bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curcumin protects neural cells against ischemic injury in N2a cells and mouse brain with ischemic stroke
Authors: Xie Cai‐Jun , Gu Ai‐Ping , Cai Jun , Wu Yi , Chen Rui‐Cong
Published: January 2018

Background and Purpose

Curcumin, a natural antioxidant isolated from Curcuma longa, has been reported to exert neuroprotective effect in animal models of ischemic stroke. However, the underlying mechanism is still not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumin treatment on neuronal apoptosis in the periinfarct cortex after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and in mouse N2a cells after oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury and its underlying mechanism.

Methods

The cerebral I/R injury was established by 1‐hr middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion in mice. Infarct volume was determined by TTC staining, and neurological score was evaluated by mNSS. Cell morphology in the ischemic boundary zone were detected by HE staining. The number and apoptotic rate of neurons in ischemic boundary zone were assayed by immunohistochemistry and TUNEL, respectively. Mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells were subjected to OGD/R. Cell viability was assessed with CCK‐8. The mitochondrial membrane potential was measured using JC‐1 staining. The expression of Bax, Bcl‐2, and caspase‐3 was detected using Western blotting. Besides, cellular distribution of Bax was determined by immunofluorescence assays.

Results

Curcumin treatment reduced infarct volume, improved neurological function, alleviated the morphological damage of neurons, and increased neuronal survival rate after I/R injury in vivo. Moreover, curcumin treatment improved cell viability, reduced cell apoptosis, increased Bcl‐2 protein levels while decreased Bax and caspase‐3 expressions in mouse N2a cells after OGD/R injury. Besides, curcumin treatment inhibited Bax activation and maintained mitochondrial membrane integrity.

Conclusion

Curcumin promotes neuron survival in vivo and in vitro to exert neuroprotective effects against ischemia injury. Moreover, our results for the first time demonstrated curcumin inhibited ischemia‐induced mitochondrial apoptosis via restricting Bax activation, which may be one of the possible mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of curcumin.
5‐Chloro‐2,4‐dihydroxypyridine, CDHP, prevents lung metastasis of basal‐like breast cancer cells by reducing nascent adhesion formation
Authors: Itou Junji , Tsukihara Hiroshi , Nukatsuka Mamoru , Toi Masakazu , Takechi Teiji
Published: January 2018

A drug for metastasis prevention is necessary. The orally administered anticancer drug S‐1 contributes to cancer therapy. In a mouse xenograft model of metastatic breast cancer from our previous study, the administration of S‐1 inhibited lung metastasis. However, the mechanism of inhibition remains elusive. S‐1 contains 5‐chloro‐2,4‐dihydroxypyridine (CDHP), which does not have the antigrowth activity, but prevents the degradation of 5‐fluorouracil, an anticancer reagent. In this study, we found that CDHP treatment shrinks cell morphology in metastatic basal‐like breast cancer cell lines. Wound healing assays showed reduced cell migration in CDHP‐treated cells. At the molecular level, CDHP treatment reduced the number of nascent adhesions, whereas the number of mature focal adhesions was not changed. These findings indicate that CDHP impairs focal adhesion formation, which results in a reduction in cell migration. For the in vivo metastasis assay, we used a highly lung‐metastatic cell line. We xenografted them into immunodeficient mice, and administered CDHP. To determine whether CDHP prevents metastasis, we measured the weights of harvested lungs. The results showed that the lung weights of the CDHP‐treated animals were not significantly different compared to the no‐tumor controls, whereas the vehicle group showed a number of metastatic foci and an increase in lung weight. These observations indicate that CDHP administration prevents metastasis. This study reveals a novel effect of CDHP for lung metastasis prevention. Our findings may facilitate the establishment of future metastasis prevention therapies.
Is there different risk of cancer among end‐stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?
Authors: Lee Yi‐Che , Hung Shih‐Yuan , Wang Hao‐Kuang , Lin Chi‐Wei , Wang Hsi‐Hao , Chang Min‐Yu , Sung Junne‐Ming , Chiou Yuan‐Yow , Lin Sheng‐Hsiang
Published: January 2018

Cancer is a global issue in recent decade. Despite this alarming increase in the incidence of cancer, to date, whether the risk of developing cancer differs among peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients is still uncertain. In this retrospective cohort study, data were obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, which provides coverage to almost 99% of the nation's population. After matching, a total of 4491 (or 3369) incident PD patients and 8982 (or 6738) incident HD patients between 2000 and 2009 were enrolled from the database. In addition, 22,455 (or 16,845) nondialysis patients were selected as a control group. The patients were monitored for the occurrence of cancer until 2010, and their data were analyzed using several different models. In general, the results showed that the risks of hepatocellular, kidney, bladder, extra kidney/bladder urinary tract, and thyroid cancers were higher in dialysis patients. We also compared the risk of cancer between two dialysis groups by using the HD patients as the reference group. The result showed that there is no significant different for each cancer risk between two dialysis groups. In conclusion, dialysis patients had a higher risk of certain types of cancer than those in the nonuremia group. However, there was no significant difference in the cancer risk between the two dialysis groups when compared directly.
CTAPIII/CXCL7: a novel biomarker for early diagnosis of lung cancer
Authors: Du Qiang , Li Encheng , Liu Yonge , Xie Wenli , Huang Chun , Song Jiaqi , Zhang Wei , Zheng Yijie , Wang Huiling , Wang Qi
Published: January 2018

