bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the antiparasitic activities of imidazol‐2‐ylidene–gold(I) complexes
Authors: Koko Waleed S. , Jentzsch Jana , Kalie Hussein , Schobert Rainer , Ersfeld Klaus , Al Nasr Ibrahim S. , Khan Tariq A. , Biersack Bernhard
Published: March 2020

A series of cationic gold(I)–carbene complexes with various 4,5‐diarylimidazolylidene ligands were either newly prepared or repurposed for testing against protozoal Leishmania major, Toxoplasma gondii, and Trypanosoma brucei parasites. The syntheses of the new complexes 1b and 1c were described. Ferrocene compound 1a showed the highest activities against L. major amastigotes and T. gondii and distinct selectivity for T. gondii cells when compared with the activity against nonmalignant Vero cells. The ferrocene derivatives 1a–c are generally more active against the L. major amastigotes and the T. gondii tachyzoites than the other tested anisyl gold complexes and the approved drugs atovaquone and amphotericin B. Compounds 1a and 1e showed the highest selectivities for L. major amastigotes. Compounds 1d and 1f showed the highest selectivities for L. major promastigotes; 1f was the most active compound against L. major promastigotes of this series of compounds. The 3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl analog 1b also exhibited a much greater selectivity for T. b. brucei cells when compared with its activity against human HeLa cells.
Self‐Assembling Proteins for Design of Anticancer Nanodrugs
Authors: Zou Qianli , Chang Rui , Yan Xuehai
Published: March 2020

Inspired by the diverse protein‐based structures and materials in organisms, proteins have been expected as promising biological components for constructing nanomaterials toward various applications. In numerous studies protein‐based nanomaterials have been constructed with the merits of abundant bioactivity and good biocompatibility. However, self‐assembly of proteins as a dominant approach in constructing anticancer nanodrugs has not been reviewed. Here, we provide a comprehensive account of the role of protein self‐assembly in fabrication, regulation, and application of anticancer nanodrugs. The supramolecular strategies, building blocks, and molecular interactions of protein self‐assembly as well as the properties, functions, and applications of the resulting nanodrugs are discussed. The applications in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, gene therapy, and combination therapy are included. Especially, manipulation of molecular interactions for realizing cancer‐specific response and cancer theranostics are emphasized. By expounding the impact of molecular interactions on therapeutic activity, rational design of highly efficient protein‐based nanodrugs for precision anticancer therapy can be envisioned. Also, the challenges and perspectives in constructing nanodrugs based on protein self‐assembly are presented to advance clinical translation of protein‐based nanodrugs and next‐generation nanomedicine.
Hochfester Aufbeton zur Tragwerksverstärkung
Authors: Randl Norbert , Steiner Martin
Published: March 2020

In Bauteil‐ und Kleinkörperversuchen mit unterschiedlichen Prüfkörperformen und Test‐Setups wurde das Verbundtragverhalten zwischen hochfestem Auf‐ und normalfestem Altbeton untersucht. Während in Teil 1 über die Kleinkörperversuche berichtet wurde, stehen im Teil 2 Versuche an plattenartigen Bauteilen mit Fokus auf den flächigen Verbund im Vordergrund. Neben den herkömmlich betonierten normal‐ und höherfesten Aufbetonschichten wurde an zwei Bauteilen die Aufbetonage unter zyklischer Anregung der Grundplatte durchgeführt. Insgesamt bestätigten auch die Bauteilversuche die schon am Kleinkörper beobachtete Verbesserung der Verbundeigenschaften mit hochfestem Aufbeton. Sämtliche Platten mit normalfestem Aufbeton wiesen im Bereich der Verbundfugen im Bruchversuch lokale Schädigungen auf, bei den mit hochfestem Beton verstärkten Platten hingegen waren bis auf jene mit zyklischer Anregung während der Betonage kaum Verbundbeeinträchtigungen erkennbar.
Clinicopathological features and oncological outcomes of patients with young-onset rectal cancer
Authors: Zaborowski A M , Murphy B , Creavin B , Rogers A C , Kennelly R , Hanly A , Martin S T , O'Connell P R , Sheahan K , Winter D C
Published: March 2020

Background

The incidence of rectal cancer among adults aged less than 50 years is rising. Survival data are limited and conflicting, and the oncological benefit of standard neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies is unclear.

Methods

Disease-specific outcomes of patients diagnosed with rectal cancer undergoing surgical resection with curative intent between 2006 and 2016 were analysed.

Results

A total of 797 patients with rectal cancer were identified, of whom 685 had surgery with curative intent. Seventy patients were younger than 50 years and 615 were aged 50 years or more. Clinical stage did not differ between the two age groups. Patients aged less than 50 years were more likely to have microsatellite instability (9 versus 1·6 per cent; P = 0·003) and Lynch syndrome (7 versus 0 per cent; P < 0·001). Younger patients were also more likely to receive neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (67 versus 53·3 per cent; P = 0·003) and adjuvant chemotherapy (41 versus 24·2 per cent; P = 0·006). Five-year overall survival was better in those under 50 years old (80 versus 72 per cent; P = 0·013). The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 81 per cent in both age groups (P = 0·711). There were no significant differences in the development of locoregional recurrence or distant metastases.

