bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase and integrin signalling are involved in activation of Bruton tyrosine kinase in thrombin‐stimulated platelets
Authors: Laffargue Muriel , Ragab-Thomas Jeannie M.F. , Ragab Ashraf , Tuech Joel , Missy Karine , Monnereau Laurent , Blank Ulrich , Plantavid Monique , Payrastre Bernard , Raynal Patrick , Chap Hugues
Published: July 2002

Bruton tyrosine kinase (Btk) plays a crucial role in the differentiation of B lymphocytes and belongs to the group of Tec kinases, which are characterised by the presence of a pleckstrin homology domain. Here we show that Btk is activated and undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation upon challenge of platelet thrombin receptor, these responses requiring engagement of αIIb/β3 integrin and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase activity. These data unravel a novel signalling pathway involving Btk downstream of an adhesive receptor via a complex regulation implicating the products of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase, which might act to anchor Btk at the membrane.
β‐Amyloid fragment 25–35 selectively decreases complex IV activity in isolated mitochondria
Authors: Canevari Laura , Clark John B , Bates Timothy E
Published: July 2002

Defects in mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, in particular decreased activity of cytochrome c oxidase, have been demonstrated in Alzheimer's disease, and after the expression of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) in cultured cells, suggesting that mitochondria might be involved in β‐amyloid toxicity. Recent evidence suggests that the proteolysis of APP to generate β‐amyloid is at least in part intracellular, preceding the deposition of extracellular fibrils. We have therefore investigated the effect of incubation of isolated rat brain mitochondria with the β‐amyloid fragment 25–35 (100 μM) on the activities of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, II–III, IV (cytochrome c oxidase) and citrate synthase. The peptide caused a rapid, dose‐dependent decrease in the activity of complex IV, while it had no effect on the activities on any of the other enzymes tested. The reverse sequence peptide (35–25) had no effect on any of the activities measured. We conclude that inhibition of mitochondrial complex IV might be a contributing factor to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
The conceptual framework of the PMM Network
Authors: McCarthy J
Published: July 2002

Understanding the determinants of maternal mortality is a complex task, in part because maternal deaths are influenced by many different categories of events or conditions. Biology, economics, culture, demography and the distribution and effectiveness of health services all contribute. Conceptual frameworks have made important contributions to our understanding of the determinants of other, equally complex events, such as fertility and child survival. Also referred to as ‘proximate determinants frameworks’, such models are useful because they identify the specific mechanisms through which social, economic and cultural factors lead to the event of interest. Our model identifies the precise sequence of events that lead to maternal death (pregnancy, complication and death) and specifies categories of intermediate factors and distant factors that directly affect one or more of these events. When the world literature on maternal mortality was analyzed in light of the causal pathways laid out in the conceptual framework, it became clear that some pathways are more amenable to intervention and change than others. Implications for strategies, programs and monitoring and evaluation are discussed. © 1997 International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
A 3D Self‐Assembled In Vitro Model to Simulate Direct and Indirect Interactions between Adipocytes and Skeletal Muscle Cells
Authors: Shahin‐Shamsabadi Alireza , Selvaganapathy Ponnambalam Ravi
Published: May 2020

The molecular mechanisms of the development and progression of diabetes and obesity involve complex interactions between adipocytes and skeletal muscle cells. Although 2D in‐vitro models are the gold standard for the mechanistic study of such behaviors, they do not recreate the complexity and dynamics of the interactions between the cell types involved. Alternatively, animal models are used but are expensive, difficult to visualize or analyze, are not completely representative of human physiology or genetic background, and have associated ethical considerations. 3D co‐culture systems can be complementary to these approaches. Here, using a newly developed 3D biofabrication method, adipocytes and myoblasts are positioned precisely either in direct physical contact or in close proximity such that the paracrine effects could be systematically studied. Suitable protocols for growth and differentiation of both cells in the co‐culture system is also developed. Cells show more restrained lipid and protein production in 3D systems compared to 2D ones and adipocytes show more lipolysis in indirect contact with myoblasts as response to drug treatment. These findings emphasize importance of physical contact between cells that have been overlooked in co‐culture systems using transwell inserts and can be used in studies for the development of anti‐obesity drugs.
Porous Silicon Nanoparticles Embedded in Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) Nanofiber Scaffolds Deliver Neurotrophic Payloads to Enhance Neuronal Growth
Authors: Zuidema Jonathan M. , Dumont Courtney M. , Wang Joanna , Batchelor Wyndham M. , Lu Yi‐Sheng , Kang Jinyoung , Bertucci Alessandro , Ziebarth Noel M. , Shea Lonnie D. , Sailor Michael J.
Published: May 2020

