bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aromatic and Antiaromatic Cyclophane‐type Hexaphyrin Dimers
Authors: Nakai Akito , Yoneda Tomoki , Ishida Shin‐ichiro , Kato Kenichi , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: December 2018

A peripherally strapped [28]hexaphyrin takes a rectangular conformation and exhibits antiaromatic character. A cyclophane‐type dimer consisting of such [28]hexaphyrins was synthesized from hexakis(pentafluorophenyl) [26]hexaphyrin via SNAr reaction with allyl alcohol, one‐pot intra‐ and intermolecular olefin metathesis under improved Hoveyda–Grubbs catalysis, and final reduction with NaBH4. The cyclophane‐type structures of [26]‐ and [28]hexaphyrin dimers have been revealed by X‐ray analysis. Studies on the structural, optical, and electronic properties have led to a conclusion that there is no favorable electronic interaction between the two [28]hexaphyrin segments and thus no indication of 3D aromaticity.
Tuning model parameters in class‐imbalanced learning with precision‐recall curve
Authors: Fu Guang‐Hui , Yi Lun‐Zhao , Pan Jianxin
Published: December 2018

An issue for class‐imbalanced learning is what assessment metric should be employed. So far, precision‐recall curve (PRC) as a metric is rarely used in practice as compared with its alternative of receiver operating characteristic (ROC). This study investigates the performance of PRC as the evaluating criterion to address the class‐imbalanced data and focuses on the comparison of PRC with ROC. The advantages of PRC over ROC on assessing class‐imbalanced data are also investigated and tested on our proposed algorithm by tuning the whole model parameters in simulation studies and real data examples. The result shows that PRC is competitive with ROC as performance measurement for handling class‐imbalanced data in tuning the model parameters. PRC can be considered as an alternative but effective assessment for preprocessing (such as variable selection) skewed data and building a classifier in class‐imbalanced learning.
Relation of postoperative serum S100A12 levels to delirium and cognitive dysfunction occurring after hip fracture surgery in elderly patients
Authors: Li Qing‐Hua , Yu Liang , Yu Zheng‐Wei , Fan Xiao‐Liang , Yao Wang‐Xiang , Ji Cheng , Deng Fang , Luo Xian‐Zhe , Sun Jian‐Liang
Published: December 2018

Objective

Brain injury is implicated in pathogenesis of postoperative delirium (POD) and cognitive dysfunction (POCD). S100A12 is involved in inflammatory process and is recently known as a biomarker for brain injury. Herein, we clarified whether serum S100A12 levels are related to POD and POCD after hip fracture surgery in elderly patients.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective, observational study, we gauged S100A12 levels in preoperative and postoperative serum from 186 patients and serum from 186 controls. Patients were categorized according to the presence of POD and POCD.

Results

Postoperative, but not preoperative serum S100A12 levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls. There was a positive and independent correlation between postoperative C‐reactive protein and S100A12 levels (t = 8.797, p < 0.001). Postoperative S10012 levels and age were independently associated with the risk of developing POD (S100A12 levels: odds ratio [OR] = 1.166, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.045–2.087, p = 0.001; age: OR = 1.243, 95% CI = 1.073–1.419, p = 0.012) and POCD (S100A12: OR = 1.157, 95% CI = 1.030–1.986, p = 0.003; age: OR = 1.228, 95% CI = 1.054–1.387, p = 0.014). In terms of area under receiver operating characteristic curve, postoperative S100A12 levels had a higher predictive ability than age and their combination dramatically exceeded that of each one alone.

Conclusions

Postoperative elevated serum S100A12 levels have a strong relation to inflammation and are associated independently with the development of POD and POCD, substantializing serum S100A12 as a potential biomarker for predicting POD and POCD in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.
Brominated Diphenyl Ethers Including a New Tribromoiododiphenyl Ether from the Vietnamese Marine Sponge Arenosclera sp. and Their Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Ki Dae‐Won , Awouafack Maurice Ducret , Wong Chin Piow , Nguyen Hien Minh , Thai Quang Minh , Ton Nu Lien Huong , Morita Hiroyuki
Published: December 2018

A new tribromoiododiphenyl ether (1) and eight known brominated diphenyl ethers (2–9) were isolated from the MeOH extract of the sponge Arenosclera sp. collected in Vietnam, using repeated open column chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography. The chemical structure of the new compound 1 was determined by analyses of spectroscopic (1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and MS) data and by comparison of our data with those reported in the literature. Compounds 1, 3, and 8 exhibited strong antibacterial activities against the Gram‐positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus and the Gram‐negative bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae with MIC values ranging from 0.8 to 6.3 μm, while compounds 5 and 7 only displayed activities against Gram‐positive bacteria with MIC values from 0.5 to 3.1 μm. Compound 2 showed activities against the four tested bacteria with MIC values ranging from 0.5 to 6.3 μm.
Enhancement of Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production by CeCO3OH in g‐C3N4/CeO2 System
Authors: Tong Rui , Sun Zhi , Zhong Xiongwei , Wang Xina , Xu Jincheng , Yang Ye , Xu Baomin , Wang Shuangpeng , Pan Hui
Published: December 2018

