bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of the cancer oncogene Kelch-like 6 in gastric cancer
Authors: Deng J , Guo J , Ma G , Zhang H , Sun D , Hou Y , Xie X , Guo X , Nie Y , Liang H
Published: October 2017

Background

Kelch-like 6 (KLHL6) is a cancer oncogene previously associated with specific human cancers, such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Here, the mechanisms of KLHL6 function were explored in gastric cancer (GC) cells, in an in vivo experimental tumour model, and the prognostic value of KLHL6 analysis in GC tissue evaluated in a cohort of patients with GC.

Methods

Associations between clinicopathological and survival data and KLHL6 expression in GC tissues were analysed. The effects of downregulation of KLHL6 in GC cells was investigated using proliferation, invasion, apoptosis and lymphangiogenesis assays, and analysis of tumour growth in an in vivo experimental model.

Results

KLHL6 was upregulated in 43 per cent of GC tissues compared with 5 per cent of paired non-tumour tissues from 84 patients. KLHL6 protein expression in GC tissues was much higher than that in atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia tissues from benign gastric disease samples. KLHL6 expression was positively related to the intestinal Laurén classification in GC tissues. Downregulated expression of KLHL6 in MGC-803 GC cells reduced colony formation, proliferation, viability, migration and invasion, enhanced apoptosis and inhibited the cell cycle in the G1 phase. Downregulated expression of KLHL6 also suppressed tumour growth in mice. Furthermore, downregulated expression of KLHL6 mRNA reduced the expression of nuclear-associated antigen Ki-67, vascular endothelial growth factor C, hepatocyte growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase 2 in vitro, and KLHL6 protein in tumour tissue of mice.

Conclusion

Abnormal expression of the KLHL6 oncogene promoted GC progression in vitro and in vivo, and its expression level in tumour tissue was found to be of prognostic value.
Meta-analysis of the association between peripheral artery disease and growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Matthews E O , Rowbotham S E , Moxon J V , Jones R E , Vega de Ceniga M , Golledge J
Published: October 2017

Background

The role of atherosclerosis in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is controversial. Atherosclerosis-associated peripheral artery disease (PAD) has been reported to be a risk factor for AAA in population screening studies; its relationship with AAA growth is controversial.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted in April 2016 and repeated in January 2017. Databases were screened for studies reporting AAA growth rates in patients with, and without PAD. The included studies underwent quality assessment and, where possible, were included in the meta-analysis. A subgroup analysis was performed, including only studies that adjusted for confounding factors.

Results

Seventeen studies, including a total of 4873 patients, met the review entry criteria. Data from 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis. There was marked heterogeneity in study design, methodology and statistical analyses used. In the main analysis, PAD was associated with reduced AAA growth (mean difference – 0·13, 95 per cent c.i. –0·27 to –0·00; P = 0·04). However, statistical significance was not maintained in sensitivity analysis. In a subanalysis that included only data adjusted for other risk factors, no significant association between PAD and AAA growth was found (mean difference –0·11, –0·23 to 0·00; P = 0·05).

Conclusion

This systematic review suggests that currently reported studies demonstrate no robust and consistent association between PAD and reduced AAA growth.
Comparisons of the Functional and Basis Set Combinations for Silicon Oxide Clusters: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Byun Ho‐Gyun , Kim Inhyun , Kwon Hyo‐Shik , Bae Gyun‐Tack
Published: October 2017

In this study, we evaluate three functionals (B3LYP, PBE, and M06) and 29 basis sets to find a suitable model to calculate silicon oxide clusters using density functional theory. The experimental values of electron affinities and vertical detachment energies of SiO2 and Si2O4 clusters were compared with the calculated ones using combinations of the three functionals and 29 basis sets. The calculated SiO bond lengths and SiOSi angles of Si2O7 cluster were also compared with the experimental values. Our conclusion is that the PBE/DGDZVP model is the best for calculating the structural and electronic properties of silicon oxide clusters.
Topographical anatomy of the intestines during in utero physiological herniation
Authors: Cho Baik Hwan , Kim Ji Hyun , Jin Zhe Wu , Wilting Joerg , Rodríguez‐Vázquez José Francisco , Murakami Gen
Published: October 2017

Because most malrotations of the small intestine are thought to occur during repackaging, the location of the intestine should vary less during physiological herniation than afterward. Examination of serial sagittal sections of 27 embryos and fetuses (gestational age 6–9 weeks; crown‐rump length 15–45 mm) during herniation showed that the jejunum and ascending colon passed through a small opening of the hernia sac at the levels of the stomach and pancreas in 16 specimens. Below the pancreas, a definite mesentery extended between the ascending and descending colon in the abdominal cavity. In the other 11 specimens, the descending colon passed through an opening of normal size and ran posteriorly along the urinary bladder, so the entire ilium, ascending colon, and transverse colon entered the sac. In these specimens, the duodenojejunal junction was usually situated in a window of the mesentery of the colon (internal herniation). The descending colon was observed at an outside location more frequently in earlier specimens. In contrast to our working hypothesis, the locations of the intestine were abnormal in 40.7% (11/27) of samples. In addition, no abnormal colon was observed in any of the seven specimens after repackaging. An outside location of the descending colon was not directly associated with malrotation because recovery was likely. However, the delayed development of the inferior mesenteric arterial branches could cause failure, including death in utero, during or after the repackaging associated with physiological herniation. Clin. Anat. 31:583–592, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Did court find law school in violation of Title IX?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: October 2017