Scaffolds made from biocompatible polymers provide physical cues to direct the extension of neurites and to encourage repair of damaged nerves. The inclusion of neurotrophic payloads in these scaffolds can substantially enhance regrowth and repair processes. However, many promising neurotrophic candidates are excluded from this approach due to incompatibilities with the polymer or with the polymer processing conditions. This work provides one solution to this problem by incorporating porous silicon nanoparticles (pSiNPs) that are preloaded with the therapeutic into a polymer scaffold during fabrication. The nanoparticle‐drug‐polymer hybrids are prepared in the form of oriented poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanofiber scaffolds. Three different therapeutic payloads are tested: bpV(HOpic), a small molecule inhibitor of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN); an RNA aptamer specific to tropomyosin‐related kinase receptor type B (TrkB); and the protein nerve growth factor (NGF). Each therapeutic is loaded using a loading chemistry that is optimized to slow the rate of release of these water‐soluble payloads. The drug‐loaded pSiNP‐nanofiber hybrids release approximately half of their TrkB aptamer, bpV(HOpic), or NGF payload in 2, 10, and >40 days, respectively. The nanofiber hybrids increase neurite extension relative to drug‐free control nanofibers in a dorsal root ganglion explant assay.
A Wearable Supercapacitor Based on Conductive PEDOT:PSS‐Coated Cloth and a Sweat Electrolyte
Authors: Manjakkal Libu , Pullanchiyodan Abhilash , Yogeswaran Nivasan , Hosseini Ensieh S. , Dahiya Ravinder
Published: May 2020

A sweat‐based flexible supercapacitor (SC) for self‐powered smart textiles and wearable systems is presented. The developed SC uses sweat as the electrolyte and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as the active electrode. With PEDOT:PSS coated onto cellulose/polyester cloth, the SC shows specific capacitance of 8.94 F g−1 (10 mF cm−2) at 1 mV s−1. With artificial sweat, the energy and power densities of the SC are 1.36 Wh kg−1 and 329.70 W kg−1, respectively for 1.31 V and its specific capacitance is 5.65 F g−1. With real human sweat the observed energy and power densities are 0.25 Wh kg−1, and 30.62 W kg−1, respectively. The SC performance is evaluated with different volumes of sweat (20, 50, and 100 µL), bending radii (10, 15, 20 mm), charging/discharging stability (4000 cycles), and washability. With successful on‐body testing, the first demonstration of the suitability of a sweat‐based SC for self‐powered cloth‐based sensors to monitor sweat salinity is presented. With attractive performance and the use of body fluids, the presented approach is a safe and sustainable route to meet the power requirements in wearable systems.
Cobalt Plasmonic Superstructures Enable Almost 100% Broadband Photon Efficient CO2 Photocatalysis
Authors: Feng Kai , Wang Shenghua , Zhang Dake , Wang Lu , Yu Yingying , Feng Kun , Li Zhao , Zhu Zhijie , Li Chaoran , Cai Mujin , Wu Zhiyi , Kong Ning , Yan Binhang , Zhong Jun , Zhang Xiaohong , Ozin Geoffrey A. , He Le
Published: May 2020

The efficiency of heterogeneous photocatalysis for converting solar to chemical energy is low on a per photon basis mainly because of the difficulty of capturing and utilizing light across the entire solar spectral wavelength range. This challenge is addressed herein with a plasmonic superstructure, fashioned as an array of nanoscale needles comprising cobalt nanocrystals assembled within a sheath of porous silica grown on a fluorine tin oxide substrate. This plasmonic superstructure can strongly absorb sunlight through different mechanisms including enhanced plasmonic excitation by the hybridization of Co nanoparticles in close proximity, as well as inter‐ and intra‐band transitions. With nearly 100% sunlight harvesting ability, it drives the photothermal hydrogenation of carbon dioxide with a 20‐fold rate increase from the silica‐supported cobalt catalyst. The present work bridges the gap between strong light‐absorbing plasmonic superstructures with photothermal CO2 catalysis toward the complete utilization of the solar energy.
Assessment of Pressure and Density of Confined Water in Graphene Liquid Cells
Authors: Ghodsi Seyed Mohammadreza , Sharifi‐Asl Soroosh , Rehak Pavel , Král Petr , Megaridis Constantine M. , Shahbazian‐Yassar Reza , Shokuhfar Tolou
Published: May 2020

Understanding the behavior of confined matter within Van der Waals (VdW) materials is complicated due to the interplay of various factors, including the VdW interaction between the interlayers, the layer interaction with the matter, and the bending strain energy of the layers to accommodate encapsulation. Herein, new insight on the magnitude of pressure and density of water entrapped within confined spaces in VdW materials is provided. This is accomplished by studying the plasmon excitation of water encapsulated between two sheets of graphene membranes in an aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscope. The results indicate ≈12% maximum increase in the density of water under tight graphene encasement, where pressure as high as 400 MPa is expected. The pressure estimation from theoretical analysis considering the effect of VdW forces, Laplace pressure, and strain energy is in agreement with the experimental results. The findings of this work open new opportunities to explore the local physical state of not only water but also other liquid materials under high pressure with imaging and analytical resolutions never achieved before.
Highly Symmetric and Extremely Compact Multiple Winding Microtubes by a Dry Rolling Mechanism
Authors: Moradi Somayeh , Naz Ehsan Saei Ghareh , Li Guodong , Bandari Nooshin , Bandari Vineeth Kumar , Zhu Feng , Wendrock Horst , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: May 2020

