bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualization of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization by Aggregation‐Induced Emission Technology
Authors: Wang Xin , Qiao Xiaoguang , Yin Xiuzhe , Cui Zhe , Fu Peng , Liu Minying , Wang Guowei , Pan Xiangcheng , Pang Xinchang
Published: February 2020

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) technology has been demonstrated to be a facile approach for in‐situ monitoring atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). A series of tertraphenyl ethylene (TPE)‐containing α‐bromo compounds were synthesized and applied as ATRP initiators. The photoluminescent (PL) emission of the polymerization system is proved to be sensitive to the local viscosity owing to the AIE characteristics of TPE. Linear relationships between the resulting molecular weight Mn and PL intensity were observed in several polymerization systems with different monomers, indicating the variability of this technique. Compared to physical blending, the chemical bonding of the TPE group in the chain end has higher sensitivity and accuracy to the polymer segments and the surrounding environment. This work promoted the combination of the AIE technique and controlled living radical polymerization, and introduced such an optical research platform to the ATRP polymerization process.
Alnatura Campus – Neubau der Alnatura Arbeitswelt
Authors: Haas Martin , Mayer Lynn
Published: February 2020

Für den 55 000 m2 großen Alnatura Campus wurde das ehemalige Kasernengelände im Südwesten von Darmstadt umfassend renaturiert. Versiegelte Flächen wurden aufgebrochen und das anfallende Material in den Freiflächen verbaut.

Herzstück des Campus ist die Alnatura Arbeitswelt, eine lichte, offene Bürolandschaft für bis zu 500 Mitarbeiter. Mit einer Bruttogeschossfläche von 13 500 m2 ist es das europaweit größte Bürogebäude aus Lehm. Lehm reguliert das Raumklima auf natürliche Weise und wirkt sich positiv auf die Raumakustik aus. Lichte Räume, flexible Arbeitsplätze, ein Erdkanal, der das klimaneutrale Gebäude mit Frischluft aus dem angrenzenden Wald versorgt, eine Regenwasserzisterne sowie Fotovoltaik‐ und Geothermieanlagen erfüllen höchste ökologische Anforderungen.

Das gesamte Erdgeschoss funktioniert als Treffpunkt, als Raum für Kommunikation, der die unkomplizierte Begegnung von Besuchern und Mitarbeitern ermöglicht. Treppen, Brücken und Stege bieten Verbindungen zu und zwischen den geschwungenen Büroebenen und schaffen horizontale und vertikale Nachbarschaften. Der Alnatura Campus dient auch als Lern‐ und Begegnungsort für die Menschen der Region mit einem öffentlichen Restaurant im Erdgeschoss sowie öffentlichen Nutz‐ und Lehrgärten.

„Die Alnatura Arbeitswelt gibt Antworten, wie man Gebäude heute planen und bauen kann: einfach und ressourcenneutral“, sagt Martin Haas, Gründer und Partner von haascookzemmrich STUDIO2050. „Es gibt den Werten und den offenen Strukturen des Unternehmens Alnatura eine architektonische Entsprechung, die Identität stiftet und Menschen verbindet.“
Systematic investigation on the chemical basis of anti‐NAFLD Qushi Huayu Fang. Part 1: A study of metabolic profiles in vivo and in vitro by high‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Huan , Sun Zhaolin , Tian Xiaoting , Feng Qin , Guo Ziqiong , Chen Shuoji , Yin Hao , Wang Yangyang , Xu Zhou , Xie Like , Hu Pei , Huang Chenggang
Published: February 2020

Qushi Huayu Fang (QHF) is a clinic‐empirical prescription for treating non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in China, which is composed of five herbs. However, the bioactive constituents responsible for the efficacy of QHF remain unclear. Thus, a high‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method was established and adopted to identify the constituents of QHF, and profile its metabolism in vivo and in vitro. Among the 66 constituents in QHF, only 14 compounds of six structural types were absorbed, and 34 metabolites were generated through eight metabolic pathways. A total of 20 metabolites were first reported, including four organic acids, one iridoid, two flavones, five naphthols, three anthraquinones, and five stilbenes. Glucuronidation and sulfation were the main metabolic pathways, and the intestinal metabolism played an important role in the biotransformation of QHF. Many compounds, especially those detected in the liver, the target organ of QHF, were reported to display the anti‐NAFLD activity. This is the first study to explore the constituents of QHF and its metabolism in vivo and in vitro, thus realizing the first step to clarify the chemical basis of QHF qualitatively, and laying the foundation for further research on the anti‐NAFLD mechanism of QHF.
Characterization of the metabolites of rosmarinic acid in human liver microsomes using liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Su Jing , Jia Fangyuan , Lu Junjie , Chen Weixu , Sun Han , Liu Tong , Wu Xia
Published: February 2020