Conclusion

Despite accessing more treatment, young patients have disease-specific outcomes comparable to those of their older counterparts.
Pains and gains of environmental management system certification for the sustainable development of manufacturing companies: Heterogeneous effects of industry peer learning
Authors: Wang Jing , Mao Yunshi
Published: March 2020

Environmental sustainability is a growing global concern. Environmental management systems (EMS) could be an effective strategic tool to help firms deal with their sustainable development. However, whether EMS certification pays off financially and how it takes effect can be debated. Thus far, these questions remain largely under‐researched. In particular, the effects of EMS certification on financial performance are inconclusive, and the reasons explaining the effects are underdeveloped. This study aims to enrich the current research by exploring the mediating and moderating roles from the perspective of cost‐efficiency trade‐offs to reveal how EMS certification affects financial performance. Applying a PROCESS procedure analysis and causal mediation analysis to a sample of 1,751 Chinese listed manufacturing firms from 2008 to 2016, this study shows that the effect of EMS certification on firms' financial performance is insignificant because their operating costs burden increases while their marketing efficiency and managerial efficiency improve. For the first time, this study demonstrates the moderating role of industry peer learning, as the mediating effects decrease with the growth of industry peer learning.
Predicting the effect of 5‐fluorouracil–based adjuvant chemotherapy on colorectal cancer recurrence: A model using gene expression profiles
Authors: Chen Quan , Gao Peng , Song Yongxi , Huang Xuanzhang , Xiao Qiong , Chen Xiaowan , Lv Xinger , Wang Zhenning
Published: March 2020

It is critical to identify patients with stage II and III colorectal cancer (CRC) who will benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) after curative surgery, while the only use of clinical factors is insufficient to predict this beneficial effect. In this study, we performed genetic algorithm (GA) to select ACT candidate genes, and built a predictive model of support vector machine (SVM) using gene expression profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The model contained four ACT candidate genes (EDEM1, MVD, SEMA5B, and WWP2) and TNM stage (stage II or III). After using Subpopulation Treatment Effect Pattern Plot to determine the optimal cutoff value of predictive scores, the validated patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database can be divided into the predictive ACT‐benefit/‐futile groups. Patients in the predictive ACT‐benefit group with 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu)–based ACT had significantly longer relapse‐free survival (RFS) compared to those without ACT (P = .015); However, the difference in RFS in the predictive ACT‐futile group was insignificant (P = .596). The multivariable analysis found that the predictive groups were significantly associated with the effect of ACT (Pinteraction = .011). Consequently, we developed a predictive model based on the SVM and GA algorithm which was further validated to define patients who benefit from ACT on recurrence.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Carbazole Hybrids as Promising Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Shaikh Mahamadhanif S. , Chandrasekaran Balakumar , Palkar Mahesh B. , Kanhed Ashish M. , Kajee Afsana , Mlisana Koleka P. , Singh Parvesh , Ghai Meenu , Cleopus Mahlalela Mavela , Karpoormath Rajshekhar
Published: March 2020

Two series of carbazole analogs of 8‐methoxy‐N‐substituted‐9H‐carbazole‐3‐carboxamides (series 1) and carbazolyl substituted rhodanines (series 2) were synthesized through facile synthetic routes. All the final compounds from these two series were evaluated for their preliminary in vitro antifungal and antibacterial activity against four fungal (Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus tropicalis and Aspergillus niger) and four bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) strains, respectively. Among the tested compounds, three compounds of series 1 displayed promising antifungal and antibacterial activity, especially against C. neoformans and S. aureus. In addition, one compound of series 1 displayed notable antimicrobial activity (MIC: 6.25 μg/mL) against clinical isolates of C. albicans and C. neoformans (MIC: 12.5 μg/mL). From the second series, four compounds exhibited significant antifungal and antibacterial activity, especially against C. neoformans and S. aureus. The most active compound of series 2 displayed a prominent antimicrobial activity against C. neoformans (MIC: 3.125 μg/mL) and S. aureus (MIC: 1.56 μg/mL), respectively.
Base Induced Condensation of Malononitrile with Erlenmeyer Azlactones: An Unexpected Synthesis of Multi‐Substituted Δ2‐Pyrrolines and Their Cytotoxicity
Authors: Anil Seegehalli M. , Sudhanva Muddenahalli S. , Swaroop Toreshettahally R. , Vinayaka Ajjampura C. , Rajeev Narasimhamurthy , Kiran Kuppalli R. , Shobith Rangappa , Sadashiva Maralinganadoddi P.
Published: March 2020

An efficient, metal free approach to synthesize multi‐substituted Δ2‐pyrroline derivatives by mild base catalyzed cyclocondensation of malononitrile with Erlenmeyer azlactones via 1,2 addition was developed. The modularity of this reaction was used to assemble a range of poly‐substituted pyrrolines. Further, synthesized products were screened for cytotoxic properties on different cancer cell lines such as A549 (Human lung adenocarcinoma cells), HeLa (Human cervical adenocarcinoma cells), Jurkat (Human chronic myeloid leukemia cells) and K562 (Human leukemic T cell Lymphoblast cells). Among the synthesized library of compounds, 6f and 6q displayed potent cytotoxic activity.
Novel use of fused cardiac computed tomography and transesophageal echocardiography for left atrial appendage closure
Authors: Peters Andrew , Motiwala Afaq , O'Neill Brian , Patil Pravin
Published: March 2020

