bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel laser‐based catheter for peripheral atherectomy: 6‐month results from the Eximo Medical B‐Laser™ IDE study
Authors: Rundback John , Chandra Pradeep , Brodmann Marianne , Weinstock Barry , Sedillo Gino , Cawich Ian , Micari Antonio , Lee Arthur , Metzger Chris , Palena Luis Mariano , Shammas Nicolas W.
Published: August 2019

Background

The B‐Laser™ atherectomy system (Eximo Medical, Israel) is a 355 nm solid‐state Nd:YAG short pulse laser for de‐novo and restenotic infrainguinal PAD with enhanced affinity for atheroma and calcified plaque.

Methods

The study was a prospective, single‐arm, multi‐center, international, open‐label study assessing the B‐Laser™ in symptomatic (Rutherford 2 to 4) infrainguinal peripheral artery disease. Primary core lab efficacy was mean reduction in diameter stenosis >20% by the B‐Laser™ catheter alone. Cardiovascular death, major amputation, target lesion revascularization, WIQ, ABI and Rutherford class were obtained at baseline and out to 6 months. Duplex ultrasound patency (PSVR <2.5), was evaluated by Core Lab.

Results

97 (77 in USA) PAD subjects (51 male, mean 70.5 years [range 46–86]) with 107 lesions were treated with B‐Laser™ (average length 5.4 cm [range 1–24], 29.0% infrapopliteal. 77.6% calcification [26.2% severe], 21.5% chronic total occlusions, 20.6% re‐stenotic). Average reduction in residual stenosis post B‐Laser™ alone was 33.6 ± 14.2%. Baseline and final stenosis (post laser and adjunctive therapy) were 85.7 ± 12.2% and 17.7 ± 11.0%, respectively. Duplex patency was 96.8% at 30‐days and 85.6% at 6 months (95.7% 6‐month patency with severe calcification), and did not differ between POBA vs. DCB sub‐groups. ABI, Rutherford category and WIQ all improved. There was one MAE and three TLRs out of 101 lesions. No procedural distal embolization was noted and there were no major device‐related dissections.

Conclusions

Experience with the B‐Laser™ atherectomy system in infrainguinal PAD procedures demonstrates a high level of safety and efficacy for denovo and restenotic infrainguinal arterial lesions.
A Synthetic Route Toward Tetrazoles: The Thermolysis of Geminal Diazides
Authors: Holzschneider Kristina , Tong My Linh , Mohr Fabian , Kirsch Stefan F.
Published: August 2019

A new synthetic route toward the tetrazole core is described, which is based on a general fragmentation pattern that was found in a range of compounds featuring geminal diazido units. Through a simple two‐step procedure, the synthesis of structurally diverse target compounds containing a tetrazole, such as tetrazoloquinoxalinones, benzoylaryltetrazoles, tetrazolotriazinones, and tetrazoloazepinones, was easily accomplished, starting from broadly accessible substrates (i.e., oxindoles, diarylethanones, pyrazolones, and phenanthrols). The initial oxidative diazidation reaction with iodine and sodium azide under mild conditions is followed by the thermal fragmentation under microwave irradiation, leading to the tetrazole products. Noteworthy, an experimental solution is presented in which the potentially hazardous diazide intermediates are not isolated and the concentration of crude reaction mixtures containing diazides is not required to achieve the tetrazoles in good yields.
Organometallic Iridium(III) Complex Sensitized Ternary Hybrid Photocatalyst for CO2 to CO Conversion
Authors: Kim Pil Soo , Choi Sunghan , Kim So‐Yoen , Jo Ju Hyoung , Lee Yoon Seo , Kim Bupmo , Kim Wooyul , Choi Wonyong , Kim Chul Hoon , Son Ho‐Jin , Pac Chyongjin , Kang Sang Ook
Published: August 2019

A series of heteroleptic iridium(III) complexes functionalized with two phosphonic acid (−PO3H2) groups (dfppyIrP, ppyIrP, btpIrP, and piqIrP) were prepared and anchored onto rhenium(I) catalyst (ReP)‐loaded TiO2 particles (TiO2/ReP) to build up a new IrP‐sensitized TiO2 photocatalyst system (IrP/TiO2/ReP). The photosensitizing behavior of the IrP series was examined within the IrP/TiO2/ReP platform for the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into CO. The four IrP‐based ternary hybrids showed increased conversion activity and durability than that of the corresponding homo‐ (IrP+ReP) and heterogeneous (IrP+TiO2/ReP) mixed systems. Among the four IrP/TiO2/ReP photocatalysts, the low‐energy‐light (>500 nm) activated piqIrP immobilized ternary system (piqIrP/TiO2/ReP) exhibited the most durable conversion activity, giving a turnover number of ≥730 for 170 h. A similar kinetic feature observed through time‐resolved photoluminescence measurements of both btpIrP/TiO2 and TiO2‐free btpIrP films suggests that the net electron flow in the ternary hybrid proceeds dominantly through a reductive quenching mechanism, unlike the oxidative quenching route of typical dye/TiO2‐based photolysis.
Ions and electric current in bipolar water electrolysis
Authors: Koch Klemens
Published: August 2019