Promoting the separation of photo‐generated carriers is significantly important to improve the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen production. Therefore, we prepared g‐C3N4/CeCO3OH/CeO2 (CeCeCN) ternary nanocomposite via an easy synthetic way using g‐C3N4 and CeO2 as reactants. A CeCO3OH layer was formed and resulted in the novel ternary photocatalyst. The CeCeCN composite shows superior photocatalytic (PC) H2 generation performance in sunlight excitation. The H2 evolution rate is about 764 μmol h−1 g−1, which is over 11 times larger than those of g‐C3N4 and CeO2. Compared with g‐C3N4 and CeO2, CeCeCN further shows a larger photo‐response current density and a lower charge‐transfer resistance. The remarkably increased photocatalytic property of CeCeCN is because of the efficient charge migration induced by the formed heterojunction. Our findings demonstrate that building multi‐heterostructures can liberate more excited electrons for efficient hydrogen production under sunlight.
Predictors of improvement in arrhythmia‐specific symptoms and health‐related quality of life after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Barmano Neshro , Charitakis Emmanouil , Karlsson Jan‐Erik , Nystrom Fredrik H. , Walfridsson Håkan , Walfridsson Ulla
Published: December 2018

Background

The primary goal of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is to improve symptoms and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). However, most studies have focused on predictors of AF recurrence rather than on predictors of improvement in symptoms and HRQoL.

Hypothesis

We sought to explore predictors of improvement in arrhythmia‐specific symptoms and HRQoL after RFA of AF, and to evaluate the effects on symptoms, HRQoL, anxiety, and depression.

Methods

We studied 192 patients undergoing their first RFA of AF. The Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36), arrhythmia‐specific questionnaire in tachycardia and arrhythmia (ASTA), and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) questionnaires were filled out at baseline, at 4 months, and at a 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

All questionnaire scale scores improved significantly over time. In the ASTA symptom scale score, female gender and > 10 AF episodes the month before RFA were significant positive predictors of improvement, while diabetes and AF recurrence within 12 months after RFA were significant negative predictors (R2 = 0.18; P < 0.001). In the ASTA HRQoL scale score, the presence of heart failure and > 10 AF episodes the month before RFA were significant positive predictors of improvement, while diabetes, maximum left atrial volume and AF recurrence were significant negative predictors (R2 = 0.20; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Left atrial volume, gender, diabetes, heart failure, the frequency of AF attacks prior to RFA, and recurrence of AF after RFA were significant factors affecting improvement in symptoms and HRQoL after RFA of AF. Future studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
A Triazolotriazine‐Based Dual GSK‐3β/CK‐1δ Ligand as a Potential Neuroprotective Agent Presenting Two Different Mechanisms of Enzymatic Inhibition
Authors: Redenti Sara , Marcovich Irene , De Vita Teresa , Pérez Concepción , De Zorzi Rita , Demitri Nicola , Perez Daniel I. , Bottegoni Giovanni , Bisignano Paola , Bissaro Maicol , Moro Stefano , Martinez Ana , Storici Paola , Spalluto Giampiero , Cavalli Andrea , Federico Stephanie
Published: December 2018

Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‐3β) and casein kinase 1δ (CK‐1δ) are emerging targets for the treatment of neuroinflammatory disorders, including Parkinson's disease. An inhibitor able to target these two kinases was developed by docking‐based design. Compound 12, 3‐(7‐amino‐5‐(cyclohexylamino)‐[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a][1,3,5]triazin‐2‐yl)‐2‐cyanoacrylamide, showed combined inhibitory activity against GSK‐3β and CK‐1δ [IC50(GSK‐3β)=0.17 μm; IC50(CK‐1δ)=0.68 μm]. In particular, classical ATP competition was observed against CK‐1δ, and a co‐crystal of compound 12 inside GSK‐3β confirmed a covalent interaction between the cyanoacrylamide warhead and Cys199, which could help in the development of more potent covalent inhibitors of GSK‐3β. Preliminary studies on in vitro models of Parkinson's disease revealed that compound 12 is not cytotoxic and shows neuroprotective activity. These results encourage further investigations to validate GSK‐3β/CK‐1δ inhibition as a possible new strategy to treat neuroinflammatory/degenerative diseases.
Halide‐Induced Leaching of Pt Nanoparticles – Manipulation of Particle Size by Controlled Ostwald Ripening
Authors: Neumann Sarah , Schröder Johanna , Bizzotto Francesco , Arenz Matthias , Dworzak Alexandra , Oezaslan Mehtap , Bäumer Marcus , Kunz Sebastian
Published: December 2018

The synthesis of “surfactant‐free” Pt nanoparticles (NPs) in alkaline ethylene glycol (EG), initially introduced in 2000, is of fundamental interest for the preparation of catalysts. Often a suspension of colloidal Pt NPs prepared by this method is stored and upon demand further processed to obtain supported catalysts such as Pt−C or Pt−Al2O3. In this study it is shown that in such colloidal suspensions in the presence of halides, e. g. from the metal precursor salt, leaching of Pt NPs takes place. Metal leaching poses a significant challenge for catalyst stability. However, if the reaction conditions are chosen appropriately, the here identified leaching process can be utilized to achieve particle growth by Ostwald ripening in a controlled manner. By changing the chemical nature of the metal precursor salt and variation of the reaction time, Pt NPs with a narrow size distribution between 1 to 4 nm are obtained without any need of surfactants. Subsequently, the obtained particles can be transferred into low‐boiling organic solvents, which then allows for coating of deliberately chosen supports to prepare e. g. model catalyst which are tailored in terms of particle size and support material. The suitability of such materials for catalytic investigations is demonstrated by using CO oxidation as a model reaction and it is shown that the catalytic activity (surface normalized) depends on the size of Pt NPs under the applied reaction conditions.
S3BD: Secure semantic search over encrypted big data in the cloud
Authors: Woodworth Jason W. , Amini Salehi Mohsen
Published: December 2018