When New York Law School student Theresa Bailey encountered fellow student Stephen Nesbit in a school hallway in 2014, he allegedly prevented her from passing by him and slid his body across hers.
Zinc–Azatrane Complexes as Efficient Catalysts for the Conversion of Carbon Dioxide into Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Bousquet Benjamin , Martinez Alexandre , Dufaud Véronique
Published: October 2017

Three Zn complexes based on the N4‐tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine (tren) chelating ligand and presenting a C3‐symmetrical axis were synthesized and successfully applied in the coupling of CO2 with terminal and internal epoxides. These complexes proved to be efficient catalysts if associated with tetrabutylammonium iodide, even at a low catalyst loading (0.005 mol %) or at room temperature, and allowed the production of cyclic carbonates in good to high yields. Variation of the substitution pattern on the tren ligand was shown to impact the catalyst performance greatly, and the highest turnover number (TON) (up to 11 200) was achieved with the less sterically hindered methyl‐substituted ZnII–azatrane complex. These binary Zn–azatrane/NBu4I catalytic systems could be applied to a wide range of epoxide substrates, including the more challenging internal epoxides. Moreover, although soluble in the reaction medium, Zn–azatrane catalysts could be easily recovered and reused up to three times without any substantial loss in activity, proving their robustness under the reaction conditions.
Zeolite‐Y‐Mediated Multicomponent Reaction of Isatins, Cyclic 1,3‐Diketones, and 1,2‐Phenylenediamine: Easy Access to Spirodibenzo[1,4]diazepines
Authors: De Kajal , Bhanja Piyali , Bhaumik Asim , Mukhopadhyay Chhanda
Published: October 2017

A facile and efficient one‐pot, three‐component approach for the synthesis of spirodibenzo[1,4]diazepine derivatives has been achieved by the reaction of isatins, cyclic 1,3‐diketones, and 1,2‐phenylenediamines in the presence of a Zeolite‐Y nanopowder catalyst. The Zeolite‐Y nanopowder catalyst was synthesized and characterized thoroughly by using XRD, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, and N2‐adsorption analysis. We used X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy to investigate the electronic environment and oxidation state of the elements.
Cobalt−Iron Pyrophosphate Porous Nanosheets as Highly Active Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Liu Miaomiao , Qu Zhengyi , Yin Deqin , Chen Xiaojuan , Zhang Yajie , Guo Yong , Xiao Dan
Published: October 2017

One of the challenges to realize large‐scale water splitting is the sluggish kinetics of the anode reaction. Nowadays, metal phosphates are widely used as high‐efficiency catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this work, we studied common phosphoric acid salts including orthophosphate, pyrophosphate, and tripolyphosphate in a bimetallic catalyst to explore the effect of the anion in phosphate‐based OER electrocatalysts. Co−Fe‐Pi, Co−Fe‐Pyro, and Co−Fe‐Pyro were successfully synthesized through a simple and convenient co‐precipitation method. Among them, Co−Fe‐Pyro exhibits the best electrocatalytic activity, with a low overpotential of 276 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 32 mV dec−1, and a durable stability of about 90 % after 30000 s at 1.62 V vs. RHE in 1 M KOH. XRD reveals the amorphous structure of the materials and XPS confirms the formation of Co−Fe‐Pyro. SEM and TEM present the nanosheets with a porous structure on the surface of Co−Fe‐Pyro. The distribution and ratio of the elements in Co−Fe‐Pyro are confirmed by using EDS and ICP‐AES. Therefore, this work promotes a new thought regarding the anion structure in the phosphate‐based electrocatalysts.
Continuous Flow Synthesis of Platinum Nanoparticles in Porous Carbon as Durable and Methanol‐Tolerant Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Domínguez Carlota , Metz Kevin M. , Hoque Md. Khairul , Browne Michelle P. , Esteban‐Tejeda Leticia , Livingston Corbin K. , Lian Suoyuan , Perova Tatiana S. , Colavita Paula E.
Published: October 2017

The development and commercialization of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) as energy conversion devices remains a challenge despite their advantages in terms of energy density and energy‐conversion efficiency. The bottleneck for the development of DMFCs is mainly caused by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode of fuel cells, and the effect of the so‐called methanol crossover in state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C electrocatalysts. Herein, we report for the first time an easily scalable continuous flow method based on ultraspray pyrolysis (USP) for the preparation of Pt nanoparticles directly embedded on highly porous carbon spheres. A study on the effect that post‐synthesis treatment procedures have on the level of graphitization and catalytic properties is described. Use of USP results in a substantial reduction of the final Pt content with respect to typical Pt/C electrocatalysts, while yielding also excellent durability and tolerance to methanol crossover under acidic conditions. These results demonstrate that the USP method reported herein is a good candidate for its use in the preparation of ORR catalysts in commercial applications.
Nonlinear classification of commercial Mexican tequilas
Authors: Andrade Jose Manuel , Ballabio Davide , Gómez‐Carracedo Maria Paz , Pérez‐Caballero Guadalupe
Published: October 2017