Ionen sind schwierig zu verstehen. Wie verhalten sie sich in Wasser? Wie fließt elektrischer Strom durch eine Salzlösung und was passiert an den Elektroden? Eine einfache, überraschende und ästhetische Version der Wasserelektrolyse wird vorgestellt. Darin zeigt ein Universalindikator die Reaktionen an den Elektroden und ihre Stöchiometrie. Eine Bipolelektrode und zwei Elektrolysen in Serie führen zu neuen Einsichten.
The prevalence of 30‐day readmission after acute myocardial infarction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Huijie , Zhao Ting , Wei Xiaoliang , Lu Huifang , Lin Xiufang
Published: August 2019

Objective

The 30‐day readmission is associated with increased medical costs, which has become an important quality metric in several medical institutions. This current study is aimed at clarifying the prevalence, the underlying risk factors, and reasons of the 30‐day readmission after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were systematically searched to identify eligible studies. Random‐effect models were employed to perform pooled analyses. Means and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate prevalence and reasons for 30‐day readmission. We also used Odds ratios (ORs) to explore the potential significant predictors of risk factors of 30‐day readmission after AMI. Potential publication bias was assessed using funnel plot and Begg'test.

Results

A total of 14 relevant studies were included in this systematic review and meta‐analysis. The pooled 30‐day readmission rate of AMI was 12% (95% CI 0.11‐0.14). Acute coronary syndrome (ACS), angina and acute ischemic heart disease, and heart failure (HF) were the principal cardiovascular reasons of 30‐day readmission. Meanwhile, non‐specific chest pain was regarded as the significant cause among non‐cardiovascular reasons. The common co‐morbidities kidney disease, HF and diabetes mellitus were significant risk factors for 30‐day readmission. No significant publication bias was found by funnel plot and statistical tests.

Conclusions

The 30‐day readmission rate of post‐AMI ranged from 11% to 14% and can be mainly attributed to cardiovascular and non‐cardiovascular events. The common co‐morbidities, such as kidney disease, HF, and diabetes mellitus were significant risk factors for 30‐day readmission.
Characterizing the morphology of somatostatin‐expressing interneurons and their synaptic innervation pattern in the barrel cortex of the GFP‐expressing inhibitory neurons mouse
Authors: Zhou Xiaojuan , Mansori Ima , Fischer Tatjana , Witte Mirko , Staiger Jochen F.
Published: August 2019

Somatostatin‐expressing (SST+) cells form the second largest subpopulation of neocortical GABAergic neurons that contain diverse subtypes, which participate in layer‐specific cortical circuits. Martinotti cells, as the most abundant subtype of SST+ interneurons, are mainly located in layers II/III and V/VI, and are characterized by dense axonal arborizations in layer I. GFP‐expressing inhibitory neurons (GIN), representing a fraction of mainly upper layer SST+ interneurons in various cortical areas, were recently claimed to include both Martinotti cells and non‐Martinotti cells. This makes it necessary to examine in detail the morphology and synaptic innervation pattern of the GIN cells, in order to better predict their functional implications. In our study, we characterized the neurochemical specificity, somatodendritic morphology, synaptic ultrastructure as well as synaptic innervation pattern of GIN cells in the barrel cortex in a layer‐specific manner. We showed that GIN cells account for 44% of the SST+ interneurons in layer II/III and around 35% in layers IV and Va. There are 29% of GIN cells coexpressing calretinin with 54% in layer II/III, 8% in layer IV, and 13% in layer V. They have diverse somatodendritic configurations and form relatively small synapses across all examined layers. They almost exclusively innervate dendrites of excitatory cells, preferentially targeting distal apical dendrites and apical dendritic tufts of pyramidal neurons in layer I, and rarely target other inhibitory neurons. In summary, our study reveals unique features in terms of the morphology and output of GIN cells, which can help to better understand their diversity and structure–function relationships.
Enhanced Photo‐Response of Mos2 Photodetectors by a Laterally Aligned SiO2 Nanoribbon Array Substrate
Authors: Lim Namsoo , Pak Yusin , Kim Jae‐Keun , Yoo Tae Jin , Kim Hyeonghun , Kumaresan Yogeenth , Kim Woochul , Cho Seongjun , Kwon Sooncheol , Hun Lee Byoung , Lee Takhee , Jung Gun‐Young
Published: August 2019

Achieving both high photocurrent and small dark current is required for the enhanced performance of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) photodetector (PD). In the two‐dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide PD, inevitable recombinations occur highly at intrinsic defects of MoS2 and impede photo‐generated carrier releasement into electrodes, resulting in a poor PD performance. To address this issue without introducing a superiorly high‐crystalline MoS2 monolayer and/or complex PD architecture, we for the first time report a facile method of simply transferring the MoS2 onto a periodically aligned silicon dioxide nanoribbons (SNR) array substrate fabricated by 325 nm laser interference lithography. Interestingly, two different n‐doping states are arranged alternately on the MoS2 layer, depending on the underlying region of contact substrate (pristine SiO2 and SNR). The different n‐doping levels induce internal electric fields by which photo‐generated carriers are separated, reducing the recombination chance. The MoS2 PD on the SNR array substrate shows an improved photocurrent to dark current ratio of ∼360 (∼7 times larger than that of the reference PD on the pristine SiO2 substrate), while producing a small dark current of ∼10−12 A at VG=0 V. Our method paves the way for enhancing the performance of other 2D materials‐based optoelectronic devices.
A Single‐Benzene‐Based Fluorophore: Optical Waveguiding in the Crystal Form
Authors: Cho Eunbee , Choi Jinho , Jo Seonyoung , Park Dong‐Hyuk , Hong Young Ki , Kim Dongwook , Lee Taek Seung
Published: August 2019

