bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Typical symptoms in the atypical patient? Consider SCAD!”
Authors: Wood Malissa J. , Drachman Douglas E.
Published: June 2017

Key Points

Consider SCAD as a potential etiology of cardiac ischemia in young, otherwise healthy patients

Cardiac biomarker testing should be included in the initial evaluation of young patients who present with possible cardiac symptoms

If unstable symptoms/ongoing ischemia are present, cardiac catheterization should be considered to diagnose and treat CAD regardless of etiology
Percutaneous coronary interventions in diabetics: The never‐ending challenge
Authors: Belardi Jorge A. , Candiello Alfonsina
Published: June 2017

Key Points

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multisystem disorder and a recognized risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and DM patient are particularly challenging for revascularization.

In this “real world” retrospective study post‐PCI DM patients showed a high risk profile compared to the non‐DM group, given by the higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, multiple vessel disease, and renal dysfunction, with the highest rates seen in the ITDM.

Only ITDM patients present higher 30‐day mortality compared to non‐DM patients in the urgent and primary PCI setting. Also ITDM, but not those NITDM patients, had an increased long‐term mortality in the overall cohort and in all PCI setting.
Hydrogen‐Bonded Open‐Framework with Pyridyl‐Decorated Channels: Straightforward Preparation and Insight into Its Affinity for Acidic Molecules in Solution
Authors: Mouchaham Georges , Roques Nans , Khodja Walid , Duhayon Carine , Coppel Yannick , Brandès Stéphane , Fodor Tamás , Meyer Michel , Sutter Jean‐Pascal
Published: June 2017

A hydrogen‐bonded open framework with pores decorated by pyridyl groups was constructed by off‐charge‐stoichiometry assembly of protonated tetrakis(4‐pyridyloxymethyl)methane and [Al(oxalate)3]3−, which are the H‐bond donor and acceptor of ionic H‐bond interactions, respectively. This supramolecular porous architecture (SPA‐2) has 1 nm‐large pores interconnected in 3D with large solvent‐accessible void (53 %). It demonstrated remarkable affinity for acidic organic molecules in solution, which was investigated by means of various carboxylic acids including larger drug molecules. Competing sorption between acetic acid and its halogenated homologues evidenced good selectivity of the porous material for the halogenated acids. The gathered results, including a series of guest@SPA‐2 crystal structures and HRMAS‐NMR spectra, suggest that the efficient sorption exhibited by the material relies not only on an acid–base interaction. The facile release of these guest molecules under neutral conditions makes this SPA a carrier of acidic molecules.
Quantitative Estimation of Ising‐Type Magnetic Anisotropy in a Family of C3‐Symmetric CoII Complexes
Authors: Mondal Amit Kumar , Jover Jesús , Ruiz Eliseo , Konar Sanjit
Published: June 2017

In this paper, the influence of the structural and chemical effects on the Ising‐type magnetic anisotropy of pentacoordinate CoII complexes has been investigated by using a combined experimental and theoretical approach. For this, a deliberate design and synthesis of four pentacoordinate CoII complexes [Co(tpa)Cl]⋅ClO4 (1), [Co(tpa)Br]⋅ClO4 (2), [Co(tbta)Cl]⋅(ClO4)⋅(MeCN)2⋅(H2O) (3) and [Co(tbta)Br]⋅ClO4 (4) by using the tripodal ligands tris(2‐methylpyridyl)amine (tpa) and tris[(1‐benzyl‐1 H‐1,2,3‐triazole‐4‐yl)methyl]amine) (tbta) have been carried out. Detailed dc and ac measurements show the existence of field‐induced slow magnetic relaxation behavior of CoII centers with Ising‐type magnetic anisotropy. A quantitative estimation of the zero‐field splitting (ZFS) parameters has been effectively achieved by using detailed ab initio theory calculations. Computational studies reveal that the wavefunction of all the studied complexes has a very strong multiconfigurational character that stabilizes the largest ms=±3/2 components of the quartet state and hence produce a large negative contribution to the ZFS parameters. The difference in the magnitudes of the Ising‐type anisotropy can be explained through ligand field theory considerations, that is, D is larger and negative in the case of weak equatorial σ‐donating and strong apical π‐donating ligands. To elucidate the role of intermolecular interactions in the magnetic relaxation behavior between adjacent CoII centers, a diamagnetic isostructural ZnII analog (5) was synthesized and the magnetic dilution experiment was performed.
Xenon Recovery at Room Temperature using Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Elsaidi Sameh K. , Ongari Daniele , Xu Wenqian , Mohamed Mona H. , Haranczyk Maciej , Thallapally Praveen K.
Published: June 2017

Xenon is known to be a very efficient anesthetic gas, but its cost prohibits the wider use in medical industry and other potential applications. It has been shown that Xe recovery and recycling from anesthetic gas mixtures can significantly reduce its cost as anesthetic. The current technology uses series of adsorbent columns followed by low‐temperature distillation to recover Xe; this method is expensive to use in medical facilities. Herein, we propose a much simpler and more efficient system to recover and recycle Xe from exhaled anesthetic gas mixtures at room temperature using metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Among the MOFs tested, PCN‐12 exhibits unprecedented performance with high Xe capacity and Xe/O2, Xe/N2 and Xe/CO2 selectivity at room temperature. The in situ synchrotron measurements suggest that Xe is occupies the small pockets of PCN‐12 compared to unsaturated metal centers (UMCs). Computational modeling of adsorption further supports our experimental observation of Xe binding sites in PCN‐12.
Computational method for estimating boundary of abdominal subcutaneous fat for absolute electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Yamaguchi Tohru F. , Okamoto Yoshiwo
Published: June 2017

