bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the dependence of global cloud feedback on the spatial pattern of sea surface temperature change with a Green's function approach
Authors: Zhou Chen , Zelinka Mark D. , Klein Stephen A.
Published: August 2017

The spatial pattern of sea surface temperature (SST) changes has a large impact on the magnitude of cloud feedback. In this study, we seek a basic understanding of the dependence of cloud feedback on the spatial pattern of warming. Idealized experiments are carried out with an AGCM to calculate the change in global mean cloud‐induced radiation anomalies (ΔRcloud) in response to imposed surface warming/cooling in 74 individual localized oceanic “patches”. Then the cloud feedback in response to a specific warming pattern can be approximated as the superposition of global cloud feedback in response to a temperature change in each region, weighted by the magnitude of the local temperature changes. When there is a warming in the tropical subsidence or extratropical regions, the local decrease of LCC results in a positive change in Rcloud. Conversely, warming in tropical ascent regions increases the free‐tropospheric temperature throughout the tropics, thereby enhancing the inversion strength over remote regions and inducing positive global low‐cloud cover (LCC) anomalies and negative Rcloud anomalies. The Green's function approach performs reasonably well in predicting the response of global mean ΔLCC and net ΔRcloud, but poorly for shortwave and longwave components of ΔRcloud due to its ineffectiveness in predicting middle and high cloud cover changes. The approach successfully captures the change of cloud feedback in response to time‐evolving CO2‐induced warming and captures the interannual variations in ΔRcloud observed by CERES. The results highlight important nonlocal influences of SST changes on cloud feedback.
Exposure to nature counteracts aggression after depletion
Authors: Wang Yan , She Yihan , Colarelli Stephen M. , Fang Yuan , Meng Hui , Chen Qiuju , Zhang Xin , Zhu Hongwei
Published: August 2017

Acts of self‐control are more likely to fail after previous exertion of self‐control, known as the ego depletion effect. Research has shown that depleted participants behave more aggressively than non‐depleted participants, especially after being provoked. Although exposure to nature (e.g., a walk in the park) has been predicted to replenish resources common to executive functioning and self‐control, the extent to which exposure to nature may counteract the depletion effect on aggression has yet to be determined. The present study investigated the effects of exposure to nature on aggression following depletion. Aggression was measured by the intensity of noise blasts participants delivered to an ostensible opponent in a competition reaction‐time task. As predicted, an interaction occurred between depletion and environmental manipulations for provoked aggression. Specifically, depleted participants behaved more aggressively in response to provocation than non‐depleted participants in the urban condition. However, provoked aggression did not differ between depleted and non‐depleted participants in the natural condition. Moreover, within the depletion condition, participants in the natural condition had lower levels of provoked aggression than participants in the urban condition. This study suggests that a brief period of nature exposure may restore self‐control and help depleted people regain control over aggressive urges.
Sleep Quality and the Subjective Experience of Autobiographical Memory: Differential Associations by Memory Valence and Temporality
Authors: Lukowski Angela F. , Valentovich Valentina , Bohanek Jennifer G. , Slonecker Emily M.
Published: August 2017

The primary goal of the present research was to examine associations between sleep quality and the subjective experience of autobiographical events. In an online study, 141 university students reported on past events that varied by valence (positive or negative) and temporality (most significant or from the previous 2 weeks); they also completed measures of sleep quality and depression. Relative to participants with good sleep quality, participants with poor sleep quality thought more about their negative experiences, reported negative events that occurred more frequently, and used more negative emotion words when describing recent negative events. In some instances, depressive symptoms mediated the relation between sleep quality and elements of autobiographical reports. Future experimental work should examine the directionality of these effects, with the ultimate goal of improving sleep quality, mental health, and the manner in which individuals discuss and make meaning of their negative life events. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrically Assisted Ultrasonic Nanocrystal Surface Modification of Ti6Al4V Alloy
Authors: Liu Jun , Suslov Sergey , Li Shengxi , Qin Haifeng , Ren Zhencheng , Doll Gary L. , Cong Hongbo , Dong Yalin , Ye Chang
Published: August 2017

In this study, an innovative process, electrically assisted ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (EA‐UNSM), is used to process Ti6Al4V alloy. As compared with traditional UNSM, EA‐UNSM results in lower dislocation density and larger grains due to the thermal annealing effect caused by resistive heating. In addition, deeper plastic deformation layer is observed in the electrically assisted case. By supplying mechanical energy and thermal energy simultaneously, a strong dynamic precipitation effect is induced, which generates nanoscale precipitates in the EA‐UNSM‐treated Ti6Al4V alloy. These nanoscale precipitates can effectively pin dislocations during plastic deformation and thus significantly improve the surface hardness.
Circularly Polarized Phosphorescent Electroluminescence from Chiral Cationic Iridium(III) Isocyanide Complexes
Authors: Han Jianmei , Guo Song , Wang Jiong , Wei Liuwei , Zhuang Yanling , Liu Shujuan , Zhao Qiang , Zhang Xinwen , Huang Wei
Published: August 2017