Discriminant partial least squares (PLS‐DA)—a de facto standard classification method—was found to behave poorly when 3 classes of tequilas were modeled to study a collection of 170 commercial Mexican spirits measured by UV‐Vis spectroscopy. This result was compared with other linear and nonlinear supervised classification methods (PLS with variable selection by SRI index and genetic algorithms; kernel‐PLS—modified in this paper to handle simultaneously several classes, quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), support vectors machines, and counter‐propagation artificial neural networks). All linear models performed worse than nonlinear ones, and this was attributed to the quite different inner dispersion of the classes and the intermediate position of 1 class. Considering the overall classification results and parsimony, QDA was selected for routine assessments thanks to its simplicity and broad availability.
Ensemble calibration for the spectral quantitative analysis of complex samples
Authors: Bian Xihui , Diwu Pengyao , Liu Yirui , Liu Peng , Li Qian , Tan Xiaoyao
Published: October 2017

Ensemble strategies have gained increasing attention in multivariate calibration for quantitative analysis of complex samples. The aim of ensemble calibration is to obtain a more accurate, stable, and robust prediction by combining the predictions of multiple submodels. The generation and calibration of the training subsets, as well as the integration of the submodels, are three keys to the success of ensemble calibration. Many training subset generating and submodel integrating strategies have been developed to form numerous ensemble calibration methods for improving the performance of the basic calibration method. This contribution focuses on the recent ensemble strategies in relation to calibration, especially the ensemble modeling for quantitative analysis of complex samples. The limitations and perspectives of ensemble strategies are also discussed.
Breaking the Concentration Barrier for Single‐Molecule Fluorescence Measurements
Authors: Peng Sijia , Wang Wenjuan , Chen Chunlai
Published: October 2017

Fluorescence‐based single‐molecule techniques have become widely used tools to reveal dynamic processes of biomolecules and elucidate their molecular mechanisms. However, the concentration upper limit of labeled species that can be used in single‐molecule fluorescence measurements is at the low nm range, which is below the Michaelis constants of many enzymatic reactions and physiological concentrations of many biomolecules. Such discrepancy limits the application of single‐molecule fluorescence tools. Several techniques have been developed to break the concentration barrier. In this Concept, we focus on reviewing fundamental principles of these techniques and wish to inspire development of new and better tools to achieve this goal.
A Novel Approach to Synthesise a Dual‐Mode Luminescent Composite Pigment for Uncloneable High‐Security Codes to Combat Counterfeiting
Authors: Kanika  , Kumar Pawan , Singh Satbir , Gupta Bipin Kumar
Published: October 2017

A strategy is demonstrated to protect valuable items, such as currency, pharmaceuticals, important documents, etc. against counterfeiting, by marking them with luminescent security codes. These luminescent security codes were printed by employing luminescent ink formulated from a cost effective dual‐mode luminescent composite pigment of Gd1.7Yb0.2Er0.1O3 and Zn0.98Mn0.02S phosphors using commercially available PVC Gold medium. In the composite, Gd1.7Yb0.2Er0.1O3 and Zn0.98Mn0.02S account for upconversion and downconversion processes, respectively. The synthesis procedure of the composite involves the admixing of Gd1.7Yb0.2Er0.1O3 nanorods and Zn0.98Mn0.02S phosphor, synthesised by hydrothermal and facile solid‐state reaction methods, respectively. The structural, morphological, microstructural, and photoluminescent features of Gd1.7Yb0.2Er0.1O3 nanorods, Zn0.98Mn0.02S phosphor and composite were characterised by using XRD, SEM, TEM, and photoluminescence (PL) techniques, respectively. The distribution of PL intensity of the printed pattern was examined by using confocal PL mapping microscopy. The obtained results reveal that security codes printed using ink formulated from this bi‐luminescent composite pigment provide dual‐stage security against counterfeiting.
Desymmetrization of Bisallylic Amides through Catalytic Enantioselective Bromocyclization with BINAP Monoxide
Authors: Nagao Yoshihiro , Hisanaga Tatsunari , Egami Hiromichi , Kawato Yuji , Hamashima Yoshitaka
Published: October 2017

We report the first desymmetrization of bisallylic amides by enantioselective bromocyclization with BINAP monoxide as a catalyst. Depending upon the substitution pattern of the alkene moieties, densely functionalized, optically active oxazoline or dihydrooxazine compounds were obtained in a highly stereoselective manner. The remaining alkene moiety was subjected to various functional group manipulations to afford a diverse array of chiral molecules with multiple stereogenic centers.
C2‐Modified Sparteine Derivatives Are a New Class of Potentially Long‐Acting Sodium Channel Blockers
Authors: Gawali Vaibhavkumar S. , Simeonov Svilen , Drescher Martina , Knott Thomas , Scheel Olaf , Kudolo John , Kählig Hanspeter , Hochenegg Ulla , Roller Alexander , Todt Hannes , Maulide Nuno
Published: October 2017

