bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Underwater polyurethane adhesive with enhanced cohesion by postcrosslinking of glycerol monomethacrylate
Authors: Li Xie , Li Wei , Liu Zhiqing , Wang Xiaolin , Guo Heling , Wang Rongjie , Guo Xuhong , Li Cuihua , Jia Xin
Published: May 2018

Polyurethane (PU) has been widely used as a glue in various areas. However, adhesion in the presence of water is greatly impeded and results in most synthetic adhesive failure. In this study, we designed and synthesized a novel PU construction; underwater PU adhesives were created by the incorporation of synthetic glycerol monomethacrylate (GMA). Furthermore, the urethane structure helped the adhesive eliminate the interfacial water barrier through interactions that were stronger than hydrogen bonding, and GMA as a crosslinking agent was used to generate post‐covalent‐crosslinking networks through radical polymerization. This enhanced the cohesion so the diffusion of water molecules could be overcome. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, underwater adhesion measurements, and tensile tests were used to characterize the chemical and mechanical properties of the as‐obtained adhesive. This led to an adhesive with a better mechanical strength and interfacial adhesion in water, and the results show that the mechanical properties (tensile strength, Young's modulus, and tensile elongation) of the GMA–PU adhesive were higher than those of the pure PU. As for the 4% GMA, the tensile strength was enhanced by 24.3% and the elongation was enhanced by 125.23% over those of the pure PU. This confirmed that the incorporation of GMA into the PU matrix indeed induced increasing cohesion, and the sample's adhesive strength was 21.19 ± 3.9 MPa; this indicated a superior adhesive strength over that of the pure PU. In addition, we can foresee that underwater adhesion will play an important role in prospective surgery and engineering areas. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46579.
Surface modification of polyimide fibers by novel alkaline–solvent hydrolysis to form high‐performance fiber‐reinforced composites
Authors: Yi Xiaolin , Kuang Xiao , Zhang Mengying , Dong Xia , Wu Dezhen , Wang Dujin
Published: May 2018

We modified polyimide (PI) fibers by a novel hydrolysis approach and fabricated PI‐fiber‐reinforced novolac resin (NR) composites with enhanced mechanical properties. We first used an alkaline–solvent mixture containing potassium hydroxide liquor and dimethylacetamide (DMAc) for the surface modification of the PI fibers. The results indicate that the surface roughness and structure of the PI fibers were controlled by the hydrolysis time and the content of DMAc. With the optimized hydrolysis conditions, the tensile modulus of modified PI fibers improved 15% without compromises in the fracture stress, fracture strain, or thermal stability. The interfacial shear strength between the modified PI fibers and NR increased 57%; this indicated a highly enhanced interfacial adhesion. Finally, the tensile and flexural strengths of the composites increased 72 and 53%, respectively. This research provides an effective method for the surface modification of PI fibers and expands their applications for high‐performance composites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46595.
Mixing ability examination of three different rotor cross sections and rotor geometry quantification with pressurization coefficient
Authors: Chen Tao , Hao Yuting , Chen Xin , Zhao Haili , Sha Jin , Ma Yulu , Xie Linsheng
Published: May 2018

The geometry of rotor cross section would affect the velocity profile of circumferential flow in continues mixer, which further dominated the mixing ability of rotor. To reveal the relationship between the geometry and mixing ability of rotor cross section, three rotor cross sections with different geometries were chosen, and the POLYFLOW simulations were applied to analyze the velocity profile and the flow stretching. The distribution for three rotors was evaluated both numerically and experimentally with the particle tracking technology. Then, the rotor geometry was quantified with pressurization coefficient S, which is a geometric parameter considering the wedge angle α, width of wing tip e, tip clearance h and the maximum clearance H0 between rotor and chamber wall. The results showed that the mixing ability and S for three rotor cross‐sections would vary with the rotor geometry changing, furthermore, the rotor cross‐section with larger S would have stronger mixing ability. Decreasing α or e, as well as increasing the H0, would induce the increase of S, and further resulting in the improvement of the mixing ability. Rotor geometry quantification with S would intuitionally reveal the relationship between rotor geometry and the mixing ability, and would contribute to the rotor cross‐section design and optimization. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46623.
Preparation of biocidal 4‐ethyl‐4‐(hydroxymethyl)oxazolidin‐2‐one‐basedN‐halamine polysiloxane for impregnation of polypropylene in supercritical CO2
Authors: Chen Yong , He Qingkun , Ren Guoyuan , Feng Chunyan , Li Na , Yu Hao , Han Qiuxia
Published: May 2018

