a local response of the Yanshanian movement which was related to the subduction of Palaeo‐Pacific Plate.
Precentral degeneration and cerebellar compensation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A multimodal MRI analysis
Authors: Qiu Ting , Zhang Yuanchao , Tang Xie , Liu Xiaoping , Wang Yue , Zhou Chaoyang , Luo Chunxia , Zhang Jiuquan
Published: April 2019

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and intractable neurodegenerative disease of human motor system characterized by progressive muscular weakness and atrophy. A considerable body of research has demonstrated significant structural and functional abnormalities of the primary motor cortex in patients with ALS. In contrast, much less attention has been paid to the abnormalities of cerebellum in this disease. Using multimodal magnetic resonance imagining data of 60 patients with ALS and 60 healthy controls, we examined changes in gray matter volume (GMV), white matter (WM) fractional anisotropy (FA), and functional connectivity (FC) in patients with ALS. Compared with healthy controls, patients with ALS showed decreased GMV in the left precentral gyrus and increased GMV in bilateral cerebellum, decreased FA in the left corticospinal tract and body of corpus callosum, and decreased FC in multiple brain regions, involving bilateral postcentral gyrus, precentral gyrus and cerebellum anterior lobe, among others. Meanwhile, we found significant intermodal correlations among GMV of left precentral gyrus, FA of altered WM tracts, and FC of left precentral gyrus, and that WM microstructural alterations seem to play important roles in mediating the relationship between GMV and FC of the precentral gyrus, as well as the relationship between GMVs of the precentral gyrus and cerebellum. These findings provided evidence for the precentral degeneration and cerebellar compensation in ALS, and the involvement of WM alterations in mediating the relationship between pathologies of the primary motor cortex and cerebellum, which may contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of ALS.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Cascade Annulation for the Rapid Synthesis of Carbocyclic Nitriles
Authors: Fang Xianjie , Yu Peng , Willems Suzanne , Morandi Bill
Published: April 2019

We report a Ni‐catalyzed cascade annulation reaction that proceeds through two sequential carbometallation steps followed by C−CN reductive elimination. This reaction transforms two simple starting materials into complex, carbocyclic nitriles.
Multicriteria Decision Analysis Applied to Sponge City Construction in China: A Case Study
Authors: Li Nan , Qin Chengxin , Du Pengfei
Published: April 2019

To address stormwater management, China initiated the construction of sponge cities (SPCs) in 2014. Sponge city construction in China has previously been evaluated using subjective expert methods. Based on China's SPC evaluation regulations, the evaluation criteria system was divided into 6 categories and 22 indicators. This study presents a multicriteria approach to evaluating SPC construction through multicriteria attributes value theory (MAVT). Coupled with the entropy method, this approach can reduce errors caused by individual methods. This work improved the evaluation method from a subjective to an objective method. Additionally, the sensitivity of an alternative to these criteria was conducted. The analysis reveals the inner relationship between the SPC alternative and the criteria. The city of Hebi, an actual SPC project, was selected as a case study. The findings indicate that the proposed approach is efficient and simple. It can help decision makers better understand SPC performance, and it is a pilot SPC evaluation method using relatively objective means. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:703–713. © 2019 SETAC.
Suppression of REDD1 attenuates oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation‐evoked ischemic injury in neuron by suppressing mTOR‐mediated excessive autophagy
Authors: Sun Juguang , Yue Fenglei
Published: April 2019

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) typically occurs after mechanical thrombectomy to treat ischemic stroke, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) after reperfusion may result in neuronal insult, ultimately leading to disability and death. Regulated in development and DNA damage responses 1 (REDD1) is a conserved stress response protein under various pathogenic conditions. Recent research confirms the controversial role of REDD1 in injury processes. Nevertheless, the role of REDD1 in cerebral I/R remains poorly defined. In the current study, increased expression of REDD1 was observed in neurons exposed to simulated I/R via oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) treatment. Knockdown of REDD1 enhanced OGD/R‐inhibited cell viability, but suppressed lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release in neurons upon OGD/R. Simultaneously, suppression of REDD1 also antagonized OGD/R‐evoked cell apoptosis, Bax expression, and caspase‐3 activity. Intriguingly, REDD1 depression abrogated neuronal oxidative stress under OGD/R condition by suppressing ROS, MDA generation, and increasing antioxidant SOD levels. Further mechanism analysis corroborated the excessive activation of autophagy in neurons upon OGD/R with increased expression of autophagy‐related LC3 and Beclin‐1, but decreased autophagy substrate p62 expression. Notably, REDD1 inhibition reversed OGD/R‐triggered excessive neuronal autophagy. More importantly, depression of REDD1 also elevated the expression of p‐mTOR. Preconditioning with mTOR inhibitor rapamycin engendered not only a reduction in mTOR activation, but also a reactivation of autophagy in REDD1 knockdown‐neurons upon OGD/R. In addition, blocking the mTOR pathway muted the protective roles of REDD1 inhibition against OGD/R‐induced neuron injury and oxidative stress. Together these data suggested that REDD1 may regulate I/R‐induced oxidative stress injury in neurons by mediating mTOR‐autophagy signaling, supporting a promising therapeutic strategy against brain ischemic diseases.
Lysosome activates AKT inducing cancer and metastasis
Authors: Radisavljevic Ziv
Published: April 2019