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a phenolic acid originally isolated from the herb medicine Rosmarinus officinalis. The purpose of this study was to identify the metabolites of RA. RA was incubated with human liver microsomes in the presence of β‐nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate tetrasodium salt and/or uridine diphosphate glucuronic acid using glutathione (GSH) as a trapping agent. After 60‐min incubation, the samples were analyzed using high‐resolution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Under the current conditions, 14 metabolites were detected and identified. Our data revealed that RA was metabolized through the following pathways: the first pathway is the oxidation of catechol to form ortho‐quinone intermediates, which react with GSH to form mono‐GSH adducts (M1, M2, and M3) and bis‐GSH adducts (M4 and M5); the second pathway is conjugation with glucuronide to yield acylglucuronide (M7), which further reacts with GSH to form RA‐S‐acyl‐GSH adduct (M9); the third pathway is hydroxylation to form M10, M11, and M12, which further react with GSH to form mono‐GSH adducts (M13 and M14); the fourth pathway is conjugation with GSH through Michael addition (M6); the fifth pathway is conjugation with glucuronidation, forming M8, which is the major metabolic pathway of RA.
Ascending aortic elongation and correlative change in overall configuration of the proximal aorta in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Toba Takayoshi , Mori Shumpei , Izawa Yu , Toh Hiroyuki , Tsuda Daisuke , Shimoyama Shinsuke , Kawamori Hiroyuki , Otake Hiromasa , Tanaka Hidekazu , Fujiwara Sei , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: February 2020

Background

Configurational changes in the proximal aorta are relevant to the procedural difficulty of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Among several morphological changes involving the ascending aorta, elongation is characteristics of elderly patients with aortic stenosis and can compromise the success and safety of TAVI. However, the effect of ascending aortic elongation on the overall morphology of the proximal aorta has not been established.

Aims

Our primary purpose was to investigate the effect of ascending aortic elongation on structural changes in the proximal aorta in TAVI candidates.

Materials & Methods

In total, 121 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis (mean age, 84.5 ± 5.3 years; 69% women) who had undergone preprocedural computed tomography before TAVI were enrolled. We examined the structural anatomy of the proximal aorta in detail, focusing on its elongation, dilatation, tilting, rotation, and wedging.

Results

The mean length of the ascending aorta was 68.0 ± 9.2 mm, and the length was significantly correlated with dilatation (R = .278, p = .002), rightward tilting (R = .437, p < .001), clockwise rotation (R = .228, p = .018), and deep wedging (R = −.366, p < .001) of the proximal aorta. Elongation of the ascending aorta was correlated with dilatation, rightward tilting, clockwise rotation, and deep wedging of the proximal aorta in an elderly population with severe aortic stenosis.

Discussion

Appreciation of the clinical anatomy around the proximal aorta is required for clinicians involved in TAVI to estimate the procedural difficulty.

Conclusion

Elongation of the ascending aorta was associated with dilatation, rightward tilting, clockwise rotation, and deep wedging of the proximal aorta.
Enrollment of adolescents and young adults onto SWOG cancer research network clinical trials: A comparative analysis by treatment site and era
Authors: Roth Michael E. , Unger Joseph M. , O'Mara Ann M. , Lewis Mark A. , Budd Troy , Johnson Rebecca H. , Pollock Brad H. , Blanke Charles , Freyer David R.
Published: February 2020

Background

Few adolescents and young adults (AYAs, 15‐39 years old) enroll onto cancer clinical trials, which hinders research otherwise having the potential to improve outcomes in this unique population. Prior studies have reported that AYAs are more likely to receive cancer care in community settings. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has led efforts to increase trial enrollment through its network of NCI‐designated cancer centers (NCICC) combined with community outreach through its Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP; replaced by the NCI Community Oncology Research Program in 2014).

Methods

Using AYA proportional enrollment (the proportion of total enrollments who were AYAs) as the primary outcome, we examined enrollment of AYAs onto SWOG therapeutic trials at NCICC, CCOP, and non‐NCICC/non‐CCOP sites from 2004 to 2013 by type of site, study period (2004‐08 vs 2009‐13), and patient demographics.

Results

Overall, AYA proportional enrollment was 10.1%. AYA proportional enrollment decreased between 2004‐2008 and 2009‐2013 (13.1% vs 8.5%, P < .001), and was higher at NCICCs than at CCOPs and non‐NCICC/non‐CCOPs (14.1% vs 8.3% and 9.2%, respectively; P < .001). AYA proportional enrollment declined significantly at all three site types. Proportional enrollment of AYAs who were Black or Hispanic was significantly higher at NCICCs compared with CCOPs or non‐NCICC/non‐CCOPs (11.5% vs 8.8, P = .048 and 11.5% vs 8.6%, P = .03, respectively).