Circularly polarized organic light‐emitting diodes (CP‐OLEDs), which directly emit CP light from organic light‐emitting diodes, have attracted considerable attention because of their wide applications in various photonic devices. In this work, a pair of chiral bis‐cyclometalated phosphorescent iridium(III) isocyanide complexes is designed and synthesized, which exhibits almost the same photophysical properties and obvious mirror image in circular dichroism spectrum. These two complexes are used for fabricating CP‐OLEDs, obtaining 4473 cd m−2, 7.50 cd A−1, and 2.55 lm W−1 for the maximum luminance and the maximum current and power efficiencies, respectively. In addition, the dissymmetry gEL factors of CP emission are in the order of 10−3, which is the highest value among the reported devices based on phosphorescent Ir(III) complexes. The results demonstrate that the chiral Ir(III) complexes are of great potential value for application in CP‐OLEDs.
Novel surgical approach based on the sentinel node concept in patients with early gastric cancer
Authors: Natsugoe Shoji , Arigami Takaaki , Uenosono Yoshikazu , Yanagita Shigehiro
Published: August 2017

Recent prospective multicenter trials have demonstrated the clinical safety and efficacy of sentinel node navigation surgery (SNNS) in patients with early gastric cancer. Further, development of an intraoperative imaging system and an indocyanine green fluorescence imaging approach has been attracting attention as a novel tool for detection of the sentinel node (SN). The greatest advantage of an in vivo imaging system is that it visualizes SN and afferent lymphatic vessels from the primary tumor site more clearly than the conventional dye approach. Besides visualization of the SN, it is also essential to accurately assess the presence or absence of lymph node metastasis in the intraoperative management of SNNS. However, the clinical significance of lymph node micrometastasis (LNM) in patients with gastric cancer remains controversial. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) is one of the representative assays used to identify LNM. A rapid RT‐PCR assay that completes the detection of LNM within approximately 40 minutes has recently been produced and applied in the clinical management of SNNS. From the viewpoint of surgical methods, modified laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery with non‐exposed approaches has recently been highlighted as a promising technique to prevent tumor dissemination caused by surgical procedures, and is likely to be clinically applied to SNNS in the future. When carrying out SNNS as a minimally invasive surgery, it is important to consider the balance between post‐surgical quality of life and curability. Future prospective studies on SNNS will greatly contribute to furthering its establishment as a beneficial procedure for patients with early gastric cancer.
Are treatment outcomes in gastric cancer associated with either hospital volume or surgeon volume?
Authors: Mukai Yosuke , Kurokawa Yukinori , Takiguchi Shuji , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: August 2017

Surgical resection is the only curative treatment for gastric cancer. Postoperative outcomes may be affected by the average or total number of surgeries carried out at an institution (hospital volume) or by a surgeon (surgeon volume). Among seven large‐scale studies that each enrolled over 10 000 patients who underwent gastrectomy, six showed that higher hospital volume contributed to a lower mortality rate after gastrectomy. Surgeon volume was also reported by three of four studies that each included over 1000 patients to be a significant factor contributing to heterogeneity in mortality rates after gastrectomy. In contrast, most studies showed no relationship between hospital volume and postoperative morbidity. A significant long‐term relationship was demonstrated in four of nine studies that each included more than 1000 patients, but the other five studies showed negative results. A recent correlative study of randomized phase III trials for gastric cancer surgeries showed a significant relationship between hospital volume and postoperative morbidity in one trial but not in another trial. There was no correlation between overall survival and either hospital or surgeon volume. In addition, another correlative study of a phase III trial of randomized chemotherapy for unresectable or recurrent gastric cancer found that there was no correlation between hospital volume and overall survival, although there was a large degree of heterogeneity in median overall survival among participating institutions.
Factors related to home health‐care transition in trisomy 13
Authors: Kitase Yuma , Hayakawa Masahiro , Kondo Taiki , Saito Akiko , Tachibana Takashi , Oshiro Makoto , Ieda Kuniko , Kato Eiko , Kato Yuichi , Hattori Tetsuo , Hayashi Seiji , Ito Masatoki , Hyodo Reina , Muramatsu Yukako , Sato Yoshiaki
Published: August 2017

Trisomy 13 (T13) is accompanied by severe complications, and it can be challenging to achieve long‐term survival without aggressive treatment. However, recently, some patients with T13 have been receiving home care. We conducted this study to investigate factors related to home health‐care transition for patients with T13.We studied 28 patients with T13 born between January 2000 and December 2014. We retrospectively compared nine home care transition patients (the home care group) and 19 patients that died during hospitalization (the discharge at death group). The median gestational age of the patients was 36.6 weeks, with a median birth weight of 2,047 g. Currently, three patients (11%) have survived, and 25 (89%) have died. The home care group exhibited a significantly longer gestational age (38.9 vs. 36.3 weeks, p = 0.039) and significantly larger occipitofrontal circumference Z score (−0.04 vs. −0.09, p = 0.019). Congenital heart defects (CHD) was more frequent in the discharge at death group, with six patients in the home care group and 18 patients in the discharge at death group (67% vs. 95%, p = 0.047), respectively. Survival time was significantly longer in the home care group than in the discharge at death group (171 vs. 19 days, p = 0.012). This study has shown that gestational age, occipitofrontal circumference Z score at birth, and the presence of CHD are helpful prognostic factors for determining treatment strategy in patients with T13.
Longitudinal telomere shortening and early Alzheimer's disease progression in adults with down syndrome
Authors: Jenkins Edmund C. , Marchi Elaine J. , Velinov Milen T. , Ye Lingling , Krinsky‐McHale Sharon J. , Zigman Warren B. , Schupf Nicole , Silverman Wayne P.
Published: August 2017

