bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IDH1 and IDH2 mutations in lung adenocarcinomas: Evidences of subclonal evolution
Authors: Rodriguez Erika F. , De Marchi Federico , Lokhandwala Parvez M. , Belchis Deborah , Xian Rena , Gocke Christopher D. , Eshleman James R. , Illei Peter , Li Ming‐Tseh
Published: April 2020

Background

Selective IDH1 and IDH2 inhibitors have been approved for targeted therapy of acute myeloid leukemia. Clinical trials for solid tumors with IDH1 and IDH2 (IDH1/2) mutations are ongoing. Reports of IDH1/2‐mutated non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), however, are limited.

Methods

We evaluated IDH1/2 mutations in 1,924 NSCLC specimens (92% adenocarcinoma) using a next‐generation sequencing assay.

Results

Retrospective quality assessments identified false detection of IDH1 c.395G>A (p.R132H) resulting from cytosine deamination (C:G→T:A) artifact in one specimen. IDH1/2 mutations were detected in 9 (0.5%) adenocarcinomas taken by fine‐needle aspiration (n = 3), thoracentesis (n = 2) or core biopsy (n = 4). All nine adenocarcinomas showed high‐grade features. Extensive clear cell change, however, was not observed. High expression (50% or greater) of PD‐L1 was observed in two of five specimens examined. IDH1/2 mutations were associated with old age, smoking history, and coexisting KRAS mutation. Lower than expected variant allele frequency of IDH1/2 mutants and coexistence of IDH1/2 mutations with known trunk drivers in the BRAF, EGFR, and KRAS genes suggest they could be branching drivers leading to subclonal evolution in lung adenocarcinomas. Multiregional analysis of an adenocarcinoma harboring two IDH2 mutations revealed parallel evolution originating from a KRAS‐mutated lineage, further supporting subclonal evolution promoted by IDH1/2 mutations.

Conclusions

IDH1/2 mutations in NSCLCs are uncommon. They occur in adenocarcinomas with high‐grade features and may be branching drivers leading to subclonal evolution. Accumulation of more IDH1/2‐mutated NSCLCs is needed to clarify their clinicopathological characteristics and implications for targeted therapy.
Bcl‐2/Bcl‐xl inhibitor APG‐1252‐M1 is a promising therapeutic strategy for gastric carcinoma
Authors: Yi Hanjie , Qiu Miao‐Zhen , Yuan Luping , Luo Qiuyun , Pan Wentao , Zhou Suna , Zhang Lin , Yan Xianglei , Yang Da‐Jun
Published: April 2020

Gastric carcinoma is the third major cause of cancer‐related death in China. Bcl‐2 and other BH3 family proteins are critically important in the process of apoptosis pathway, which may be a promising target. APG‐1252‐M1 specifically connects to Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xl. The antitumor effect of APG‐1252‐M1 in six gastric cancer cells was identified by the Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay. The expression level of proapoptotic proteins was evaluated by Western blot. Meanwhile, the cell cycle and apoptosis distributions were analyzed by flow cytometry and JC‐1. Xenograft models were used to investigate the roles of APG‐1252‐M1 in suppressing the growth of tumors and enhancing the chemotherapy antitumor effect. The antitumor effect of APG‐1252‐M1 was time‐ and dose‐dependent and acted by initiating apoptosis. The change of cell cycle distribution was not discovered in gastric cancer cells treated with APG‐1252‐M1. APG‐1252‐M1 also exhibited synergy with chemotherapy in vivo. The combined group inhibited xenograft tumor growth more obviously than the other groups. Moreover, Ki‐67 was remarkably decreased in the combination group compared to other groups. In conclusion, APG‐1252‐M1 had a strong antitumor effect by inducing apoptosis and was synergistic with chemotherapy.
Antioxidant, Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Activity of Chitosan Preparations Extracted from Ganoderma Lucidum Mushroom
Authors: Savin Simona , Craciunescu Oana , Oancea Anca , Ilie Daniela , Ciucan Teodora , Antohi Loredana Stefania , Toma Agnes , Nicolescu Alina , Deleanu Calin , Oancea Florin
Published: April 2020

Two chitosan extracts were prepared by chemical and enzymatic treatment of Ganoderma lucidum mushroom, as an alternative source to crustacean shells. The molecular weight of the enzymatic extract was lower than that of the chemical one and of shrimp chitosan, as determined by viscosity measurements. Characteristic signals were identified in the 1H‐NMR spectra and high deacetylation degree indicated good physico‐chemical properties for both mushroom chitosan extracts. The scavenging capacity of mushroom chitosan extracts was moderate against the synthetic radicals of 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), but higher values were observed for the enzymatic extract, compared to the chemical extract and shrimp chitosan. In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated in L929 mouse fibroblast cell lines and the results of MTT assay showed good cytocompatibility in the tested range of concentrations. The growth of Gram‐positive bacteria was inhibited more than Gram‐negative bacteria in the presence of mushroom chitosan extracts, in particular by the chemical one, indicating their efficiency as antimicrobial agents. All these results strengthen the evidence of mushroom polysaccharide preparations availability for biomedical applications.
Nitric Oxide Production Inhibitory Eudesmane‐Type Sesquiterpenoids from Artemisia argyi
Authors: Zhang Lai‐Bin , Nie Xiao‐Na , Chang Jia‐Jing , Wang Feng‐Long , Lü Jie‐Li
Published: April 2020

