bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Oil Content of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Using Artificial Neural Network and Multiple Linear Regression Approaches
Authors: Abdipour Moslem , Ramazani Seyyed Hamid Reza , Younessi‐Hmazekhanlu Mehdi , Niazian Mohsen
Published: March 2018

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important ancient oilseed crop with high oil content (OC) and quality. The direct selection to improve OC of sesame (OCS) due to low heritability leads to a low profit. The OCS modeling and indirect selection through high‐heritable characters associated with OCS using advanced modeling techniques is a beneficial approach to overcome this limitation that allows breeder to get a better idea of the plant properties that should be monitored during breeding experiments. This study, carried out in 2013 and 2014, compared the potential of artificial neural network (ANN) and multilinear regression (MLR) to predict OCS in the Imamzadeh Jafar plain of Gachsaran, Iran. Principal component analysis (PCA) and stepwise regression (SWR) were used to evaluate 18 input variables. Based on PCA and SWR, the 6 traits of number of capsules per plant (NCP), number of days from flowering to maturity (NDFM), plant height (PH), thousand seed weight, capsule length, and seed yield were chosen as input variables. The network with the sigmoid axon transfer function and 2 hidden layers was selected as the final ANN model. Results showed that the ANN predicted the OCS with more accuracy and efficacy (R2 = 0.861, root mean square error [RMSE] = 0.563, and mean absolute error [MAE] = 0.432) compared with the MLR model (R2 = 0.672, RMSE = 0.742, and MAE = 0.552). These results showed the potential of the ANN as a promising tool to predict OCS with good performance. Based on sensitivity tests, NCP followed by NDFM and PH, respectively, were the most influential factors in predicting OCS in both models. It seems that a breeding program to select or create long sesame genotypes with a long period from flowering to maturity can be a good approach to address OCS in the future.
Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes supported amorphous Fe2O3 and Ag2O–Fe2O3 as Fenton catalysts for degradation of maxilon red dye
Authors: El‐Khouly Sahar M. , Fathy Nady A.
Published: March 2018

Two Fenton‐like catalysts of iron oxide (Fe2O3) or Fe2O3 doped with silver oxide (Ag2O) and supported on acidified multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (a‐MWCNTs) were successfully prepared by wet impregnation and calcined at 200 °C and noted as Fe2O3/MWCNTs and Ag2O‐Fe2O3/MWCNTs, respectively. These samples were characterized using techniques such as TEM, FTIR, N2 adsorption at ‐196 °C, and XRD. Their catalytic performances were determined through Fenton oxidation process of maxilon red dye (MR) at 25 °C. Fenton degradation results disclosed that the Ag2O‐Fe2O3/MWCNTs nanocomposite has the superior and the faster catalytic degradation rate of dye. This result was due to the synergistic effect that established from the combination of tiny amount of Ag2O with Fe2O3 over a‐MWCNTs support, which prevents the agglomeration of catalyst nanoparticles and enhances the adsorption of dye molecules. A full degradation of dye was obtained within 10 min at 25 °C and the Fenton oxidation capability of Fe2O3/MWCNTs catalyst increased by about 10% after loading ~1wt.% of Ag2O. The catalytic performance was considerably based on pH of solution, H2O2 concentration, and dye concentration. The reusability tests confirmed that Ag2O‐Fe2O3/MWCNTs nanocomposite offers high stability over three consecutive cycles, where over 90% degradation of MR dye was obtained. Finally, Ag2O‐Fe2O3/MWCNTs nanocomposite showed excellent Fenton catalytic oxidation and reusability as compared with Fe2O3/MWCNTs composite in Fenton‐like processes.
Atrocity fantasies and atrocity allegations
Authors: Gay Volney P.
Published: March 2018

Atrocity allegations awaken archaic fantasies of degradation and loss that, if believed, provoke violent retaliation against the alleged perpetrators. Those archaic fantasies are that something terrible has occurred, a vicious attack on one's body or on one's mind or on one's beloved child. The worst thing imaginable, an image that arose briefly and then was hurriedly repressed, has actually happened. Atrocity allegations generate revulsion, rage, and then, unless corralled by legal or cultural restraints, bloodshed. Psychoanalysts are well suited to investigate atrocity allegations.
Identification of putative cytochrome P450 monooxygenase genes from the small white butterfly, Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), and their response to insecticides
Authors: Liu Su , Zhang Yu‐Xing , Wang Wen‐Long , Cao Ye , Li Shuai , Zhang Bang‐Xian , Li Shi‐Guang
Published: March 2018