A single‐benzene‐based, blue‐emissive diethyl 2,5‐dihydroxyterephthalate (DDT) was prepared by Fischer esterification of 2,5‐dihydroxyterephthalic acid (DHT) and ethanol. The strong fluorescence in both the solution and the solid state from such a simple framework stemmed from the push‐pull structure of the electron‐donating hydroxy groups and the accepting carbonyl groups, as well as structural planarity from intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds enabled DDT to crystallize easily. The color CCD imaging technique showed efficient 1D optical waveguiding with a large optical loss coefficient of 0.15 dB/μm. DDT has potential application in optical sensors, photonic devices, and optoelectronic communication, because of its highly ordered structure and light‐emitting ability.
PhotoRAFT Polymerization of Vinylidene Fluoride Using a Household White LED as Light Source at Room Temperature
Authors: Yang Qizhi , Ladmiral Vincent , Améduri Bruno
Published: August 2019

The photoRAFT (RAFT=reversible addition‐fragmentation radical transfer) polymerization of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) mediated by O‐ethyl‐S‐(1‐methoxycarbonyl)ethyl dithiocarbonate using a household white LED as light source at room temperature is presented. PVDFs with molar masses up to ca. 8000 g mol−1 and low dispersities (1.11–1.49) were obtained. Kinetic experiments revealed that the use of Ir(ppy)3 as photoredox catalyst lead to faster polymerization. A slowdown of the chain equilibration process was observed during the polymerization, attributed to the accumulation of the less reactivatable CF2−CH2−Xa terminated chains.
Electrochemical Transformation of Facet‐Controlled BiOI into Mesoporous Bismuth Nanosheets for Selective Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Formic Acid
Authors: Wu Dan , Liu Jianwen , Liang Yue , Xiang Kun , Fu Xian‐Zhu , Luo Jing‐Li
Published: August 2019

Mesoporous bismuth nanosheets are prepared through electrochemical transformation of (100)‐facet exposed BiOI. Theoretical modeling and calculations are used to simulate the in situ morphological transformation of BiOI into Bi. Mesoporous Bi nanosheets show superior electrochemical CO2 reduction performance. A faradaic efficiency of 95.9 % at −0.77 VRHE for the conversion of CO2 into formic acid, is achieved for the mesoporous Bi nanosheet catalyst compared with 93.8 % at −0.87 VRHE for the smooth Bi nanosheets. Tafel analysis and DFT calculations indicate that the electrochemical CO2 reduction on mesoporous Bi nanosheets is kinetically faster with a higher resistance to H2 generation than that on smooth Bi(001) nanosheets. The CO2‐to‐HCOOH pathway is preferred through formation of an *OCHO intermediate on the (012) and (001) planes of Bi. The mesoporous structure induces a more accessible interaction with CO2, which makes a predominant contribution to the enhanced performance compared with the subsequent CO2 activation on different facets of Bi.
Stable Iron Hydroxide Nanosheets@Cobalt‐Metal–Organic–Framework Heterostructure for Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Gao Zhi , Yu Zhi Wu , Liu Feng Qing , Yang Chuo , Yuan Ya Hong , Yu Yi , Luo Feng
Published: August 2019

Most studies are devoted to the use of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as templates to construct desirable electrocatalysts in situ by high‐temperature pyrolysis. The emergence of heterostructures invokes new opportunities to use the full potential of pristine MOFs as efficient catalysts in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, a MOF surface‐reaction strategy is developed to synthesize MOF‐based heterostructures without pyrolysis. Uniform Fe(OH)3 nanosheets are grown controllably on the Co‐MOF‐74 surface by a fast “phenol–Fe” reaction that takes advantage of the hydroxyl sites in Co‐MOF‐74. The resulting Fe(OH)3@Co‐MOF‐74 heterostructure delivers an excellent performance in the OER with a low overpotential of 292 mV at 10 mA cm−2. Notably, the introduction of Fe can improve the intrinsic activity of the original Co atom significantly. The turnover frequency in Fe(OH)3@Co‐MOF‐74 (1.209 s−1) is more than 25 times higher than that in Co‐MOF‐74 (0.048 s−1). This work presents a fresh concept for the fundamental design of advanced pure‐MOF‐based heterostructures and, thereby, provides a new avenue for the fabrication of other energy‐conversion and ‐storage materials.
Reversible Intercalation of Multivalent Al3+ Ions into Potassium‐Rich Cryptomelane Nanowires for Aqueous Rechargeable Al‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Joseph Jickson , Nerkar Jawahar , Tang Cheng , Du Aijun , O'Mullane Anthony P. , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken)
Published: August 2019

Invited for this month's cover is a collaborative research effort involving Prof. Aijun Du, Mr. Cheng Tang, Prof. Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov, Prof. Anthony O'Mullane, Mr. Jickson Joseph, and Dr. Jawahar Nerkar at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and Queensland University of Technology, Australia. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201901182.
Surface Engineering to Boost the Performance of Nanoparticle‐Based T1 Contrast Agents
Authors: Lin Hongyu , Liu Kun , Gao Jinhao
Published: August 2019

In the alternatives to current gadolinium‐based contrast agents (CAs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nanoparticle‐based T1 CAs have drawn extensive attention due to their better biocompatibility and adaptability. Recently, surface engineering has emerged as an efficient and promising method to promote the performance of nanoparticle‐based T1 CAs. In this Minireview, we sum up and categorize the specific strategies of several representative works that utilize surface engineering and hope to stimulate more ideas and efforts for the development of this method, which will eventually benefit the advancement of MRI CAs.
Unified and Benign Synthesis of Spirooxindoles via Bifunctional and Recyclable Iodide‐Salt‐Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling in Water
Authors: Wang Dangui , Lu Xunbo , Sun Shaohan , Yu Huaibin , Su Huimin , Wu Yuzhou , Zhong Fangrui
Published: August 2019