Telomere shortening was shown to parallel Alzheimer's disease (AD) associated dementia. By using a dual PNA Probe system we have developed a practical method for comparing telomere length in T‐lymphocyte interphases from individuals with Down syndrome (DS) with and without “mild cognitive impairment” (MCI‐DS) and demonstrated that telomere length can serve as a valid biomarker for the onset of MCI‐DS in this high‐risk population. To verify progressive cognitive decline we have now examined sequential changes in telomere length in 10 adults with DS (N = 4 Female, N = 6 Male) developing MCI‐DS. Cases were selected blind to telomere length from a sample of adults with DS previously enrolled in a prospective longitudinal study at 18‐month intervals with clinical and telomere assessments: (1) MCI‐DS group data were collected approximately three years prior to development of MCI‐DS; (2) 18 months later; (3) when MCI‐DS was first observed. These telomere measures were compared to those from another 10 adults with DS matched by sex and approximate age but without indications of MCI‐DS (Controls). PNA (peptide nucleic acid) probes for telomeres together with a chromosome two centromere probe were used. Findings indicated telomere shortening over time for both Cases and Controls. Group differences emerged by 18‐months prior to recognition of MCI‐DS onset and completely non‐overlapping distributions of telomere measures were observed by the time of MCI‐DS onset. This study adds to accumulating evidence of the value of telomere length, as an early biomarker of AD progression in adults with Down syndrome.
Molecular Iodine‐Promoted Transimination for the Synthesis of 6‐Phenylpyrido[2′,1′:2,3]imidazo[4,5‐c]quinoline and 6‐(Pyridin‐2‐yl)pyrido[2′,1′:2,3]imidazo[4,5‐c]quinolines
Authors: Sunkari Satish , Shaik Siddiq Pasha , Krishna Namballa Hari , Subba Rao Ayanampudi Venkata , Kodiripaka Bheeshma Geetanjali , Alarifi Abdullah , Kamal Ahmed
Published: August 2017

An unprecedented, efficient I2‐mediated approach for the synthesis of 6‐phenylpyrido[2′,1′:2,3]imidazo[4,5‐c]quinoline heterocyclic skeletons has been achieved from the reaction of benzylamines and 2‐(imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridin‐2‐yl)anilines. This one‐pot protocol proceeds through an oxidation/transimination/cyclization/aromatization reaction sequence under metal‐free conditions to result in the formation of N−C and C−C bonds. A variety of benzylamines, including pyridin‐2‐ylmethanamine, were successfully employed under the optimized conditions as imine precursors in this irreversible transimination reaction with 2‐(imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridin‐2‐yl)anilines to give the corresponding imines. The subsequent cyclization step successfully generated the the corresponding 6‐phenylpyrido[2′,1′:2,3]imidazo[4,5‐c]quinolines.
Comparison of the effect of aerosolized fibrin sealant and biodegradable synthetic polyurethane foam on hemostasis and wound healing after endoscopic sinus surgery: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Jung Moon Sik , Choi Chang Hwan , Yu Myeong Sang
Published: August 2017

Background

Use of absorbable packing materials after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is associated with increased patient comfort and a lack of need for packing removal. Different materials may induce different patterns of mucosal healing and hemostasis. This study investigated the effect of fibrin sealant (FS; Tisseel) or biodegradable synthetic polyurethane foam (Nasopore®) packing on hemostasis and wound healing after FESS.

Methods

This prospective randomized controlled trial included 35 consecutive patients who underwent bilateral FESS for chronic rhinosinusitis. The patients were randomized to receive FS through aerosol spraying on 1 side and Nasopore packing on the opposite side. They were followed at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Endoscopically visible packing material, crusting, adhesion, bleeding, granulation tissue formation, frontal sinus patency, and adverse effects were assessed. Subjective symptoms related to nasal packing were evaluated by using questionnaires quantified with a visual analogue scale.

Results

No significant differences were found between the FS‐treated side and the Nasopore‐packed side with respect to postoperative bleeding, adhesion, or frontal sinus patency. However, crusting and granulation were significantly lower in FS‐treated nostrils (p < 0.01). The patients’ satisfaction and willingness to reuse the material were not significantly different between FS and Nasopore. There were no allergic reactions to either material.

Conclusion

FS and Nasopore were equally successful in achieving hemostasis and patient satisfaction after FESS. However, our results suggest that differential mucosal healing patterns may be induced by alternative absorbable hemostatic materials. FS‐treated sides showed more optimal healing patterns than Nasopore‐packed sides.
Degeneration of serotonin neurons triggers spasticity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: El Oussini Hajer , Scekic‐Zahirovic Jelena , Vercruysse Pauline , Marques Christine , Dirrig‐Grosch Sylvie , Dieterlé Stéphane , Picchiarelli Gina , Sinniger Jérôme , Rouaux Caroline , Dupuis Luc
Published: August 2017

Objective

Spasticity occurs in a wide range of neurological diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, after trauma, and after stroke, and is characterized by increased reflexes leading to muscle hypertonia. Spasticity is a painful symptom and can severely restrict everyday life, but might also participate in maintaining a low level of motor function in severely impaired patients. Constitutive activity of the serotonin receptors 5‐HT2B/C is required for the development of spasticity after spinal cord injury and during amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We sought here to provide direct evidence for a role of brainstem serotonin neurons in spasticity.