Six new eudesmane‐type sesquiterpene derivatives, artemargyinins A–F were isolated from the leaves of Artemisia argyi. Their structures were elucidated based on the extensive analysis of spectroscopic data. Artemargyinins A–F feature a lactone ring‐opening eudesmane‐type sesquiterpene with an isoprenoid group at C(8). All compounds were tested for their inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide‐induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 macrophages. Artemargyinins A–F showed more potent NO production inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging from 7.66±0.53 to 61.19±2.54 μM than the positive control quercetin (IC50=74.34±1.39 μM). Among them, artemargyinins C and D exhibited strong inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 8.08±0.21 and 7.66±0.53 μM, respectively.
The impact of coronary perforation in percutaneous interventions involving the left main stem coronary artery in the United Kingdom 2007–2014: Insights from the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society database
Authors: Hussain Hussain I. , Protty Majd B. , Gallagher Sean , Al‐Raisi Sara , Aldalati Omar , Farooq Vasim , Sharp Andrew S. P. , Anderson Richard , Kinnaird Tim
Published: April 2020

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is increasingly utilized for treatment of coronary disease involving the unprotected left main stem (ULMS). However, no studies to date have examined the outcomes of such interventions when complicated by coronary perforation (CP).

Methods

Using the British Cardiovascular Intervention society (BCIS) database, data were analyzed on all ULMS‐PCI procedures complicated by CP in England and Wales between 2007 and 2014. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify predictors of ULMS CP and to evaluate the association between this complication and outcomes.

Results

During 10,373 ULMS‐PCI procedures, CP occurred more frequently than in non‐ULMS‐PCI (0.9 vs. 0.4%, p < .001) with a stable annual incidence. Covariates associated with CP included number of stents used, female gender, use of rotational atherectomy and chronic total occlusion (CTO) intervention. Adjusted odds of adverse outcomes for ULMS‐PCI complicated by CP were higher for peri‐procedural complications including cardiogenic shock, tamponade, side‐branch loss, DC cardioversion, in‐hospital major bleeding, transfusion requirement, and peri‐procedural myocardial infarction. There were also significantly increased odds for in‐hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACCE, OR 8.961, 95% CI [4.902–16.383]) and 30‐day mortality (OR 5.301, 95% CI [2.741–10.251]).

Conclusions

CP is an infrequent event during ULMS‐PCI and is predicted by female gender, rotational atherectomy, CTO interventions or number of stents used. CP was associated with significantly higher odds of mortality and morbidity, but at rates similar to previously published all‐comer PCI complicated by CP.
Clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in nonagenarians from the optimized catheter valvular intervention‐TAVI registry
Authors: Noguchi Masahiko , Tabata Minoru , Obunai Kotaro , Shibayama Kentaro , Ito Joji , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Yashima Fumiaki , Watanabe Yusuke , Naganuma Toru , Araki Motoharu , Yamanaka Futoshi , Shirai Shinichi , Ueno Hiroshi , Mizutani Kazuki , Higashimori Akihiro , Takagi Kensuke , Tada Norio , Yamamoto Masanori , Hayashida Kentaro
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate 30‐day and 2‐year clinical outcomes, and predictors of 2‐year mortality in nonagenarians undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Background

TAVI has been applied to nonagenarians. However, sufficient clinical data in nonagenarians who could benefit from TAVI are limited.

Methods

We evaluated the data from the optimized catheter valvular intervention‐TAVI registry. Clinical outcomes were compared between patients' age ≥90 years and age <90 years. Predictive factors of 2‐year mortality were assessed by multivariable Cox regression analyses.

Results

From October 2013 to May 2017, a total of 375 nonagenarians (age ≥90 years) and 2,213 younger patients (age <90 years) were included. Although nonagenarians had a higher surgical risk score, 30‐day clinical outcomes were similar between two groups. There were no significant differences in 2‐year mortality (22.0% vs. 17.3%; p = .11) and stroke (5.5% vs. 3.9%; p = .31); however, 2‐year heart failure readmission was higher in nonagenarians (13.3% vs. 9.0%; p = .03). After adjusting covariates, age ≥90 years was not independent predictor for 2‐year outcomes. In nonagenarians, female sex (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.26–0.74; p = .002), chronic kidney disease grade ≥4 (HR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.21–3.64; p = .01), and Clinical Frailty Scale ≥4 (HR = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.02–3.42; p = .04) were independently associated with 2‐year mortality.

Conclusions

Clinical outcomes of TAVI in selected nonagenarians were favorable. Severe renal dysfunction and frailty may be important factors to predict mid‐term mortality after TAVI in nonagenarians.
Comparison of post‐stent optical coherence tomography findings: Layered versus non‐layered culprit lesions
Authors: Kurihara Osamu , Shinohara Hiroki , Kim Hyung Oh , Russo Michele , Araki Makoto , Nakajima Akihiro , Lee Hang , Takano Masamichi , Mizuno Kyoichi , Komuro Issei , Jang Ik‐Kyung
Published: April 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the vascular response of lesions with a layered phenotype.

