bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sample entropy analysis for the estimating depth of anaesthesia through human EEG signal at different levels of unconsciousness during surgeries
Authors: Liu Quan , Ma Li , Fan Shou-Zen , Abbod Maysam F. , Shieh Jiann-Shing
Published: May 2018

Estimating the depth of anaesthesia (DoA) in operations has always been a challenging issue due to the underlying complexity of the brain mechanisms. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are undoubtedly the most widely used signals for measuring DoA. In this paper, a novel EEG-based index is proposed to evaluate DoA for 24 patients receiving general anaesthesia with different levels of unconsciousness. Sample Entropy (SampEn) algorithm was utilised in order to acquire the chaotic features of the signals. After calculating the SampEn from the EEG signals, Random Forest was utilised for developing learning regression models with Bispectral index (BIS) as the target. Correlation coefficient, mean absolute error, and area under the curve (AUC) were used to verify the perioperative performance of the proposed method. Validation comparisons with typical nonstationary signal analysis methods (i.e., recurrence analysis and permutation entropy) and regression methods (i.e., neural network and support vector machine) were conducted. To further verify the accuracy and validity of the proposed methodology, the data is divided into four unconsciousness-level groups on the basis of BIS levels. Subsequently, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to the corresponding index (i.e., regression output). Results indicate that the correlation coefficient improved to 0.72 ± 0.09 after filtering and to 0.90 ± 0.05 after regression from the initial values of 0.51 ± 0.17. Similarly, the final mean absolute error dramatically declined to 5.22 ± 2.12. In addition, the ultimate AUC increased to 0.98 ± 0.02, and the ANOVA analysis indicates that each of the four groups of different anaesthetic levels demonstrated significant difference from the nearest levels. Furthermore, the Random Forest output was extensively linear in relation to BIS, thus with better DoA prediction accuracy. In conclusion, the proposed method provides a concrete basis for monitoring patients’ anaesthetic level during surgeries.
Immunogenicity evaluation of MS2 phage-mediated chimeric nanoparticle displaying an immunodominant B cell epitope of foot-and-mouth disease virus
Authors: Wang Guoqiang , Liu Yunchao , Feng Hua , Chen Yumei , Yang Suzhen , Wei Qiang , Wang Juan , Liu Dongmin , Zhang Gaiping
Published: May 2018

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals that has caused tremendous economic losses worldwide. In this study, we designed a chimeric nanoparticles (CNPs) vaccine that displays the predominant epitope of the serotype O foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) VP1 131-160 on the surface of MS2 phage. The recombinant protein was expressed inEscherichia Coliand can self-assemble into CNPs with diameter at 25–30 nmin vitro. A tandem repeat peptide epitopes (TRE) was prepared as control. Mice were immunized with CNPs, TRE and commercialized synthetic peptide vaccines (PepVac), respectively. The ELISA results showed that CNPs stimulated a little higher specific antibody levels to PepVac, but was significantly higher than the TRE groups. Moreover, the results from specific IFN-γ responses and lymphocyte proliferation test indicated that CNP immunized mice exhibited significantly enhanced cellular immune response compared to TRE. These results suggested that the CNPs constructed in current study could be a potential alternative vaccine in future FMDV control.
Impact of crop residue management on crop production and soil chemistry after seven years of crop rotation in temperate climate, loamy soils
Authors: Hiel Marie-Pierre , Barbieux Sophie , Pierreux Jérôme , Olivier Claire , Lobet Guillaume , Roisin Christian , Garré Sarah , Colinet Gilles , Bodson Bernard , Dumont Benjamin
Published: May 2018

Society is increasingly demanding a more sustainable management of agro-ecosystems in a context of climate change and an ever growing global population. The fate of crop residues is one of the important management aspects under debate, since it represents an unneglectable quantity of organic matter which can be kept in or removed from the agro-ecosystem. The topic of residue management is not new, but the need for global conclusion on the impact of crop residue management on the agro-ecosystem linked to local pedo-climatic conditions has become apparent with an increasing amount of studies showing a diversity of conclusions. This study specifically focusses on temperate climate and loamy soil using a seven-year data set. Between 2008 and 2016, we compared four contrasting residue management strategies differing in the amount of crop residues returned to the soil (incorporation vs. exportation of residues) and in the type of tillage (reduced tillage (10 cm depth) vs. conventional tillage (ploughing at 25 cm depth)) in a field experiment. We assessed the impact of the crop residue management on crop production (three crops—winter wheat, faba bean and maize—cultivated over six cropping seasons), soil organic carbon content, nitrate (${\mathrm{NO}}_{3}^{-}$), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) soil content and uptake by the crops. The main differences came primarily from the tillage practice and less from the restitution or removal of residues. All years and crops combined, conventional tillage resulted in a yield advantage of 3.4% as compared to reduced tillage, which can be partly explained by a lower germination rate observed under reduced tillage, especially during drier years. On average, only small differences were observed for total organic carbon (TOC) content of the soil, but reduced tillage resulted in a very clear stratification of TOC and also of P and K content as compared to conventional tillage. We observed no effect of residue management on the ${\mathrm{NO}}_{3}^{-}$ content, since the effect of fertilization dominated the effect of residue management. To confirm the results and enhance early tendencies, we believe that the experiment should be followed up in the future to observe whether more consistent changes in the whole agro-ecosystem functioning are present on the long term when managing residues with contrasted strategies.
Mechanisms of cell regulation – proteolysis, the big surprise
Authors: Wolf Dieter H. , Menssen Ruth
Published: May 2018