Abdominal fat accumulation is considered an essential indicator of human health. Electrical impedance tomography has considerable potential for abdominal fat imaging because of the low specific conductivity of human body fat. In this paper, we propose a robust reconstruction method for high‐fidelity conductivity imaging by abstraction of the abdominal cross section using a relatively small number of parameters. Toward this end, we assume homogeneous conductivity in the abdominal subcutaneous fat area and characterize its geometrical shape by parameters defined as the ratio of the distance from the center to boundary of subcutaneous fat to the distance from the center to outer boundary in 64 equiangular directions. To estimate the shape parameters, the sensitivity of the noninvasively measured voltages with respect to the shape parameters is formulated for numerical optimization. Numerical simulations are conducted to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method. A 3‐dimensional finite element method is used to construct a computer model of the human abdomen. The inverse problems of shape parameters and conductivities are solved concurrently by iterative forward and inverse calculations. As a result, conductivity images are reconstructed with a small systemic error of less than 1% for the estimation of the subcutaneous fat area. A novel method is devised for estimating the boundary of the abdominal subcutaneous fat. The fidelity of the overall reconstructed image to the reference image is significantly improved. The results demonstrate the possibility of realization of an abdominal fat scanner as a low‐cost, radiation‐free medical device.
The Effect of Environmental, Social, Governance and Sustainability Initiatives on Stock Value – Examining Market Response to Initiatives Undertaken by Listed Companies
Authors: Lo Kar Yee , Kwan Calvin Lee
Published: June 2017

This paper examines the impact of environmental, social, governance (ESG) and sustainability initiatives on stock value of listed companies in Hong Kong. Event methodology is used to examine whether the market responses significantly to the implementation of these initiatives. Our result shows that the market reacts more positively to ESG initiatives than sustainability initiatives. This brings several implications to corporates' strategy as well as development of socially responsible investments (SRI). To facilitate the development of SRI, companies should communicate the value and returns of these initiatives clearly with investors; financial institutions should also equip investors with knowledge to understand non‐financial information. Enhancing the transparency of sustainability index will also give investors more credible information to relate firms' CSR performance with firm value. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Recent Advances in Bismuth‐Based Nanomaterials for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Bhat Swetha S. M. , Jang Ho Won
Published: June 2017

In recent years, bismuth‐based nanomaterials have drawn considerable interest as potential candidates for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting owing to their narrow band gaps, nontoxicity, and low costs. The unique electronic structure of bismuth‐based materials with a well‐dispersed valence band comprising Bi 6s and O 2p orbitals offers a suitable band gap to harvest visible light. This Review presents significant advancements in exploiting bismuth‐based nanomaterials for solar water splitting. An overview of the different strategies employed and the new ideas adopted to improve the PEC performance of bismuth‐based nanomaterials are discussed. Morphology control, the construction of heterojunctions, doping, and co‐catalyst loading are several approaches that are implemented to improve the efficiency of solar water splitting. Key issues are identified and guidelines are suggested to rationalize the design of efficient bismuth‐based materials for sunlight‐driven water splitting.
Species richness of multiple functional groups peaks in alpine tundra in subarctic Alaska
Authors: Roland Carl A. , Stehn Sarah E. , Schmidt Joshua H.
Published: June 2017

Climate warming has initiated changes to vegetation across subarctic North America with potential to dramatically alter the distribution of biodiversity of vascular plants, mosses, and macrolichens. However, landscape‐scale studies of the patterns and drivers of species richness in this region are scarce, raising the possibility that dramatic changes to biodiversity could occur undetected over a wide area with serious consequences for ecosystem integrity and conservation. We used a hierarchical, systematic design to compile a uniquely large and comprehensive diversity dataset for our study area in subarctic North America. We utilized a unified sampling frame at the landscape scale to record diversity of vascular plants, mosses, and macrolichens as the three primary components of vegetation species richness. We applied Bayesian hierarchical modeling techniques to identify site attributes associated with richness of the three functional groups. We also examined whether richness of groups was positively or negatively inter‐correlated across multiple spatial scales. Our goal was to quantify the fundamental relationships of species richness with site attributes across this landscape to better understand the possible responses of species richness to habitat changes forecast to occur in the subarctic as a result of a warming climate and other stressors. Moss, vascular plant, and terricolous macrolichen species richness were strongly inter‐correlated, due to an underlying marked positive association of each with increasing elevation into the alpine zone across multiple spatial scales. Our results further reveal varying influences of factors such as soilpH, disturbance, and plant canopy cover on diversity in these physiologically different functional groups. Taken together, the patterns revealed by our work provide a new framework to consider how predicted habitat changes wrought by warming climates in interior Alaska may affect fundamental diversity patterns of primary producers in the future, with important implications for ecosystem function and conservation.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Iron– and Cobalt–Dinitrogen Complexes Bearing PSiP‐Type Pincer Ligands toward Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Imayoshi Ryuji , Nakajima Kazunari , Takaya Jun , Iwasawa Nobuharu , Nishibayashi Yoshiaki
Published: June 2017