Hyperactivated lysosome causes cancer and induces metastasis or cancer relapse. Such activation occurs during excessive, intense, and protracted oxidative burst in the lysosome. The burst induces the formation of the constitutively active (permanently active) AKT locus generating cancer complexity and robustness. Such condition has the tendency to persist by stabilized intense signaling inducing upregulation of cell function and metabolic setup at the higher level. Most intense activator of the lysosome is the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, which activates the AKT, a critical element in lysosome control, inducing cancer development, metastatic progression, or cancer relapse. Targeting the AKT active site of hydrogen network, by redox balance change or hydrogen balance change or muon‐catalyzed fusion or laser‐induced fusion with anti‐
A. fumigatus medication converts active AKT locus into inactive element, inducing disappearance of malignant phenotype.
Hesperidin‐CAMKIV interaction and its impact on cell proliferation and apoptosis in the human hepatic carcinoma and neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Naz Huma , Tarique Mohd. , Ahamad Shahzaib , Alajmi Mohamed F. , Hussain Afzal , Rehman Md. Tabish , Luqman Suaib , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz
Published: April 2019

Calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IV (CAMKIV) is a key regulatory molecule of cell signaling, and thereby controls its growth and proliferation, including expression of certain genes. The overexpression of CAMKIV is directly associated with the development of different types of cancers. Hesperidin is abundantly found in citrus fruits and exhibits wide range of pharmacological activities including anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancerous effects. We have investigated binding mechanism of hesperidin with the CAMKIV using molecular docking methods followed by fluorescence quenching and isothermal titration calorimetric assays. An appreciable binding affinity of hesperidin was observed with CAMKIV during fluorescence quenching and isothermal titration calorimetric studies. Efficacy of hesperidin to inhibit the growth of human hepatic carcinoma (HepG2) and neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cancer cell lines were investigated. Hesperidin has significantly reduced the proliferation of HepG2 and SH‐SY5Y cells and induces apoptosis by activating the caspase‐3‐dependent intrinsic pathway through the upregulation of proapoptotic Bax protein. Hesperidin treatment reduces the mitochondrial membrane potential of HepG2 and SH‐SY5Y cells. All these observations clearly anticipated hesperidin a potent inhibitor of CAMKIV which may be further exploited a newer therapeutic approach for the management of different cancer types.
Survivin modulatory role in autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases
Authors: Pahlavan Yasamin , kahroba Houman , Samadi Nasser , Karimi Abbas , Ansarin Khalil , Khabbazi Alireza
Published: April 2019

Baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5 (BIRC5) gene encodes the important protein as survivin, a multifunctional protein, which is involved in cellular and molecular networks, progression of cell cycle, homeostasis, developmental morphogenesis, and apoptosis. The proximal BIRC5 promoter possesses specific binding sites for key transcription factors such as nuclear factor κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. Upregulation of survivin exacerbates the autoimmune diseases (AIDs) including multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis by reducing the activity threshold of survivin‐specific cytotoxic T cells. DNA damage along with upregulation or downregulation of survivin have been demonstrated in initiation and pathogenesis of cancers and AIDs. However, detailed mechanism of survivin function in pathogenesis of AIDs is not well understood. This review focuses on the structure, specificity, regulation, and function of survivin in physiologic conditions and pathogenesis of AIDs.
An ultra‐wideband distributed amplifier MMICs based on 0.15‐um GaAs pHEMT technology
Authors: Yang Jie , Wang Lei , Li Lang , Zhan Jie , Xie Yi Fu , Zhan Ming Zhou
Published: April 2019