Rolled‐up nanotechnology has received significant attention to self‐assemble planar nanomembranes into 3D micro and nanotubular architectures. These tubular structures have been well recognized as novel building blocks in a variety of applications ranging from microelectronics and nanophotonics to microbatteries and microrobotics. However, fabrication of multiwinding microtubes with precise control over the winding interfaces, which is crucial for many complex applications, is not easy to achieve by existing materials and technologies. Here, a dry rolling approach is introduced to tackle this challenge and create tight windings in compact and highly symmetric cylindrical microstructures. This technique exploits hydrophobicity of fluorocarbon polymers and the thermal expansion mismatch of polymers and inorganic films upon thermal treatment. Quality parameters for rolled‐up microtubes, against which different fabrication technologies can be benchmarked are defined. The technique offers to fabricate long freestanding multiwinding microtubes as well as hierarchical architectures incorporating rolled‐up wrinkled nanomembranes. This work presents an important step forward toward the fabrication of more complex but well‐controlled microtubes for advanced high‐quality device architectures.
Printed High‐Density and Flexible Photodetector Arrays via Size‐matched Heterogeneous Micro‐/Nanostructure
Authors: Pan Qi , Chen Sisi , Su Meng , Li Pengwei , Zhang Zeying , Hu Xiaotian , Chen Gangshu , Huang Zhandong , Chen Bingda , Chen Shuoran , Song Yanlin
Published: May 2020

Semiconductor/metal binary systems constitute the core components in electronic/photonic devices. The domain size of the heterostructure should be comparable to the charge diffusion length for superior photoelectric response. However, the fabrication of size‐matched heterostructures is still a challenge, especially for printed devices. Here, a high‐density photodetector array with lateral semiconductor/metal heterostructure is achieved via the template‐assisted sequentially printing strategy. The Ag/PBDB‐T:ITIC/Ag based lateral heterojunction that matches the charge diffusion length in the charge transfer process provides high light response sensitivity (D* = 3.41 × 1012 Jones, R = 12.9 A W−1). Moreover, the printed pixel interval can be decreased to 10 µm (106 pixels cm−2; resolution: 2.5 × 103 dpi). As the printing strategy can be implemented on soft substrates, the photodetector arrays are endowed with the flexibility. This work demonstrates a simple and effective strategy for chip‐scale fabrication of flexible high‐performance photodetectors, which validates the potential of printed heterogeneous micro‐/nanostructures for integrated active electronics and optics.
Gold‐Catalyzed Oxidative Alkyne Functionalization by N−O/S−O/C−O Bond Oxidants
Authors: Bhunia Sabyasachi , Ghosh Partha , Patra Snigdha Rani
Published: May 2020

Since the beginning of this century, homogeneous gold‐catalyzed alkyne transformations have been an active area of research in pursuit of developing efficient synthetic methodologies. This emerging area of research which at the beginning exploited the mild Lewis acid character of gold and its propensity to form π‐complex with alkyne, has been reinvigorated upon the discovery of gold‐catalyzed oxidative alkyne functionalization in 2007. The gold‐catalyzed alkyne oxidation enabled direct access to α‐oxo gold carbenes and gold alkynal complex with versatile reactivity which has been applied to achieve transformations including but not limited to oxyarylation, C−H, X−H (X=N, O) insertion, cyclization, cycloaddition, ring expansion, and various cascade reactions. This review provides a comprehensive summary of methods, applications and mechanistic insight of gold‐catalyzed oxidative alkyne functionalization by N−O/S−O/C−O bond oxidants covering the literature reports appeared since 2007.

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TiO2 Nanoflowers on Conducting Substrates Ameliorate Effective Transdifferentiation of Human Hepatic Progenitor Cells for Long‐Term Hyperglycemia Reversal in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Vishwakarma Sandeep Kumar , Jaiswal Juhi , Park Kyung‐Hee , Lakkireddy Chandrakala , Raju Nagarapu , Bardia Avinash , Habeeb Md. Aejaz , Paspala Syed Ameer Basha , Khan Aleem Ahmed , Dhayal Marshal
Published: May 2020

The growth of 3D nanostructures on conducting substrates through a controlled hydrolysis process of titanium isopropoxide at low‐pH and higher‐pressure is reported. SEM analysis shows the formation of 300–500 nm nanorods, which are symmetrically arranged with an average size of 8–15 µm and 2–3 µm height clusters to form nanoflower‐like structures. 3D nanostructured TiO2 grown on conducting substrates shows efficient in vitro transdifferentiation of human hepatic progenitor cells (hHPCs) into insulin producing cells (T‐iPCs). The physiological functions of transdifferentiated hHPCs confirm the activation of pancreatic transcription factors, which triggers insulin exocytosis during hyperglycemic challenge. The T‐iPCs on TiO2 chips show upregulated expression of master regulator Pdx‐1, β‐cell specific marker Nkx‐6.1, and more importantly C‐peptide similar to human pancreatic β‐cells during hyperglycemic challenge. Intraperitoneally transplanted cellularized TiO2 implants show prompt recovery in blood insulin level and glucose homeostasis in streptozotocin‐induced C57BL6 mice in a glucose regulated manner without immunosuppressant. These implants provide long‐term survival and function of T‐iPCs without eliciting significant immunological reactions and fibrotic tissue/extracellular matrix deposition in vivo, which could be a better technology for developing effective therapeutic options for the management of hyperglycemia.
Interlayers for Improved Hole Injection in Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Zhang Ke , Kotadiya Naresh B. , Wang Xiao‐Ye , Wetzelaer Gert‐Jan A. H. , Marszalek Tomasz , Pisula Wojciech , Blom Paul W. M.
Published: May 2020