Conclusion

Not only did community sites enroll a lower proportion of AYAs onto cancer clinical trials, but AYA enrollment decreased in all study settings. Initiatives aimed at increasing AYA enrollment, particularly in the community setting with attention to minority status, are needed.
miR‐150‐5p suppresses the stem cell‐like characteristics of glioma cells by targeting the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Tian Weidong , Zhu Weijie , Jiang Jingchao
Published: February 2020

Glioma is the most common brain tumor malignancy with high mortality and poor prognosis. Emerging evidence suggests that cancer stem cells are the key culprit in the development of cancer. MicroRNAs have been reported to be dysregulated in many cancers, while the mechanism underlying miR‐150‐5p in glioma progression and proportion of stem cells is unclear. The expression levels of miR‐150‐5p and catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1, which encodes β‐catenin) were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot. The expression levels of downstream genes of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and stem cell markers were detected by qRT‐PCR. Tumorigenesis was investigated by cell viability, colony formation, and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. The interaction between miR‐150‐5p and β‐catenin was explored via bioinformatics analysis and luciferase activity assay. We found that miR‐150‐5p was downregulated in glioma and its overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, and tumor growth. Moreover, miR‐150‐5p directly suppressed CTNNB1 and negatively regulated the abundances of downstream genes of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and stem cell markers. Furthermore, miR‐150‐5p expression was decreased and β‐catenin level was enhanced in CD133+ glioma stem cells. Knockdown of miR‐150‐5p contributed to CD133− cells with stem cell‐like phenotype, whereas overexpression of miR‐150‐5p suppressed CD133+ glioma stem cell‐like characteristics. In conclusion, miR‐150‐5p inhibited the progression of glioma by controlling stem cell‐like characteristics via regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, providing a novel target for glioma treatment.
Effects of drying methods (hot air, microwave, and superheated steam) on physicochemical and nutritional properties of bulgur prepared from high‐amylose and waxy hull‐less barley
Authors: Dueck Clifford , Cenkowski Stefan , Izydorczyk Marta S.
Published: February 2020

Background and objectives

Bulgur, an ancient and traditional food extensively consumed in Turkey and the Middle East, has been gaining popularity elsewhere as a nutritious and convenient cereal product with prolonged shelf life. The cooking, drying, and comminution methods used for bulgur production may affect the color, yield, chemical composition, nutritive quality, and physical properties of bulgur. The objectives of this study were to produce bulgur from high‐amylose and waxy hull‐less barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties and to investigate the effects of different drying methods: hot air, microwave, and superheated steam on the physicochemical and nutritional properties of barley bulgur.

Findings

Different drying methods applied in this study for the preparation of barley bulgur had significant effects on the physicochemical and nutritious properties of the final products. Bulgur products from high‐amylose barley (cv. CDC Hilose) contained lower amounts of proteins, but higher amounts of ash, arabinoxylans, resistant starch, total dietary fiber, and vitamin E than bulgur products from waxy barley (cv. CDC Marlina). However, bulgur products from CDC Marlina exhibited significantly higher solubility of β‐glucans compared with bulgur from CDC Hilose.

Conclusions

Overall, the optimal quality characteristics in terms of high bulgur yield, short cooking time, low cooking losses, high β‐glucan solubility, and high retention of vitamin E were achieved for bulgur prepared from grain dried with superheated steam at 110°C. The second best results were obtained for bulgur prepared from the microwave‐dried grain. Some differences in composition and properties of bulgur prepared from waxy and high‐amylose barley were related to genetic variations and differences in starch composition. The higher content of total dietary fiber in bulgur products from CDC Hilose was partly attributed to a higher content of resistant starch formed during the processing of this high‐amylose barley.

Significance and novelty

Barley has been long considered a wholesome and nutritious grain, and the results of this study clearly showed that it can be used for the preparation of bulgur, a convenient and functional food product. The use of superheated steam as a drying method for the preparation of barley bulgur proved to generate product with superior properties, especially when compared to conventional hot air drying.
Failure of response to combination therapy of adalimumab and infliximab in a recalcitrant patient of severe psoriasis and major thalassemia: A case report
Authors: Goldust Mohamad , Rahmatpour Rokni Ghasem , Gupta Mrinal , Lotti Torello , Bathaei Marzieh
Published: February 2020

This is the first case report of combination therapy in psoriasis with underlying thalassemia that failed after months. The relation of thalassemia with severity of psoriasis and response to treatment should be evaluated in more studies.
Synchronous Electrical Conductance‐ and Electron Tunnelling‐Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Measurements
Authors: Edmondson James F. , Meloni Gabriel N. , Costantini Giovanni , Unwin Patrick R.
Published: February 2020

The requirement to separate topographical effects from surface electrochemistry information is a major limitation of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). With many applications of SECM involving the study of (semi)conducting electrode surfaces, the hybridisation of SECM with scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) or a surface conductance probe would provide the ultimate topographical imaging capability to SECM, but previous attempts are limited. Here, the conversion of a general scanning electrochemical probe microscopy (SEPM) platform to facilitate contact electrical conductance (C)‐ and electron tunnelling (T)‐SECM measurements is considered. Measurements in air under ambient conditions with a Pt/Ir wire tip are used to assess the performance of the piezoelectric positioning system. A hopping‐mode imaging protocol is implemented, whereby the tip approaches the surface at each pixel until a desired current magnitude is exceeded, and the corresponding z position (surface height) is recorded at a set of predefined xy coordinates in the plane of the surface. At slow tip approach rates, the current shows an exponential dependence on tip‐substrate distance, as expected for electron tunnelling. For measurements in electrochemical environments, in order to overcome well‐known problems with leakage currents at coated‐wire tips used for electrochemical STM, Pt‐sensitised carbon nanoelectrodes are used as tips. The hydrogen evolution reaction on 2D Au nanocrystals serves as an exemplar system for the successful simultaneous mapping of topography and electrochemical activity.
Mixtures of QSAR models: Learning application domains of pKpredicto rs
Authors: Dörgő Gyula , Péter Hamadi Omar , Varga Tamás , Abonyi János
Published: February 2020