Background

Recent studies have shown that layered plaques at culprit lesions detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) have greater plaque burden and more inflammatory features than non‐layered plaques.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study. A total of 193 target lesions from 193 patients [100 patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and 93 with stable angina pectoris (SAP)] who had undergone OCT imaging of the culprit lesion both before and after stenting were included. Layered plaques were identified by OCT as plaques with layers of different optical density. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of a layered phenotype at the culprit lesion, and pre‐ and post‐procedure OCT findings were compared.

Results

Among 193 patients, 36 (36.0%) lesions in ACS patients and 56 (60.2%) lesions in SAP patients were found to have a layered phenotype at the culprit lesion. At baseline, percent area stenosis was greater in layered plaque than in non‐layered plaque (p = .019). Following stent implantation, the stent expansion ratio and mean stent eccentricity index were significantly lower in layered plaques than in non‐layered plaques (p = .041, p = .017, respectively), mainly derived from ACS patients.

Conclusion

Following stent implantation, plaques with a layered phenotype had less stent expansion and more eccentric lumens. Aggressive balloon dilation may be required to obtain optimal stent outcomes in patients with a layered plaque phenotype at the culprit lesion.
Covalent Immobilization of Naringinase over Two‐Dimensional 2D Zeolites and its Applications in a Continuous Process to Produce Citrus Flavonoids and for Debittering of Juices
Authors: Carceller Jose Miguel , Martínez Galán Julián Paul , Monti Rubens , Bassan Juliana Cristina , Filice Marco , Yu Jihong , Climent María J. , Iborra Sara , Corma Avelino
Published: April 2020

The crude naringinase from Penicillium decumbens and a purified naringinase with high α‐L‐rhamnosidase activity could be covalently immobilized on two‐dimensional zeolite ITQ‐2 after surface modification with glutaraldehyde. The influence of pH and temperature on the enzyme activity (in free and immobilized forms) as well as the thermal stability were determined using the specific substrate: p‐nitrophenyl‐alpha‐L‐rhamnopyranoside (Rha‐pNP). The crude and purified naringinase supported on ITQ‐2 were applied in the hydrolysis of naringin, giving the flavonoids naringenin and prunin respectively with a conversion >90 % and excellent selectivity. The supported enzymes showed long term stability, being possible to perform up to 25 consecutive cycles without loss of activity, showing its high potential to produce the valuable citrus flavonoids prunin and naringenin. We have also succeeded in the application of the immobilized crude naringinase on ITQ‐2 for debittering grapefruit juices in a continuous process that was maintained operating for 300 h, with excellent results.
Black Phosphorus/Hollow Porous Carbon for High Rate Performance Lithium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Zhou Shijie , Li Jia , Fu Licai , Zhu Jiajun , Yang Wulin , Li Deyi , Zhou Lingping
Published: April 2020

Black phosphorus (BP) has received wide attention due to its high theoretical capacity (2596 mAh g−1) and good electron mobility, but its cyclic stability is poor. Meanwhile, it can be complementary to carbon material, which has low theoretical capacity but good cycle stability. In this work, we use solvothermal reaction to modify hard carbon materials with black phosphorous (BP). When used as anode material for lithium‐ion batteries, the composite will show a higher specific capacity, cyclic stability and rate performance. It shows a high reversible capacity of 350 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 1000 mA g−1 current density. But for pure carbon, it only shows a general reversible capacity of 180 mAh g−1. Here, the lower content of black phosphorous and the use of hard carbon materials make the material more economically advantageous. And it can be used as an ideal material for cycling at high currents in the future.
Herbage mass, botanical composition, forage nutritive value, and preference of grass–legume pastures under horse grazing
Authors: DeBoer Michelle L. , Grev Amanda M. , Sheaffer Craig C. , Wells M. Scott , Martinson Krishona L.
Published: April 2020

Cool‐season perennial grasses are the foundation of productive horse pastures in the north‐central United States. The addition of legumes in pastures can increase forage mass and digestible energy content, yet little research has investigated grass–legume pastures under horse grazing. The objectives of this research were to evaluate herbage mass, botanical composition, forage nutritive value, and preference of grass–legume pastures under horse grazing. Plots consisting of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), and meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) were planted in monoculture and in binary mixtures with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) or white clover (Trifolium repens L.) and grazed by horses in Minnesota during the 2013, 2014, and 2015 grazing seasons. Herbage mass, weed mass, and forage nutritive values were determined prior to grazing, and horse preference was evaluated following grazing. When evaluating herbage mass, the inclusion of alfalfa resulted in a consistently higher mass than grass monoculture. Kentucky bluegrass mixtures resulted in a decreased mass of non‐sown (weed) species and an increase in horse preference. Improved forage nutritive values were also observed with the inclusion of legumes regardless of grass species, including higher crude protein and neutral detergent fiber digestibility at 48 h and lower neutral detergent fiber. As a result, using grass–legume mixtures in pastures can provide benefits for grazing horses and pasture productivity.
pH‐Dependent Slipping and Exfoliation of Layered Covalent Organic Framework
Authors: Ahmed Saud Asif , Liao Qiao‐Bo , Shen Qi , Ashraf Baig Mirza Muhammad Faran , Zhou Juan , Shi Cai‐Feng , Muhammad Pir , Hanif Sumaira , Xi Kai , Xia Xing‐Hua , Wang Kang
Published: April 2020

