bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of second primary malignancy in patients with sinonasal tumors: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Ganti Ashwin , Plitt Max A. , Kuan Edward C. , Kuhar Hannah N. , Batra Pete S. , Tajudeen Bobby A.
Published: January 2018

Background

The 5‐year overall survival rate for patients with sinonasal cancers has remained around 50% for the last 3 decades. Prior studies on head and neck cancers have suggested that 1 reason for poor survival is the frequent development of second primary malignancies (SPMs). The purpose of this study is to assess overall and site‐specific risks of SPM following treatment of sinonasal malignancy.

Methods

A retrospective, population‐based cohort study was performed on 2614 patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database who were diagnosed with primary sinonasal malignancy between 1973 and 2014. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and absolute excess risks (AERs) were calculated to assess risk of SPM relative to incidence in the general population.

Results

A total of 422 (16.1%) patients with primary sinonasal malignancies developed a total of 480 SPMs. This cohort had a significantly higher frequency of SPMs than expected in the general population (SIR 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20 to 1.44; AER 53.41). Site‐specific analyses of SIRs suggested highest risk of malignancy in the sinonasal tract (SIR 75.64; 95% CI, 53.53 to 103.83; AER 17.22), followed by bone, eye and orbit, oral cavity and pharynx, and lung and mediastinum.

Conclusion

Patients with history of sinonasal cancer are at significantly increased risk of developing an SPM. Careful monitoring for development of additional tumors may be warranted.
Can we predict delayed undesirable events after blunt injury to the torso visceral organs?
Authors: Uchida Kenichiro , Mizobata Yasumitsu , Hagawa Naohiro , Yamamoto Tomonori , Kaga Shinichiro , Noda Tomohiro , Shinyama Naoki , Nishimura Tetsuro , Yamamoto Hiromasa
Published: January 2018

Aim

Blunt injuries to visceral organs have the potential to lead to delayed pseudoaneurysm formation or organ rupture, but current trauma and surgical guidelines do not recommend repetitive imaging. This study examined the incidence and timing of delayed undesirable events and established advisable timing for follow‐up imaging and appropriate observational admission.

Methods

Patients with blunt splenic (S), liver (L), or kidney (K) injury treated with non‐operative management (NOM) in our institution were included and retrospectively reviewed.

Results

From January 2013 to January 2017, 57 patients were admitted with documented blunt visceral organ injuries and 22 patients were excluded. Of 35 patients (L, 10; S, 17; K, 6; L & S, 1; S & K, 1) treated with NOM, 14 (L, 4; S, 9; K, 1) patients underwent transcatheter arterial embolization. Delayed undesirable events occurred in four patients: three patients with splenic pseudoaneurysm on hospital day 6–7 and one patient with splenic delayed rupture on hospital day 7. The second follow‐up computed tomography scan carried out 1–2 days after admission did not show any significant findings that could help predict undesirable results of delayed events. The patients with delayed events had longer continuous abdominal pain than that of event‐free patients (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Undesirable delayed events were recognized on follow‐up computed tomography scans in 11.4% of NOM patients at hospital day 6–7 and tended to be associated with high‐grade splenic injuries and continuous symptoms. Repetitive screening of these patients 6–7 days after injury might be warranted because of the potential risk of delayed events.
Polyvalent Display of Biomolecules on Live Cells
Authors: Shi Peng , Zhao Nan , Lai Jinping , Coyne James , Gaddes Erin R. , Wang Yong
Published: January 2018

Surface display of biomolecules on live cells offers new opportunities to treat human diseases and perform basic studies. Existing methods are primarily focused on monovalent functionalization, that is, the display of single biomolecules across the cell surface. Here we show that the surface of live cells can be functionalized to display polyvalent biomolecular structures through two‐step reactions under physiological conditions. This polyvalent functionalization enables the cell surface to recognize the microenvironment one order of magnitude more effectively than with monovalent functionalization. Thus, polyvalent display of biomolecules on live cells holds great potential for various biological and biomedical applications.
Transient‐Ligand‐Enabled ortho‐Arylation of Five‐Membered Heterocycles: Facile Access to Mechanochromic Materials
Authors: Li Bijin , Seth Kapileswar , Niu Ben , Pan Lei , Yang Huiwen , Ge Haibo
Published: January 2018

Reported herein is the first example of a direct arylation of heteroarenes by a transient‐ligand‐directed strategy without the need to construct and deconstruct the directing group. A wide range of heteroarenes undergoes the coupling with diverse aryl iodides to assemble a large library of highly selective and functionalized 3‐arylthiophene‐2‐carbaldehydes. This route provides an opportunity to rapidly access new mechanofluorochromic materials. Moreover, a novel strategy for mechanochromic luminogens with chromism trends of red‐ and blue‐shifts has been disclosed for the first time by facile functional‐group modifications to a common structural core.
Light‐Activated Control of Translation by Enzymatic Covalent mRNA Labeling
Authors: Zhang Dongyang , Zhou Cun Yu , Busby Kayla N. , Alexander Seth C. , Devaraj Neal K.
Published: January 2018