Precise regulation of cellular processes is essential for life. Regarding proteins, many regulatory mechanisms were explored over the years, such as posttranslational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation), enzyme activation or inhibition by small molecules, and modulation of protein–protein interactions. Complete removal of a protein via proteolysis as a regulatory mechanism, however, was denied for a long time, mainly due to economical considerations. Scientists could not believe that a protein which is synthesized at the expense of a lot of energy could be destroyed again. Here, we discuss the landmark discoveries and the use of yeast as a eukaryotic model organism that finally paved the way for our current understanding of proteolysis as an essential regulatory principle in the cell.
Molecular subtype classification of urothelial carcinoma in Lynch syndrome
Authors: Therkildsen Christina , Eriksson Pontus , Höglund Mattias , Jönsson Mats , Sjödahl Gottfrid , Nilbert Mef , Liedberg Fredrik
Published: May 2018

Lynch syndrome confers an increased risk for urothelial carcinoma (UC). Molecular subtypes may be relevant to prognosis and therapeutic possibilities, but have to date not been defined in Lynch syndrome‐associated urothelial cancer. We aimed to provide a molecular description of Lynch syndrome‐associated UC. Thus, Lynch syndrome‐associated UCs of the upper urinary tract and the urinary bladder were identified in the Danish hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) register and were transcriptionally and immunohistochemically profiled and further related to data from 307 sporadic urothelial carcinomas. Whole‐genome mRNA expression profiles of 41 tumors and immunohistochemical stainings against FGFR3, KRT5, CCNB1, RB1, and CDKN2A (p16) of 37 tumors from patients with Lynch syndrome were generated. Pathological data, microsatellite instability, anatomic location, and overall survival data were analyzed and compared with sporadic bladder cancer. The 41 Lynch syndrome‐associated UC developed at a mean age of 61 years with 59% women. mRNA expression profiling and immunostaining classified the majority of the Lynch syndrome‐associated UC as urothelial‐like tumors with only 20% being genomically unstable, basal/SCC‐like, or other subtypes. The subtypes were associated with stage, grade, and microsatellite instability. Comparison to larger datasets revealed that Lynch syndrome‐associated UC shares molecular similarities with sporadic UC. In conclusion, transcriptomic and immunohistochemical profiling identifies a predominance of the urothelial‐like molecular subtype in Lynch syndrome and reveals that the molecular subtypes of sporadic bladder cancer are relevant also within this hereditary, mismatch‐repair defective subset.
Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge and its constituent timosaponin‐AIII induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: MarElia Catherine B. , Sharp Arielle E. , Shemwell Tiffany A. , Clare Zhang Y. , Burkhardt Brant R.
Published: May 2018

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most recalcitrant and lethal of all cancers. We examined the effects of Anemarrhena asphodeloides (AA) and timosaponin‐AIII (TAIII), a steroidal saponin present in AA, on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and aimed to elucidate their potential apoptotic mechanisms of action. Viability assays and cell cycle analysis revealed that both AA and TAIII significantly inhibited pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and cell cycle progression compared to treatment with gemcitabine, the standard chemotherapeutic agent for advanced pancreatic cancer. We identified a dose‐dependent increase in caspase‐dependent apoptosis and activation of pro‐apoptotic PI3K/Akt pathway proteins, with a subsequent downregulation of pro‐survival PI3K/Akt pathway proteins, in pancreatic cancer cells treated with AA or TAIII over those treated with gemcitabine.
“Characterization of ELEKTA SRS cone collimator using high spatial resolution monolithic silicon detector array”
Authors: Shukaili Khalsa Al , Corde Stéphanie , Petasecca Marco , Pereveratylo Vladimir , Lerch Michael , Jackson Michael , Rosenfeld Anatoly
Published: May 2018

Purpose

To investigate the accuracy of the dosimetry of radiation fields produced by small ELEKTA cone collimators used for stereotactic radiosurgery treatments (SRS) using commercially available detectors EBT3 GafchromicTM film, IBA Stereotactic diode (SFD), and the recently developed detector DUO, which is a monolithic silicon orthogonal linear diode array detector.

Methods

These three detectors were used for the measurement of beam profiles, output factors, and percentage depth dose for SRS cone collimators with cone sizes ranging from 5 to 50 mm diameter. The measurements were performed at 10 cm depth and 90 cm SSD.

Results

The SRS cone beam profiles measured with DUO, EBT3 film, and IBA SFD agreed well, results being in agreement within ±0.5 mm in the FWHM, and ±0.7 mm in the penumbra region. The output factor measured by DUO with 0.5 mm air gap above agrees within ±1% with EBT3. The OF measured by IBA SFD (corrected for the over‐response) agreed with both EBT3 and DUO within ±2%. All three detectors agree within ±2% for PDD measurements for all SRS cones.