The lupin alkaloid sparteine is a well‐known chiral diamine with a range of applications in asymmetric synthesis, as well as a blocker of voltage‐gated sodium channels (VGSCs). However, there is only scarce information on the VGSC‐blocking activity of sparteine derivatives where the structure of the parent alkaloid is retained. Building on the recent renewed availability of sparteine and derivatives we report herein how modification of sparteine at position 2 produces irreversible blockers of VGSCs. These compounds could be clinically envisaged as long‐lasting local anesthetics.
Patient‐reported quality‐of‐life outcomes after de‐escalated chemoradiation for human papillomavirus‐positive oropharyngeal carcinoma: Findings from a phase 2 trial
Authors: Hegde John V. , Shaverdian Narek , Daly Megan E. , Felix Carol , Wong Deborah L. , Rosove Michael H. , Garst Jordan H. , Wang Pin‐Chieh , Veruttipong Darlene , Rao Shyam , Fragoso Ruben C. , Riess Jonathan W. , Steinberg Michael L. , Chen Allen M.
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

The current study represents a subset analysis of quality‐of‐life (QOL) outcomes among patients treated on a phase 2 trial of de‐escalated chemoradiation for human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated oropharyngeal cancer.

METHODS

Eligibility included newly diagnosed, (American Joint Committee on Cancer, 7th edition) stage III or IV oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, p16 positivity, age ≥ 18 years, and a Zubrod performance status of 0 to 1. Treatment was induction paclitaxel at a dose of 175 mg/m2 and carboplatin at an area under the curve of 6 for 2 cycles followed by response‐adapted, dose‐reduced radiation of 54 Gy or 60 Gy with weekly concurrent paclitaxel at a dose of 30 mg/m2. The University of Washington Quality of Life (UW‐QOL) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Head and Neck questionnaires were used to assess patient‐reported QOL as a secondary endpoint.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients were registered, 40 of whom completed QOL surveys and were evaluable. Nadirs for overall UW‐QOL and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Head and Neck scores were reached at 4 weeks after treatment but returned to baseline at 3 months. Nearly all functional indices returned to baseline levels by 6 to 9 months. The mean overall UW‐QOL score was 71.6 at baseline compared with 70.8, 73.0, 83.3, and 81.1, respectively, at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after therapy. The percentage of patients rating their overall QOL as “very good” or “outstanding” at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years using the UW‐QOL was 50%, 77%, and 84%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This de‐escalation regimen achieved QOL outcomes that were favorable compared with historical controls. These results serve as powerful evidence that ongoing de‐escalation efforts lead to tangible gains in function and QOL. Cancer 2018;124:521‐9. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
BRCA mutations in women with inflammatory breast cancer
Authors: Gutierrez Barrera Angelica M. , Fouad Tamer M. , Song Juhee , Webster Rachel , Elsayegh Nisreen , Wood Anita L. , Demir Atakan , Litton Jennifer K. , Ueno Naoto T. , Arun Banu K.
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) often affects women at a relatively young age. To the authors' knowledge, the rate of BRCA variants among patients with IBC is not known. To determine the association between BRCA status and IBC, the authors evaluated its rate and compared the clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with IBC with those of patients with other breast cancers (non‐IBC).

METHODS

Patients who presented at the study institution's cancer genetics program and who underwent BRCA genetic testing were included in the current study. The authors compared clinicopathologic data between patients with IBC and those with non‐IBC using propensity score matching to identify predictors.

RESULTS

A total of 1789 patients who underwent BRCA genetic testing (1684 with non‐IBC and 105 with IBC) were included. BRCA pathogenic variants were found in 27.3% of patients with non‐IBC and 18.1% of patients with IBC (P = .0384). After propensity score matching, there were no significant differences noted between patients with IBC and those with non‐IBC, including the rate of BRCA pathogenic variants (P = .5485). However, a subgroup analysis of the 479 patients with BRCA pathogenic variants demonstrated that patients with IBC (19 patients) were diagnosed at significantly younger ages compared with patients with non‐IBC (P = .0244).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no clear association observed between BRCA pathogenic variants and IBC. However, among patients who tested positive for BRCA pathogenic variants, those with IBC were younger at the time of diagnosis compared with those with non‐IBC breast cancers. These results confirm that genetic testing is important for patients with IBC who meet the current clinical criteria for genetic testing in breast cancer. Cancer 2018;124:466‐74. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Approaches to regional lymph node metastasis in patients with head and neck mucosal melanoma
Authors: Amit Moran , Tam Samantha , Abdelmeguid Ahmed S. , Roberts Dianna B. , Raza Shaan M. , Su Shirley Y. , Kupferman Michael E. , DeMonte Franco , Hanna Ehab Y.
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Mucosal melanomas in the head and neck region are most often located in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. To the authors' knowledge, the prognostic effects of lymph node metastasis in patients with sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM) have not been established. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to determine the effects of lymph node metastasis on survival.

METHODS

The current study included 198 patients with SNMM who had been treated between 1985 and 2016 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Patients' clinical and pathologic lymph node statuses were evaluated and characterized. A multivariate analysis was used to assess the associations between regional spread and survival outcomes.

