bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Plasma‐Triggered O−S Bond and P−N Junction Near the Surface of a SnS2 Nanosheet Array to Enable Efficient Solar Water Oxidation
Authors: Meng Linxing , Zhou Xiaolong , Wang Siyu , Zhou Yu , Tian Wei , Kidkhunthod Pinit , Tunmee Sarayut , Tang Yongbing , Long Run , Xin Yu , Li Liang
Published: September 2019

A photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell can split water into hydrogen and oxygen with the assistance of solar illumination. However, its application is still limited by excessive bulk carrier recombination and sluggish surface oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics. Taking SnS2 as an example, a promising layered optoelectronic semiconductor, Ar plasma treatment strategy was used to introduce a SnS/SnS2 P−N heterojunction and O−S bond near the surface of a SnS2 nanosheet array, simultaneously increasing the separation efficiency of photogenerated electron–hole pairs in the bulk and lowering the OER overpotential at the surface. The onset potential of the plasma‐treated SnS2 nanosheet array shifts negatively to 0.16 V, and the photocurrent density at 1.23 V vs. RHE boosts to 2.15 mA cm−2, which is 7 times that of pristine SnS2. This work demonstrates a facile plasma treatment strategy to modulate the energy band structure and surface chemical states for improved PEC performance.
From Concept to Crystals via Prediction: Multi‐Component Organic Cage Pots by Social Self‐Sorting
Authors: Greenaway Rebecca L. , Santolini Valentina , Pulido Angeles , Little Marc A. , Alston Ben M. , Briggs Michael E. , Day Graeme M. , Cooper Andrew I. , Jelfs Kim E.
Published: September 2019

We describe the a priori computational prediction and realization of multi‐component cage pots, starting with molecular predictions based on candidate precursors through to crystal structure prediction and synthesis using robotic screening. The molecules were formed by the social self‐sorting of a tri‐topic aldehyde with both a tri‐topic amine and di‐topic amine, without using orthogonal reactivity or precursors of the same topicity. Crystal structure prediction suggested a rich polymorphic landscape, where there was an overall preference for chiral recognition to form heterochiral rather than homochiral packings, with heterochiral pairs being more likely to pack window‐to‐window to form two‐component capsules. These crystal packing preferences were then observed in experimental crystal structures.
Self‐Generation of Surface Roughness by Low‐Surface‐Energy Alkyl Chains for Highly Stable Superhydrophobic/Superoleophilic MOFs with Multiple Functionalities
Authors: Zhu Neng‐Xiu , Wei Zhang‐Wen , Chen Cheng‐Xia , Wang Dawei , Cao Chen‐Chen , Qiu Qian‐Feng , Jiang Ji‐Jun , Wang Hai‐Ping , Su Cheng‐Yong
Published: September 2019

We transformed the hydrophilic metal–organic framework (MOF) UiO‐67 into hydrophobic UiO‐67‐Rs (R=alkyl) by introducing alkyl chains into organic linkers, which not only protected hydrophilic Zr6O8 clusters to make the MOF interspace superoleophilic, but also led to a rough crystal surface beneficial for superhydrophobicity. The UiO‐67‐Rs displayed high acid, base, and water stability, and long alkyl chains offered better hydrophobicity. Good hydrophobicity/oleophilicity were also possible with mixed‐ligand MOFs containing metal‐binding ligands. Thus, a (super)hydrophobic MOF catalyst loaded with Pd centers efficiently catalyzed Sonogashira reactions in water at ambient temperature. Studies of the hydrophobic effects of the coordination interspace and the outer surface suggest a simple de novo strategy for the synthesis of superhydrophobic MOFs that combine surface roughness and low surface energy. Such MOFs have potential for environmentally friendly catalysis and water purification.
Chemospecific Cyclizations of α‐Carbonyl Sulfoxonium Ylides on Aryls and Heteroaryls
Authors: Clare Daniel , Dobson Benjamin C. , Inglesby Phillip A. , Aïssa Christophe
Published: September 2019

The functionalization of aryl and heteroaryls using α‐carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides without the help of a directing group has remained so far a neglected area, despite the advantageous safety profile of sulfoxonium ylides. Described herein are the cyclizations of α‐carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides onto benzenes, benzofurans and N‐p‐toluenesulfonyl indoles in the presence of a base in HFIP, whereas pyrroles and N‐methyl indoles undergo cyclization in the presence of an iridium catalyst. Significantly, these two sets of conditions are chemospecific for each groups of substrates.
Hole‐Boosted Cu(Cr,M)O2 Nanocrystals for All‐Inorganic CsPbBr3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Duan Jialong , Zhao Yuanyuan , Wang Yudi , Yang Xiya , Tang Qunwei
Published: September 2019