Cloud storage is a widely utilized service for both personal and enterprise demands. However, despite its advantages, many potential users with enormous amounts of sensitive data (big data) refrain from fully utilizing the cloud storage service due to valid concerns about data privacy. An established solution to the cloud data privacy problem is to perform encryption on the client‐end. This approach, however, restricts data processing capabilities (eg, searching over the data). Accordingly, the research problem we investigate is how to enable real‐time searching over the encrypted big data in the cloud. In particular, semantic search is of interest to clients dealing with big data. To address this problem, in this research, we develop a system (termed S3BD) for searching big data using cloud services without exposing any data to cloud providers. To keep real‐time response on big data, S3BD proactively prunes the search space to a subset of the whole dataset. For that purpose, we propose a method to cluster the encrypted data. An abstract of each cluster is maintained on the client‐end to navigate the search operation to appropriate clusters at the search time. Results of experiments, carried out on real‐world big datasets, demonstrate that the search operation can be achieved in real‐time and is significantly more efficient than other counterparts. In addition, a fully functional prototype of S3BD is made publicly available.
Atypical Film‐Forming Behavior of Soluble Tetra‐3‐Nitro‐Substituted Copper Phthalocyanine
Authors: Zaitseva Svetlana V. , Bettini Simona , Valli Ludovico , Kolker Arkadiy M. , Borovkov Nicholas Y.
Published: December 2018

Thin films of metal phthalocyanines (MPc) are known to exhibit excellent physical properties but poorly controlled morphologies. Therefore, the present work seeks to understand the film growth mechanism of a model compound for potentially usable MPc, specifically, copper tetra(3‐nitro‐5‐tert‐butyl)phthalocyanine (CuPc*). The Langmuir‐Schaefer (LS) technique was applied to prepare a series of CuPc* films under different processing conditions. The film growth was examined by Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) on the water surface and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) from the solid films. Neutron reflectometry (NR) measurements of the water uptake into the films and computer simulation of hydrated CuPc* were performed to substantiate an idea of colloidal MPc‐water aggregates as nanoscale precursors of smooth solid films. This idea appears fruitful in terms of materials chemistry.
Memory CD4+ T cells enhance B‐cell responses to drifting influenza immunization
Authors: Gage Emily , Van Hoeven Neal , Dubois Cauwelaert Natasha , Larsen Sasha E. , Erasmus Jesse , Orr Mark T. , Coler Rhea N.
Published: December 2018

Influenza A annually infects 5–10% of the world's human population resulting in one million deaths. Influenza causes annual epidemics and reinfects previously exposed individuals because of antigenic drift in the glycoprotein hemagglutinin. Due to antigenic drift, the immune system is simultaneously exposed to novel and conserved parts of the influenza virus via vaccination and/or infection throughout life. Preexisting immunity has long been known to augment subsequent hemagglutination inhibitory antibody (hAb) responses. However, the preexisting immunological contributors that influence hAb responses are not understood. Therefore, we adapted and developed sequential infection and immunization mouse models using drifted influenza strains to show that MHC Class II haplotype and T‐cell reactivity influences subsequent hAb responses. We found that CB6F1 mice infected with A/CA followed by immunization with A/PR8 have increased hAb responses to A/PR8 compared to C57BL/6 mice. Increased hAb responses in CB6F1 mice were CD4+ T‐cell and B‐cell dependent and corresponded to increased germinal center A/PR8‐specific B and T‐follicular helper cells. These results suggest conserved MHC Class II restricted epitopes within HA are essential for B cells to respond to drifting influenza and could be leveraged to boost hAb responses.
Chiral‐at‐Ruthenium Catalyst with Sterically Demanding Furo[3,2‐b]pyridine Ligands
Authors: Cui Tianjiao , Qin Jie , Harms Klaus , Meggers Eric
Published: December 2018

A sterically demanding derivative of a previously introduced chiral‐at‐metal ruthenium(II) catalyst scaffold is introduced. It is composed of two bidentate furo[3,2‐b]pyridyl functionalized N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands. Their cis‐coordination generates helical chirality and a stereogenic ruthenium center. Two additional labile acetonitriles compose the catalytic site which is highly shielded by two 2‐(tert‐butyl)furo[3,2‐b]pyridine moieties. The synthesis of the non‐racemic ruthenium catalyst and its catalytic properties for the enantioselective alkynylation of 2,2,2‐trifluoroacetophenone and pentafluorobenzaldehyde are reported and compared with sterically less demanding derivatives.
Metal‐Free Access to (E/Z)‐α‐Fluorovinyl Phosphorus Compounds from gem‐Difluorostyrenes
Authors: Peng Yingyuan , Zhang Xiaofei , Qi Xueyu , He Qian , Zhang Bin , Hao Jian , Yang Chunhao
Published: December 2018