Herein we develop a novel micellar catalytic system based on amphiphilic bifunctional iodide salts for oxidative intramolecular α‐oxygenation and α‐amination of carbonyl substrates in water, thus enabling a unified and benign synthesis of various 2‐oxindoles containing spirotetrahydrobenzofurans, spiroisochromanones, spiroindolines and spirolactones. Notably, the terminal oxidant H2O2 produced water as the only by‐product. The excellent recyclability of the aqueous medium containing the catalyst further highlights the synthetic utility of this system.
The responsiveness and interpretability of psychosocial patient‐reported outcome measures in chronic musculoskeletal pain rehabilitation
Authors: Pulles Alexandra N. T. D. , Köke Albère J. A. , Strackke Robin P. , Smeets Rob J. E. M.
Published: August 2019

Background

For several widely used patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) in chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSP) rehabilitation, it is still not known whether they are responsive to change, and what the smallest detectable change (SDC) and minimal clinically important change (MCIC) are. Knowledge of these values can be used to accurately interpret change scores in research and clinical practice.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, the responsiveness, the SDC and the MCIC of the mental components of the Research and Development 36‐Item Health Survey (RAND‐36), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) were investigated in CMSP patients. Responsiveness, the SDC and MCIC were determined by using both anchor and distribution‐based methods.

Results

For all outcome measures, there was a progression from smallest to largest mean change scores between participants who did not perceive change and those who reported change after treatment. However, correlations of the Global Perceived Effect (GPE) with the change scores on the outcome measures were low. For all outcome measures, the SDC was larger than the MCIC.

Conclusions

For this population, the questionnaires were shown not to be responsive. Furthermore, the questionnaires appeared not to be able to distinguish clinically important change from measurement error in individual patients. The finding of large measurement errors of PROMs is in line with previous research in pain rehabilitation. Using generic PROMs only, to examine changes in psychosocial status due to a pain rehabilitation programme, is therefore questionable.

Significance

This study shows that widely used generic psychosocial PROMs might not be responsive and not able to distinguish clinically important change from measurement error in individual chronic musculoskeletal pain patients. It therefore seems reasonable to reconsider the (compulsory) use of these PROMs for assessing the quality of pain rehabilitation programmes, and necessary to consider other, more objective, outcome measures for this purpose in this population.
Catalytic Activity of Anisotropic Gold Nanoplates towards Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Opuchlik Lidia Jagoda , Kizling Michal , Bacal Pawel , Bilewicz Renata
Published: August 2019

Glassy carbon electrode (GCE) coated with anisotropic gold nanoplates (aAuNPs) was used for the study of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in 0.5 M sulfuric acid instead of bulk gold electrodes. The electrode cleaning/activation procedure lead to the removal of any charged and uncharged residues on the gold nanoplates, leaving the nanostructured surface highly active towards oxygen reduction. The advantages: much lower overpotential and larger current densities of oxygen reduction are ascribed to the unique nanostructures present on the carbon electrode surface‐the gold nanoplates. They are rich in edges providing a large population of Au (100) sites with unsaturated coordination exposed to the solution, and catalytically active. Measurements performed using a rotating disc electrode, modified with the gold nanoplates, confirmed that ORR proceeds via two separate steps: oxygen is reduced to hydrogen peroxide, and the peroxide is further reduced in a two‐electron reduction to water.
Indirect CE‐UV detection for the characterization of organic and inorganic ions of a broad mobility and pKa range in engine coolants
Authors: Rösch Tobias , Troffer Johann , Huhn Carolin
Published: August 2019

An alternative CE‐(indirect ultraviolet) method for the analysis of inorganic and organic anions in ethylene glycol‐based engine coolants is presented using a BGE with 4 mM pyromellitic acid and 3.4 mM 1,6‐hexamethylene diamine, pH 3. Baseline separation of six inorganic (e.g. nitrite, nitrate, and sulfate) and five organic anions (e.g. acetic and glycolic acid) was achieved. Quantification of 8 out of 11 specified anions was possible in stressed engine coolant samples after simple aqueous dilution. LODs between 0.8 and 15.1 mg/L with RSD values of peak areas between 2.6 and 11.9% were obtained. Some limitations due to matrix effects can be overcome with slight adaptations of the BGE. The flexibility of the method is vital regarding the increasing demands for the composition of engine coolants for pollution reduction.
Quantitative CE analysis of punicalagin in Combretum aculeatum extracts traditionally used in Senegal for the treatment of tuberculosis
Authors: Diop ElHadji Assane , Jacquat Jenna , Drouin Nicolas , Queiroz Emerson Ferreira , Wolfender Jean‐Luc , Diop Tahir , Schappler Julie , Rudaz Serge
Published: August 2019

