bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogenation of lactose for the production of lactitol
Authors: Cheng Shouyun , Martínez‐Monteagudo Sergio I.
Published: December 2018

Because of its chemical structure, low‐cost production, and large‐scale production, lactose is a promising source for the production of sugar alcohols. Lactitol is the primary sugar alcohol derived from lactose through a set of chemical reactions known as catalytic hydrogenation. Reaction products are strongly dependent on the reaction conditions and catalyst type. The purpose of this review is to examine the production of lactitol through hydrogenation of lactose. Technological aspects of hydrogenation of lactose are examined, including primary and secondary reaction products, type of catalyst used, catalyst deactivation and regeneration, kinetic models, selectivity, and reaction mechanisms. Research in this area is not as advanced as enzymatic catalysis, and there are opportunities for further studies in the fields of reaction optimization and detailed characterization of products.
Computational fluid dynamics simulation of system hydrodynamics in a riser of stage circulating fluidized bed reactor
Authors: Phupanit Jakkrapong , Soanuch Chaiwat , Korkerd Krittin , Piumsomboon Pornpote , Chalermsinsuwan Benjapon
Published: December 2018

The riser of conventional and stage circulating fluidized bed reactors were simulated using computational fluid dynamics. The objective was to examine the design parameter effects using a 23 statistical experimental design method. The results showed that number of reactor stages had the highest effect on the standard deviation of the solid volume fraction (SVF), the average SVF, and standard deviation of gas temperature in a horizontal direction. In addition, the reactor wall temperature had the highest effect on the average holding time of catalysts. Increasing the number of reactor stages could reduce the back‐mixing and increase the system turbulence. The average vertical and horizontal solid particle velocities in the reactor stage region were higher than in the other regions. At the reactor stage region, peaks in the gas temperature were observed. The advantages of a stage reactor were confirmed to be applied in all the operating condition cases, independent of the solid particle mass flux.
Board‐like Fused‐Thiophene Liquid Crystals and their Benzene Analogs: Facile Synthesis, Self‐Assembly, p‐Type Semiconductivity, and Photoluminescence
Authors: Zhao Kai‐Chun , Du Jun‐Qi , Wang Hai‐Feng , Zhao Ke‐Qing , Hu Ping , Wang Bi‐Qin , Monobe Hirosato , Heinrich Benoît , Donnio Bertrand
Published: December 2018

Fused‐thiophene discotic liquid crystals were designed and easily synthesized by Suzuki coupling and FeCl3 oxidized tandem cyclodehydrogenation reactions, including homo‐ and cross‐coupling reactions. The resulting hexagonal and rectangular columnar mesomorphic supramolecular structures formed were characterized by polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. The charge carrier transport properties in the mesophases of two of the synthesized fused‐thiophene discogens were measured by transient photocurrent time‐of‐flight (TOF) technique, revealing fast hole transport values in the range of 10−3 to 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1, thus demonstrating potential applications in electronic devices. The luminescent sanidic mesogens, with different extended π‐conjugated systems, also emit blue, green, or red light, with absolute photoluminescent quantum yields as high as 18 %.
Dom zu Erfurt St. Marien – Instandsetzung und Ertüchtigung der Kavaten
Authors: Vockrodt Hans‐Jörg
Published: December 2018

Eng mit der Stadt Erfurt und ihrer Geschichte verbunden haben die Baumeister des Mittelalters mit den Stiftskirchen St. Marien und St. Severi zwei Gotteshäuser auf dem Domberg geschaffen, die weit über die Grenzen Thüringens ein beeindruckendes Zeugnis gotischer Kirchenbaukunst geben. Die Besonderheit hier der Domhügel „mons Sancti Severi – Berg des heiligen Severus“, welcher nach Osten hin steil abfällt und durch großartige mehrgeschossige gewölbte Substruktionen, die Kavaten, umbaut ist. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt neben der beeindruckenden Baugeschichte aktuelle Instandsetzungsmaßnahmen zum Erhalt der Kavaten. Nach einer Analyse des Bauwerkszustands und Formulierung der Instandsetzungsziele werden die gesteinsrestauratorische Instandsetzung und die Erneuerung des Oberbaus erläutert. Abschließend wird auf die im Rahmen der Baumaßnahme durchgeführte experimentelle Tragfähigkeitsbewertung eingegangen.
Multihalle Mannheim
Authors: Wenzel Fritz
Published: December 2018

Die zur Bundesgartenschau 1975 im Mannheimer Herzogenriedpark errichtete Multihalle mit ihrer leicht und weit spannenden Gitterschale, einem Werk des 2015 verstorbenen Architekten Frei Otto, ist in die Jahre gekommen. Ihre außergewöhnliche, aus Holzlatten gefertigte Konstruktion erfährt weltweit Bewunderung. Seit 1998 ist die Multihalle eingetragenes Baudenkmal. Im Jahre 2011 musste sie, zunehmender Schäden wegen, für Veranstaltungen gesperrt werden. Seitdem gibt es unterschiedliche Vorstellungen und Vorschläge, was mit dem Bauwerk geschehen kann. Nachstehend werden das Entstehen und der derzeitige Zustand der Holzgitterschale beschrieben und die Möglichkeiten und Grenzen bautechnisch und denkmalpflegerisch angemessener Reparatur aufgezeigt.
HIV Disease Progression: Overexpression of the Ectoenzyme CD38 as a Contributory Factor?
Authors: Rodríguez‐Alba Juan C. , Abrego‐Peredo Amayrani , Gallardo‐Hernández Carlos , Pérez‐Lara Jocelyn , Santiago‐Cruz Wendolaine , Jiang Wei , Espinosa Enrique
Published: December 2018