Activation of cellular protein expression upon visible‐light photocleavage of small‐molecule caging groups covalently attached to the 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR) of an mRNA was achieved. These photocleavable caging groups are conjugated to in vitro transcribed mRNA (IVT‐mRNA) through RNA transglycosylation, an enzymatic process in which a bacterial tRNA guanine transglycosylase (TGT) exchanges a guanine nucleobase in a specific 17‐nucleotide motif (Tag) for synthetic pre‐queuosine1 (preQ1) derivatives. The caging groups severely reduce mRNA translation efficiency when strategically placed in the 5′ UTR. Using this method, we demonstrate the successful spatiotemporal photoregulation of gene expression with single‐cell precision. Our method can be applied to therapeutically relevant chemically modified mRNA (mod‐mRNA) transcripts. This strategy provides a modular and efficient approach for developing synthetic gene regulatory circuits, biotechnological applications, and therapeutic discovery.
Size‐Selective Exclusion Effects of Liquid Crystalline Tactoids on Nanoparticles: A Separation Method
Authors: Wang Pei‐Xi , Hamad Wadood Y. , MacLachlan Mark J.
Published: January 2018

Liquid crystalline tactoids are anisotropic microdroplets existing in isotropic phases. We studied the structure and evolution of tactoids in the presence of doping nanoparticles by electron microscopy at the resolution of individual mesogens and observed size‐selective exclusion effects of liquid crystalline tactoids on foreign nanoparticles. We applied this principle to the separation of polymer nanospheres, gold nanoparticles, and magnetic nanoparticles by size. These results indicate a new way to size‐selectively separate nanoparticles using lyotropic liquid crystals, in which nanoparticles smaller than a threshold size will be selectively transferred from the disordered phase into the ordered phase by tactoids during the phase separation process.
Enantioselective N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis via the Dienyl Acyl Azolium
Authors: Gillard Rachel M. , Fernando Jared E. M. , Lupton David W.
Published: January 2018

Herein we report the enantioselective N‐heterocyclic carbene catalyzed (4+2) annulation of the dienyl acyl azolium with enolates. The reaction exploits readily accessible acyl fluorides and TMS enol ethers to give a range of highly enantio‐ and diastereo‐enriched cyclohexenes (most >97:3 er and >20:1 dr). The reaction was found to require high nucleophilicity NHC catalysts with mechanistic studies supporting a stepwise 1,6‐addition/β‐lactonization.
Dynamic Interconversion between Boroxine Cages Based on Pyridine Ligation
Authors: Ono Kosuke , Shimo Shunsuke , Takahashi Kohei , Yasuda Nobuhiro , Uekusa Hidehiro , Iwasawa Nobuharu
Published: January 2018

Dynamic interconversion between large covalent organic cages was achieved simply by heating or acid/base treatment. A mixture of the boroxine cages 12‐mer and 15‐mer was cleanly converted into a pyridine adduct of the 9‐mer boroxine cage upon treatment with pyridine, and the geometry of N‐coordinated boron atoms changed from trigonal to tetrahedral. The reverse reaction was achieved by heating or acid treatment. In this process, the larger boroxine cages 12‐mer and 15‐mer were found to be entropically favored owing to the release of free pyridine molecules from 9‐mer⋅6 Py.
A Water‐Soluble Warped Nanographene: Synthesis and Applications for Photoinduced Cell Death
Authors: Lin Hsing‐An , Sato Yoshikatsu , Segawa Yasutomo , Nishihara Taishi , Sugimoto Nagisa , Scott Lawrence T. , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Itami Kenichiro
Published: January 2018

Nanographene, a small piece of graphene, has attracted unprecedented interest across diverse scientific disciplines particularly in organic electronics. The biological applications of nanographenes, such as bioimaging, cancer therapies and drug delivery, provide significant opportunities for breakthroughs in the field. However, the intrinsic aggregation behavior and low solubility of nanographenes, which stem from their flat structures, hamper their development for bioapplications. Herein, we report a water‐soluble warped nanographene (WNG) that can be easily synthesized by sequential regioselective C−H borylation and cross‐coupling reactions of the saddle‐shaped WNG core structure. The saddle‐shaped structure and hydrophilic tetraethylene glycol chains impart high water solubility to the WNG. The water‐soluble WNG possesses a range of promising properties including good photostability and low cytotoxicity. Moreover, the water‐soluble WNG was successfully internalized into HeLa cells and promoted photoinduced cell death.
Epoxy‐Functionalized Porous Organic Polymers via the Diels–Alder Cycloaddition Reaction for Atmospheric Water Capture
Authors: Byun Yearin , Coskun Ali
Published: January 2018

The synthesis of highly microporous, epoxy‐functionalized porous organic polymers (ep‐POPs) by a one‐pot, catalyst‐free Diels–Alder cycloaddition polymerization is reported. The high oxygen content of ep‐POPs offer efficient hydrogen‐bonding sites for water molecules, thus leading to high water‐uptake capacities up to 39.2–42.4 wt % under a wide temperature range of 5–45 °C, which covers the span of climatic conditions and manufacturing applications in which such materials might be used. Importantly, ep‐POPs demonstrated regeneration temperatures as low as 55 °C, as well as excellent water stability, recyclability, and high specific surface areas up to 852 m2 g−1.
Numerical simulations of hydrodynamics and concentration distribution in a stirred tank during startup stage for producing phenylboronic acid ester
Authors: Liu Qi , Su Yuanhai , Luo Zheng‐Hong
Published: January 2018