Iron– and cobalt–dinitrogen complexes bearing PSiP‐type pincer ligands are newly designed and prepared, on the basis of our previous proposal that iron– and cobalt–dinitrogen complexes bearing trimethylsilyl ligands are key reactive intermediates in the catalytic formation of silylamine from nitrogen gas under ambient reaction conditions. These iron– and cobalt–dinitrogen complexes are found to work as effective catalysts toward the catalytic transformation of nitrogen gas into silylamine.
Occurrence of the earliest gigantopterid from the basal Permian of the North China Block and its bearing on evolution
Authors: Zhou Weiming , Wan Mingli , Koll Rebecca A. , Wang Jun
Published: June 2017

Gigantopterids are a morphological group consisting of a number of enigmatic fossil plants with angiosperm‐like leaves and reticulate venation that are of uncertain systematic affinity. Gigantopterid plants were abundant and a characteristic floral element in the Late Palaeozoic Cathaysian floras. However, in China, their oldest occurrence was much later than that in North America (Artinskian) and Indonesia (Asselian to Sakmarian). Here, we document the gigantopterid Gigantonoclea cf. mira from basal Permian (Asselian) strata in the North China Block that represents the oldest unequivocal evidence for the gigantopterids. The foliage is characterized by complex venation composed of four orders, small isodiametric meshes, and intercalary subsidiary veins arising directly from the rachis, being a distinctive morphological type of leaf venation. In addition, a nonmarginal feeding trace is detected on the lamina, extending the earliest record of plant–animal interaction between gigantopterid plants and arthropods to the earliest Permian. Our new observations show that the venation characters of Gigantonoclea mira and Gigantonoclea cf. mira more closely resemble Gigantopteris dictyophylloides than other members of gigantopterids including the evolutionary Callipteridium sequence to which it was previously assigned.
China's health care system reform: Progress and prospects
Authors: Li Ling , Fu Hongqiao
Published: June 2017

This paper discusses the progress and prospects of China's complex health care reform beginning in 2009. The Chinese government's undertaking of systemic reform has achieved laudable achievements, including the expansion of social health insurance, the reform of public hospitals, and the strengthening of primary care. An innovative policy tool in China, policy experimentation under hierarchy, played an important role in facilitating these achievements. However, China still faces gaps and challenges in creating a single payer system, restructuring the public hospitals, and establishing an integrated delivery system. Recently, China issued the 13th 5‐year plan for medical reform, setting forth the goals, policy priorities, and strategies for health reform in the following 5 years. Moreover, the Chinese government announced the “Healthy China 2030” blueprint in October 2016, which has the goals of providing universal health security for all citizens by 2030. By examining these policy priorities against the existing gaps and challenges, we conclude that China's health care reform is heading in the right direction. To effectively implement these policies, we recommend that China should take advantage of policy experimentation to mobilize bottom‐up initiatives and encourage innovations.
Global patterns and trends in stomach cancer incidence: Age, period and birth cohort analysis
Authors: Luo Ganfeng , Zhang Yanting , Guo Pi , Wang Li , Huang Yuanwei , Li Ke
Published: June 2017

The cases of stomach cancer (SC) incidence are increasing per year and the SC burden has remained very high in some countries. We aimed to evaluate the global geographical variation in SC incidence and temporal trends from 1978 to 2007, with an emphasis on the effect of birth cohort. Joinpoint regression and age–period–cohort model were applied. From 2003 to 2007, male rate were 1.5‐ to 3‐fold higher than female in all countries. Rates were highest in Eastern Asian and South American countries. Except for Uganda, all countries showed favorable trends. Pronounced cohort‐specific increases in risk for recent birth cohorts were seen in Brazil, Colombia, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, Uganda and US white people for males and in Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Iceland, India, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uganda, US black and white people for females. The cohort‐specific ratio for male significantly decreased in Japan, Malta and Spain for cohorts born since 1950 and in Austria, China, Croatia, Ecuador, Russia, Switzerland and Thailand for cohorts born since 1960 and for female in Japan for cohorts born since 1950 and in Canada, China, Croatia, Latvia, Russia and Thailand for cohorts born since 1960. Disparities in incidence and carcinogenic risk persist worldwide. The favorable trends may be due to changes in environmental exposure and lifestyle, including decreased Helicobacter pylori prevalence, increased intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, the availability of refrigeration and decreased intake of salted and preserved food and smoking prevalence.
TP53 mutation and survival in aggressive B cell lymphoma
Authors: Zenz Thorsten , Kreuz Markus , Fuge Maxi , Klapper Wolfram , Horn Heike , Staiger Annette M. , Winter Doris , Helfrich Hanne , Huellein Jennifer , Hansmann Martin‐Leo , Stein Harald , Feller Alfred , Möller Peter , Schmitz Norbert , Trümper Lorenz , Loeffler Markus , Siebert Reiner , Rosenwald Andreas , Ott German , Pfreundschuh Michael , Stilgenbauer Stephan ,   for the German High‐Grade Non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma Study Group (DSHNHL)
Published: June 2017