It is desirable to have a biomarker which can facilitate low‐dose CT in diagnosis of early stage lung cancer. CTAPIII/CXCL7 is reported to be a potential biomarker for diagnosis of early lung cancer. In this study, we investigated the serum level of CTAPIII/CXCL7 in patients at different stage of lung cancer and the diagnostic efficacy of CTAPIII/CXCL7 in NSCLC. The plasma level of CTAPIII/CXCL7 was assayed by ELISA. CEA, SCCAg, and Cyfra211 were measured using a commercial chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. A total of 419 subjects were recruited, including 265 NSCLC patients and 154 healthy individuals. The subjects were randomly assigned to a training set and a test set. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy and establish diagnostic mathematical model. Plasma CTAPIII/CXCL7 levels were significantly higher in NSCLC patients than in controls, which was independent of the stage of NSCLC. The diagnostic efficiency of CTAPIII/CXCL7 in NSCLC (training set: area under ROC curve (AUC) 0.806, 95% CI: 0.748–0.863; test set: AUC 0.773, 95% CI: 0.711–0.835) was greater than that of SCCAg, Cyfra21‐1, or CEA. The model combining CTAPIII/CXCL7 with CEA, SCCAg, and Cyfra21‐1 was more effective for NSCLC diagnosis than CTAPIII/CXCL7 alone. In addition, plasma level of CTAPIII/CXCL7 may contribute to the early diagnosis of NSCLC. CTAPIII/CXCL7 can be used as a plasma biomarker for the diagnosis of NSCLCs, particularly early stage lung cancer, with relatively high sensitivity and specificity.
SALL4 ‐ KHDRBS3 network enhances stemness by modulating CD44 splicing in basal‐like breast cancer
Authors: Matsumoto Yoshiaki , Itou Junji , Sato Fumiaki , Toi Masakazu
Published: January 2018

Understanding the mechanism by which cancer cells enhance stemness facilitates cancer therapies. Here, we revealed that a stem cell transcription factor, SALL4, functions to enhance stemness in basal‐like breast cancer cells. We used shRNA‐mediated knockdown and gene overexpression systems to analyze gene functions. To evaluate stemness, we performed a sphere formation assay. In SALL4 knockdown cells, the sphere formation ability was reduced, indicating that SALL4 enhances stemness. CD44 is a membrane protein and is known as a stemness factor in cancer. CD44 splicing variants are involved in cancer stemness. We discovered that SALL4 modulates CD44 alternative splicing through the upregulation of KHDRBS3, a splicing factor for CD44. We cloned the KHDRBS3‐regulated CD44 splicing isoform (CD44v), which lacks exons 8 and 9. CD44v overexpression prevented a reduction in the sphere formation ability by KHDRBS3 knockdown, indicating that CD44v is positively involved in cancer stemness. In addition, CD44v enhanced anoikis resistance under the control of the SALL4 ‐ KHDRBS3 network. Basal‐like breast cancer is an aggressive subtype among breast cancers, and there is no effective therapy so far. Our findings provide molecular targets for basal‐like breast cancer therapy. In the future, this study may contribute to the establishment of drugs targeting cancer stemness.
Intersectional experiences of discrimination in a low‐resource urban community: An exploratory latent class analysis
Authors: Earnshaw Valerie A. , Rosenthal Lisa , Gilstad‐Hayden Kathryn , Carroll‐Scott Amy , Kershaw Trace S. , Santilli Alycia , Ickovics Jeannette R.
Published: January 2018

There have been increasing calls for the application of an intersectionality framework to understand and address discrimination and health inequities among diverse communities. Yet there have been theoretical debates regarding to whom intersectionality applies and how intersectional experiences of discrimination are associated with health outcomes. The current study aimed to contribute to these theoretical debates and inform practical applications to reduce health inequities. Data were drawn from a community health survey in New Haven, CT (N = 1,293 adults) and analysed using latent class analysis. Results yielded 4 classes. Members of the 4 classes were similar sociodemographically. Three classes of participants reported experiencing discrimination, and members of these classes had greater stress, higher rates of smoking and sleep disruption, and worse overall health than members of the class reporting no discrimination. Members of 2 classes made multiple, or intersectional, attributions for discrimination, and members of these classes reported the most frequent discrimination. Findings suggest that community members who are sociodemographically similar may have diverse discrimination experiences. Multilevel interventions that address multiple forms of discrimination (e.g., racism and sexism) may hold promise for reducing discrimination and, ultimately, health inequities within low‐resource urban community settings.
Bioresorbable vascular scaffold versus everolimus‐eluting stents or drug eluting balloon for the treatment of coronary in‐stent restenosis: 1‐Year follow‐up of a propensity score matching comparison (the BIORESOLVE‐ISR Study)
Authors: Moscarella Elisabetta , Tanaka Akihito , Ielasi Alfonso , Cortese Bernardo , Coscarelli Sebastian , De Angelis Maria Carmen , Piraino Davide , Latib Azeem , Grigis Giulietta , Bianchi Renatomaria , Buccheri Dario , Calabrò Paolo , Tespili Maurizio , Silva Orrego Pedro , Colombo Antonio , Varricchio Attilio
Published: January 2018

Objectives

to compare the 1‐year outcome between bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS), everolimus‐eluting stent (EES), and drug‐eluting balloon (DEB) for in‐stent restenosis (ISR) treatment.

Background

BVS has been proposed as alternative for ISR treatment. To date a direct comparison between BVS and DES or DEB for ISR treatment is lacking.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all ISR lesions treated with BVS, DEB, and EES from January 2012 to December 2014. A total of 548 lesions (498 patients) were included. By applying two propensity‐score matching, 93 lesions treated with BVS were compared with 93 lesions treated with DEB, and 100 lesions treated with BVS were compared to 100 lesions treated with EES.