The use of the Watchman left atrial appendage occlusion device (Boston Scientific Inc.) is becoming increasingly frequent in patients with atrial fibrillation. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) for device sizing pre‐procedure can help facilitate more accurate device selection compared with transesophageal echo (TEE) alone. CT can also help identify minor lobes and trabeculations that may not be apparent on TEE. We report a series of three cases to highlight the utility of a novel application of CT‐TEE fusion imaging to provide procedural guidance during Watchman implant and to assess for peri‐device leak post‐implant.
The impact of the extent of side branch disease on outcomes following bifurcation stenting
Authors: Zimarino Marco , Barbato Emanuele , Nakamura Sunao , Radico Francesco , Di Nicola Marta , Briguori Carlo , Gil Robert J. , Kanic Vojko , Perfetti Matteo , Pellicano Mariano , Mairic Kristina , Stankovic Goran ,   the European Bifurcation Club
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To define the impact of side branch (SB) lesion length on clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on bifurcation lesions.

Background

The role of the SB lesion length remains questionable in PCI planning and its implication on clinical outcome is controversial.

Methods

Data from the retrospective multicenter EBC‐P2BiTO registry were analyzed. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction excluding periprocedural, or stent thrombosis at 13 months median follow‐up (IQR 11–28). By using propensity scores for inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), the comparison of treatment groups was adjusted to correct for potential confounding.

Results

Among 1,252 patients, SB was normal in 489 (39%), diseased in 763 (61%) cases. MACE occurred in 68 patients (5.4%). The optimal discriminant SB lesion length for MACE was ≥10 mm, with an area under the curve of 0.71 (p < .01).

The incidence of MACE was higher among patients with SB lesions ≥10 mm (8%) than with normal SB (4.1%) (hazard ratio [HR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5–5.3; p = .001, IPTW‐adjusted) or SB lesions <10 mm (5.1%) (HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–3.3; p = .048, IPTW‐adjusted), being similar between these last two groups.

Conclusions

In bifurcation PCI, SB lesion length ≥ 10 mm identifies patients at higher risk of MACE than those with <10 mm SB lesions and those without SB disease, considering that no differences were observed among these last two groups. Careful planning is mandatory when approaching bifurcations with long SB lesions.
BRIDGE – ORANGE HEADQUARTERS – EAST AND WEST BRIDGES
Authors: Lopes Adriano , Gonçalves Sílvio , Breda Ricardo
Published: March 2020

At the top of Bridge building, the architect designed two crossings between opposing structural blocks, creating unique and privileged workspaces. They form the main structure of the various levels of roofs and give support to gardens, leisure areas and large glazed skylights. They are independent structural pieces supported by the building structure. This article addresses the solutions used as well as the cantilever construction method that has been implemented given the central and elevated location on site.
BUILDING AT ESTRELA 24 (LISBON) ‐ INNOVATION IN CONSTRUCTION OF THE REHABILITATION OF EXISTING OLD BUILDING (FEASABILITY PROCESS AND PHASES)
Authors: Pires Miguel M.
Published: March 2020

The following article describes a set of innovative solutions within the scope of a building rehabilitation contract located at Calçada da Estrela, N24 – Lisbon. Steel and composite structures were used to design bold solutions, best reconciling the construction stages and definitive phases with advantages in terms of feasibility, reduction of time and optimization of quantities, costs and waste. The use of BIM methodologies proved to be useful in clear understanding of the constructive phasing at the work site. Methodologies of structural calculation, constructive phases and monitoring of existing wall on‐site are presented.
PENHA DA BARROCA RAILWAY BRIDGE – CONTEMPORANY AESTHETICS, IMPROVED PERFORMANCE
Authors: Afecto Ricardo , Lopes Nuno
Published: March 2020

The Penha da Barroca Bridge is a railway bridge that is under construction and is within the framework of the Beira Baixa railway line modernization project which itself is a key part of the Atlantic Corridor that concerns Portugal, Spain, France and Germany. All foreseen interventions in this railway line were also identified as priority investments by the National Stategic Plan for Transports and Infrastructures – time‐horizon 2014‐2020 (PETI3+). The bridge is closely to Guarda and is composed by steel latticed columns supporting a steel‐concrete composite deck. The steel component part of deck corresponds to a steel truss and the concrete component part is guaranteed by a concrete slab over which will be settled the rail track (ballasted track).
THE 125 MODULAR BRIDGES PROJECT TO PERU
Authors: André António , Ferraz Inês , Coelho Hugo , Fernandes José , Pacheco Pedro
Published: March 2020

This paper presents the general aspects that were considered on the design phase of 125 modular steel bridges developed in Portugal for delivery to a department of the Peruvian Ministry of Transport and Communications. Some of the main features of manufacturing, pre‐assembly and containerization in Turkey are also presented. Some of the tests performed on the floor modules are also introduced, namely the load tests until failure, the fatigue tests, the durability validation tests of the hot deep galvanized and the antiskid coating. The main results of the tests are also discussed, and their conclusions presented.
FIELD EVALUATION OF UNINTENDED COMPOSITE ACTION BETWEEN STEEL PLATE GIRDERS AND CONCRETE SLAB IN HIGHWAY BRIDGES
Authors: Lu Renxiang , Judd Johnn P.
Published: March 2020