Methods

SOD1(G37R) mice expressing a conditional allele of an ALS‐linked SOD1 mutation were crossed with Tph2‐Cre mice expressing Cre in serotonergic neurons. Measurement of long‐lasting reflex using electromyography, behavioral follow‐up, and histological techniques was used to characterize spasticity and motor phenotype.

Results

Deleting mutant SOD1 expression selectively in brainstem serotonin neurons was sufficient to rescue loss of TPH2 immunoreactivity and largely preserve serotonin innervation of motor neurons in the spinal cord. Furthermore, this abrogated constitutive activity of 5‐HT2B/C receptors and abolished spasticity in end‐stage mice. Consistent with spasticity mitigating motor symptoms, selective deletion worsened motor function and accelerated the onset of paralysis.

Interpretation

Degeneration of serotonin neurons is necessary to trigger spasticity through the 5‐HT2B/C receptor. The wide range of drugs targeting the serotonergic system could be useful to treat spasticity in neurological diseases. Ann Neurol 2017;82:444–456
Two‐stage stabilizer addition protocol as a means to reduce the size and improve the uniformity of polymer beads in suspension polymerization
Authors: Jahanzad Fatemeh , Sajjadi Shahriar
Published: August 2017

A two‐stage stabilizer addition protocol is suggested for reducing the size and improving the uniformity of polymer beads resulting from conventional suspension polymerization. The stabilizer load was divided into an initial charge and a secondary addition. The use of a low concentration of stabilizer in the initial charge served to assist drop rupture while avoiding significant reduction in drop size and production of too many satellite droplets. The secondary addition time of stabilizer occurred just before the onset of the growth stage when drops were vulnerable to coalescence but robust against break up due to their high viscosity. The secondary addition of stabilizer served to provide stability to monomer drops during the growth stage and as a result the drops underwent limited coalescence. This resulted in the formation of smaller and more uniform polymer beads in comparison to beads obtained by conventional suspension polymerization at the same overall concentration of stabilizer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45671.
Anatomy education in occupational therapy curricula: Perspectives of practitioners in the United States
Authors: Schofield Katherine A.
Published: August 2017

The study of human anatomy is an integral component in the education of future occupational therapists, yet there is a paucity of research that explores the anatomy needs of students and new practitioners. As a follow up from a pilot study that surveyed a small cohort of practicing therapists, this article aimed to determine occupational therapy (OT) practitioners' views on anatomy course structure and content deemed important to include in OT curricula, entry level practitioners' anatomy knowledge, and application of anatomy in current practice. A Likert scale and free text questionnaire was distributed to practicing occupational therapists across the United States. Fifty‐four percent of the participants in this cohort favored a standalone course, as compared to 94% in the pilot study group. Anatomy course content areas were comparable across groups. Systems identified as essential to cover in an OT anatomy course included skeletal, muscular, and nervous. Regions included the upper limb, thorax/trunk, head and neck, and lower limb. Seventy percent of participants in both groups felt that entry‐level practitioners had adequate anatomy knowledge; 30% did not. Practice areas requiring anatomy knowledge included assessment of joint movement, muscle strength, pain, and functional mobility. Qualitative analysis of free text response data revealed the importance of anatomy knowledge in OT assessment and intervention strategies, determining the impact of injury or disease on occupational performance, client safety, and communication with other health care professionals and families. Anat Sci Educ 11: 243–253. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.
Controllability of Fractional Differential Equation of Order α∈(1,2] With Non‐Instantaneous Impulses
Authors: Muslim Malik , Kumar Avadhesh
Published: August 2017

The objective of this paper is to establish the sufficient condition for the exact controllability of a control system governed by the fractional differential equation of order α∈(1,2] with non‐instantaneous impulses in a Hilbert space X. The results are obtained using the α‐order cosine family and Banach fixed point theorem. Also, the exact controllability of an integrodifferential problem is studied. Finally, a few examples are given to illustrate the applications of these abstract results.
EID‐Estimation‐Based Periodic Disturbance Rejection for Sintering Ignition Process with Input Time Delay
Authors: Chen Xin , Jiao Wei , Wu Min , Cao Weihua
Published: August 2017

Sintering plays a key role in generating blast furnace burden in metallurgical processes. The continuous production and stable quality of sintering significantly depends on the stable and precise control of sintering ignition, which, however, is achieved through an input time delay system, and suffers from different and unknown disturbances. To reject disturbances and enhance the control precision of ignition temperature, this paper introduces a modified equivalent input disturbance (EID)‐based disturbance compensation that is suitable for controlling sintering ignition. First, the periodic properties of disturbances induced by gas pressure fluctuations are obtained based on spectral density decomposition. Second, to obtain the dynamics of sintering ignition, an iterative subspace modeling method is developed, which estimates not only the model parameters but also the length of time delay. By considering the periodic property, a control structure of sintering ignition based on the modified EID‐based compensation is proposed, in which an additional time‐delay element is designed to make the phase difference between EID estimation and real disturbance close to zero. Finally, the validity of the proposed method is verified by a simulation.
Analysis and functional characterization of sequence variations in ligand binding domain of thyroid hormone receptors in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients
Authors: Kalikiri Mahesh Kumar , Mamidala Madhu Poornima , Rao Ananth N. , Rajesh Vidya
Published: August 2017