Quantitative structure‐activity relationship models (QSAR models) predict the physical properties or biological effects based on physicochemical properties or molecular descriptors of chemical structures. Our work focuses on the construction of optimal linear and nonlinear weighted mixes of individual QSAR models to more accurately predict their performance. How the splitting of the application domain by a nonlinear gating network in a “mixture of experts” model structure is suitable for the determination of the optimal domain‐specific QSAR model and how the optimal QSAR model for certain chemical groups can be determined is highlighted. The input of the gating network is arbitrarily formed by the various molecular structure descriptors and/or even the prediction of the individual QSAR models. The applicability of the method is demonstrated on the pKvalues of the OASIS database (1912 chemicals) by the combination of four acidic pKpredictions of the OECD QSAR Toolbox. According to the results, the prediction performance was enhanced by more than 15% (root‐mean‐square error [RMSE] value) compared with the predictions of the best individual QSAR model.
An ensemble just‐in‐time learning soft‐sensor model for residual lithium concentration prediction of ternary cathode materials
Authors: Chen Jiayao , Gui Weihua , Dai Jiayang , Yuan Xiaofeng , Chen Ning
Published: February 2020

The surface‐free lithium content, which is a critical index that reflecting the quality of ternary cathode materials, usually cannot be monitored in real time due to technical restriction. To this end, soft sensor technique is applied to predict the surface‐free lithium content by readily available process variables, making timely control on operation parameters. In this paper, a modeling method based on ensemble just‐in‐time learning (JITL) soft‐sensor is developed. In the model, data feature indices are firstly designed to properly extract the real‐time and short‐time features between the batching and the loading procedure. Accordingly, ensemble JITL soft‐sensor model is constructed with the semisupervised local weighted probability principal component regression. Moreover, considering varying working conditions, an adaptive moving window technique is adopted to improve the adaptability of the model. The validation and the flexibility of the developed modeling method are testified with the practical manufacturing data.
Coordinatively Unsaturated Metal–Nitrogen Active Sites at Twisted Surfaces in Metallic Porous Nitride Single Crystals Delivering Enhanced Electrocatalysis Activity
Authors: Zhang Feiyan , Jin Lu , Li Hao , Xie Kui
Published: February 2020

To create active sites on surfaces, the identification of structural features that could confine the local‐defect structure in the lattice is required. Porous nitride single crystals, combining the advantages of porosity and structural coherence, provide the possibility to create coordinatively unsaturated metal–nitrogen active sites confined on surfaces. For the first time, ordered active sites and tailor the atomically resolved Fe−N and Co−N local structures are created through control of the unsaturated nitrogen coordination at twisted surfaces in porous single‐crystalline FenN (n=2–4) and ConN (n=1–3) nanocubes. The precise tailoring of the electronic structures of these coordinatively unsaturated active sites therefore engineer the catalytic activity. Optimum electrocatalysis performances are observed with the porous Fe4N and Co3N nanocubes with highly unsaturated nitrogen coordination for selective nitrate reduction to ammonia and nitrobenzene amination to aminobenzene, while the structural coherence of these porous nitride single crystals delivers excellent durability.
Asymmetric Organocatalyzed Aza‐Henry Reaction of Hydrazones: Experimental and Computational Studies
Authors: Sonsona Isaac G. , Alegre‐Requena Juan V. , Marqués‐López Eugenia , Gimeno M. Concepción , Herrera Raquel P.
Published: February 2020

The first asymmetric catalyzed aza‐Henry reaction of hydrazones is presented. In this process, quinine was used as the catalyst to synthesize different alkyl substituted β‐nitrohydrazides with ee up to 77 %. This ee was improved up to 94 % by a further recrystallization and the opposite enantiomer can be obtained by using quinidine as the catalyst, opening exciting possibilities in fields in which the control of chirality is vital, such as the pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, experimental and ab initio studies were performed to understand the reaction mechanism. The experimental results revealed an unexpected secondary kinetic isotope effect (KIE) that is explained by the calculated reaction pathway, which shows that the protonation of the initial hydrazone and the C−C bond forming reaction occur during a concerted process. This concerted mechanism makes the catalysis conceptually different to traditional base‐promoted Henry and aza‐Henry reactions.
Identification of the regime boundaries in bubble columns based on the degree of randomness in the signals†
Authors: Nedeltchev Stoyan , Top Yasin , Hlawitschka Mark W. , Schubert Markus , Bart Hans‐Jörg
Published: February 2020