Unintended composite action between steel plate girders and concrete slab is a well‐recognized, but challenging aspect of evaluating highway bridge behaviour because the degree of slip between the slab and girder is difficult to predict. In this study, a method to evaluate the effect of unintended composite action using field testing is presented. The method is illustrated using a four‐span five girder highway bridge instrumented with strain gages at maximum positive and negative moment locations and subjected to a vehicle with a calibrated load. Results indicate that all the girders exhibited partial composite action. Measurement of composite action was less reliable when the instrumented location was not close to the load.
SHEAR STRENGTH OF STEEL‐CONCRETE COMPOSITE PLATE GIRDERS – A REVIEW
Authors: Nascimento Sérgio , Pedro José Oliveira
Published: March 2020

Resume

The shear strength of slender steel‐concrete composite plate girders is usually evaluated through one of the several design methods proposed in the last 50 years, taking into consideration the steel girders shear strength only. Although for composite girders the concrete slab may increase the shear strength, this contribution is not considered in these methods. But, the shear strength of steel‐concrete composite plate girders can be assessed by means of two recent proposed methods. The results from design methods are compared with experimental tests data.
BEHAVIOUR OF AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL ANGLES UNDER CENTERED COMPRESSION
Authors: Sarquis Fernando R. , de Lima Luciano R. O. , da S. Vellasco Pedro C. G. , Rodrigues Monique C. , da Silva André T.
Published: March 2020

This paper presents an experimental and numerical analysis of 304 austenitic stainless steel hot‐rolled equal leg angles with fixed end supports. The experimental programme consisted of material characterisation under tension and compression tests, initial geometrical imperfections measurements and full‐scale tests to obtain ultimate loads and associated failure modes . Besides the experimental programme, a finite element numerical model was also developed to expand the studied sections and lengths through a parametric study to verify the accuracy of Eurocode 3 – Part 1.4 buckling curve.
Porous Frameworks Based on Supramolecular Ball Joints: Bringing Flexibility to Ordered 3D Lattices
Authors: Savastano Matteo , Bazzicalupi Carla , Bianchi Antonio
Published: March 2020

XOFs‐type materials (X=M, C, S, that is, metal–organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks and supramolecular organic frameworks, respectively) share a common unifying feature: mutual spatial orientation of constituting components is strictly directional and unchanging by design. Herein, we illustrate an alternate design for porous architectures, as rigid joints constituted by coordinative (MOFs), covalent (COFs), or hydrogen‐donor/acceptor (SOFs) bonds, are replaced by supramolecular ball joints, which confer unprecedented flexibility, especially angular, to porous networks. The obtained frameworks remain highly organized but are also permutable: lacking a forced convergence towards an immutable minimum energy structure, these systems remain able to adjust depending on external conditions. Results of POF (permutable organized framework) synthesis is a family of structures rather than a single pre‐determined three‐dimensional arrangement, as we demonstrate with an illustrative set of 5 XRD structures.
Euler‐Lagrange‐Modell zur Simulation des Carbonate‐Looping‐Prozesses
Authors: May Jan , Alobaid Falah , Stroh Alexander , Daikeler Alexander , Ströhle Jochen , Epple Bernd
Published: March 2020

Es existieren bereits umfangreiche experimentelle Untersuchungen zum Carbonate‐Looping‐Prozess (CaL) in Bezug auf Prozessdesign und ‐entwicklung. Die wenigen numerischen Arbeiten beruhen hauptsächlich auf Lösung der 1D‐Bilanzgleichungen oder der Bestimmung von Gleichgewichtszuständen. Für eine genaue Prozessbeschreibung sind jedoch anspruchsvollere Ansätze erforderlich. Daher wurde ein dreidimensionales, transientes CFD‐DEM‐Modell für die Simulation im MWth‐Maßstab entwickelt. Zur Modellentwicklung und Validierung wurden experimentelle Daten einer 1‐MWth‐Pilotanlage, einem maßstabsverkleinerten kalten Modell und einer Quasi‐2D‐Laborwirbelschicht verwendet. Die numerischen Ergebnisse stimmen gut mit den Messungen überein und zeigen die Eignung des Modells.
Recent Highlights in Anti‐infective Medicinal Chemistry from South Africa
Authors: Veale Clinton G. L. , Müller Ronel
Published: March 2020

Global advancements in biological technologies have vastly increased the variety of and accessibility to bioassay platforms, while simultaneously improving our understanding of druggable chemical space. In the South African context, this has resulted in a rapid expansion in the number of medicinal chemistry programmes currently operating, particularly on university campuses. Furthermore, the modern medicinal chemist has the advantage of being able to incorporate data from numerous related disciplines into the medicinal chemistry process, allowing for informed molecular design to play a far greater role than previously possible. Accordingly, this review focusses on recent highlights in drug‐discovery programmes, in which South African medicinal chemistry groups have played a substantive role in the design and optimisation of biologically active compounds which contribute to the search for promising agents for infectious disease.
Somatic Liver Knockout (SLiK): A Quick and Efficient Way to Generate Liver‐Specific Knockout Mice Using Multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing
Authors: Johnson Collin G. , Chen Tong , Furey Nika , Hemmingsen Madeline G. , Bissig Karl‐Dimiter
Published: March 2020