Conclusions

The characteristics of the ELEKTA SRS cone collimator have been evaluated by using a monolithic silicon high spatial resolution detector DUO, EBT3, and IBA SFD diode. The DUO detector is suitable for fast real‐time quality assurance dosimetry in small radiation fields typical for SRS/SRT. This has been demonstrated by its good agreement of measured doses with EBT 3 films.
A Transparent Membrane for Active Noise Cancelation
Authors: Rothemund Philipp , Morelle Xavier P. , Jia Kun , Whitesides George M. , Suo Zhigang
Published: May 2018

A method for active noise cancelation that uses an optically transparent membrane is described. The membrane consists of a prestretched hydrophobic elastomer, attached to a rigid frame and sandwiched between two hydrogels swollen with an aqueous solution of salt. The elastomer functions as a dielectric, and the hydrogel functions as an ionic conductor. When the two hydrogels are subjected to a sinusoidal voltage, the membrane generates sound. A linear model for the reflection, transmission, and generation of sound by the membrane in an impedance tube is presented and validated. Active noise cancelation is demonstrated using the linear model and feedforward control. Compared to passive sound absorption, the sound transmission loss across the membrane is improved with active control from an average value of 7 dB to an average value of 16 dB. The transparent membrane may be used to cancel noises through a window, while maintaining its transparency.
Precise Single‐Step Electrophoretic Multi‐Sized Fractionation of Liquid‐Exfoliated Nanosheets
Authors: Tay Dousabel M. Y. , Li Bang Lin , Tan Eveline S. L. , Loh Kian Ping , Leong David Tai
Published: May 2018

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) 2D nanomaterials' integration into the industry has been hampered by the ability to mass produce nanosheets of designed sizes. Large‐scale exfoliation is possible with liquid‐phase exfoliation, but precise subsequent isolation of a specified size dimension has yet to be realized. Herein, a precise and efficient method for both size fractionation and nanosheet retrieval is demonstrated using electrophoretic isolation of MoS2 nanosheets in low melting agarose. This can be applied to find out the relative size distribution and sizes within a sample of MoS2. Fractionation can be estimated visually by the relative spread of sizes based on their banding within the agarose. The additional degrees of freedom conferred by the agarose allow for more precise design and control over the size selection process. This serves as a quick and easy method of discerning and isolating the desired size range of MoS2 for further downstream applications in a single step. Nanosheets separated by the procedure retain their structural properties and display size dependency shown empirically and theoretically. This technique is versatile and can be varied according to the needs. It may truly bring large‐scale isolation that much needed step closer to industrial scale production.
Stretchable Conductive Fibers Based on a Cracking Control Strategy for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Zhang Bo , Lei Jie , Qi Dianpeng , Liu Zhiyuan , Wang Yu , Xiao Gengwu , Wu Jiansheng , Zhang Weina , Huo Fengwei , Chen Xiaodong
Published: May 2018

Stretchability plays an important role in wearable devices. Repeated stretching often causes the conductivity dramatically decreasing due to the damage of the inner conductive layer, which is a fatal and undesirable issue in this field. Herein, a convenient rolling strategy to prepare conductive fibers with high stretchability based on a spiral structure is proposed. With the simple rolling design, low resistance change can be obtained due to confined elongation nof the gold thin‐film cracks, which is caused by the encapsulated effect in such a structure. When the fiber is under 50% strain, the resistance change (R/R0) is about 1.5, which is much lower than a thin film at the same strain (R/R0 ≈ 10). The fiber can even afford a high load strain (up to 100%), but still retain good conductivity. Such a design further demonstrates its capability when it is used as a conductor to confirm signal transfer with low attenuation, which can also be woven into textile to fabricate wearable electronics.
Study on Liquid‐Like Behaviors of Dense Granular Impinging Jets
Authors: Shi Zhe‐Hang , Li Wei‐Feng , Wang Yue , Liu Hai‐Feng , Wang Fu‐Chen
Published: May 2018

Particle dynamic behaviors of dense granular impinging jets are experimentally studied by a high‐speed camera and numerically simulated using discrete element method (DEM). Effects of the granular jet velocity, impinging angle, and solid fraction of the granular jet on the flow patterns and interparticle collision are investigated. Results show that as the solid fraction of the granular jet (xp) increases, three patterns, that is, the penetrating pattern, diffuse pattern, and thin, liquid‐like granular sheet display in turns. The shape and velocity of the granular sheet have been characterized and compared with the liquid sheet. An increase in the impinging angle obviously enlarges the granular sheet and decreases the sheet velocity. The flow patterns and sheet velocity are successfully predicted by DEM simulation. The simulation results further reveal that rising xp increases the interparticle collision frequencies, which decreases interparticle collision forces and relative velocities, and consequently gives rise to the granular sheet. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 49–63, 2019
Establishing a publicly available national database of US news articles reporting agriculture‐related injuries and fatalities
Authors: Weichelt Bryan , Salzwedel Marsha , Heiberger Scott , Lee Barbara C.
Published: May 2018

Background

The AgInjuryNews system and dataset are a news report repository and information source for agricultural safety professionals, policymakers, journalists, and law enforcement officials.

Methods

AgInjuryNews was designed as a primary storage and retrieval system that allows users to: identify agricultural injury/fatality events; identify injury agents and emerging issues; provide safety messages for media in anticipation of trends; and raise awareness and knowledge of agricultural injuries and prevention strategies. Data are primarily collected through Google Alerts and a digital media subscription service. Articles are screened, reviewed, coded, and entered into the system.

Results

As of January 1, 2018, the system contained 3028 unique incidents. Of those, 650 involved youth, and 1807 were fatalities. The system also had registered 329 users from 39 countries.