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neuro developmental disorder, reported to be on a rise in the past two decades. Thyroid hormone‐T3 plays an important role in early embryonic and central nervous system development. T3 mediates its function by binding to thyroid hormone receptors, TRα and TRβ. Alterations in T3 levels and thyroid receptor mutations have been earlier implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders and have been linked to environmental toxins. Limited reports from earlier studies have shown the effectiveness of T3 treatment with promising results in children with ASD and that the thyroid hormone levels in these children was also normal. This necessitates the need to explore the genetic variations in the components of the thyroid hormone pathway in ASD children. To achieve this objective, we performed genetic analysis of ligand binding domain of THRA and THRB receptor genes in 30 ASD subjects and in age matched controls from India. Our study for the first time reports novel single nucleotide polymorphisms in the THRA and THRB receptor genes of ASD individuals. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1919–1928. ©2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Thyroid hormone (T3) and thyroid receptors (TRα and TRβ) are the major components of the thyroid hormone pathway. The link between thyroid pathway and neuronal development is proven in clinical medicine. Since the thyroid hormone levels in Autistic children are normal, variations in their receptors needs to be explored. To achieve this objective, changes in THRA and THRB receptor genes was studied in 30 ASD and normal children from India. The impact of some of these mutations on receptor function was also studied.
Promoting verbal reports and action plans by staff during monthly meetings in a Japanese residential home
Authors: Sasaki Ginga , Noro Fumiyuki
Published: August 2017

We examined factors leading to the successful implementation of behavioral programs by staff caring for children in a Japanese residential home. We used a multiple baseline design across 3 units of residential homes to assess the effects of 2 interventions. The primary dependent measures were staff verbal reports (e.g., descriptions of antecedents, behavior, and/or consequences) and action plans (instructions for intervention). Our results indicated that the use of quantitative data (e.g., frequency of behaviors) increased the percentage of time spent engaged in verbal reports, whereas the use of qualitative data (e.g., A‐B‐C recording) increased the percentage of action plans. In conclusion, our intervention promoted effective verbal reports and action plans. Using these tools, staff in residential housing facilities may be able to improve support delivered to children in Japanese residential programs. Future research may help to verify whether similar effects can be achieved in other settings.
Engineering Robustness of Microbial Cell Factories
Authors: Gong Zhiwei , Nielsen Jens , Zhou Yongjin J.
Published: August 2017

Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology offer great prospects in developing microbial cell factories capable of converting renewable feedstocks into fuels, chemicals, food ingredients, and pharmaceuticals. However, prohibitively low production rate and mass concentration remain the major hurdles in industrial processes even though the biosynthetic pathways are comprehensively optimized. These limitations are caused by a variety of factors unamenable for host cell survival, such as harsh industrial conditions, fermentation inhibitors from biomass hydrolysates, and toxic compounds including metabolic intermediates and valuable target products. Therefore, engineered microbes with robust phenotypes is essential for achieving higher yield and productivity. In this review, the recent advances in engineering robustness and tolerance of cell factories is described to cope with these issues and briefly introduce novel strategies with great potential to enhance the robustness of cell factories, including metabolic pathway balancing, transporter engineering, and adaptive laboratory evolution. This review also highlights the integration of advanced systems and synthetic biology principles toward engineering the harmony of overall cell function, more than the specific pathways or enzymes.
Weekday of cancer surgery in relation to prognosis
Authors: Lagergren J , Mattsson F , Lagergren P
Published: August 2017

Background

Later weekday of surgery seems to affect the prognosis adversely in oesophageal cancer, whereas any such influence on other cancer sites is unknown. This study aimed to test whether weekday of surgery influenced prognosis following commonly performed cancer operations.

Methods

This nationwide Swedish population-based cohort study from 1997 to 2014 analysed weekday of elective surgery for ten major cancers in relation to disease-specific and all-cause mortality. Cox regression provided hazard ratios with 95 per cent confidence intervals, adjusted for the co-variables age, sex, co-morbidity, hospital volume, calendar year and tumour stage.

Results

A total of 228 927 patients were included. Later weekday of surgery (Thursdays and, even more so, Fridays) was associated with increased mortality rates for gastrointestinal cancers. Adjusted hazard ratios for disease-specific mortality, comparing surgery on Friday with that on Monday, were 1·57 (95 per cent c.i. 1·31 to 1·88) for oesophagogastric cancer, 1·49 (1·17 to 1·88) for liver/pancreatic/biliary cancer and 1·53 (1·44 to 1·63) for colorectal cancer. Excluding mortality during the initial 90 days of surgery made little difference to these findings, and all-cause mortality was similar to disease-specific mortality. The associations were similar in analyses stratified for co-variables. No consistent associations were found between weekday of surgery and prognosis for cancer of the head and neck, lung, thyroid, breast, kidney/bladder, prostate or ovary/uterus.