A facile and efficient method for the synthesis of (E/Z)‐α‐fluorovinyl phosphorus compounds from gem‐difluorostyrenes with diphenylphosphine oxide/dialkyl phosphate and DBU at room temperature was developed. A series of 1‐fluorovinyl phosphine oxides/phosphonates were obtained with moderate to excellent yields in these reactions. Additionally, most isomers (E/Z type) of the target compounds could be easily separated and purified by column chromatography.
Synthesis and olfactory properties of Phantolide analogues in racemic and optically active forms
Authors: Kawasaki Masashi , Kuroyanagi Saki , Ito Takuya , Morita Hiroyuki , Tanaka Yasuo , Toyooka Naoki
Published: December 2018

The racemates, (+)‐ and (–)‐enantiomers, of eight novel Phantolide analogues, which are non‐natural musk odorants, were synthesized. The key step of the asymmetric synthesis was the lipase‐catalysed enantioselective transesterification of a racemic primary alcohol, and the resultant two enantiomers of the primary alcohol were used as intermediates for further transformations. The odour profiles of all of the synthesized Phantolide analogues were evaluated. Some interesting findings on the odour profiles of the analogues are reported here.
The influence of graphical format on judgmental forecasting accuracy: Lines versus points
Authors: Theocharis Zoe , Smith Leonard A. , Harvey Nigel
Published: December 2018

People made forecasts from real data series. The points in the series were un‐trended and independent. Hence, forecasts should have been on the mean value. However, consistent with previous research on forecasting biases, forecasts were too close to the last data point. It appears that forecasters see positive sequential dependence where none exists. In three experiments, we examined this bias in different types of forecasting task: point forecasting, probability density forecasting, and interval forecasting. In all cases, we found that it was greater when the data series were displayed using continuous line graphs than when it was displayed using discrete point graphs. Consistent with arguments made by Zacks and Tversky (Memory and Cognition, 27:1073, 1999), we suggest that people are more likely to group data together and to see patterns in them when those data are presented in a continuous than in a discrete format. These findings have implications for forecasting practice.
Astrocyte progenitor transplantation promotes regeneration of bulbospinal respiratory axons, recovery of diaphragm function, and a reduced macrophage response following cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: Goulão Miguel , Ghosh Biswarup , Urban Mark W. , Sahu Malya , Mercogliano Christina , Charsar Brittany A. , Komaravolu Sreeya , Block Cole G. , Smith George M. , Wright Megan C. , Lepore Angelo C.
Published: December 2018

Stem/progenitor cell transplantation delivery of astrocytes is a potentially powerful strategy for spinal cord injury (SCI). Axon extension into SCI lesions that occur spontaneously or in response to experimental manipulations is often observed along endogenous astrocyte “bridges,” suggesting that augmenting this response via astrocyte lineage transplantation can enhance axon regrowth. Given the importance of respiratory dysfunction post‐SCI, we transplanted glial‐restricted precursors (GRPs)—a class of lineage‐restricted astrocyte progenitors—into the C2 hemisection model and evaluated effects on diaphragm function and the growth response of descending rostral ventral respiratory group (rVRG) axons that innervate phrenic motor neurons (PhMNs). GRPs survived long term and efficiently differentiated into astrocytes in injured spinal cord. GRPs promoted significant recovery of diaphragm electromyography amplitudes and stimulated robust regeneration of injured rVRG axons. Although rVRG fibers extended across the lesion, no regrowing axons re‐entered caudal spinal cord to reinnervate PhMNs, suggesting that this regeneration response—although impressive—was not responsible for recovery. Within ipsilateral C3‐5 ventral horn (PhMN location), GRPs induced substantial sprouting of spared fibers originating in contralateral rVRG and 5‐HT axons that are important for regulating PhMN excitability; this sprouting was likely involved in functional effects of GRPs. Finally, GRPs reduced the macrophage response (which plays a key role in inducing axon retraction and limiting regrowth) both within the hemisection and at intact caudal spinal cord surrounding PhMNs. These findings demonstrate that astrocyte progenitor transplantation promotes significant plasticity of rVRG‐PhMN circuitry and restoration of diaphragm function and suggest that these effects may be in part through immunomodulation.
Effect of serpinE1 overexpression on the primary tumor and lymph node, and lung metastases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Arroyo‐Solera Irene , Pavón Miguel Ángel , León Xavier , López Montserrat , Gallardo Alberto , Céspedes María Virtudes , Casanova Isolda , Pallarès Víctor , López‐Pousa Antonio , Mangues María Antonia , Barnadas Agustí , Quer Miquel , Mangues Ramón
Published: December 2018

Background

Serpin Family E Member 1 (SerpinE1) overexpression associates with poor clinical outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. This study analyzed the role of serpinE1 in HNSCC dissemination.

Methods

We studied the phenotypic characteristics and dissemination of HNSCC cells overexpressing serpinE1 using an orthotopic model and the association between serpinE1 overexpression and clinicopathological variables in patients included in The Cancer Genome Atlas database.

Results

SerpinE1 overexpression increased proliferation, tumor budding, and the stromal component, while inhibiting apoptosis in primary tumors. It also enhanced the affectation and metastatic growth in lymph nodes, and the dispersion and growth of metastatic foci in the lung. High serpinE1 expression was associated with larger tumor size, undifferentiated tumors, lymph node metastasis, extracapsular spread, and the presence of perineural and angiolymphatic invasion.

Conclusion

SerpinE1 overexpression promotes tumor aggressiveness and metastatic dissemination to lymph nodes and lung consistently with its association with poor outcome in HNSCC patients.
Prospective cross‐sectional study assessing prevalence and factors affecting trismus after multimodal treatment for oral cancers
Authors: Pantvaidya Gouri , Sivasanker Masillamany , Ranganathan Priya , Pai Prathamesh , D'Cruz Anil
Published: December 2018

Background

Trismus is a common complication following treatment for oral cancers. However, its incidence in site‐specific cancers is not adequately studied. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with trismus in treated patients with oral cancer.