Conclusions

AgInjuryNews combines injury reports into one dataset and may be the most current and comprehensive publicly available collection of news reports on agricultural injuries and deaths.
Cobalt(III)‐Catalyzed [4+2] Annulation of Heterobicyclic Alkenes by sp2 C−H Activation
Authors: Dey Arnab , Rathi Anuja , Volla Chandra M. R.
Published: May 2018

An efficient and convenient cobalt(III)‐catalyzed highly diastereoselective strategy was demonstrated for the synthesis of epoxybenzophenanthridinone derivatives. The sp2 C−H activation of N‐methoxybenzamides and their annulation reaction with 7‐oxa/aza benzonorbornadienes proceeds under mild conditions and exhibits excellent functional group tolerance. In addition, the products were transformed to biologically relevant phenanthridinones by an acid‐catalyzed ring opening/aromatization sequence.
Photonic Jet by a Near‐Unity‐Refractive‐Index Sphere on a Dielectric Substrate with High Index Contrast
Authors: Yue Liyang , Yan Bing , Monks James N. , Dhama Rakesh , Wang Zengbo , Minin Oleg V. , Minin Igor V.
Published: May 2018

Photonic jets are normally generated in transmission mode and are represented as a spatially localized high‐intensity region on the shadow side of a particle‐lens, with a background to medium refractive index contrast of 1.3–1.7 while illuminated by a plane wave. Here, a photonic jet is discovered in the opposing plane wave propagation direction and lies in the area in the upper boundary of a near‐unity refractive index sphere on a high refractive index dielectric substrate. The redistribution of the power flow is inhibited during the reflected wave passing the near‐unity refractive index sphere. This has led to a unique effect on the focus position and shape of the produced photonic jet in reflection mode which can be maximally maintained near the sphere regardless of the modulation of the refractive index for the dielectric substrate material.
Solid‐State Electrolyte Anchored with a Carboxylated Azo Compound for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Luo Chao , Ji Xiao , Chen Ji , Gaskell Karen J. , He Xinzi , Liang Yujia , Jiang Jianjun , Wang Chunsheng
Published: May 2018

Organic electrode materials are promising for green and sustainable lithium‐ion batteries. However, the high solubility of organic materials in the liquid electrolyte results in the shuttle reaction and fast capacity decay. Herein, azo compounds are firstly applied in all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLB) to suppress the dissolution challenge. Due to the high compatibility of azobenzene (AB) based compounds to Li3PS4 (LPS) solid electrolyte, the LPS solid electrolyte is used to prevent the dissolution and shuttle reaction of AB. To maintain the low interface resistance during the large volume change upon cycling, a carboxylate group is added into AB to provide 4‐(phenylazo) benzoic acid lithium salt (PBALS), which could bond with LPS solid electrolyte via the ionic bonding between oxygen in PBALS and lithium ion in LPS. The ionic bonding between the active material and solid electrolyte stabilizes the contact interface and enables the stable cycle life of PBALS in ASSLB.
Modular In Situ Functionalization Strategy: Multicomponent Polymerization by Palladium/Norbornene Cooperative Catalysis
Authors: Yoon Ki‐Young , Dong Guangbin
Published: May 2018

Herein, we report a cooperatively palladium/norbornene‐catalyzed polymerization, which simplifies the synthesis of functional aromatic polymers, including conjugated polymers. Specifically, an A2B2C‐type multicomponent polymerization that is based on an ortho amination/ipso alkynylation reaction was developed for the preparation of various amine‐functionalized arylacetylene‐containing polymers. Within a single catalytic cycle, the amine side chains are site‐selectively installed in situ by C−H activation during the polymerization process, which represents a major difference from conventional cross‐coupling polymerizations. This “in situ functionalization” strategy enables the modular incorporation of functional side chains starting from simple monomers, thereby conveniently affording a diverse range of functional polymers.
(N‐heterocyclic carbene)PdCl(N‐heterocyclic carboxylate) complexes: Synthesis and catalytic activities towards arylation of benzoxazoles with aryl halides
Authors: Yang Jin
Published: May 2018

A series of N‐heterocyclic carboxylate‐stabilized N‐heterocyclic carbene palladium complexes have been synthesized and fully characterized. The solid‐state structures indicate that each of the palladium centers is coordinated by an N‐heterocyclic carbene, a chloride and a bidentate N,O‐donor N‐heterocyclic carboxylate ligand. The catalytic performance of the complexes was screened and the results revealed that the complexes exhibit moderate to high catalytic activities for the direct C─H bond arylation of benzoxazoles with aryl bromides.
Correlation of Lyme Disease–Associated IgG4 Autoantibodies With Synovial Pathology in Antibiotic‐Refractory Lyme Arthritis
Authors: Sulka Katherine B. , Strle Klemen , Crowley Jameson T. , Lochhead Robert B. , Anthony Robert , Steere Allen C.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To determine whether IgG subclasses of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies differ from those of 3 Lyme disease (LD)–associated autoantibodies.

Methods

IgG antibody subclasses were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in serum samples from 215 patients with features representative of each of the 3 stages of LD. Antibody and cytokine profiles were measured in matched serum and synovial fluid (SF) samples from patients with Lyme arthritis. Synovial tissue from patients with antibiotic‐refractory arthritis was examined for histologic features, IgG subclasses of plasma cells, and messenger RNA (mRNA) subclass expression.