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent of tuberculosis, an infectious bacterial disease, which most commonly affects the lungs. In the search for novel active compounds or medicines against tuberculosis, an ethnopharmacological survey combined with a host‐pathogen assay has recently highlighted the potency of an aqueous extract of Combretum aculeatum. C. aculeatum is used in traditional medicine and has demonstrated a significant in vitro antimycobacterial activity. Punicalagin, an ellagitannin, was isolated and found to be related to the biological activity of the extract. An analytical method for the evaluation of punicalagin in C. aculeatum was developed by capillary electrophoresis. After method optimization, the quantification of punicalagin was achieved for the evaluation of various plant extracts to determine the content of punicalagin related to the extraction modes and conditions, origin of the plant material, and harvesting period. The developed method demonstrated that the leaves presented the highest punicalagin content compared to the seeds and stems. A decoction of 30 min in boiling water was found to be the best extraction mode of C. aculeatum.
The Impact of Pesticides on Flower-Visiting Insects: A Review with Regard to European Risk Assessment
Authors: Uhl Philipp , Brühl Carsten A.
Published: August 2019

Flower-visiting insects (FVIs) are an ecologically diverse group of mobile, flying species that should be protected from pesticide effects according to European policy. However, there is an ongoing decline of FVI species, partly caused by agricultural pesticide applications. Therefore, the risk assessment framework needs to be improved. We synthesized the peer-reviewed literature on FVI groups and their ecology, habitat, exposure to pesticides, and subsequent effects. The results show that FVIs are far more diverse than previously thought. Their habitat, the entire agricultural landscape, is potentially contaminated with pesticides through multiple pathways. Pesticide exposure of FVIs at environmentally realistic levels can cause population-relevant adverse effects. This knowledge was used to critically evaluate the European regulatory framework of exposure and effect assessment. The current risk assessment should be amended to incorporate specific ecological properties of FVIs, that is, traits. We present data-driven tools to improve future risk assessments by making use of trait information. There are major knowledge gaps concerning the general investigation of groups other than bees, the collection of comprehensive data on FVI groups and their ecology, linking habitat to FVI exposure, and study of previously neglected complex population effects. This is necessary to improve our understanding of FVIs and facilitate the development of a more protective FVI risk assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2355–2370. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC
A dynamic swift association scheme for wireless body area networks
Authors: Sheraz Adil , Bangash Javed Iqbal , Khan Abdul Waheed , Imran Muhammad , Khan Asfandyar , Khan Abdullah , Ishaq Muhammad , Khan Wajid Ullah
Published: August 2019

Among numerous promising applications of wireless sensor networks is wireless body area networks. Wireless body area networks are used for real‐time vital signs monitoring of patients in a remote setting. In addition to their dedicated sensing tasks, the implanted sensor nodes need to effectively utilize their resources to enhance the lifetime of the network. For wireless body area networks, IEEE 802.15.4 low data rate low‐power wireless Personal Area Networks (PANs) standard is adopted. The said standard uses fixed superframe structure operation, which restricts the movement of the nodes, and has degraded performance in the mobility of nodes. Two superframe parameters, ie, beacon order and superframe order, decide the beacon interval and duty cycle of the standard. Both beacon order and superframe order have a strong impact on the performance of network parameters. In this research work, a dynamic swift association scheme is proposed to enhance the performance of a mobile node with a scenario where node moves from its parent PAN and joins the neighbor PAN. Dynamic swift association scheme is compared with IEEE 802.15.4 in terms of association time, association success rate, average throughput, and energy consumption. Simulation results using network simulator version 2 confirm superior performance of dynamic swift association scheme against IEEE 802.15.4 standard.
Identification of new hypoxia‐regulated epithelial‐mesenchymal transition marker genes labeled by H3K4 acetylation
Authors: Wang Jian‐Qiu , Yan Feng‐Qin , Wang Li‐Hui , Yin Wen‐Juan , Chang Ting‐Yu , Liu Jun‐Ping , Wu Kou‐Juey
Published: August 2019

Hypoxia‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) involves the interplay between chromatin modifiers histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) and WDR5. The histone mark histone 3 lysine 4 acetylation (H3K4Ac) is observed in the promoter regions of various EMT marker genes (eg, CDH1 and VIM). To further define the genome‐wide location of H3K4Ac, a chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by massively parallel DNA sequencing (ChIP‐seq) analysis was performed using a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) FaDu cell line under normoxia and hypoxia. H3K4Ac was found to be located mainly around the transcription start site. Coupled with analysis of gene expression by RNA sequencing and using a HDAC3 knockdown cell line, 10 new genes (BMI1, GLI1, SMO, FOXF1, SIRT2, etc) that were labeled by H3K4Ac and regulated by HDAC3 were identified. Overexpression or knockdown of GLI1/SMO increased or repressed the in vitro migration and invasion activity in OECM‐1/FaDu cells, respectively. In HNSCC patients, coexpression of GLI1 and SMO in primary tumors correlated with metastasis. Our results identify new EMT marker genes that may play a significant role in hypoxia‐induced EMT and metastasis and further provide diagnostic and prognostic implications.
Petrogenesis and geodynamic implications of Early Palaeozoic granitic rocks at the Hongshi Cu deposit in East Tianshan Orogenic Belt, NW China: Constraints from zircon U–Pb geochronology, geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes
Authors: Cheng Xihui , Yang Fuquan , Zhang Rui , Xu Qiangfen , Yang Chengdong
Published: August 2019