Despite abundant evidence associating CD38 overexpression and CD4 T cell depletion in HIV infection, no causal relation has been investigated. To address this issue, a series of mechanisms are proposed, supported by evidence from different fields, by which CD38 overexpression can facilitate CD4 T cell depletion in HIV infection. According to this model, increased catalytic activity of CD38 may reduce CD4 T cells’ cytoplasmic nicotin‐amide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), leading to a chronic Warburg effect. This will reduce mitochondrial function. Simultaneously, CD38's catalytic products ADPR and cADPR may be transported to the cytoplasm, where they can activate calcium channels and increase cytoplasmic Ca2+concentrations, further altering mitochondrial integrity. These mechanisms will decrease the viability and regenerative capacity of CD4 T cells. These hypotheses can be tested experimentally, and might reveal novel therapeutic targets. Also see the video abstract herehttps://youtu.be/k1LTyiTKPKs.
LC–ESI–MS/MS determination of copanlisib, a novel PI3K inhibitor, in mouse plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in mice
Authors: Dittakavi Sreekanth , Mullangi Ramesh
Published: December 2018

A sensitive, selective and rapid LC–ESI–MS/MS method has been developed and validated for the quantification of copanlisib in mouse plasma using enasidenib as an internal standard (IS) as per regulatory guideline. Copanlisib and the IS were extracted from mouse plasma using ethyl acetate as an extraction solvent and chromatographed using an isocratic mobile phase (0.2% formic acid–acetonitrile; 25:75, v/v) on a HyPURITY C18column. Copanlisib and the IS eluted at ~0.95 and 2.00 min, respectively. The MS/MS ion transitions monitored werem/z481.1 → 360.1 andm/z474.0 → 456.0 for copanlisib and the IS, respectively. The calibration range was 3.59–3588 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐batch accuracy and precision (RE and RSD) across quality controls met the acceptance criteria. Stability studies showed that copanlisib was stable in mouse plasma for one month. This novel method has been applied to a pharmacokinetic study in mice.
Effects of polyamines on the ultrafiltration of plasmid DNA
Authors: Li Ying , Manzano Ivan , Zydney Andrew L.
Published: December 2018

It is well established that the structure of plasmid DNA is a strong function of solution ionic conditions due to changes in intramolecular electrostatic interactions between the charged phosphate groups along the DNA backbone. Multivalent cations like spermine and spermidine play a critical role in compacting and controlling the structure of supercoiled DNA in living cells. The objective of this work was to investigate the effects of these polyamines on the ultrafiltration of plasmid DNA, including possible opportunities to use these polycations to enhance the purification of specific plasmid isoforms. Data were obtained using a wide range of spermine and spermidine concentrations to evaluate DNA transmission through Biomax polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes. Spermine has a very strong effect on DNA transmission, with the sieving coefficient of the supercoiled plasmid decreasing by more than an order of magnitude upon addition of only 15 μM spermine. A comparable change in DNA transmission required >300 μM of the trivalent spermidine. The polyamines were able to significantly increase the selectivity for the separation of DNA from a model protein, but they were unable to provide a significant increase in the selectivity for separating DNA isoforms under the conditions examined in this study. The results do demonstrate that both spermine and spermidine can be used to control the extent of DNA transmission/purification during ultrafiltration. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2765, 2019.
Identifying the emergence of the superficial peroneal nerve through deep fascia on ultrasound and by dissection: Implications for regional anesthesia in foot and ankle surgery
Authors: Bowness James , Turnbull Katie , Taylor Alasdair , Halcrow Jayne , Chisholm Fraser , Grant Calum , Varsou Ourania
Published: December 2018

Regional anesthesia relies on a sound understanding of anatomy and the utility of ultrasound in identifying relevant structures. We assessed the ability to identify the point at which the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) emerges through the deep fascia by ultrasound on 26 volunteers (mean age 27.85 years ± 13.186; equal male: female). This point was identified, characterized in relation to surrounding bony landmarks (lateral malleolus and head of the fibula), and compared to data from 16 formalin‐fixed human cadavers (mean age 82.88 years ± 6.964; equal male: female). The SPN was identified bilaterally in all subjects. On ultrasound it was found to pierce the deep fascia of the leg at a point 0.31 (±0.066) of the way along a straight line from the lateral malleolus to the head of the fibula (LM‐HF line). This occurred on or anterior to the line in all cases. Dissection of cadavers found this point to be 0.30 (±0.062) along the LM‐HF line, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (U = 764.000; exact two‐tailed P = 0.534). It was always on or anterior to the LM‐HF line, anterior by 0.74 cm (±0.624) on ultrasound and by 1.51 cm (±0.509) during dissection. This point was significantly further anterior to the LM‐HF line in cadavers (U = 257.700, exact two‐tailed P < 0.001). Dissection revealed the nerve to divide prior to emergence in 46.88% (n = 15) limbs, which was not identified on ultrasound (although not specifically assessed). Such information can guide clinicians when patient factors (e.g., obesity and peripheral edema) make ultrasound‐guided nerve localization more technically challenging. Clin. Anat. 32:390–395, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Matrix Coordination Induced Emission in a Three‐Dimensional Silver Cluster‐Assembled Material
Authors: Wei Zhong , Wu Xiao‐Hui , Luo Peng , Wang Jia‐Yin , Li Kai , Zang Shuang‐Quan
Published: December 2018