The small white butterfly, Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), is an important pest on Brassicaceae plants, causing heavy crop loss each year. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP) is a superfamily of enzymes involved in the detoxification of various xenobiotic compounds, including insecticides. However, little is known about the role of CYP genes in P. rapae. In this study, we identified 63 CYP genes in P. rapae, and analyzed their phylogenetic relationships, exon–intron structures and genomic locations. Moreover, our insecticide‐response transcription profiling showed that LD5 doses of lambda‐cyhalothrin, chlorantraniliprole, and abamectin significantly increased expression of five (CYP4M59, CYP6AE119, CYP6AE120, CYP6AE121, and CYP6BD18), three (CYP4AU1, CYP6AE120, and CYP6AW1), and five (CYP4L40, CYP4AU1, CYP6AE119, CYP6AW1, and CYP6BD19) CYP genes, respectively; and LD20 doses of the three pesticides significantly upregulated six (CYP4M59, CYP6AE119, CYP6AE120, CYP6AE121, CYP4AU1, and CYP6BD18), six (CYP4G168, CYP4L40, CYP4AU1, CYP6AE120, CYP6AW1, and CYP6BD19), and five (CYP4L40, CYP4AU1, CYP6AB108, CYP6AE119, and CYP6BD19) genes, respectively. When we used LD50 doses of the three insecticides, we reported significantly elevated expression levels of five (CYP4M59, CYP6AE119, CYP6AE120, CYP6BD17, and CYP6BD18), eight (CYP4G168, CYP4L40, CYP4AU1, CYP6AE120, CYP6AE121, CYP6AW1, CYP6BD18, and CYP6BD19), and six (CYP4L40, CYP4S34, CYP6AB108, CYP6AE119, CYP6AE120, and CYP6BD19) genes, respectively. Our expression analysis also revealed that five (CYP4G168, CYP4G169, CYP4S34, CYP6AW1, and CYP6CT3) and three (CYP4L40, CYP6AN33, and CYP6BD17) CYP genes were mainly expressed in the midgut and fat body, respectively, and one CYP gene (CYP6AE119) in the Malpighian tubules. This is the first large‐scale report into the characterization of CYP genes in P. rapae.
A Multi‐Stimuli‐Responsive Oxazine Molecular Switch: A Strategy for the Design of Electrochromic Materials
Authors: Wang Xiaojun , Gu Chang , Zheng Hongzhi , Zhang Yu‐Mo , Zhang Sean Xiao‐An
Published: March 2018

A multi‐state and multi‐stimuli‐responsive oxazine molecular switch that combines an electro‐base property and sensitive base/acid‐responsive properties was designed and synthesized. The multi‐state structures of the molecular switch, with different colors, were predicted by comparing the optical properties with reference molecules and confirmed by using NMR spectroscopy. The color‐switching mechanism under stimulation with acids and bases was investigated by using DFT calculations. Three single states can be obtained and the switching is unidirectional under acid and base stimulation. The electrochromic phenomenon of the molecular switch, which combines its electro‐base and base‐sensitive properties, was demonstrated. An electrochromic device that exhibited good electrochromic properties with excellent reversibility (2000 cycles) and high coloration efficiency (804 cm2 C−1) was successfully constructed.
Development and characterization of a camelid single‐domain antibody directed to human CD22 biomarker
Authors: Faraji Fatemeh , Tajik Nader , Behdani Mahdi , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali , Zarnani Amir Hassan , Shahhosseini Fatemeh , Habibi‐Anbouhi Mahdi
Published: March 2018

CD22 is a B‐cell‐specific trans‐membrane glycoprotein, which is found on the surface of the most B cells and modulates their function, survival, and apoptosis. Recently, targeting this cell surface biomarker in B‐cell malignancies and disorders has attracted a lot of attention. The variable domain of camelid single‐chain antibodies (VHH, nanobody) is a form of antibodies with novel properties including small size (15–17 kDa), thermal and chemical stability, high affinity and homology to human antibody sequences. In this study, a novel anti‐CD22‐specific VHH (Nb) has been developed and characterized by the screening of an immunized phage display library and its binding to CD22+ B cells is evaluated. Produced anti‐CD22 VHH had a single protein band about 17 kDa of molecular size in Western blotting and its binding affinity was approximately 9 × 10−9 M. Also, this product had high specificity and it was able to recognize the natural CD22 antigen in CD22+ cell lysate as well as on the cell surface (93%). This anti‐CD22 VHH with both high affinity and specificity recognizes CD22 antigen well and can be used in diagnosis and treatment of B cell disorders and malignancies.
Planung und Errichtung von Ruhehäfen am Niederrhein
Authors: Dormann Michael
Published: March 2018

Der Niederrhein zwischen Duisburg und der Grenze zu den Niederlanden gehört zu den bedeutendsten und meistbefahrenen Binnenwasserstraßen Europas. Im Interesse der Sicherheit und Leichtigkeit des Schiffsverkehrs wird eine Trennung zwischen dem durchgehenden und dem ruhenden Verkehr immer wichtiger. Für den Streckenabschnitt zwischen Wesel und der deutsch‐niederländischen Grenze wurde von der Wasserstraßen‐ und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (WSV) ein Bedarf von 134 sicheren Liegeplätzen ermittelt, dem lediglich zehn vorhandene Liegeplätze entgegenstanden.

Das Wasserstraßen‐ und Schifffahrtsamt Duisburg‐Rhein plant daher den Bau von zwei Ruhehäfen mit Liegemöglichkeiten für jeweils ca. 40 Binnenschiffe. Ermittelt wurden zwei Kiesabbaugewässer bei Ossenberg (Rhein‐km 807,3) und Niedermörmter (Rhein‐km 838,0). Innerhalb dieser Gewässer werden Dalbenliegeplätze mit Zugangsbrücken und Schwimmpontons sowie Pkw‐Absetzplätze errichtet und neue Verkehrswege angelegt. Zum Schutz der Böschungen kommen technisch‐biologische Ufersicherungen zum Einsatz.