Conclusion

Later weekday of surgery (Thursday or Friday) seems to influence the prognosis adversely for cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.
Comparison of Three Multi‐Dimensional Solid‐Phase Extraction Methods with IL‐based Silica Sorbent for Separation of Rutin, Quercetin, and Scoparone from Herba Artemisiae Scopariae
Authors: Ma Wanwan , Lee Yuri , Li Guizhen , Row Kyung Ho
Published: August 2017

Five types of ionic liquid‐based silica (SilprBImCl, SilprImNH2, SilprPy, SilmPS, and SiImBr) with different radical groups were synthesized and applied to the separation of three bioactive compounds (rutin, quercetin, and scoparone) from Herba Artemisiae Scopariae by three multi‐dimensional solid‐phase extraction (MDSPE) methods combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography. After comparing the comprehensive adsorption capacity test of the five types of ionic liquid‐based silica materials, SilprPy and SilmPS, with the highest adsorption capacity were selected and applied in the packing of three different types of MDSPE process (layered MDSPE, blended MDSPE, and stacked MDSPE). With 2.0 mL of ethanol as the washing solution and 2.0 mL of methanol as the elution solution, blended MDSPE achieved the highest recoveries of all three target compounds (91.2% for rutin, 84.3% for scoparone, and 89.7% for quercetin).
Restratification of survival prognosis of N1b papillary thyroid cancer by lateral lymph node ratio and largest lymph node size
Authors: Kim Hye In , Kim Tae Hyuk , Choe Jun‐Ho , Kim Jung‐Han , Kim Jee Soo , Oh Young Lyun , Hahn Soo Yeon , Shin Jung Hee , Jang Hye Won , Kim Young Nam , Kim Hosu , Ahn Hyeon Seon , Kim Kyunga , Kim Sun Wook , Chung Jae Hoon
Published: August 2017

The current 7th TNM staging stratifies N1b papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients without distant metastasis into either stage I or stage IV merely by an age threshold (45 years). To date, no studies have adequately quantified the mortality risk of PTC patients with N1b disease. We hypothesized that incorporating lymph node (LN) factors into the staging system would better predict cancer‐specific mortality (CSM). A total of 745 nonmetastatic PTC patients with N1b disease were enrolled. We identified factors related to LNs and cut‐points using Cox regression and time‐dependent ROC analysis. New prognostic groupings were derived based on minimal hazard differences for CSM among the groups stratified by LN risk and age, and prediction of CSM was assessed. Lateral lymph node ratio (LNR) and largest LN size were significant prognostic LN factors at cut‐points of 0.3 and 3 cm. Without LN risk (lateral LNR >0.3 or largest LN size >3 cm), stage IV patients had prognosis [adjusted HR 1.10 (98% CI 0.19–6.20); P = 0.906] similar to stage I patients with LN risk. Patients were restratified into three prognostic groups: Group 1, <45 years without LN risk; Group 2, <45 years with LN risk or ≥45 years without LN risk; and Group 3, ≥45 with LN risk. This system had a lower log‐rank P‐value (<0.001 vs. 0.002) and higher C‐statistics (0.80 vs. 0.71) than the 7th TNM. New prognostic grouping using lateral LNR and largest LN size predicts CSM accurately and distinguishes N1b patients with different prognosis.
On the Dynamical Behavior of the Cysteine Dioxygenase‐l‐Cysteine Complex in the Presence of Free Dioxygen and l‐Cysteine
Authors: Pietra Francesco
Published: August 2017

In this work, viable models of cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) and its complex with l‐cysteine dianion were built for the first time, under strict adherence to the crystal structure from X‐ray diffraction studies, for all atom molecular dynamics (MD). Based on the CHARMM36 FF, the active site, featuring an octahedral dummy Fe(II) model, allowed us observing water exchange, which would have escaped attention with the more popular bonded models. Free dioxygen (O2) and l‐cysteine, added at the active site, could be observed being expelled toward the solvating medium under Random Accelerated Molecular Dynamics (RAMD) along major and minor pathways. Correspondingly, free dioxygen (O2), added to the solvating medium, could be observed to follow the same above pathways in getting to the active site under unbiased MD. For the bulky l‐cysteine, 600 ns of trajectory were insufficient for protein penetration, and the molecule was stuck at the protein borders. These models pave the way to free energy studies of ligand associations, devised to better clarify how this cardinal enzyme behaves in human metabolism.
Chemical Composition, Enantiomeric Analysis, AEDA Sensorial Evaluation and Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oil from the Ecuadorian Plant Lepechinia mutica Benth (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Ramírez Jorge , Gilardoni Gianluca , Jácome Miriam , Montesinos José , Rodolfi Marinella , Guglielminetti Maria Lidia , Cagliero Cecila , Bicchi Carlo , Vidari Giovanni
Published: August 2017

This study describes the GC‐FID, GC/MS, GC‐O, and enantioselective GC analysis of the essential oil hydrodistilled from leaves of Lepechinica mutica (Lamiaceae), collected in Ecuador. GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses allowed the characterization and quantification of 79 components, representing 97.3% of the total sample. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (38.50%) and monoterpene hydrocarbons (30.59%) were found to be the most abundant volatiles, while oxygenated sesquiterpenes (16.20%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (2.10%) were the minor components. In order to better characterize the oil aroma, the most important odorants, from the sensorial point of view, were identified by Aroma Extract Dilution Analysis (AEDA) GC‐O. They were α‐Pinene, β‐Phellandrene, and Dauca‐5,8‐diene, exhibiting the characteristic woody, herbaceus, and earthy odors, respectively. Enantioselective GC analysis of L. mutica essential oil revealed the presence of twelve couples and two enantiomerically pure chiral monoterpenoids. Their enantiomeric excesses were from a few percent units to 100%. Moreover, the essential oil exhibited moderate in vitro activity against five fungal strains, being especially effective against M. canis, which is a severe zoophilic dermatophyte causal agent of pet and human infections.
Extracellular NAMPT/visfatin causes p53 deacetylation via NAD production and SIRT1 activation in breast cancer cells
Authors: Behrouzfar Kiarash , Alaee Mohammad , Nourbakhsh Mitra , Gholinejad Zafar , Golestani Abolfazl
Published: August 2017