The all‐inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cell (PSC) is a promising solution to balance the high efficiency and poor stability of state‐of‐the‐art organic–inorganic PSCs. Setting inorganic hole‐transporting layers at the perovskite/electrode interface decreases charge carrier recombination without sacrificing superiority in air. Now, M‐substituted, p‐type inorganic Cu(Cr,M)O2 (M=Ba2+, Ca2+, or Ni2+) nanocrystals with enhanced hole‐transporting characteristics by increasing interstitial oxygen effectively extract holes from perovskite. The all‐inorganic CsPbBr3 PSC with a device structure of FTO/c‐TiO2/m‐TiO2/CsPbBr3/Cu(Cr,M)O2/carbon achieves an efficiency up to 10.18 % and it increases to 10.79 % by doping Sm3+ ions into perovskite halide, which is much higher than 7.39 % for the hole‐free device. The unencapsulated Cu(Cr,Ba)O2‐based PSC presents a remarkable stability in air in either 80 % humidity over 60 days or 80 °C conditions over 40 days or light illumination for 7 days.
Oxime‐derived palladacycle Immobilized in an Ionic Liquid Brush as an Efficient and Reusable Catalyst for Mozoroki‐Heck Reaction in Neat Water
Authors: Wang Rong , Li Shan , Li Jing , Wei Junfa
Published: September 2019

An efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalyst with oxime‐derived palladacycle immobilized in an ionic liquid brush has been synthesized and an environmentally‐friendly procedure have been developed for coupling aryl iodides and bromides with acrylic acid. These reactions were conducted in neat water under aerobic conditions with water‐insoluble or even solid aryl halides and they proceeded smoothly and cleanly without any organic co‐solvent or other additives. The ionic liquid brush could be easily recovered and reused at least five times without significant loss of activity. The protocol has the advantages of excellent yields, environmental friendliness, and catalyst recyclability.
Preparation of polyvinyl alcohol/two‐dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides composites by high‐pressure homogenization
Authors: Xu Ning , Chen Jiewei , Wei Qiushi , Ding Enyong , Zeng Xingrong , Xue Feng , Zhang Nianchun , Shang Jingqi
Published: September 2019

In this article, water‐soluble polymer polyvinyl alcohol solution was used to exfoliate the graphene‐like two‐dimensional materials (MoS2 and WS2). The concentrations of the two disulfide nanosheets were 0.092 and 0.087 mg/mL in the 10% aqueous solution of PVA. UV–Vis and Raman spectrum demonstrated that the two dispersions were the few layer nanosheets in the solution. Then, taking the exfoliated WS2 as filler, a series of PVA/WS2 composites showing the pale yellow transparent films were prepared by solution process method. Composite films showed good thermal performance. When 1 wt% were added in the PVA matrix, the T90% improved 44 °C in the air. Furthermore, the three kinds of characteristic temperature of T10%, T50%, and T90% had obvious increase in the N2. The main reason may be the physical barrier of the 2D nanosheets and the strong interaction force of the S atom of exfoliated 2D nanosheets. The composites could slow the thermal decomposition. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48487.
Trace Element Concentration Changes in Brain Tumors: A Review
Authors: Cilliers Karen , Muller Christo J. F. , Page Benedict J.
Published: September 2019

Trace elements have been implicated in cancer, since the levels differ between cancerous and noncancerous tissue, different cancer types, and different malignancy grades. However, few studies have been conducted on trace element concentrations in brain tumors. Thus, this study aims to review the available literature on trace element changes related to brain tumors, and to identify gaps in the literature. A literature search was done on Google Scholar and PubMed from their start date to January 2018, using terms related to trace element concentration and brain tumors. All brain tumor types were included, and articles could be published in any year. From this search, only 11 articles on this topic could be found. Tumors had significantly higher concentrations of arsenic, thorium, lanthanum, lutetium, cerium, and gadolinium compared to control brain samples. Compared to adjacent tissue, tumor tissue indicated increased magnesium, decreased copper, and contradicting results for zinc. Furthermore, the higher the malignancy grade, the lower the calcium, cadmium, iron, phosphorus and sulfur concentration, and the higher the mercury, manganese, lead, and zinc concentrations. In conclusion, altered trace element levels differ amongst different tumor types, as well as malignancy grades. Consequently, it is impossible to compare data from these studies, and available data are still considerably inconclusive. Ideally, future studies should have a sufficient samples size, compare different tumor types, and compare tumors with adjacent healthy tissue as well as with samples from unaffected matched brains. Anat Rec, 303:1293–1299, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Learned Immunosuppressive Placebo Response Attenuates Disease Progression in a Rodent Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Lückemann Laura , Stangl Hubert , Straub Rainer H. , Schedlowski Manfred , Hadamitzky Martin
Published: September 2019

Objective

Patients with chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases benefit from a broad spectrum of immunosuppressive and antiproliferative medication available today. However, nearly all of these therapeutic compounds have unwanted toxic side effects. Recent knowledge about the neurobiology of placebo responses indicates that associative learning procedures can be utilized for dose reduction in immunopharmacotherapy while simultaneously maintaining treatment efficacy. This study was undertaken to examine whether and to what extent a 75% reduction of pharmacologic medication in combination with learned immunosuppression affects the clinical outcome in a rodent model of type II collagen–induced arthritis.

Methods

An established protocol of taste‐immune conditioning was applied in a disease model of chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease (type II collagen–induced arthritis) in rats, where a novel taste (saccharin; conditioned stimulus [CS]) was paired with an injection of the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin A (CSA) (unconditioned stimulus [US]). Following conditioning with 3 CS/US pairings (acquisition), the animals were immunized with type II collagen and Freund's incomplete adjuvant. Fourteen days later, at the first occurrence of clinical symptoms, retrieval was started by presenting the CS together with low‐dose CSA as reminder cues to prevent the conditioned response from being extinguished.