Layered/two‐dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COF) are crystalline porous materials composed of light elements linked by strong covalent bonds. Interlayer force is one of the main factors directing the formation of a stacked layer structure, which plays a vital role in the stability, crystallinity, and porosity of layered COFs. The as‐developed new way to modulate the interlayer force of imine‐linked 2D TAPB‐PDA‐COF (TAPB = 1,3,5‐tris(4‐aminophenyl)benzene, PDA = terephthaldehyde) by only adjusting the pH of the solution. At alkaline and neutral pH, the pore size of the COF decreases from 34 Å due to the turbostratic effect. Under highly acidic conditions (pH 1), TAPB‐PDA‐COF shows a faster and stronger turbostratic effect, thus causing the 2D structure to exfoliate. This yields bulk quantities of an exfoliated few/single‐layer 2D COF, which was well dispersed and displayed a clear Tyndall effect (TE). Furthermore, nanopipette‐based electrochemical testing also confirms the slipping of layers with increase towards acidic pH. A model of pH‐dependent layer slipping of TAPB‐PDA‐COF was proposed. This controllable pH‐dependent change in the layer structure may open a new door for potential applications in controlled gas adsorption/desorption and drug loading/releasing.
Multi‐stage intelligent operation optimization for a hydrocracking fractionation system with a multi‐fractionator series‐parallel structure
Authors: Wang Yalin , Sun Jiazhou , Sun Bei , Xue Yongfei , Shang Dandan
Published: April 2020

A fractionation system is an essential unit in the hydrocracking process. Its optimal operation is challenging because of the complexity in the structure of the distillation tower and composition of the stream. In addition, the series‐parallel structure between the distillation towers of different techniques aggravates the coupling and complexity of the hydrocracking fractionation system (HFS). This, in turn, increases the time complexity of the optimization problem. In this paper, a rigorous mechanism model of an actual HFS is first applied to describe the operating conditions of the HFS. Then, an improved state transition algorithm (STA) with a staged evaluation strategy is proposed to solve the above problem. To overcome problems caused by the series‐parallel structure of HFS, the model is divided into multiple stages for evaluation by mechanism analysis. Furthermore, several typical convergence estimation criteria are introduced to reduce unnecessary model calculations. To solve time‐consuming problems associated with HFS optimization, the adaptive change operator is used to improve the search function of the original algorithm and two performance criteria are presented to reduce the optimization time. The proposed algorithm is successfully applied to the operational parameter optimization problem of HFS with a multi‐fractionator series‐parallel structure. The experimental results indicated that the staged evaluation strategy improved the fast convergence probability of the HFS mechanism model and reduced unnecessary calculations, whereas the improved algorithm increased accuracy and significantly decreased optimization time.
Adaptive and transparent task scheduling of GPU‐powered clusters
Authors: Ci Qingyu , Li Hourong , Yang Shuwei , Gao Jin
Published: April 2020

GPGPU‐powered supercomputers are vital for various science and engineering applications. On each cluster node, the GPU works as a coprocessor of the CPU, and the computing task runs alternatively on CPU and GPU. Due to this characteristic, traditional task scheduling strategy tends to result in significant workload imbalance and underutilization of GPUs. We design an adaptive scheduling strategy to alleviate such imbalance and underutilization. Our strategy proposes to logically treats all GPUs in the cluster as a whole. Every cluster node maintains a local information table of all GPUs. Once a GPU call request is received, a node selects a GPU to run the task in an adaptive manner based on this table. In addition, our strategy does not rely on a global queue, and thus avoids excessive internode communication overhead. Moreover, we encapsulate our strategy into an intermedia module between the cluster and users. Consequently, underlying details of task scheduling is transparent to users, which enhances usability. We validate our strategy through experiments.
Genetic evidence of pollen selection mediated phenotypic changes in maize conferring transgenerational heat‐stress tolerance
Authors: Singh Ashutosh , Antre Suresh H. , Ravikumar Rampura Laxmipathi , Kuchanur P. H. , Lohithaswa Hirenallur Chandappa
Published: April 2020

Structural genes of pollen are expressed in both sporophytic and gametophytic generations. This genetic overlap makes possible superior pollen genotype selection. Pollen selection is more effective than sporophytic selection since more pollen grains can be exposed to selection pressure at the haploid level. In this study, selection pressure was applied in the F1 generation at the pollen level for heat tolerance. The frequencies of heat‐tolerant plants were studied for seed yield in F2 and F3 generations and for seedling heat tolerance in F4 generations. The heat‐susceptible inbred line BTM4 was crossed to heat‐tolerant inbred line BTM6 of maize (Zea mays L.). In response to heat stress, we compared F2 plants produced by selfing of heat‐stressed pollen grains and without heat‐stressed pollen grains. The resulting F2 plants from heat‐stressed pollen grains showed significantly higher seed yield per plant (5.41 ± 0.31 g) than control F2 (2.90 ± 0.19 g) populations under stress. The selected and control F2 plants were also subjected to genotyping using simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers. We observed that the frequency of alleles from tolerant parents was higher in selected F2 populations, providing genetic evidence for positive effect of pollen selection. The heat tolerance of F4 generation progenies of the same cross suggested that the cyclic pollen selection for heat tolerance in F1, F2, and F3 generations has significantly improved the tolerance of progenies. The results from this study demonstrate that the feasibility of this approach seems to be promising for hastening the incorporation of desirable alleles in a short time.
Genotype × environment interaction and stability of β‐glucan content in barley in the Palouse region of eastern Washington
Authors: Choi Halle , Esser Aaron , Murphy Kevin M.
Published: April 2020