Results

At 1‐year follow‐up the incidence of device‐oriented cardiovascular events (DOCE) and its components did not significantly differ between BVS and DEB (DOCE: 10.9 vs. 11.8%, HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.33–2.52; P = 0.86; Cardiac death: 2.2 vs. 1.2%, HR, 1.74, 95% CI 0.16–18.80, P = 0.65; ID‐TLR: 8.9 vs. 10.7%, HR, 0.81, 95% CI 0.27–2.48, P = 0.71; TV‐MI: 3.3 vs. 1.2%, HR, 2.39, 95% CI 0.27–21.32, P = 0.43) and BVS vs. EES (DOCE: 10.1 vs. 5.2% HR, 1.81, 95% CI, 0.63–5.25; P = 0.27; Cardiac death: 3.0 vs. 1.1%; HR, 2.83, 95% CI 0.29–27.4, P = 0.37; ID‐TLR: 7.2 vs. 4.2%, HR, 1.57, 95% CI 0.47–5.23, P = 0.46; TV‐MI: 3.1 vs. 0%).

Conclusion

At 1‐year follow‐up the use of BVS as ISR treatment is associated with a higher, even if not significant, DOCE rate compared with EES while a similar rate compared to DEB.
Diffusion‐weighted imaging characteristics of methotrexate‐induced acute encephalopathy
Authors: Yoshimi Mayumi , Abe Shoko
Published: January 2018

Key Clinical Message

Methotrexate (MTX)‐induced encephalopathy is a grave complication in patients with malignancies. The early diagnosis of acute encephalopathy was difficult by conventional computed tomography (CT), and T1‐ or T2‐weighted magnet resonance (MR) imaging. We report that the diffusion‐weighted (DW) imaging is useful for early detection of acute leukoencephalopathy.
Multicentric castleman's disease resembling metastatic lung carcinoma. A case report
Authors: Testori Alberto , Voulaz Emanuele , Alloisio Marco , Errico Valentina , Cariboni Umberto , De Simone Matilde , Cioffi Ugo
Published: January 2018

Key Clinical Message

A 67‐year‐old patient presented for persistent cough. Computed tomography showed right lower lung opacity associated with mediastinal adenopathy. On suspicion of metastatic pulmonary neoplasm, the patient was submitted to right lower lobectomy with lymphadenectomy. Postoperative histopathology led to the diagnosis of multicentric Castleman's disease.
Influence of Metal Deposition and Activation Method on the Structure and Performance of Carbon Nanotube Supported Palladium Catalysts
Authors: Lamme Wouter S. , Zečević Jovana , de Jong Krijn P.
Published: January 2018

The effects of the metal deposition and activation methods on metal particle size and distribution were investigated for carbon nanotube supported Pd catalysts. The Pd precursor was loaded by incipient wetness impregnation, ion adsorption, and deposition precipitation and was activated by thermal treatment under a nitrogen atmosphere or in the liquid phase by reduction by formaldehyde or sodium borohydride. Regardless of the metal precursor loading method, activation under a N2 atmosphere at 500 °C led to homogeneously distributed 4 nm Pd particles. Liquid‐phase reduction by sodium borohydride provided a bimodal distribution with particle sizes of approximately 1 and >10 nm. A somewhat weaker reducing agent, formaldehyde, yielded particles approximately 1 nm in size. The activities of the catalysts for the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde correlated with the particle sizes.
MoS2‐Nanosheet‐Decorated Carbon Nanofiber Composites Enable High‐Performance Cathode Materials for Mg Batteries
Authors: Tan Yi‐Hong , Zhou Fei , Huang Zhi‐Hong , Yao Wei‐Tang , Zhang Tian‐Wen , Yao Hong‐Bin , Lu Lei‐Lei , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: January 2018

In rechargeable Mg batteries, kinetically reasonable and electrolyte‐compatible cathode materials are required to achieve high electrochemical performance. Here, we report a high‐performance rechargeable Mg battery cathode material that is constructed from layered structural MoS2 nanosheets decorated on conductive nitrogen‐doped carbon nanofibers (N‐CNFs@MoS2). We demonstrate that N‐CNFs@MoS2 exhibits good electrochemical compatibility in two types of dual‐salt electrolytes including an all‐phenyl complex with lithium chloride (LiCl‐APC) and bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium salt with magnesium chloride (MgCl2‐LiTFSI). The fabricated N‐CNFs@MoS2‐Mg batteries based on both dual‐salt electrolyte systems exhibit good cyclic stability and high rate performance.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Peptoid Macrocycles
Authors: Webster Alexandra M. , Cobb Steven L.
Published: January 2018