Results

This “memory‐updating” procedure stabilized the learned immune response and significantly suppressed disease progression in immunized rats. Clinical arthritis score and histologic inflammatory symptoms (both P < 0.05) were significantly diminished by learned immunosuppression in combination with low‐dose CSA (25% of the full therapeutic dose) via β‐adrenoceptor–dependent mechanisms, to the same extent as with full‐dose (100%) pharmacologic treatment.

Conclusion

These results indicate that learned immunosuppression appears to be mediated via β‐adrenoceptors and might be beneficial as a supportive regimen in the treatment of chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases by diminishing disease exacerbation.
Controllability and observability of state‐dependent switched Boolean control networks with input constraints
Authors: Li Yiliang , Li Jinjin , Ma Zhouming , Feng Jun‐e , Wang Hongkun
Published: September 2019

This paper investigates the controllability and observability of state‐dependent switched Boolean control networks (SDSBCNs) with input constraints. First, the algebraic form of SDSBCNs is derived via the semi‐tensor product of matrices. Then constrained model‐input‐state (CMIS) matrices are introduced for SDSBCNs with input constraints. On the basis of CMIS matrices, two necessary and sufficient conditions are provided for the controllability and observability. Finally, two examples are given to show the effectiveness of the main results.
Modulation of cardiac optogenetics by vitamin A
Authors: Keshmiri Neghab Hoda , Goliaei Bahram , Saboury Ali A. , Esmaeeli Djavid Gholamreza , Pornour Majid , Hong Jun , Grusch Michael
Published: September 2019

Cardiac optogenetics is an emergent research area and refers to the delivery of light‐activated proteins to excitable heart tissue and the subsequent use of light for controlling the electrical function with high spatial and temporal resolution. Channelrhodopsin‐2 (ChR2) is a light‐sensitive ion channel with the chromophore, all trans retinal, derived from vitamin A (all‐trans‐retinol; retinol). In this study, we explored whether exogenous vitamin A can be a limiting factor in the light responsiveness of cardiomyocytes‐expressing ChR2. We showed that in cardiomyocytes virally transduced with ChR2 (H134R)‐enhanced yellow fluorescent protein, vitamin A supplements lower than 10 μM significantly increased ChR2 expression. Adding 1 μM vitamin A changed light‐induced transmembrane potential difference significantly, whereas 5 μM dramatically induced membrane depolarization and triggered intracellular calcium elevation. We concluded that vitamin A supplementation can modulate the efficiency of ChR2 and provide a complementary strategy for improving the performance of optogenetic tools.
RASSF4 is required for skeletal muscle differentiation
Authors: Lin Yi‐Tzu , Deel Michael D. , Linardic Corinne M.
Published: September 2019

RASSF4, a member of the classical RASSF family of scaffold proteins, is associated with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive pediatric cancer of muscle histogenesis. However, the role of RASSF4 in normal myogenesis is unknown. We demonstrate here that RASSF4 is necessary for early in vitro myogenesis. Using primary human myoblasts, we show that RASSF4 expression is dramatically increased during in vitro myogenic differentiation, and conversely that RASSF4‐deficient myoblasts cannot differentiate, potentially because of a lack of upregulation of myogenin. In microscopy studies, we show that RASSF4 protein co‐localizes with proteins of the myogenic microtubule‐organizing center (MTOC) both before and after myogenic differentiation. RASSF4‐deficient cells subject to differentiation conditions demonstrate a lack of shape change, suggesting that RASSF4 plays a role in promoting microtubule reorganization and myoblast elongation. In biochemical studies of myotubes, RASSF4 associates with MST1, suggesting that RASSF4 signals to MST1 in the myogenic differentiation process. Expression of MST1 in myoblasts partially reversed the effect of RASSF4 knockdown on differentiation, suggesting that RASSF4 and MST1 coordinately support myogenic differentiation. These data show that RASSF4 is critical for the early steps of myogenic differentiation.
Perspectives from abroad: Reflections from my time working in a Cambodian children's hospital
Authors: Taylor Cortney
Published: September 2019

In April, I spent a month working at the Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with one of my pediatric colleagues, Dr. Jennifer Mann. Hasbro Children's Hospital has had a long partnership with Angkor and has sent many pediatric attendings and residents over the years. I spent the majority of my first weeks there working in the general inpatient unit, where I saw cases that I had never encountered during my time in medical school and residency, as well as many that I had. Due to lower rates of vaccination among Cambodian children, I saw patients with diseases I had only read about in textbooks. I also saw numerous children suffering from severe malnutrition, including an infant where the family was using rice water for feeding after the mother was unable to produce breast milk. I also learned about diseases endemic to the area that I had either never heard of or had only encountered in passing, such as melioidosis and Dengue fever.
National survey shows data on adolescent mental health, substance use trends
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2019

The 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) released in August shows that there is a treatment gap for mental health, particularly for co‐occurring mental and substance use disorders. Among other findings, the report, which has been conducted for four decades for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, found that perception of risk from weekly marijuana use keeps going down as regular use keeps going up, among young people in particular.
Toward zero suicide in health care: Reflections from meeting the Joint Commission mandate for evidence‐based suicide screening
Authors: Walters Anne
Published: September 2019

Despite growth in the research and development of interventions that target suicidal behavior, this behavior has reached epidemic proportions of late. Among youth, suicide is the second‐leading cause of death, and visits to the emergency department for suicide attempts or ideation over the years from 2005 to 2015 doubled.
Effect of dry and steam heating on the functional and bread baking properties of yellow pea and navy bean flours
Authors: Bourré Lindsay , Young Gina , Hill Heather , Fraser Shona , Borsuk Yulia , Sarkar Ashok , Sopiwnyk Elaine , Jones Stuart , Dyck Adam , Malcolmson Linda
Published: September 2019

Background and objectives

Although there is growing interest in partially replacing wheat flour with pulse flours in bread, the flavor of pulse flours can limit their use. Heat treating pulse flours, with and without the addition of steam, was examined to determine whether the flavor of split yellow pea flour (SYPF) and whole navy bean flour (WNBF) could be improved without altering flour functionality and bread baking properties.