Results

B burgdorferi antibodies were primarily of the IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses, and the levels increased as the infection progressed. In contrast, LD‐associated autoantibodies were mainly of the IgG2 and IgG4 subclasses, and these responses were found primarily in patients with either antibiotic‐refractory or antibiotic‐responsive arthritis, particularly in SF. However, compared with the responsive group, the inflammatory milieu in SF in the refractory group was enriched for cytokines representative of innate, Th1, Th2, and Th17 responses. Synovial tissue in a subgroup of patients with refractory arthritis showed marked expression of mRNA for IgG4 antibodies and large numbers of IgG4‐staining plasma cells. IgG4 autoantibodies in SF to each of the 3 LD‐associated autoantigens correlated with the magnitude of obliterative microvascular lesions and fibrosis in the tissue.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the subclasses of IgG antibodies to B burgdorferi differ from those of LD‐associated autoantibodies. Furthermore, the correlation of IgG4 autoantibodies with specific synovial pathology in the refractory group suggests a role for these autoantibodies, either protective or pathologic, in antibiotic‐refractory Lyme arthritis.
Brief Report: Risk of Childhood Rheumatic and Nonrheumatic Autoimmune Diseases in Children Born to Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Couture Julie , Bernatsky Sasha , Scott Susan , Pineau Christian A. , Vinet Evelyne
Published: May 2018

Objective

Several autoimmune diseases have familial aggregation and, possibly, common genetic predispositions. In a large population‐based study, we evaluated whether children born to mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of rheumatic and nonrheumatic autoimmune diseases versus children born to mothers without SLE.

Methods

Using the Offspring of SLE Mothers Registry, we identified children born live to SLE mothers and their matched controls, and ascertained autoimmune diseases based on ≥1 hospitalization or ≥2 physician visits with a relevant diagnostic code. We adjusted for maternal age, education, race/ethnicity, obstetric complications, calendar birth year, and sex of child.

Results

A total of 509 women with SLE had 719 children, while 5,824 matched controls had 8,493 children. The mean ± SD follow‐up period was 9.1 ± 5.8 years. Children born to mothers with SLE had a similar frequency of rheumatic autoimmune diagnoses (0.14%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.01–0.90) versus controls (0.19% [95% CI 0.11–0.32]). There was a trend toward more nonrheumatic autoimmune diseases in SLE offspring (1.11% [95% CI 0.52–2.27]) versus controls (0.48% [95% CI 0.35–0.66]). In multivariate analyses, we did not see a clear increase in rheumatic autoimmune disease (odds ratio [OR] 0.71 [95% CI 0.11–4.82]), but children born to mothers with SLE had a substantially increased risk of nonrheumatic autoimmune disease versus controls (OR 2.30 [95% CI 1.06–5.03]).

Conclusion

Although the vast majority of offspring have no autoimmune disease, children born to women with SLE may have an increased risk of nonrheumatic autoimmune diseases versus controls. Additional studies assessing offspring through to adulthood would be additionally enlightening.
Sulfonylation of Benzylic C−H Bonds through the Reaction of Aryl(o‐tolyl)methanones with Sulfonyl Hydrazides or Sulfonyl Chlorides
Authors: Gong Xinxing , Chen Jiahao , Li Xiaofang , Xie Wenlin , Wu Jie
Published: May 2018

A sulfonylation of benzylic C−H bonds of aryl(o‐tolyl)methanones with arylsulfonyl hydrazides or arylsulfonyl chlorides has been developed. Arylsulfonyl hydrazides and arylsulfonyl chlorides were employed as sulfonylating reagents respectively to complete this transformation. During the reaction, enols were generated in situ from aryl(o‐tolyl)methanones under UV irradiation, and subsequently reacted with sulfonyl radicals to provide a range of aryl(2‐(arylsulfonylmethyl)aryl)methanones.
A distinctively expressed long noncoding RNA, RP11‐466I1.1, may serve as a prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Junyong , Zhang Di , Zhao Qi , Qi Jianni , Li Xiao , Qin Chengyong
Published: May 2018

It is urgent to explore effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Now, both lncRNAs and lipid metabolism are involved in tumor pathogenesis. Long noncoding RNA, RP11‐466I1.1, could likely be linked to lipid metabolism according to our bioinformatics analysis, yet studies about RP11‐466I1.1 expression in tumors and its potential functions are still lacking. We aimed to explore the expression and correlations with clinical features of a long noncoding RNA, RP11‐466I1.1, and further analyze its diagnostic and prognostic values in hepatocellular carcinoma. Expression levels of RP11‐466I1.1 were detected by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) in tissue and serum level, and expression differences were analyzed by independent 2‐tailed t tests. Clinical features were obtained, and their correlations with RP11‐466I1.1 were analyzed by chi‐squared test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to assess the diagnostic value. Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test were used to evaluate the prognostic value of RP11‐466I1.1. Results showed that RP11‐466I1.1 was upregulated in HCC tissues (P < .01) and serum (P < .05). Significant upregulation of RP11‐466I1.1 in HCC tissues with poor histological grade (P < .01) and incomplete tumor capsule (P < .01) was found compared to that with better histological grade and complete tumor capsule, respectively. The diagnostic value of RP11‐466I1.1 was not supported by ROC curve analysis (AUROC=0.665, P = .079). Yet, the significant correlation of RP11‐466I1.1 with poor prognosis indicated its potential prognostic value in HCC. This study suggested that RP11‐466I1.1 is distinctively expressed in HCC and may serve as a promising novel prognostic biomarker. The concrete mechanisms of RP11‐466I1.1 playing roles in HCC pathogenesis need further study.
Upregulation of miR‐374a promotes tumor metastasis and progression by downregulating LACTB and predicts unfavorable prognosis in breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Jun , He Yuting , Yu Yan , Chen Xiaolong , Cui Guangying , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Xiaojian , Luo Yonggang , Li Juan , Ren Fang , Ren Zhigang , Sun Ranran
Published: May 2018