A cyclicN‐halamine precursor, 4‐ethyl‐4‐(hydroxymethyl)oxazolidin‐2‐one (EHMO), was synthesized and attached to poly(methylhydrosiloxane) (PMHS) through silane alcoholysis between the OH of EHMO and SiH of PMHS. The alcoholysis product was chlorinated withtert‐butyl hypochlorite to transfer the NH to NCl and obtain an EHMO‐basedN‐halamine polysiloxane. TheN‐halamine polysiloxane was impregnated into inert polypropylene (PP) fibers and formed a 72 nm coating layer using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as solvent and swelling reagent at 28 MPa and 50 °C for biocidal application. The overall synthetic procedure and the impregnation process were characterized by FTIR, XPS, and SEM, respectively. The N‐halamine polysiloxane layer on PP imparted potent antibacterial abilities against bothStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coliwhile pristine ones did not exhibit noticeable killing activities. Stability tests showed that theN‐halamine polysiloxane layer was resistant to washing cycles, storage, and UV irradiation and the rechlorination of lost chlorines was good. The strategy of using CO2‐philic PMHS as carrier polymer and scCO2as working solvent for impregnation presents a general and friendly procedure to functionalize inert substrates without the need of chemical linkage and organic solvent. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46624.
5,12‐Diacetyl‐5,12‐dihydroquinoxalino[2,3‐b]quinoxalines: Solid‐State Fluorescence, AIE Properties, and Orbital Switching by Substituent Effect
Authors: Miura Youhei , Yoshioka Naoki
Published: May 2018

The compound 5,12‐diacetyl‐5,12‐dihydroquinoxalino[2,3‐b]quinoxaline 1 a and its derivatives were prepared, and their solid‐ and solution‐state spectroscopic properties were studied; 1 a shows stronger fluorescence in solution than in the solid state due to aggregation caused by self‐quenching. Phenyl‐ or alkoxy‐substituted derivatives 1 b–d show solid‐state fluorescence with moderate quantum yields of about Φ=0.12–0.15, although the corresponding values are 0.01–0.07 in solution. The spectroscopic properties of alkoxy‐substituted derivatives were hardly changed compared to 1 a and 1 b, although 1 a and 1 b have similar absorption and fluorescence maxima in solution and in the solid state. DFT calculations indicate that orbital switching occurs between HOMO and HOMO‐1 and HOMO‐2 due to orbital interactions with introduced substituents. Crystal structure analysis revealed that the molecules have bent structures around tertiary nitrogen atoms and form a characteristic dimeric structure.
Enantiospecific Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling of Nonbenzylic α‐(Acylamino)alkylboronic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Ohmura Toshimichi , Miwa Kyoko , Awano Tomotsugu , Suginome Michinori
Published: May 2018

Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of nonbenzylic α‐(acylamino)alkylboron compounds with aryl halides is established. A Pd/PCy2Ph catalyst promotes the reaction efficiently at 145 °C. The reaction of enantioenriched α‐(acylamino)alkylboron compounds affords chiral 1‐arylalkylamides in high enantiospecificity and inversion of configuration.
Necessary and Sufficient Stability Criterion and Stabilization for Positive 2‐D Continuous‐Time Systems with Multiple Delays
Authors: Duan Zhaoxia , Ghous Imran , Wang Bing , Shen Jian
Published: May 2018

This paper addresses the stability and control problem of the linear positive two‐dimensional (2‐D) continuous‐time systems in Roesser model with multiple time delays. The contribution lies in two aspects. First, a simple novel proof is provided to establish necessary and sufficient conditions of asymptotic stability for 2‐D continuous delayed systems. It turns out that the magnitude of delays has no any impact on the stability of these systems, which is completely determined by the system matrices. Second, a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of state‐feedback controllers is proposed for general delayed 2‐D systems, which ensures the non‐negativity and the stability of the resulting closed‐loop systems. Two examples are given to validate the proposed methods.
Screening in toddlers and preschoolers at risk for autism spectrum disorder: Evaluating a novel mobile‐health screening tool
Authors: Kanne Stephen M. , Carpenter Laura Arnstein , Warren Zachary
Published: May 2018

There are many available tools with varying levels of accuracy designed to screen for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in young children, both in the general population and specifically among those referred for developmental concerns. With burgeoning waitlists for comprehensive diagnostic ASD assessments, finding accurate methods and tools for advancing diagnostic triage becomes increasingly important. The current study compares the efficacy of four oft used paper and pencil measures, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers Revised with Follow‐up, the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition, and the Social Communication Questionnaire, and the Child Behavior Checklist to a novel mobile‐health screening tool developed by Cognoa, Inc. (Cognoa) in a group of children 18–72 months of age. The Cognoa tool may have potential benefits as it integrates a series of parent‐report questions with remote clinical ratings of brief video segments uploaded via parent's smartphones to calculate level of ASD risk. Participants were referred to one of three tertiary care diagnostic centers for ASD‐related concerns (n = 230) and received a best estimate ASD diagnosis. Analysis and comparison of psychometric properties indicated potential advantages for Cognoa within this clinical sample across age ranges not often covered by another single measure/tool. Autism Res 2018, 11: 1038–1049. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

With the wait times getting longer for comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic assessments, it is becoming increasingly important to find accurate tools to screen for ASD. The current study compares four screening measures that have been in use for some time to a novel mobile‐health screening tool, called Cognoa. The Cognoa tool is novel because it integrates parent‐report questions with clinical ratings of brief video segments uploaded via parent's smartphones to calculate ASD risk. Two hundred thirty children who were referred to one of three ASD specialty diagnostic centers to see if they had ASD participated in the study. A direct comparison indicated potential advantages for Cognoa not often covered by another single measure/tool.
Predictors of quality of life for autistic adults
Authors: Mason David , McConachie Helen , Garland Deborah , Petrou Alex , Rodgers Jacqui , Parr Jeremy R.
Published: May 2018