In this work, a kinetic model of phenylboronic acid ester production process is firstly derived using the power law analysis based on experimental data and then combined with computational fluid dynamics models to simulate the concentration distributions of phenylmagnesium as reactant and phenylboronic acid ester as product during the stirred tank startup stage. Computational grid refinements as well as transient analysis are applied to confirm hydrodynamic and concentration results. Different factors including turbulent equations, wall functions, and rotational speed are investigated with different computational fluid dynamics methods to predict both the phenylmagnesium and phenylboronic acid ester concentration distributions. Simulation results show good agreements with experimental results, and thus, the diffusion and distribution of phenylmagnesium and phenylboronic acid ester inside the reactor can be successfully predicted. To achieve good mixing performance, high rotational speed should be provided with considering the balance between the mixing time and the energy consumption.
Labour Mobility in the PACER Plus
Authors: Kautoke‐Holani Alisi
Published: January 2018

Since the commencement of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus negotiations in 2009, the Pacific Forum Island Countries have maintained that their main gain from this Free Trade Agreement is in labour mobility. Free Trade Agreements, such as the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus, are considered crucial for enhancing labour mobility gains for Pacific Forum Island Countries, particularly given the constraints associated with multilateral trade agreements and unilateral initiatives. In June 2017, the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus was signed and included a side‐arrangement on labour mobility. This article discusses the role of the Agreement in enhancing the development impact of labour mobility in Pacific sending countries and examines the text of the Movement of Natural Persons Chapter and the Arrangement on Labour Mobility to determine the potential gains for Pacific Forum Island Countries.
Development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lectin LecA Inhibitor by using Bivalent Galactosides Supported on Polyproline Peptide Scaffolds
Authors: Huang Shao‐Feng , Lin Cin‐Hao , Lai Yu‐Tsung , Tsai Chia‐Lung , Cheng Ting‐Jen R. , Wang Sheng‐Kai
Published: January 2018

LecA is a galactose‐binding tetrameric lectin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa involved in infection and biofilm formation. The emergent antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa has made LecA a promising pharmaceutical target to treat such infections. To develop LecA inhibitors, we exploit the unique helical structure of polyproline peptides to create a scaffold that controls the galactoside positions to fit their binding sites on LecA. With a modular scaffold design, both the galactoside ligands and the inter‐ligand distance can be altered conveniently. We prepared scaffolds with spacings of 9, 18, 27, and 36 Å for ligand conjugation and found that glycopeptides with galactosides ligands three helical turns (27 Å) apart best fit LecA. In addition, we tested different galactose derivatives on the selected scaffold (27 Å) to improve the binding avidity to LecA. The results validate a new multivalent scaffold design and provide useful information for LecA inhibitor development.
Tandem Radical Cyclization for the Construction of Difluoro‐Containing Oxindoles and Quinoline‐2,4‐diones
Authors: Ding Fangwei , Fang Yuanding , Jiang Yanqiu , Lin Kaifeng , Shi Lei
Published: January 2018

Cu‐catalyzed direct difluoromethylation of activated alkenes through a difluoromethyl radical addition/cyclization to afford difluorinated oxindoles and quinoline‐2,4‐diones has been developed. This method provides convenient access to a variety of oxindoles and quinoline‐2,4‐diones under mild conditions via a proposed tandem radical cyclization process, while tolerating various functional groups well. Moreover, a facile method to construct diverse difluorinated quinoline‐2,4‐diones by visible‐light photoredox catalysis under mild conditions was presented.
Advances in ginsenoside biosynthesis and metabolic regulation
Authors: Lu Jun , Li Jinxin , Wang Shihui , Yao Lu , Liang Wenxia , Wang Juan , Gao Wenyuan
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we reviewed the advances in ginsenoside biosynthesis and metabolic regulation. To begin with, the application of elicitors in the ginsenoside biosynthesis was discussed. Methyl jasmonate (MJ) and analogues have the best effect on accumulation of ginsenoside compared with other elicitors, and few biotic elicitors are applied in Panax genus plants tissue culture. In addition, so far, more than 40 genes encoding ginsenoside biosynthesis related enzymes have been cloned and identified from Panax genus, such as UDP‐glycosyltransferases (UGT) genes UDPG, UGTAE2, UGT94Q2, UGTPg100, and UGTPg1. However, the downstream pathway of the ginsenoside biosynthesis is still not clear. Moreover, some methods have been used to increase the expression of functional genes and ginsenoside content in the ginsenoside synthesis pathway, including elicitors, overexpression, RNAi, and transcription factors. The ginsenoside biosynthesis pathway should be revealed so that ginsenoside contents can be regulated.
Nexus between environmental infrastructure and transnational cluster in one belt one road countries: Role of governance
Authors: Sun Huaping , Tariq Gulzara , Kong Yusheng , Khan Muhammad Salman , Geng Yong
Published: January 2018