Methods

The maximal mouth opening in treated oral cancers was measured. Logistic regression analysis was performed to find risk factors for developing trismus in the entire cohort and in a subgroup of patients with gingivobuccal complex cancers.

Results

A total of 401 patients were enrolled. The prevalence of trismus was 72.8%. On multivariate analysis, adjuvant therapy and submucous fibrosis were independent predictors. Reconstruction and method of reconstruction did not affect trismus. Bialveolar resections had significantly higher incidence of trismus.

Discussion

High prevalence of trismus was seen in patients following multimodal therapy for oral cancers. Adequate reconstruction alone may not prevent trismus and aggressive rehabilitation is key to its prevention.
Fully convolutional networks in multimodal nonlinear microscopy images for automated detection of head and neck carcinoma: Pilot study
Authors: Rodner Erik , Bocklitz Thomas , von Eggeling Ferdinand , Ernst Günther , Chernavskaia Olga , Popp Jürgen , Denzler Joachim , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando
Published: December 2018

Background

A fully convolutional neural networks (FCN)‐based automated image analysis algorithm to discriminate between head and neck cancer and noncancerous epithelium based on nonlinear microscopic images was developed.

Methods

Head and neck cancer sections were used for standard histopathology and co‐registered with multimodal images from the same sections using the combination of coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering, two‐photon excited fluorescence, and second harmonic generation microscopy. The images analyzed with semantic segmentation using a FCN for four classes: cancer, normal epithelium, background, and other tissue types.

Results

A total of 114 images of 12 patients were analyzed. Using a patch score aggregation, the average recognition rate and an overall recognition rate or the four classes were 88.9% and 86.7%, respectively. A total of 113 seconds were needed to process a whole‐slice image in the dataset.

Conclusion

Multimodal nonlinear microscopy in combination with automated image analysis using FCN seems to be a promising technique for objective differentiation between head and neck cancer and noncancerous epithelium.
Water percolation in a thick unsaturated loess layer considering the ground‐atmosphere interaction
Authors: Hou Xiaokun , Li Tonglu , Vanapalli Sai K. , Xi Yu
Published: December 2018

The key objective of this paper is to advance our present understanding of how surface water infiltrates in thick unsaturated loess, which is found in arid and semiarid regions of the world, considering the ground‐atmosphere interaction. In situ data for a period of 1 year in thick loess layer at a site in the Loess Plateau of China that has groundwater table at 97.5 m depth were collected for achieving this objective. Climate factors, mainly rainfall and actual evaporation, were measured. In addition, variations of soil temperature and water content at different depths in the unsaturated zone were also measured. The data were used to interpret the water percolation characteristics by dividing the thick unsaturated zone into three zones; namely, (i) surface zone, which constitutes the top 1.0 m, (ii) unsteady zone, which is from 1.0 to 7.0 m, and (iii) steady zone, which is below 7.0 m. In the surface zone, soil temperature and water content are sensitive to climate factors. There is a variation of water content associated with the cumulative influence of infiltration and evaporation in the precipitation and nonprecipitation periods, respectively. In the unsteady zone, the water content is relatively constant; however, temperature varies in different seasons. Water percolation in this zone is both in liquid and vapour phases. In the steady zone, both soil temperature and water content are constant during the entire investigation period. The percolation velocity in this zone is approximately 1.23 × 10−8 m/s or 0.39 m/year, which suggests that it will take approximately 230.8 years for surface water to pass through the thick unsaturated zone and recharge the groundwater.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐217 relieved neuropathic pain through targeting toll‐like receptor 5 expression
Authors: Jiang Wanwei , Wang Qinghui , Yu Xuemei , Lu Tong , Zhang Pengbo
Published: December 2018

Neuropathic pain is the most common chronic pain that is caused by nerve injury or disease that influences the nervous system. Increasing evidence suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in neuropathic pain and neuroinflammation development. However, the functional role of miR‐217 in the development of neuropathic pain remains unknown. In this study, we used rats to establish a neuropathic pain model and showed that the miR‐217 expression level was upregulated in the spinal dorsal horn of bilateral sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (bCCI). However, the expression of miR‐217 was not changed in the anterior cingulated cortex (ACC), hippocampus, and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of bCCI rats. Ectopic expression of miR‐217 attenuated neuropathic pain and suppressed neuroinflammation expression in vivo. We identified toll‐like receptor 5 (TLR5) as a direct target gene of miR‐217 in the PC12 cell. In addition, we demonstrated that the expression level of TLR5 was upregulated in bCCI rats. Moreover, restoration of TLR5 rescued the inhibitory roles induced by miR‐217 overexpression on neuropathic pain and neuroinflammation development. These data suggested that miR‐217 played a pivotal role in the development of neuropathic pain partly through regulating TLR5 expression.
LINC01133 aggravates the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Zheng Yong‐Fa , Zhang Xiao‐Yu , Bu Yan‐Zhi
Published: December 2018