RESULTS

Therapeutic neck dissection was performed in 23 patients with SNMM (11.6%). Regional disease recurrence occurred in 7 of the patients who had lymph node metastasis at the time of presentation (30.4%) and in 30 of those who had N0 disease at the time of presentation (17.1%) (P = .15). Metastasis to the contralateral lymph nodes was present in 7 patients (3.5%). The 5‐year disease‐specific survival rate was 66% in patients with lymph node spread compared with 45% in patients with N0 status (P = .04, log‐rank test). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that distant metastasis was the only variable found to be independently associated with both overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.54‐6.95 [P = .01]) and disease‐specific survival (hazard ratio, 3.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.79‐7.14 [P = 0.01]).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study demonstrated that lymph node status in patients with SNMM was not a significant predictor of outcome. This finding, together with the low incidence of lymph node metastases in patients with SNMM, suggests that elective treatment of the neck should be highly selective in this patient population. Cancer 2018;124:514‐20. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
An online color naming experiment in Russian using Munsell color samples
Authors: Paramei Galina V. , Griber Yulia A. , Mylonas Dimitris
Published: October 2017

Russian color naming was explored in a web‐based experiment. The purpose was 3‐fold: to examine (1) CIELAB coordinates of centroids for 12 Russian basic color terms (BCTs), including 2 Russian terms for “blue”, sinij “dark blue”, and goluboj “light blue”, and compare these with coordinates for the 11 English BCTs obtained in earlier studies; (2) frequent nonBCTs; and (3) gender differences in color naming. Native Russian speakers participated in the experiment using an unconstrained color‐naming method. Each participant named 20 colors, selected from 600 colors densely sampling the Munsell Color Solid. Color names and response times of typing onset were registered. Several deviations between centroids of the Russian and English BCTs were found. The 2 “Russian blues”, as expected, divided the BLUE area along the lightness dimension; their centroids deviated from a centroid of English blue. Further minor departures were found between centroids of Russian and English counterparts of “brown” and “red”. The Russian color inventory confirmed the linguistic refinement of the PURPLE area, with high frequencies of nonBCTs. In addition, Russian speakers revealed elaborated naming strategies and use of a rich inventory of nonBCTs. Elicitation frequencies of the 12 BCTs were comparable for both genders; however, linguistic segmentation of color space, employing a synthetic observer, revealed gender differences in naming colors, with more refined naming of the “warm” colors from females. We conclude that, along with universal perceptual factors, that govern categorical partition of color space, Russian speakers’ color naming reflects language‐specific factors, supporting the weak relativity hypothesis.
Palladium Complexes of Carbazole‐Based Chalcogenaisophlorins: Synthesis, Structure, and Solid‐State NIR Absorption Spectra
Authors: Maeda Chihiro , Takaishi Kazuto , Ema Tadashi
Published: October 2017

Annulation reactions of the butadiyne‐bridged carbazole dimer 1 produced carbazole‐based chalcogenaisophlorins 2–4, which were transformed into the corresponding palladium complexes 2Pd–4Pd. The structures were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Metallation fixed the structures which displayed weak antiaromatic character derived from the 20π isophlorin framework. These complexes showed weak near‐infrared (NIR) absorption typical for antiaromatic porphyrinoids in solution. In addition, 2Pd and 3Pd showed relatively strong solid‐state NIR absorption. X‐ray diffraction analyses of 2Pd and 3Pd revealed trimeric and dimeric stacked layered structures, respectively, and DFT calculations suggest that the solid‐state NIR absorption is ascribed to intermolecular charge transfer.
Emerging Therapies for Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Povsic Thomas J.
Published: October 2017

The treatment of atherosclerotic heart disease has improved remarkably over the last several decades; however, the outlook for patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure with reduced ejection fraction remains bleak. Current drug therapies target the neurohormonal activation that accompanies congestive heart failure, but do not address the fundamental pathology inherent in this condition—the loss of contractile capacity. Stem cell therapies offer the possibility of rectifying this deficiency and normalizing left ventricular dimensions and cardiac performance by regenerating novel contractile tissue, thereby reversing the negative remodeling that portends progressive left ventricular dysfunction, worsening symptoms, and ultimately cardiogenic shock. Here we review the promise of stem cell therapies in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, the current state of clinical developments, and briefly comment on the future of the field.
Neutral lipid fatty acid composition as trait and constraint in Collembola evolution
Authors: Chen Ting‐Wen , Sandmann Philipp , Schaefer Ina , Scheu Stefan
Published: October 2017

Functional traits determine the occurrence of species along environmental gradients and their coexistence with other species. Understanding how traits evolved among coexisting species helps to infer community assembly processes. We propose fatty acid composition in consumer tissue as a functional trait related to both food resources and physiological functions of species. We measured phylogenetic signal in fatty acid profiles of 13 field‐sampled Collembola (springtail) species and then combined the data with published fatty acid profiles of another 24 species. Collembola fatty acid profiles generally showed phylogenetic signal, with related species resembling each other. Long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, related to physiological functions, demonstrated phylogenetic signal. In contrast, most food resource biomarker fatty acids and the ratios between bacterial, fungal, and plant biomarker fatty acids exhibited no phylogenetic signal. Presumably, fatty acids related to physiological functions have been constrained during Collembola evolutionary history: Species with close phylogenetic affinity experienced similar environments during divergence, while niche partitioning in food resources among closely related species favored species coexistence. Measuring phylogenetic signal in ecologically relevant traits of coexisting species provides an evolutionary perspective to contemporary assembly processes of ecological communities. Integrating phylogenetic comparative methods with community phylogenetic and trait‐based approaches may compensate for the limitations of each method when used alone and improve understanding of processes driving and maintaining assembly patterns.
Internode morphometrics and allometry of Tonkin Cane Pseudosasa amabilis
Authors: Cheng Liang , Hui Cang , Reddy Gadi V. P. , Ding Yu‐Long , Shi Pei‐Jian
Published: October 2017