Over the past two decades, developing medical applications for peptides has, and continues to be a highly active area of research. At present there are over 60 peptide‐based drugs on the market and more than 140 in various stages of clinical trials. The interest in peptide‐based therapeutics arises from their biocompatibility and their ability to form defined secondary and tertiary structures, resulting in a high selectivity for complex targets. However, there are significant challenges associated with the development of peptide‐based therapeutics, namely peptides are readily metabolised in vivo. Peptoids are an emerging class of peptidomimetic and they offer an alternative to peptides. Peptoids are comprised of N‐substituted glycines where side‐chains are located on the nitrogen atom of the amide backbone rather than the α‐carbon as is the case in peptides. This change in structure confers a high degree of resistance to proteolytic degradation but the absence of any backbone hydrogen bonding means that peptoids exhibit a high degree of conformational flexibility. Cyclisation has been explored as one possible route to rigidify peptoid structures, making them more selective, and, therefore more desirable as potential therapeutics. This review outlines the various strategies that have been developed over the last decade to access new types of macrocyclic peptoids.
Dynamic Polymorph Formation during Evaporative Crystallization from Solution: The Key Role of Liquid‐Like Clusters as “Crucible” at Ambient Temperature
Authors: Oka Narumi , Ito Fuyuki , Haketa Yohei , Maeda Hiromitsu , Miyano Tetsuya , Tohnai Norimitsu , Ito Syoji , Miyasaka Hiroshi , Ozeki Sumio
Published: January 2018

Understanding the polymorph phenomenon for organic crystals is essential for the development of organic solid materials. Here, the fluorescence study of the evaporative crystallization of 1,3‐dipyrrol‐2‐yl‐1,3‐propanedione boron difluoride complex (1), which has three polymorphs showing different emission profiles, is reported. The droplet of 1 in 1,2‐dichloroethane showed blue emission just after dropping. Solids with bluish‐green emission were observed. As time elapsed, a solid with red or orange emission was observed around the droplet. Time evolution of the fluorescence spectra, observed for the first time, implied that the molten state of 1 was observed by emission of an intermediate, even at ambient temperature. These findings suggested that the liquid‐like cluster incidentally forms an ordered array as the crystallites nucleate. The liquid‐like cluster can be considered as the “crucible” in the nucleation of polymorphs.
9‐Membered Carbocycles: Strategies and Tactics for their Synthesis
Authors: Huber Tatjana , Wildermuth Raphael E. , Magauer Thomas
Published: January 2018

Many natural products comprising a nine‐membered carbocyclic core structure exhibit interesting biological effects. However, only a minority have succumbed to their synthesis in the past. The synthesis of functionalized nine‐membered carbocycles still remains a challenging goal for synthetic chemists, mainly due to their high ring strain. Different strategies to overcome the unfavorable enthalpic and entropic factors associated with their formation are highlighted in this Concept article. The presented methods are classified into two different categories: (1) the ring‐expansion of smaller rings or the ring‐contraction of larger rings and (2) the direct cyclization of acyclic precursors.
One‐Carbon Oxidative Annulations of 1,3‐Enynes by Catalytic C−H Functionalization and 1,4‐Rhodium(III) Migration
Authors: Dooley Johnathon D. , Lam Hon Wai
Published: January 2018

Rhodium(III)‐catalyzed C−H functionalization‐oxidative annulations of aromatic substrates with 1,3‐enynes that contain allylic hydrogen atoms cis to the alkyne are described. The key step in these reactions is an alkenyl‐to‐allyl 1,4‐rhodium(III) migration to give electrophilic π‐allylrhodium(III) species. Nucleophilic trapping of these species gives heterocycles such as benzopyrans, isobenzofuranones, and isoindolinones.
Disulfide‐Linked Dendritic Oligomeric Phthalocyanines as Glutathione‐Responsive Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Chow Sun Y. S. , Wong Roy C. H. , Zhao Shirui , Lo Pui‐Chi , Ng Dennis K. P.
Published: January 2018

A series of disulfide‐linked dendritic phthalocyanines were synthesized by using the CuI‐catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition reaction as the key step. Whereas these compounds were essentially nonaggregated in N,N‐dimethylformamide, they were stacked in citrate solution (pH 7.4, with 1 % Cremophor EL), as shown by the broad appearance of their Q‐band absorption. Having two‐to‐six zinc(II) phthalocyanine units in a molecule, these compounds were significantly self‐quenched, particularly in citrate solution. Both the fluorescence intensity and singlet‐oxygen generation efficiency were significantly lower than those of the monomeric counterparts, and the self‐quenching efficiency increased as the number of phthalocyanine units increased. Upon interaction with 5 mm glutathione (GSH) in citrate solution, the fluorescence intensity of these compounds increased as a result of cleavage of the disulfide linkages and separation of the phthalocyanine units, which thereby reduced the self‐quenching effect. The “on/off” ratios were found to be 7, 18, 23, and 21 for the dimeric (PC2), trimeric (PC3), tetrameric (PC4), and hexameric (PC6) systems, respectively. GSH also enhanced the fluorescence emission inside human colon adenocarcinoma HT29 cells and promoted the formation of singlet oxygen of these compounds. Upon irradiation, their half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were found to be in the range of 0.18 to 0.38 μm. Finally, the biodistribution and activation of PC2 and PC6 were also examined in HT29 tumor‐bearing nude mice. For both compounds, the fluorescence intensity per unit area at the tumor was found to grow gradually during the first 24 h. Whereas the intensity then dropped for PC2, the intensity for PC6 remained steady over the following 6 d, which might have been a result of the enhanced permeability and retention effect arising from the larger molecular mass of the hexameric system.
Oxygen Evolution Activity of Co–Ni Nanochain Alloys: Promotion by Electron Injection
Authors: Yuan Xiaotao , Riaz Muhammad Sohail , Wang Xin , Dong Chenlong , Zhang Zhe , Huang Fuqiang
Published: January 2018