Findings

Significant temperature × steam interactions were found for most flour parameters including pasting properties, water absorption capacity (WAC), starch damage, and color. Protein, starch, and flour particle size were altered as were pasting and farinograph properties of the pulse/wheat flour blends. Differences in specific volume, color, and C‐cell properties were more evident in the breads made with the treated WNBFs likely due to the different bread formulation used and the presence of hull in the flour.

Conclusions

Processing the SYPF and the WNBF at 120 and 140°C with steam improved the aroma and flavor of the bread while maintaining good flour functionality and bread baking properties.

Significance and novelty

Heating treating pulse flours with the addition of steam successfully reduced the objectionable aroma and flavor characteristics associated with SYPF and WNBF. Eliminating undesirable aroma and flavor properties provides a greater opportunity for the inclusion of pulse flours in foods to enhance their nutritional properties.
Straightforward Access to the Nitric Oxide Donor Azasydnone Scaffold by Cascade Reactions of Amines
Authors: Zhilin Egor S. , Bystrov Dmitry M. , Ananyev Ivan V. , Fershtat Leonid L. , Makhova Nina N.
Published: September 2019

A novel one‐pot cascade method for the assembly of valuable NO‐donor azasydnone scaffold has been developed. The construction strategy involves a diazotization/azo coupling/elimination/double rearrangement cascade sequence of readily available amines. The current protocol enables the generation of a diverse array of azasydnones, including previously hardly accessible heteroaryl substituted azasydnones (25 examples, 70–97 % yield) with a good functional group tolerance under very mild conditions. Preliminary NO‐releasing studies revealed an ability of azasydnones to produce NO in a wide range of concentrations. This method provides a new approach to nitrogen‐oxygen heterocycles with potential applications in medicine and material science.
Regioselective Glycosylation Strategies for the Synthesis of Group Ia and Ib Streptococcus Related Glycans Enable Elucidating Unique Conformations of the Capsular Polysaccharides
Authors: Del Bino Linda , Calloni Ilaria , Oldrini Davide , Raso Maria Michelina , Cuffaro Rossella , Ardá Ana , Codée Jeroen D. C. , Jiménez‐Barbero Jesús , Adamo Roberto
Published: September 2019

Group B Streptococcus serotypes Ia and Ib capsular polysaccharides are key targets for vaccine development. In spite of their immunospecifity these polysaccharides share high structural similarity. Both are composed of the same monosaccharide residues and differ only in the connection of the Neu5Acα2‐3Gal side chain to the GlcNAc unit, which is a β1‐4 linkage in serotype Ia and a β1‐3 linkage in serotype Ib. The development of efficient regioselective routes for GlcNAcβ1‐3[Glcβ1‐4]Gal synthons is described, which give access to different group B Streptococcus (GBS) Ia and Ib repeating unit frameshifts. These glycans were used to probe the conformation and molecular dynamics of the two polysaccharides, highlighting the different presentation of the protruding Neu5Acα2‐3Gal moieties on the polysaccharide backbones and a higher flexibility of Ib polymer relative to Ia, which can impact epitope exposure.
Preparation of an Anti‐Aggregation Silica/Zinc/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite with Enhanced Adsorption Capacity
Authors: Yue Yajun , Cao Zhanfang , Yang Fan , Wang Jing , Abrahams Isaac
Published: September 2019

Nanomaterials play a significant role in adsorption treatment of dye wastewater, but irreversible aggregation of nanoparticles poses a significant problem. In this work, nanomesoporous zinc‐doped silicate (NMSZ) was prepared by an in situ method. To prevent agglomeration, NMSZ was covalently bonded to graphene oxide (GO) sheets to form a nano‐silica/zinc/graphene oxide composite (GO‐NMSZ), aimed at removal of cationic dye methylene blue (MB). For comparison, undoped mesoporous silica (MS) was also synthesized and modified to obtain a silica/graphene oxide composite (GO‐MS). The materials were characterized by powder XRD, SEM, FTIR spectroscopy, TEM, nitrogen sorption, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Preservation of the oxygen‐containing groups of GO in the composites led to higher adsorption capacities. The best GO‐NMSZ composite exhibited an enhanced adsorption capacity of 100.4 mg g−1for MB compared to those of undoped GO‐MS (80.1 mg g−1) and nongrafted NMSZ (55.7 mg g−1). The nonselective character of GO‐NMSZ is demonstrated by effective adsorption of anionic dye Congo red (127.4 mg g−1) and neutral dye isatin (289.0 mg g−1). The adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms, and a thermodynamic study suggested that MB adsorption occurs by chemisorption and is endothermic in nature.
Catalytic‐Type Excited‐State N−H Proton‐Transfer Reaction in 7‐Aminoquinoline and Its Derivatives
Authors: Chang Kai‐Hsin , Liu Ying‐Hsuan , Liu Jiun‐Chi , Peng Yu‐Chiang , Yang Yu‐Hsuan , Li Zhi‐Bin , Jheng Ren‐Hua , Chao Chi‐Min , Liu Kuan‐Miao , Chou Pi‐Tai
Published: September 2019