Somatic liver knockout (SLiK) is a method developed to rapidly generate a liver‐specific knockout of one or several genes. This technique combines the strengths of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and hydrodynamic tail‐vein injection, a simple in vivo method for transfection of hepatocytes, to harness the powerful selection pressure of tyrosinemic livers to replace host hepatocytes with any desired gene deletion. In this protocol, we will describe sgRNA design and cloning, hydrodynamic tail‐vein injection of targeting constructs, and screening and validation methods for efficient in vivo gene editing. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Support Protocol 1: sgRNA design

Support Protocol 2: sgRNA construction: daisy chaining multiple sgRNAs

Basic Protocol: Delivery of DNA by hydrodynamic tail‐vein injection and liver repopulation of edited hepatocytes

Support Protocol 3: Validation of CRISPR/Cas9 cutting in vivo
Aseptic Technique
Authors: Bykowski Tomasz , Stevenson Brian
Published: March 2020

This article describes common laboratory procedures that can reduce the risk of culture contamination (sepsis), collectively referred as “aseptic technique.” Two major strategies for aseptic work are described: using a Bunsen burner and using a laminar flow hood. Both methods are presented in the form of general protocols applicable to a variety of laboratory tasks such as pipetting and dispensing aliquots, preparing growth media, and inoculating, passaging, and spreading microorganisms on petri dishes. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Genome‐wide mapping of resistance to stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in hexaploid winter wheat
Authors: Muleta Kebede T. , Chen Xianming , Pumphrey Michael
Published: March 2020

Stripe rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a widespread disease and major limit to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production worldwide. The USDA‐ARS National Small Grains Germplasm Collection has proven to be a rich source of genetic diversity to improve stripe rust resistance in wheat breeding programs. The objective of the present study was to investigate the genetic diversity and sources of resistance to stripe rust in 441 accessions from the collection representing globally sourced winter wheat germplasm, as a complement to a previous study. A genome‐wide association study was conducted to identify loci conferring resistance to Pst based on phenotypic data from four field experiments and greenhouse seedling resistance screening against three races of the pathogen. A total of 5831 single nucleotide polymorphism markers were used to investigate population structure, linkage disequilibrium, and marker–trait associations. Our results showed 12 and 7 genomic regions significantly associated with Pst resistance based on field adult‐plant and greenhouse seedling responses, respectively, at a false discovery rate adjusted P value of <0.1. Four of the significantly associated genomic regions were mapped far from previously identified Pst resistance genes and quantitative trait loci, indicating that they represent potentially new Pst resistance loci. The present study provides additional insight into the usefulness of wheat germplasm collections as an important resistance source that can be used to incorporate diverse resistance genes into adapted wheat cultivars. Further work should aim to validate the identified genomic regions and the associated molecular markers to enhance their utility in marker‐assisted breeding.
Complementarity‐based selection strategy for genomic selection
Authors: Moeinizade Saba , Wellner Megan , Hu Guiping , Wang Lizhi
Published: March 2020

Genomic selection is a technique that breeders use to select plant or animal individuals to mate and produce new generations of species. The conventional selection method is to select individuals that are either observed or predicted to be the best based on the assumption that parents with better phenotypes will produce better offspring. A major limitation of this method is its focus on the short‐term genetic gains at the cost of genetic diversity and long‐term growth potential. Recently, several new genomic selection methods were proposed to maximize the long‐term potential. Along this research direction, we propose a new method, the complementarity‐based selection strategy (CBS), to improve the tradeoff between short‐term genetic gain and long‐term potential. This approach is inspired by the genetic compatibility mate‐choice mechanism in animals. Our selection method selects the individual with the highest genomic estimated breeding value to emphasize short‐term achievement and then pairs it with the individual that is the most complementary to the one with highest genomic estimated breeding value to emphasize the long‐term growth potential. The CBS method allows favorable alleles to be accounted for within the selection and more of them to be included. We present simulation results that compare the performance of the new method against the state‐of‐the‐art methods in the literature and show that the CBS approach has a great potential to further improve long‐term response in genomic selection.
Field evaluation of cacao progenies derived from Guiana clones for yield and black pod disease resistance
Authors: Ofori Atta , Padi Francis K. , Amoako‐Attah Ishmael
Published: March 2020

Phytophthora spp. is a major disease of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), and there is a need to develop cultivars that are resistant to this disease. Among the various genetic groups of cacao, the Guiana (GU) has received little attention in developing varieties even though they are known to be tolerant to black pod disease. The objective of this study was to estimate combining abilities and heritability of selected GU clones for bean yield and black pod resistance. Twenty‐four F1 progenies were derived by crossing three seed garden parental clones with eight GU clones as males in a three‐by‐eight North Carolina II (NC II) complete factorial mating design. These were evaluated together with four standard varieties over a 4‐yr period in a randomized complete block design with four replications at two contrasting locations in Ghana. Progeny, year, and location effects were significant (p < .01) for all traits, whereas progeny × location was significant for only number of beans per pod. The general combining ability (GCA) effects of females and males and specific combining ability (SCA) of female × male were significant (p < .01) for all traits, indicating that both additive and dominant effects are important in the inheritance of the traits. Heritability ranged from 0.14–0.51 for broad sense and 0.10−0.37 for narrow sense. The best general combiners identified—GU 125/C, GU 144/C, and GU 290/H—were involved in crosses that combines high bean yield with high black pod resistance. They could be added to parental clones currently used in producing cacao varieties in areas with high black pod incidence.
An efficient circuit for error reduction in logarithmic multiplication for filtering applications
Authors: Joginipelly Arjun Kumar , Charalampidis Dimitrios
Published: March 2020