Research with adults on the autism spectrum is as yet limited in scope and quality. The present study describes quality of life (QoL) of a large sample of autistic adults in the UK and investigates characteristics that may be predictive of QoL. A total of 370 autistic adults from the Adult Autism Spectrum Cohort‐UK (ASC‐UK) completed the WHOQoL‐BREF, and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS, autism symptom severity), along with the ASC‐UK registration questionnaire giving information on mental health and their life situation. QoL for autistic adults was lower than for the general population for each WHOQoL domain. Younger participants reported higher QoL than older participants in psychological and environment domains. Males reported higher physical QoL than females, and females reported higher social QoL than males. Significant positive predictors of QoL were: being employed (physical QoL), receiving support (social and environment QoL), and being in a relationship (social QoL). Having a mental health condition and higher SRS total score were negative predictors of QoL across all four domains. Autistic adults require access to effective mental health interventions, and informal and formal support for their social difficulties, to improve their quality of life. Autism Res 2018, 11: 1138–1147. © 2018 The Authors Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay summary

There has been limited research into the lived experience of autistic adults. Using the World Health Organization quality of life measure, we found that autistic people (370) in the UK reported their quality of life to be lower than that of the general population. Better quality of life was associated with being in a relationship; those with a mental health condition had poorer quality of life. This research suggests some ways in which autistic people can be helped to improve their quality of life.
Building a minimal and generalizable model of transcription factor–based biosensors: Showcasing flavonoids
Authors: Trabelsi Heykel , Koch Mathilde , Faulon Jean‐Loup
Published: May 2018

Progress in synthetic biology tools has transformed the way we engineer living cells. Applications of circuit design have reached a new level, offering solutions for metabolic engineering challenges that include developing screening approaches for libraries of pathway variants. The use of transcription‐factor‐based biosensors for screening has shown promising results, but the quantitative relationship between the sensors and the sensed molecules still needs more rational understanding. Herein, we have successfully developed a novel biosensor to detect pinocembrin based on a transcriptional regulator. The FdeR transcription factor (TF), known to respond to naringenin, was combined with a fluorescent reporter protein. By varying the copy number of its plasmid and the concentration of the biosensor TF through a combinatorial library, different responses have been recorded and modeled. The fitted model provides a tool to understand the impact of these parameters on the biosensor behavior in terms of dose–response and time curves and offers guidelines to build constructs oriented to increased sensitivity and or ability of linear detection at higher titers. Our model, the first to explicitly take into account the impact of plasmid copy number on biosensor sensitivity using Hill‐based formalism, is able to explain uncharacterized systems without extensive knowledge of the properties of the TF. Moreover, it can be used to model the response of the biosensor to different compounds (here naringenin and pinocembrin) with minimal parameter refitting.
Creation and implementation of a flipped jigsaw activity to stimulate interest in biochemistry among medical students
Authors: Williams Charlene , Perlis Susan , Gaughan John , Phadtare Sangita
Published: May 2018

Learner‐centered pedagogical methods that are based on clinical application of basic science concepts through active learning and problem solving are shown to be effective for improving knowledge retention. As the clinical relevance of biochemistry is not always apparent to health‐profession students, effective teaching of medical biochemistry should highlight the implications of biochemical concepts in pathology, minimize memorization, and make the concepts memorable for long‐term retention. Here, we report the creation and successful implementation of a flipped jigsaw activity that was developed to stimulate interest in learning biochemistry among medical students. The activity combined the elements of a flipped classroom for learning concepts followed by a jigsaw activity to retrieve these concepts by solving clinical cases, answering case‐based questions, and creating concept maps. The students' reception of the activity was very positive. They commented that the activity provided them an opportunity to review and synthesize information, helped to gage their learning by applying this information and work with peers. Students' improved performance especially for answering the comprehension‐based questions correctly in the postquiz as well as the depth of information included in the postquiz concept maps suggested that the activity helped them to understand how different clinical scenarios develop owing to deviations in basic biochemical pathways. Although this activity was created for medical students, the format of this activity can also be useful for other health‐professional students as well as undergraduate and graduate students. © 2018 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46:343–353, 2018.
Ceruloplasmin in Parkinson's disease and the nonmotor symptoms
Authors: Zhao Xuemei , Shao Ziqiang , Zhang Yu , Liu Fang , Liu Zhibo , Liu Zunjing
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between ceruloplasmin (CP) and Parkinson's disease (PD), and the correlation between CP level and the time difference between nonmotor symptoms and motor symptoms and the diagnosis were also mentioned.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐six patients diagnosed with PD for the first time were included in the study. They were divided into CP reduction group (31 cases) and CP normal group (35 cases) according to their CP level. The estimated time difference between nonmotor symptoms and motor symptoms and the diagnosis were recorded respectively. The magnetic sensitive nigra phase value was measured by susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI).

Results

Ceruloplasmin level was middling correlated with age (r = .561, p < .001). There was strong negative correlation between CP level and UPDRS scores (r = −.727, p < .001). The CP level was significantly correlated with the magnetic sensitive nigra phase value (r = .891, p < .001). CP level showed moderate correlation with the time difference from nonmotor symptoms to motor symptoms (r = .559, p < .001), besides, the time difference between nonmotor symptoms and the diagnosis (r = .525, p < .001) and CP level was also moderately related.

