bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clay as support for copper catalysts for the hydrogenation of furfural and phenolics
Authors: Tian Hongli , Shao Yuewen , Zhang Lijun , Jia Peng , Zhang Zhanming , Liu Qianhe , Zhang Shu , Liu Qing , Wang Yi , Hu Xun 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDOrdinary clay is an abundantly available and widely distributed material, the use of which as supporting material can minimize the cost in manufacturing catalysts. This study investigated the potential for the direct use of ordinary clay and treated clay as supports of copper (Cu)‐based catalysts for hydrogenation of furfural and some phenolic compounds.RESULTSThe catalyst treated with alkali showed better activity at 100 °C whereas the activity of other catalysts was negligible, and when the temperature was raised, the activity of all the catalysts was obviously improved. In addition, the catalysts treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) showed fair activity for 5‐hydroxyl methyl furfural, vanillin and benzaldehyde, and the stability of the catalyst also was good: after four cycles of experiments, the yield of furfuryl alcohol could still reach >95%.CONCLUSIONSActivation of clay with NaOH effectively enhanced not only the surface area and porous structures, but also the alkalinity of the catalyst, suppressing side reactions such as acetalization between furfural and ethanol, and facilitated hydrogenation of furfural. Comparing with clay washed with sulfuric acid or calcined at various temperatures, the clay activated with NaOH showed superior hydrogenation of not only furfural, but also 5‐hydroxyl methyl furfural, vanillin and benzaldehyde, as a result of the presence of abundant mesopores and alkaline sites. The ordinary clay‐supported Cu catalyst also showed acceptable activity for hydrogenation reactions at a higher reaction temperature, which has particular importance for practical applications because the clay can be used directly as supporting material. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of 1,2,3 triazole‐linked pyrimidines catalyzed by mg‐Al‐LDH‐immobilized‐CuI as a heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Rezaeimanesh Fatemeh , Bakherad Mohammad , Nasr‐Isfahani Hossein , Bahramian Bahram , Naderi Soheila 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA useful and efficient procedure was obtained for the synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazole‐linked pyrimidines via click reaction of propynylated pyrimidine and aromatic azides in the presence of Mg‐Al‐LDH‐immobilized‐CuI with high‐to‐excellent yields. Moreover, the prepared catalyst was characterized by the FT‐IR spectroscopy, XRD, BET, SEM, and ICP techniques. The developed synthetic technique offers numerous advantages such as a clean reaction, easy workup, high reaction yields, and short reaction time.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of 4,5,6,7‐tetrahydrothieno[2,3‐c]pyridine–based β‐aminonitriles and their derivatives: β‐amino carboxamides, (thio)ureas, and tetracycles
Authors: Madácsi Ramóna , Traj Péter , Hackler László , Nagy Lajos I. , Kari Beáta , Puskás László G. , Kanizsai Iván 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe preparation and cytotoxic characterization of 4,5,6,7‐tetrahydrothieno[2,3‐c]pyridine–based β‐aminonitriles, β‐amino carboxamides, and their (thio)urea and annulated derivatives were accomplished. Following a synthetic route involving Gewald three‐component reactions (G‐3CR) and a Lewis acid–catalyzed iso (thio)cyanate coupling, 30 compounds were prepared for antitumor evaluation. For derivatizations, a catalytic amount of CuOAc2 (20 mol%) was essential for improving the reactivity of either the C‐2 amino function of thiophene or isocyanates. The synthesized analogues demonstrated a weak to moderate antitumor activity in a low micromolar range against A549 and K562 cancer cell lines.