Developing highly luminescent and extensively stable silver cluster‐assembled materials (SCAMs) from the inferior luminogens and unstable silver cluster is an important and challenging issue. Herein, a new luminescent three‐dimensional SCAM (Ag12CPPP, [Ag12(StBu)6(CF3COO)6(CPPP)2(DMAc)12]n; CPPP=2,5‐bis(4‐cyanophenyl)‐1,4‐bis(4‐(pyridine‐4‐yl)‐phenyl)‐1,4‐dihydropyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrrole, DMAc=dimethylacetamide) was designed and synthesized with a quadridentate rigid emission ligand (CPPP) and a silver–chalcogenolate cluster (SCC) containing 12 AgI atoms. The luminescence study indicates that CPPP is an aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) molecule with twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) character. Benefiting from the strong immobilization effect in the robust framework, the quantum yield of CPPP is greatly enhanced in Ag12CPPP compared with that of CPPP in solution or in the solid state. As a result, Ag12CPPP exhibits typical matrix coordination induced emission (MCIE) effect. Such efficient rigidifying methodology provides a promising approach for enhancing luminescence of ACQ molecules in an aggregated state and strengthening the silver cluster in an unstable state.
A Click‐Chemistry Linked 2′3′‐cGAMP Analogue
Authors: Dialer Clemens Reto , Stazzoni Samuele , Drexler David Jan , Müller Felix Moritz , Veth Simon , Pichler Alexander , Okamura Hidenori , Witte Gregor , Hopfner Karl‐Peter , Carell Thomas
Published: December 2018

2′3′‐cGAMP is an uncanonical cyclic dinucleotide where one A and one G base are connected via a 3′‐5′ and a unique 2′‐5′ linkage. The molecule is produced by the cyclase cGAS in response to cytosolic DNA binding. cGAMP activates STING and hence one of the most powerful pathways of innate immunity. cGAMP analogues with uncharged linkages that feature better cellular penetrability are currently highly desired. Here, the synthesis of a cGAMP analogue with one amide and one triazole linkage is reported. The molecule is best prepared via a first CuI‐catalyzed click reaction, which establishes the triazole, while the cyclization is achieved by macrolactamization.
Topological and Steric Constraints to Stabilize Heteroleptic Copper(I) Complexes Combining Phenanthroline Ligands and Phosphines
Authors: Holler Michel , Delavaux‐Nicot Béatrice , Nierengarten Jean‐François
Published: December 2018

Heteroleptic copper(I) complexes combining phenanthroline derivatives (NN) and chelating bisphosphine ligands (PP) are an important class of luminescent materials for various applications. Although thermodynamically stable, [Cu(NN)(PP)]+ derivatives are also kinetically unstable. As a result, a dynamic ligand‐exchange reaction is often observed in solution, leading to a dynamic mixture of heteroleptic and homoleptic complexes. To prevent the formation of the homoleptic species, macrocyclic phenanthroline ligands have been used for the preparation of [Cu(NN)(PP)]+ pseudorotaxanes. The topological constraint resulting from the macrocyclic structure of the NN ligand drives the thermodynamic equilibrium towards the exclusive formation of the heteroleptic complex as long as the macrocycle is large and flexible enough to allow for the threading of the PP ligand. Conversely, when the threading is prevented by steric constraints, unprecedented copper(I) complexes with a trigonal coordination geometry are obtained. These results are summarized in the present concept article.
Defektfreie Mixed‐Matrix‐Membranen aus Matrimid® und Aktivkohle für die Gastrennung
Authors: Georgopanos Prokopios , Weigelt Fynn , Shishatskiy Sergey , Filiz Volkan , Brinkmann Torsten , Abetz Volker
Published: December 2018

In dieser Arbeit wurden neue Mixed‐Matrix‐Membranen (MMM) aus Matrimid® und Aktivkohle (AK) für die Gasseparation untersucht. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Herstellung von Membranen mit im Vergleich zu reinen Matrimid®‐Membranen verbesserten Gaspermeationseigenschaften. Die Membranen wurden thermisch und morphologisch charakterisiert, außerdem wurden die Gastransporteigenschaften bestimmt. Bei steigendem AK‐Gehalt war die Selektivität für verschiedene Gaspaare konstant, die Permeabilitäten stiegen jedoch stark an.
Interactive Multi‐objective Dynamic Optimization of Bioreactors under Parametric Uncertainty
Authors: Nimmegeers Philippe , Vallerio Mattia , Telen Dries , Van Impe Jan , Logist Filip
Published: December 2018

Model‐based optimization techniques play a key role in achieving a sustainable operation of biochemical processes. Models are an approximation of the real process under study, hence, uncertainty is inherently present and for a sustainable process operation this uncertainty should be accounted for. In practice, optimality with respect to different conflicting objectives is required and multi‐objective optimization is a valuable tool. In this article the sigma point approach is applied to account for parametric uncertainty in the frame of interactive multi‐objective bioprocess optimization.
Exercise worsening of electromechanical disturbances: A predictor of arrhythmia in long QT syndrome
Authors: Charisopoulou Dafni , Koulaouzidis George , Rydberg Annika , Michael Henein Y.
Published: December 2018

Background

Electromechanical (EM) coupling heterogeneity is significant in long QT syndrome (LQTS), particularly in symptomatic patients; EM window (EMW) has been proposed as an indicator of interaction and a better predictor of arrhythmia than QTc.