A new parameter (degree of randomness (DR)) was defined for the identification of the main transition velocities, U
trans. The new method reconstructs the time series into multiple state vectors, thus generating non‐overlapping vector pairs and then compares the distance between them with a pre‐selected cut‐off length. The DR values were extracted from gauge and differential pressure fluctuations as well as x‐ray tomographic scans. At every U
trans value, the DR index exhibited a well‐pronounced local minimum. Three cylindrical bubble columns (BCs) with various diameters (0.1, 0.14, and 0.45 m in ID) and one rectangular BC (width = 0.2 m, depth = 0.04 m) were used. They were aerated by means of different perforated plate gas distributors. It was found that in the cylindrical BCs the disintegration of the bubbly flow regime took place always at U
trans = 0.04 m/s. In the case of the rectangular BC the first critical velocity appeared at U
trans = 0.012 m/s. The lower boundary of the churn‐turbulent regime was identified at U
trans = 0.11 m/s in the smallest cylindrical BC and at about U
trans = 0.095 m/s in the other two cylindrical BCs. In the case of the rectangular BC, the second critical velocity was identified at U
trans = 0.039 m/s. The low U
trans in the rectangular BC imply that the hydrodynamic regimes are less stable in this particular column due to higher degree of liquid turbulence. The calculated DR values from the gauge pressure fluctuations successfully distinguished the upper boundary of the gas maldistribution and the first transition sub‐regime.
Medical cannabis use among individuals with cancer: An unresolved and timely issue
Authors: Nugent Shannon M. , Meghani Salimah H. , Rogal Shari S. , Merlin Jessica S.
Published: February 2020

A more complete and nuanced understanding of the relevant issues is imperative in the current climate of growing cannabis availability and acceptance. In this commentary, the authors discuss key clinical issues related to both the efficacy and safety of cannabis in patients with cancer and note important, lingering questions for clinical practice and research in this area.
Use of empiric methods to inform prostate cancer health disparities: Comparison of neighborhood‐wide association study “hits” in black and white men
Authors: Lynch Shannon M. , Sorice Kristen , Tagai Erin K. , Handorf Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2020

Background

Black men are more likely to die of prostate cancer (PCa) compared with white men. Factors ranging from genetics to neighborhood environment contribute to these disparities. However, unlike genetics, agnostic investigations that identify candidate variables from large‐scale data, and that allow for empiric investigations into differential associations between neighborhood and PCa by race/ethnicity, to the authors' knowledge have not been well explored. Thus, herein, the authors built on their previously developed, empiric neighborhood‐wide association study (NWAS) in white men and conducted a NWAS in black men to determine whether findings differed by race.

Methods

Pennsylvania Cancer Registry data were linked to US Census data. For the NWAS in non‐Hispanic black men, the authors evaluated the association between 14,663 neighborhood census variables and advanced PCa (11 high‐stage and/or high‐grade cases and 8632 low‐stage and/or low‐grade cases), adjusting for age, diagnosis year, spatial correlation, and multiple testing. Odds ratios and 95% credible intervals were reported. Replication of NWAS findings across black and white races was assessed using Bayesian mixed effects models.

Results

Five variables related to housing (3 variables), education (1 variable), and employment and/or transportation (1 variable) were found to be significantly associated with advanced PCa in black men compared with 17 socioeconomic variables (mostly related to poverty and/or income) in white men. The top hit in black men was related to crowding in renter‐occupied housing (odds ratio, 1.10; 95% credible interval, 1.001‐1.12). Nine of 22 NWAS hits (4 of 5 hits in black men) were replicated across racial/ethnic groups.

Conclusions

Different neighborhood variables, or “candidates,” were identified across race‐specific NWASs. These findings and empiric approaches warrant additional study and may inform PCa racial disparities, particularly future gene‐environment studies aimed at identifying patients and/or communities at risk of advanced PCa.
Metabolic syndrome, metabolic components, and their relation to the risk of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Park Sung Keun , Oh Chang‐Mo , Kim Min‐Ho , Ha Eunhee , Choi Yong‐Sung , Ryoo Jae‐Hong
Published: February 2020

Background

Components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), such as elevated fasting glucose levels and abdominal obesity, have been suggested as potential risk factors for pancreatic cancer. However, data are still insufficient to assure the influence of MetS on incident pancreatic cancer. The objective of the current study was to investigate the association between MetS, metabolic components, and the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Methods

In the Korea National Health Information Database, 223,138 individuals who were without pancreatic cancer in 2009 were enrolled and followed until 2013. They were categorized into 4 groups according to the number of baseline metabolic components (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4‐5). A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to calculate the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for incident pancreatic cancer according to the presence of MetS and the number of metabolic components. In addition, the risk of pancreatic cancer was evaluated in individuals who had a single metabolic component.

Results

The presence of MetS was significantly associated with incident pancreatic cancer (adjusted HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.19‐1.81). The group with 4 or 5 baseline metabolic components had a higher risk of pancreatic cancer than the other groups (0 components: reference category; 1 component: adjusted HR, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.61‐1.45]; 2 components: adjusted HR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.68‐1.56]; 3 components: adjusted HR, 1.35 [95% CI, 0.89‐2.04]; 4‐5 components: adjusted HR, 1.64 [95% CI, 1.06‐2.51]). Regarding associations between the individual metabolic components and pancreatic cancer, no metabolic component alone had a statistically significant association with pancreatic cancer.