7‐Aminoquinoline (7AQ) and various amino derivatives thereof (‐NHR) have been strategically designed and synthesized to study their excited‐state proton‐transfer (ESPT) properties. Due to the large separation between the proton donor ‐NHR and the acceptor ‐N‐ site, ESPT in 7AQ derivatives, if available, should proceed under protic solvent catalysis. ESPT is found to be influenced by the acidity of ‐NHR and the basicity of the proton‐acceptor ‐N‐ in the quinoline moiety. The latter is varied by the resonance effect at the quinoline ‐N‐ site induced by the ‐NHR substituent. For those 7AQ derivatives undergoing ESPT, increased quinoline basicity results in a faster rate of ESPT, implying that proton donation from methanol to the quinoline moiety may serve as a key step in the process. Our studies also indicate the existence of an equilibrium between cis and trans arrangements of ‐NHR in terms of its hydrogen‐bond (H‐bond) configuration with methanol, whereby only the cis‐H‐bonded form undergoes methanol‐assisted ESPT. With one exception, the interconversion between cis and trans configurations is much faster than the rate of ESPT, yielding amino‐type (normal form) and imine‐type (proton‐transfer tautomer) emissions with distinct relaxation dynamics.
Decision tree model for predicting in‐hospital cardiac arrest among patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Li Hong , Wu Ting Ting , Yang Dong Liang , Guo Yang Song , Liu Pei Chang , Chen Yuan , Xiao Li Ping
Published: September 2019

Background

In‐hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) may be preventable, with patients often showing signs of physiological deterioration before an event. Our objective was to develop and validate a simple clinical prediction model to identify the IHCA risk among cardiac arrest (CA) patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Hypothesis

A predicting model could help to identify the risk of IHCA among patients admitted with ACS.

Methods

We conducted a case‐control study and analyzed 21 337 adult ACS patients, of whom 164 had experienced CA. Vital signs, demographic, and laboratory data were extracted from the electronic health record. Decision tree analysis was applied with 10‐fold cross‐validation to predict the risk of IHCA.

Results

The decision tree analysis detected seven explanatory variables, and the variables' importance is as follows: VitalPAC Early Warning Score (ViEWS), fatal arrhythmia, Killip class, cardiac troponin I, blood urea nitrogen, age, and diabetes. The development decision tree model demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.762, a specificity of 0.882, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.844 (95% CI, 0.805 to 0.849). A 10‐fold cross‐validated risk estimate was 0.198, while the optimism‐corrected AUC was 0.823 (95% CI, 0.786 to 0.860).

Conclusions

We have developed and internally validated a good discrimination decision tree model to predict the risk of IHCA. This simple prediction model may provide healthcare workers with a practical bedside tool and could positively impact decision‐making with regard to deteriorating patients with ACS.
Results of a prospective phase 2 study of pazopanib in patients with surgically unresectable or metastatic chondrosarcoma
Authors: Chow Warren , Frankel Paul , Ruel Chris , Araujo Dejka M. , Milhem Mohammed , Okuno Scott , Hartner Lee , Undevia Samir , Staddon Arthur
Published: September 2019

Background

This single‐arm, multicenter, phase 2 study evaluated the safety and antitumor activity of pazopanib in patients with unresectable or metastatic conventional chondrosarcoma.

Methods

Eligible patients had conventional chondrosarcoma of any grade with measurable tumors that were unresectable or metastatic. Patients with mesenchymal, dedifferentiated, and extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma subtypes and patients who received prior tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy were excluded. Pazopanib at 800 mg once daily was administered for 28‐day cycles. Tumor responses were evaluated by local radiology assessments every 2 cycles. The primary endpoint was the disease control rate (DCR) at week 16 (4 cycles).

Results

Forty‐seven patients were enrolled. The DCR at 16 weeks was 43% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28%‐58%), which was superior to the null hypothesis rate of 30%, but the 2‐sided P value (exact test) was .09 (1‐sided P = .045). One patient had a partial response. The median overall survival was 17.6 months (95% CI, 11.3‐35.0 months), and the median progression‐free survival was 7.9 months (95% CI, 3.7‐12.6 months). Grade 3 or higher adverse events were infrequent; hypertension (26%) and elevated alanine aminotransferase (9%) were most common.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of positive drug activity for pazopanib in conventional chondrosarcoma.
Heterogeneity of p16 immunohistochemistry and increased sensitivity of RNA in situ hybridization in cytology specimens of HPV‐related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wong Kristine S. , Krane Jeffrey F. , Jo Vickie Y.
Published: September 2019

Background

Many patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)–related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HPV‐HNSCC) initially present with cervical lymph node metastases. Although p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) is the most commonly used surrogate marker for HPV, however criteria in cytologic material are not well established. The objective of this study was to better characterize p16 IHC in cell blocks of metastatic HPV‐HNSCC, and to evaluate the performance of HPV RNA in situ hybridization (RNA ISH).