Metal alloy nanoparticles have shown promising applications in electrocatalysis. However, the nanoparticles usually suffer from limited charge‐transfer efficiency, which can be solved by preparing one‐dimensional materials. Herein, Co–Ni alloy nanochains are prepared by a direct‐current arc‐discharge method. The nanochains, comprised of mutually coupled uniform nanospheres, can range up to several micrometers in size. When the alloy is exposed to air or under the electro‐oxidation process, a metal–metal‐oxide heterostructure is obtained. The alloy can inject electrons into the oxide, which makes it more suitable for electrocatalysis. The composition of the samples can be changed by varying the ratio of Ni/Co (i.e., Co, Co7Ni3, Co5Ni5, Co3Ni7, Ni) in the synthesis process. The nanochains show good oxygen evolution performance that correlates with the Ni/Co ratio. Co7Ni3 demonstrates optimal activity with an onset point of 1.50 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and overpotential of 350 mV at 10 mA cm−2. The alloy nanochains also show excellent durability with 95.0 % current retention after a long‐term test for 12 h.
Complexes of Stiboranium Mono‐, Di‐, and Trications
Authors: Frazee Christopher , Burford Neil , McDonald Robert , Ferguson Michael J. , Decken Andreas , Patrick Brian O.
Published: January 2018

Reaction of Ph2SbCl3 with 2,2′‐bipyridine and Me3SiOSO2CF3 releases chlorobenzene, which is interpreted as a reductive (SbV/SbIII) elimination from a complex of a stiboranium cation. Conversely, reactions of Ph2SbCl3 with 4‐methylpyridine‐N‐oxide and AgOSO2CF3 give redox‐resistant complexes with the generic formulae [Ph2SbCl3−xLx+1][OTf]x, including a compound containing a pnictogen(V) trication.
Selective P−C(sp3) Bond Cleavage and Radical Alkynylation of α‐Phosphorus Alcohols by Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Jia Kunfang , Li Junzhao , Chen Yiyun
Published: January 2018

Herein the first P−C(sp3) bond cleavage and radical alkynylation of α‐phosphorus alcohols to construct phosphonoalkynes is reported. The phosphorus radical is generated upon P−C bond cleavage reaction via the alkoxyl radical through photoredox catalysis with cyclic iodine(III) reagents. Various arylphosphinoyl‐, alkylphosphinoyl‐, phosphonate‐, and phosphonic amide alcohols serve as radical phosphorus precursors to construct phosphonoalkynes for the first time.
Marketing Activities, Strategic Competition, and Firm Value
Authors: Ryoo Juyoun , Lee Cheolwoo , Jeon Jin Q. , Choi Hwanseok Winston
Published: January 2018

This study extends the prior literature on the effect of marketing activities on firm value by investigating whether the nature of strategic competition affects financial outcomes differentially. Using the competitive strategy measure (CSM), we show that marketing spending is beneficial (detrimental) to firm value when the firm is in strategic substitutes (complements) and the efficacy is a decreasing function of the degree of industry competition. The relative competitive position of a firm in the industry—whether it is a leader or a follower—matters in the quality and size of the effect of marketing spending. By bifurcating the nature of strategic competition into strategic substitutes and complements, we disentangle the dichotomous effects of marketing activities on firm value. Copyright © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Target‐Setting, Pay for Performance, and Quality Improvement: A Case Study of Ontario Hospitals’ Quality‐Improvement Plans
Authors: Chan Yee‐Ching Lilian , Hsu Sylvia Hsingwen
Published: January 2018

This study examines whether difficult targets and quality indicators in executives' pay‐for‐performance (P4P) plans affect performance. The impact of target‐setting and P4P plans on quality improvement in the public sector is unclear. The Ontario government initiated the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), which requires hospitals to set targets for quality indicators annually and link executive pay to target achievement since 2011. Analyzing Health Quality Ontario's database and hospitals' 2012–2013 QIPs, this study shows greater quality improvement in hospitals with difficult targets than hospitals with easy targets or without assigned targets; however, the positive impact disappears for high‐performance hospitals relative to their peers. We find no significant effect of the use of quality indicators in executives' P4P plans on quality improvement. Copyright © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The evolving view of coronary artery calcium and cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Thomas Isac C. , Forbang Nketi I. , Criqui Michael H.
Published: January 2018

Calcification of the coronary artery is a complex pathophysiologic process that is intimately associated with atherosclerosis. Extensive investigation has demonstrated the value of identifying and quantifying coronary artery calcium (CAC) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) prognostication. However, over the last several years, an increasing body of evidence has suggested that CAC has underappreciated aspects that modulate, and at times attenuate, future CVD risk. The most commonly used measure of CAC, the Agatston unit, effectively models both higher density and higher area of CAC as risk factors for future CVD events. Recent findings from the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) have challenged this assumption, demonstrating that higher density of CAC is protective for coronary heart disease and CVD events. Statins may be associated with an increase in CAC, an unexpected finding given their clear benefits in the prevention and treatment of CVD. Studies utilizing intracoronary ultrasound and coronary computed tomography angiography have demonstrated that calcified atherosclerotic plaque—as compared with noncalcified or sparsely calcified plaque—is associated with fewer CVD events. These studies lend support to the often‐asserted (but as yet unvalidated) view that calcification may play a role in plaque stabilization. Furthermore, vascular calcification, though a surrogate for atherosclerotic plaque burden, may also possess identifiable aspects that can refine CVD risk assessment.
Reassessment of cardiovascular parameters and comorbidities in implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator patients at the time of first replacement
Authors: Wuest Sandra , Twerenbold Raphael , Kühne Michael , Reichlin Tobias , Sticherling Christian , Osswald Stefan , Schaer Beat
Published: January 2018

Background

Guidelines provide extensive recommendations regarding implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) implantation. However, ICD replacement at the time of battery depletion is rarely studied.