The Early Palaeozoic granitoid rocks represent a volumetrical component of the eastern part of the Dananhu–Tousuquan island arc belt of the East Tianshan and preserve useful information about the tectonomagmatic history of this region. The Hongshi intrusion primarily consists of granodiorite, which intrudes the Ordovician–Silurian Daliugou Formation in the Kalatag area. Zircon U–Pb dating of magmatic zircons from the granodiorite was formed at 426.6 ± 2.3 Ma, suggesting that the intrusion was emplaced in the Middle Silurian. Geochemically, granodiorite belongs to the metaluminous calc‐alkaline I‐type granitoids associated with a narrow range of SiO2 concentration (63.53–67.71 wt.%), A/CNK values ranging from 1.01 to 1.12. They have high Ba, LREE, and LILE contents and low abundance of HREE and HFSE. These samples displayed MgO contents of 1.38–1.52 wt.%, resulting in low K2O/Na2O ratios of 0.11–0.33 and intermediate Mg# values of 29.03–37.31, with high Sr/Y, La/Yb, and Ba/Th ratios, positive εNd(t) (6.60 to 7.95) and εHf(t) (13.1–16.0), low (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.704113–0.704312), and low Nb/U and Ta/U ratios. These features indicated that the parental magma of the granodiorite was probably derived from a juvenile crust with no significant mantle component involvement. Based on the regional geology and geochemical evidence, the Hongshi granodiorite is considered to have formed in an arc setting, associated with the northward subduction of the young Kangguer Ocean slab beneath the Dananhu island arc.
microRNA‐132 is overexpressed in glia in temporal lobe epilepsy and reduces the expression of pro‐epileptogenic factors in human cultured astrocytes
Authors: Korotkov Anatoly , Broekaart Diede W. M. , Banchaewa Leyla , Pustjens Ben , van Scheppingen Jackelien , Anink Jasper J. , Baayen Johannes C. , Idema Sander , Gorter Jan A. , van Vliet Erwin A. , Aronica Eleonora
Published: August 2019

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a chronic neurological disease in humans, which is refractory to pharmacological treatment in about 30% of the patients. Reactive glial cells are thought to play a major role during the development of epilepsy (epileptogenesis) via regulation of brain inflammation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). These processes can be regulated by microRNAs (miRs), a class of small non‐coding RNAs, which can control entire gene networks at a post‐transcriptional level. The expression of miRs is known to change dynamically during epileptogenesis. miR‐132 is one of the most commonly upregulated miRs in animal TLE models with important roles shown in neurons. However, the possible role of miR‐132 in glia remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to characterize the cell‐type specific expression of miR‐132 in the hippocampus of patients with TLE and during epileptogenesis in a rat TLE model. Furthermore, the potential role of miR‐132 was investigated by transfection of human primary cultured astrocytes that were stimulated with the cytokines IL‐1β or TGF‐β1. We showed an increased expression of miR‐132 in the human and rat epileptogenic hippocampus, particularly in glial cells. Transfection of miR‐132 in human primary astrocytes reduced the expression of pro‐epileptogenic COX‐2, IL‐1β, TGF‐β2, CCL2, and MMP3. This suggests that miR‐132, particularly in astrocytes, represents a potential therapeutic target that warrants further in vivo investigation.
Positive survival trend in metastatic head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma over four‐decades: Multicenter study
Authors: Hasmat Shaheen , Ebrahimi Ardalan , Luk Peter P. , Low Tsu‐Hui (Hubert) , McDowell Lachlan , Magarey Matthew J. R. , Veness Michael , Gupta Ruta , Clark Jonathan
Published: August 2019

Background

This study assessed changes over time of survival of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC) with lymph node metastases.

Methods

A multicenter analysis of 1301 patients with metastatic HNcSCC treated between 1980 and 2017. Differences in disease‐specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) by decade were assessed using multivariate Cox regression.

Results

Over the study period, we noted an increase in the proportion of patients aged over 80 years (3.9%‐31.7%; P < .001) and immunosuppression (1.9%‐9.9%; P = .03). After adjusting for number and size of metastatic nodes, extranodal extension, perineural invasion, immunosuppression, treatment, and institution, there was a reduction in risk of cancer‐related mortality from 0.47 in 1990‐1999 (P = .04) to 0.30 in 2000‐2009 (P < .001) when compared to 1980‐1989. This remained stable at 0.30 in 2010‐2017 (P = .001). OS remained stable after 1990.

Conclusion

Despite an aging and more frequently immunosuppressed population, fewer patients are dying from metastatic HNcSCC.
Treatment for lymphoma and late cardiovascular disease risk: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Stone Chelsea R. , Mickle Alexis T. , Boyne Devon J. , Mohamed Aliya , Rabi Doreen M. , Brenner Darren R. , Friedenreich Christine M.
Published: August 2019

Background and aims

Lymphoma patients are frequently treated with cancer therapies that may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes later in life, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. We sought to investigate the long‐term risk of CVD incidence in this survivor population relative to the general population to quantify this health burden.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted using EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases, from date of inception to November 2016, with additional searches completed through June 2018. Included reports were observational studies assessing CVD incidence in patients of either Hodgkin or non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (HL, NHL) who survived for at least 5 years from the time of diagnosis or if the study had a median follow‐up of 10 years. Meta‐analyses were performed using random effects models, and subgroup analyses were conducted to determine the incidence of specific CVD subtypes (coronary heart disease, pericardial disease, valvular heart disease, myocardial disease, cardiac dysrhythmia, and cerebrovascular disease). Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics and prediction intervals.