Breast cancer (BRCA) is the second leading cause of cancer‐related death among female worldwide. Recent studies have revealed that LACTB was frequently repressed and functioned as a bona fide new tumor suppressor in a series of cancers, including BRCA. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying LACTB dysregulation in BRCA have not been reported. In the present study, we find that LACTB is repressed in BRCA and associated with poor prognosis by BRCA tissue microarray (TMA) analysis. Moreover, we confirm that LACTB is a direct target of miR‐374a, which is significantly overexpressed and associated with malignancies in BRCA. Mechanistically, applying loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function approaches in a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments show that miR‐374a knockdown suppresses the cell proliferative and colony formation activity, as well as migration and invasion capacity, but LACTB silencing in these cells reverses this change. Furthermore, we find that miR‐374a silencing markedly reduces the tumor growth in xenograft mouse models. In summary, our findings suggest the miR‐374a/LACTB axis plays a critical role in the tumorigenicity and progression of BRCA. miR‐374a/LACTB axis may be a potential target in the development of therapeutic strategies for BRCA patients.
Selected Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) Genotypes Suitable for PDO Cheeses in Mediterranean Regions
Authors: Barracosa Paulo , Rosa Nuno , Barros Marlene , Pires Euclides
Published: May 2018

Cardoon flower extract is a traditional and exclusive rennet used for some PDO cheeses in several Mediterranean regions, due to its extremely high concentration in cardosins. In this preliminary study, six individual cardoon genotypes (1M – 6M) were selected because they revealed a wide and consistent diversity of total and specific cardosin concentrations in flowers. During three growing seasons, the stability of 12 biochemical characteristics of flower extracts and 26 plant morphological descriptors was confirmed. Surprisingly, the cardosin profiles of each genotype, based on four main groups A0, A1, A and B, were stable during the annual flower harvesting period and over all three years using ion‐exchange chromatography and native‐PAGE electrophoresis. This knowledge will allow an improvement in the quality and standardization of cardosin profiles from cardoon flowers used for cheese production and other innovative applications. The results obtained are promising for the development of a plant breeding program based on biochemical and morphological characteristics in order to obtain the most adapted plant architecture for combined purposes related to specific cardosins composition, flower and plant biomass production, and ease of harvesting.
A Redox‐Based Superoxide Generation System Using Quinone/Quinone Reductase
Authors: Singh Shailesh Kumar , Husain Syed Masood
Published: May 2018

Superoxide (O2.−) generation in biological systems is achieved through some of the most complex enzymatic systems. Of these, only xanthine/xanthine oxidase has been used for in vitro biochemical studies. However, it suffers from limitations such as a lack of suitable heterologous expression system for xanthine oxidase and the irreversible consumption and low solubility of xanthine under physiological conditions. Herein, we report a redox‐based, enzyme‐catalyzed system, in which autoxidation of hydroquinone to quinone via semiquinone results in superoxide generation. Quinone is reduced back to hydroquinone by using the NfsB (oxygen‐insensitive nitroreductase) enzyme of Escherichia coli strain K‐12 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydride (NADPH; which is regenerated by using the glucose/glucose dehydrogenase system). This new system relies on quinones that can be recycled and have superior water solubility, as well as enzymes that are heterologously expressed. By using a variety of quinones and reaction conditions, along with a comparison of real‐time fluorescence, menadione has been identified as the optimal substrate for superoxide generation. The new redox‐based system presents a viable alternative for studying the biochemistry of superoxide under different physiological and pathological conditions.
Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate promotes the proliferation and attenuates apoptosis of Endothelial progenitor cells via S1PR1/S1PR3/PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Wang Hang , Huang Hao , Ding Shi‐Fang
Published: May 2018

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lysophospholipid that involves in numerous pathophysiological processes. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a crucial role in endothelial repair and tumor angiogenesis. The aim of study was to determine the effects of S1P on proliferation and anti‐apoptosis of EPCs and their signaling pathways. In this study, we showed that S1P, SEW2871 (a selective S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1) agonist), or CYM5541 (a selective S1P receptor 3 (S1PR3) allosteric agonist promotes the proliferation and attenuates apoptosis of bone marrow (BM)‐derived EPCs. Futhermore, it was showed that S1P could promote EPCs proliferation, which could be significantly inhibited by pretreatment with CAY10444 (an S1PR3 antagonist), VPC23019 (a selective S1PR(1)/S1PR(3) antagonist), or LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor). Moveover, we discovered that S1P could significantly attenuate H2O2‐induced apoptosis and activation of caspase‐3 in vitro, while W146 (an S1PR1 antagonist), VPC23019, or LY294002 could significantly increase the activation of caspase‐3 and subsequent augmented apoptosis. Our results indicated that the protective effect of S1P is mediated by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. In addition, S1P promotion of EPCs proliferation was observed to be mainly mediated through S1PR3 and attenuation of EPCs apoptosis induced by H2O2 was mainly mediated through S1PR1; both of these effects are mediated by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway, which provides potentially useful therapeutic targets for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer treatment.
Coupled Carbon, Mn(II), and Nitrogen Cycles in a Mixotrophic Biofilm Reactor and Microbial Community Structure
Authors: Su Jun Feng , Liang Dong Hui , Wei Li , Luo Xian Xin
Published: May 2018