TP53 is mutated in 20–25% of aggressive B‐cell lymphoma (B‐NHL). To date, no studies have addressed the impact of TP53 mutations in prospective clinical trial cohorts. To evaluate the impact of TP53 mutation to current risk models in aggressive B‐NHL, we investigated TP53 gene mutations within the RICOVER‐60 trial. Of 1,222 elderly patients (aged 61–80 years) enrolled in the study and randomized to six or eight cycles of CHOP‐14 with or without Rituximab (NCT00052936), 265 patients were analyzed for TP53 mutations. TP53 mutations were demonstrated in 63 of 265 patients (23.8%). TP53 mutation was associated with higher LDH (65% vs. 37%; p < 0.001), higher international prognostic index‐Scores (IPI 4/5 27% vs. 12%; p = 0.025) and B‐symptoms (41% vs. 24%; p = 0.011). Patients with TP53 mutation were less likely to obtain a complete remission CR/CRu (CR unconfirmed) 61.9% (mut) vs. 79.7% (wt) (p = 0.007). TP53 mutations were associated with decreased event‐free (EFS), progression‐free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (median observation time of 40.2 months): the 3 year EFS, PFS and OS were 42% (vs. 60%; p = 0.012), 42% (vs. 67.5%; p < 0.001) and 50% (vs. 76%; p < 0.001) for the TP53 mutation group. In a Cox proportional hazard analysis adjusting for IPI‐factors and treatment arms, TP53 mutation was shown to be an independent predictor of EFS (HR 1.5), PFS (HR 2.0) and OS (HR 2.3; p < 0.001). TP53 mutations are independent predictors of survival in untreated patients with aggressive CD20+ lymphoma. TP53 mutations should be considered for risk models in DLBCL and strategies to improve outcome for patients with mutant TP53 must be developed.
Unexpected Solvent Effects in the Isomerization of iPrPCPIr(η2‐PhC≡CPh) to a 1‐Iridaindene
Authors: Wilklow‐Marnell Miles , Brennessel William W. , Jones William D.
Published: June 2017

The reaction of iPrPCPIr with diphenylacetylene (iPrPCP=κ3‐2,6‐C6H3(CH2P(iPr)2)2), generated by dehydrogenation of iPrPCPIrH4 with tert‐butylethylene, readily provides the π‐adduct iPrPCPIr(η2‐PhC≡CPh) in quantitative yield at room temperature. Heating solutions of iPrPCPIr(η2‐PhC≡CPh) in aromatic hydrocarbon solvents leads to isomerization forming the 1‐iridaindene iPrPCPIr(C8H5(2‐Ph)). Surprisingly, this seemingly intramolecular reaction presents a kinetic isotope effect of 4.6 in C6H6 versus C6D6 solvent. The rate of this isomerization is effected by the availability of easily activated C−H bonds (i. e. aromatic C(sp2)‐H without ortho‐substituents), and is strongly dependent upon the ratio of C−H to C−D bonds. Experiments indicate that many, or all, of the steps in this process may be reversible and that a highly fluxional C−H/D addition product is present during isomerization.
Synthesis of Xanthones by Palladium‐Catalyzed Tandem Carbonylation/C–H Activation via 2‐Iodo Diaryl Ethers
Authors: Ma Rui‐Yue , Chen Ya‐Fang , Wang Jun‐Ru , Du Zhen‐Ting
Published: June 2017

The ring closure of 2‐iodo diaryl ether in the presence of a palladium catalyst to xanthone under carbon monoxide atmosphere is studied. A series of xanthones could be successfully obtained through this protocol, with Pd(OAc)2 as the catalyst, P(Cy)3 as ligand, PivONa.H2O as base, and PivOH and tetrabutylamonium bromide as additives in DMSO, in moderate to good yields.
A Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Development in Two Astyanax Cavefish Populations
Authors: Stahl Bethany A. , Gross Joshua B.
Published: June 2017

Organisms that are isolated into extreme environments often evolve extreme phenotypes. However, global patterns of dynamic gene expression changes that accompany dramatic environmental changes remain largely unknown. The blind Mexican cavefish, Astyanax mexicanus, has evolved a number of severe cave‐associated phenotypes including loss of vision and pigmentation, craniofacial bone fusions, increased fat storage, reduced sleep, and amplified nonvisual sensory systems. Interestingly, surface‐dwelling forms have repeatedly entered different caves throughout Mexico, providing a natural set of “replicate” instances of cave isolation. These surrogate “ancestral” surface‐dwelling forms persist in nearby rivers, enabling direct comparisons to the “derived” cave‐dwelling form. We evaluated changes associated with subterranean isolation by measuring differential gene expression in two geographically distinct cave‐dwelling populations (Pachón and Tinaja). To understand the impact of these expression changes on development, we performed RNA‐sequencing across four critical stages during which troglomorphic traits first appear in cavefish embryos. Gene ontology (GO) studies revealed similar functional profiles evolved in both independent cave lineages. However, enrichment studies indicated that similar GO profiles were occasionally mediated by different genes. Certain “master” regulators, such as Otx2 and Mitf, appear to be important loci for cave adaptation, as remarkably similar patterns of expression were identified in both independent cave lineages. This work reveals that adaptation to an extreme environment, in two distinct cavefish lineages, evolves through a combination of unique and shared gene expression patterns. Shared expression profiles reflect common environmental pressures, while unique expression likely reflects the fact that similar adaptive traits evolve through diverse genetic mechanisms.
Effect of glycine nitrogen on lettuce growth under soilless culture: a metabolomics approach to identify the main changes occurred in plant primary and secondary metabolism
Authors: Yang Xiao , Feng Lei , Zhao Li , Liu Xiaosong , Hassani Danial , Huang Danfeng
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Lettuce is a significant source of antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Nitrate is a cardinal fertilizer in horticulture and influences vegetable yield and quality; however, the negative effects of nitrate on the biosynthesis of flavonoids require further study. It is expected that using fertilizers containing organic nitrogen (N) could promote the synthesis of health‐promoting compounds.