Efficient charge‐carrier injection is a critical requirement for high‐performance organic electronic devices, such as light‐emitting diodes, solar cells, and field‐effect transistors. In this work, a significantly improved charge‐carrier injection from high work‐function metal‐oxide electrodes in organic field effect transistors (OFETs) is demonstrated for amorphous organic semiconductors (OSCs) by using organic interlayers with a high ionization energy (IE). Molybdenum oxide (MoO3) exhibits limited injection into amorphous 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis(N,N‐diphenylamino)‐9,9‐spirobifluorene (Spiro‐TAD) and tris(4‐carbazoyl‐9‐ylphenyl)amine (TCTA) active layers, resulting in high contact resistance and threshold voltage. By inserting an interlayer of a few nanometers thick with high IE between the MoO3 electrode and the amorphous OSC films, the Spiro‐TAD and TCTA OFETs show a substantial enhancement in hole current, subthreshold swing, and effective charge carrier mobility due to the decreased contact resistance. However, for discontinuous interlayers formed on distinct grain domains as in the case of polycrystalline 2,7‐dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene (C8‐BTBT) films, the effect of the interlayer reduces. These results demonstrate that the utilization of smooth interlayers with IE higher than the semiconductor is a general approach to elevate the hole injection into amorphous OSCs with high IE in OFETs.
The Origin of Photoinduced Capacitance in Perovskite Solar Cells: Beyond Ionic‐to‐Electronic Current Amplification
Authors: Choi Wookjin , Song Sung Won , Han Se Gyo , Cho Kilwon
Published: May 2020

Photoinduced capacitances of perovskite solar cells exhibit peculiarities such as an apparently high capacitance and an inductive feature, so‐called negative capacitance, which are not easily explained with typical carrier dynamics. Consequently, the origins of the photoinduced capacitances in perovskite solar cells have been intensively debated over the past several years. Here, the photoinduced capacitances of perovskite solar cells are analyzed by impedance spectroscopy. The analysis clarifies that the photoinduced capacitances of perovskite solar cells comprise several Debye relaxation‐type capacitance components. Among these components, the photoinduced capacitance in the low‐frequency range is attributed to ionic‐to‐electronic current amplification. However, the photoinduced capacitances in the middle‐ and high‐frequency ranges originate from bipolar injection. The clear elucidation of the origins of the photoinduced capacitances in perovskite solar cells provides comprehensive insights for analyzing properties of perovskites in either the time or frequency domain.
Cross‐Point Arrays with Low‐Power ITO‐HfO2 Resistive Memory Cells Integrated on Vertical III‐V Nanowires
Authors: Persson Karl‐Magnus , Ram Mamidala Saketh , Kilpi Olli‐Pekka , Borg Mattias , Wernersson Lars‐Erik
Published: May 2020

Vertical nanowires with cointegrated metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect‐transistor (MOSFET) selectors and nonvolatile resistive random access memory (RRAM) cells represent a promising candidate for fast, energy‐efficient, cross‐point memory cells. This paper explores indium‐tin‐oxide‐hafnium‐dioxide RRAM cells integrated onto arrays of indium‐arsenide (InAs) vertical nanowires with a resulting area of 0.06 µm2 per cell. For low current operation, an improved switching uniformity over the intrinsic self‐compliant behavior is demonstrated when using an external InAs nanowire MOSFET selector in series. The memory cells show consistent switching voltages below ±1 V and a switching cycle endurance of 106 is demonstrated. The developed fabrication scheme is fully compatible with low‐ON‐resistance vertical III‐V nanowire MOSFET selectors, where operational compatibility with the initial high‐field filament forming is established. Due to the small footprint of a vertical implementation, high density integration is achievable, and with a measured programming energy for 50 ns pulses at 0.49 pJ, the technology promises fast and ultralow power cross‐point memory arrays.
2‐Halo Glycals as “Synthon” for 2‐C‐Branched Sugar: Recent Advances and Applications in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Hussain Nazar , Ahmed Ajaz , Mukherjee Debaraj
Published: May 2020

Glycals are unsaturated sugars having an enolic double bond present inside the ring and act as a versatile synthon for the synthesis of natural products and biologically important molecules. The lone pair of endocyclic ring oxygen which is in conjugation with the enolic double bond alters the reactivity of both unsaturated carbons of glycals and directs the selectivity of the incoming group at a particular center. Since the enolic double bond is very much prone to undergo various types of reactions such as epoxidation, addition, formylation, nitration halogenation, etc.; and such type of activated glycals or the derivatives of glycal have been extensively utilized as a precursor for the synthesis of branched sugars. 2‐haloglycals have emerged as an important building block for the functionalization at C‐2 position of glycals via metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions such as Heck, Suzuki, Sonogashira and carbonylative cross‐coupling reactions. In this review, we have summarized the recent progress on the utilization of 2‐haloglycals for the synthesis of 2‐C‐branched sugars and further transformation of branched sugars into annulated sugars, heterocycles, and glycoconjugates.
A divergent procedure for multicomponent synthesis of novel ferrocenyl derivatives of dicyanoanilines and cyanopyridines
Authors: Mojtahedi Mohammad M. , Hosseinkhany Samaneh , Abaee M. Saeed , Mesbah A. Wahid
Published: May 2020