Conclusions

Ceruloplasmin interference in iron metabolism was closely related with PD development. And there were slight corrections between CP level and the time difference from nonmotor symptoms to motor symptoms or the diagnosis.
The evolution of transgender surgery
Authors: Zurada Anna , Salandy Sonja , Roberts Wallisa , Gielecki Jerzy , Schober Justine , Loukas Marios
Published: May 2018

An estimated 1.4% of the population worldwide has been diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Gender reassignment, which holistically encompasses psychotherapy, hormonal therapy and genital and nongenital surgeries, is considered the most effective treatment for transgender nonconforming patients afflicted with gender dysphoria. Little research is currently available identifying the psychosocial needs of the transgender population and their access to preventative and primary care during this transitioning process. This article presents an overview of the evolution and current approaches to genital surgical procedures available for both male‐to‐female, as well as female‐to‐male gender‐affirmation surgeries. Clin. Anat. 31:878–886, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Starvation tactics using natural compounds for advanced cancers: pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy, and predictive biomarkers
Authors: El Bairi Khalid , Amrani Mariam , Afqir Said
Published: May 2018

The high mortality associated with oncological diseases is mostly due to tumors in advanced stages, and their management is a major challenge in modern oncology. Angiogenesis is a defined hallmark of cancer and predisposes to metastatic invasion and dissemination and is therefore an important druggable target for cancer drug discovery. Recently, because of drug resistance and poor prognosis, new anticancer drugs from natural sources targeting tumor vessels have attracted more attention and have been used in several randomized and controlled clinical trials as therapeutic options. Here, we outline and discuss potential natural compounds as salvage treatment for advanced cancers from recent and ongoing clinical trials and real‐world studies. We also discuss predictive biomarkers for patients' selection to optimize the use of these potential anticancer drugs.
FABP4 suppresses proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and predicts a poor prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhong Cheng‐Qian , Zhang Xiu‐Ping , Ma Ning , Zhang Er‐Bin , Li Jing‐Jing , Jiang Ya‐Bo , Gao Yu‐Zhen , Yuan Yan‐Mei , Lan Shi‐Qian , Xie Dong , Cheng Shu‐Qun
Published: May 2018

Adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein (FABP4) is abundant in macrophage and adipocyte. It is known to be involved in lipid metabolism. The role of FABP4 has been reported in various cancers, such as non‐small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostatic cancer. However, its role remains unclear in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In our study, we investigated the expression of FABP4 at both mRNA and protein levels, and by examining 175 cases of patients with cancer of the liver tissue microarray, the significance between the expression of FABP4 and clinical characteristics had been discussed. We found that FABP4 was lowly expressed in HCC tissues compared to the corresponding tissue adjacent, and the expression of FABP4 was significantly associated with the tumor size, PVTT, recurrence‐free survival and overall survival. Moreover, multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the expression of FABP4, Alb, AFP, HBsAg, and PVTT were independent risk factors for overall survival, and the expression of FABP4, AFP, GGT, tumor size, and encapsulation were independent risk factors for HCC recurrence. In addition, we revealed that FABP4 suppressed HCC cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Moreover, overexpression of FABP4 led to inhibit tumor growth and decreased tumor volume in vivo. These phenotypes were associated with altered expression of Snail and p‐STAT3. Our studies thus suggest that FABP4 could be a potential target for HCC chemotherapy.
A multicenter phase II trial of neoadjuvant letrozole plus low‐dose cyclophosphamide in postmenopausal patients with estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer (JBCRG‐07): therapeutic efficacy and clinical implications of circulating endothelial cells
Authors: Ueno Takayuki , Masuda Norikazu , Kamigaki Shunji , Morimoto Takashi , Akiyama Futoshi , Kurosumi Masafumi , Tsuda Hitoshi , Mikami Yoshiki , Tanaka Sunao , Morita Satoshi , Toi Masakazu
Published: May 2018

Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy has been reported to decrease tumor size, which leads to increased breast conservation rates. To improve the clinical response, metronomic chemotherapy with endocrine therapy is a promising strategy. A multicenter phase II single‐arm neoadjuvant trial with letrozole and cyclophosphamide was conducted. Eligibility criteria included postmenopausal status, T2–4 N0–1, and estrogen receptor‐positive breast carcinoma. Letrozole (2.5 mg) plus cyclophosphamide (50 mg) was given orally once a day for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the clinical response rate (CRR). To investigate anti‐angiogenic effects, circulating endothelial cells (CECs) were quantified using the CellSearch system. From October 2007 to March 2010, 41 patients were enrolled. The CRR was 67.5% (52.0–80.0%), which was above the prespecified threshold (65%). The conversion rate from total mastectomy to breast‐conserving surgery was 64% (18/28). Grade 3 or greater nonhematological toxicity was not reported. Clinical response was associated with improved disease‐free survival (DFS) (P = 0.020). The increase in CEC counts at 8 weeks was observed in nonresponders (P = 0.004) but not in responders. Patients with higher CEC counts at baseline or post‐treatment showed worse DFS than those with lower counts (P < 0.001 at baseline and = 0.014 post‐treatment). Multivariate analysis showed that post‐treatment CEC counts but not pretreatment counts were independently correlated with DFS (P = 0.046). In conclusion, neoadjuvant letrozole plus cyclophosphamide showed a good clinical response for postmenopausal patients with estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer. CEC quantification is a promising tool for treatment monitoring and prognostic stratification for metronomic therapy following validation of our results in larger studies. Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000001331 Phase II study of neoadjuvant letrozole combined with low‐dose metronomic cyclophosphamide for postmenopausal women with endocrine‐responsive breast cancer (JBCRG‐07)
Lenvatinib inhibits angiogenesis and tumor fibroblast growth factor signaling pathways in human hepatocellular carcinoma models
Authors: Matsuki Masahiro , Hoshi Taisuke , Yamamoto Yuji , Ikemori‐Kawada Megumi , Minoshima Yukinori , Funahashi Yasuhiro , Matsui Junji
Published: May 2018

Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) is one of the most lethal and prevalent cancers worldwide, and current systemic therapeutic options for uHCC are limited. Lenvatinib, a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), recently demonstrated a treatment effect on overall survival by statistical confirmation of noninferiority to sorafenib in a phase 3 study of uHCC. Here, we investigated mechanisms underlying the antitumor activity of lenvatinib in preclinical HCC models. In vitro proliferation assay of nine human HCC cell lines showed that lenvatinib selectively inhibited proliferation of FGF signal‐activated HCC cells including FGF19‐expressing Hep3B2.1‐7. Lenvatinib suppressed phosphorylation of FRS2, a substrate of FGFR1–4, in these cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. Lenvatinib inhibited in vivo tumor growth in Hep3B2.1‐7 and SNU‐398 xenografts and decreased phosphorylation of FRS2 and Erk1/2 within the tumor tissues. Lenvatinib also exerted antitumor activity and potently reduced tumor microvessel density in PLC/PRF/5 xenograft model and two HCC patient‐derived xenograft models. These results suggest that lenvatinib has antitumor activity consistently across diverse HCC models, and that targeting of tumor FGF signaling pathways and anti‐angiogenic activity underlies its antitumor activity against HCC tumors.
A novel dual‐marker expression panel for easy and accurate risk stratification of patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Kanda Mitsuro , Murotani Kenta , Tanaka Haruyoshi , Miwa Takashi , Umeda Shinichi , Tanaka Chie , Kobayashi Daisuke , Hayashi Masamichi , Hattori Norifumi , Suenaga Masaya , Yamada Suguru , Nakayama Goro , Fujiwara Michitaka , Kodera Yasuhiro
Published: May 2018

Development of specific biomarkers is necessary for individualized management of patients with gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to design a simple expression panel comprising novel molecular markers for precise risk stratification. Patients (n = 200) who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer were randomly assigned into learning and validation sets. Tissue mRNA expression levels of 15 candidate molecular markers were determined using quantitative PCR analysis. A dual‐marker expression panel was created according to concordance index (C‐index) values of overall survival for all 105 combinations of two markers in the learning set. The reproducibility and clinical significance of the dual‐marker expression panel were evaluated in the validation set. The patient characteristics of the learning and validation sets were well balanced. The C‐index values of combinations were significantly higher compared with those of single markers. The panel with the highest C‐index (0.718) of the learning set comprised SYT8 and MAGED2, which clearly stratified patients into low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk groups. The reproducibility of the panel was demonstrated in the validation set. High expression scores were significantly associated with larger tumor size, vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, peritoneal metastasis, and advanced disease. The dual‐marker expression panel provides a simple tool that clearly stratifies patients with gastric cancer into low‐, intermediate‐, and high risk after gastrectomy.
Downregulation of NDR1 contributes to metastasis of prostate cancer cells via activating epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Yue Juntao , Sun Huimin , Liu Shijie , Yu Fei , Wang Shanshan , Wang Fuli , Shen Ruixiong , Zhu Feng , Zhang Lei , Shao Chen
Published: May 2018

The 5‐year survival rate decreases rapidly once the prostate cancer has invaded distant organs, although patients with localized prostate cancer have a good prognosis. In recent years, increasing numbers of reports showed that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may play an important role in tumor metastasis and they have stronger potential of invasion and migration compared with their parental cells. In our previous investigation, we isolated CTCs from prostate cancer cell lines PC3. In this study, we found a novel antimetastasis gene NDR1 by analyzing different gene expression between CTCs and PC3. Lower NDR1 gene and protein expression were found in both prostate cancer cell lines and clinical specimens. Besides, NDR1 function acting as metastasis inhibitor was discovered both in vitro and in vivo. Further, we also discovered that several epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related genes were upregulated when decreased NDR1 in PC3 cell lines. Therefore, our results revealed a role of NDR1 in the suppression of prostate cancer cell metastasis and provided a potential mechanism of action, thus offering new therapeutic strategies against prostate cancer metastasis.
Assessment of different mathematical models for diffusion‐weighted imaging as quantitative biomarkers for differentiating benign from malignant solid hepatic lesions
Authors: Hu Yao , Tang Hao , Li Haojie , Li Anqin , Li Jiali , Hu Daoyu , Li Zhen , Kamel Ihab R.
Published: May 2018