Conclusions

MetS is a potential risk factor for pancreatic cancer. The presence of ≥4 metabolic components leads to a higher risk of pancreatic cancer even within categories of the MetS.
Preoperative bronchial cytology for the assessment of tumor spread through air spaces in lung adenocarcinoma resection specimens
Authors: Medina Mayra A. , Onken Allison M. , de Margerie‐Mellon Constance , Heidinger Benedikt H. , Chen Yigu , Bankier Alexander A. , VanderLaan Paul A.
Published: February 2020

Background

Tumor spread through air spaces (STAS), a significant prognostic indicator, has been described recently as a pattern of invasion in pulmonary carcinomas. However, questions remain regarding preoperative identification of STAS and whether it represents an in vivo phenomenon versus an ex vivo artifact.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 67 paired preoperative bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or bronchial washing (BW) cytology specimens with the subsequent lung adenocarcinoma surgical resection specimen to determine whether preoperative cytology could predict STAS. Other clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of the resected lesions were also correlated with preoperative bronchial cytology results.

Results

Positive bronchial cytology was observed in 28 cases (41.8%), 24 of which had STAS (85.7%); however, negative BAL/BW cytology was observed in 39 cases (58.2%), 29 of which had STAS (74.4%) (x2 = 1.27, P = .26, not significant). High‐STAS burden was observed in 44 cases (83.0%), 21 (47.7%) with negative BAL/BW and 23 (52.3%) with positive BAL/BW. Low‐STAS burden was observed in 9 cases (17.0%), 8 (88.9%) with negative BAL/BW and only 1 (11.1%) with positive BAL/BW (x2 = 5.11, P = .024, significant). For tumors with STAS, a statistically significant difference was identified in the maximal STAS distance from the main tumor edge between BAL/BW‐positive and BAL/BW‐negative groups (P = .007). Of the remaining clinicopathologic and radiologic features, only visceral pleural invasion was significantly associated with BAL/BW positivity.

Conclusion

Presurgical bronchial cytology alone cannot adequately predict tumor STAS; however, it may provide useful information regarding the extent and overall burden of STAS on the subsequent resection specimen.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Spiro[4.5]trienones through Radical‐Initiated Dearomative Spirocyclization
Authors: Hua Jiawei , Fang Zheng , Bian Mixue , Ma Tao , Yang Man , Xu Jia , Liu ChengKou , He Wei , Zhu Ning , Yang Zhao , Guo Kai
Published: February 2020

A novel and green route has been developed for the electrochemical synthesis of spiro[4.5]trienones through radical‐initiated dearomative spirocyclization of alkynes with diselenides. This metal‐free and oxidant‐free electrosynthesis reaction was performed in an undivided cell under mild conditions. A variety of selenation spiro[4.5]trienones products were prepared in moderate‐to‐good yields, showing a broad scope and functional group tolerance. Moreover, the developed continuous‐flow system combined with electrosynthesis possesses the potential to achieve scaled‐up reactions, overcoming the low efficiency of conventional electrochemical scaled‐up reactions.
Native honeybees as flower visitors and pollinators in wild plant communities in a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Stanley Dara A. , Msweli Simangele M. , Johnson Steven D.
Published: February 2020

Western honeybees (Apis mellifera L.), native to Europe and Africa, have been transported worldwide and are now one of the most important global crop pollinator species. Although the relative contribution of honeybees to global crop pollination is increasingly recognized, relatively little is known about their importance as pollinators in wild plant communities. The only remaining wild and unmanaged western honeybee populations are in Africa. We investigated the importance of honeybees as pollinators of diverse wild plant communities in two protected areas within the Maputaland–Pondoland–Albany biodiversity hotspot in South Africa. Sites were far from any known areas of beekeeping, and so all honeybees were most likely from wild colonies. Honeybees visited a large proportion of flowering plant species within these two communities (40% and 35%) and also provided a substantial proportion of visits to the plants they visited (40% and 32%, respectively). However, when pollinator importance indices (based on abundance and the size and purity of pollen loads) were calculated for a small subset of plants, honeybees were only important pollinators of 29% of the plants they visited. Our data provide a first step in determining the importance of honeybees as flower visitors and pollinators in wild plant communities and the potential impacts of honeybee declines on these highly diverse grassland ecosystems. Our work suggests that many plants in the grassland systems studied are visited by non‐Apis flower visitors and therefore that conservation efforts should also focus on these pollinator groups.
Gaps present a trade‐off between dispersal and establishment that nourishes species diversity
Authors: Terborgh John , Huanca Nuñez Nohemi , Feeley Kenneth , Beck Harald
Published: February 2020