Methods

p16 IHC was performed on cell blocks from 97 metastatic HPV‐HNSCC fine‐needle aspiration specimens with HPV status confirmed by DNA or RNA ISH or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Tumor cellularity (<100 cells, 100‐500 cells, and >500 cells) and quality (presence of cell clusters, necrosis) were recorded. p16 staining intensity and extent (1%‐9%, 10%‐69%, and ≥70%) were scored. In addition, RNA ISH was performed on 38 PCR‐positive cases.

Results

p16 IHC was positive in 90 of 97 cases (93%), demonstrating variable patterns. p16 staining was found to be moderate to strong in 69 cases, with 37 cases (38%) demonstrating positivity in ≥70% of tumor cells. Weak staining occurred in 21 cases (22%) and 7 cases (7%) were negative. Of the 60 cases with weak and/or absent expression or staining in <70% of cells, 30 cases (50%) had <100 tumor cells, 12 (20%) lacked cell clusters, and 19 cases (32%) had extensive necrosis. RNA ISH was positive in 37 of 38 cases (97%) that were HPV positive by PCR.

Conclusions

p16 is heterogeneous in cell blocks of metastatic HPV‐HNSCC, suggesting that any p16 positivity should prompt confirmatory HPV studies. RNA ISH appears to demonstrate high sensitivity, and laboratories even may consider using RNA ISH as a first‐line HPV test in cytologic specimens.
Mechanistic Insights into Cyclic Voltammograms on Pt(111): Kinetics Simulations
Authors: Shen Dongyan , Liu Yong , Yang Guangxing , Yu Hao , Peng Feng
Published: September 2019

A detailed understanding of the electrochemistry of platinum electrodes is of great importance for the electrochemical oxidation of fuels and electrochemical reduction of dioxygen in fuel cells. The Pt(111) facet is the most representative model mimicking Pt nanoparticles and polycrystals for fundamental studies. Herein, we propose a site‐specific model accompanied with the typical elementary steps of the electrochemistry of Pt(111) in non‐adsorbing electrolyte within the potential range between 0.05 and 1.15 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Simulations were conducted at different scanning rates based on the kinetics models. We reproduce all the anodic and cathodic peaks observed in the reported experimental curves. These results demonstrate the underlying mechanisms of the peak formation in different potential regions.
Concomitant Anticoagulant and Antidepressant Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation Patients and Risk of Stroke and Bleeding
Authors: Komen Joris J. , Hjemdahl Paul , Mantel‐Teeuwisse Aukje K. , Klungel Olaf H. , Wettermark Björn , Forslund Tomas
Published: September 2019

We aimed to quantify the effects of antidepressant (AD) use in oral anticoagulant (OAC)‐treated patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Using the Stockholm Healthcare database, we analyzed AF patients initiated with an OAC. Outcomes were severe bleeds and strokes and were analyzed using Cox models. We included 17,210 patients claiming warfarin and 13,385 claiming a non–vitamin K OAC. The number of patients that claimed an AD during follow‐up was 4,303. Concomitant OAC and AD use was associated with increased rates of severe bleeds (4.7 vs. 2.7 per 100 person‐years) compared with OAC treatment alone (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.42, confidence interval (CI): 1.12–1.80), but not significantly associated with increased stroke rates (3.5 vs. 2.1 per 100 person‐years, aHR 1.23, CI: 0.93–1.62). No significant differences in risks were observed between different OAC classes or different AD classes. In conclusion, concomitant use of an OAC and an AD is associated with an increased bleeding risk.
A rail‐to‐rail ultra‐wide bandwidth hybrid supply modulator for 5G applications with envelope tracking techniques
Authors: Chen Jiann‐Jong , Hwang Yuh‐Shyan , Liao Ying‐Jie , Ku Yitsen , Yu Cheng‐Chieh
Published: September 2019

A rail‐to‐rail ultra‐wide bandwidth hybrid supply modulator for 5G applications is presented in this paper. The proposed supply modulator has 600‐MHz bandwidth, which is the widest available bandwidth today. The hybrid supply modulator uses envelope tracking (ET) technique to achieve optimal efficiency. This circuit achieves high efficiency with wide bandwidth by combining the linear amplifier (LA) and the switching converter. The optimal size of the LA output stage provides a good tracking ability. The proposed hysteresis window circuit uses the simplified number of MOSFET that reduces the chip area and increases the efficiency of the overall system. This chip has been fabricated in TSMC 90‐nm CMOS processes, and the maximum tracking ability can reach to 600‐MHz sine wave. The output voltage range of the sine wave is from 0.19 to 0.79 V. The maximum load current is 122 mA. The proposed supply modulator is suitable for 5G applications. The chip area is 0.87 mm × 0.87 mm.
Inferring seasonal infection risk at population and regional scales from serology samples
Authors: Wilber Mark Q. , Webb Colleen T. , Cunningham Fred L. , Pedersen Kerri , Wan Xiu‐Feng , Pepin Kim M.
Published: September 2019