Hypothesis

To investigate the dynamic response of EMW to exercise in LQTS and its predictive value of arrhythmia.

Methods

Forty‐seven LQTS carriers (45 ± 15 years, 20 with arrhythmic events), and 35 controls underwent exercise echocardiogram. EMW was measured as the time difference between aortic valve closure on Doppler and the end of QT interval on the superimposed electrocardiogram (ECG). Measurements were obtained at rest, peak exercise (PE) and 4 minutes into recovery.

Results

Patients did not differ in age, gender, heart rate, or left ventricular ejection fraction but had a negative resting EMW compared with controls (−42 ± 22 vs 17 ± 5 ms, P < 0.0001). EMW became more negative at PE (−89 ± 43 vs 16 ± 7 ms, P = 0.0001) and recovery (−65 ± 39 vs 16 ± 6 ms, P = 0.001) in patients, particularly the symptomatic, but remained unchanged in controls. PE EMW was a stronger predictor of arrhythmic events than QTc (AUC:0.765 vs 0.569, P < 0.001). B‐blockers did not affect EMW at rest but was less negative at PE (BB: −66 ± 21 vs no‐BB: −113 ± 25 ms, P < 0.001). LQT1 patients had worse PE EMW negativity than LQT2.

Conclusion

LQTS patients have significantly negative EMW, which worsens with exercise. These changes are more pronounced in patients with documented arrhythmic events and decrease with B‐blocker therapy. Thus, EMW assessment during exercise may help improve risk stratification and management of LQTS patients.
Multimedia psychoeducation for patients with cancer who are eligible for clinical trials: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kamen Charles S. , Quinn Gwendolyn P. , Asare Matthew , Heckler Charles E. , Guido Joseph J. , Giguere Jeffrey K. , Gilliland Kari , Liu Jane Jijun , Geer Jodi , Delacroix Scott E. , Morrow Gary R. , Jacobsen Paul B.
Published: December 2018

Background

Supporting patients’ decision making about clinical trials may enhance trial participation. To date, few theory‐based interventions have been tested to address this issue. The objective of the current study was aimed to evaluate the effect of a multimedia psychoeducation (MP) intervention, relative to a print education (PE) intervention, on patients’ decision support needs and attitudes about clinical trials.

Methods

Patients with cancer who were eligible for participation in a National Cancer Institute therapeutic cancer clinical trial were recruited through the nationwide University of Rochester Cancer Center National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program from 2014 to 2016 and were randomized to the MP or PE intervention. Assessments at baseline (before intervention), postintervention, and at a 2‐month follow‐up visit included patients’ decision support needs, attitudes regarding clinical trials, and clinical trial participation.

Results

In total, 418 patients with various types of cancer were recruited (ages 26‐89 years). Relative to the PE intervention, the MP intervention did not significantly affect decision support needs. However, patients in the MP arm reported significantly more positive attitudes about clinical trials and were more likely to participate in a clinical trial than those in the PE arm (69% vs 62%; P = .01). Furthermore, an improvement in attitudes about clinical trials significantly mediated the effect of the intervention on participation in clinical trials.

Conclusions

The MP intervention was able to improve patient attitudes toward clinical trials compared with the PE intervention, and this improvement led to increased rates of participation in trials. The MP intervention could be disseminated to improve attitudes about clinical trials among patients with cancer.
A High‐Lignin‐Content, Removable, and Glycol‐Assisted Repairable Coating Based on Dynamic Covalent Bonds
Authors: Hao Cheng , Liu Tuan , Zhang Shuai , Brown Lucas , Li Ran , Xin Junna , Zhong Tuhua , Jiang Long , Zhang Jinwen
Published: December 2018

Conventional thermoset coatings cannot be easily repaired and removed owing to their highly crosslinked structure. The investigation of repairable or removable coatings has been receiving extensive attention, but few reported coatings possess both features. In this work, a repairable and removable coating was developed through the curing of a modified Kraft lignin (L‐COOH) with poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEG‐epoxy) in the presence of zinc catalyst. The L‐COOH was prepared by functionalization of Kraft lignin with carboxylic acid groups. The cured material had a high lignin content (>47 wt %). At elevated temperatures (>140 °C), dynamic transesterification in the cured network was activated, which resulted in fast stress relaxation and imparted excellent repairability. If the vitrimer system was used as a coating for tin plates, it provided adequate hardness and adhesion properties. In addition, the lignin‐PEG coating could be easily removed from the tin plate by using a mild (0.01–0.1 m) NaOH aqueous solution owing to the unique swelling ability of the coating in alkaline aqueous solution. With the assistance of ethylene glycol, this coating could achieve stress‐free repairability in 15 min. This work demonstrates the first lignin‐based repair‐ and removable epoxy coating based on vitrimer chemistry.
Novel method for transferring access control list rules to synchronize security protection in a locator/identifier separation protocol environment with cross‐segment host mobility
Authors: Lu Ta‐Te
Published: December 2018