A novel mixotrophic biofilm reactor (MBR) was operated to simultaneously remove total organic carbon, nitrate, and Mn(II). Effects of some key factors on mixotrophic denitrification were investigated in lab‐scale bioreactors. Optimized conditions obtained from the MBR were used to validate the experiments, proving their feasibility. High‐throughput sequencing was employed to analyze the microbial communities of the MBR. The community diversity in the MBR was markedly influenced by the ratio of Cinorganic:Corganic. The species were increased with lower Cinorganic:Corganic concentration. Pseudomonas was detected as the dominant species in the MBR, indicating that Pseudomonas sp. SZF15 and Pseudomonas sp. H‐117 play a primary role in the process of nitrate removal.
Sustainable Electron Shuttling Processes Mediated by In Situ‐Deposited Phenoxazine
Authors: Wu Yundang , Liu Wei , Liu Tongxu , Li Fangbai , Xiao Tangfu , Wu Qihang , He Yizhou
Published: May 2018

Phenoxazine and quinone are typical electron mediators in natural and engineered systems. Although the electron shuttling process of quinone has been well studied, phenoxazine is poorly characterized. Here, a model phenoxazine (resazurin) was examined as an electron mediator in a bioelectrochemical system with Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1. Results showed that the current generation was substantially enhanced by the presence of phenoxazine, and was almost unaffected even after replacing the original medium with a fresh medium without phenoxazine. This is completely different to the well‐known quinones used as electron mediators. Further study suggested that, resorufin (RR), as an intermediate product, was deposited in situ onto the electrode. The RR deposition was suggested to be a dominant mechanism for stabilizing the electron shuttling efficiency by phenoxazine. This study proposed a novel electron shuttling mechanism of phenoxazine and may provide a new insight into the extracellular electron transfer.
Highly Luminescent Dual Mode Polymeric Nanofiber‐Based Flexible Mat for White Security Paper and Encrypted Nanotaggant Applications
Authors: Gangwar Amit Kumar , Gupta Ashish , Kedawat Garima , Kumar Pawan , Singh Bhanu Pratap , Singh Nidhi , Srivastava Avanish K. , Dhakate Sanjay R. , Gupta Bipin Kumar
Published: May 2018

Increasing counterfeiting of important data, currency, stamp papers, branded products etc., has become a major security threat which could lead to serious damage to the global economy. Consequences of such damage are compelling for researchers to develop new high‐end security features to address full‐proof solutions. Herein, we report a dual mode flexible highly luminescent white security paper and nanotaggants composed of nanophosphors incorporated in polymer matrix to form a nanofiber‐based mat for anti‐counterfeiting applications. The dual mode nanofibers are fabricated by electrospinning technique by admixing the composite of NaYF4:Eu3+@NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ nanophosphors in the polyvinyl alcohol solution. This flexible polymer mat derived from nanofibers appears white in daylight, while emitting strong red (NaYF4:Eu3+) and green (NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+) colors at excitation wavelengths of 254 nm and 980 nm, respectively. These luminescent nanofibers can also be encrypted as a new class of nanotaggants to protect confidential documents. These obtained results suggest that highly luminescent dual mode polymeric nanofiber‐based flexible white security paper and nanotaggants could offer next‐generation high‐end unique security features against counterfeiting.
Cell‐Surface Engineering for Advanced Cell Therapy
Authors: Lee Jungkyu K. , Choi Insung S. , Oh Tong In , Lee EunAh
Published: May 2018

Stem cells opened great opportunity to overcome diseases that conventional therapy had only limited success. Use of scaffolds made from biomaterials not only helps handling of stem cells for delivery or transplantation but also supports enhanced cell survival. Likewise, cell encapsulation can provide stability for living animal cells even in a state of separateness. Although various chemical reactions were tried to encapsulate stolid microbial cells such as yeasts, a culture environment for the growth of animal cells allows only highly biocompatible reactions. Therefore, the animal cells were mostly encapsulated in hydrogels, which resulted in enhanced cell survival. Interestingly, major findings of chemistry on biological interfaces demonstrate that cell encapsulation in hydrogels have a further a competence for modulating cell characteristics that can go beyond just enhancing the cell survival. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview on the chemical reactions applied to hydrogel‐based cell encapsulation and their effects on the characteristics and behavior of living animal cells.
The Gold(I)‐Mediated Domino Reaction to Fused Diphenyl Phosphoniumfluorenes: Mechanistic Consequences for Gold‐Catalyzed Hydroarylations and Application in Solar Cells
Authors: Arndt Sebastian , Borstelmann Jan , Eshagh Saatlo Rebeka , Antoni Patrick W. , Rominger Frank , Rudolph Matthias , An Qingzhi , Vaynzof Yana , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: May 2018