Towards an understanding of Angelman syndrome in mice studies
Authors: Yang Xin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAngelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe mental retardation, absence of speech, abnormal motor coordination, abnormal EEG, and spontaneous seizure. AS is caused by a deficiency in the ubiquitin ligase E3A (Ube3a) gene product, known to play a dual role as both ubiquitin ligase and transcription coactivator. In AS animal models, multiple Ube3a substrates are accumulated in neurons. So far, studies in mouse models have either aimed at re‐expressing Ube3a or manipulating downstream signaling pathways. Reintroducing Ube3a in AS mice showed promising results but may have two caveats. First, it may cause an overdosage in the Ube3a expression, which in turn is known to contribute to autism spectrum disorders. Second, in mutation cases, the exogenous Ube3a may have to compete with the mutated endogenous form. Such two caveats left spaces for developing therapies or interventions directed to targets downstream Ube3a. Notably, Ube3a expression is dynamically regulated by neuronal activity and plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity. The abnormal synaptic plasticity uncovered in AS mice has been frequently rescued, but circuits symptoms like seizure are resistant to treatment. Future investigations are needed to further clarify the function (s) of Ube3a during development. Here I reviewed the recently identified major Ube3a substrates and signaling pathways involved in AS pathology, the Ube3a expression, imprinting and evolution, the AS mouse models that have been generated and inspired therapeutic potentials, and finally proposed some future explorations to better understand the AS pathology.
Quantitative imaging of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft demonstrates longitudinal compositional changes and relationships with clinical outcomes at 2 years after ACL reconstruction
Authors: Lansdown Drew A. , Xiao Weiyuan , Zhang Alan L. , Allen Christina R. , Feeley Brian T. , Li Xiaojuan , Majumdar Sharmila , Ma C. Benjamin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractT1ρ and T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may allow for a noninvasive assessment of ligamentization after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We hypothesized that ACL graft T1ρ and T2 relaxation times would decrease over time, that T1ρ and T2 relaxation times would be inversely correlated with Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS), and that T1ρ and T2 values would be lower for autograft relative to allograft reconstruction. Thirty‐nine patients (age: 30.5 ± 8.2 years) were followed prospectively after ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft (N = 27) or soft‐tissue allograft (N = 12). Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and KOOS surveys were completed at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery. ACL graft was segmented to define T1ρ and T2 relaxation times. Relaxation times were compared between time points with ANOVA tests. Log‐transformed autograft and allograft relaxation times were compared with the Student t tests. The relationship between KOOS and relaxation times at 24 months was investigated with Spearman's rank correlation. ACL graft T1ρ relaxation times were significantly higher at 6 months relative to 12 months (P = .042), 24 months (P < .001), and 36 months (P < .001). ACL graft T2 relaxation times were significantly higher at 6 months relative to 12 months (P = .036), 24 months (P < .001), and 36 months (P < .001). T1ρ and T2 relaxation times were significantly lower for autograft reconstruction vs allograft reconstruction at 24 months postreconstruction. Two‐year KOOS Sports, Pain, and Symptoms were significantly inversely correlated with T1ρ and T2 relaxation times. T1ρ and T2 sequences may offer a noninvasive method for monitoring ACL graft maturation that correlates with patient‐reported knee function after ACL reconstruction.
A catalogue of major and trace element data for Icelandic Holocene silicic tephra layers
Authors: Meara RH. H. , Thordarson TH. , Pearce N. J. G. , Hayward C. , Larsen G. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTTephra layers with Icelandic provenance have been identified across the North Atlantic region in terrestrial, lacustrine, marine and glacial environments. These tephra layers are used as marker horizons in tephrochronology including climate studies, archaeology and environmental change. The major element chemistries of 19 proximally deposited Holocene Icelandic silicic tephra layers confirm that individual volcanic systems have unique geochemical signatures and that eruptions from the same system can often be distinguished. In addition, glass trace element chemistry highlights subtle geochemical variations between tephra layers which appear to have identical major element chemistry and thus allows for the identification of some, if not all, tephra layers previously considered identical in composition. This paper catalogues the compositional variation between the widespread Holocene Icelandic silicic tephra deposits.
