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The preparation of mechanical robust organic room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials especially with white afterglow is attractive but rarely reported. Herein, a method to produce mechanical robust colorful RTP transparent wood (PTW) by infiltrating delignified wood with poly (vinyl alcohol) solutions containing arylboronic acids with various π conjugations is reported. The doubly rigid environment provided by the B─O covalent bonds and hydrogen bonds can stabilize the triplet excitons, leading to a ultralong lifetime of up to 2.13 s and excellent RTP emission stability (without obviously quenching over a month) of the target PTW. Besides, as a promising structural material for optical applications, the PTW shows combined advantages of multicolored persistent luminescence (from blue to green and then to red), good optical transmittance (≈90%), and striking mechanical strength (≈154 MPa). More importantly, by introducing appropriate amount of fluorescent dye rhodamine 6 G to the PTW with blue afterglow, white afterglow with a lifetime of 1.85 s is successfully achieve through triplet‐to‐singlet Förster resonance energy transfer. The PTW can function as afterglow window, anticounterfeiting label, and time delay lighting. This success paves the way for the development of mechanical robust, ecofriendly, and practical RTP materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal Artery Sympathetic Denervation (RDN) can lower blood pressure. Different ablation catheters (single electrode, multi‐electrode) have different scopes of ablation (renal artery main stem and branches). Few studies have compared the advantages and disadvantages of different ablation catheters and different procedures in terms of antihypertensive efficacy. To compare the efficacy and safety of 3D reconstruction radiofrequency ablation (3DRA) and basket multi‐electrode radiofrequency ablation (BMRA) in Renal Artery Sympathetic Denervation. Fifty‐three patients with Refractory hypertension (RHT) were divided into BMRA, (n = 28) and 3DRA(n = 25). BMRA group used a stereobasket multi‐electrode ablation catheter with a controlled ablation temperature of 60°C and an ablation time of 120 s per site. 3DRA group used a NavStar pressure‐monitored perfusion monopolar ablation catheter with a controlled ablation temperature of 40°C, an ablation time of 40 s per site, and an ablation energy of 12 W. Baseline and RDN parameters and complications were compared in both groups. Home and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure, type of anti‐hypertensive medication taken, and serum creatinine were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the RDN. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. (23.14 ± 2.00)months of follow‐up in the BMRA group resulted in a total of (25.86 ± 8.61) loci ablation. (19.28 ± 7.40)months of follow‐up in the 3DRA group resulted in a total of (21.04 ± 6.47)loci ablation. Home SBP was significantly lower in both groups at 1 month after RDN treatment compared to baseline(H‐SBP/mmHg: BMRA 149.9 ± 10.59 vs. baseline 168.36 ± 12.76; 3DRA 152.6 ± 14.91 vs. 164.89 ± 12.96, both p <.05). The proportion of people with 24 h ambulatory SBP attainment was significantly higher in both groups and was maintained for 24 months. At each follow‐up time point, there were no differences in home and 24‐h flow SBP, DBP, or Scr between the two groups. There were two cases of severe renal artery complications from implanted vascular stents and one case of femoral artery pseudoaneurysm in the 3DRA group. At follow‐up, 1 (1.9%) patient in the 3DRA group died of unexplained death and 1 (1.9%) patient developed heart failure, and 1 (1.9%) patient in the BMRA group died of unexplained death. Basket multi‐electrode radiofrequency ablation and 3D reconstruction radiofrequency ablation of the renal artery applied to RDN have comparable efficacy in reducing systolic blood pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Left ventricular remodelling subsequent to myocardial infarction (MI) constitutes a pivotal underlying cause of heart failure. Intervention with the nontoxic endogenous aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist 2‐(1′H‐indole‐3′‐carbonyl)‐thiazole‐4‐carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE) in the acute phase of MI has been shown to ameliorate cardiac function, but its role in the chronic phase remains obscured. This study explores the beneficial role of ITE in delaying the progression of heart failure in the chronic phase of MI. Methods and results: MI rats established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery were treated with the indicated concentration of the AHR agonist ITE or vehicle alone. Echocardiography was performed to determine cardiac structure and function; myocardial morphology and fibrosis were observed by haematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining; serum biochemical indices, BNP, and inflammatory cytokine levels were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay; F4/80+iNOS+M1 macrophages and F4/80+CD206+M2 macrophages were detected by immunofluorescence; the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labelling assay was used to detect the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes; ultrastructural changes in myocardial tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy; and Cyp1a1, Akt, P‐Akt, p70S6K, P‐p70S6K, Bcl‐2, Bax, caspase‐3, and cleaved caspase‐3 protein levels were determined via Western blotting. We found that therapy with the AHR agonist ITE rescued cardiac remodelling and dysfunction in rats with MI and attenuated myocardial fibrosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial damage. Further studies confirmed that ITE dose‐dependently improved myocardial cell apoptosis after MI, as demonstrated by reduced levels of the apoptosis‐related proteins cleaved caspase‐3 and Bax but increased expression levels of Bcl‐2. These effects were attributed to ITE‐induced activation of AHR receptors, leading to the down‐regulation of Akt and p70S6K phosphorylation. Conclusions: The AHR agonist ITE alleviates cardiomyocyte apoptosis through the Akt/p70S6K signalling pathway, thereby rescuing left ventricular adverse remodelling and cardiac dysfunction after MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uptake of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) ions from wastewater is of great significance for environmental remediation and resource utilization. In this study, a self‐designed instrument equipped with an oxidized mesoporous carbon monolith (o‐MCM) as an electro‐adsorbent is developed. o‐MCM with a super hydrophilic surface displayed a high specific surface area (up to 686.5 m2 g−1). With the assistance of an electric field (0.5 V), the removal capacity of Cr(VI) ions is as high as 126.6 mg g−1, much higher than that without an electric field (49.5 mg g−1). During this process, no reduction reaction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) ions is observed. After adsorption, the reverse electrode with 10 V is used to efficiently desorb the ions on the carbon surface. Meanwhile, the in situ regeneration of carbon adsorbents can be obtained even after ten recycles. On this basis, the enrichment of Cr(VI) ions in a special solution is achieved with the assistance of an electric field. This work lays a foundation for the uptake of heavy metal ions from wastewater with the assistance of the electric field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials with photothermal combined chemodynamic therapy (PTT‐CDT) have attracted the attention of researchers owing to their excellent synergistic therapeutic effects on tumors. Thus, the preparation of multifunctional materials with higher photothermal conversion efficiency and catalytic activity can achieve better synergistic therapeutic effects for melanoma. In this study, a Cu–Zn bimetallic single‐atom (Cu/PMCS) is constructed with augmented photothermal effect and catalytic activity due to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. Density functional theory calculations confirmed that the enhanced photothermal effect of Cu/PMCS is due to the appearance of a new d‐orbital transition with strong spin‐orbit coupling and the induced LSPR. Additionally, Cu/PMCS exhibited increased catalytic activity in the Fenton‐like reaction and glutathione depletion capacity, further enhanced by increased temperature and LSPR. Consequently, Cu/PMCS induced better synergistic anti‐melanoma effects via PTT‐CDT than PMCS in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, compared with PMCS, Cu/PMCS killed bacteria more quickly and effectively, thus facilitating wound healing owing to the enhanced photothermal effect and slow release of Cu2+. Cu/PMCS promoted cell migration and angiogenesis and upregulated the expression of related genes to accelerate wound healing. Cu/PMCS has potential applications in treating melanoma and repairing wounds with its antitumor, antibacterial, and wound‐healing properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differently from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) 19Del and L858R mutations, the panoramic description of uncommon EGFR mutations is far from mature. Our understanding of its population characteristics, treatment response, and drug resistance mechanisms needs urgent expansion and deepening. Our study enrolled 437 patients with non–small‐cell lung cancer from four clinical centers and who had uncommon EGFR mutations. The clinical characteristics of all patients and the treatment outcomes of 190 advanced patients who received pharmacotherapy were analyzed. Moreover, the acquired resistance mechanisms were explored based on 53 tissue or liquid re‐biopsy data in 45 patients. Patients with EGFR 20ins had a shorter survival time compared with patients with non‐20ins mutations. In total, 149 cases had received EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI); afatinib was significantly superior to other EGFR‐TKIs both in ORR and mPFS in all uncommon mutations and especially in the L861Q group. The most common acquired drug resistance mechanism was MET amplification, followed by EGFR T790M, which was significantly different from common EGFR mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study compared cardiovascular (CV) outcomes between initial β‐blocker (BB) + calcium channel blocker (CCB) dual therapy ("B + C") and other initial dual therapies in Chinese newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. In this study, all patients in a regional electronic database with newly diagnosed hypertension from January 01, 2012 to December 31, 2016 who received any initial optimal dual therapy recommended by the Chinese hypertension guideline were included. 