Real‐time digital signal and image processing applications, such as filtering, demand high performance. Often, multiplication is one of the most time‐consuming steps of the filtering operation. Log‐based multipliers have been used for improving multiplication efficiency at the expense of accuracy. The objective of the proposed work is to improve the accuracy of log‐based hardware multipliers by appropriately altering the filter weights and without increasing the required resources.
Efficacy of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in univentricular congenital heart disease: the SV‐INHIBITION study design
Authors: Amedro Pascal , Gavotto Arthur , Abassi Hamouda , Picot Marie‐Christine , Matecki Stefan , Malekzadeh‐Milani Sophie , Levy Marilyne , Ladouceur Magalie , Ovaert Caroline , Aldebert Philippe , Thambo Jean‐Benoit , Fraisse Alain , Humbert Marc , Cohen Sarah , Baruteau Alban‐Elouen , Karsenty Clement , Bonnet Damien , Hascoet Sebastien ,   SV‐INHIBITION study investigators
Published: March 2020

Aims

In univentricular hearts, selective lung vasodilators such as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors would decrease pulmonary resistance and improve exercise tolerance. However, the level of evidence for the use of PDE5 inhibitors in patients with a single ventricle (SV) remains limited. We present the SV‐INHIBITION study rationale, design, and methods.

Methods and results

The SV‐INHIBITION trial is a nationwide multicentre, randomized, double blind, placebo‐controlled, Phase III study, aiming to evaluate the efficacy of sildenafil on the ventilatory efficiency during exercise, in teenagers and adult patients (>15 years old) with an SV. Patients with a mean pulmonary arterial pressure >15 mmHg and a trans‐pulmonary gradient >5 mmHg, measured by cardiac catheterization, will be eligible. The primary outcome is the variation of the VE/VCO2 slope, measured by a cardiopulmonary exercise test, between baseline and 6 months of treatment. A total of 50 patients are required to observe a decrease of 5 ± 5 points in the VE/VCO2 slope, with a power of 90% and an alpha risk of 5%. The secondary outcomes are clinical outcomes, oxygen saturation, 6 min walk test, SV function, NT‐proBNP, peak VO2, stroke volume, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, trans‐pulmonary gradient, SF36 quality of life score, safety, and acceptability.

Conclusions

The SV‐INHIBITION study aims to answer the question whether PDE5 inhibitors should be prescribed in patients with an SV. This trial has been built focusing on the three levels of research defined by the World Health Organization: disability (exercise tolerance), deficit (SV function), and handicap (quality of life).
Two Series of Substituent‐Group‐Directed Adipate‐Based Lanthanide Coordination Polymers: Syntheses, Structures, Photoluminescence, and Magnetism
Authors: Zhang Ju‐Wen , Xu Shuang , Liu Sai‐Nan , Hu Jing , Qiao Yu‐Xia , Liu Bin‐Qiu
Published: March 2020

Two series of lanthanide‐organic coordination polymers (CPs) [Ln2(L1)3(H2O)4] [Ln = Nd (1), Sm (2), Eu (3), Gd (4), Tb (5), and Dy (6), H2L1 = 3‐methyl‐adipic acid] and [Ln4(L2)6(H2O)4] [Ln = Nd (7), Sm (8), Eu (9), Gd (10), Tb (11), and Dy (12), H2L2 = 3‐tert‐butyl‐adipic acid] have been synthesized by the solvothermal reactions of lanthanide salts with two types of flexible substituent adipates. All of these CPs were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, and thermal analysis. Structural analyses reveal that CPs 1–6 and 7–12 are isostructural, respectively. CPs 1–6 show a two‐dimensional (2D) layer constructed from the 3‐methyl‐adipate anions bridging two types of binuclear Ln2 units. The adjacent 2D layers are further extended into a three‐dimensional (3D) supramolecular framework through the hydrogen‐bonding interactions. CPs 7–12 also exhibit a 2D structure. The carboxyl groups of 3‐tert‐butyl‐adipate link four types of TbIII ions to form a one‐dimensional (1D) inorganic TbIII chain. The neighboring 1D inorganic TbIII chains are further connected by the 3‐tert‐butyl‐adipate anions to construct a 2D network. The effect of substituent groups on the formation of adipate‐based lanthanide CPs as well as the photoluminescence and magnetic properties of 1–12 were investigated in detail.
Deuterium Exchange between Arenes and Deuterated Solvents in the Absence of a Transition Metal: Synthesis of D‐Labeled Fluoroarenes
Authors: Salamanca Vanesa , Albéniz Ana C.
Published: March 2020

Fluoroarenes can be selectively deuterated by H/D exchange with common deuterated solvents in the presence of a catalytic amount of an alkali metal carbonate or, for the less acidic arenes, stoichiometric quantities of potassium phosphate. This is a sustainable method that does not need transition metal catalysis or the multistep synthesis of a main‐group organometallics. This exchange needs to be taken into account when using H/D scrambling as a mechanistic probe in reactions involving fluoroarenes.
Catalytic Detection of Iodide at Cationic Kaolinite Modified Gold Electrode in Presence of Thiosulfate
Authors: Nguelo Bruno Boniface , Fomat Mérimée Fotio , Dedzo Gustave Kenne , Ngameni Emmanuel
Published: March 2020