Accurate estimates of seasonal infection risk can be used by animal health officials to predict future disease risk and improve understanding of the mechanisms driving disease dynamics. It can be difficult to estimate seasonal infection risk in wildlife disease systems because surveillance assays typically target antibodies (serosurveillance), which are not necessarily indicative of current infection, and serosurveillance sampling is often opportunistic. Recently developed methods estimate past time of infection from serosurveillance data using quantitative serological assays that indicate the amount of antibodies in a serology sample. However, current methods do not account for common opportunistic and uneven sampling associated with serosurveillance data. We extended the framework of survival analysis to improve estimates of seasonal infection risk from serosurveillance data across population and regional scales. We found that accounting for the right‐censored nature of quantitative serology samples greatly improved estimates of seasonal infection risk, even when sampling was uneven in time. Survival analysis can also be used to account for common challenges when estimating infection risk from serology data, such as biases induced by host demography and continually elevated antibodies following infection. The framework developed herein is widely applicable for estimating seasonal infection risk from serosurveillance data in humans, wildlife, and livestock.
Soil and stand structure explain shrub mortality patterns following global change–type drought and extreme precipitation
Authors: Renne Rachel R. , Schlaepfer Daniel R. , Palmquist Kyle A. , Bradford John B. , Burke Ingrid C. , Lauenroth William K.
Published: September 2019

The probability of extreme weather events is increasing, with the potential for widespread impacts to plants, plant communities, and ecosystems. Reports of drought‐related tree mortality are becoming more frequent, and there is increasing evidence that drought accompanied by high temperatures is especially detrimental. Simultaneously, extreme large precipitation events have become more frequent over the past century. Water‐limited ecosystems may be more vulnerable to these extreme events than other ecosystems, especially when pushed outside of their historical range of variability. However, drought‐related mortality of shrubs—an important component of dryland vegetation—remains understudied relative to tree mortality. In 2014, a landscape‐scale die‐off of the widespread shrub, big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt.), was reported in southwest Wyoming, following extreme hot and dry conditions in 2012 and extremely high precipitation in September of 2013. Here we examine how severe drought, extreme precipitation, soil texture and salinity, and shrub‐stand characteristics contributed to this die‐off event. At 98 plots within and around the die‐off, we quantified big sagebrush mortality, characterized soil texture and salinity, and simulated soil‐water conditions from 1916 to 2016 using an ecosystem water‐balance model. We found that the extreme weather conditions alone did not explain patterns of big sagebrush mortality and did not result in extreme (historically unprecedented) soil‐water conditions during the drought. Instead, plots with chronically dry soil conditions experienced greatest mortality following the global change–type (hot) drought in 2012. Furthermore, mortality was greater in locations with high potential run‐on and low potential run‐off where saturated soil conditions were simulated in September 2013, suggesting that extreme precipitation also played an important role in the die‐off in these locations. In locations where drought alone contributed to mortality, stem density negatively impacted big sagebrush. In locations that may have been affected by both drought and saturation, however, mortality was greatest where stem density was lowest, suggesting that these locations may have already been less favorable to big sagebrush. Paradoxically, vulnerability to both extreme events (drought and saturation) was associated with finer‐textured soils, and our results highlight the importance of soils in determining local variation of the vulnerability of dryland plants to extreme events.
Zinc(II) Complexes of Acylpyrazolones Decorated with a Cyclohexyl Group Display Antiproliferative Activity Against Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Marchetti Fabio , Di Nicola Corrado , Pettinari Riccardo , Pettinari Claudio , Aiello Iolinda , La Deda Massimo , Candreva Angela , Morelli Sabrina , De Bartolo Loredana , Crispini Alessandra
Published: September 2019

Five‐ and six‐coordinated zinc(II) complexes, [Zn(QR)2(H2O)] (1–2) and [Zn(QR)2(L)] (3–8) {HQR = 4‐R(C=O)‐5‐pyrazolones in general, in detail HQC17, R = –(CH2)16CH3, HQCy, R = –C6H11; L = bipy, tmeda or en} have been synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H and 13C NMR, UV/Visible spectroscopy, elemental analysis, TGA and ESI mass spectrometry. The square pyramidal complex [Zn(QC17)2(H2O)] (1) has been structurally characterized, together with a trans octahedral [Zn(QCy)2(EtOH)2] (2b) species obtained by recrystallization of [Zn(QCy)2(H2O)] (2) from ethanol. Additionally, in both complexes [Zn(QCy)2(bipy)] (4) and [Zn(QC17)2(tmeda)] (5) structurally characterized by single crystal X ray diffraction, the same amount of Δ and Λ enantiomers are present, with the only difference related to the mutual disposition of the different type of the QR coordinated oxygen atoms. The cytotoxicity of the complexes [Zn(QCy)2(H2O)] (2), [Zn(QCy)2(bipy)] (4) and [Zn(QCy)2(en)] (8) has been evaluated in vitro against MCF‐7 human breast cancer cell line in a biohybrid membrane system. Results revealed that zinc complexes possess antiproliferative activity inducing apoptosis by activation of caspase‐3 and p‐JNK.
Direct Glycosidation of 2‐Azido‐2‐deoxyglycosyl Nitrates
Authors: Singh Yashapal , Wang Tinghua , Demchenko Alexei V.
Published: September 2019

Glycosyl nitrates are important synthetic intermediates which had never been glycosidated before our recent discovery that glycosyl nitrates can be glycosidated in the presence of lanthanides. Presented herein is our preliminary attempt to enhance the utility of glycosyl nitrates as donors for O‐glycosidation of 2‐amino‐2‐deoxysugars.
2,2‐Difluorovinyl Pinacolborane – A New Versatile Reagent for the Suzuki–Miyaura Reaction
Authors: Blahun Oleksandr P. , Redka Mykhailo O. , Voitenko Zoia V. , Kysil Andrii I. , Dobrydnev Alexey V. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: September 2019