Besondere Planungsanforderungen bestehen vor allem in der Vereinbarkeit der Baumaßnahmen mit den Belangen des Umwelt‐ und Naturschutzes, insbesondere da sich beide Standorte innerhalb des Vogelschutzgebiets Unterer Niederrhein befinden.
Some Metatheoretical Reflections on Adaptive Decision Making and the Strategy Selection Problem
Authors: Marewski Julian N. , Bröder Arndt , Glöckner Andreas
Published: March 2018

Organisms must be capable of adapting to environmental task demands. Which cognitive processes best model the ways in which adaptation is achieved? People can behave adaptively, so many frameworks assume, because they can draw from a repertoire of decision strategies, with each strategy particularly fitting to certain environmental demands. In contrast to that multi‐mechanism assumption, competing approaches posit a single decision mechanism. The juxtaposition of such single‐mechanism and multi‐mechanism approaches has fuelled not only much theory‐building, empirical research, and methodological developments, but also many controversies. This special issue on “Strategy Selection: A Theoretical and Methodological Challenge” sheds a spotlight on those developments. The contribution of this introductory article is twofold. First, we offer a documentation of the controversy, including an outline of competing approaches. Second, this special issue and this introductory article represent adversarial collaborations among the three of us: we have modeled adaptive decision making in different ways in the past. Together, we now work on resolving the controversy and point to five guiding principles that might help to improve our models for predicting adaptive behavior. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of growth equations from longitudinal studies of body weight and height in the full term and preterm neonate: From birth to four years postnatal age
Authors: Troutman John A. , Sullivan Mary C. , Carr Gregory J. , Fisher Jeffrey
Published: March 2018

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models are developed from compound‐independent information to describe important anatomical and physiological characteristics of an individual or population of interest. Modeling pediatric populations is challenging because of the rapid changes that occur during growth, particularly in the first few weeks and months after birth. Neonates who are born premature pose several unique challenges in PBPK model development. To provide appropriate descriptions for body weight (BW) and height (Ht) for age and appropriate incremental gains in PBPK models of the developing preterm and full term neonate, anthropometric measurements collected longitudinally from 1,063 preterm and 158 full term neonates were combined with 2,872 cross‐sectional measurements obtained from the NHANES 2007–2010 survey. Age‐specific polynomial growth equations for BW and Ht were created for male and female neonates with corresponding gestational birth ages of 25, 28, 31, 34, and 40 weeks. Model‐predicted weights at birth were within 20% of published fetal/neonatal reference standards. In comparison to full term neonates, postnatal gains in BW and Ht were slower in preterm subgroups, particularly in those born at earlier gestational ages. Catch up growth for BW in neonates born at 25, 28, 31, and 34 weeks gestational age was complete by 13, 8, 6, and 2 months of life (males) and by 10, 6, 5, and 2 months of life (females), respectively. The polynomial growth equations reported in this paper represent extrauterine growth in full term and preterm neonates and differ from the intrauterine growth standards that were developed for the healthy unborn fetus.
Demystifying Eukaryote Lateral Gene Transfer (Response to Martin 2017 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201700115)
Authors: Leger Michelle M. , Eme Laura , Stairs Courtney W. , Roger Andrew J.
Published: March 2018

In a recent BioEssays paper [W. F. Martin, BioEssays 2017, 39, 1700115], William Martin sharply criticizes evolutionary interpretations that involve lateral gene transfer (LGT) into eukaryotic genomes. Most published examples of LGTs in eukaryotes, he suggests, are in fact contaminants, ancestral genes that have been lost from other extant lineages, or the result of artefactual phylogenetic inferences. Martin argues that, except for transfers that occurred from endosymbiotic organelles, eukaryote LGT is insignificant. Here, in reviewing this field, we seek to correct some of the misconceptions presented therein with regard to the evidence for LGT in eukaryotes.
Testing the potency of anti‐TNF‐α and anti‐IL‐1β drugs using spheroid cultures of human osteoarthritic chondrocytes and donor‐matched chondrogenically differentiated mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Žigon‐Branc Sara , Barlič Ariana , Knežević Miomir , Jeras Matjaž , Vunjak‐Novakovic Gordana
Published: March 2018

Inflammation plays a major role in progression of rheumatoid arthritis, a disease treated with antagonists of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin 1β (IL‐1β). New in vitro testing systems are needed to evaluate efficacies of new anti‐inflammatory biological drugs, ideally in a patient‐specific manner. To address this need, we studied microspheroids containing 10,000 human osteoarthritic primary chondrocytes (OACs) or chondrogenically differentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), obtained from three donors. Hypothesizing that this system can recapitulate clinically observed effects of anti‐inflammatory drugs, spheroids were exposed to TNF‐α, IL‐1β, or to supernatant containing secretome from activated macrophages (MCM). The anti‐inflammatory efficacies of anti‐TNF‐α biologicals adalimumab, infliximab, and etanercept, and the anti‐IL‐1β agent anakinra were assessed in short‐term microspheroid and long‐term macrospheroid cultures (100,000 OACs). While gene and protein expressions were evaluated in microspheroids, diameters, amounts of DNA, glycosaminoglycans, and hydroxiproline were measured in macrospheroids. The tested drugs significantly decreased the inflammation induced by TNF‐α or IL‐1β. The differences in potency of anti‐TNF‐α biologicals at 24 h and 3 weeks after their addition to inflamed spheroids were comparable, showing high predictability of short‐term cultures. Moreover, the data obtained with microspheroids grown from OACs and chondrogenically differentiated MSCs were comparable, suggesting that MSCs could be used for this type of in vitro testing. We propose that in vitro gene expression measured after the first 24 h in cultures of chondrogenically differentiated MSCs can be used to determine the functionality of anti‐TNF‐α drugs in personalized and preclinical studies. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:1045–1058, 2018
Relationship between the membranous septum and the virtual basal ring of the aortic root in candidates for transcatheter implantation of the aortic valve
Authors: Mori Shumpei , Tretter Justin T. , Toba Takayoshi , Izawa Yu , Tahara Natsuko , Nishii Tatsuya , Shimoyama Shinsuke , Tanaka Hidekazu , Shinke Toshiro , Hirata Ken‐Ichi , Spicer Diane E. , Saremi Farhood , Anderson Robert H.
Published: March 2018