LncRNAs exhibit crucial roles in various pathological diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, it is significant to recognize the dysregulated lncRNAs in HCC progression. Recently, LINC01133 has been identified in several tumors. However, the biological role of LINC01133 in HCC remains poorly understood. Currently, we focused on the function of LINC01133 in HCC development. We observed that LINC01133 was significantly increased in HCC cells including HepG2, Hep3B, MHCC‐97L, SK‐Hep‐1, and MHCC‐97H cells compared with the normal human liver cell line HL‐7702. In addition, PI3K/AKT signaling was highly activated in HCC cells. Knockdown of LINC01133 was able to inhibit HCC cell proliferation, cell colony formation, cell apoptosis, and blocked cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. For another, downregulation of LINC01133 repressed HCC cell migration and invasion. Subsequently, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was strongly suppressed by silence of LINC01133 in Hep3B and HepG2 cells. Then, in vivo tumor xenografts models were established using Hep3B cells to explore the function of LINC01133 in HCC progression. Consistently, our study indicated that knockdown of LINC01133 dramatically repressed HCC tumor progression through targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway in vivo. Taken these together, we revealed that LINC01133 contributed to HCC progression by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Identification of 4‐lncRNA prognostic signature in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Diao Pengfei , Song Yue , Ge Han , Wu Yaping , Li Jin , Zhang Wei , Wang Yanling , Cheng Jie
Published: December 2018

Deregulated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) have been critically implicated in tumorigenesis and serve as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Here we sought to develop a prognostic lncRNA signature in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Original RNA‐seq data of 499 HNSCC samples were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, which was randomly divided into training and testing set. Univariate Cox regression survival analysis, robust likelihood‐based survival model and random sampling iterations were applied to identify prognostic lncRNA candidates in the training cohort. A prognostic risk score was developed based on the Cox coefficient of four individual lncRNA imputed as follows: (0.14546 × expression level of RP11‐366H4.1) + (0.27106 × expression level of LINC01123) + (0.54316 × expression level of RP11‐110I1.14) + (−0.48794 × expression level of CTD‐2506J14.1). Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed that patients with high‐risk score had significantly reduced overall survival as compared with those with low‐risk score when patients in training, testing, and validation cohorts were stratified into high‐ or low‐risk subgroups. Multivariate survival analysis further revealed that this 4‐lncRNA signature was a novel and important prognostic factor independent of multiple clinicopathological parameters. Importantly, ROC analyses indicated that predictive accuracy and sensitivity of this 4‐lncRNA signature outperformed those previously well‐established prognostic factors. Noticeably, prognostic score based on quantification of these 4‐lncRNA via qRT‐PCR in another independent HNSCC cohort robustly stratified patients into subgroups with high or low survival. Taken together, we developed a robust 4‐lncRNA prognostic signature for HNSCC that might provide a novel powerful prognostic biomarker for precision oncology.
Synthesis and Acaricidal Activity of Some New 1,2,4‐Triazine Derivatives
Authors: Hamama Wafaa S. , El‐Bana Ghada G. , Mostafa Mohamed El‐H. , Zoorob Hanafi H.
Published: December 2018

A new series of 1,2,4‐triazine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and identified on the basis of IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and EI‐MS spectral data. The potent acaricidal activity of 1,2,4‐triazine derivatives against eggs and adult female of Tetranychus urticae (Koch) was assessed compared with pyridaben under laboratory conditions. Structure acaricidal activity relationships of the promising 1,2,4‐triazine derivatives were analyzed for eggs and adult female; the nature and position of the substituents were important in demonstration of the activities.
R1 resection of colorectal liver metastasis – What is the cost of marginal resection?
Authors: Pencovich Niv , Houli Rotem , Lubezky Nir , Goykhman Yaacov , Nakache Richard , Klausner Joseph M. , Nachmany Ido
Published: December 2018

Background and objectives

The impact of resection margins on the outcome of patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) remains controversial. We evaluated the short and long‐term results of R1 resection.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2016, 202 patients underwent liver resection for CRLM. R1 resection was defined as a distance of less than 1 mm between tumor cells and the transection plain. Patient and tumor characteristics, perioperative, and long‐term outcomes were assessed.

Results

In 161 (79.7%) and 41 (20.3%) patients, an R0 and R1 resections were achieved, respectively. Patients that underwent an R1 resection had higher rates of disease progression while on chemotherapy (12.1% vs 5.5%, P = 0.001), need for second‐line chemotherapy (17% vs 6.2%, P < 0.001), increased use of preoperative volume manipulation (14.6% vs 5.5%, P = 0.001), and inferior vena‐cava involvement (21.9% vs 8.7%, P < 0.001). These patients had higher rates of major postoperative complications (19.5% vs 6.8%, P < 0.001) and reoperations (7.3% vs 2.4%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that R1 resections were not associated with decreased recurrence‐free survival or overall survival.