Prognostic and therapeutic implications of NHERF1 expression and regulation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Leiphrakpam Premila D. , Lazenby Audrey J. , Chowdhury Sanjib , Smith Lynette M. , Mathiesen Michelle , Brattain Michael G. , Wang Jing , Black Jennifer D. , Are Chandrakanth 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundNa+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) has been implicated in the tumorigenesis of several cancer types and is a potential therapeutic target. The current study evaluated the relationship between NHERF1 expression and clinical outcome in colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsNHERF1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 167 patients with CRC primary tumors, 37 patients with no disease, and 27 patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC); and in the orthotopically implanted tumors in mice. NHERF1 expression was manipulated in CRC cells using inducible short hairpin RNAs to determine its biological functions.ResultsHigh expression of NHERF1 correlated with CRC progression and metastasis, as well as significantly worse overall survival, recurrence‐free survival, and disease‐specific survival. Orthotopic implantation studies demonstrated increased NHERF1 expression in liver metastases. Treatment of CRC xenografts with insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) inhibitors downregulated NHERF1 expression, indicating NHERF1 is downstream of IGF1R signaling. Knockdown of NHERF1 increased apoptosis and reduced X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) and survivin expression, indicating NHERF1 is critical for CRC cell survival.ConclusionNHERF1 expression levels correlated with worse prognosis in patients with CRC and plays a critical role in CRC cell survival. Together, our findings establish NHERF1 as a novel potential marker for increased risk of CRC‐specific mortality and identify NHERF1 as an attractive therapeutic target for mCRC treatment.
Clinical features of sarcomatoid change in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and prognosis after surgical liver resection: A Propensity Score Matching analysis
Authors: Wang Tao , Kong Junjie , Yang Xianwei , Shen Shu , Zhang Menglan , Wang Wentao 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundIntrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with sarcomatoid change (iCCA‐SC) is a rare histological subtype of iCCA, the clinical features and outcomes after surgical resection on the prognosis is still unknown.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of patients with histologically proven iCCA who underwent curative liver resection at our hospital between January 2008 and December 2018. Propensity score matching analysis was used to match patients with and without sarcomatoid change at a ratio of 1:4. The nomogram integrating all significant independent factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was constructed to predict prognosis for iCCA. The predictive accuracy ability of the nomogram was determined by Harrell's index (C‐index).ResultsA total of 40 iCCA‐SC and 160 ordinary iCCA patients were included in this study. RFS and OS in the iCCA‐SC group were significantly lower than those in the ordinary iCCA group (P<.001 and P = .002, respectively). The calibration curve for the probability of survival showed good agreement between the nomogram prediction and actual observation.ConclusionThe histological sarcomatoid subtype is an independent predictor of tumor recurrence and shorter OS in iCCA patients. The nomogram we established could provide more accurate prognostic prediction for iCCA patients.
Assessing the Performance of Morphologic and Echogenic Features in Median Nerve Ultrasound for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis
Authors: Byra Michal , Hentzen Eric , Du Jiang , Andre Michael , Chang Eric Y. , Shah Sameer 
Published: December 2019

ObjectivesTo assess the feasibility of using ultrasound (US) image features related to the median nerve echogenicity and shape for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) diagnosis.MethodsIn 31 participants (21 healthy participants and 10 patients with CTS), US images were collected with a 30‐MHz transducer from median nerves at the wrist crease in 2 configurations: a neutral position and with wrist extension. Various morphologic features, including the cross‐sectional area (CSA), were calculated to assess the nerve shape. Carpal tunnel syndrome commonly results in loss of visualization of the nerve fascicular pattern on US images. To assess this phenomenon, we developed a nerve‐tissue contrast index (NTI) method. The NTI is a ratio of average brightness levels of surrounding tissue and the median nerve, both calculated on the basis of a US image. The area under the curve (AUC) from a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and t test were used to assess the usefulness of the features for differentiation of patients with CTS from control participants.ResultsWe obtained significant differences in the CSA and NTI parameters between the patients with CTS and control participants (P < .01), with the corresponding highest AUC values equal to 0.885 and 0.938, respectively. For the remaining investigated morphologic features, the AUC values were less than 0.685, and the differences in means between the patients and control participants were not statistically significant (P > .10). The wrist configuration had no impact on differences in average parameter values (P > .09).ConclusionsPatients with CTS can be differentiated from healthy individuals on the basis of the median nerve CSA and echogenicity. Carpal tunnel syndrome is not manifested in a change of the median nerve shape that could be related to circularity or contour variability.