It is widely accepted that cluster brings economic growth as well as environmental pollution, very little is known negative effects of cluster has been proportionally offset by providing good governance to enhance infrastructure's competitiveness in globalized environment. Establishing long‐term relationship among countries for environmental infrastructure has become indispensable. This research improves our understanding of these trade‐offs by conducting empirical analysis with special attention to one belt one road countries. There is absence of econometric studies that investigate the nexus between environmental infrastructure and transnational cluster in one belt one road countries together with governance ranging from 1981 to 2015. Interpretations, recommendations, and analysis are carried out through generalized method of moments due to presence of multicollinearity and hetroskedasticity. It is very difficult for individual businesses to capture international market. So, companies make cluster with help of governance for higher development, and economic growth and overall effects of transnational cluster with the help of governance are positively correlated with environmental infrastructure and vice versa are the results of this assessment. To support our results, region dummies are also assessed. The countries policy makers should strive to accelerate environmental infrastructure that will result in attract high level of investment and cluster which in turn develop countries. This leads to the awareness that to measure environmental conditions of polluted areas, there is a need to formulate an objective method. To enhance host country growth as well as to maximize the stability of environmental infrastructure, authorities should construct policy on attracting cluster.
Assessment of the American Joint Commission on Cancer 8th Edition Staging System for Patients with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results analysis
Authors: Li Xiaogang , Gou Shanmiao , Liu Zhiqiang , Ye Zeng , Wang Chunyou
Published: January 2018

Although several staging systems have been proposed for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs), the optimal staging system remains unclear. Here, we aimed to assess the application of the newly revised 8th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for exocrine pancreatic carcinoma (EPC) to pNETs, in comparison with that of other staging systems. We identified pNETs patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2004–2014). Overall survival was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves with the log‐rank test. The predictive accuracy of each staging system was assessed by the concordance index (c‐index). Cox proportional hazards regression was conducted to calculate the impact of different stages. In total, 2424 patients with pNETs, including 2350 who underwent resection, were identified using SEER data. Patients with different stages were evenly stratified based on the 8th edition AJCC staging system for EPC. Kaplan–Meier curves were well separated in all patients and patients with resection using the 8th edition AJCC staging system for EPC. Moreover, the hazard ratio increased with worsening disease stage. The c‐index of the 8th edition AJCC staging system for EPC was similar to that of the other systems. For pNETs patients, the 8th edition AJCC staging system for EPC exhibits good prognostic discrimination among different stages in both all patients and those with resection.
Distinct predictive impact of FISH abnormality in proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents response: redefining high‐risk multiple myeloma in Asian patients
Authors: Byun Ja Min , Shin Dong‐Yeop , Hong Junshik , Kim Inho , Kim Hyun Kyung , Lee Dong Soon , Koh Youngil , Yoon Sung‐Soo
Published: January 2018

For risk‐adaptive therapeutic approaches in multiple myeloma (MM) treatment, we analyzed treatment outcome according to in situ hybridization (FISH) profiles to investigate the prognostic and predictive values of structural variations in a large series of Asian population. A total of 565 newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma between January 2005 and June 2015 were evaluated. FISH results showed del(17p13) in 8.8% (29/331), del(13q14) in 35.5% (184/519), t(14;16) in 2.5% (8/326), t(4;14) in 27.9% (109/390), IgH rearrangement in 47.7% (248/520), and +1q21 in 40.8% (211/517). The presence of del(17p13), IgH rearrangement, and t(14;16) was associated with worse overall survival. Interestingly, however, the presence of t(4;14) conferred little prognostic impact. Treatment‐specific analysis revealed the presence of del(17p13), t(14;16), IgH rearrangement, and trisomy 1q21 was predictive of unsatisfactory response to bortezomib. On the other hand, patients with del(13q14) and del(9p21) were less likely to benefit from lenalidomide. Autologous stem cell transplantation (autoSCT) was less effective in patients with del(17p13), t(14;16), and trisomy 1q21. Predictive values of del(17p13) and t(14;16) to bortezomib and autoSCT are seemingly universal, but predictive marker del(13q14) and del(9p21) for lenalidomide response appears ethnicity‐specific. Thus, FISH profiles in MM treatment should be interpreted with regards to patient's ethnicity.
Metal‐ and Reagent‐Free Anodic Dehydrogenative Cross‐Coupling of Naphthylamines with Phenols
Authors: Dahms Benedikt , Franke Robert , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: January 2018

The first electrochemical dehydrogenative anodic cross‐coupling of naphthylamines with phenols was established to access a broad variety of non‐symmetrical, hetero‐bidentate N,O‐biaryl motifs. By anodic oxidation, we provide a sustainable and inherently safe method, which avoids the need for pre‐functionalization of the starting materials. Hence, the elaborated electrochemical protocol simplifies the synthesis of the desired C1‐symmetrical biaryls drastically. Furthermore, the use of electricity as a reagent contributes to the idea of green chemistry as metal catalysts and stoichiometric oxidizers are omitted.
Fibrillization of β‐Amyloid Peptides via Chemically Modulated Pathway
Authors: Guo Zhong‐Hong , Yang Chien‐I , Ho Cheng‐I , Huang Shing‐Jong , Chen Yin‐Chung , Tai Hwan‐Ching , Chan Jerry Chun Chung
Published: January 2018

The aggregation of β‐amyloid peptides is closely associated with Alzheimer's disease. We have used liposomes to modulate the early aggregation events of 40‐residue β‐amyloid peptides. The spatial confinement provided by liposomes leads to the formation of nonfibrillar aggregates of β‐amyloid peptides. These on‐pathway β‐sheet intermediates were used to seed the fibrillization of the monomer peptides. Solid‐state NMR spectroscopy revealed that the resultant fibrils have a more uniform structure than those formed in liposome‐free solution.
In Vitro Photodynamic Activity of N‐Methylated and N‐Oxidised Tripyridyl Porphyrins with Long Alkyl Chains and Their Inhibitory Activity in Sphingolipid Metabolism
Authors: Jelovica Mateo , Grbčić Petra , Mušković Martina , Sedić Mirela , Pavelić Sandra Kraljević , Lončarić Martin , Malatesti Nela
Published: January 2018