A DC‐30GHz ultra‐wideband distributed amplifier based on the 0.15‐um GaAs process is proposed and characterized. The distributed amplifier has nine power amplifying units with a cascode structure. The measured results show that the amplifier has 16‐dB gain in the frequency range of DC‐30GHz. The output power of 1‐dB compression point is 19 dBm at 10 GHz, and the saturated output power is 25 dBm. The chip size is 3× 1.2 mm.
Global marketplace strategy and choice of interaction after termination of international joint venture
Authors: Parameswar Nakul , Dhir Sanjay
Published: April 2019

Foreign partner's global marketplace strategy significantly influences the choice of interaction after international joint venture (IJV) termination as supplier–buyer, complement, or competitor between terminated IJV partners. The domestic partner in IJV enables foreign firms to pursue its global marketplace strategy—transnational, multidomestic, global, or international. On IJV termination, foreign partner's perceived value creation from IJV shall be rendered void and is required to either look for a new domestic firm to collaborate or form an interaction after IJV termination with IJV's domestic partner. This study examines the role of foreign firm's global marketplace strategy on the choice of interaction after IJV termination as supplier–buyer, complement, or competitor using data on terminated two partner IJV headquartered in India.
Analysis of recurrence after the resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Chouliaras Konstantinos , Newman Naeem A , Shukla Mrinal , Swett Katrina R , Levine Edward A , Sham Jonathan , Mann Gary N , Shen Perry
Published: April 2019

Background and Objectives

Outcomes after recurrence of resected pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are not well described. We aim to assess the rate and sites of recurrence, and its effect on clinical outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of patients (n = 83) who underwent surgical resection of PNETs at 2 institutions. Patients were treated from September 2002 to July 2010.

Results

There were 13 (16%) recurrences. The most common site of recurrence was the liver (9 patients, 9.6%). The most common treatment of recurrences was chemotherapy (5 patients, 36%). The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year disease‐free survival was 90.9%, 82.7%, and 72.5%, respectively. Median recurrence‐free survival was 127 months. The median follow‐up for all PNET patients was 25.8 months (range, 1‐140 months). The 3‐year survival was 97%. The median follow‐up of patients after the diagnosis of a recurrence was 13.8 months. The overall survival for those with and without recurrence was 96.3% and 100%, respectively (P = .36). The age (
P = .002) and lymph node ratio (
P < .001) were predictors of recurrence on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Age and lymph node ratio are significant predictors of recurrence after the resection of PNETs with hepatic metastases being the most common. Survival of patients with recurrence is not significantly different from patients without recurrence.
Ballpoint connector‐protected salt‐oil‐salt liquid phase microextraction for concentration and enrichment of trace anthraquinone compounds in rhubarb
Authors: Chen Xuan , Li Zhuo‐yi , Ge Xin , Hu Shuang , Wang Run‐qin , Yang Li , Yu Zhi‐hui , Bai Xiao‐hong
Published: April 2019

This study proposed a new ballpoint connector‐protected salt‐oil‐salt liquid phase microextraction for extraction and enrichment of trace rhein and chrysophanol in rhubarb prior to determination of the analytes by high performance liquid chromatography. In this study, a handy ballpoint connector (between ballpoint tip and ink chamber) was used as extraction device, in which its cavity was filled with n‐octanol, and the bare n‐octanol in its two opening ends was covered with a thin layer of sodium chloride film. The design subtly assembled salt film onto ballpoint connector for extraction and enrichment, which greatly improved the enrichment factors of the target analytes. Moreover, the novel procedure and its extraction mechanism were described and analyzed, and several crucial parameters reflecting the extraction effect were investigated and optimized. Under optimum conditions, high enrichment factors (247 and 127), good linearities with r ≥ 0.9998, limits of detection (0.6–1.1 ng/mL), relative standard deviations of intra‐ and interday (2.2–8.8% and 4.3–8.9%), and average recoveries (97.6–98.1%), were obtained, respectively. The proposed method can not only eliminate the negative effects from viscosity and ion strength at high salt concentration of sample phase, but also make salting‐out effect be focused on small area so as to maximize the extraction effect.
Fast Development of Self‐Assembled, Highly Oriented Polymer Thin Film and Observation of Dual Sensing Behavior of Thin Film Transistor for Ammonia Vapor
Authors: Sahu Praveen Kumar , Chandra Lalit , Pandey Rajiv K. , Mehta Niraj Singh , Dwivedi R. , Mishra V. N. , Prakash Rajiv
Published: April 2019