Visfatin, which is secreted as an adipokine and cytokine, has been implicated in cancer development and progression. In this study, we investigated the NAD‐producing ability of visfatin and its relationship with SIRT1 (silent information regulator 2) and p53 to clarify the role of visfatin in breast cancer. MCF‐7 breast cancer cells were cultured and treated with visfatin. SIRT1 activity was assessed by measuring fluorescence intensity from fluoro‐substrate peptide. To investigate the effect of visfatin on p53 acetylation, SDS‐PAGE followed by western blotting was performed using specific antibodies against p53 and its acetylated form. Total NAD was measured both in cell lysate and the extracellular medium by colorimetric method. Visfatin increased both extracellular and intracellular NAD concentrations. It also induced proliferation of breast cancer cells, an effect that was abolished by inhibition of its enzymatic activity. Visfatin significantly increased SIRT1 activity, accompanied by induction of p53 deacetylation. In conclusion, the results show that extracellular visfatin produces NAD that causes upregulation of SIRT1 activity and p53 deacetylation. These findings explain the relationship between visfatin and breast cancer progression.
2‐Methoxypyridine as a Thymidine Mimic in Watson–Crick Base Pairs of DNA and PNA: Synthesis, Thermal Stability, and NMR Structural Studies
Authors: Novosjolova Irina , Kennedy Scott D. , Rozners Eriks
Published: August 2017

The development of nucleic acid base‐pair analogues that use new modes of molecular recognition is important both for fundamental research and practical applications. The goal of this study was to evaluate 2‐methoxypyridine as a cationic thymidine mimic in the A–T base pair. The hypothesis was that including protonation in the Watson–Crick base pairing scheme would enhance the thermal stability of the DNA double helix without compromising the sequence selectivity. DNA and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) sequences containing the new 2‐methoxypyridine nucleobase (P) were synthesized and studied by using UV thermal melting and NMR spectroscopy. Introduction of P nucleobase caused a loss of thermal stability of ≈10 °C in DNA–DNA duplexes and ≈20 °C in PNA–DNA duplexes over a range of mildly acidic to neutral pH. Despite the decrease in thermal stability, the NMR structural studies showed that P–A formed the expected protonated base pair at pH 4.3. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of cationic unnatural base pairs; however, future optimization of such analogues will be required.
Recent Advances on Computational Investigations of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Cycloaddition/Annulation Reactions: Mechanism and Origin of Selectivities
Authors: Wang Yang , Wei Donghui , Zhang Wenjing
Published: August 2017

The developments of theoretical studies on NHC‐catalyzed [n+2] (n=2, 3, 4) and other cycloaddition/annulation reactions have been summarized in this review. The detailed mechanisms, role of NHC, and origin of chemo‐ and stereoselectivity of these kinds of reactions were illustrated to provide valuable insights for rational design of new NHC‐catalyzed cycloaddition/annulation reactions with high selectivities. Moreover, computational and theoretical methods commonly used were also mentioned to open the door for deep exploration of the general principle for NHC‐catalyzed reactions within theoretical chemistry.
Microscopic Insights on the Multiferroic Perovskite‐Like [CH3NH3][Co(COOH)3] Compound
Authors: Mazzuca Lidia , Cañadillas‐Delgado Laura , Fabelo Oscar , Rodríguez‐Velamazán J. Alberto , Luzón Javier , Vallcorba Oriol , Simonet Virginie , Colin Claire V. , Rodríguez‐Carvajal Juan
Published: August 2017

The characterization of the crystal structure, phase transitions, magnetic structure and dielectric properties has been carried out on [CH3NH3][Co(COOH)3] (1) perovskite‐like metal–organic compound through variable‐temperature single‐crystal and powder neutron and X‐ray diffraction and relative permittivity measurements. The paraelectric to antiferroelectric‐like phase transition observed at around 90 K is triggered by a structural phase transition; the structural studies show a change from Pnma space group at RT (1A) to P21/n space group at low temperature (1B). This phase transition involves the occurrence of small distortions in the framework and counterions. Neutron diffraction studies have shown a magnetic order showing spontaneous magnetization below 15 K, due to the occurrence of a non‐collinear antiferromagnetic structure with a weak ferromagnetic component, mainly due to the single‐ion anisotropy of the CoII ions.
General Synthesis of Transition‐Metal Oxide Hollow Nanospheres/Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene Hybrids by Metal–Ammine Complex Chemistry for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Jiayuan , Wu Xiaofeng , Gong Yan , Wang Pengfei , Li Wenhui , Mo Shengpeng , Peng Shengpan , Tan Qiangqiang , Chen Yunfa
Published: August 2017