A divergent procedure was developed for multicomponent reaction of ferrocenecarboxaldehyde with malononitrile and various cyclic ketones. Ultrasonic irradiation of 1.0:1.0:2.0 ethanolic mixtures of the reactants produced dicyanoanilines 4 chemoselectively in high yields, while equimolar mixtures of the same reactants in refluxing EtOH solely resulted in four‐component formation of cyanopyridines 5. Both series of products are obtained directly by spontaneous precipitation in the reaction mixtures avoiding cumbersome and expensive chromatographic separations.
Direct Hydrogenation of Nitroaromatics at Room Temperature Catalyzed by Magnetically Recoverable Cu@Fe2O3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Borah Biraj Jyoti , Bharali Pankaj
Published: May 2020

Metal embedded in metal oxide nanoparticles are active as catalyst in plethora of industrially important reactions. Herein, embedded Cu@Fe2O3 nanoparticles was synthesized via a one step hydrothermal strategy which selectively catalyzes the hydrogenation of diverse nitroaromatics in H2O at room temperature. The remarkable catalytic performance is due to the successful hybridization of metallic Cu and Fe2O3 which in turn allows easy electroflipping between various oxidation states of Cu and Fe. Azo‐ and azoxy‐compounds are not formed during the catalyzed process. This evidently establish that the hydrogenation of nitroaromatics proceeds via direct route with >99% selectivity to the corresponding anilines.
Saving social media data: Understanding data management practices among social media researchers and their implications for archives
Authors: Hemphill Libby , Hedstrom Margaret L. , Leonard Susan Hautaniemi
Published: May 2020

Social media data (SMD) offer researchers new opportunities to leverage those data for their work in broad areas such as public opinion, digital culture, labor trends, and public health. The success of efforts to save SMD for reuse by researchers will depend on aligning data management and archiving practices with evolving norms around the capture, use, sharing, and security of datasets. This paper presents an initial foray into understanding how established practices for managing and preserving data should adapt to demands from researchers who use and reuse SMD, and from people who are subjects in SMD. We examine the data management practices of researchers who use SMD through a survey, and we analyze published articles that used data from Twitter. We discuss how researchers describe their data management practices and how these practices may differ from the management of conventional data types. We explore conceptual, technical, and ethical challenges for data archives based on the similarities and differences between SMD and other types of research data, focusing on the social sciences. Finally, we suggest areas where archives may need to revise policies, practices, and services in order to create secure, persistent, and usable collections of SMD.
Enhancement of Functional Properties of Liquid Electrolytes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries by Addition of Pyrrolidinium‐Based Ionic Liquids with Long Alkyl‐Chains
Authors: Celeste Arcangelo , Silvestri Laura , Agostini Marco , Sadd Matthew , Palumbo Stefano , Panda Jaya Kumar , Matic Aleksandar , Pellegrini Vittorio , Brutti Sergio
Published: May 2020

Three ionic liquid belonging to the N‐alkyl‐N‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imides (Pyr1,nTFSI with n=4,5,8) have been added as co‐solvent to two commonly used electrolytes for Li‐ion cells: (a) 1 M lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) in a mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) and linear like dimethyl carbonate (DMC) in 1 : 1 v/v and (b) 1 M lithium bis‐(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) in EC : DMC 1 : 1 v/v. These electrolyte formulations (classified as P and T series containing LiPF6 or LiTFSI salts, respectively) have been analyzed by comparing ionic conductivities, transport numbers, viscosities, electrochemical stability as well as vibrational properties. In the case of the Pyr1,5TFSI and Pyr1,8TFSI blended formulations, this is the first ever reported detailed study of their functional properties in Li‐ion cells electrolytes. Overall, P‐electrolytes demonstrate enhanced properties compared to the T‐ones. Among the various P electrolytes those containing Pyr1,4TFSI and Pyr1,5TFSI limit the accumulation of irreversible capacity upon cycling with satisfactory performance in lithium cells.
Metronomic chemotherapy of cyclophosphamide plus methotrexate for advanced breast cancer: Real‐world data analyses and experience of one center
Authors: Lu Qianyi , Lee Kaping , Xu Fei , Xia Wen , Zheng Qiufan , Hong Ruoxi , Jiang Kuikui , Zhai Qinglian , Li Yuan , Shi Yanxia , Yuan Zhongyu , Wang Shusen
Published: May 2020

Background

Real‐world data of the CM regimen [cyclophosphamide (CTX) plus methotrexate (MTX)] in metronomic pattern for advanced breast cancer is limited to small‐sample or retrospective studies. This study was aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of CM regimen in treating advanced breast cancer and to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from metronomic CM regimen.

Methods

Patients with advanced breast cancer who received the metronomic CM regimen at least once between January 2009 and February 2019 in Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center were included. Clinicopathological characteristics were collected. Overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were assessed using Kaplan‐Meier estimates. Characteristics between patients with PFS < 6 months and ≥6 months were compared using the Chi‐square test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression model was used to estimate the prognostic factors for PFS and OS.

Results

A total of 186 patients were included. The median age and follow‐up were 49 years and 13.3 months, respectively. Over 50% of the patients were estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor‐positive, and 60.8% had been heavily treated (≥3 lines). The objective response rate was 3.8%, the disease control rate at 12 weeks was 41.4%, and the clinical benefit rate at 24 weeks was 31.2% (58/186). The median PFS was 4.0 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.6‐4.7 months], the median duration of clinical benefit was 9.5 months (95% CI: 8.2‐10.8 months), and the median OS was 26.8 months (95% CI: 20.9‐37.7 months). Multivariate analysis for PFS revealed the CM regimen as maintenance therapy and no liver metastasis as favorable prognostic factors. Furthermore, patients without liver metastasis were more likely to have a PFS over 6 months than those with liver involvement (P = 0.022). Liver, lymph node, and brain metastases were unfavorable prognostic factors for OS. The CM regimen was well‐tolerated without newly reported adverse events.