The technological demand for polymer thin film transistors (PTFTs) is continuously increasing because of their potential applications in various kinds of sensor designs. Despite this, there is need for development of a facile technique that can produce high performance low cost PTFTs. Therefore, a facile method is presented for ultrafast formation of large area self‐assembled, highly orientated, crystalline polymer thin films at high surface free energy mobile air–liquid interface named “floated polymer thin film over fluid substrate.” The grown thin film over different solid substrates is studied by multiple‐characterization techniques viz. high resolution‐transmission electron microscopy, grazing incident X‐ray diffraction, absorption spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Finally, the PTFTs having bottom gate and top contact configuration with the variations in source‐drain (S/D) electrode is fabricated for ammonia sensing. A synergistic enhanced ammonia vapor sensing performance with dual sensing characteristics through Pd‐electrode based PTFTs is observed when it is operated in two different modes of operation, that is, ON state to OFF state and vice‐versa. However, this transition is absent in Au‐electrode based PTFTs. Further, the observation of high gas response and dual sensing phenomena for ammonia vapor is argued by the evidence from a higher (approximately threefold) mobility, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images.
An Ionomeric Renewable Thermoplastic from Lignin‐Reinforced Rubber
Authors: Barnes Sietske H. , Goswami Monojoy , Nguyen Ngoc A. , Keum Jong K. , Bowland Christopher C. , Chen Jihua , Naskar Amit K.
Published: April 2019

An ionomeric, leathery thermoplastic with high mechanical strength is prepared by a new thermal processing method from a soft, melt‐processable rubber. Compositions made by incorporation of equal‐mass lignin, a renewable oligomeric feedstock, in an acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber often yield weak rubbers with large lignin domains (1–2 µm). The addition of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) in such a composition based on sinapyl alcohol‐rich lignin during a solvent‐free synthesis induces a strong interfacial crosslinking between lignin and rubber phases. This compositional modification results in finely interspersed lignin domains (<100 nm) that essentially reinforce the rubbery matrix with a 10–22 °C rise in the glassy‐to‐rubbery transition temperature. The ion‐modified polymer blends also show improved materials properties, like a 100% increase in ultimate tensile strength and an order of magnitude rise in Young's modulus. Coarse‐grained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations verify the morphology and dynamics of the ionomeric material. The computed result also confirms that the ionomers have glassy characteristics.
Using Fractionation and Diffusion Ordered Spectroscopy to Study Lignin Molecular Weight.
Authors: Montgomery James R. D. , Bazley Priory , Lebl Tomas , Westwood Nicholas J.
Published: April 2019

Recent reports demonstrate that applications of the biopolymer lignin can be helped by the use of a fraction of the lignin which has an optimal molecular weight range. Unfortunately, the current methods used to determine lignin's molecular weight are inconsistent or not widely accessible. Here, an approach that relies on 2D DOSY NMR analysis is described that provides a measure of lignin's molecular weight. Consistent results were obtained using this well‐established NMR technique across a range of lignins.
Facile preparation of hyperbranched polysiloxane‐grafted carbon fibers with improved interfacial strength of silicone resin composites
Authors: Liu Huilin , Liu Jingxiang , Wu Guangshun
Published: April 2019

New hybrid carbon fibers (CFs) were facilely prepared via in situ synthesizing hyperbranched polysiloxane with epoxy groups onto the fiber surface with the aim to enhance interfacial strength of composites. CFs were grafted with phenyl amine groups through an aryl diazonium reaction, and then modified with hyperbranched polysiloxane obtained by the sol‐gel polymerization of γ‐glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane. Surface structures of different CFs were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, indicating the successful modification. The introduced hyperbranched polysiloxane enhanced fiber roughness, polarity, wettability, and surface free energy. Hence, the interfacial shear strength and impact toughness of polysiloxane modified composites (CF‐g‐Polysiloxane) increased sharply compared with those of untreated composites. Moreover, Interfacial reinforcing and toughening mechanisms have also been studied, and polysiloxane modification maintained fiber tensile strength. The obvious improvement of anti‐hydrothermal aging behaviors after modification could be due to the introduction of strong SiOSi bonds at the interface.