Results

Of the 7734 studies identified, 22 studies were included in this review, representing 32 438 HL and NHL survivors. Relative to the general population, lymphoma survivors had statistically significant two to threefold increases in the risk for nearly all subtypes of CVD examined. Lymphoma survivors appeared to be particularly susceptible to pericardial diseases (HL: 10.67, 95% confidence interval (CI), 7.75‐14.69; NHL: 4.70, 95% CI, 2.08‐10.61) and valvular diseases (HL: 13.10, 95% CI, 7.41‐23.16; NHL: 3.76, 95% CI, 2.12‐6.66). Although the 95% CIs were suggestive of increased risks, the 95% prediction intervals often included the null, reflecting the high heterogeneity of the estimates.

Conclusion

Given the suggested increased risks of cardiovascular outcomes in lymphoma survivor populations relative to the general population, tailored screening and prevention programmes may be warranted to offset the future burden of disease.
Linking soil water balance with flood spatial arrangement in an extremely flat landscape
Authors: Vercelli Natalia , Varni Marcelo , Lara Bruno , Entraigas Ilda , Ares María Guadalupe
Published: August 2019

In areas with very mild relief, water drains in a disordered way due to the lack of a developed drainage network, as it occurs in extremely flat sedimentary regions like the Argentine Pampas. The study analysed the flood spatial arrangements in 2014 by calculating landscape metrics and relating them to soil water balance. The study area is located at Del Azul creek lower basin (Pampa Ecoregion, Argentina). Daily soil water balances were obtained, and seven landscape metrics were calculated in 15 windows in five LandSat images, all along 2014, to explore the relationship between hydrological scenarios and spatial pattern summarized with principal component analysis. Water excess concentrated in winter (June and August); deficits were in late spring and summer (January and November), whereas the beginning of autumn (March) was an intermediate situation. Principal component 1 (44.7%) reflected area and shape metrics and correlated positively with water table level; principal component 2 (32.3%) summarized aggregation ones and was negatively associated with accumulated water excesses or deficits in previous 30 days and useful reserve. Both exhibited possible threshold‐driven behaviour. Internal heterogeneity between NW and SE zones within the study area coincided with the existence of ancient alluvial fans. The results highlight the peculiarities of the flood spatial patterns in regions with very mild relief, where landforms usually determine water flows.
JAK–STAT inhibition impairs K‐RAS‐driven lung adenocarcinoma progression
Authors: Mohrherr Julian , Haber Marcel , Breitenecker Kristina , Aigner Petra , Moritsch Stefan , Voronin Viktor , Eferl Robert , Moriggl Richard , Stoiber Dagmar , Győrffy Balázs , Brcic Luka , László Viktória , Döme Balázs , Moldvay Judit , Dezső Katalin , Bilban Martin , Popper Helmut , Moll Herwig P. , Casanova Emilio
Published: August 2019

Oncogenic K‐RAS has been difficult to target and currently there is no K‐RAS‐based targeted therapy available for patients suffering from K‐RAS‐driven lung adenocarcinoma (AC). Alternatively, targeting K‐RAS‐downstream effectors, K‐RAS‐cooperating signaling pathways or cancer hallmarks, such as tumor‐promoting inflammation, has been shown to be a promising therapeutic strategy. Since the JAK–STAT pathway is considered to be a central player in inflammation‐mediated tumorigenesis, we investigated here the implication of JAK–STAT signaling and the therapeutic potential of JAK1/2 inhibition in K‐RAS‐driven lung AC. Our data showed that JAK1 and JAK2 are activated in human lung AC and that increased activation of JAK–STAT signaling correlated with disease progression and K‐RAS activity in human lung AC. Accordingly, administration of the JAK1/2 selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor ruxolitinib reduced proliferation of tumor cells and effectively reduced tumor progression in immunodeficient and immunocompetent mouse models of K‐RAS‐driven lung AC. Notably, JAK1/2 inhibition led to the establishment of an antitumorigenic tumor microenvironment, characterized by decreased levels of tumor‐promoting chemokines and cytokines and reduced numbers of infiltrating myeloid derived suppressor cells, thereby impairing tumor growth. Taken together, we identified JAK1/2 inhibition as promising therapy for K‐RAS‐driven lung AC.
Silencing of lncRNA SNHG20 delays the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma via regulating liver Kupffer cells polarization
Authors: Wang Bin , Li Xiangpan , Hu Wenjuan , Zhou Yu , Din Youming
Published: August 2019

This study aims to investigate the role of long noncoding RNA SNHG20 in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD) to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to elucidate whether polarization of Kupffer cells (KCs, liver macrophages) was involved in this process. Mouse NALFD was induced by 16 weeks of high‐fat diet (HFD) feeding. Mouse NALFD‐HCC was induced by 36 weeks of HFD feeding (from 1 week to 36 weeks) and 20 weeks of diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) administration (from 17 weeks to 36 weeks). The LV‐shRNA‐ and LV‐sh‐SNHG20‐infected RAW264.7 cells were injected into the NALFD mice followed by DEN treatment to evaluate the role of SNHG20 in regulating the progression of NALFD to HCC in mice. The proportion of M1 and M2 macrophages was determined by flow cytometry. The levels of M1‐related inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor‐α and M2‐related Arg‐1 and interleukin (IL)‐10 were also examined. SNHG20 expression was decreased in NALFD but increased in NALFD‐HCC, both in human and experimental mouse livers. Furthermore, human and mouse NALFD‐HCC KCs displayed decreased M1/M2 ratio compared with NALFD KCs. Moreover, SNHG20 overexpression induced M2 polarization through activating STAT6, whereas SNHG20 silencing suppressed M1 polarization in RAW264.7 macrophages and delayed the progression of NALFD to HCC in mice. SNHG20 may facilitate the progression of NALFD to HCC via inducing liver KCs M2 polarization via STAT6 activation.
Sustained delivery of the angiogenic QK peptide through the use of polyglutamate domains to control peptide release from bone graft materials
Authors: Pensa Nicholas W. , Curry Andrew S. , Reddy Michael S. , Bellis Susan L.
Published: August 2019

Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in tissue regeneration following bone‐grafting procedures; however, nonautogenous graft materials typically lack critical angiogenic growth factors. While much research has focused on modifying grafts with angiogenic factors, controlled delivery of these molecules remains a challenge. The current study describes a method for sustained delivery of an angiogenic peptide from hydroxyapatite (HA), a common alloplast material. Specifically, VEGF‐derived “QK” peptides were synthesized with polyglutamate domains containing varying numbers of glutamates. The rate of peptide release from HA inversely correlated with glutamate number, with diglutamate‐QK (E2‐QK) released first, followed by tetraglutamate‐QK (E4‐QK), and finally, heptaglutamate‐QK (E7‐QK). By coating HA with a mixture of these peptides, termed, PGM‐QK (polyglutamate‐modified mixture), sequential peptide release was achieved, enabling gradient QK delivery. To evaluate bioactivity, HA disks were coated with PGM‐QK and then placed in fresh media for 6 days. Media containing the released peptides was collected at varying time intervals and placed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cells were evaluated for activation of angiogenic signaling pathways (ERK and Akt) and cell migration. Results showed that QK peptides were continuously released over the 6‐day interval, and maintained their capacity to activate HUVECs. These findings point to a new approach for gradient delivery of an angiogenic stimulus.
Evaluation of polydimethylsiloxane‐based substrates for in vitro culture of human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Yan Xiang‐Zhen , van den Beucken Jeroen J. J. P. , Yuan Chunxue , Jansen John A. , Yang Fang
Published: August 2019

Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells are regarded as the cell type with the highest potential for periodontal regeneration. Biophysical cues of the culture substrate are increasingly identified as vital parameters to affect cell behavior. Compared to traditional tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates corroborate more closely the elastic modulus values of the physiological environment. Consequently, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PDMS‐based substrates with different stiffness on cellular responses of human PDL cells. PDMS substrates with different stiffness were fabricated by varying the ratio of base to curing component. The influence of PDMS substrates on PDL cell spreading and cytoskeletal morphologies, motility, proliferation, stemness gene expression, and osteogenic differentiation was evaluated and compared to that on conventional TCPS. PDL cells cultured on PDMS substrates exhibited a smaller cell size and more elongated morphology, with less spreading area, fewer focal adhesions, and faster migration than cells on TCPS. Compared to TCPS, PDMS substrates promoted the rapid in vitro expansion of PDL cells without interfering with their self‐renewal ability. In contrast, the osteogenic differentiation ability of PDL cells cultured on PDMS was lower in comparison to cells on TCPS. PDL cells on PDMS exhibited similar cell morphology, motility, proliferation, and self‐renewal gene expression. The stiffer PDMS substrate increased the osteogenic gene expression of PDL cells compared to the soft PDMS group in one donor. These data indicate that PDMS‐based substrates have the potential for the efficient PDL cell expansion.
Evaluation of topographical and chemical modified TiAl6V4 implant surfaces in a weight‐bearing intramedullary femur model in rabbit
Authors: Bretschneider Henriette , Mettelsiefen Jan , Rentsch Claudia , Gelinsky Michael , Link Helmut D. , Günther Klaus‐Peter , Lode Anja , Hofbauer Christine
Published: August 2019

For cementless total joint replacement implants, the biological response to physicochemical surface characteristics is crucial for their success that depends on fixation by newly formed bone. In this study, the surface of TiAl6V4 (Tilastan®) implants was modified by (a) corundum blasting, (b) corundum blasting followed by electrochemical calcium phosphate (CaP) deposition, and (c) titanium plasma spraying followed by electrochemical CaP deposition. All modifications resulted in a surface roughness suitable to enhance primary implant stabilization and to favor osteoblast adhesion and function; the thin, biomimetic CaP coating is characterized by fast resorbability and served as chemical cue to stimulate osteogenesis. After implantation in a full weight‐bearing rabbit intramedullary distal femur model, osseointegration was investigated after 3, 6, and 12 weeks. For all modifications, new bone formation, occurring from the endosteum of the femoral cortical bone, was observed in direct contact to the implant surface after 3 weeks. At the later time points, maturation of the woven bone into lamellar bone with clearly defined osteons was visible; the remodeling process was accelerated by the CaP coating. The ingrowth of newly formed bone into the pores of the titanium plasma sprayed surfaces indicates a strong interlock and finally implant fixation. Our findings indicate a positive impact of the tested surface modifications on osseointegration.
Long‐term interest rates under negative interest rate policy: Analysis of Japanese government bond and swap markets
Authors: Ito Takayasu
Published: August 2019

Market segmentation is observed in the Japanese government bond (JGB) and swap markets of 2‐, 3‐, 4‐, 5‐, 7‐, and 10‐year maturities under negative interest rate policy regime. This also means that the arbitrage between the JGB and swap markets does not work in these maturities. After the Bank of Japan introduces a yield curve control policy under negative interest rate policy, market segmentation is observed only in the JGB and swap markets of 7‐ and 10‐year maturities. In the maturities of 2, 3, 4, and 5 years, the JGB yield and the swap rate co‐move. The market function recovers and arbitrage works between the JGB and swap markets in these maturities.