Contemporary techniques in human otopathology and promise for the future
Authors: Nadol Joseph B. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractContemporary histopathology of the ear is based on an evolution of equipment and histological techniques over the last 500 years, including the invention of the light microscope and protocols for fixation, embedment, sectioning, and staining of tissue samples, and visual documentation of findings. Several recent techniques which can be utilized in otopathology hold promise for significant improvement in methods and a better understanding of pathologic processes in diseases of the ear.
Inhibition of Calcineurin and Glycogen Synthase Kinase‐3β by Ricinoleic Acid Derived from Castor Oil
Authors: Yoshida Jun , Okawa Yusuke , Oyama Takuya , Shimoda Nozomu , Uesugi Shota , Takagi Hiroshi , Ito Yoshiaki , Kimura Ken‐ichi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRicinoleic acid (RA) is the main fatty acid component of castor oil and was found to inhibit Ca2+‐signal transduction pathway‐mediated cell cycle regulation in a yeast‐based drug screening assay. RA is expected to have antidiabetic, antiallergy, and/or anticancer properties but its target molecule is unknown. To identify a novel pharmacological effect of RA, we investigated its target molecule in the Ca2+‐signal transduction pathway. RA inhibition of calcineurin (CN) was examined in a yeast‐based CN inhibitor screening assay using the rsp5A401E mutant and in a phosphatase assay using recombinant human CN. RA showed growth‐restoration activity at 5 μg/spot in the CN inhibitor screening assay with the rsp5A401E yeast strain. Furthermore, it directly inhibited CN without immunophilins at Ki = 33.7 μM in a substrate‐competitive manner. The effects of RA on CN in mammalian cells were further evaluated by measuring β‐hexosaminidase (β‐HEX) release in RBL‐2H3 cells. RA at 50 μM suppressed the release of β‐HEX from RBL‐2H3 cells. Moreover, this compound was found to inhibit glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β), as determined by a kinase assay using recombinant human GSK‐3β. RA inhibited GSK‐3β at Ki = 1.43 μM in a peptide substrate‐competitive manner. The inhibition of GSK‐3β by this molecule was further assessed in mammalian cells by measuring the inhibition of glucose production in H4IIE rat hepatoma cells. RA at 25 μM suppressed glucose production in these cells. These findings indicate that RA and/or castor oil could be a useful functional fatty acid to treat allergy or type 2 diabetes.
Climate change effect on water resources in Varanasi district, India
Authors: Nistor Mărgărit‐Mircea , Rai Praveen K. , Dugesar Vikas , Mishra Varun N. , Singh Prafull , Arora Aman , Kumra Virendra Kumar , Carebia Iulius‐Andrei 
Published: December 2019

AbstractEvapotranspiration and water availability are driven by changing climate and land cover parameters. In the present study, climatological records and land cover data were analysed simultaneously to accomplish the spatial distributions of climate change effects on water resources in Varanasi district, north India. Humidity–aridity was assessed by Lang's rain factor and De Martonne's aridity index, based on mean monthly rainfall and air temperature from seven meteorological stations. The climate change effect on water resources was evaluated using a 5 × 5 matrix that includes water availability and the aridity index by considering two time periods: 1941–1970 (1950s) and 1971–2000 (1980s). The methodology is based on seasonal crop evapotranspiration (ETc) (initial, mid‐season, end season and cold season) and annual water availability calculations. The high values (≤ 1,045 mm) of ETc were identified during the mid‐season stage. Water availability indicates decreases in the maximums from 718 to 636 mm during the two analysed periods, with a negative impact at the spatial scale. Lang's rain factor (< 40) indicates an arid climate in the northwest, west, east and central parts of the district and a humid climate (Lang's rain factor > 40) in the south. De Martonne's aridity index indicates rapid aridization from south to north (28.3 in the 1950s and 25.6 in the 1980s). The high and very high climate effects on water resources in Varanasi district were found mainly in the crop lands, while in the urban areas the climate effect is low. The much affected area by climate change and land cover was depicted during the recent period (1980s). This statement was proved also by the Mann and Kendall test, which indicates a negative trend for annual precipitation at all stations (for the period 1941–2000), while the mean annual temperature had a positive trend for four stations. These findings suggest that climate change had a negative effect on water resources during the last 60 years in the study area.