A series of N‐methylated and N‐oxidised tripyridyl porphyrins were synthesised, characterised, and their PDT activity was studied with six cell lines. All the tested porphyrins with a long alkyl chain, except one, were more efficient for PDT than an N‐methylated hydrophilic porphyrin and N‐oxidised porphyrin without the long alkyl chain. Generally, N‐methylated tripyridyl porphyrins were more active than those N‐oxidised, but IC50values for phototoxicity of twoN‐oxides, namedTOPyP3‐C17H33OandTOPyP3‐C17H35, were still in the nanomolar concentration range for most of the tested cell lines. However,TOPyP3‐C17H35did not show phototoxicity on human foreskin fibroblast cells. Two methylated amphiphilic porphyrins, namedTMPyP3‐C17H33andTMPyP4‐C17H35,showed significant dark toxicity, whereas none of the oxidopyridyl porphyrins were toxic without light activation. The selected photosensitisers were shown to be apoptosis inducers, and had inhibitory effects on the clonogenic growth of HCT116 and HeLa cells. All three N‐methylated amphiphilic porphyrins significantly reduced the migratory potential of HCT116 cells. PorphyrinsTMPyP3‐C17H35andTOPyP3‐C17H35reduced the activity of acid ceramidase, whereasTOPyP3‐C17H33Ohad a significant inhibitory effect on sphingosine kinase 1 activity in HeLa cells. Compounds with this dual activity were shown to be the most promising photosensitisers, with potential to treat invasive cancers.
Where does O6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase promoter methylation assessment place temozolomide in the future standards of care for glioblastoma?
Authors: Weller Michael
Published: January 2018

Methylation of the promoter region of the O6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene has emerged as the first—and so far the only—predictive biomarker for glioblastoma. Challenges in establishing a reliable assay to interrogate MGMT promoter methylation status and the lack of therapeutic alternatives to alkylating agent chemotherapy remain hurdles in the global implementation of MGMT testing as part of the standard of care.
Mechanochemical Decomposition of Crystalline Cellulose in the Presence of Protonated Layered Niobium Molybdate Solid Acid Catalyst
Authors: Furusato Shogo , Takagaki Atsushi , Hayashi Shigenobu , Miyazato Akio , Kikuchi Ryuji , Oyama S. Ted
Published: January 2018

Direct depolymerization of crystalline cellulose into water‐soluble sugars by solvent‐free ball milling was examined in the presence of a strongly acidic layered metal oxide, HNbMoO6, resulting in full conversion with 72 % yield of water‐soluble sugars. Measurements by 13C cross‐polarization magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction revealed that amorphization of cellulose occurred rapidly within 10 min. Scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive X‐ray indicated that the substrate and the catalyst were well mixed during milling. The time course of the product distribution showed that most of the resultant water‐soluble sugars were produced not by successive degradation of oligosaccharides but by direct depolymerization of cellulose chains. The products included glucose, mannose, and cello‐oligomers, as well as anhydrosugars. Addition of small amounts of polar solvents increased the sugar yield, whereas further addition of water decreased the selectivity to anhydrosugars. Calculations of the mechanical energy required for the ball‐milling process showed that 0.02 % was utilized for the chemical transformation under the conditions examined in this study.
Molecular Design of Phenanthrenequinone Derivatives as Organic Cathode Materials
Authors: Zhao Liu‐Bin , Gao Shu‐Ting , He Rongxing , Shen Wei , Li Ming
Published: January 2018

Conjugated carbonyl compounds have become the most promising type of organic electrode materials for rechargeable Li‐ion batteries because only they can achieve simultaneously high energy density, high cycling stability, and high power density. In this work, we have performed first‐principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations to explore the fundamental rules of how the electronic structure and redox properties of a typical conjugated carbonyl compound, phenanthrenequinone (PQ), are modified by adjusting the heteroaromatic building blocks. Such a molecular design strategy allows for the improvement in discharge potential while the specific capacity remains nearly unchanged. The correlation between the electronic structures and redox properties for the designed PQ derivatives is systematically discussed. It is demonstrated that the discharge potential of the PQ derivatives depends strongly on the frontier orbital levels, the electric potential, and the Li‐bonding configurations. The electrostatic potential (ESP) maps show visible displays of molecular electric structures and can be applied to understand how the redox properties of the PQ derivatives are modified by the heteroaromatic building blocks.
Functional and phylogenetic diversity determine woody productivity in a temperate forest
Authors: Hao MinHui , Zhang Chunyu , Zhao Xiuhai , von Gadow Klaus
Published: January 2018