RESULTS

Lettuces were hydroponically cultured in media containing 9 mmol L−1 nitrate or 9 mmol L−1 glycine for 4 weeks. Primary and secondary metabolites were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/ion mobility spectrometry/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/IMS/QTOF‐MS). Data analysis revealed that 29 metabolites were significantly altered between nitrate and glycine treatments. Metabolites were tentatively identified by comparison with online databases, literature and standards and using collision cross‐section values. Significant differences in flavonoid biosynthesis, phenolic biosynthesis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle response were observed between N sources. Compared with nitrate, glycine promoted accumulation of glycosylated flavonoids (quercetin 3‐glucoside, quercetin 3‐(6″‐malonyl‐glucoside), luteolin 7‐glucuronide, luteolin 7‐glucoside), ascorbic acid and amino acids (l‐valine, l‐leucine, l‐glutamine, asparagine, l‐serine, l‐ornithine, 4‐aminobutanoic acid, l‐phenylalanine) but reduced phenolic acids (dihydroxybenzoic acid hexose isomers 1 and 2, chicoric acid, chicoric acid isomer 1) and TCA intermediates (fumaric, malic, citric and succinic acids).

CONCLUSION

The novel methodology applied in this study can be used to characterize metabolites in lettuce. Accumulation of glycosylated flavonoids, amino acids and ascorbic acid in response to glycine supply provides strong evidence supporting the idea that using amino acids as an N source alters the nutritional value of vegetable crops. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Functional analyses of the versicolorin B synthase gene in Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Ren Silin , Yue Yuewei , Li Yu , Guo Xiaodong , Wang Shihua
Published: June 2017

Aflatoxin is a toxic, carcinogenic mycotoxin primarily produced by Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus. Previous studies have predicted the existence of more than 20 genes in the gene cluster involved in aflatoxin biosynthesis. Among these genes, aflK encodes versicolorin B synthase, which converts versiconal to versicolorin B. Past research has investigated aflK in A. parasiticus, but few studies have characterized aflK in the animal, plant, and human pathogen A. flavus. To understand the potential role of aflK in A. flavus, its function was investigated here for the first time using gene replacement and gene complementation strategies. The aflK deletion‐mutant ΔaflK exhibited a significant decrease in sclerotial production and aflatoxin biosynthesis compared with wild‐type and the complementation strain ΔaflK::aflK. ΔaflK did not affect the ability of A. flavus to infect seeds, but downregulated aflatoxin production after seed infection. This is the first report of a relationship between aflK and sclerotial production in A. flavus, and our findings indicate that aflK regulates aflatoxin formation.
Front‐line window therapy with cisplatin in patients with primary disseminated Ewing sarcoma: A study by the Associazione Italiana di Ematologia ed Oncologia Pediatrica and Italian Sarcoma Group
Authors: Luksch Roberto , Grignani Giovanni , D'Angelo Paolo , Prete Arcangelo , Puma Nadia , Podda Marta , Casanova Michela , Ferrari Andrea , Morosi Carlo , Fagioli Franca , Aglietta Massimo , Ferrari Stefano , Picci Piero , Massimino Maura
Published: June 2017

The aim was to assess the activity of cisplatin (CDDP) in Ewing sarcoma (ES). The study consisted of front‐line window therapy with CDDP 120 mg/sqm every 3 weeks for two courses in children and young adults with primary disseminated ES. Response was assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours criteria, and Simon's two‐stage design was applied. Twelve consecutive patients were enrolled in stage 1. Only one objective response was observed. Since the target response rate was not achieved, accrual was stopped and CDDP as a single agent in ES was judged unworthy of further assessment.
Changes in urine albumin to creatinine ratio with the initiation of hydroxyurea therapy among children and adolescents with sickle cell disease
Authors: Tehseen Sarah , Joiner Clinton H. , Lane Peter A. , Yee Marianne E.
Published: June 2017

Background

Renal damage is a progressive complication of sickle cell disease (SCD) that begins in childhood and may progress to renal failure and early mortality in 12% of adults with hemoglobin SS (HbSS) SCD. Early sickle nephropathy is characterized by hyperfiltration and microalbuminuria; therefore, urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) is an effective screening tool for its detection.

Procedure

This study investigated the effect of hydroxyurea (HU) therapy on urine ACR levels among children with SCD. A retrospective review was conducted to identify all patients with HbSS or HbSβ0 thalassemia of age 7–18 years who began HU therapy in 2011–2013; a control group of patients not on HU were matched by age and baseline hemoglobin. All urine ACR measurements ≤24 months prior to and ≥24 months after HU initiation were recorded.