Improving the weighted mean temperature model: A case study using nine year (2007–2015) radiosonde and COSMIC data in Hong Kong
Authors: Xia Pengfei , Ye Shirong , Chen Biyan , Chen Dezhong , Xu Keke 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe important role of a humidity conversion factor in mapping the zenith wet delay (ZWD) onto precipitable water vapour (PWV) makes it a vital parameter in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) meteorology. The accuracy of the humidity conversion factor depends mainly on the quality of the atmospheric weighted mean temperature (Tm) calculation. Several effective models have been developed to calculate Tm with parameters such as the station's location, date of measurement and surface temperature. However, the drawbacks of these models, including low accuracy in some areas and complex model functions, cannot be ignored because they prevent further application in atmosphere analysis. Therefore, a new discrete integral formula for highly accurate calculation of Tm is proposed. Moreover, the linear relationships between time, surface temperature (Ts), height (H) and Tm are well studied based on radiosonde and Constellation Observation System for Meteorology Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC) historical data (2007–2015). A new regional Tm model was investigated on the basis of parameters time, Ts and H in Hong Kong, China. The evaluation results indicate that the improvement of Tm derived from the new integral is > 4.6 K based on radiosonde data. In addition, the statistical results of Tm with different sampling based on radiosonde data and a COSMIC “wetPrf” profile show that the improvement of Tm derived from the new integral are > 2.10 and 2.75 K, respectively. Finally, wetPrf profiles collocated with Hong Kong and the 45,004 radiosonde station collected from January 1 to October 31, 2016, are used to evaluate the accuracy of the new Tm model. Compared with the Bevis model, the statistical results indicate that the Tm accuracy is improved by 34.75%. Therefore, the model for Ts and time is suggested to estimate the Tm in Hong Kong.
Monitoring treatment efficacy and resistance in breast cancer patients via circulating tumor DNA genomic profiling
Authors: Chen Zhanhong , Sun Tian , Yang Ziyan , Zheng Yabing , Yu Ruoying , Wu Xue , Yan Junrong , Shao Yang W , Shao Xiying , Cao Wenming , Wang Xiaojia 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundOne of the major challenges in managing invasive breast cancer (BC) is the lack of reliable biomarkers to track response. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from liquid biopsy, as a candidate biomarker, provides a valuable assessment of BC patients. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the utility of ctDNA to reflect the efficacy of treatment and to monitor resistance mechanisms.MethodsTargeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of 416 cancer‐relevant genes was performed on 41 plasma biopsy samples of 19 HER2+ and 12 HER2‐ BC patients. Longitudinal ctDNA samples were analyzed in three BC patients over the treatment course for detecting acquired mutations.ResultsIn HER2+ BC patients, ERBB2 somatic copy numbers in ctDNA samples were significantly higher in patients progressed on HER2‐targeted therapy than those who were still responding to the treatment. Recurrent acquired mutations were detected in genes including ERBB2, TP53, EGFR, NF1, and SETD2, which may contribute to trastuzumab resistance. In longitudinal analyses, the observed mutation allele frequencies were tracked closely in concordance with treatment responses. A novel ERBB2 p.(Leu869Arg) mutation was acquired in one patient upon resistant to trastuzumab therapy, which was further validated as an oncogenic mutation in vitro and contributed to resistance. In HER2‐ BC patients with chemotherapy resistance, genetic alterations on TP53, PIK3CA, and DNA damage repair genes were frequently observed.ConclusionsIn summary, ctDNA monitoring, particularly longitudinal analyses, provides valuable insights into the assessment of targeted therapy efficacy and gene alterations underlying trastuzumab resistance and chemotherapy resistance in HER2+ and HER2‐ BC patients, respectively.