Understanding the relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem productivity has become a central issue in ecology and conservation biology studies, particularly when these relationships are connected with global climate change and species extinction. However, which facets of biodiversity (i.e. taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity) account most for variations in productivity are still not understood very well. This is especially true with regard to temperate forest ecosystems. In this study, we used a dataset from a stem‐mapped permanent forest plot in northeastern China exploring the relationships between biodiversity and productivity at different spatial scales (20 × 20 m; 40 × 40 m; and 60 × 60 m). The influence of specific environmental conditions (topographic conditions) and stand maturity (expressed by initial stand volume and biomass) were taken into account using the multivariate approach known as structural equation models. The variable “Biodiversity” includes taxonomic (Shannon), functional (FDis), and phylogenetic diversity (PD). Biodiversity–productivity relationships varied with the spatial scales. At the scale of 20 × 20 m, PD and FDis significantly affected forest biomass productivity, while Shannon had only indirect effects. At the 40 × 40 m and 60 × 60 m scales, biodiversity and productivity were weakly correlated. The initial stand volume and biomass were the most important drivers of forest productivity. The local environmental conditions significantly influenced the stand volume, biomass, biodiversity, and productivity. The results highlight the scale dependency of the relationships between forest biodiversity and productivity. The positive role of biodiversity in facilitating forest productivity was confirmed at the smaller scales. Our findings emphasize the fundamental role of environmental conditions in determining forest ecosystem performances. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the underlying ecological processes that influence specific forest biodiversity and productivity relationships.
Living in two worlds: Evolutionary mechanisms act differently in the native and introduced ranges of an invasive plant
Authors: Guo Wen‐Yong , Lambertini Carla , Pyšek Petr , Meyerson Laura A. , Brix Hans
Published: January 2018

Identifying the factors that influence spatial genetic structure among populations can provide insights into the evolution of invasive plants. In this study, we used the common reed (Phragmites australis), a grass native in Europe and invading North America, to examine the relative importance of geographic, environmental (represented by climate here), and human effects on population genetic structure and its changes during invasion. We collected samples of P. australis from both the invaded North American and native European ranges and used molecular markers to investigate the population genetic structure within and between ranges. We used path analysis to identify the contributions of each of the three factors—geographic, environmental, and human‐related—to the formation of spatial genetic patterns. Genetic differentiation was observed between the introduced and native populations, and their genetic structure in the native and introduced ranges was different. There were strong effects of geography and environment on the genetic structure of populations in the native range, but the human‐related factors manifested through colonization of anthropogenic habitats in the introduced range counteracted the effects of environment. The between‐range genetic differences among populations were mainly explained by the heterogeneous environment between the ranges, with the coefficient 2.6 times higher for the environment than that explained by the geographic distance. Human activities were the primary contributor to the genetic structure of the introduced populations. The significant environmental divergence between ranges and the strong contribution of human activities to the genetic structure in the introduced range suggest that invasive populations of P. australis have evolved to adapt to a different climate and to human‐made habitats in North America.
N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide and prognosis in Caucasian vs. Asian patients with heart failure
Authors: Tromp Jasper , Richards Arthur Mark , Tay Wan Ting , Teng Tiew‐Hwa K. , Yeo Poh Shuan Daniel , Sim David , Jaufeerally Fazlur , Leong Gerard , Ong Hean Yee , Ling Lieng Hsi , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Jaarsma Tiny , Voors Adriaan A. , van der Meer Peter , de Boer Rudolf A. , Lam Carolyn S.P.
Published: January 2018

Aims

N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) is the most frequently used biomarker in heart failure (HF), but its prognostic utility across ethnicities is unclear.

Methods and results

This study included 546 Caucasians with HF from the Coordinating Study Evaluating Outcomes of Advising and Counseling in Heart Failure and 578 Asians with HF from the Singapore Heart Failure Outcomes and Phenotypes study. NT‐proBNP was measured at discharge after HF hospitalization. The studied outcome was a composite of all‐cause mortality and HF hospitalization at 18 months. Compared with Caucasian patients, Asian patients were younger (63 ± 12 vs. 71 ± 11 years); less often female (26% vs. 39%); and had lower body mass index (26 vs. 27 kg/m2), better renal function (61 ± 37 vs. 54 ± 20 mL/min/1.73 m2), lower rates of atrial fibrillation (25% vs. 46%), strikingly higher rates of diabetes (59% vs. 30%), and higher rates of hypertension (76% vs. 44%). Despite these clear inter‐group differences in individual drivers of NT‐proBNP, average levels were similar in Asians [2709 (1350, 6302) pg/mL] and Caucasians [2545 (1308, 5484) pg/mL] (P = 0.514). NT‐proBNP was strongly associated with outcome [hazard ratio 1.28 (per doubling), 95% confidence interval 1.18–1.39, P < 0.001], regardless of ethnicity (Pinteraction = 0.719). NT‐proBNP was similarly associated with outcome in HF with reduced and preserved ejection fraction in Asian (Pinteraction = 0.776) and Caucasian patients (Pinteraction = 0.558).