Pseudosasa amabilis (McClure) (Poales: Gramineae) is a typical bamboo species naturally distributed in large area of south China and famous for its culm strength. Although bamboos were found to share the same development rule, the detailed internode morphology of bamboo culm was actually not fully expressed. We explored internode morphology of P. amabilis using 11 different physical parameters in different dimensions (1–4). As Taylor's power law (TPL) is generally applicable to describe relationship between mean and variance of population density, here we used TPL to evaluate the differences between internodes, and further, the relationship between dimension and TPL. Results showed that length (L), hollow radius (HR), hollow area (HA), hollow cylinder volume (HCV), total cylinder volume (TCV), density (De), and weight (W) all presented positive skewed distribution in varying degrees. For the basic one‐dimensional parameters, the 9th internode was the longest, the 7th the heaviest, while thickness (T) decreased with internodes. Diameter (D) decreased in general but with an inconspicuous local mode at the 5–6th internodes, potentially due to the rapid height growth. The longest (9th) internode was the “turning point” for T‐D and HR‐D relationships. Scatter plot changing trends of W to the one‐dimensional parameters after the heaviest (7th) internode were reversed, indicating a deceleration of growth speed. TPL was not holding well in one‐dimensional parameters (R2: 0.5413–0.8125), but keep increasing as the parameter's dimension increasing (R2 > 0.92 for two‐dimensional, R2 > 0.97 for three‐dimensional, and R2 > 0.99 for four‐dimensional parameters.), suggesting an emergence mechanism of TPL related to both the physical dimensions of morphological measures and the allometric growth of bamboo. From the physical fundamental level, all existences are the expression of energy distribution in different dimensions, implying a more general rule that energy distribution holds better TPL in higher dimension level.
Quantifying resilience of multiple ecosystem services and biodiversity in a temperate forest landscape
Authors: Cantarello Elena , Newton Adrian C. , Martin Philip A. , Evans Paul M. , Gosal Arjan , Lucash Melissa S.
Published: October 2017

Resilience is increasingly being considered as a new paradigm of forest management among scientists, practitioners, and policymakers. However, metrics of resilience to environmental change are lacking. Faced with novel disturbances, forests may be able to sustain existing ecosystem services and biodiversity by exhibiting resilience, or alternatively these attributes may undergo either a linear or nonlinear decline. Here we provide a novel quantitative approach for assessing forest resilience that focuses on three components of resilience, namely resistance, recovery, and net change, using a spatially explicit model of forest dynamics. Under the pulse set scenarios, we explored the resilience of nine ecosystem services and four biodiversity measures following a one‐off disturbance applied to an increasing percentage of forest area. Under the pulse + press set scenarios, the six disturbance intensities explored during the pulse set were followed by a continuous disturbance. We detected thresholds in net change under pulse + press scenarios for the majority of the ecosystem services and biodiversity measures, which started to decline sharply when disturbance affected >40% of the landscape. Thresholds in net change were not observed under the pulse scenarios, with the exception of timber volume and ground flora species richness. Thresholds were most pronounced for aboveground biomass, timber volume with respect to the ecosystem services, and ectomycorrhizal fungi and ground flora species richness with respect to the biodiversity measures. Synthesis and applications. The approach presented here illustrates how the multidimensionality of stability research in ecology can be addressed and how forest resilience can be estimated in practice. Managers should adopt specific management actions to support each of the three components of resilience separately, as these may respond differently to disturbance. In addition, management interventions aiming to deliver resilience should incorporate an assessment of both pulse and press disturbances to ensure detection of threshold responses to disturbance, so that appropriate management interventions can be identified.
Optimizing methods to estimate zooplankton concentration based on generalized patterns of patchiness inside ballast tanks and ballast water discharges
Authors: Bailey Sarah A. , Rajakaruna Harshana
Published: October 2017

Zooplankton populations are spatially heterogeneous in nature and inside ship ballast tanks. Sampling methods should take heterogeneity into account, particularly when estimating quantitative variables such as abundance or concentration. It is particularly important to generate unbiased estimates of zooplankton concentration in ballast water when assessing compliance with new international ballast water discharge standards. We measured spatial heterogeneity of zooplankton within ballast water using three sampling methodologies. In‐tank pump samples were collected at fixed depths within the vertical part of the ballast tank (side tank). Vertical net‐haul samples were collected from the upper portion of the tank as a depth‐integrated and historically relevant method. In‐line, time‐integrated samples were collected during ballast discharge by an isokinetic sample probe, likely representing the double bottom part of the ballast tank. The bias and precision associated with each sampling method were evaluated in reference to the estimated average abundance of the entire ballast tank, which was modeled from the data collected by all methods. In‐tank pump samples provided robust evidence for vertical stratification of zooplankton concentration in the side tank. A consistent trend was also observed for in‐line discharge samples, with zooplankton concentration decreasing through time as the ballast tank is being discharged. Sample representativeness, as compared to the tank average, varied depending on the depth or tank volume discharged. In‐line discharge samples provided the least biased and most precise estimate of average tank abundance (having lowest mean squared error) when collected during the time frame of 20%–60% of the tank volume being discharged. Results were consistent across five trips despite differences in ballast water source, season, and age.
Responses to a warming world: Integrating life history, immune investment, and pathogen resistance in a model insect species
Authors: Laughton Alice M. , O'Connor Cian O. , Knell Robert J.
Published: October 2017