Hypothesis

Our objectives were to identify patients at high‐risk of death after ICD replacement, with a reassessment of changes in risk factors and comorbidities at the time of replacement, and to determine predictors for subsequent mortality.

Methods

Patients undergoing ICD replacement for regular battery depletion were selected from a prospective single‐center ICD registry. Both at implant and replacement, 3 demographic parameters, 9 cardiovascular parameters, 5 comorbidities, and 4 laboratory parameters were collected. Cox proportional hazard analyses were used.

Results

We included 308 patients who were predominantly male (86%) with a median age at ICD replacement of 66 years. Replacement was performed 65 months (interquartile range, 52–91) after implantation. Median follow‐up after replacement was 41 months, during which 82 patients (27%) died. Multivariable analysis revealed 4 independent predictors of mortality after ICD replacement: age/year (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03‐1.08, P = 0.01), worsening heart failure by 1 class (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.15‐2.03, P = 0.003), presence of left bundle branch block (HR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.22‐3.23, P = 0.006), and ICD therapy prior to replacement (HR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.37‐3.58, P = 0.001). Incorporated into a dichotomous score, they strongly correlated with mortality at 5 years after replacement (5% with 0 parameters, 15% with 1 parameter, and 30%–55% with >2 parameters).

Conclusions

Focused reassessment of selected patient characteristics at the time of ICD replacement correlates with subsequent mortality and can impact decision making at this point in time.
Predictors of arrhythmia recurrence in patients with heart failure undergoing left atrial ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Bazoukis George , Letsas Konstantinos P. , Tse Gary , Naka Katerina K. , Korantzopoulos Panagiotis , Ntzani Evangelia , Vlachos Konstantinos , Saplaouras Athanasios , Pagkalidou Eirini , Michalis Lampros K. , Sideris Antonios , Efremidis Michael
Published: January 2018

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is increasingly used in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long‐term results of a single radiofrequency catheter ablation procedure in heart failure (HF) patients with AF.

Hypothesis

We tested the hypothesis that left atrial ablation is an effective therapeutic modality in patients with heart failure.

Methods

Our study included HF patients with LVEF <50% who underwent catheter ablation for AF at our department between January 2010 and March 2017. All patients underwent our institution's protocol for follow‐up post‐ablation.

Results

The study enrolled a total of 38 patients (mean age, 54.1 ± 12.2 years; 28 [73.7%] males; mean LVEF, 38.2% ± 6.3%). After a mean follow‐up period of 38.2 months (range, 5–92 months), 28 patients (73.7%) were free from arrhythmia recurrence. In multivariate analysis, early arrhythmia recurrence (P = 0.03) and amiodarone antiarrhythmic drug administration (P = 0.003) remained independent predictors of arrhythmia recurrence.

Conclusions

The main findings of this study are that (1) a single radiofrequency catheter ablation procedure is an effective and safe modality for AF in patients with concomitant HF; (2) after a mean 3.3 years of follow‐up, 73.7% of HF patients remained in sinus rhythm; and (3) early arrhythmia recurrence was a significant predictor of arrhythmia recurrence after the blanking period.
Early versus delayed invasive strategy for intermediate‐ and high‐risk acute coronary syndromes managed without P2Y12 receptor inhibitor pretreatment: Design and rationale of the EARLY randomized trial
Authors: Lemesle Gilles , Laine Marc , Pankert Mathieu , Puymirat Etienne , Cuisset Thomas , Boueri Ziad , Maillard Luc , Armero Sébastien , Cayla Guillaume , Bali Laurent , Motreff Pascal , Peyre Jean‐Pascal , Paganelli Franck , Kerbaul François , Roch Antoine , Michelet Pierre , Baumstarck Karine , Bonello Laurent
Published: January 2018

According to recent literature, pretreatment with a P2Y12 ADP receptor antagonist before coronary angiography appears no longer suitable in non–ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE‐ACS) due to an unfavorable risk–benefit ratio. Optimal delay of the invasive strategy in this specific context is unknown. We hypothesize that without P2Y12 ADP receptor antagonist pretreatment, a very early invasive strategy may be beneficial. The EARLY trial (Early or Delayed Revascularization for Intermediate‐ and High‐Risk Non–ST‐Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes?) is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, open‐label, 2‐parallel‐group study that plans to enroll 740 patients. Patients are eligible if the diagnosis of intermediate‐ or high‐risk NSTE‐ACS is made and an invasive strategy intended. Patients are randomized in a 1:1 ratio. In the control group, a delayed strategy is adopted, with the coronary angiography taking place between 12 and 72 hours after randomization. In the experimental group, a very early invasive strategy is performed within 2 hours. A loading dose of a P2Y12 ADP receptor antagonist is given at the time of intervention in both groups. Recruitment began in September 2016 (n = 558 patients as of October 2017). The primary endpoint is the composite of cardiovascular death and recurrent ischemic events at 1 month. The EARLY trial aims to demonstrate the superiority of a very early invasive strategy compared with a delayed strategy in intermediate‐ and high‐risk NSTE‐ACS patients managed without P2Y12 ADP receptor antagonist pretreatment.
On the properties of residual dipolar coupling alignment tensors: Simulations illuminate how residual dipolar couplings depend on the relative orientations of the magnetic field, the director of the alignment phase and the bond vectors
Authors: Lepper Chris P. , Williams Martin A.K. , Edwards Patrick J.B.
Published: January 2018