Genotype by environment (G × E) interactions for the dietary fiber β‐glucan, one of the deciding factors for the end use of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grain, are not well understood. The objectives of this study were (a) to investigate G × E interactions for β‐glucan content of diverse barley genotypes across dryland grain‐producing environments in eastern Washington, and (b) to determine the range and stability of β‐glucan content exhibited across precipitation zones. We examined 17 two‐row, spring barley varieties and breeding lines across eight locations for β‐glucan, protein, and yield in 2017 and 2018. β‐glucan ranged from 1.81 to 7.18 (%, w/w), with a mean of 4.01 (%, w/w). Genotype × year (Y), G × location (L), L × Y, and G × E (G × L × Y) interactions were found for β‐glucan. Univariate models including the regression model with slope (bi) and deviation from regression (), Wricke's ecovalence stability index (), and Shukla's stability variance () agreed that there was moderate rank stability amongst genotypes. Data generated through this research will provide a better understanding of which cultivars that farmers can grow in their area will meet industry targets and standards for both food and malt barley.
Flow cytometric evaluation of TRBC1 expression in tissue specimens and body fluids is a novel and specific method for assessment of T‐cell clonality and diagnosis of T‐cell neoplasms
Authors: Berg Holly , Otteson Gregory E. , Corley Heidi , Shi Min , Horna Pedro , Jevremovic Dragan , Olteanu Horatiu
Published: April 2020

Background

Flow cytometric detection of T‐cell clonality is challenging. The current available methodology for T‐cell receptor (TCR) Vβ repertoire evaluation is a complex assay and has limited sensitivity especially for detecting low levels of disease. Therefore, there is an unmet need for a reliable, simple, and rapid assay to identify T‐cell clonality. The rearrangement of the TCRB gene involves the random and mutually exclusive expression of one of two constant β chain genes (TRBC1 and TRBC2), analogous to the kappa and lambda gene utilization by B cells.

Methods

Here, we used a single TRBC1 antibody, in conjunction with other T‐cell associated markers, to detect T‐cell clonality in tissue biopsies and body fluids. A total of 143 tissue/body fluid specimens from 46 patients with a definitive diagnosis of a T‐cell neoplasm and 97 patients with no T‐cell malignancy were analyzed with a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies including CD2/CD3/CD4/CD5/CD7/CD8/CD45/TCRγδ/TRBC1.

Results

We examined TRBC1 expression on neoplastic T‐cell populations identified based on their immunophenotypic aberrancies, and monotypic TRBC1 expression was identified in all 46 known T‐cell lymphoma cases. We applied a similar gating strategy to the 97 cases without T‐cell neoplasms, and arbitrarily dissected T‐cell populations into immunophenotypically distinct subsets; in this group, we found that all cases revealed an expected polytypic TRBC1 expression in all subsets.

Conclusions

Single TRBC1 antibody detection of T‐cell clonality by flow cytometry is a simple, rapid, and robust assay that could be routinely utilized in flow cytometric laboratories.
Design of near‐optimal local likelihood search‐based detection algorithm for coded large‐scale MU‐MIMO system
Authors: Challa Naga Raju , Bagadi Kalapraveen
Published: April 2020

Massive multiuser multiple input multiple output (MU‐MIMO) system is aimed to improve throughput and spectral efficiency through a large number of antennas incorporated at the transmitter and/or receiver. However, the MU‐MIMO system usually suffers from interantenna interference (IAI) and multiuser interference (MUI). The IAI imposes due to closely spaced antennas at each user equipment (UE), and MUI is enforced when one user comes under the vicinity of another user in the same cellular network. Most of the previous literatures considered any one of these interferences. However, the present work proposes singular value decomposition (SVD) precoding‐assisted user‐level local likelihood ascent search (LLAS) algorithm to mitigate both IAI and MUI. In the uplink MU‐MIMO, the IAI is cancelled by SVD, and the residual MUI is mitigated by LLAS detection. The LLAS detection balances the trade‐off between the classical suboptimal likelihood ascent search (LAS) and optimal maximum likelihood (ML) detection techniques. The proposed LLAS performs local search among all 2MT‐dimensional neighborhood vectors at each UE, where MT represents number of transmitting antennas of each UE. Thus, its performance is near optimal, and its complexity is much lower than ML detector.
Does cervicovaginal cytology have a role in the diagnosis and surveillance of endometrial adenocarcinoma?
Authors: Kilic Derya , Yetimalar Mehmet Hakan , Bezircioglu Incim , Yigit Seyran
Published: April 2020

Objective

To examine the role of cervicovaginal cytology in diagnoses and surveillance of the patients with endometrial carcinoma (EC).