Knowledge of the anatomy of the membranous septum, as a surrogate to the location of the atrioventricular conduction axis, is a prerequisite for those undertaking transcatheter implantation of the aortic valve (TAVI). Equally important is its relationship of the virtual basal ring. This feature, however, has yet to be adequately described in the living heart. We analyzed computed tomographic angiographic datasets from 107 candidates (84.1 ± 5.2 years, 68% women) for TAVI. Using multiplanar reconstructions, we measured the height and width of the membranous septum, and the distances of its superior and inferior margins from the virtual basal ring plane. We also assessed the extent of wedging of the aortic root between the mitral valve and the ventricular septum. Mean heights and widths of the membranous septum were 6.6 ± 2.0, and 10.2 ± 3.1 mm, respectively, with its size significantly associated with that of the aortic root (P < 0.05). Its superior and inferior margins were 4.5 ± 2.3 and 2.1 ± 2.1 mm, respectively, from the plane of the basal ring. The inferior distance, the surrogate for the adjacency of the atrioventricular conduction axis, was ≤ 5mm in 91% of the patients. Deeper wedging of the aortic root was independently correlated with a shorter inferior distance (β = 0.0569, P = 0.0258). The membranous septum is appreciably closer to the virtual basal ring than previously appreciated. These findings impact on estimations of the risk of damage to the atrioventricular conduction axis during TAVI. Clin. Anat. 31:525–534, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical values of Ku80 upregulation in superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Shuai , Xi Junjie , Lin Zongwu , Hao Jiatao , Yao Can , Zhan Cheng , Jiang Wei , Shi Yu , Wang Qun
Published: March 2018

Ku80 is an important DNA repair protein. Here, this study sought to investigate clinical impacts of Ku80 expression for patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Immunohistochemical analysis of Ku80 expression was carried out in normal esophageal mucosa, squamous epithelial dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, and superficial ESCC. Its relationships with clinicopathological features and survival of superficial ESCC patients were further clarified. Lentivirus‐mediated RNA interference was used to silence Ku80 gene in ECA109 and KYSE150 cells. Both quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blot were employed to evaluate Ku80 levels. CCK‐8 assay, clone formation assay, flow cytometry, and tumorigenesis experiment were performed to evaluate the malignant phenotype of ECA109 and KYSE150 cells. Increased Ku80 expression was observed in dysplastic esophageal mucosa and carcinoma in situ compared to normal esophageal mucosa (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Ku80 expression was further increased in superficial ESCC in comparison with dysplastic esophageal mucosa and carcinoma in situ (P < 0.001, P = 0.034). In superficial ESCC, Ku80 overexpression was related to tumor differentiation (P = 0.017), T status (P = 0.011), nodal involvement (P = 0.005), TNM stage (P = 0.004), and postoperative recurrence (P = 0.008). Cox proportional hazards regression showed tumor differentiation, T status, nodal involvement, TNM stage, and Ku80 expression were both independent predictors of patients’ overall survival and disease‐free survival. Ku80 shRNA effectively reduced Ku80 expression, which significantly inhibited proliferation, clone formation, and induced apoptosis in ECA109 and KYSE150 cells. The tumor growth of xenografts was significantly reduced by Ku80 silencing in ECA109 and KYSE150 cells. Ku80 overexpression associates with unfavorable prognosis of superficial ESCC patients, and silencing of Ku80 could inhibit the malignant behavior of ESCC cells. We provide evidence that Ku80 has unrecognized roles in carcinogenesis and development of ESCC.
International trends in lung cancer incidence from 1973 to 2007
Authors: Zhang Yue , Ren Jian‐Song , Huang Hui‐Yao , Shi Ju‐Fang , Li Ni , Zhang Yawei , Dai Min
Published: March 2018

Lung cancer is the commonly diagnosed cancer and one of the most important avoidable causes of death around the world. We conducted the study to investigate the pattern of lung cancer incidence worldwide. Joinpoint analysis was used to extend international lung cancer incidence rates by the latest data from Cancer Incidence in Five Continents over the 35‐year period 1973–2007 from 24 populations from Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Age‐standardized incidence rates (ASRs) of lung cancer were from 33.3 to 66.8 per 100,000 among males and 10.5 to 37.4 per 100,000 among females in most of Americas, Europe, and Oceania populations during the period 2003–2007. In Asia, ASRs in China (Hong Kong) were the highest, up to 53.3 per 100,000 in males and 21.9 per 100,000 in females during the period 2003–2007. The international trends between 1973 and 2007 showed that ASRs of lung cancer among males were declining in 13 of 18 selected Americas, Oceania, and Europe populations, with AAPC from −0.7% to −2.9%, whereas the rates among females in 18 selected populations were increasing, with AAPC from 1.3% to 5.0%. The increasing and decreasing trends of ASRs of lung cancer in Asia have a geographic variation but no gender differences. Although the decreasing trends in ASRs of lung cancer for males were observed, the ASRs were higher than females. The declining trends in males were mainly attributed to tobacco control, whereas the increasing trends in females should be given more concern and need to be further studied in etiology factors.
Disparities in cancer survival and incidence by metropolitan versus rural residence in Utah
Authors: Hashibe Mia , Kirchhoff Anne C. , Kepka Deanna , Kim Jaewhan , Millar Morgan , Sweeney Carol , Herget Kimberley , Monroe Marcus , Henry N. Lynn , Lopez Ana‐Maria , Mooney Kathi
Published: March 2018