Extended access control lists (ACLs) are used to filter packets for network security. However, in current network frameworks, ACL rules are not transferred simultaneously with devices that move across network segments. The Internet Engineering Task Force proposed the Locator/Identifier Separation Protocol (LISP), which enables routers (xTRs) to configure ACL rules for blocking immobile endpoint identifiers (EIDs). However, when an EID moves from the original xTR to a new xTR, the ACL rules at the original xTR cannot be transferred with the EID. Thus, the new xTR lacks the corresponding ACL rules to effectively block the EID, resulting in security risks. The highlights of this study are as follows. First, a method is proposed for dynamically transferring ACL rules in LISP environments and frameworks. Second, the map‐register and map‐notify protocols were combined to encapsulate and transfer the ACL rules and thus obviate an additional process required to transfer these rules. Third, the experimental results verified that the proposed method can be used to achieve synchronized security protection in an LISP environment involving cross‐segment EID movements.
Stabilizing intransitive loops: self‐organized spatial structure and disjoint time frames in the coffee agroecosystem
Authors: Vandermeer John , Jackson Doug
Published: December 2018

It is familiar knowledge that population dynamics occur in both time and space. In this work, we incorporate three distinct but related theoretical schemata to qualitatively interrogate the complicated structure of part of a real agroecosystem. The three schemata are first, local dynamics translated into intransitive oscillators through spatial movement, second, stabilizing the system through spatial pattern, and third, formation of a self‐organized spatial pattern. The real system is the well‐studied autonomous pest control in the coffee agroecosystem, in which five insect species (one of which is a pest) are involved in creating a complex community structure that keeps the pest under control (the five species are an ant, Azteca sericeasur, a phorid fly parasitoid, Pseudacteon sp., a hymenopteran parasitoid, Coccophagus sp., a beetle predator, Azya orbigera, and the pest itself, the green coffee scale, Coccus viridis). We use the qualitative framing of the three theoretical schemata to develop a cellular automata model that casts the basic predator/prey (natural enemy/pest) system as an intransitive oscillator, and then explore the interaction of the two basic predator/prey systems as coupled oscillators within this model framework. We note that Gause's principle of competitive exclusion is not violated with this basic framing (i.e., the two control agents cannot coexist theoretically), but that with a change in the spatial structure of the background habitat, coexistence can be maintained through the tradeoff between regional dispersal and local consumption. Finally, we explore how the other oscillator in the system (the ant and its phorid parasitoid) can act as a pilot system, creating the spatial structure in which the other two oscillators operate, but only in the context of disjoint time frames (between the two control agents and the pilot subsystem).
Exploring variation in phyllosphere microbial communities across four hemlock species
Authors: Rogers Timothy J. , Leppanen Christy , Brown Veronica , Fordyce James A. , LeBude Anthony , Ranney Thomas , Simberloff Daniel , Cregger Melissa A.
Published: December 2018

The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is an insect native to Asia and likely western North America. First reported in eastern North America in 1951, it has devastated eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) populations. Loss of hemlock will greatly affect the structure and function of eastern forests. Susceptibility to adelgid infestation varies within eastern hemlocks and across other hemlock species. Our study was conducted to determine whether eastern hemlocks share a similar stem (phyllosphere) microbial community with other co‐occurring hemlocks and whether community‐level shifts are associated within trees of the same species based on HWA infestation. Surprisingly, we found no difference in microbial community composition or diversity between trees of the same species based on the level of HWA infestation. However, microbial communities varied significantly across the four hemlock trees sampled, nativeT. canadensisand three non‐natives:Tsuga chinensis,Tsuga dumosa, andTsuga sieboldii. Within these tree hosts, microbial communities fromT. dumosaandT. chinensisclustered together, and microbial communities fromT. canadensisandT. sieboldiiclustered separately from all other tree species. Additionally, specific indicator taxa were identified for all the tree species sampled. These results indicate that Asian hemlocks might not fill the same niche in eastern forests as the native eastern hemlock. Further work should be conducted to determine how differences in hemlock species and associated microbial communities might scale up to alter organismal interactions involving hemlocks.
The consecutive disparity index, D: a measure of temporal variability in ecological studies
Authors: Fernández‐Martínez Marcos , Vicca Sara , Janssens Ivan A. , Carnicer Jofre , Martín‐Vide Javier , Peñuelas Josep
Published: December 2018

Temporal variability in ecological processes has attracted the attention of many disciplines in ecology, which has resulted in the development of several quantitative indices. The coefficient of variation (CV = standard deviation × mean−1) is still one of the most commonly used indices to assess temporal variability, despite being known to present several problems on its assessment (e.g., mean dependence or high sensitivity to rare events). The proportional variability (PV) index was developed to solve some of the CV's drawbacks, but, so far, no variability index takes into account the chronological order of the values in time series. In this paper, we introduce the consecutive disparity index (D), a temporal variability index that takes into account the chronological order of the values, assessing the average rate of change between consecutive values. We used computer simulations and empirical data for fruit production in trees, bird counts, and rodent captures to compare the behavior of D, PV, and CV under different scenarios. D was sensitive to changes in temporal autocorrelation in the negative autocorrelation range, and CV and PV were sensitive in the positive autocorrelation range despite not considering the chronological order of the values. The CV, however, was highly dependent on the mean of the time series, while D and PV were not. Our results demonstrate that, like PV, D solves many of the problems of the CV index while taking into account the chronological order of values in time series. The mathematical and statistical features of D make it a suitable index for analyzing temporal variability in a wide range of ecological studies.
HMGB1+ microparticles present in urine are hallmarks of nephritis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Burbano Catalina , Gómez‐Puerta Jóse A , Muñoz‐Vahos Carlos , Vanegas‐García Adriana , Rojas Mauricio , Vásquez Gloria , Castaño Diana
Published: December 2018