Methods

Patients who underwent EC surgery that included a follow‐up were reviewed retrospectively. The cohort was limited to the patients who had an available cervical cytology result within 12 months before the primary surgery took place. The glandular abnormalities were classified in the following subclassifications: “atypical glandular cells” (AGC)‐not otherwise specified (NOS), AGC‐favor neoplasia, endocervical AIS, and adenocarcinoma.

Results

A total of 411 patients were eligible for the study. The cervical cytology was found to be normal and recorded as negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy in 368 (89.5%) patients. In 43 (10.5%) patients, cervical cytology was interpreted as: AGC‐NOS (n = 11), AGC‐FN (n = 7), adenocarcinoma (n = 20), malignant epithelial tumor (n = 3), and squamous carcinoma (n = 2). During the follow‐up, recurrence was observed in 53 (12.9%) patients. Among six isolated vaginal cuff recurrences, two of the cases presented with malignant cytology, and the additional four cases were suspected during clinical examination. Among women with recurrence (n = 53), there were malignant cytological findings in four of the patients. In the whole population (n = 411), there were four other abnormal cytological findings detected within the surveillance. These four cytology results were nonmalignant and no recurrence was identified.

Conclusion

There is no significant clinical advantage of cervicovaginal cytology testing before diagnosis or during the surveillance of EC.
Tropical tree size–frequency distributions from airborne lidar
Authors: Ferraz António , Saatchi Sassan S. , Longo Marcos , Clark David B.
Published: April 2020

In tropical rainforests, tree size and number density are influenced by disturbance history, soil, topography, climate, and biological factors that are difficult to predict without detailed and widespread forest inventory data. Here, we quantify tree size–frequency distributions over an old‐growth wet tropical forest at the La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica by using an individual tree crown (ITC) algorithm on airborne lidar measurements. The ITC provided tree height, crown area, the number of trees >10 m height and, predicted tree diameter, and aboveground biomass from field allometry. The number density showed strong agreement with field observations at the plot‐ (97.4%; 3% bias) and tree‐height‐classes level (97.4%; 3% bias). The lidar trees size spectra of tree diameter and height closely follow the distributions measured on the ground but showed less agreement with crown area observations. The model to convert lidar‐derived tree height and crown area to tree diameter produced unbiased (0.8%) estimates of plot‐level basal area and with low uncertainty (6%). Predictions on basal area for tree height classes were also unbiased (1.3%) but with larger uncertainties (22%). The biomass estimates had no significant bias at the plot‐ and tree‐height‐classes level (−5.2% and 2.1%). Our ITC method provides a powerful tool for tree‐ to landscape‐level tropical forest inventory and biomass estimation by overcoming the limitations of lidar area‐based approaches that require local calibration using a large number of inventory plots.
Ecological traits and the spatial structure of competitive coexistence among carnivores
Authors: Monterroso Pedro , Díaz‐Ruiz Francisco , Lukacs Paul M. , Alves Paulo C. , Ferreras Pablo
Published: April 2020

Competition is a widespread interaction among carnivores, ultimately manifested through one or more dimensions of the species' ecological niche. One of the most explicit manifestations of competitive interactions regards spatial displacement. Its interpretation under a theoretical context provides an important tool to deepen our understanding of biological systems and communities, but also for wildlife management and conservation. We used Bayesian multispecies occupancy models on camera‐trapping data from multiple sites in Southwestern Europe (SWE) to investigate competitive interactions within a carnivore guild, and to evaluate how species' ecological traits are shaping coexistence patterns. Seventeen out of 26 pairwise interactions departed from a hypothesis of independent occurrence, with spatial association being twice as frequent as avoidance. Association behaviors were only detected among mesocarnivores, while avoidance mainly involved mesocarnivores avoiding the apex predator (n = 4) and mesocarnivore‐only interactions (n = 2). Body mass ratios, defined as the dominant over the subordinate species body mass, revealed an important negative effect (

) on co‐occurrence probability, and support that spatially explicit competitive interactions are mostly expressed by larger species able to dominate over smaller ones, with a threshold in body mass ratios of ~4, above which local‐scale intraguild coexistence is unlikely. We found a weak relationship between pairwise trophic niche overlap and the probability of coexistence (

), suggesting that competition for feeding resources may not be a key driver of competition, at least at the scale of our analysis. Despite local‐scale avoidance, regional‐scale coexistence appears to be maintained by the spatial structuring of the competitive environment. We provide evidence that SWE ecosystems consist of spatially structured competitive environments, and propose that coexistence among near‐sized species is likely achieved through the interplay of “facultative” and “behavioral” character displacements. Factors influencing carnivore coexistence likely include context‐dependent density and trait‐mediated effects, which should be carefully considered for a sound understanding of the mechanisms regulating these communities.
Multigram Synthesis of Advanced 6,6‐Difluorospiro[3.3]heptane‐Derived Building Blocks
Authors: Olifir Oleksandr S. , Chernykh Anton V. , Dobrydnev Alexey V. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O. , Moroz Yuriy S. , Voitenko Zoia V. , Radchenko Dmytro S.
Published: April 2020