Conclusions

Although R1 resection is associated with worse disease behavior and postoperative complications, the long‐term outcome of patients following an R1 resection is non‐inferior to those who underwent an R0 resection.
Union Vulnerability Analysis
Authors: DeMaria Alfred T.
Published: December 2018

National Labor Relations Board statistics and union surveys demonstrate that unions are most successful when organizing small bargaining units. As part of its vulnerability analysis, an employer should examine its structure to determine whether it is vulnerable to a potential union's effort to organize a part of its workforce.
Torsion‐dependent spectral response of long‐period fiber grating based on electric arc technique with axial rotation of the fiber
Authors: Delgado Felipe , Bessa Alexandre
Published: December 2018

We present a novel technique for manufacturing a long‐period fiber grating (LPFG) with enhanced torsion sensitivity based on electric arc technique. The proposed method rotates the fiber around its axis of rotation at each electric arc discharge. We experimentally investigated the torsion‐dependent spectral response of the produced grating and the results showed that an enhanced linear torsion sensitivity up to 0.197 nm/(rad/m) was achieved, which is higher than that of the conventional arc‐induced LPFGs.
Determining success rates of the current pharmacokinetically guided dosing approach of topotecan in pediatric oncology patients
Authors: Mitchell Anna Birg , Vasilyeva Aksana , Gajjar Amar , Santana Victor M. , Stewart Clinton F.
Published: December 2018

Background

Topotecan is a chemotherapeutic agent that is active against many pediatric tumors. Although its effect is related to systemic exposure, the interpatient variability in systemic clearance makes it challenging to achieve desired topotecan targets. This study aims to evaluate the success of the pharmacokinetically (PK) guided dosing process, which was used to achieve a target topotecan area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC).

Methods

Patients received an empiric topotecan dosage on the first day; the topotecan lactone AUC was determined, and based upon these values the topotecan dosage was adjusted. The success rates of both the empiric and PK‐guided strategies were calculated. Patient‐specific covariates were collected to explain variability observed in the empiric and PK‐guided results. A simulation study was performed to assess the differences in cumulative topotecan dosage and systemic exposure between a PK‐guided and standard dosing approach.

Results

Data were collected from nine clinical trials open from 1996 to 2016 (n = 232 patients). The empiric dosing success rate was 35.5%, while the PK‐guided rate was 64.4%. A difference in mean serum creatinine was observed between successful empiric studies and those above the AUC target. Compared to a standard dosing approach, the PK‐guided group had a higher average cumulative dosage and systemic exposure.

Conclusion

The low empiric dosing success rate indicates that additional studies are needed to refine the initial topotecan dosage. The role of renal function, measured as serum creatinine, remains to be elucidated. However, the PK‐guided targeting success rate highlighted the need to account for variable topotecan systemic clearance.
The enhancement mechanism of flowability and modulus of PET/TFP‐glass composites
Authors: Zhang Tianci , Liu Shuai , Li Huan , Wu Hong , Guo Shaoyun
Published: December 2018

Tin fluoride phosphate glass (TFP‐glass) has been found to improve the rheological properties and modulus of polar polymer, but the mechanism involved is still unrevealed. In this work, a kind of poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/TFP‐glass composites with low viscosity and high modulus were prepared by melt blending. In order to explore the enhancement mechanism of flowability and modulus, we investigated the structure change of PET before and after blending, the viscosity evolution of TFP‐glass during heating and the final phase morphology of PET/TFP‐glass composites. Based on intrinsic viscosity and rheological measurements, the improvement of the flowability was attributed to the decrease of molecular weight of PET and the macromolecular plasticizer effect of TFP‐glass. Non‐isothermal crystallization behaviors of the composites indicated that the crystallization properties of PET were improved due to heterogeneous nucleation effect of the TFP‐glass and the decreased molecular weight of PET. The improved crystallization of PET as well as strong interfacial interaction between PET and TFP‐glass contribute to a significant enhancement in the modulus of composites, as compared with pure PET. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2555–2563, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Use of MWNTs‐COOH to improve thermal energy storage and release rates of capric–palmitic–stearic acid ternary eutectic/polyacrylonitrile form‐stable phase change composite fibrous membranes
Authors: Ke Huizhen , Wei Qufu
Published: December 2018

A series of novel capric–palmitic–stearic acid ternary eutectic/polyacrylonitrile/carboxyl purified multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CA–PA–SA/PAN/MWNTs‐COOH) form‐stable phase change composite fibrous membranes (PCCFMs) were fabricated by electrospinning and physical absorption methods. In these form‐stable PCCFMs, the CA–PA–SA ternary eutectic was served as phase change material for thermal energy storage, and the loaded MWNTs‐COOH was acted as thermal conductivity enhancement filler to improve heat transfer rates, as well as electrospun PAN/MWNTs‐COOH fibrous membranes with different weight fractions of MWNTs‐COOH (i.e., 5, 10, and 20 wt%) were used as supporting materials to provide structural strength and prevent liquid leakage of melted CA–PA–SA ternary eutectic. The morphological structure and thermal performances were investigated and analyzed. The images of scanning electron microscopy showed that the CA–PA–SA ternary eutectic was uniformly embedded and dispersed into the three‐dimensional porous network structure of electrospun PAN/MWNTs‐COOH fibrous membranes. Thermal performance tests suggested that the melting and freezing times of the CA–PA–SA/PAN/MWNTs‐COOH form‐stable PCCFMs with the addition of 10 wt% MWNTs‐COOH were significantly shorten by about 52% and 56% in comparison with those of the CA–PA–SA/PAN form‐stable PCCFMs. Their phase change temperatures and enthalpies were about 7°C–32°C and 130–138 kJ/kg, respectively. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E403–E411, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Contemporary Management of Direct Oral Anticoagulants During Cardioversion and Ablation for Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Trujillo Toby C. , Dobesh Paul P. , Crossley George H. , Finks Shannon W.
Published: December 2018