A gold electrode modified by a thin film of cationic kaolinite was used for the electrochemical detection of iodide in aqueous solution in the presence of thiosulfate. At gold electrode, iodide showed two electrochemical systems in the potential range explored (0.10 V to 0.85 V). The pH‐independent system was assigned to the redox couple I2/I− and the pH‐dependent one assigned to the redox couple HIO/
. For increased amount of thiosulfate the oxidation peak intensity of the first system increases sharply followed by the gradual decrease of the reduction peak, due to the chemical reaction between thiosulfate and oxidized iodide. The calibration curve in the presence of excess thiosulfate resulted in an increase of the sensitivity by a factor of 7. To improve this sensitivity, the bare gold electrode was coated by a thin film of an anionic exchanger kaolinite, obtained by grafting the ionic liquid (1‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐4‐(tert‐butyl) pyridinium chloride). Accumulation‐detection method yielded a spectacular increase of the oxidation peak current of iodide in the presence of thiosulfate ions. At optimized experimental conditions, a sensitivity of 2.45 μA.μM−1 and a detection limit of 65 nM were obtained. The method was successfully applied for total iodine determination in povidone−iodine formulation.
Vortex generation in a finitely extensible nonlinear elastic Peterlin fluid initially at rest
Authors: Handler Robert A. , Blaisten‐Barojas Estela , Ligrani Phillip M. , Dong Pei , Paige Mikell
Published: March 2020

It is well known that the mixing of two or more species in flows at low Reynolds numbers cannot be easily achieved since inertial effects are essentially absent and molecular diffusion is slow. To achieve mixing in Newtonian fluids under these circumstances requires innovative new ideas such as the use of external body forces (eg, electromagnetic mixers) or the stretching and folding of fluid elements (eg, chaotic advection). For non‐Newtonian fluids with elasticity, mixing can be achieved by enabling the emergence of elastic instabilities that results in chaotic flows in which mixing is significantly enhanced. In this work, our goal is to demonstrate that clearly identifiable vortical structures (eg, vortex rings) can be generated in a viscoelastic fluid initially at rest by the release of elastic stresses. In turn, these vortex motions promote bulk mixing by transporting fluid elements from one location to another more efficiently than diffusion alone. We demonstrate this first theoretically by using the finitely extensible nonlinear elastic Peterlin (FENE‐P) model to show that elastic forces can generate torque. Using this model, we derive an expression for the time rate of change of vorticity in an elastic fluid initially at rest caused by a sudden release of stored elastic stress. This process can be thought of as the release of elastic energy from a stretched rubber band that is suddenly cut at its center. We confirm this ansatz by performing a series of direct numerical simulations based on an in‐house pseudo‐spectral code that couples the FENE‐P model to the equations of motion for an incompressible fluid. The simulations reveal that a pair of vortex rings traveling in opposite directions, with Reynolds numbers on the order of one, is generated from the sudden release of elastic stresses. Secondary vortical structures are also generated. In the concluding section of this work, we address the potential for vortex motions generated by elastic stresses to promote mixing in microflows, and we describe a possible experiment that may demonstrate this effect.
A comparative node evaluation model for highly heterogeneous massive‐scale Internet of Things‐Mist networks
Authors: Shahraki Amin , Geitle Marius , Haugen Øystein
Published: March 2020

Internet of Things (IoT) is a new technology that is driving the connection of billions of devices around the world. Because these devices are often resource‐constrained and very heterogeneous, this presents unique challenges. To address some of these challenges, new paradigms of Edge and Fog are emerging to bring computational resources of the IoT networks from remote devices like cloud closer to the end‐devices. Mist computing is a new paradigm that attempts to make use of the more resource‐rich nodes that are closer than Edge nodes to end‐users. Since these nodes might have enough resources to host services, execute tasks or even run containers, the utilization of network resources might be improved, and delay reduced by utilizing these nodes. The nodes must, therefore, be assessed to determine which nodes should offer resources to other nodes based on their situation. In this article, a new comparative assessment model for ranking Mist nodes in highly heterogeneous massive‐scale IoT networks in order to discover nodes that can offer their resources is proposed. The Mist nodes are evaluated based on parameters like resources, connections, applications, and environmental parameters to heuristically compare the neighbors with a novel learning‐to‐rank method to predict a suitability score for each node. The most suitable neighbor is then selected based on the score, with load balancing accomplished by a second chance method. When evaluating the performance, the results show that the proposed method succeeds in identifying resource‐rich nodes, while considering the selection of other nodes.
Extended distribution of Ficus costata Aiton (Moraceae) in Western Ghats, India
Authors: Mohapatra Abhipsa , Sudhakar Jana Venkata , Janarthanam Malapati Kuppuswamy
Published: March 2020

Ficus costata Aiton, hitherto known only from Western Ghats of Kerala and Karnataka, and Nicobar Islands is recorded from Goa thus extending its distributional range. A detailed description, field photographs, anatomy and SEM images of cystoliths and distribution are provided.
Morphometrical methods as tools for identifying field maple (Acer campestre L.) trees
Authors: Wahlsteen Eric
Published: March 2020