We took advantage of two natural experiments to investigate processes that regulate tree recruitment in gaps. In the first, we examined the recruitment of small and large saplings and trees into 31 gaps resulting from treefalls occurring between 1984 and 2015 in the 2.25‐ha core area of a 4‐ha tree plot at Cocha Cashu in Perú. In the second, we identified the tallest saplings recruiting into 69 gaps created during a violent wind storm in February 2000. In the established tree plot, we were able to compare the composition of saplings in the disturbance zones of gaps prior to, during, and subsequent to the period of gap formation. Recruitment in gaps was compared with that in “nofall” zones, areas within the plot that had not experienced a treefall at least since the early 1980s. Our results confirmed earlier findings that a consistently high proportion (~60%) of established saplings survived gap formation. Light demanding species, as proxied by mortality rates, recruited under all conditions, but preferentially during periods of gap formation, a pattern that was especially strong among gap pioneers. Similar results were noted, separately, for small and large saplings and trees recruiting at ≥10 cm dbh. One hundred percent of previously untagged trees recruiting into gaps in the first post‐disturbance census were gap pioneers, suggesting rapid development. This conclusion was strongly supported in a follow‐up survey taken of 69 gaps 19 months after they had been synchronously created in a wind storm. Ten species of gap pioneers, eight of which are not normally present in the advance regeneration, had attained heights of 6–10 m in 19 months. The 10 gap pioneers were dispersed, variously, by primates, bats, birds, and wind and reached maximum frequency in different‐sized gaps (range <100 m2 to >1,000 m2). Both gap size and limited dispersal of zoochorous species into gaps serve as filters for establishment, creating a complex mosaic of conditions that enhances species diversity.
Syncytin‐1/HERV‐W envelope is an early activation marker of leukocytes and is upregulated in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Garcia‐Montojo Marta , Rodriguez‐Martin Eulalia , Ramos‐Mozo Priscila , Ortega‐Madueño Isabel , Dominguez‐Mozo Maria Inmaculada , Arias‐Leal Ana , García‐Martínez Maria Ángel , Casanova Ignacio , Galan Victoria , Arroyo Rafael , Álvarez‐Lafuente Roberto , Villar Luisa María
Published: February 2020

Syncytin‐1 is the envelope protein of the human endogenous retrovirus W (HERV‐W). It has been related to multiple sclerosis (MS) but its role in cellular immunity and its pathogenic mechanism in the autoimmune context are not fully understood. We analyzed syncytin‐1 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) subsets from healthy donors, MS patients in relapse or remission, and patients with acute infections by flow cytometry. PBMC cultures were also prepared to analyze protein expression kinetics. MS patients had higher levels of syncytin‐1 levels than controls. We found that syncytin‐1 is elevated in monocytes during MS relapses and infections. Cells expressing syncytin‐1, including monocytes, T and B lymphocytes, and NKs presented mainly an activated phenotype and, upon stimulation with LPS, its levels increased rapidly on antigen‐presenting cells. Syncytin‐1 ligation promoted the activation of monocytes, as demonstrated by the upregulation of CD80 and the nonclassical subset CD14low CD16+. Our results suggest an important role for syncytin‐1 in the activation of leukocytes. Given that the expression of syncytin‐1 is upregulated in MS patients, this protein might be contributing to the autoimmune cascade in the disease.
Electrokinetic‐vortex formation near a two‐part cylinder with same‐sign zeta potentials in a straight microchannel
Authors: Wang Chengfa , Song Yongxin , Pan Xinxiang
Published: February 2020

Vortex formation near a two‐part cylinder with zeta potentials of different values but the same sign under an external DC electric field is numerically investigated in this paper. The cylinder, inserted in a straight microchannel filled with an aqueous solution, is composed of an upstream part and a downstream part. When a DC electric field is applied in the channel, under certain conditions, the vortex will form near the cylinder due to the different velocities of electroosmotic flow generated on the cylinder surface. The numerical results reveal that the larger the velocity difference of electroosmotic flow generated on the two‐part cylinder and the smaller the channel width, the more conducive to vortex formation in the channel. In addition, if the zeta potential ratios of cylinder downstream part to upstream part and channel wall to cylinder upstream part are unchanged, the DC electric field strength and the zeta potential value do not affect the pattern of vortices formed in the channel. This study provides a way for vortex formation in microchannels and has the potential application in microfluidic devices.
Simulation of steady and unsteady flows through a small‐size Kaplan turbine
Authors: Ghenaiet Adel , Bakour Mustapha
Published: February 2020

The increasing demand for electric energy has pushed to rely on the microhydropower as one of the most cost‐effective technologies to improve the grid stability in rural localities. This article investigates the steady and unsteady flows in a complete small Kaplan turbine by means of the solver ANSYS‐CFX. Examination of the basic design parameters in terms of blade setting, vane opening, and interdistance has revealed the best operating parameters and the potentiality of performance improvement. Moreover, the Fast Fourier Transform of static pressure fluctuations recorded at different monitor points allowed analyzing the flow unsteadiness arising from the stator‐rotor interactions (RSI). The prevailing harmonics coinciding with the modes of RSI were determined and compared with the analytically predicted main diametrical modes and frequencies of the pressure waves. The found results in this category of low‐head small Kaplan turbine may serve in developing similar hydroturbines suitable for the microhydropower.
Complex responses of global insect pests to climate warming
Authors: Lehmann Philipp , Ammunét Tea , Barton Madeleine , Battisti Andrea , Eigenbrode Sanford D , Jepsen Jane Uhd , Kalinkat Gregor , Neuvonen Seppo , Niemelä Pekka , Terblanche John S , Økland Bjørn , Björkman Christer
Published: February 2020