To quantitatively compare the monoexponential, biexponential, and stretched‐exponential diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) models in differentiating benign from malignant solid hepatic lesions. The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and waived the informed consent requirement. A total of 188 patients with 288 hepatic lesions included 202 malignant lesions and 86 benign lesions were assessed (confirmed by pathology or clinical follow‐up for 6 months). All patients underwent hepatic 3.0‐T MRI, including multi‐b DWI that used 12 b values. The ADC, Dp, Dt, perfusion fraction (fp), α, and DDC values for normal liver, benign liver lesions, and malignant liver lesions were calculated. Independent sample t tests were used for comparisons. The diagnostic performance of the parameters was evaluated using ROC analysis. The AUC value for each model was also calculated. The value of Dp was significantly lower in benign lesions than in normal hepatic parenchyma while others were significantly higher (P < .001). Whereas Values of Dt and α in malignant hepatic lesions were significantly higher than in normal hepatic parenchyma (P < .001), and the Dp value was significantly lower (P < .001). Values of ADC, fp, DDC, and α for malignant hepatic lesions were significantly lower than those for benign hepatic lesions (P < .001). ROC analysis showed that the diagnostic value of the biexponential model of normal hepatic parenchyma vs benign hepatic lesions and normal hepatic parenchyma vs malignant hepatic lesions was high (0.946 and 0.876, respectively). In the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant hepatic lesions, DDC had the highest AUC value (0.819). The biexponential and stretched‐exponential DWI may provide additional information and improve the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant hepatic lesions compared with the monoexponential DWI.
A randomised controlled trial of a cognitive skills programme for offenders with mental illness
Authors: Kingston Drew A. , Olver Mark E. , McDonald Jared , Cameron Colin
Published: May 2018

Background

Interventions for offenders with mental illness have tended to be confined to treatment of illness, with the expectation that symptom reduction will be accompanied by reduced criminal recidivism, but recent evidence suggests that other treatment targets may be more effective against recidivism.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a cognitive skills programme (Reasoning and Rehabilitation 2: Short Version for Adults [R&R2]) among offenders with mental illness. Our first hypothesis was that participation in this programme would result in significantly greater improvement in antisocial attitudes than among similar prisoners who did not participate; both groups received “treatment as usual” (TAU). Our second hypothesis was that those receiving R&R2 would show less post‐treatment violent or general recidivism than those receiving TAU alone.

Method

Incarcerated offenders with serious mental illness (N = 101) were randomly assigned to R&R2 or TAU alone. Criminal attitudes and mental state were examined before and after treatment. Violent and non‐violent recidivism was measured, on average, 18 months after release.

Results

In both intervention and TAU alone trial arms, there were significant pre‐ to post‐treatment changes in criminal attitudes and symptoms or signs of mental disorder. There was no difference between groups in these respects. These pre/post changes were not associated with reductions in recidivism over time, whether or not controlling for baseline risk.

Conclusions

Although there was no demonstrable advantage of R&R2 over TAU alone, non‐significant trends towards lower violent recidivism in the R&R2 group and general recidivism in the TAU group suggest that it may be worth repeating the trial in a larger sample with more differentiated control groups.
Use of the thyroid imaging, reporting, and data system (TI‐RADS) scoring system for the evaluation of subcentimeter thyroid nodules
Authors: Weiss Vivian L. , Andreotti Rochelle F. , Ely Kim A.
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

The American Thyroid Association (ATA) recommends fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of nodules measuring >1.5 cm with low‐suspicion sonographic patterns or >1.0 cm with high/intermediate‐suspicion features. Routine biopsy of nodules <1 cm is not recommended. However, despite these recommendations, subcentimeter nodules are often referred for FNA biopsy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of consecutive thyroid FNAs during an 18‐month period (1157 patients, 1491 nodules, 2016‐2017) to evaluate age, sex, medical history, diagnoses, and follow‐up. Radiographic information was used to identify 61 subcentimeter nodules (4%) from 57 patients. Ultrasound studies were re‐evaluated using criteria according to the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging, Reporting, and Data System (TI‐RADS).

RESULTS

Reported reasons for biopsy included a larger companion nodule (44%), a personal or family history of cancer (26%), or a suspicious sonogram, including calcification and/or irregular contours (16%). FNA diagnoses included: 69% benign (42 of 61 nodules), 10% papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) (6 of 61 nodules), and 15% atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) (9 of 61 nodules). Seven percent of nodules were unsatisfactory/nondiagnostic (4 of 61 nodules) compared with a 3% nondiagnostic rate for all sized nodules. Fifty‐one nodules had an ultrasound available for re‐review using the TI‐RADS scoring system. A high TI‐RADS score (4‐5) was indicative of PTC in 29.4% of nodules. A low TI‐RADS score (1‐2) was indicative of PTC in 0% of nodules (P < .01). High and intermediate TI‐RADS scores (3 and 4‐5, respectively) were indicative of PTC/AUS/FLUS in 32% of nodules compared with 0% in those with low TI‐RADS scores (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The current results demonstrate successful use of the TI‐RADS scoring system in evaluation of the risk of malignancy in subcentimeter nodules. Larger studies will be necessary to determine whether biopsy is warranted for TI‐RADS high‐subcentimeter nodules. Cancer Cytopathol 2018. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Relationship between desired weight constructs and eating disorder severity following treatment for anorexia nervosa
Authors: Boyd Hope K. , Bodell Lindsay P. , Jennings Karen M. , Graham Andrea K. , Crosby Ross D. , Wildes Jennifer E.
Published: May 2018