Conclusions

The CM regimen was effective in selected patients. In clinical practice, it would be better used as maintenance therapy and in patients without liver metastasis. Further follow‐up investigation should be performed to examine its effect when used in combination with other treatments and determine predictive biomarkers.
Bioinspired Design of Positioned Amine Assists Hydrogen Evolution from Neutral Water by Nickel Tripyridine‐Diamine
Authors: Chen Lin , Li Xiaoyu , Ren Gan , Zhang Ping , Wang Ning
Published: May 2020

Herein, a series of molecular nickel tripyridine‐diamine catalysts endowed with different proximal functional groups −NH2 (1), −CH3 (2), and −OCH3 (3) in the second coordination sphere for hydrogen evolution from neutral water are reported. The −NH2 group shows a beneficial effect in the hydrogen evolution reaction. Intramolecular protonation on reductive nickel core assisted by the positioned amine in complex 1 results in a much faster protonation rate than that of 2 and 3, and is responsible for the higher catalytic activity in neutral water.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene/Cobalt Cooperative Catalysis for the Chemo‐ and Regioselective C−N Bond Formation between Aldehyde and Amines/Amides
Authors: Siddiqui Asher M. , Khalid Anam , Khan Arif , Azad Chandra S. , Samim Mohd. , Khan Imran A.
Published: May 2020

A novel methodology for the construction of various secondary (4 examples), tertiary amides (31 examples), and imides (16 examples) by a Cobalt(II) catalyzed oxidative amide coupling in aqueous media. The Co(III)‐TMC was reacted with N‐Heteroatom Carbene to form active catalyst Co(II)NHC‐TMC in situ which involves in the coordination with Breslow's intermediate and SET for the activation of aldehyde and amides. The mechanism for activation of amide and amine differs on the basis of SET based nucleophilic addition and ligand exchange respectively. The regeneration of the catalyst was achieved using Fe(III)(EDTA)‐H2O2 as oxidant. The use of Co(II)TMC‐O2 was also found equally efficient in the process. The method is found regioselective for N−H activation in the presence of equally susceptible ortho‐C−H bond activation. And amines were found more susceptible then the corresponding amide for the reaction.
The Formation of Chemical Degraders during the Conservation of a Wooden Tudor Shipwreck
Authors: Aluri Esther Rani , Reynaud Corentin , Bardas Helen , Piva Eleonora , Cibin Giannantonio , Mosselmans J. Frederick W. , Chadwick Alan V. , Schofield Eleanor J.
Published: May 2020

Determining the nature, evolution, and impact of acid‐generating sulfur deposits in the Mary Rose wooden hull is crucial for protecting Henry VIII's famous warship for generations to come. Here, a comprehensive X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy (XANES) and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) study sheds vital light on the evolution of complex sulfur‐based compounds lodged in Mary Rose timbers as a function of drying time. Combining insights from infrared spectroscopy correlates the presence of oxidized sulfur species with increased wood degradation via the loss of major wood components (holocellulose). Intriguingly, zinc is found to co‐exist with iron and sulfur in the most degraded wood regions, indicating its potential contributing role to wood degradation. This study provides crucial information on the degradation processes and resulting products within the wood, which can be used to develop remediation strategies to save the Mary Rose.
Space‐time autoregressive estimation and prediction with missing data based on Kalman filtering
Authors: Padilla Leonardo , Lagos‐Álvarez Bernado , Mateu Jorge , Porcu Emilio
Published: May 2020

We propose a Kalman filter algorithm to provide a formal statistical analysis of space‐time data with an autoregressive structure in time. The Kalman filter technique allows to capture the temporal dependence as well as the spatial correlation structure through state‐space equations, and it is aimed to perform statistical inference in terms of parameter estimation and prediction at unobserved locations. We thus develop space‐time estimation and prediction methods in the presence of missing data, through the Kalman filter, in order to obtain accurate estimates of model parameters and reliable space‐time predictions. Our findings are illustrated through an application on daily air temperatures in some regions of southern Chile, where the dataset shows a number of missing data in many locations.
Synthesis and laboratory evaluation ofiso‐tridecyloxypolyethylene glycol acrylate copolymers as potential viscosity reducers for heavy oil
Authors: Zhang Fusheng , Lei Qun , Liu Guoliang , Liao Gongqing , Xu Xiaofang , Meng Weidong
Published: May 2020