A novel fluorinated reagent for the synthesis of gem‐difluorostyrenes and their heterocyclic analogues – 2,2‐difluorovinyl pinacolborane (CF2=CHBPin) was developed. In particular, borylation of 1,1‐difluoroethylene with isopropoxy pinacolborane afforded the title compound on a multigram scale as stable, easy‐to‐handle liquid which can be stored at +4 °C for months. The Pd(dppf)Cl2‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of this reagent with (het)aryl and vinyl bromides works well with broad spectrum of substrates and is characterized by good yields, functional group tolerance, sufficient reproducibility, as well as scalability.
Insights in the anode chamber influences on cathodic bioelectromethanogenesis – systematic comparison of anode materials and anolytes
Authors: Enzmann Franziska , Stöckl Markus , Gronemeier Denise , Holtmann Dirk
Published: September 2019

Cathode and catholyte are usually optimized to improve microbial electrosynthesis process, whereas the anodic counter reaction was not systematically investigated and optimized for these applications yet. Nevertheless, the anolyte and especially the anode material can limit the cathodic bioelectrochemical process. This paper compares for the first time the performance of different anode materials as counter electrodes for a cathodic bioelectrochemical process, the bioelectromethanogenesis. It was observed that depending on the anode material the cathodic methane production varies from 0.96 µmol/d with a carbon fabric anode to 25.44 µmol/d with a carbon felt anode of the same geometrical surface area. The used anolyte also affected the methane production rate at the cathode. Especially, the pH of the anolyte showed an impact on the system; an anolyte with pH 5 produced up to 2.0 times more methane compared to one with pH 8.5. The proton availability is discussed as one reason for this effect. Although some of the measured effects cannot be explained completely so far this study advises researchers to strongly consider the anode impact during process development and optimization of a cathodic bioelectrochemical synthesis process.
Robust decision making and scenario discovery in the absence of formal models
Authors: Popper Steven W.
Published: September 2019

Robust decision making (RDM) is a method for aiding decision making under deep uncertainty that uses models not as predictors but as generators of cases exploring assumptions and outcomes. RDM was intended for use with formal models. However, we show a model‐less RDM application to a portfolio planning problem (selecting U.S. Army security cooperation activities with a partner country) seeking to achieve several objectives. In the absence of formal models, the analysis tests candidate actions against different explicit statements of causal relationships to allow more systematic reasoning over choices and outcomes. Doing so renders assumptions about complex systems explicit, characterizes uncertainties in terms of effect on weighting policy choices rather than as presently unknowable probabilities, provides a venue for planners and evaluators to share findings and insights, and yields explicit expressions of theories of causation (TOC) that themselves act as formal models where none had previously existed. RDM allows important scenarios for decision planning to be generated analytically. This may address for several scenario applications the question of determining important futures and also how scenario results may be used directly to inform policy and operational decisions.
The neural basis of semantic cognition in Mandarin Chinese: A combined fMRI and TMS study
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wang Hui , Luo Cimei , Zhang Junjun , Jin Zhenlan , Li Ling
Published: September 2019

While converging sources of evidence point to the possibility of a large‐scale distributed network for semantic cognition, a consensus regarding the underlying subregions and their specific function in this network has not been reached. In the current study, we combined functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) methodology to investigate the neural basis of semantic cognition in Mandarin Chinese. In the fMRI experiment, strong activations were observed in left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) for semantic judgment task. Moreover, functional connectivity was found from seed region left IFG to left MTG. Meanwhile, negative correlation between performance and extracted parameter estimates from left IFG to left MTG was detected in semantic task. Subsequent TMS stimulation over left IFG resulted in performance deficits in semantic judgment task, in contrast to other three sites: left MTG, right intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and a control site. We concluded that the neural basis of semantic processing for Mandarin Chinese closely resembled that for alphabetic languages such as English, supporting a language‐universal view on semantic cognition.
Reporting gaps between news media and scientific papers on outdoor air pollution–related health outcomes: A content analysis
Authors: Sun Zhuanlan , Cang Jun , Ruan Yuhui , Zhu Demi
Published: September 2019

Objectives

In China, news media are useful for educating the public about the health threats of air pollution. To explore the potential gaps between scientific findings and the public's understanding of them, the characteristics of news media articles and their corresponding scientific papers were analysed.

Methods

We used 22 articles relating to the health outcomes of exposure to outdoor air pollution published on Baidu News over the past year. An assessment tool developed by Robinson et al was used to evaluate the quality scores of news articles. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to measure the relationship between news media reporting and the characteristics of scientific papers. Misleading reporting, interpretation, or extrapolation in headlines and text bodies of news articles were examined.

Results

The quality scores of the news articles ranged from −4 to 8, with an overall median score of 3. Correlation results showed that the scientific papers citation in Twitter (r = .88, P < .001) and Facebook (r = .64, P < .01) were significantly and positively associated with their citations in news stories. Media misunderstanding of scientific findings was common: 15 news headlines were identified with at least one spin (misrepresentation of scientific results), and 12 news articles had seven types of spin in the body texts.

Conclusion

Little media attention has been paid to scientific findings by Chinese researchers. Therefore, researchers and science journalists in China should make a better effort to engage in accurate and informative public discourse on domestic research.