Non‐classical monocytes infiltrate the kidney parenchyma and participate in tissue damage in patients with lupus nephritis (LN). Circulating microparticles (MPs) seem to play critical roles in the activation of monocytes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. This study aims to characterize the phenotypes of MPs and monocyte subsets in LN patients and to determine their potential to discriminate between SLE patients with and without LN. Blood and urine samples from SLE patients were collected. In monocyte subsets from whole blood samples several phenotypic markers were evaluated. MPs were isolated from platelet‐poor plasma and urine by centrifugation. This phenotypic marker characterization was performed using multiparametric flow cytometry. We observed that patients with active LN have lower counts of non‐classical monocytes than do those without renal involvement. All monocyte subsets exhibited lower expression of CX3CR1 and ICAM‐1 in LN than in patients without LN. High frequencies of MP‐HMGB1+ and MP‐HLA‐DR+ were detected in circulation and urine of LN patients. Although MP‐HMGB1+, MP‐HLA‐DR+, and MP‐CX3CR1+ from urine were able to discriminate between patients with and without LN, only urinary MP‐HMGB1+ were different between patients with active and inactive LN. Therefore, these vesicles may be useful as biomarkers of LN.
Aurophilicity and Photoluminescence of (6‐Diphenylpnicogenoacenaphth‐5‐yl)gold Compounds
Authors: Do Truong Giang , Hupf Emanuel , Lork Enno , Kögel Julius F. , Mohr Fabian , Brown Alex , Toyoda Ryojun , Sakamoto Ryota , Nishihara Hiroshi , Mebs Stefan , Beckmann Jens
Published: December 2018

The organotin precursors 6‐Br‐Ace‐5‐SnBu3 (6, Ace = acenaphthyl) and 6‐Ph2E‐Ace‐5‐SnBu3 (7a: E = P; 7b: E = As; 7c: E = Sb) were prepared and used for the synthesis of organogold complexes, namely, the homodinuclear arylgold(I) species (6‐Ph2E‐Ace‐5‐Au)2 (8a: E = P; 8b: E = As; 8c: E = Sb), arylgold(III) dichloride 6‐Ph2P‐Ace‐5‐AuCl2 (9), diarylgold(III) chloride [trans‐(6‐Ph2P‐Ace‐5‐)2Au]Cl ([10]Cl), as well as the heterodinuclear gold complexes 6‐Ph2P(AuX)‐Ace‐5‐Au(AsPh3) (11a: X = Cl; 11b: X = Br). Compounds 8a ‐ 8c, 11a, and 11b show significant aurophilic interactions, which are related to their photoluminescence upon exposure to UV light. In the solid state, 11a and 11b show green‐yellow emission, whereas 8a ‐ 8c are non‐emissive. In solution under an argon atmosphere, all five compounds 8a ‐ 8c as well as 11a and 11b show green‐yellow emission. The organogold complexes were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, as well as (TD‐)DFT calculations including real‐space bond indicators derived from atoms‐in‐molecules (AIM), the electron localization indicator (ELI‐D), and the non‐covalent interaction (NCI) index.
Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Ethanol on Flexible Three‐dimensional Interconnected Nickel/Gold Composite Foams in Alkaline Media
Authors: Hatamie Amir , Rezvani Ehsan , Rasouli Armin Sedighian , Simchi Abdolreza
Published: December 2018

In this work, a porous and flexible three‐dimensional (3D) nickel/gold nanoparticle electrode (NiF/AuNPs) is presented as an efficient electrocatalyst for ethanol oxidation in alkaline media. The 3D nanocomposite electrode consists of interconnected porous nickel foam (NiF) with large pores (500±200 μm diameter) surrounded by interconnected struts (∼100 μm) that are decorated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs, 37±8 nm) through in‐situ electrochemical deposition. The catalytic performance of the 3D electrode was evaluated by different electrochemical methods. An enhancement in the performance (about 253 %) and a remarkable decline in onset potential (about ∼0.63 V) in comparison with pristine NiF for ethanol oxidation are demonstrated. This potential is lower than many reported results except palladium‐ and platinum‐based catalysts, which are expensive. It is shown that both hydroxyl anions and cations affect the ethanol oxidation on the 3D electrode. The interconnected porous structure provides efficient mass diffusivity, which along with its high specific surface area combined with the catalytic nature of AuNPs, may open new opportunities for in‐inexpensive and highly efficient electro‐oxidation of ethanol for energy applications.
Predicting the sensitivity of marine populations to rising temperatures
Authors: Hughes A Randall , Hanley Torrance C , Moore Althea FP , Ramsay‐Newton Christine , Zerebecki Robyn A , Sotka Erik E
Published: December 2018