As driven by the increase in global fuel demand and decrease in worldwide reserves of conventional oil, it is important to develop new production technologies for heavy oil. In this work, copolymers PAAI7, PAAI10, and PAAI15were synthesized and evaluated as potential viscosity reducers for heavy oil.iso‐Tridecyloxypolyethylene glycol acrylates (I13CxAA, x = 7, 10, 15), acrylic amide (AM), and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) were polymerized to give the copolymers PAAIx, respectively. Copolymers PAAIxwere characterized by FTIR,1H NMR spectroscopy, and TGA and showed good thermal stabilities as the decomposition temperature was above 350°C. Their viscosity‐average molecular weights were measured as in the range between 6.53 × 106and 10.58 × 106 g/mol. The effects of temperature, shear rate, and salinity on the viscosity of polymer solutions were studied, and PAAIxhad reasonable rheological properties. The solutions of PAAIxin formation water could emulsify heavy oil sample to form oil‐in‐water emulsion when mass ratio of oil:water was in the range of 6:4‐2:8, respectively. The rates of reduction in viscosity of emulsions compared with that of original oil sample were 53.5%‐97.5% at 50°C under shear rate of 20 s−1. The effects of oil:water ratio, emulsifying temperature, and shear rate on the viscosities of emulsions were extensively studied, and the effect of the polymer structure on the emulsification and viscosity reduction of heavy oil was also discussed. Among three copolymers, PAAI15formed the most stable emulsion with heavy oil and the emulsion had the lowest viscosity. PAAI15had the potential for further study.
Functional properties and antioxidant activity of gelatine and hydrolysate from deer antler base
Authors: Liu Chang , Xia Yunshi , Hua Mei , Li Zhiman , Zhang Lei , Li Shanshan , Gong Ruize , Liu Songxin , Wang Zeshuai , Sun Yinshi
Published: May 2020

Gelatine was extracted from deer antler base by the hot water method and hydrolyzed with trypsin. A comparison of the properties of gelatine before and after enzymatic hydrolysis showed a decline in the surface hydrophobicity, enhanced thermal stability, broadening of the particle size distribution, a zeta potential shift to a lower pH, reduced foaming and emulsifying properties, and enhanced antioxidant activity. Hydrolysis increased the gelatine antioxidant activity in DPPH and FRAP assays. These results indicate that the functional properties of deer antler base gelatine may be affected by trypsin modification.
Early parental death and psychosocial risk factors for dementia: A case–control study in Europe
Authors: Conde‐Sala Josep L. , Garre‐Olmo Josep
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To assess the association between early parental death and the risk of dementia in adult life and to examine the risk factors associated with early parental death in people with and without dementia.

Methods/design

A population‐based case–control study of a sample of 65 997 participants from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe study. Early parental death was operationalized as parental death at the age of ≤16 years. Main analyses were conducted using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

The odds ratio (OR) for dementia in individuals who experienced early parental death (father or mother) at the age of ≤16 years was 1.83 (95%CI 1.61‐2.09) and 1.54 (95%CI 1.35‐1.76) adjusted for age, gender and education. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis carried out with the whole sample, early parental death increased the risk of dementia (OR = 1.50, 95%CI 1.31‐1.72), along with older age (OR = 5.92, 95%CI 4.86‐7.17), neuroticism (OR = 2.94, 95%CI 2.61‐3.31), low education level (OR = 1.84, 95%CI 1.64‐2.05) and low income (OR = 1.49, 95%CI 1.34‐1.67).

Discussion

Early parental death (≤16 years) was associated with an increased risk of dementia. We discuss the neurobiological markers associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and dementia as well as interventions to counteract the negative health effects on adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:‐, 2020.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms as a distinguishing factor between memory diagnoses
Authors: Rouse Hillary J. , Small Brent J. , Schinka John A. , Hazlett Abigail M. , Loewenstein David A. , Duara Ranjan , Potter Huntington
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To determine whether neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are able to differentiate those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia from persons who are cognitively healthy.

Methods

Multinomial and binary logistic regressions were used to assess secondary data of a sample (n = 613) of older adults with NPS. Analyses evaluated the ability to differentiate between diagnoses, as well as the influence of these symptoms for individuals with amnestic MCI (MCI‐A), non‐amnestic MCI (MCI‐NA), and dementia compared with those who are cognitively healthy.

Results

Persons with MCI were more likely to have anxiety, apathy, and appetite changes compared with cognitively healthy individuals. Persons with dementia were more likely to have aberrant motor behaviors, anxiety, apathy, appetite changes, and delusions compared with those who were cognitively healthy. Individuals with any type of cognitive impairment were more likely to have anxiety, apathy, appetite changes, and delusions. Specifically, anxiety, apathy, appetite changes, and disinhibition were predictors of MCI‐A; agitation and apathy were predictors of MCI‐NA; and aberrant motor behaviors, anxiety, apathy, appetite changes, and delusions were predictors of dementia. Finally, nighttime behavior disorders were less likely in individuals with dementia.

Conclusions

The present study's results demonstrate that specific NPS are differentially represented among types of cognitive impairment and establish the predictive value for one of these cognitive impairment diagnoses.
Essentialist beliefs affect children's outgroup empathy, attitudes and prosocial behaviours in a setting of intergroup conflict
Authors: O'Driscoll Dean , Taylor Laura K. , Dautel Jocelyn B.
Published: May 2020