Although it is well known that insects are sensitive to temperature, how they will be affected by ongoing global warming remains uncertain because these responses are multifaceted and ecologically complex. We reviewed the effects of climate warming on 31 globally important phytophagous (plant‐eating) insect pests to determine whether general trends in their responses to warming were detectable. We included four response categories (range expansion, life history, population dynamics, and trophic interactions) in this assessment. For the majority of these species, we identified at least one response to warming that affects the severity of the threat they pose as pests. Among these insect species, 41% showed responses expected to lead to increased pest damage, whereas only 4% exhibited responses consistent with reduced effects; notably, most of these species (55%) demonstrated mixed responses. This means that the severity of a given insect pest may both increase and decrease with ongoing climate warming. Overall, our analysis indicated that anticipating the effects of climate warming on phytophagous insect pests is far from straightforward. Rather, efforts to mitigate the undesirable effects of warming on insect pests must include a better understanding of how individual species will respond, and the complex ecological mechanisms underlying their responses.
The effects of mindfulness‐based intervention on quality of life and poststroke depression in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in China
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Li Junyi , Wang Chengwei , Lv Jianqin
Published: February 2020

Objective

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) is a devastating disease that can lead to poststroke depression (PSD) and greatest impact on the quality of life (QOL) of patients. Mindfulness meditation was viewed as one of the effective ways to reduce PSD in patients with cancer. The present study tried to investigate whether mindfulness meditation has potential benefits in PSD and QOL for sICH patients in China.

Methods

Two hundred and two patients in West China Hospital, Sichuan University, enrolled from January 2017 to December 2018 were included in a randomized controlled trial. After removing missing values, there were 67 in control group and 67 in intervention group. Patients in intervention group received 2‐month mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy, and patients in control group received stress management education (ie, an active control).

Results

The results suggested that the significant differences of depression, trait mindfulness, social well‐being, emotional well‐being, and total score of QOL were found in intervention group from time 1 to time 2. Physical well‐being and the score of NIH stroke scale experienced significant changes in both control group and intervention group over time.

Conclusions

Mindfulness‐based intervention has positive effects on sICH patients' depression, social well‐being, and emotional well‐being. However, the change of trait mindfulness over time could not explain these positive effects. Future studies could explore the mechanism of mindfulness‐based intervention on sICH patients' depression and QOL and clarify the boundaries of the positive effects of mindfulness‐based intervention.
Memory impairment and Alzheimer's disease pathology in individuals with MCI who underestimate or overestimate their decline
Authors: Bregman Noa , Kavé Gitit , Zeltzer Ehud , Biran Iftah ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine whether the discrepancy between participant and informant estimation of memory decline can predict MCI prognosis.

Methods

Analyses involved data from individuals with MCI enrolled in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) who filled the Everyday Cognition questionnaire. Participants who underestimated (N = 112) and overestimated (N = 157) their memory decline were compared on memory tasks, brain volume, and cerebrospinal markers, at study entry and after 24 months.

Results

Individuals who underestimated their memory decline performed more poorly on memory tests, had smaller hippocampus volume, and greater Alzheimer's disease pathology than did individuals who overestimated their cognitive decline. Longitudinal comparisons demonstrated that individuals who underestimated their decline deteriorated more significantly in memory and in brain measures.

Conclusions

Underestimation of memory decline should raise clinicians' suspicion of the existence of AD pathology in individuals with MCI.
The effectiveness of interventions to improve the care and management of people with dementia in general hospitals: A systematic review
Authors: Feast Alexandra R. , White Nicola , Candy Bridget , Kupeli Nuriye , Sampson Elizabeth L.
Published: February 2020

Background

People with dementia are at greater risk of being admitted to hospital where care may not be tailored to their needs. Interventions improving care and management are vital.

Aim

Assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve the care and management of people with dementia in hospital.

Method

Six medical and trial registry, and grey literature databases were searched (1999‐1998/2018). Search terms included “Dementia,” “Hospital,” and “Intervention” and limited to experimental designs. Interventions designed to improve the care and management of people with dementia in the general hospital setting were examined. Outcomes included behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), psychosocial, clinical, staff knowledge, and length of hospital stay. The CASP tools, Cochrane risk of bias tool, and GRADE system assessed methodological quality and certainty of evidence.

Results

9003 unique citations were identified; 24 studies were included. Studies were limited in study design and their conduct was at a risk of bias. There is very low‐quality evidence that multisensory behaviour therapy reduces BPSD. There is low‐quality evidence that a multidisciplinary programme reduces postoperative complications and that robot‐assisted therapy, music therapy, multimodal‐comprehensive care, person‐centred care, and family‐centred function‐focused care interventions improved staff knowledge, competence, efficacy, and communication. No studies reported reduced length of stay.

Conclusions

Whilst we found that these interventions improved the care and management of people with dementia in hospital, it was low‐ to very low‐quality evidence. New clinical recommendations cannot be made based on current evidence, and robust trial designs are necessary to inform evidence‐based care.