Oceans are warming at rates faster than marine species have experienced over the previous 400,000 years. Our quantitative review across a wide range of marine taxa revealed that increases in temperature that occur above mean annual temperature (MAT) generally lower population survival and reproduction. Furthermore, these effects are likely to be increasingly detrimental, particularly for survival, as the magnitude of warming increases. Although we found evidence for considerable variation within and between populations in response to increasing temperatures, whether this existing variation will allow for evolutionary rescue is uncertain. Importantly, a simple metric (ie MAT) facilitates evaluation of the effects of increasing temperatures on the survivorship and reproduction of most populations, even those for which limited data on thermal sensitivity are available. This approach improves our understanding of population‐level responses to climate change, which is critical for adaptation planning that aims to sustain and restore vulnerable populations.
The three‐dimensional cancer nucleus
Authors: Mai Sabine
Published: December 2018

Research into the three‐dimensional (3D) organization of the cancer cell genome started over 100 years ago. We follow an exciting avenue of research in this field, from Hansemann's early observations of aberrant mitoses and nuclei in cancer cells in the late 19th century to Boveri's theory of the cancer cell in the early 20th century, to current views of nuclear organization and its changes in cancer. Molecular and imaging methods go hand in hand with providing us with a better understanding of the spatial nature of the cancer cell genome. This has led to the concept that the structural order of the nucleus can be used as cancer cell biomarker.
AHNS series: Do you know your guidelines? Guideline recommendations for recurrent and persistent head and neck cancer after primary treatment
Authors: McSpadden Ryan , Zender Chad , Eskander Antoine
Published: December 2018

Locoregional recurrent/persistent head and neck cancer following primary treatment is a significant challenge as it is usually difficult to treat and has worse outcomes compared to the primary setting. Surgical resection of a local or regional recurrence offers the best chance of cure when feasible. Local recurrence outcomes vary by subsite with laryngeal recurrences having the best prognoses and hypopharynx having the worst. Instances of persistent neck masses following primary nonsurgical treatment can be evaluated with positron emission tomography (PET) with CT (PET‐CT) when there is no definitive diagnosis of a recurrence/persistence. Reirradiation with or without chemotherapy can be considered for primary treatment when surgery is not an option, for adjuvant treatment following salvage surgery, or for palliation. Immunotherapy represents a newer class of chemotherapeutic agents. Current guidelines recommend enrollment in clinical trials especially when surgery is not an option as outcomes remain universally poor in the recurrent/persistent setting.
Superior detection of metastatic cystic lymphadenopathy in patients with papillary thyroid cancer by utilization of thyroglobulin washout
Authors: Khadra Helmi , Mohamed Hossam , Al‐Qurayshi Zaid , Sholl Andrew , Killackey Mary , Kandil Emad
Published: December 2018

Background

Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology has been the standard of care in the workup of cervical lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with recurrent papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and suspicious cervical LNs. Recently, FNA thyroglobulin (TG) washout measurement has been proposed as an adjunct in the management of these patients. We hypothesize that using FNA‐TG washout for suspicious cervical LNs would increase the accuracy of diagnosing metastatic disease especially in cystic and highly vascular cervical LN in patients with recurrent PTC.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of a prospectively collected database for patients with thyroid cancer who underwent preoperative FNA followed by selective neck dissection by one surgeon at an academic institution. FNA‐cytology and FNA‐TG washout were performed simultaneously. A total of 138 patients were included in our study, of which 92 (66.7%) had undergone surgical intervention. Results of both methods were then correlated with the final surgical pathology.

Results

FNA‐cytology alone showed a sensitivity of 80.0%, specificity of 100.0% with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 60.0%. By contrast, FNA‐TG washout had a sensitivity of 95.8%, specificity of 90.5% with a NPV of 86.4%. Combination of the FNA‐cytology with FNA‐TG washout of cystic/highly vascular LN increased the accuracy of diagnosis with a sensitivity of 98.2%, specificity of 100.00% with a NPV of 95.0%. All 14 malignant cervical LNs with false‐negative FNA‐cytology showed elevated FNA‐TG washout, 10 (71.4%) of which were cystic in nature and 4 were highly vascular on ultrasonography.

Conclusion

FNA‐TG washout increases the diagnostic accuracy in detecting metastatic disease in patients with recurrent thyroid cancer. FNA‐TG washout may be of special diagnostic importance in cystic or highly vascular LNs, which might have falsely negative cytology.

Level of Evidence

2B
Prognostic value of metabolic tumor burden calculated using dual‐time‐point 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT in patients with oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Kuwabara Hirofumi , Toriihara Akira , Yuasa‐Nakagawa Keiko , Toda Kazuma , Tateishi Ukihide , Yoshimura Ryoichi
Published: December 2018

Background

This study investigates the prognostic value of metabolic tumor burden calculated using dual‐time‐point 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET)/CT in patients with locally advanced cancer.

Methods

This study examines 42 patients (35 men and 7 women, 38‐73 years old) with locally advanced oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer who had undergone FDG‐PET/CT before receiving chemoradiotherapy. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were measured for the early and delayed phases. Statistical analyses included receiver operating characteristic curve, univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

ΔSUVmax, both phases of MTV2.5 and TLG2.5, early TLG40%, ΔTLG2.5, and ΔTLG40% were significantly associated with progression‐free survival (PFS). In multivariate analysis, early TLG2.5 (P = .005) was an independent prognostic factor of PFS.