A convenient methodology for constructing 6,6‐difluorospiro[3.3]heptane scaffold – a conformationally restricted isoster of gem‐difluorocycloalkanes – is developed. A large array of novel 2‐mono‐ and 2,2‐bifunctionalized difluorospiro[3.3]heptane building blocks was obtained through the convergent synthesis strategy using a common synthetic precursor – 1,1‐bis(bromomethyl)‐3,3‐difluorocyclobutane. The target compounds and intermediates were prepared by short reaction sequences (6–10 steps) on a multigram scale (up to 0.47 kg).
Synthesis and Electrochemical Investigation of Tetra Amino Cobalt (II) Phthalocyanine Functionalized Polyaniline Nanofiber for the Selective Detection of Dopamine
Authors: Sudhakara Sarvajith Malali , Kotresh Harish Makri Nimbegondi , Devendrachari Mruthyunjayachari Chattanahalli , Khan Fasiulla
Published: April 2020

A new electrochemical sensing platform based on tetra‐amino cobalt (II) phthalocyanine (TACoPc) ingrained polyaniline (PANI) nanofiber composite (TACoPc/PANI hybrid) has been developed for the selective detection of dopamine. The uniform fibrous network of PANI/TACoPc hybrid was synthesized by a one‐step oxidative polymerization at room temperature. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and UV‐Visible spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior of the TACoPc/PANI hybrid material was studied by using different electrochemical techniques, including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (PBS) of pH 7 by modifying the glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Due to the synergistic impact of PANI and TACoPc, the suggested altered electrode provided superior catalytic performance for dopamine even in the presence of ascorbic acid. It exhibited a linear reaction with a high sensitivity of 1.212 μA/μM cm−2 and a low detection limit of 0.064 μM over the 20–200 μM concentration range in 0.1 M PBS. One of the commonly faced problems of interference of ascorbic acid and uric acid in the electrochemical detection of dopamine was completely excluded from this modified electrode which led to an increase in the catalytic activity of the material for the detection of dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid.
Temperature effects on electrical double layer at solid‐aqueous solution interface
Authors: Alizadeh Amer , Wang Moran
Published: April 2020

Despite the significant influence of solution temperature on the structure of electrical double layer, the lack of theoretical model intercepts us to explain and predict the interesting experimental observations. In this work, we study the structure of electrical double layer as a function of thermochemical properties of the solution by proposing a phenomenological temperature dependent surface complexation model. We found that by introducing a buffer layer between the diffuse layer and stern layer, one can explain the sensitivity of zeta potential to temperature for different bulk ion concentrations. Calculation of the electrical conductance as function of thermochemical properties of solution reveals the electrical conductance not only is a function of bulk ion concentration and channel height but also the solution temperature. The present work model can provide deep understanding of micro‐ and nanofluidic devices functionality at different temperatures.
Magnetic nanoparticles in microfluidic and sensing: From transport to detection
Authors: Khizar Sumera , Ben Halima Hamdi , Ahmad Nasir M. , Zine Nadia , Errachid Abdelhamid , Elaissari Abdelhamid
Published: April 2020

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles are attracting significant attention. Therefore, being explored in microsystems for a wide range of applications. Typical examples include lab‐on‐a‐chip and microfluidics for synthesis, detection, separation, and transportation of different bioanalytes, such as biomolecules, cells, and viruses to develop portable, sensitive, and cost‐effective biosensing systems. Particularly, microfluidic systems incorporated with magnetic nanoparticles and, in combination with magnetoresistive sensors, shift diagnostic and analytical methods to a microscale level. In this context, nanotechnology enables the miniaturization and integration of a variety of analytical functions in a single chip for manipulation, detection, and recognition of bioanalytes reliably and flexibly. In consideration of the above, recent development and benefits are elaborated herein to discuss the role of magnetic nanoparticles inside the microchannels to design highly efficient disposable point‐of‐care applications from transportation to the detection of bioanalytes.
Accuracy improvement of electrochemical whole blood ketone sensor based on HCT compensation algorithm
Authors: Zhao Ying , Gu Hui , Li Hongchun , Huang Lei , Cen Xiaobo
Published: April 2020

In this manuscript, we demonstrated an electrochemical test strip with HCT (hematocrit) compensation algorithm to improve the accuracy of blood ketone sensor. In the conventional electrochemical sensor, the electrochemical current was directly resolved into the concentration value of the determinant without HCT compensation. For lower or higher HCT blood sample, the measured result was inaccurate. In the proposed design, the blood impedance can be measured to estimate the HCT, which was utilized to compensate the electrochemical current to resolve the more accurate concentration of determinant. The practical blood sample tests demonstrated the proposed design can provide more believable and reliable measured result in clinical point‐of‐care setting.
Development and Calibration of the Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler (POCIS) for Neonicotinoid Pesticides
Authors: Noro Kazushi , Endo Satoshi , Shikano Yohei , Banno Arisa , Yabuki Yoshinori
Published: April 2020