We present a general and facile synthesis strategy, on the basis of metal–ammine complex chemistry, for synthesizing hollow transition‐metal oxides (Co3O4, NiO, CuO‐Cu2O, and ZnO)/nitrogen‐doped graphene hybrids, potentially applied in high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries. The oxygen‐containing functional groups of graphene oxide play a prerequisite role in the formation of hollow transition‐metal oxides on graphene nanosheets, and a significant hollowing process occurs only when forming metal (Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, or Zn2+)–ammine complex ions. Moreover, the hollowing process is well correlated with the complexing capacity between metal ions and NH3 molecules. The significant hollowing process occurs for strong metal–ammine complex ions including Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ ions, and no hollow structures formed for weak and/or noncomplex Mn2+ and Fe3+ ions. Simultaneously, this novel strategy can also achieve the direct doping of nitrogen atoms into the graphene framework. The electrochemical performance of two typical hollow Co3O4 or NiO/nitrogen‐doped graphene hybrids was evaluated by their use as anodic materials. It was demonstrated that these unique nanostructured hybrids, in contrast with the bare counterparts, solid transition‐metal oxides/nitrogen‐doped graphene hybrids, perform with significantly improved specific capacity, superior rate capability, and excellent capacity retention.
Mechanism of the Catalytic Carboxylation of Alkylboronates with CO2 Using Ni−NHC Complexes: A DFT Study
Authors: Delarmelina Maicon , Marelli Enrico , de M. Carneiro José Walkimar , Nolan Steven P. , Bühl Michael
Published: August 2017

A new mechanism is proposed for the Ni‐catalyzed carboxylation of organoboronates with CO2. DFT investigations at the PBE0‐D3 level have shown that direct CO2 addition to the catalysts [Ni(NHC)(Allyl)Cl] (1NHC, NHC=IMe, IPr, SIPr and IPr*) is kinetically disfavored and formation of the Aresta‐type intermediate is unlikely to occur. According to the mechanism proposed here, the carboxylation process starts with addition of the borate species to 1NHC, followed by transmetalation, CO2 cycloaddition and carboxylation. The rate‐determining step was identified as being the transmetalation process, with computed relative free energy barriers of 34.8, 36.8, and 33.5 kcal mol−1 for 1IPr, 1SIPr and 1IPr*, respectively.
Molecular Simulations of Thermodynamic Properties for the Systemα‐Cyclodextrin/Alcohol in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Markthaler Daniel , Gebhardt Julia , Jakobtorweihen Sven , Hansen Niels
Published: August 2017

Free‐energy calculations based on molecular simulations provide access to a wide range of thermodynamic properties such as the solubility and partitioning of a molecule in and between various phases. It is demonstrated how molecular dynamics free‐energy simulations may be used to obtain the solubilities of primary alcohols andn‐alkanes in water and binding affinities of primary alcohols toα‐cyclodextrin. The equivalence of two distinct routes to calculate binding free energies is shown leading to the conclusion that host‐guest binding affinities may be used to probe the underlying molecular force field.
Effect of sulphur deposition on well performance in a sour gas reservoir
Authors: Hu Jinghong , Lei Zhengdong , Chen Zhangxin , Ma Zhanguo
Published: August 2017

Sulphur deposition has been the centre of attention in sour gas reservoir development. While Roberts's solubility model is widely used in sour reservoir damage to describe elemental sulphur precipitation and deposition in a near‐wellbore area, this model cannot accurately predict a change in sulphur solubility. A productivity prediction model, with consideration of sulphur deposition, is also not complete, particularly for modelling sulphur deposition and fractured horizontal wells. In this study, based on the unsteady percolation mechanics theory and superposition principle, we develop a new numerical model to quantify fractured horizontal well production by combining various sulphur solubility models. We examine the effects of sulphur deposition on permeability, porosity, and production performance. The results show that sulphur deposition damages reservoirs and thus decreases well production in later stages. These results also show that the permeability and porosity reduction using Roberts's sulphur solubility model is greater than that using Hu et al.'s sulphur solubility model. The damage degree is relatively smaller when using Hu et al.'s sulphur solubility model, and the effect of sulphur deposition on a production performance curve is negligible. Moreover, Hu et al.'s model is closer to actual production data. The results can guide reservoir engineers to optimize development plans in sour gas reservoirs.
Capacitive Properties of the Binder‐Free Electrode Prepared from Carbon Derived from Cotton and Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Ma Wenhui , Chang Yunzhen , Han Gaoyi , Xiao Yaoming , Fu Dongying , Chang Yahui
Published: August 2017

The binder‐free composite films of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and activated carbon derived from cotton (aCFC) have been fabricated and used as electrodes for electrochemical capacitors (ECs) to avoid the decrease of capacitive performance in traditional process caused by the additional binder. The optimal aCFC is prepared at 850 °C when the mass ratio of carbon and potassium hydroxide is 1 to 4. The optimal composite film prepared from the mass ratio of aCFC/GO=2/1 exhibits porous structure, and has a specific surface area of 849.6 m2•g−1 and a total pore volume of 0.61 mL•g−1. Based on the two‐electrode system testing in 6.0 mol/L KOH electrolyte, the optimal composite has specific capacitance of about 202 F•g−1, 374 mF•cm−2 and 116 F•cm−3 in terms of mass, area and volume, and shows excellent rate capability and good cyclic stability (91.7% retention of the initial capacitance after 5000 cycles). Furthermore, the assembled solid‐state ECs by using KOH/polyvinyl alcohol as electrolyte show good mechanical stability and capacitive performances after repeated bending cycles. It is proved that this method is effective to fabricate binder‐free electrodes for ECs and will open up a novel route for the reuse of waste cotton.