Conclusion

Not the percent change but the value calculated in the early phase in several parameters using dual‐time‐point FDG‐PET/CT is significantly associated with the outcomes of patients with locally advanced oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer.
Prognostic performance of the American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition of the TNM staging system in patients with early oral tongue cancer
Authors: Amit Moran , Tam Samantha , Takahashi Hideaki , Choi Karen Y. , Zafereo Mark , Bell Diana , Weber Randal S.
Published: December 2018

Background

The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer's (AJCC) staging system for oral cavity cancer incorporates pathological features. We aimed to assess whether these changes results in better risk stratification of patients with early oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC).

Methods

Overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) of 244 patients were calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Multivariate analysis with stepwise selection was performed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Sixty‐two patients (25%) were upstaged using the 8th edition. Multivariate analysis revealed that overall stage using the 8th edition of the AJCC staging system but not using the 7th edition was a significant predictor for both OS and DSS. The 8th edition had lower Akaike information criterion and improved concordance index values compared with the 7th edition.

Conclusion

The 8th edition of AJCC allows better risk stratification and more precise counseling of patients with OTSCC who were previously considered at low risk.
Extent of lateral neck dissection for papillary thyroid microcarcinomas
Authors: Lee Joon‐Hyop , Chun Yong Soon , Chung Yoo Seung
Published: December 2018

Background

Papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs) often demonstrate lateral lymph node (LN) metastasis. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the size of primary tumor should be considered in deciding lateral neck dissection extent.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective comparison of patients with PTMC and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) larger than 1 cm who received lateral LN dissection from 2009 to 2015.

Results

PTMC group had more frequent metachronous metastasis, multifocality, less involvement of lower third thyroid, lower metastatic central LN counts and ratio, and lower metastatic total LN ratio. The two groups showed no difference in lateral LN metastatic pattern. Male and lymphovascular invasion were more often found in PTMCs with synchronous lateral LN metastatic events than metachronous presentations.

Conclusions

Relying on the size of the tumor to determine lateral neck dissection extent could be unreliable, because there is no observed difference in lateral neck metastatic count and pattern between PTC and PTMCs.
Engaging Middle School Students in Disciplinary Literacy Through Culturally Relevant Historical Inquiry
Authors: Kucan Linda , Rainey Emily , Cho Byeong‐Young
Published: December 2018

The authors share design principles from a middle school social studies unit that explored questions of local history and engaged students in extended work with complex texts. The unit involved constructing a problem space for students to explore multiple historical texts. Within that problem space, students had opportunities to develop focal literacy practices of history, consider cultural connections to the subject under study, and evaluate current local policy through a justice lens that was informed by their deepened understandings of historical events.
FAM83H‐AS1 is associated with clinical progression and modulates cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in bladder cancer
Authors: Shan Hui , Yang Yunbo , Zhu Xuhui , Han Xiuwu , Zhang Peng , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: December 2018

FAM83H‐AS1, also known as oncogenic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)‐3, is a novel lncRNA that has been suggested to be dysregulated in a variety of human cancers. However, the expression status and function of FAM83H‐AS1 in bladder cancer are still unknown. The object of our study is to explore the clinical value of FAM83H‐AS1 in patients with bladder cancer and the biological function of FAM83H‐AS1 in bladder cancer cells. In our results, the expression of FAM83H‐AS1 was obviously elevated in bladder cancer tissue samples and bladder cancer cell lines compared with adjacent normal tissue samples and normal bladder epithelial cell lines, respectively. In addition, high expression of FAM83H‐AS1 was associated with advanced clinical stage and the presence of muscularis invasion and served as an independent poor prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with bladder cancer. The loss‐of‐function study showed that silencing FAM83H‐AS1 expression suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. In conclusion, FAM83H‐AS1 is involved in the progression of bladder cancer and serves as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for patients with bladder cancer.
Silencing H19 regulated proliferation, invasion, and autophagy in the placenta by targeting miR‐18a‐5p
Authors: Zhang Lei , Deng Xinru , Shi Xian , Dong Xiaojing
Published: December 2018

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a serious pregnancy complication associated with increased perinatal mortality and morbidity. It may lead to neurodevelopmental impairment and adulthood onset disorders. Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were found to be associated with the pathogenesis of FGR. Here we report that the lncRNAH19 is significantly decreased in placentae from pregnancies with FGR. Downregulation of H19 leads to reduced proliferation and invasion of extravillous trophoblast cells. This is identified with reduced trophoblast invasion, which has been discovered in FGR. Autophagy is exaggerated in FGR. Downregulation of H19 promotes autophagy via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK/mTOR pathways of extravillous trophoblast cells in FGR. We also found that the expression level of microRNAs miR‐18a‐5p was negatively correlated with that of H19. H19 can act as an endogenous sponge by directly binding to miR‐18a‐5p, which targets IRF2. The expression of miR‐18a‐5p was upregulated, but IRF2 expression was downregulated after the H19 knockdown. In conclusion, our study revealed that H19 downexpressed could inhibit proliferation and invasion, and promote autophagy by targeting miR‐18a‐5pin HTR8 and JEG3 cells. We propose that aberrant regulation of H19/miR‐18a‐5p‐mediated regulatory pathway may contribute to the molecular mechanism of FGR. We indicated that H19 may be a potential predictive, diagnostic, and therapeutic modality for FGR.