Cancer disparities in rural and frontier communities are an important issue in Utah because much of Utah is sparsely populated. The aims of this study were to investigate whether there are differences in the cancer incidence and 5‐year survival rates in Utah by metropolitan/rural residence and to investigate disparities in distributions of cancer risk factors. We used cancer registry records to identify patients diagnosed with a first primary cancer in Utah between 2004 and 2008. We estimated 5‐year survival and incidence rates. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for the risk of death. There were 32,498 (86.9%) patients with cancer who lived in metropolitan counties and 4906 (13.1%) patients with cancer who lived in rural counties at the time of cancer diagnosis. Patients with cancer from rural counties were more likely to be older, American Indian/Alaskan Native, non‐Hispanic, male, and diagnosed at higher stage. Rural residents had a five‐year relative survival that was 5.2% lower than metropolitan residents and a 10% increase in risk of death (HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.18) after adjustment for multiple factors. Overall, the cancer incidence rates in rural counties were lower by 11.9 per 100,000 per year (449.2 in rural counties vs. 461.1 in metropolitan counties). Cancer patients living in rural counties of Utah had different demographic characteristics as well as differences in incidence and survival rates. Further studies with individual‐level data are necessary to investigate the reasons behind these differences in cancer incidence and survival to reduce disparities.
YL143, a novel mutant selective irreversible EGFR inhibitor, overcomes EGFRL858R, T790M‐mutant resistance in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhang Zhang , Zou Jian , Yu Lei , Luo Jinfeng , Li Yan , Tu Zhengchao , Ren Xiaomei , Wei Hongcheng , Song Liyan , Lu Xiaoyun , Ding Ke
Published: March 2018

YL143 was identified as a novel wild‐type sparing EGFRT790M inhibitor with good pharmacokinetic properties. It potently suppresses EGFRL858R/T790M with an 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 2.0 ± 0.3 nmol/L, but is approximately 92‐folds less potent against EGFRWT kinase. YL143 suppresses cellular proliferation and induces G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in H1975 cells with EGFRL858R/T790M mutation at 30 nmol/L. It also exhibits acceptable pharmacokinetics (PK) parameters with an oral bioavailability value of 25.0% after oral administration in rats and exhibits promising antitumor efficacy in a gefitinib‐resistant human H1975 xenografted model after oral administration of 30 mg/kg/day. These data supported that YL143 could be a promising lead compound for overcoming clinical EGFRT790M resistance of patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Comparison of survival between right‐sided and left‐sided colon cancer in different situations
Authors: Qiu Miao‐Zhen , Pan Wen‐Tao , Lin Jun‐Zhong , Wang Zi‐Xian , Pan Zhi‐Zhong , Wang Feng‐Hua , Yang Da‐Jun , Xu Rui‐Hua
Published: March 2018

Mountain of studies has showed that right‐sided colon cancer (RSCC) and left‐sided colon cancer (LSCC) have different clinical presentation and biologic features and should be considered as two distinct disease entities. The survival difference between RSCC and LSCC remains controversial. Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we identified colon adenocarcinoma patients from 2004 to 2013. The 5‐year cause‐specific survival (CSS) was our primary endpoint. All statistical analyses were performed using the Intercooled Stata 13.0. All statistical tests were two‐sided. The study included 95,847 (58.72%) RSCC and 67,385 (41.28%) LSCC patients. RSCC patients were older, more often females, more Caucasian, more unmarried, more advanced T and N stage, larger tumor sizes, and more poorly differentiated tumor, while LSCC patients had more stage IV diseases. Location was an independent prognostic factor in the multivariable analysis. Compared with RSCC patients, the hazard ratio for LSCC was 0.87, 95% CI: 0.85–0.89 P < 0.001. There was no survival difference between RSCC and LSCC in the following situations: older than 68 years old, T3–4, N0, poorly differentiated, and undifferentiated diseases. We firstly reported that RSCC patients had a better prognosis than LSCC in mucinous adenocarcinoma/signet ring cell carcinoma patients. RSCC patients also had a better prognosis than LSCC in stage II disease. There is a need for further subdivisions when analyzing the survival difference between RSCC and LSCC patients. RSCC had lower mortality rate than LSCC in stage II disease and mucinous adenocarcinoma/signet ring cell carcinoma patients.
Differences in clinicopathological characteristics and computed tomography findings between signet ring cell carcinoma and nonsignet ring cell carcinoma in early and advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Jian , Cai Rong , Ren Gang , Zhao Jianxi , Li Huali , Guo Chen , He Wenguang , Wu Xiangru , Zhang Wenjie
Published: March 2018