Invited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Yana Vaynzof and A. Stephen K. Hashmi at Heidelberg University. The image depicts a golden billiard ball that hits phosphadiine, which undergoes phosphinoauration. Subsequently, 6‐endo‐dig cyclization yields a gold‐phosphafluorene complex. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201800460.
High‐performance liquid chromatography quantification of enantiomers of a Dihydroxylated tetrahydrofuran natural product
Authors: Li Ke , Fissette Skye D. , Buchinger Tyler J. , Middleton Zoe E. , Boyer Alistair , Li Weiming
Published: May 2018

Both enantiomers of petromyroxol are putative pheromones in sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). Here, we describe the separation and quantification of the petromyroxol enantiomers using high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The separation was tested on a wide range of chiral columns with normal phases, and effects of the chromatographic parameters such as mobile phase and temperature on the separation were optimized. The AD‐H column showed the best separation of enantiomers with n‐hexane and ethanol as the mobile phase. The enantiomers were detected by multiple reaction monitoring with a positive atmospheric‐pressure chemical ionization on triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Validation revealed that the method was specific, accurate, and precise. The validated method was applied to measure the amount of petromyroxol enantiomers in water conditioned with sea lamprey larvae, the source of the putative pheromone. This method will be applied in quantifying the natural scalemic petromyroxol mixture, enabling further investigations of a rare non‐racemic enantiomeric pheromone mixture in a vertebrate species.
Synthetic Strategies for Constructing Two‐Dimensional Metal‐Organic Layers (MOLs): A Tutorial Review
Authors: Cao Lingyun , Wang Tingting , Wang Cheng
Published: May 2018

Two‐dimensional (2D) metal‐organic layers (MOLs) are the 2D version of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) with nanometer thickness in one dimension. MOLs are also known as 2D‐MOFs, 2D coordination polymers, ultrathin MOF nanosheets (UMOFNs) or coordination nanosheets in literature. This new category of 2D materials has attracted a lot of interests because of the opportunity in combining molecular chemistry, surface/interface chemistry and material chemistry of low dimensional materials in these systems. Several synthetic strategies have been developed for the construction of 2D MOLs, but the general synthesis of MOLs still presents a challenge. This tutorial level review summarizes the recent progress in the fabrication of novel 2D MOLs and aims to highlight challenges in this field.
Chiral Amino Acids‐Derived Catalysts and Ligands
Authors: Liu Xiaohua , Dong Shunxi , Lin Lili , Feng Xiaoming
Published: May 2018

Transforming amino acids into novel catalysts and ligands is a remarkable subset of new catalyst development in order to imitate enzymatic efficiencies. Their ability to perform a variety of asymmetric catalytic reactions is complimented by their ready availability, rich transformations, stability and easy procedure. Herein, we focused on describing our endeavor of developing new catalysts and ligands from primary and secondary amino acids. It includes C2‐symmetric N,N'‐dioxides, guanidine‐amides, bispidine‐based diamines, and other organic salts. The account covered a brief introduction about their discovery, representative applications and related mechanisms.
A CsPbBr3/TiO2 Composite for Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Benzyl Alcohol Oxidation
Authors: Schünemann Stefan , van Gastel Maurice , Tüysüz Harun
Published: May 2018

Halide perovskites have attracted great attention in the fields of photovoltaics, LEDs, lasers, and most recently photocatalysis, owing to their unique optoelectronic properties. The all‐inorganic halide perovskite CsPbBr3/TiO2 composite material catalyzes selective benzyl alcohol oxidation to benzaldehyde under visible‐light illumination. The catalyst, which is prepared by a facile wet‐impregnation method, shows very good selectivity towards benzaldehyde (>99 % at 50 % conversion). Action spectra and electron spin resonance (ESR) studies reveal that photoexcited electrons formed within CsPbBr3 upon visible‐light illumination take part in the reaction via reduction of oxygen to form superoxide radicals. The detailed post‐catalysis characterization by UV/Vis and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy studies further demonstrated the good stability of CsPbBr3 in terms of morphology and crystal structure under the reaction conditions. This study sheds light on promising new photocatalytic applications of halide perovskites.
Catalytic Space Engineering of Porphyrin Metal–Organic Frameworks for Combined CO2 Capture and Conversion at a Low Concentration
Authors: Liu Jiewei , Fan Yan‐Zhong , Li Xin , Xu Yao‐Wei , Zhang Li , Su Cheng‐Yong
Published: May 2018

Porous porphyrin metal‐organic frameworks (PMOFs) provide promising platforms for studying CO2 capture and conversion (C3) owing to their versatility in photoelectric, catalytic, and redox activities and porphyrin coordination chemistry. Herein, we report the C3 application of two PMOFs by engineering the coordination space through the introduction of two catalytic metalloporphyrins doped with rhodium or iridium, Rh‐PMOF‐1 and Ir‐PMOF‐1, both of which can serve as heterogeneous catalysts for the chemical fixation of CO2 into cyclic carbonates with yields of up to 99 %. Remarkably, the catalytic reactions can effectively proceed under low CO2 concentrations and high yields of 83 % and 73 % can be obtained under 5 % CO2 in the presence of Rh‐PMOF‐1 and Ir‐PMOF‐1, respectively. The synergistic effect of the metalloporphyrin ligand and the Zr6O8 cluster, in combination with the CO2 concentration effect from the pore space, might account for the excellent catalytic performance of Rh‐PMOF‐1 under low CO2 concentration. Recycling tests of Rh‐PMOF‐1 show negligible loss of catalytic activity after 10 runs.