The measurement of residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) exhibited by samples prepared in suitable alignment media can help in the elucidation of macromolecular structures. For any dipolar interactions that are not averaged to zero by molecular reorientations RDCs provide information about the possible orientations of the averaged interactions to the magnetic field. As such they contain information about the permitted relative positions of different motionally averaged bond vectors. This situation is often induced using nematic liquid crystalline phases with which the macromolecule under study interacts. While a single set of RDC measurements does not produce unique solutions for the orientation of each bond, multiple independent RDC datasets can be combined to restrict each bond to two diametrically opposed orientations. Attempts to obtain such datasets have primarily focused on performing experiments with multiple alignment media that interact with the macromolecule of interest in a different way. Other work has attempted to control the orientation of the media itself relative to that of the magnetic field. The latter has been explored using pre‐formed gels and might also be potentially realized using the application of different external fields during signal acquisition. This article seeks to clarify which approaches might generate independent RDC datasets and their utility in further restricting possible bond orientations using pictorial representations of simulated data.
Depressive symptoms predict head and neck cancer survival: Examining plausible behavioral and biological pathways
Authors: Zimmaro Lauren A. , Sephton Sandra E. , Siwik Chelsea J. , Phillips Kala M. , Rebholz Whitney N. , Kraemer Helena C. , Giese‐Davis Janine , Wilson Liz , Bumpous Jeffrey M. , Cash Elizabeth D.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Head and neck cancers are associated with high rates of depression, which may increase the risk for poorer immediate and long‐term outcomes. Here it was hypothesized that greater depressive symptoms would predict earlier mortality, and behavioral (treatment interruption) and biological (treatment response) mediators were examined.

METHODS

Patients (n = 134) reported depressive symptomatology at treatment planning. Clinical data were reviewed at the 2‐year follow‐up.

RESULTS

Greater depressive symptoms were associated with significantly shorter survival (hazard ratio, 0.868; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.819‐0.921; P < .001), higher rates of chemoradiation interruption (odds ratio, 0.865; 95% CI, 0.774‐0.966; P = .010), and poorer treatment response (odds ratio, 0.879; 95% CI, 0.803‐0.963; P = .005). The poorer treatment response partially explained the depression‐survival relation. Other known prognostic indicators did not challenge these results.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms at the time of treatment planning predict overall 2‐year mortality. Effects are partly influenced by the treatment response. Depression screening and intervention may be beneficial. Future studies should examine parallel biological pathways linking depression to cancer survival, including endocrine disruption and inflammation. Cancer 2018;124:1053‐60. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Landau Damping to Partially Locked States in the Kuramoto Model
Authors: Dietert Helge , Fernandez Bastien , Gérard‐Varet David
Published: January 2018

In the Kuramoto model of globally coupled oscillators, partially locked states (PLS) are stationary solutions that capture the emergence of partial synchrony when the interaction strength increases. While PLS have long been considered, existing results on their stability are limited to neutral stability of the linearized dynamics in strong topology or to specific invariant subspaces (obtained via the so‐called Ott‐Antonsen (OA) ansatz) with specific frequency distributions for the oscillators. In the mean‐field limit, the Kuramoto model shows various ingredients of the Landau damping mechanism in the Vlasov equation. This analogy has been a source of inspiration for stability proofs of regular Kuramoto equilibria. In addition, the major mathematical issue with PLS asymptotic stability is that these states consist of heterogeneous and singular measures. Here we establish an explicit criterion for their spectral stability and prove their local asymptotic stability in weak topology for a large class of analytic frequency marginals. The proof strongly relies on a suitable functional space that contains (Fourier transforms of) singular measures, and for which the linearized dynamics is well under control. For illustration, the stability criterion is evaluated in some standard examples. We confirm in particular that no loss of generality results in assuming the OA ansatz. To the best of our knowledge, our result provides the first proof of Landau damping to heterogeneous and irregular equilibria in the absence of dissipation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Supervised neural networks with memristor binary synapses
Authors: Secco Jacopo , Poggio Mauro , Corinto Fernando
Published: January 2018

Memristors are emerging devices that promise the efficient implementation of synapses in artificial neural networks. Memristors have permitted the processing and analysis of a large amount of data in evolutionary learning artificial systems through signals that can be assimilated to human brain‐like neurotransmitters and synapses. In this manuscript, we present a memristor‐based neural network implementing the Stochastic Belief‐Propagation‐Inspired algorithm, an efficient supervised learning algorithm (which infers a classification rule from a set of labelled examples) suited for devices with very‐low‐precision synaptic weights. Synapses are represented by memristor devices described by the Generalized Boundary Condition Memristor model. We will thus demonstrate how to implement the key features of a machine learning algorithm in real‐world circuitry. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stay true to institution's mission while addressing First Amendment issues
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2018

Many campuses have experienced debate and protests over speakers and their topics, and some protests have turned violent. Campus leaders try to simultaneously keep members of the community safe, support First Amendment rights, and uphold institutional values.
Consider mission in decisions about pricing, aid strategy
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2018

A few years ago, officials at Blackburn College in Illinois hired an enrollment consultant to help them recruit students. But the strategy failed, and the freshman class shrank.
Oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms (rs53576) and early paternal care sensitize males to distressing female vocalizations
Authors: Truzzi Anna , Poquérusse Jessie , Setoh Peipei , Shinohara Kazuyuki , Bornstein Marc H. , Esposito Gianluca
Published: January 2018