Background

Desired weight is an indicator of illness severity in youth with anorexia nervosa (AN), but its impact on eating disorder symptoms over time and in adults is unknown. This study examined longitudinal associations between two desired weight constructs (desired weight percentage, weight difference percentage) and eating disorder severity and body mass index (BMI) in patients aged 16–62 years old with AN presenting for inpatient or day hospital treatment.

Method

Participants (N = 160) completed the Eating Disorder Examination and measures of height and weight at treatment admission, discharge, and 3, 6, and 12 months post‐discharge. Desired weight percentage was calculated as [desired BMI(desired weight in kg/height in meters2)/healthy BMI] × 100. weight difference percentage was calculated as [(actual weight‐desired weight)/actual weight] × 100.

Results

At admission, participants were approximately 78.6% of a healthy BMI and desired to be 81% of a healthy BMI. During the year following treatment, participants were 89% of a healthy BMI, but wanted to be 86% of a healthy BMI. Individuals with lower desired weight percentage (wanting to be a lower percentage of a healthy BMI) or higher weight difference percentage (wanting to lose a larger percentage of weight) at treatment admission endorsed greater eating disorder severity across time. Additionally, individuals with higher desired weight percentage or weight difference percentage had higher BMIs at intake, and greater increases in BMI over time.

Discussion

Results highlight that desired weight constructs represent correlates of illness severity in AN and may inform an individual's likely weight trajectory during and after treatment.
“Eco‐Friendly” Epimerization of Lutein to 3′‐Epilutein Under Solvent‐Free Mechanochemical Conditions by Using a Strongly Acidic Cation‐Exchange Resin
Authors: Sánchez‐Chávez Anahí C. , Mendoza‐Figueroa Humberto L. , Oliveros‐Cruz Saray , Torres‐Cardona Mario D. , Luján‐Montelongo J. Armando , Polindara‐García Luis A.
Published: May 2018

Carotenoids represent a wide group of biologically active molecules found in nature with important applications in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. For example, lutein and its isomers meso‐ and trans‐zeaxanthin are globally the best‐selling carotenoids in terms of market value owing to their benefits to eye health. Here, the development of a solvent‐free mechanochemical epimerization protocol to convert naturally occurring lutein into 3′‐epilutein‐enriched mixtures (up to dr 37:63 lutein/3′‐epilutein) by using a strongly acidic cation‐exchange resin as an “eco‐friendly” catalyst is reported.
Synthesis, Electrochemical Reduction and Radical Anions of 2‐[Bis(4‐amino(nitro)phenyl)aminomethyl]‐9H‐thioxanthene‐9‐one Derivatives
Authors: Shundrina Inna K. , Odintsov Danila S. , Os'kina Irina A. , Irtegova Irina G. , Shundrin Leonid A.
Published: May 2018

2‐[Bis(4‐amino(nitro)phenyl)aminomethyl]‐9H‐thioxanthene‐9‐ones and their S‐oxide derivatives have been synthesized, and their electrochemical reduction (ECR) in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) and MeCN has been studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The thioxanthene‐9‐one group [Th(O)S] and thioxanthene‐9‐one S‐dioxide group [Th(O)SO2] determine the first one‐electron peak potentials of 2‐[bis(4‐aminophenyl)aminomethyl]‐9H‐Th(O)S/Th(O)SO2. The first peak potentials of the corresponding dinitro compounds are determined by the ratio of reduction potentials of bis(4‐nitrophenyl)amino and 9H‐thioxanthene‐9‐ones moieties. Radical anions (RA) of the synthesized compounds have been obtained by ECR in DMF and MeCN and characterized by EPR spectroscopy together with DFT calculations at the (U)B3LYP/6‐31 + G/PCM level of theory. Th(O)S and Th(O)SO2 groups are thermally stable up to 270 °C. The synthesized 2‐[bis(4‐aminophenyl)aminomethyl]‐9H‐Th(O)S/Th(O)SO2 are electrochemically active monomers for subsequent synthesis of the corresponding electroactive polyimides with thioxanthene‐9‐one based pendant groups for their applications in the design of nonvolatile memory storage devices. The pendant groups are characterized by low redox potentials and reversibility towards electron transfer.
Tristriazolotriazines: Luminescent Discotic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Detert Heiner
Published: May 2018