Conclusions

NT‐proBNP has similar prognostic performance in Asians and Caucasians with HF despite ethnic differences in known clinical determinants of plasma NT‐proBNP.
A Phosphino‐Carboxylic Acid‐Based Ru Dimeric Complex
Authors: Rank Christian K. , Wall Tatjana , Dietrich Fabian , Vidovic Marko , Klein Matthias P. , Sun Yu , Niedner‐Schatteburg Gereon , Gerhards Markus , Patureau Frederic W.
Published: January 2018

A new supramolecular Ru dimer is described, notably by X‐ray crystallography, ESI‐MS and solution IR spectroscopy. The properties and C–H bond activation catalytic activity of this new H‐bonded binuclear complex are discussed.
Modulation of the cis‐ and trans‐Conformations in Bis‐o‐carborane Substituted Benzodithiophenes and Emission Enhancement Effect on Luminescent Efficiency by Solidification
Authors: Nishino Kenta , Uemura Kyoya , Tanaka Kazuo , Morisaki Yasuhiro , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: January 2018

Bis‐carborane‐substituted benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophenes (DCB‐R, where R = H, tBu) were synthesized and characterized. Their three‐dimensional conformations were tuned by introducing the tert‐butyl substituent at the para‐positions of the phenyl rings. Both molecules showed emission enhancement behavior, especially in the solid state. The emission quantum efficiencies were over 0.90 in the crystalline state. Moreover, it was shown that the efficiency of DCB‐tBu was over 0.70 in the amorphous state. From structural analyses and mechanistic investigations, it was proposed that the tert‐butyl substituents play a critical role in the formation of the trans‐conformation followed by suppression of aggregation‐caused quenching because of the o‐carborane units located at each plane of the benzodithiophene ring.
Valorization of Chitosan as Food Waste of Aquatic Organisms into 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural by Sulfamic Acid‐Catalyzed Conversion Process
Authors: Kim Hyo Seon , Park Mi‐Ra , Jeon Young Jae , Kim Sung‐Koo , Hong Yong‐Ki , Jeong Gwi‐Taek
Published: January 2018

Chitosan is a potential renewable marine‐derived resource for bioenergy production. In this study, sulfamic acid, which has dual active sites and a green catalyst, was introduced for the conversion of chitosan, which can be recovered from crustacean shells as food waste of aquatic organisms, into platform chemicals, such as 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural and levulinic acid. By optimization of sulfamic acid‐catalyzed hydrothermal conversion conditions, a 21.48 % 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural yield was achieved under the 200 °C, 3 % (w/w) chitosan, 0.7 M sulfamic acid, 2 min condition. Under the same conditions, a 0.48 % yield of levulinic acid was obtained. These results demonstrate the potential of sulfamic acid and chitosan for applications in the field of bioenergy production.
Metabolic etiologies in West syndrome
Authors: Salar Seda , Moshé Solomon L. , Galanopoulou Aristea S.
Published: January 2018

West syndrome (WS) is an early life epileptic encephalopathy associated with infantile spasms, interictal electroencephalography (EEG)abnormalities including high amplitude, disorganized background with multifocal epileptic spikes (hypsarrhythmia), and often neurodevelopmental impairments. Approximately 64% of the patients have structural, metabolic, genetic, or infectious etiologies and, in the rest, the etiology is unknown. Here we review the contribution of etiologies due to various metabolic disorders in the pathology ofWS. These may include metabolic errors in organic molecules involved in amino acid and glucose metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, metal metabolism, pyridoxine deficiency or dependency, or acidurias in organelles such as mitochondria and lysosomes. We discuss the biochemical, clinical, andEEGfeatures of these disorders as well as the evidence of how they may be implicated in the pathogenesis and treatment ofWS. The early recognition of these etiologies in some cases may permit early interventions that may improve the course of the disease.
A Comparison of Score Aggregation Methods for Unidimensional Tests on Different Dimensions
Authors: Fu Jianbin , Feng Yuling
Published: January 2018

In this study, we propose aggregating test scores with unidimensional within‐test structure and multidimensional across‐test structure based on a 2‐level, 1‐factor model. In particular, we compare 6 score aggregation methods: average of standardized test raw scores (M1), regression factor score estimate of the 1‐factor model based on the correlation matrix of test raw scores (M2), overall ability from a unidimensional generalized partial credit model (GPCM) based on the items from all tests (M3), average of ability estimates from individual tests based on GPCM (M4), regression factor score of the 1‐factor model based on the correlation matrix of ability estimates from individual tests based on GPCM (M5), and general ability from the testlet model (M6). The 4 design factors considered in the simulation study are ability correlation between tests (.3, .5, .7, .8, and .9), test length (10, 20, 30, and 60 items), number of tests (2 and 4), and factor loading distribution (equal and unequal). The comparisons are also conducted on a real test data set with 2 tests. On the basis of the results, M1 and M4 are recommended for 2 tests, and M2, M5, and M6 are recommended for 3 or more tests. Several issues regarding attaining aggregate score reliability for intended uses and score aggregation types distinguished by test dimensionality are discussed, and practical suggestions for score aggregation are provided.
Food and nutritional security in the villages Nuevo Tambo de Mora and Alto El Molino, Ica, Peru
Authors: Pillaca‐Medina Mery Luz
Published: January 2018

Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) can be affected at any time and place in the world, including as a result of various natural disasters. The aim of this study is to determine the FNS situation in families from the two villages (Ica, Peru) Nuevo Tambo de Mora (NTM) and Alto El Molino (AEM) in 2015 and the dimensions of FNS (availability, access, consumption, biological use, and stability). This is a quantitative, descriptive, observational, cross‐sectional, and retrospective study. Families with at least one child under 12 years of age were included. Sampling was probabilistic and systematic (363 families in AEM and 241 in NTM). Two questionnaires were used: the first comprising availability and access; and the second comprising consumption, biological utilization, and stability. FNS was observed in 33.6% of the population of AEM and 47.3% in NTM, while 17.9% and 14.5% of moderate food insecurity (FI) and severe FI, respectively, were observed in AEM and NTM. FI was reported in 6.9% in AEM and 3.3% in NTM. Food was available in markets and stores. More than half of the families had a monthly income lesser than the officially minimum established in Peru. Exclusive breastfeeding (EB) until 6 months old was predominant in both communities: 80.1% in NTM and 77.1% in AM. More than 70% reported not consuming fruits and vegetables. Eighty‐six percent of surveyed inhabitants in AEM and 78% in NTM washed their hands before preparing food. The main cause of food shortages was the increase in price, reported by 51.8% in NTM and 48.6% in AEM. Half of the families in NTM and one‐sixth of AEM presented FI at various levels, among which severe FI is emphasized in households with the larger number of members, showing through the five‐dimensional evaluation of the FNS.
Physical, chemical, and sensory properties of biscuits prepared from flour blends of unripe cooking banana, pigeon pea, and sweet potato
Authors: Adeola Abiodun A. , Ohizua Ehimen R.
Published: January 2018

Biscuits were produced from 14 flour blends of cooking banana (UBF), pigeon pea (PPF), and sweet potato (SPF). The physical properties, nutrient composition, and sensory characteristics of the biscuits were evaluated using standard methods. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance, and mean values were separated using Duncan's multiple range test. The hardness of the biscuit samples decreased as PPF increased, while the fracturability decreased with increase in UBF. Biscuits were significantly (p < .05) different in their nutrient composition, with the crude protein, crude fiber, ash contents, and dietary fiber content increasing as the PPF level increased. Cookies were rich in magnesium (576.54–735.06 mg/100 g) with favorable Na/K ratio (<1.0). The antinutritional factors in the biscuit samples were within permissible levels. Biscuits prepared from flour blend of 21.67% unripe cooking banana, 21.67% pigeon pea, and 56.67% sweet potato were the most preferred in terms of shape, mouthfeel, taste, crunchiness, and overall acceptability. Flour blends of unripe cooking banana, pigeon pea, and sweet potato could therefore be used as raw materials for the production of biscuits, with high protein, total dietary, and energy content.
Interleukins‐17 and 27 promote liver regeneration by sequentially inducing progenitor cell expansion and differentiation
Authors: Guillot Adrien , Gasmi Imène , Brouillet Arthur , Ait‐Ahmed Yeni , Calderaro Julien , Ruiz Isaac , Gao Bin , Lotersztajn Sophie , Pawlotsky Jean‐Michel , Lafdil Fouad
Published: January 2018

Liver progenitor cells (LPCs)/ductular reactions (DRs) are associated with inflammation and implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases. However, how inflammation regulates LPCs/DRs remains largely unknown. Identification of inflammatory processes that involve LPC activation and expansion represent a key step in understanding the pathogenesis of liver diseases. In the current study, we found that diverse types of chronic liver diseases are associated with elevation of infiltrated interleukin (IL)‐17‐positive (+) cells and cytokeratin 19 (CK19)+ LPCs, and both cell types colocalized and their numbers positively correlated with each other. The role of IL‐17 in the induction of LPCs was examined in a mouse model fed a choline‐deficient and ethionine‐supplemented (CDE) diet. Feeding of wild‐type mice with the CDE diet markedly elevated CK19+Ki67+ proliferating LPCs and hepatic inflammation. Disruption of the IL‐17 gene or IL‐27 receptor, alpha subunit (WSX‐1) gene abolished CDE diet‐induced LPC expansion and inflammation. In vitro treatment with IL‐17 promoted proliferation of bipotential murine oval liver cells (a liver progenitor cell line) and markedly up‐regulated IL‐27 expression in macrophages. Treatment with IL‐27 favored the differentiation of bipotential murine oval liver cells and freshly isolated LPCs into hepatocytes. Conclusion: The current data provide evidence for a collaborative role between IL‐17 and IL‐27 in promoting LPC expansion and differentiation, respectively, thereby contributing to liver regeneration. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:329‐343)
Do credit ratings affect spread and return? A study of structured finance products
Authors: Moreira Fernando , Zhao Sheng
Published: January 2018

Although the previous studies investigating the relationship between credit ratings and spread or return in the financial market are normally restricted to noncausal measures, this paper uses structural equation modelling to test the possibility of causal links from ratings to spread and return in the context of structured finance products. Our analyses are split into 2 stages: First, we search for causality between ratings and spread at the issuance stage (primary market) based on a sample comprising all tranches of asset‐backed securities issued in the United States by American and foreign institutions from December 1999 to December 2015. Then, we consider all ABS rating changes from February 2001 to December 2015 to check whether the assumption of causal connection between ratings and return at the trading stage (secondary market) is reasonable. After testing all pertinent combinations among the variables in our database, we find evidence of causality at the issuance stage but very little support to causality at the trading stage. This study contributes to the debate on the regulation of credit rating agencies as our findings suggest that ratings may have an effective influence on decisions made by investors at the time structure finance products are issued. As this effect is very weak when those assets are traded in the secondary market, in principle, regulators should focus their attention on the credit rating agencies' activities regarding the issuance of new structured products.