Environmental temperature has important effects on the physiology and life history of ectothermic animals, including investment in the immune system and the infectious capacity of pathogens. Numerous studies have examined individual components of these complex systems, but little is known about how they integrate when animals are exposed to different temperatures. Here, we use the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella) to understand how immune investment and disease resistance react and potentially trade‐off with other life‐history traits. We recorded life‐history (development time, survival, fecundity, and body size) and immunity (hemocyte counts, phenoloxidase activity) measures and tested resistance to bacterial (E. coli) and viral (Plodia interpunctella granulosis virus) infection at five temperatures (20–30°C). While development time, lifespan, and size decreased with temperature as expected, moths exhibited different reproductive strategies in response to small changes in temperature. At cooler temperatures, oviposition rates were low but tended to increase toward the end of life, whereas warmer temperatures promoted initially high oviposition rates that rapidly declined after the first few days of adult life. Although warmer temperatures were associated with strong investment in early reproduction, there was no evidence of an associated trade‐off with immune investment. Phenoloxidase activity increased most at cooler temperatures before plateauing, while hemocyte counts increased linearly with temperature. Resistance to bacterial challenge displayed a complex pattern, whereas survival after a viral challenge increased with rearing temperature. These results demonstrate that different immune system components and different pathogens can respond in distinct ways to changes in temperature. Overall, these data highlight the scope for significant changes in immunity, disease resistance, and host–parasite population dynamics to arise from small, biologically relevant changes to environmental temperature. In light of global warming, understanding these complex interactions is vital for predicting the potential impact of insect disease vectors and crop pests on public health and food security.
1‐Phenyl‐1,2‐benziodoxol‐3‐(1H)‐one as Synthon for Phthalide Synthesis through Pd‐Free, Base‐Free, Sonogashira‐Type Coupling Cyclization Reaction
Authors: Almasalma Ahmad A. , Mejía Esteban
Published: October 2017

Hypervalent iodine(III) five‐membered heterocycles have found broad application as atom‐transfer reagents for organic synthesis. Among them, 1‐phenyl‐1,2‐benziodoxol‐3‐(1H)‐one is known as a traditional benzyne precursor, but no further synthetic applications have been reported. Herein, we report the first synthetic application of 1‐phenyl‐1,2‐benziodoxol‐3‐(1H)‐one to the synthesis of phthalides by using only CuI as catalyst. High selectivity and yields were achieved under mild reaction conditions with good functional group tolerance. During our investigations, the efficiency of different CuI and CuII catalysts under various reaction conditions were studied. The nature of the leaving group, the substituents on the substrate, and the temperature play an important role on both yield and selectivity. Moreover, a plausible mechanistic pathway for this transformation was proposed based on our observations and previous literature reports.
Synthesis of Tetrahydroquinoline‐Embedded Bridged Benzothiaoxazepine‐1,1‐dioxides
Authors: Borgohain Hemi , Devi Runjun , Dheer Divya , Borah Biraj Jyoti , Shankar Ravi , Das Sajal Kumar
Published: October 2017

A diastereoselective synthesis of previously unknown tetrahydroquinoline‐containing bridged benzothiaoxazepine‐1,1‐dioxides is presented. The three‐step protocol uses readily available N‐aryl‐2‐fluorobenzenesulfonamides and trans‐2,3‐epoxy‐cinnamyl‐alcohol‐derived tosylates as the starting materials, involves N‐alkylation of sulfonamides, intramolecular epoxide ring‐opening, and SNAr reactions as the reaction steps, and requires only one chromatographic purification to access the desired products in good overall yields.
Electrochemical Behaviour Study and Determination of Guanine, 6‐Thioguanine, Acyclovir and Gancyclovir on Fluorine‐doped SnO2Electrode. Application in Pharmaceutical Preparations
Authors: Martínez‐Rojas F. , Del Valle M. A. , Isaacs M. , Ramírez Galo , Armijo F.
Published: October 2017

An electroanalytical method using square wave voltammetry (SWV) is proposed for the quantification of Guanine (G), 6‐Thioguanine (TG), Acyclovir (Acy) and Ganciclovir (Gan) in different types of pharmacological samples. In addition, for the first time, a study of the electrochemical behavior (using cyclic voltammetry, CV) of guanine and its pharmacological derivatives on fluoride doped oxide (FTO) electrodes was carried out. The study of CV potential scanning demonstrated the charge transfer process was diffusion controlled and the diffusion coefficient was determined for all the studied products. Besides, electrochemical parameters, such as transfer coefficient, heterogeneous charge transfer constant and the number of electrons transferred (e) were determined namely, 4e for TG and 2e for G, Acy and Gan. SWV studies at pH 4 for G and 2 for TG, Acy and Gan showed linear ranges between 4.0×10−6and 40.0×10−6 mol L−1, with detection limits of 0.91×10−6for G, and 1.50×10−6for TG, 1.25×10−6for Acy and 0.45×10−6 mol L−1for Gan. The method presents sensitivity and stability appropriate to be employed in quality control and routine quantification of drugs in pharmaceutical formulations.
Controlling the oxidative stability of biodiesel using oils or biodiesel blending or antioxidants addition
Authors: Canha Nuno , Felizardo Pedro , Correia M. Joana Neiva
Published: October 2017