As overall prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) continues to rise, the number of patients who undergo ablation, or electrical/chemical cardioversion, to restore normal sinus rhythm continues to increase as well. As direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have continued to be incorporated into clinical practice for long‐term anticoagulation for AF, experience with how best to manage use of DOACs during electrophysiologic procedures is evolving. This review is intended to provide health care providers with a summary of current evidence regarding the use of DOACs during cardioversion and catheter ablation and provide key considerations for their use during such electrophysiologic procedures. PubMed and MEDLINE were searched from inception through June 2018 for studies in humans comparing DOACs alone or against vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in adult patients (> 18 yrs) who underwent cardioversion or AF catheter ablation using the following key words: “rivaroxaban,” “dabigatran,” “apixaban,” “edoxaban,” “non–vitamin K antagonists,” “direct or new oral anticoagulants,” “warfarin,” “vitamin K antagonists,” “cardioversion,” “ablation of atrial fibrillation,” “uninterrupted,” and “catheter ablation.” Four retrospective studies and three prospective trials comparing DOACs with VKA in patients undergoing cardioversion and three prospective studies in patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF were identified. Observational data and meta‐analyses were also critically reviewed. Prospective trials to date suggest similar efficacy and safety with using DOACs in the setting of cardioversion and AF ablation compared to traditional therapy with VKA, with or without bridging. Injectable anticoagulant overlap can be avoided in patients receiving DOACs in the setting of cardioversion for AF. Minimal interruption in anticoagulation may be only necessary for AF ablation in those with highest bleeding risk, such as in renal dysfunction and where drug‐drug interactions may increase risk for anticoagulant accumulation. Periprocedural advantages of DOACs include convenience, rapid and predictable onset of effect, improved patient satisfaction, and potential for reduced costs.
African biogeographical ancestry, atopic and non‐atopic asthma and atopy: A study in Latin American children
Authors: da Silva Thiago M. , Fiaccone Rosemeire L. , Kehdy Fernanda S. G. , Tarazona‐Santos Eduardo , Rodrigues Laura C. , Costa Gustavo N. O. , Figueiredo Camila A. , dos Santos Darci N. , Feitosa Caroline A. , Fattore Gisel L. , Santos Leticia M. , Alcantara‐Neves Neuza M. , Cruz Álvaro A. , Barreto Maurício L.
Published: December 2018

Background

Genetic variants underlying African ancestry have been suggested be implicated in the ethnic‐racial inequalities reported for asthma and allergies.

Objectives

To investigate the association between individual African ancestry and asthma symptoms, atopic and non‐atopic asthma, and atopy in children.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study encompassing 1190 individuals was conducted. African biogeographic ancestry was estimated using 370 539 genome‐wide SNPs. Serum levels of specific IgE were measured, and skin prick test (SPT) performed for the most common local aeroallergens. Information on asthma symptoms was obtained by applying the International Study of Allergy and Asthma in Childhood questionnaire. The associations between the proportion of individual African ancestry and the outcomes investigated were analyzed through multivariate models adjusted for socio‐environmental variables, infections markers, and psychosocial factors.

Results

Each 20% increase in the proportion of African ancestry was negatively associated with SPT reactivity (OR: 0.79, 95%CI: 0.66‐0.96) and positively associated with asthma symptoms in non‐atopic individuals (OR: 1.40, 95%CI: 1.03‐1.89). We estimated that socioeconomic status and number of infections mediated 28.4% of the effect of African ancestry on SPT reactivity, while 20.2% of the effect on non‐atopic asthma was explained by socioeconomic status and behavioral problems in children.

Conclusions

The negative association observed between African ancestry and atopy is most probably explained by unobserved environmental or social factors that covariate with ancestry. For non‐atopic asthma, in turn, putative genetic variants of risk underlying African ancestry may play some role.
Exploring the first‐shell and second‐shell structures arising in the microsolvation of Li+ by rare gases
Authors: Jesus Wanderson S. , Marques Jorge M. C. , Prudente Frederico V. , Pereira Francisco B.
Published: December 2018

An evolutionary algorithm was used to search for the low‐energy structures of Li+Arn and Li+Krn (n = 1 − 14). Two functions were used to describe the interaction potential at the CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVQZ level of theory: one is based on a sum of all pair potentials, whereas the other includes three‐body interactions. In general, the global minimum structures are similar for both Li+Arn and Li+Krn. Modifications in the octahedral structure of the first solvation shell lead to a high‐energy penalty. Conversely, the second solvation shell shows a panoply of minima with similar energies that are likely to be interconverted. Post‐optimization at the MP2 level confirmed that, for n = 2 and 3, one has to include three‐body terms in the potential to reproduce the low‐energy structures. Additionally, MP2 calculations indicate that energy reorder of the global minimum structure observed for Li+Kr8 is related to the Kr3 Axilrod‐Teller‐Muto term included in the potential.
Bound anionic states of DNA and RNA nucleobases: An EOM‐CCSD investigation
Authors: Tripathi Divya , Dutta Achintya Kumar
Published: December 2018

In this article, we have studied the bound anionic states of DNA and RNA nucleobases using the newly developed bt‐PNO‐EOM‐CCSD method and extended basis sets. All of the five nucleobases have a single bound anionic state, which is dipole bound in nature. The electron affinity corresponding to the dipole‐bound state is found to be extremely sensitive to the used basis set, and a proper agreement with the available experimental data requires a large basis set with a sufficient number of diffuse functions. Electron correlation plays a major role in stabilizing the bound anionic states of nucleobases. No valence‐bound anionic states are observed for any of the nucleobases.