Empathy for salient outgroups can promote positive intergroup attitudes and prosocial behaviours. Less is known about which factors may promote empathy, particularly among children, in contexts of intergroup conflict. Empathy may depend on underlying cognitions, such as social essentialist beliefs, that is, believing that certain social categories have an underlying essence that causes members to share observable and non‐observable properties. This study explored the influence of essentialist beliefs about ethno‐religious categories on outgroup‐directed empathy, attitudes and prosocial behaviours of children living in Northern Ireland (N = 88; M = 7.09, SD = 1.47 years old). Bootstrapped chain mediation found that lower essentialist beliefs predicted greater outgroup‐directed empathy, which was positively related to outgroup attitudes, which in turn, predicted more outgroup prosocial behaviours. The findings highlight the importance of essentialist beliefs as an underlying factor promoting empathy, with links to prosocial behaviours in settings of intergroup conflict. The intervention implications are discussed.
Generation of cell-derived matrices that support human NK cell migration and differentiation
Authors: Lee Barclay J , Hegewisch Solloa Everardo , Shannon Michael J , Mace Emily M
Published: May 2020

Human NK cells are effectors of the innate immune system that originate from hematopoietic precursors in the bone marrow. While stromal cell lines that support NK cell development from hematopoietic precursors are often used to generate mature NK cells from lymphoid precursors in vitro, the nature of contributing factors of these stromal cells to the generation of functionally mature NK cells has been poorly described. Previous studies have shown that developing NK cells adhere to, and migrate on, developmentally supportive stroma. Here, we describe the generation of cell-derived matrices (CDMs) from a commonly used murine fetal liver stromal cell line. These CDMs are derived directly from the same EL08.1D2 stromal cell line known to support NK cell differentiation and contain ECM structural components fibronectin and collagen. We demonstrate that CDMs support NK cell adhesion and migration with similar properties as intact cells. Further, we show that CDMs support NK cell maturation from lymphoid precursors in vitro, albeit with reduced cell survival compared to intact cell-based differentiation. Together, these results describe a cell-free system that supports NK cell development and that can serve as a useful model for studying the nature of the biochemical interactions between NK cell developmental intermediates and developmentally supportive substrates.
Induction of mucosal immunity against pathogens by using recombinant baculoviral vectors: Mechanisms, advantages, and limitations
Authors: Fragoso-Saavedra Mario , Vega-López Marco A
Published: May 2020

Over 90% of pathogens of medical importance invade the organism through mucosal surfaces, which makes it urgent to develop safe and effective mucosal vaccines and mucosal immunization protocols. Besides, parenteral immunization does not provide adequate protective immunity in mucosal surfaces. Effective mucosal vaccination could protect local and systemic compartments and favor herd immunity. Although various mucosal adjuvants and Ag-delivery systems have been developed, none has filled the gap to control diseases caused by complex mucosal pathogens. Among the strategies to counteract them, recombinant virions from the baculovirus Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (rAcMNPV) are useful vectors, given their safety and efficacy to produce mucosal and systemic immunity in animal infection models. Here, we review the immunogenic properties of rAcMNPV virions from the perspectives of mucosal immunology and vaccinology. Some features, which are analyzed and extrapolated from studies with different particulate antigens, include size, shape, surface molecule organization, and danger signals, all needed to break the tolerogenic responses of the mucosal immune tissues. Also, we present a condensed discussion on the immunity provided by rAcMNPV virions against influenza virus and human papillomavirus in animal models. Through the text, we highlight the advantages and limitations of this experimental immunization platform.
Gingival phenotype modification therapies on natural teeth: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Barootchi Shayan , Tavelli Lorenzo , Zucchelli Giovanni , Giannobile William V. , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: May 2020

Background

The periodontal phenotype consists of the bone morphotype, the keratinized tissue (KT), and gingival thickness (GT). The latter two components, overlying the bone, constitute the gingival phenotype. Several techniques have been proposed for enhancing or augmenting KT or GT. However, how phenotype modification therapy (PMT) affects periodontal health and whether the obtained outcomes are maintained over time have not been elucidated. The aim of the present review was to summarize the available evidence in regard to the utilized approaches for gingival PMT and assess their comparative efficacy in augmenting KT, GT and in improving periodontal health using autogenous, allogenic, and xenogeneic grafting approaches.

Methods

A detailed systematic search was performed to identify eligible randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reporting on the changes in GT and KT (primary outcomes). The selected articles were segregated into the type of approach based on having performed a root coverage, or non‐root coverage procedure. A network meta‐analysis (NMA) was conducted for each approach to assess and compare the outcomes among different treatment arms for the primary outcomes.

Results

A total of 105 eligible RCTs were included. 95 pertaining to root coverage (3,539 treated gingival recessions [GRs]), and 10 for non‐root coverage procedures (699 total treated sites). The analysis on root coverage procedures showed that all investigated techniques (the acellular dermal matrix [ADM], collagen matrix [CM], connective tissue graft [CTG]) are able to significantly increase the GT, compared with treatment with flap alone. However, KT was only significantly increased with the use of CTG or ADM. Early post‐treatment GT was found to inversely predict future GR. For non‐root coverage procedures, only the changes in KT could be analyzed; all investigated treatment groups (ADM, CM, free gingival graft [FGG], living cellular construct [LCC], in combination with an apically positioned flap [APF]), resulted in significantly more KT than treatment with APF alone. Additionally, the augmented GT was shown to be sustained, and KT displayed an incremental increase over time.

Conclusions

Within its limitations, it was observed that any graft material was able to significantly enhance GT, while KT in root coverage procedures was significantly enhanced with CTG and ADM, and in non‐root coverage procedures, with ADM, CM, FGG, and LCC compared with APF alone. The autogenous soft tissue graft (CTG/FGG) proved to be superior in all comparisons for both outcomes of GT and KT.