Results

There were 63 eligible patients on HU and 13 (25%) with albuminuria prior to HU initiation. Among those with baseline albuminuria, the median ACR was 96 mg/g prior to HU, 39 mg/g at 1 year (P = 0.02), and 25 mg/g at 2 years (P = 0.03). Albuminuria normalized in 37.5% (6/16) after 1 year and 61% (8/13) after 2 years of HU therapy. Among those without albuminuria prior to HU, 13% (6/47) developed albuminuria during HU therapy. Sixteen percent (13/80) of control patients had albuminuria in the beginning of study period, which normalized in 15% (two of 13) of patients at 1‐year follow up.

Conclusion

Introduction of HU is associated with significant decreases in urine ACR in children with SCD and albuminuria.
Preliminary experience on the use of PET/CT in the management of pediatric post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder
Authors: Guerra‐García Pilar , Hirsch Steffen , Levine Daniel S , Taj Mary M.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a well‐known complication following prolonged immunosuppression. Contrary to other lymphomas, there is no standardized imaging approach to assess PTLD either at staging or for response to therapy. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is an imaging modality that has proven to be useful in lymphoma. However, there is still limited data concerning its use in pediatric PTLD. Our study evaluates the use of PET/CT in pediatric PTLD at our institution.

Methods

To assess the role of PET/CT in pediatric PTLD, we reviewed the pediatric patients with PTLD who had undergone PET/CT at our institution between 2000 and 2016.

Results

Nine patients were identified. Six had PET/CT at diagnosis. All lesions seen on CT were identified with PET/CT. Fourteen PET/CTs were done during treatment. Eight PET/CTs were negative, including three where CT showed areas of uncertain significance. In these cases, PET/CT helped us to stop treatment and the patients remain in remission after a long follow‐up (mean 74.3 months; range 12.4–180.9 months). PET/CT revealed additional disease in two cases, therefore treatment was intensified. Six biopsies and close follow‐up was done to confirm PET/CT results. In one case, PET/CT did not identify central nervous system involvement demonstrated on magnetic resonance imaging.

Conclusion

PET/CT may have an important role in the staging and follow‐up of pediatric PTLD. In our cohort, PET/CT was helpful in staging and assessing treatment response and in clarifying equivocal findings on other imaging modalities.
Composite cryogels for dual drug delivery and enhanced mechanical properties
Authors: de Lima Gabriel G. , Traon Fanny , Moal Elouan , Canillas Maria , Rodriguez Miguel A. , McCarthy Helen O. , Dunne Nicholas , Devine Declan M. , Nugent Michael J.D.
Published: June 2017

In this study, we present a simple and effective process that integrates hydrogels with drugs + ceramics via physical crosslinks resulting in improved mechanical properties. These cryogels have the potential for controlled drug release and stimulus responsive behavior. The hydrogels were produced from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyacrylic acid by varying the molecular weight of the polymers, via freeze‐thawing technique. The cryogels were combined with two ceramics: (1) a combination of beta‐tricalcium phosphate, wollastonite, magnesium silicate and (2) titanium dioxide nanopowder. Theophylline, a model drug, was incorporated into the structure to analyze the drug release behavior. A layered structure was produced by adding both hydrogels + ceramics into a mold where a PVA dried film acted as a barrier and reinforcing structure. The results showed that the barrier integrated between both hydrogels by a physically crosslinking mechanism. This adhesion was demonstrated using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Swelling of this composite showed the profile of drug release from both hydrogels + ceramics while simultaneously releasing the drug independently without diffusing via the opposite layer. Finally, mechanical properties were improved with the addition of the ceramics, which demonstrates the potential approach in terms of modification of weak hydrogel systems. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E210–E220, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Enhancement of oil absorption properties of acrylic ester resin hybridized with well‐organized sea urchin‐like MnO2
Authors: Zhang Tao , Zhang Chao , Qiu Fengxian , Yang Dongya , Shi Shengnan , Shi Tianhui , Nie Xinbin
Published: June 2017

Acrylic ester resin (AER) is a promising oil‐absorbing material for oils and organic solvents absorption because it exhibits high oil retention ability, good swelling properties, and reusability while also being inexpensive, large‐scale production, and environmentally benign. However, the AER is not fully utilized owing to its low oil absorption capacity and slow oil absorption rate. In this work, we combine porous structures of MnO2 and swelling properties of AER and design a novel route to fabricate sea urchin‐like MnO2/AER hybrids. In this route, the sea urchin‐like MnO2 was prepared by a facile hydrothermal method in acidic media. The sea urchin‐like MnO2/AER hybrids with different wt% were synthesized by a microwave polymerization route. The resin hybrids exhibited very rough surfaces, which are beneficial for organic molecules absorption and diffusion into the interiors of materials. The resin hybrids can remove oils and organic solvents from water with high selectivity and absorption capacity, and can absorb not only floating oil but also heavy organic solvents underwater. The maximum absorption capacity of resin hybrids was found at the MnO2 content of 3%, and maximum absorption capacity up to 32.5 times of their own weight, higher than that of the pure AER. The performances were mainly attributed to the unique porous structure of MnO2 and swelling properties of AER, indicating the potential application of such oil‐absorbing resins to introduce the porous inorganic materials for developing new oils and organic solvents absorbent for removal of organic pollutants from the wastewater. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4041–4049, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of surface modification of sisal fibers on water absorption and mechanical properties of polyaniline composite
Authors: Teklu Tesfamariam , Wangatia Lodrick M. , Alemayehu Esayas
Published: June 2017