Signet ring cell carcinoma (SRC) of the stomach is a histological type based on microscopic characteristics. SRC's clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis are still controversial. Our study is to describe the clinicopathological features and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings of patients with SRC of the stomach in comparison with nonsignet ring cell adenocarcinoma (NSRC). We retrospectively analyzed data from 241 patients who had undergone curative gastrectomy, including 62 SRC and 179 NSRC. Clinicopathological outcomes and MDCT findings were evaluated, and we investigated whether these variables were correlated with histopathological type. In early gastric carcinoma, patients with SRC were younger (50.2 vs. 60.2 years; P = 0.000) and more likely to be observed in the middle and lower third stomach (P = 0.010). Early SRC had a tendency to be confined to the mucosa (82.1%). There were significant differences in degree of enhancement between early SRC and NSRC on MDCT imaging (P < 0.001). In advanced gastric carcinoma, SRC was more likely to be stage T3‐4 (100%). SRC patients had thicker tumors (P = 0.001) and a higher frequency of diffusely infiltrative gross appearance (P < 0.001). SRC was more likely to have high‐degree contrast enhancement than were NSRC (P = 0.001). The maximal diameter of SRC tumor on MDCT imaging correlated with lymph node metastasis (sensitivity 93.9%, specificity 74.1%) and serosal invasion (sensitivity 89.5%, specificity 78.0%) of SRC. In conclusion, SRC differs significantly from NSRC in clinicopathological features at presentation. MDCT could help differentiate advanced gastric SRC from NSRC based on the thickened stomach wall, high‐degree contrast enhancement, and a higher frequency of diffusely infiltrative gross appearance, particularly in combination.
Albumin‐to‐fibrinogen ratio as a promising biomarker to predict clinical outcome of non‐small cell lung cancer individuals
Authors: Li Shu‐Qi , Jiang Yu‐Huan , Lin Jin , Zhang Jing , Sun Fan , Gao Qiu‐Fang , Zhang Lei , Chen Qing‐Gen , Wang Xiao‐Zhong , Ying Hou‐Qun
Published: March 2018

Chronic inflammation is one of the critical causes to promote the initiation and metastasis of solid malignancies including lung cancer (LC). Here, we aimed to investigate the prognostic roles of albumin (Alb)‐to‐fibrinogen (Fib) ratio (AFR), Fib and Alb in LC and to establish a novel effective nomogram combined with AFR. Four hundred twelve LC patients diagnosed between February 2005 and December 2014 were recruited in this prospective study. The prognostic roles of AFR, Fib, Alb, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR) were identified by X‐tile software, Kaplan–Meier curve, Cox regression model, and time‐dependent ROC. Pretreatment high circulating Fib, low AFR, and Alb were significantly associated with increased risk of death for LC patients, especially for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in all stages. The area under curves (AUCs) of AFR, Fib, and NLR were higher than them within Alb and PLR for predicting the survival of NSCLC patients. Moreover, we found that clinical outcome of high AFR patient with chemo‐radiotherapy was superior to low AFR patient; overall survival rate of stage II‐III NSCLC patients undergoing chemo‐radiotherapy was significantly lower than the surgical patients with treatment of adjuvant chemo‐radiotherapy(P = 0.001) in low AFR subgroup. On the contrary, clinical outcome of the patients receiving chemo‐radiotherapy was the same to the patients undergoing surgery and adjuvant chemo‐radiotherapy (P = 0.405) in high AFR subgroup. In addition, c‐index of predicted nomogram including AFR (0.717) for NSCLC patients with treatment of chemo‐radiotherapy was higher than that without AFR (0.707). Our findings demonstrated that circulating pretreatment AFR might be a potential biomarker to predict clinical efficacy of surgical resection and adjuvant chemo‐radiotherapy and be a prognostic biomarker for NSCLC individuals.
Sesquiterpene Lactones with COX‐2 Inhibition Activity from Artemisia lavandulaefolia
Authors: Lü Jie‐Li , Li Zhou , Guo Li‐Min , Zhang Lai‐Bin
Published: March 2018

Two new sesquiterpene lactones, artelavanolides A (1) and B (2), and four known sesquiterpene lactones (3 – 6) were isolated from the leaves of Artemisia lavandulaefolia. Their structures were elucidated based on the analysis of spectroscopic data (1D, 2D‐NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS). The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by the analysis of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. Artelavanolide A (1) is a rare sesquiterpene lactone possessing an unusual skeleton with the linkage of Me(14)–C(1) that is probably formed through a rearrangement of the guaiane‐type sesquiterpenoids. Artelavanolide B (2) is a new highly unsaturated guaianolide. Compounds 1 – 6 were tested for activities on the inhibition of COX‐2 enzyme in vitro. All of compounds exhibited inhibitory activity against COX‐2 with IC50 values ranging from 43.29 to 287.07 μm compared with the positive control, celecoxib (IC50 = 18.10 μm). Among them, 3 showed the best COX‐2 inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 43.29 μm.
Nanodisc‐Targeted STD NMR Spectroscopy Reveals Atomic Details of Ligand Binding to Lipid Environments
Authors: Muñoz‐García Juan C. , Inacio dos Reis Rosana , Taylor Richard J. , Henry Alistair J. , Watts Anthony
Published: March 2018

Saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR spectroscopy is one of the most popular ligand‐based NMR techniques for the study of protein–ligand interactions. This is due to its robustness and the fact that it is focused on the signals of the ligand, without any need for NMR information on the macromolecular target. This technique is most commonly applied to systems involving different types of ligands (e.g., small organic molecules, carbohydrates or lipids) and a protein as the target, in which the latter is selectively saturated. However, only a few examples have been reported where membrane mimetics are the macromolecular binding partners. Here, we have employed STD NMR spectroscopy to investigate the interactions of the neurotransmitter dopamine with mimetics of lipid bilayers, such as nanodiscs, by saturation of the latter. In particular, the interactions between dopamine and model lipid nanodiscs formed either from charged or zwitterionic lipids have been resolved at the atomic level. The results, in agreement with previous isothermal titration calorimetry studies, show that dopamine preferentially binds to negatively charged model membranes, but also provide detailed atomic insights into the mode of interaction of dopamine with membrane mimetics. Our findings provide relevant structural information for the design of lipid‐based drug carriers of dopamine and its structural analogues and are of general applicability to other systems.
Protein–Polymer Microcapsules for PCR Technology
Authors: Wang Xiaoliang , Liu Yang , Liu Jiao , Chen Zhijun
Published: March 2018