Neonicotinoid pesticides are highly hydrophilic systemic insecticides that have been extensively used worldwide. To evaluate their environmental risks, the concentrations of these pesticides in the aquatic environment must be monitored. Although the polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) has proved to be a suitable passive sampler for many highly hydrophilic compounds, Oasis HLB (Waters) POCIS has shown limitations for the monitoring of neonicotinoid pesticides, such as short linear uptake ranges. In the present study we optimized POCIS for neonicotinoid pesticides by selecting suitable adsorbents and filters. The ENVI-Carb (Supelco) nonporous carbon-based adsorbent demonstrated a good balance between strong sorption and high recovery. Static renewal experiments showed that the our POCIS device using ENVI-Carb with a polyethersulfone membrane filter had a 3 d (dinotefuran) to 28 d (clothianidin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and thiacloprid) linear range, which is longer than that of HLB POCIS (≤1 [dinotefuran] to 14 d). The POCIS using ENVI-Carb with a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane had higher sampling rates (0.270 L/d [clothianidin] to 0.686 [imidacloprid] L/d) than those of the HLB POCIS for short-term deployment. The time-weighted average concentrations in actual river water measured by the new POCIS were in good agreement with those obtained by repeated grab sampling, within 30%. Moreover, POCIS detected 2 neonicotinoid pesticides that were not detected by grab sampling. Thus, the proposed POCIS is a promising tool for the monitoring of neonicotinoid pesticides. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1325–1333. © 2020 SETAC
Performance analysis of a self‐protection system for vehicles in case of WUI fire entrapment
Authors: Pastor Elsa , Àgueda Alba , Sebastià Juan , Mata Christian , Valero Mario M. , Planas Eulàlia
Published: April 2020

We present the experimental performance analysis of a fire protection fabric for cars designed to protect people's life in case of fire entrapment. Two experimental burns were executed to simulate heat and smoke exposure conditions in case of vehicle entrapment in a rural road. For the first experimental burn, a 2‐m high fuel bed of pine slash was arranged in a 13 m × 6 m area. Fire was ignited at one end of the fuel bed and spread wind driven (3 m/s midflame wind speed). 2.8 m away from the other fuel bed end, a car covered with the fabric was placed parallel to the fire. Data analysis provided values of fire behavior and flame characteristics, being typical of wildfires of moderate intensity (1800 kW/m). Maximum air temperatures inside the vehicle ranged around 41°C to 42.5°C, providing evidence of the fabric's good performance. To evaluate the degree of protection against smoke, air change rates were estimated with and without the fabric covering the car. Also, an experimental burn similar to the previous one was executed to monitor CO2 and CO concentrations inside the car. Tenable conditions for these gases were maintained during the whole test according to reviewed exposure criteria.
The chemical structure of a 30 cm methanol pool fire
Authors: Falkenstein‐Smith Ryan , Sung Kunhyuk , Chen Jian , Hamins Anthony
Published: April 2020

This study documents a series of time‐averaged gas species measurements made along the centerline of a 30 cm methanol pool fire steadily burning in a quiescent environment. All gas species measurements were obtained using a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer system (GC/MS). Measurements were made at different heights along the centerline of the fire and repeated at least twice for each location. Gas species volume fractions were determined via the GC/MS using predetermined calibration factors. The gas species volume fractions were compared at different heights within the methanol fire.
Mapping the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐H&N35, onto EQ‐5D‐5L and HUI‐3 indices in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Noel Christopher W. , Stephens Robert F. , Su Jie (Susie) , Xu Wei , Krahn Murray , Monteiro Eric , Goldstein David P. , Giuliani Meredith , Hansen Aaron R. , de Almeida John R.
Published: April 2020

Background

We sought to develop mapping functions that use EORTC responses to approximate health utility (HU) scores for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods

In total, 209 outpatients with HNC completed the EORTC QLQ‐C30 & QLQ‐H&N35 (EORTC), EQ‐5D‐5L and the HUI‐3. Results of the EORTC were mapped onto both EQ‐5D‐5L and HUI‐3 scores using ordinary least squares regression and two‐part models.

Results

The OLS model mapping EORTC onto the EQ‐5D‐5L performed best (adjusted R2 = .75, 10‐fold cross‐validation RMSE = 0.064, MAE 0.050). The HUI‐3 model mapping onto EORTC through OLS was more limited (adjusted R2 = .5746, 10‐fold cross cross‐validation RMSE = 0.168, MAE 0.080). The EQ‐5D‐5L model was able to discriminate between certain clinical indices of disease severity on subgroup analysis.

Conclusion

The EORTC to EQ‐5D‐5L mapping algorithm has good predictive validity and may enable researchers to translate EORTC scores into HU scores for head and neck patients with cancer.
Management of dysphagia in the patient with head and neck cancer during COVID‐19 pandemic: Practical strategy
Authors: Ku Peter K. M. , Holsinger Floyd Christopher , Chan Jason Y. K. , Yeung Zenon W. C. , Chan Becky Y. T. , Tong Michael C. F. , Starmer Heather M.
Published: April 2020

The global pandemic of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has tremendously altered routine medical service provision and imposed unprecedented challenges to the health care system. This impacts patients with dysphagia complications caused by head and neck cancers. As this pandemic of COVID‐19 may last longer than severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, a practical workflow for managing dysphagia is crucial to ensure a safe and efficient practice to patients and health care personnel. This document provides clinical practice guidelines based on available evidence to date to balance the risks of SARS‐CoV‐2 exposure with the risks associated with dysphagia. Critical considerations include reserving instrumental assessments for urgent cases only, optimizing the noninstrumental swallowing evaluation, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and use of telehealth when appropriate. Despite significant limitations in clinical service provision during the pandemic of COVID‐19, a safe and reasonable dysphagia care pathway can still be implemented with modifications of setup and application of newer technologies.