This article presents the surface modification of sisal (Agave sisalana) fibers by alkalization to tune up mechanical limitations of natural fibers‐reinforced polymer composites associated with poor fiber‐polymer matrix compatibility. Upon surface treatment, the fibers were surface coated with polyaniline through in situ oxidative polymerization to further enhance resistance to water absorption by introducing hydrophobic polymer backbone. Based on the results from spectroscopic and microscopic analyses, surface modification through alkalization is an effective approach to remove lignin and hemicellulose from the surface of sisal fibers. It also enhanced fiber‐polymer matrix compatibility assured by a significant increase in tensile strength. Polyaniline deposition on the surface of sisal fibers was successful to introduce hydrophobic polymer backbone to the system to enhance resistance to water absorption, thereby increasing tensile strength significantly. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E46–E52, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
An experimental study of the effect of CNTs on the mechanical properties of CNTs/NR/EPDM nanocomposite
Authors: Paran Seyed Mohamad Reza , Naderi Ghasem , Babakhani Aghil
Published: June 2017

Carbon nanotube (CNT)/Natural rubber (NR)/ ethylene–propylene diene monomer (EPDM) nanocomposites were prepared via a traditional mixing method using a two‐roll mixer and cured by a conventional vulcanization system. The nanocomposites were characterized with respect to their curing characteristics and mechanical properties. The cure characteristic investigations showed that the introduction of CNTs into the rubber blend leads to a decrease in scorch and cure times. The minimum and maximum torque values of the cured nanocomposites rise with respect to CNTs loading. Tensile strength of NR/EPDM (75/25 wt/wt) blends containing 0.5 wt% of CNTs showed an increase compared to the NR/EPDM blends. The moduli of the nanocomposites at 100% and 300% elongations revealed that the CNTs can increase these parameters with no significant effect on the elongation at break. The stress–strain behavior of the nanocomposites was analyzed by some proper phenomenological hyperelastic models and the effect of CNTs loading on their material parameters was investigated. The introduction of CNTs into the NR/EPDM matrix leads to a significant change in material parameters of hyperelastic models. The results suggested that various CNTs loadings have a significant effect on the dispersion state of nanotubes and ultimate mechanical properties of CNT/NR/EPDM nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4071–4079, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
A pilot study on the Chinese Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory‐2 in detecting feigned mental disorders: Simulators classified by using the Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms
Authors: Chang Yi‐Ting , Tam Wai‐Cheong C. , Shiah Yung‐Jong , Chiang Shih‐Kuang
Published: June 2017

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory‐2 (MMPI‐2) is often used in forensic psychological/psychiatric assessment. This was a pilot study on the utility of the Chinese MMPI‐2 in detecting feigned mental disorders. The sample consisted of 194 university students who were either simulators (informed or uninformed) or controls. All the participants were administered the Chinese MMPI‐2 and the Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms‐2 (SIRS‐2). The results of the SIRS‐2 were utilized to classify the participants into the feigning or control groups. The effectiveness of eight detection indices was investigated by using item analysis, multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results indicated that informed‐simulating participants with prior knowledge of mental disorders did not perform better in avoiding feigning detection than uninformed‐simulating participants. In addition, the eight detection indices of the Chinese MMPI‐2 were effective in discriminating participants in the feigning and control groups, and the best cut‐off scores of three of the indices were higher than those obtained from the studies using the English MMPI‐2. Thus, in this sample of university students, the utility of the Chinese MMPI‐2 in detecting feigned mental disorders was tentatively supported, and the Chinese Infrequency Scale (ICH), a scale developed specifically for the Chinese MMPI‐2, was also supported as a valid scale for validity checking.
Comparative study of the number of report and time‐to‐onset of the reported adverse event between the biosimilars and the originator of filgrastim
Authors: Kobayashi Tetsu , Kamada Izumi , Komura Junko , Toyoshima Satoshi , Ishii‐Watabe Akiko
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The objective of this study is to specify the most reported adverse events as preferred terms (PTs) and to compare the reported adverse events about some properties including the number of report and time‐to‐onset (TTO) distribution of the originator of filgrastim Neupogen® and its biosimilars in Europe, using VigiBase®.

Methods

We identified the biosimilar which was reported as the suspected drug in more than 100 individual case safety reports in Europe. Then, we specified the top ranking 10 PTs in the cases reported with Neupogen® or each biosimilar as the suspected drug. We also compared the TTO of the most reported PTs using the data about the onset date of the PT and the start date of filgrastim. We used Kolmogorov–Smirnov method to detect significant difference.

Results

The total ICSR numbers with Neupogen® and 3 biosimilars, Zarzio®, Nivestim®, and Tevagrastim® were 1,301, 295, 156, and 127, respectively, in Europe. The most reported PTs with Neupogen® were bone pain, pyrexia, and dyspnoea. The TTO of bone pain and pyrexia with Zarzio® (N: 22 and 16, median: 1 and 0.5 days) were significantly shorter than those with Neupogen® (P < 0.01, N: 72 and 33, median: 3.5 and 3 days), respectively. The most reported PTs with biosimilars were drug ineffective and neutropenia.