Protein–polymer microcapsules have attracted much attention, due to their special features and potential in biological use. How to make the most of this type of bio‐abiotic hybrid material is an intriguing question. Nevertheless, several unsatisfactory technical issues significantly limited the application of these materials. For instance, introducing various biomolecules and crosslinking for the capsules remains challenging and problematic. In this report, recombinant mCherry protein was covalently linked with poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) to form amphiphilic protein–polymer conjugates, which assembled into microcapsules. These microcapsules are thermoresistant and can be used in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In this setting, the reactant molecules can be readily and easily introduced into the microcapsules, and crosslinking and water–oil phase transition are not necessary. This protein–polymer microcapsule PCR system has potential in various biological applications.
Feasibility, safety, and patient satisfaction of same‐day discharge following peripheral arterial interventions: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Islam Ashequl M. , Alreja Gaurav , Mallidi Jaya , Ziaul Hoque Mohammed , Friderici Jennifer
Published: March 2018

Objective

To assess feasibility, safety, and patient satisfaction of same‐day discharge (SD) following peripheral arterial interventions.

Background

Although diagnostic angiography is routinely performed as a same‐day procedure, same‐day percutaneous trans‐luminal angioplasty is less common. Because there is very low incidence of peri‐procedural complications after 4 hr, discharge after this window is possible provided the patient is able to ambulate and has necessary social support. To‐date, safety and patient satisfaction related to SD has not been studied systematically in this population.

Method

After providing informed consent, patients undergoing out‐patient peripheral arterial interventions in a single institution between 2011 and 2015 were randomized to usual care (overnight stay, OS) or SD following successful interventions. Patient satisfaction, complications, and readmission status was ascertained by blinded telephone interviewers at 48–72 hr and 10 days post‐procedure.

Results

A total of 24 patients consented. Of these, 5 (21.7%) failed screening, leaving 19 patients for randomization to control (n = 10) and experimental group (n = 9) conditions. The SD group experienced zero complications, however their Likert scale rating scores were significantly lower than OS for perceived level of safety (P = 0.02) and likelihood of having the procedure again (P = 0.004).

Conclusion

This small, single‐center randomized study found that among carefully selected peripheral arterial interventions, SD may be feasible and safe. However, patient satisfaction and perceived safety were significantly lower among SD compared to the OS condition. Larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Partial cystectomy for a primary locally advanced leiomyosarcoma of the bladder: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jayarajah Umesh , Fernando Manoj Hilary , Herath Kasun Bandara , de Silva Vipula Chandu , Goonewardena Serozsha Anura Sahadeva
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

Partial cystectomy with wide local excision may be considered a suitable option for selective cases of locally advanced bladder leiomyosarcoma without evidence of distant metastasis; thereby preserving the functional outcome and quality of life. A negative margin, complete tumor resection, and frequent follow‐up in such patients are mandatory.
Tailored Mutants of Phenylalanine Ammonia‐Lyase from Petroselinum crispum for the Synthesis of Bulky l‐ and d‐Arylalanines
Authors: Filip Alina , Nagy Emma Z. A. , Tork Souad D. , Bánóczi Gergely , Toşa Monica I. , Irimie Florin D. , Poppe László , Paizs Csaba , Bencze László C.
Published: March 2018

Tailored mutants of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase from Petroselinum crispum (PcPAL) were created and tested in ammonia elimination from various sterically demanding, non‐natural analogues of phenylalanine and in ammonia addition reactions into the corresponding (E)‐arylacrylates. The wild‐type PcPAL was inert or exhibited quite poor conversions in both reactions with all members of the substrate panel. Appropriate single mutations of residue F137 and the highly conserved residue I460 resulted in PcPAL variants that were active in ammonia elimination but still had a poor activity in ammonia addition onto bulky substrates. However, combined mutations that involve I460 besides the well‐studied F137 led to mutants that exhibited activity in ammonia addition as well. The synergistic multiple mutations resulted in substantial substrate scope extension of PcPAL and opened up new biocatalytic routes for the synthesis of both enantiomers of valuable phenylalanine analogues, such as (4‐methoxyphenyl)‐, (napthalen‐2‐yl)‐, ([1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐yl)‐, (4′‐fluoro‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐yl)‐, and (5‐phenylthiophene‐2‐yl)alanines.
Understanding Selective Reduction of CO2 to CO on Modified Carbon Electrocatalysts
Authors: Jung Hyejin , Lee Si Young , Won Da Hye , Kim Ki‐Jeong , Chae Sang Youn , Oh Hyung‐Suk , Min Byoung Koun , Hwang Yun Jeong
Published: March 2018

Modified carbon powders are attractive electrocatalysts for chemical conversion due to their low cost and high activity. Here, we demonstrate that electrochemical conversion activities of CO2 to CO in aqueous media are enhanced by the incorporation of transition metals into nitrogen‐doped carbon (M−N/C; M=Fe, Co, Cu). The type of the metals is thereby critical to achieve selective CO production over H2. Among M−N/C and N/C catalysts, Fe−N/C exhibited the highest faradaic efficiency for CO conversion, significantly enhanced compared with the metal‐free N‐doped carbon electrocatalyst. In addition, the catalysts containing higher pyridinic N and graphitic N but lower pyrrolic N contents favor CO production at lower bias potentials. Meanwhile, the total amount of N content in the carbon material is less important. Our CO2 reduction reaction results combined with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis propose that the modification of nitrogen states in the carbon structure is crucial in CO2RR activity.
From Monodisperse Thienyl‐ and Furylborane Oligomers to Polymers: Modulating the Optical Properties through the Hetarene Ratio
Authors: Lik Artur , Jenthra Sangeth , Fritze Lars , Müller Lars , Truong Khai‐Nghi , Helten Holger
Published: March 2018