The oxytocinergic system is highly involved in social bonding and early caregiver–infant interactions. Here, we hypothesize that oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene genotype and parental bonding history interact in influencing social development. To address this question, we assessed adult males’ arousal (heart rate changes) in response to different distress vocalizations (human female, human infant and bonobo). Region rs53576 of the OXTR gene was genotyped from buccal mucosa cell samples, and a self‐report Parental Bonding Instrument was used (which provide information about parental care or parental overprotection). A significant gene–environment interaction between OXTR genotype and parenting style was found to influence participants’ social responsivity to female cry vocalizations. Specifically, a history of appropriate paternal care in participants accentuated the heightened social sensitivity determined by G/G homozygosity, while higher versus lower paternal overprotection lead to distinct levels of physiological arousal particularly in A carriers individuals. These results add to our understanding of the dynamic interplay between genetic susceptibility and early environmental experience in shaping the development of appropriate social sensitivity in males.
Fast publication, a must for a journal
Authors: Pozzilli Paolo
Published: January 2018

As Diabetes/Metabolism: Research & Reviews (DMRR) begins its transition to a new editorial team, incoming Editor‐in‐Chief, Dr Paolo Pozzilli, reflects on the lessons learned from the past editorship and envisions the future of the journal. In today's fast‐paced world, a medical journal should be fast in communicating decisions. Authors are eager to publish their work as fast as possible, and a journal must guarantee this, whilst at the same time ensuring a rigorous peer‐review process. With this in mind, we hope to help the diabetes scientific community.
Synthesis and Formation Mechanism of a Carbonate Precursor for the Fabrication of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Material with a Hierarchical Micro/Nano Architecture
Authors: Qin Xing , Guo Jianling , Zhou Mushang , Zong Bo , Wang Li , Liang Guangchuan
Published: January 2018

A spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode material with a porous hierarchical micro/nano architecture was successfully prepared by a urea‐assisted hydrothermal method followed by a high‐temperature calcination process. The effects of the hydrothermal duration on the structure, morphology, and electrochemical performance of the carbonate precursor and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode material were investigated. The results show that the degree of cation disorder (Mn3+ content) first decreases and then increases as the hydrothermal duration increases, and the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 sample synthesized with the carbonate precursor hydrothermally treated for 10 h has the lowest Mn3+ content. However, this sample exhibits the best electrochemical performance, which can be attributed mainly to its smaller particle size and more homogeneous distribution. The formation mechanism and phase composition of the carbonate precursor were tentatively explored through time‐dependent observations. The carbonate precursor consists of three parts: the inner‐core MnCO3, the interlayer MnCO3 and NiCO3, and the outer‐shell NiCO3. The formation pathway of the carbonate precursor can be generalized as a nucleation–growth–self‐assembly–Ostwald ripening mechanism for MnCO3 and a dissolution–reaction–crystallization mechanism for NiCO3.
An Air‐Stable Molybdenum‐Based Precatalyst in Oxygen‐Atom Transfer Reactions
Authors: Oheix Emmanuel , Orio Maylis , Giorgi Michel , Réglier Marius , Iranzo Olga , Hardré Renaud Y.
Published: January 2018

We report on the preparation and characterization of two new air‐stable mononuclear molybdenum(VI) complexes, termed MoVIO2(OPNO)2 (1) and MoVIO2(SPNO)2 (2). The potential of these complexes to act as functional mimics of molybdoenzymes from the DMSO reductase family was investigated. Initial catalytic studies suggest that 2 (but not 1) catalyzes the reduction of a sulfoxide into the thioether derivative. Studying the catalytic intermediates by UV/Vis spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and DFT indicates that the active species (SPNO)2OMoV–O–MoVO(SPNO)2 (4), a dinuclear molybdenum(V) dimer with one µ‐oxo bridge, is formed upon successive reduction of the (SPNO)– ligands and the molybdenum(VI) ion.
A Single‐Anion‐Based Red‐Emitting Cationic Diiridium(III) Complex Bearing a Pyrimidine‐Based Bridging Ligand for Oxygen Sensing
Authors: Shi Chao , Li Qiuxia , Zou Liang , Lv Zhuang , Yuan Aihua , Zhao Qiang
Published: January 2018

Compared with double‐anion‐based cationic diiridium complexes, the study of single‐anion‐based cationic diiridium complexes as emitters is largely unexplored. In this work, two methods were used to prepare single‐anion‐based cationic diiridium complex Ir‐Ir‐1 bearing 2‐pyrimidine‐benzimidazole as bridging ligand, both sides of which are symmetrical structures comprising 2‐phenylpyridine as cyclometalated ligand. It shows efficient red phosphorescence emission with redshift of the emission wavelength by 85 nm relative to the corresponding monoiridium complex Ir‐1. Moreover, it exhibits long emission lifetime and high oxygen sensitivity, which were attributed to the intraligand charge‐transfer excited state. Hence, Ir‐Ir‐1 was used as a oxygen probe to monitor intracellular O2 content by time‐resolved luminescence imaging.
Regioselective Nucleophilic Additions to Diiron Carbonyl Complexes Containing a Bridging Aminocarbyne Ligand: A Synthetic, Crystallographic and DFT Study
Authors: Agonigi Gabriele , Bortoluzzi Marco , Marchetti Fabio , Pampaloni Guido , Zacchini Stefano , Zanotti Valerio
Published: January 2018

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Fabio Marchetti from the University of Pisa, Italy. The cover image shows the X‐ray structure of a cationic diiron carbonyl cyclopentadienide complex with a bridging aminocarbyne ligand and the sites suitable for regioselective addition of nucleophiles.