Conclusion

The difference in the TTO was identified between originator filgrastim Neupogen and its biosimilar regarding some PTs, which may suggest the difference in their safety profile. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raising the list of SirT7 targets to a new level
Authors: Simonet Nicolas G. , Vaquero Alejandro
Published: June 2017

Sirtuins are crucial proteins involved in sensing and coordinating the response to different forms of stress, mainly through NAD+‐dependent deacetylation of proteins. For that reason, sirtuins are directly involved in many human pathologies including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. SirT7, one of the less well‐understood sirtuins, has been associated with ribosome biogenesis, gene expression, metabolism and cancer. Despite the wide range of these functions, only a handful of targets for SirT7 have so far been described. In this issue, Zhang et al. report the first proteomic screening of SirT7 substrates. Using stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC), coupled with quantitative mass spectrometry, they have identified a comprehensive list of candidates involved in a variety of functions, ranging from maintenance of chromatin architecture to gene silencing and metabolism. A selected group of these candidates has been validated by in vitro co‐immunoprecipitation and deacetylation experiments. Predictive tools have identified additional candidates. The identification of these novel targets not only suggests new ways of understanding the physiological role of SirT7, but also provides new evidence to add to our existing knowledge of the global impact of sirtuins in cell homeostasis.
Structural and electronic properties of wurtzite BxAl1–xN from first‐principles calculations
Authors: Zhang Muwei , Li Xiaohang
Published: June 2017

The structural and electronic properties of wurtzite BxAl1−xN (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) are studied using density functional theory. The change of lattice parameters with increased B composition shows small bowing parameters and thus slightly nonlinearity. The bandgap exhibits strong dependence on the B composition, where transition from direct to indirect bandgap occurs at a relatively low B composition (x ∼ 0.12) is observed, above which the bandgap of BxAl1−xN maintained indirect, thus desirable for low‐absorption optical structures. The Γv‐Ac and Γv‐Kc indirect bandgaps are dominant at lower and higher B compositions, respectively. Density of states (DOS) of the valence band is susceptible to the B incorporation. Strong hybridization of Al, B, and N in p‐states leads to high DOS near the valence band maximum. The hybridization of Al and B in s‐states at lower B compositions and p‐states of B at higher B compositions give rise to high DOS near lower end of the upper valence band. Charge density analysis reveals the B‐N chemical bond is more covalent than the Al‐N bond. This will lead to more covalent crystal with increasing B composition. Dramatic change of the heavy hole effective mass is found due to significant curvature increase of the band by minor B incorporation.
Recent Progress in Applying In Situ/Operando Characterization Techniques to Probe the Solid/Liquid/Gas Interfaces of Li–O2 Batteries
Authors: Liang Zhuojian , Zou Qingli , Wang Yu , Lu Yi‐Chun
Published: June 2017

Lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) batteries have attracted intensive attention owing to their potential to provide gravimetric energy density 2–5 times that of conventional Li‐ion batteries. However, Li–O2 technology suffers from poor cycle life, low rate capability, and poor round‐trip efficiency. Insights into the Li–O2 reaction mechanisms are prerequisites to breakthroughs in Li–O2 battery technology. Here, recent progress in applying in situ/operando characterization techniques to probe the solid/liquid/gas interfaces of Li–O2 batteries is reviewed. The working principle and experimental designs of these in situ/operando techniques are discussed, the critical mechanistic insights revealed, and how these studies advance the fundamental development of Li–O2 batteries considered.
A survey on theoretical advances of community detection in networks
Authors: Zhao Yunpeng
Published: June 2017

Real‐world networks usually have community structure, that is, nodes are grouped into densely connected communities. Community detection is one of the most popular and best‐studied research topics in network science and has attracted attention in many different fields, including computer science, statistics, social sciences, among others. Numerous approaches for community detection have been proposed in literature, from ad hoc algorithms to systematic model‐based approaches. The large number of available methods leads to a fundamental question: whether a certain method can provide consistent estimates of community labels. The stochastic blockmodel (SBM) and its variants provide a convenient framework for the study of such problems. This article is a survey on the recent theoretical advances of community detection. The authors review a number of community detection methods and their theoretical properties, including graph cut methods, profile likelihoods, the pseudo‐likelihood method, the variational method, belief propagation, spectral clustering, and semidefinite relaxations of the SBM. The authors also briefly discuss other research topics in community detection such as robust community detection, community detection with nodal covariates and model selection, as well as suggest a few possible directions for future research. WIREs Comput Stat 2017, 9:e1403. doi: 10.1002/wics.1403

This article is categorized under:

Data: Types and Structure > Graph and Network Data
Die StreetScooter-Entwicklungsstory
Authors: Kampker Achim , Gerdes Jürgen , Schuh Günther
Published: June 2017

Nein, Design stand nie wirklich im Mittelpunkt der Entwicklung. Trotzdem ist der StreetScooter eine durchaus emotionale Kiste. Jedenfalls für die, die von Anfang an den Erfolg für möglich hielten.
Die StreetScooter-Produktions-Story
Authors: Kampker Achim , Gerdes Jürgen , Schuh Günther
Published: June 2017

Die Mobilitätswende ist ein Megathema unserer Zeit. Der Wandel vom konventionellen zum elektrischen Antriebsstrang betrifft die gesamte Wertschöpfungskette von Automobilherstellern über Komponentenlieferanten bis hin zum Maschinen- und Anlagenbauer. Innovative Produktionsprozesse und Fahrzeugkonzepte spielen dabei eine zentrale Rolle.