The application of our newly developed B–C coupling method by catalytic Si/B exchange is demonstrated for the synthesis of a series of triarylboranes (1), monodisperse thienyl‐ and furylborane dimers (2) and trimers (9), extended oligomers (3) and polymers (3′), as well as mixed (oligo)thienyl‐/furylboranes. The structures of 1 aaTip, 1 bbTip, and 2 bbbMes*, determined by X‐ray crystallography, reveal largely coplanar hetarene rings and BR3 environments, which are most pronounced in the furylborane species. Photophysical investigations, supported by TD‐DFT calculations, revealed pronounced π‐electron delocalization over the hetarene backbones including the boron centers. With an extended series of derivatives of varying chain lengths available, we were able to determine the effective conjugation lengths (ECL) of poly(thienylborane)s and poly(furylborane)s, which have been reached with the highest‐molecular‐weight derivatives of our study. Through variation of the furan‐to‐thiophene ratio, the photophysical properties of these materials are effectively modulated. Significantly, higher furan contents lead to considerably increased fluorescence intensities. Compounds 1 aaTip, 1 bbTip, and 3 aTip showed the ability to bind fluoride anions. The binding process is signaled by a distinct change in their optical absorption characteristics, thus rendering these materials attractive targets for sensory applications.
Access to 3‐Oxindoles from Allylic Alcohols and Indoles
Authors: Lauwick Hortense , Sun Yang , Akdas‐Kilig Huriye , Dérien Sylvie , Achard Mathieu
Published: March 2018

The site‐selective and regioselective allylation of 2‐substituted indoles was performed by using a ruthenium(IV) precatalyst containing a phosphine–sulfonate chelate. Mono‐, di‐, and triallylated indoles were selectively obtained depending on the reaction conditions with the formation of water as the only byproduct. The preparation of 3‐oxindole derivatives was then successfully performed owing to air oxidation of the corresponding allylated indoles. Diallylated pseudoindoxyls were proven to be good synthons to perform cyclization through a ring‐closing metathesis reaction to afford the corresponding tricyclic adducts. The photophysical properties of the 3‐oxindoles were measured, and some of the compounds showed strong fluorescence in water.
Heterogeneous Pyrophosphate‐Linked DNA–Oligonucleotides: Aversion to DNA but Affinity for RNA
Authors: Anderson Brooke A. , Krishnamurthy Ramanarayanan
Published: March 2018

Pyrophosphate linkages are important in extant biology and are hypothesized to have played a role in prebiotic chemistry and in the origination of oligonucleotides. Inspired by pyrophosphate as backbones of primordial oligomers, DNA oligomers with varying amounts of pyrophosphate inserts (ppDNA) were synthesized and investigated for their base‐pairing properties. As expected, pyrophosphate inserts into the backbone compromised the thermal stability of ppDNA–DNA duplexes. In contrast, the ppDNA–RNA duplex exhibited, remarkably, duplex stability, even with accumulation of pyrophosphate linkages. This seems to be a consequence of an increase in the diameter of the double‐helix with eight‐bond‐repeat units, and higher inclination of the base‐pair axis with respect to the backbone in RNA (A‐form), compared with that in DNA (B‐form). These results suggest that pyrophosphate‐linked oligonucleotides could harbor functional capabilities with implications for their roles in the origins of life and chemical biology.
Hydrodynamic analysis of gas‐liquid‐liquid‐solid reactors using the XDEM numerical approach
Authors: Baniasadi Maryam , Peters Bernhard , Baniasadi Mehdi , Besseron Xavier
Published: March 2018

Multiphase reactors are abundantly used in many industries. Among them, few reactors deal with four phases called gas‐liquid‐liquid‐solid systems, which receive less attention due to their complex situation. Numerical study of such complex systems is not easy and requires large computational effort. In this study, a discrete‐continuous numerical model known as the eXtended discrete element method (XDEM) is proposed to investigate the hydrodynamic behaviour of fluid phases passing through the packed bed of solid particles. This model is applied to the dripping zone of a blast furnace. In this zone, two distinct liquid phases, namely liquid iron and slag, flow through a pile of coke particles while exchanging momentum. In this work, besides the solid‐fluid and gas‐liquid interactions, the liquid‐liquid interactions are also studied and the phases’ mutual effects are discussed. In addition, a sensitivity study on the slag viscosity is performed, which shows the importance of liquid phase properties on the system behaviour. The results evaluation shows that the liquid iron accelerates the downward flow of the slag and the slag decelerates the downward flow of the liquid iron phase due to the resistance force caused by their relative velocity.
Lactonization of C(sp2)—H Bonds in Enamides with CO2
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zhu Chun‐Jun , Miao Meng , Han Jie‐Lian , Ju Tao , Song Lei , Ye Jian‐Heng , Li Jing , Yu Da‐Gang
Published: March 2018

Herein, we report a novel synthesis of 1,3‐oxazin‐6‐ones from enamides with CO2 through C—H carboxylation and one‐pot cyclization. This transition‐metal‐free and redox‐neutral process features broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance and facile product derivatization. The nucleophilic attack to CO2 from the electron‐rich alkene is demonstrated for this reaction.