Among the 25 parameters established by the European Standard (EN14214:2012) to certify the quality of biodiesel, the oxidative stability is of concern, particularly when storing biodiesel for long periods. The products of biodiesel degradation are corrosive and lead to the formation of engine deposits that can block the filters and fuel injectors. Thus, EN14214:2012 establishes a period of 8 h for the oxidative stability of biodiesel. The main goal of this work is to study the effect of storage conditions in the oxidative stability of biodiesel and to understand how to control this property on the different stages of biodiesel production, namely through: (1) the use of different raw‐materials, blending, and production strategies; (2) the addition of antioxidants. NIR spectroscopy was used to follow the transesterification reaction and to analyze the different biodiesel samples. The storage conditions, such as sunlight exposure, temperature and presence of air, have a great impact on the oxidative degradation of biodiesel. Actually, for example, a decrease in 50% of the oxidative stability was obtained after less than 20 days of storage in an opaque plastic bottle. On the other hand, the addition of 20% (w/w) of palm oil to rapeseed or soybean oils allows to increase the oxidative stability by 1 h and the addition of palm biodiesel to rapeseed or soy biodiesel has a similar effect. Hydroquinone showed to be a very effective antioxidant. In fact, the addition of 114 mg/kg lead to an increase in the induction period of soybean biodiesel of more than 4 hours, whereas 65 mg/kg is sufficient to reach the 8h established in the European Norm. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1031–1040, 2018
Microbial conversion of wastewater from butanol fermentation to microbial oil and biomass by oleaginous yeasts
Authors: Li Xiaomei , Song Conghua , Xiong Lian , Chen Xuefang , Huang Chao , Lin Xiaoqing , Chen Xinde , Ma Longlong
Published: October 2017

Four oleaginous yeasts (Trichosporon coremiiforme, Trichosporon dermatis, Cryptococcus albidus, and Trichosporon cutaneum) were used for treatment of the wastewater after butanol fermentation. The wastewater containing high COD value (33.70 g L−1) and total sugar concentration (13.07 g L−1) could satisfy the requirement of cellular growth. Among the four strains, the highest cell accumulation of 9.82 g L−1 was produced by T. cutaneum, and the maximum biomass (9.76 g L−1) of T. dermatis was also obtained after four days fermentation, followed by T. coremiiforme (7.90 g L−1) and C. albidus (7.59 g L−1). However, T. coremiiforme achieved the highest lipid content (34.35%) and yield (2.38 g L−1) after four days' fermentation. The lipid content of T. dermatis, C. albidus and T. cutaneum increased up to 15.69%, 10.25%, and 15.39%, respectively. Meanwhile, after five days' fermentation, the conversion yields of lipid/COD (%, g L−1/g L−1) by T. coremiiforme, T. dermatis, C. albidus, and T. cutaneum were 7.47%, 3.72%, 3.18%, and 3.03%, respectively. Results showed that T. coremiiforme had the highest yield (1635.4 mg L−1) of the fatty acids composition (C18:1 and C18:2), followed by T. dermatis (978.9 mg L−1) and T. cutaneum (998.4 mg L−1). Comparison among the four oleaginous yeasts, T. coremiiforme gave the best bioconversion for lipid content, lipid yield and conversion yields using the wastewater after butanol fermentation as the growth medium oleaginous yeasts. The results suggested that T. Coremiiforme had a great potential to be a candidate for biodiesel feedstock. This bioconversion of wastewater from butanol fermentation to microbial oil and biomass by oleaginous yeasts could both solve the environmental problem and offer lipid production with low cost. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1220–1226, 2018
Forensic source attribution for toluene in environmental samples
Authors: Richards Philip I. , Sandau Court D.
Published: October 2017

The formation of toluene by microbiological processes can confound environmental investigations relating to petroleum releases. This is because toluene is a constituent of petroleum and can move readily within wetland environments, and analysis for toluene in relation to a petroleum release can lead to incorrect assignment of detected biogenic toluene as related to the release. No legally defensible method of distinguishing biogenic and petrogenic origins of detectible concentrations of toluene have been demonstrated to date. Using example petrogenic samples and samples of peat from 2 wetland environments, a poor bog and a poor fen, the present study demonstrates the use of an established ASTM International analytical methodology that was originally designed for arson analysis for the determination of the origin of toluene. Environmental forensic data-interpretation methods such as chromatogram inspection and diagnostic ratios are shown to be capable of readily distinguishing biogenic and petrogenic origins of toluene. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:729–737. © 2017 SETAC

Abstract

The detection of biogenic toluene in wetlands can be distinguished from petrogenic toluene froma petroleum release using stepwise environmental forensics data interpretation.
Progress in Climate‐Change Adaptation Appears More Fruitful Than Mitigation
Authors: Frederick Jesse D.
Published: October 2017

Climate‐change policy mandating tangible reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) has been in place for over a decade.