Several morphometrical methods were evaluated with the purpose of distinguishing individual maple trees by their samaras and to reveal shape trends. Landmarks for geometric morphometrics gave 97–98% correctly classified trees in a jackknifed confusion matrix from discriminant analysis, fan‐positioned landmarks and semilandmarks 92%, linear data 79% and elliptic Fourier analysis 65% correctly classified trees. Several principal component analyses (PCA) where conducted revealing shape trends in the investigated samaras. The linear data revealed change in length and the geometric and Fourier data change in the direction of the samara wing. MANOVA and NPMANOVA revealed significant differences between several group means. The results suggest that: 1) landmarks may be an adequate method for distinguishing different individuals of maples 2) the main shape change concerns the direction of the samara wing, which may be horizontal, curved upwards or downwards.
P16 and human papillomavirus in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cohen Erin , Coviello Caitlin , Menaker Simon , Martinez‐Duarte Ernesto , Gomez Carmen , Lo Kaming , Kerr Darcy , Franzmann Elizabeth , Leibowitz Jason , Sargi Zoukaa
Published: March 2020

Human papillomavirus (HPV) in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a well‐known cause and prognostic indicator, and the utility of p16 as a surrogate marker for HPV status has been established. P16 and its relationship with HPV have not been defined in sinonasal malignancy nor has a link with outcomes been established. Patients with sinonasal SCC from 2011 to 2017 were identified from our pathology database. P16 immunohistochemistry and HPV RNA in situ hybridization were performed on tissue specimens. Forty‐seven patients were included. Disease‐free survival for p16+ patients was significantly higher than p16− patients (P = .043). Fewer HPV+ patients died (P = .052) or experienced recurrence (P = .0437). Odds ratio between p16 and HPV status was 14.19 (95% CI: 1.72, 442.03). Our findings demonstrate improved survival in both the p16+ and HPV+ groups and a positive association between p16 and HPV. There may be similar potential for modifying classification for HPV+ sinonasal SCC.
Cervical cancer burden in Latin America and the Caribbean: Where are we?
Authors: Pilleron Sophie , Cabasag Citadel J. , Ferlay Jacques , Bray Freddie , Luciani Silvana , Almonte Maribel , Piñeros Marion
Published: March 2020

In May 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for the elimination of cervical cancer. To monitor this initiative, we examined cervical cancer incidence and mortality in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region using GLOBOCAN 2018, Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Series, and the WHO Mortality Database. We estimated the number of cases and age‐standardized rates (ASRs) for cervical cancer incidence and mortality for 2018. We also presented the ASRs for recorded cervical cancer incidence from the period 2008 to 2012. We calculated annual rates and analyzed trends in cervical cancer incidence and mortality for all ages combined and for the following age groups: 0–29, 30–49, 50–64 and 65+. Finally, we calculated the estimated average annual percentage change in incidence and mortality rates for the past 10 years. In 2018, an estimated 56,000 new cervical cancer cases and 28,000 cervical cancer deaths occurred among women in LAC with great variations between subregions and countries/territories. Overall, trends in cervical cancer incidence and mortality have decreased over the past decade; however, the rates are still above the elimination threshold of 4 per 100,000 in most LAC countries/territories. Despite the encouraging trends observed, achieving the elimination of cervical cancer in the region still requests substantial political commitment and economic effort. Population‐based cancer registries are critical in monitoring the elimination initiative.
Loss of the adhesion molecule CEACAM1 is associated with early biochemical recurrence in TMPRSS2:ERG fusion‐positive prostate cancers
Authors: Luebke Andreas M. , Ricken Wiebke , Kluth Martina , Hube‐Magg Claudia , Schroeder Cornelia , Büscheck Franziska , Möller Katharina , Dum David , Höflmayer Doris , Weidemann Sören , Fraune Christoph , Hinsch Andrea , Wittmer Corinna , Schlomm Thorsten , Huland Hartwig , Heinzer Hans , Graefen Markus , Haese Alexander , Minner Sarah , Simon Ronald , Sauter Guido , Wilczak Waldemar , Meiners Jan
Published: March 2020

Altered expression of the carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) has been linked to adverse tumor features in various cancer types. To better understand the role of CEACAM1 in prostate cancer, we analyzed a tissue microarray containing tumor spots from 17,747 prostate cancer patients by means of immunohistochemistry. Normal prostate glands showed intense membranous CEACAM1 positivity. Immunostaining was interpretable in 13,625 cancers and was considered high in 28%, low in 43% and absent in 29% of tumors. Low and lost CEACAM1 expression was strongly linked to adverse tumor features including high classical and quantitative Gleason grade, lymph node metastasis, advanced tumor stage, positive surgical margin, a high number of genomic deletions and early biochemical recurrence (p < 0.0001 each). Subset analysis of molecularly defined cancer subsets revealed that these associations were strongest in V‐ets avian erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog (ERG) fusion‐positive cancers and that CEACAM1 loss was prognostic even in tumors harboring genomic deletions of the phosphatase and tensin homolog tumor suppressor (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis suggested that CEACAM1 analysis can provide independent prognostic information beyond established prognosis parameters at the stage of the initial biopsy when therapy decisions must be taken. In conclusion, loss of CEACAM1 expression predicts poor prognosis in prostate cancer and might provide clinically useful prognostic information particularly in cancers harboring the TMPRSS2:ERG fusion.