Tristriazolotriazines (TTT) are new tetracyclic and planar cores for discotic liquid crystals. Two symmetrical isomers are known, paddle‐wheel type t‐TTTs and r‐TTTs with the shape of a propeller. Cyclocondensation of chlorotriazoles gives r‐TTTs, Huisgen reaction of tetrazoles and cyanuric chloride yields t‐TTTs with tangentially attached substituents. Many alkoxyphenyl‐substituted t‐TTTs form broad mesophases, typically with a hexagonal columnar structure. These luminescent molecules, when heated above 200 °C, suffer a thermal isomerization. A threefold ring opening/ring closing mechanism transforms t‐TTTs via unsymmetrical isomers to r‐TTTs. Thermotropic properties are largely influenced by planarization and increase of molecular diameter. Increased melting points, even the complete loss of liquid crystallinity have been observed, but also the gain of mesomorphism.
Ethanol and lactic acid production from sugar and starch wastes by anaerobic acidification
Authors: Darwin  , Cord‐Ruwisch Ralf , Charles Wipa
Published: May 2018

Anaerobic conversion of carbohydrates can generate various end‐products. Besides physical parameters such as pH and temperature, the types of carbohydrate being fermented influences the fermentation pattern. Under uncontrolled pH, microbial mixed cultures from activated sludge and anaerobic digester sludge anaerobically produced ethanol from glucose while producing lactic acid from starch conversion. This trend was not only observed in batch trials. Also, continuous chemostat operation of anaerobic digester sludge resulted in the reproducible predominance of ethanol fermentation from glucose solution and lactic acid production from starch. Different feeding regimes and substrate availability (shock load versus continuous feeding) in glucose fermentation under non‐controlled pH did not affect the ethanol production as the major end product. Shifts in feed composition from glucose to starch and vice versa result in an immediate change of fermentation end products formation.
The Influence of Ti Doping on Morphology and Photoelectrochemical Properties of Hematite Grown from Aqueous Solution for Water Splitting
Authors: Zhao Xin , Feng Jianyong , Wang Ning , Yao Xin , Chen Wei , Chen Shi , Huang Zhaohong , Chen Zhong
Published: May 2018

Hematite (α‐Fe2O3) is a promising material for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. However, the poor conductivity and short hole diffusion length have limited its energy conversion efficiency. Nanorod structure could improve the transport of charge carriers and increase the reaction sites. Herein, we have investigated the influence of Ti doping on the morphology change and find that insufficient precursor concentration is the main reason for the morphology deviation from the optimized nanorod structure. The photoelectrochemical performance of the Ti‐doped nanorod hematite was investigated and optimized. Analysis shows Ti plays a crucial role in improving both the bulk charge separation and surface charge transfer. We have also analyzed the limiting factor of the performance and the corresponding solution. Our systematic investigation indicates that the electron transport is still a limiting factor for the PEC performance of hematite. Further improvement can be obtained through replenishing the Ti source during the nanorod growth, and by subsequent nitrogen treatment.
Porous carbon screening for benzene sorption
Authors: Rubahamya Baron , Kumar Reddy K. Suresh , Prabhu A. , Al Shoaibi Ahmed , Srinivasakannan C.
Published: May 2018

Benzene is one of the aromatic hydrocarbons that are co‐absorbed with the acid gases during amine scrubbing and are carried over to the catalytic reactors in the sulfur recovery unit where they crack and deactivate the catalyst. As a solution, adsorption of benzene using porous adsorbents is being considered as a suitable process for removal. The present work considers carbon based porous adsorbents as potential adsorbents and attempts to screen the large pool of adsorbents. Preliminary screening was made using information in open literature and structural characteristics, before the adsorbents were subjected to gas phase benzene adsorption. The pool of porous carbons screened included highly acidic sulfonated carbons, ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) and various commercial activated carbons (ACs). Among the pool of porous carbons, mesoporous carbon identified as AC1, was found to possess the highest adsorption capacity for benzene with heat of adsorption capacity of 20–32 KJ/mol. It was found that it is possible to regenerate the benzene adsorption capacity of AC1 and a benzene adsorption capacity of about 14 mmol/g for the mesoporous carbon was found to be far superior to the adsorption capacities reported in literature. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S93–S99, 2019
Measuring what matters in the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Marshall Nadine , Barnes Michele L , Birtles Alistair , Brown Katrina , Cinner Joshua , Curnock Matt , Eakin Hallie , Goldberg Jeremy , Gooch Margaret , Kittinger Jack , Marshall Paul , Manuel‐Navarrete David , Pelling Mark , Pert Petina L , Smit Barry , Tobin Renae
Published: May 2018

The natural environment plays an integral role in the culture of all people. Although the cultural services provided by ecosystems are often acknowledged, these abstract qualities are difficult to capture and are rarely incorporated into environmental strategic planning. We propose an approach for decision makers to weigh different cultural values across a range of stakeholder groups. We assessed the importance of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) to the lifestyle, sense of place, pride, identity, and well‐being of 8300 people across multiple cultural groups, as well as each of these groups’ belief in the aesthetic, scientific, and biodiversity‐based value of the GBR. The surveyed population included indigenous and non‐indigenous local residents, Australians (non‐local), international and domestic tourists, tourism operators, and commercial fishers. We discuss how some groups grant similar levels of importance to some values and how other groups differ in their attachment to certain values. All of the groups possessed the selected cultural values to some extent, suggesting that these values matter, and could be leveraged to secure the future of iconic ecosystems such as the GBR.