1:2 propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance baseline characteristics between patients receiving B + C and patients receiving other initial dual therapies ("Others"). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) that occurred from January 01, 2012 to December 31, 2017, consisting of non‐fatal stroke, non‐fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non‐fatal chronic heart failure (CHF), and all‐cause death. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare these CV outcomes in the 2 matched cohorts. After the PSM, 6227 patients receiving B + C and 12 454 patients receiving Others were included. Compared to patients receiving Others, patients receiving B + C had a significantly lower risk of MACE (hazard ratio [HR] 0.85; 95% confidential interval [CI] 0.78–0.92; p <.001), non‐fatal stroke (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.81–0.98; p =.018) and non‐fatal CHF (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.63–0.86; p <.0001). Additionally, differences in risks of non‐fatal MI and all‐cause death between the 2 treatment cohorts were not statistically significant. In conclusion, BB + CCB initial dual therapy was associated with a lower risk of MACE, stroke, and CHF than other optimal initial dual therapies recommended by the Chinese hypertension guideline in Chinese newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: We aimed to test whether the prediction of presurgical metabolic syndrome for postsurgical survival outcomes of gastric cancer hinges upon cigarette smoking status. Methods: This study is a part of the ongoing Fujian prospective investigation of cancer (FIESTA) study. Patients with gastric cancer received radical resection of primary gastric cancer between January 2000 and December 2010, with the latest follow‐up ended in December 2015. The 1:1 propensity score matching analysis was adopted to balance confounders between smokers and never‐smokers. Effect‐size estimates are expressed as hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Model performance was evaluated using the Hosmer and Lemeshow test and 10‐fold cross‐validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Statistical analyses were completed with SAS software (v9.4). Results: Total 2779 patients with gastric cancer were analyzed, including 2223 smokers and 556 never‐smokers. Median follow‐up time was 45.6 months. Cigarette smoking was not associated with postsurgical survival differences. Presurgical metabolic syndrome complication was significantly associated with increased gastric cancer‐specific mortality in smokers (HR [95% CI]: 2.73 [1.53–4.89], p < 0.001), but not in never‐smokers. Relative excess risk due to interaction was estimated to be 2.43 (95% CI: 0.40–4.45). After constructing a risk assessment score, one unit increment was associated with 10% reduced risk of gastric cancer‐specific mortality (HR [95% CI]: 0.90 [0.88–0.91], p < 0.001), with 10‐fold cross‐validated AUROC being 0.82 (95% CI: 0.74–0.92). Conclusions: Our findings showed that the prediction of presurgical metabolic syndrome for gastric cancer‐specific mortality was more evident in smokers. Practically, this study provides evidence base for future personalized prediction and helped risk‐stratify gastric cancer patients who might experience serious postsurgical consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese sulfides (MnS) are particularly appealing electrode candidates for lithium/sodium‐ion batteries, because of their low cost, wide availability, and environmental benignity. Herein, well‐defined Mn(OH)(OCH3) nanoflakes are synthesized for the first time, whereby two‐dimensional (2D) porous α‐MnS and its composite with N, S co‐doped carbon (α‐MnS@NSC) are produced via the topologic sulfurization of Mn(OH)(OCH3) or a Mn(OH)(OCH3)@polydopamine intermediate. The electrochemical lithium/sodium‐storage properties of α‐MnS are most likely governed by the conductivity, and thus can be significantly enhanced through integrating with conductive carbon coating. As a result, α‐MnS@NSC outperforms the bare α‐MnS and most of the reported MnS‐based anodes, demonstrating the high reversible capacities (1275 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 for LIBs and 581 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 for SIBs), great rate capability, and long cyclabilities. This work showcases both a novel strategy to fabricate 2D manganese‐based compounds and a preferred architecture for high performance lithium/sodium‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pt nanoparticles enclosed by Pt{100} facets show unique properties in electrocatalysis. However, a convenient, cost‐effective, controllable and scalable synthesis of surface clean Pt colloidal nanocuboids remains a big challenge. In this work, small platinum nanocubes with controllable size ranging from 3.4 to 7.1 nm and nanocuboids with tuneable length‐to‐width aspect ratios were synthesized under the 10 %CO/90 %He atmosphere, by controlling the proportion of KBr and Pt precursors and the concentration of the platinum precursor in ethylene glycol. The exposed Pt{100} terrace sites of the synthesize materials were not only identified by the transmission electron microscopic images but also by the electrochemical adsorption/desorption of hydrogen during cyclic voltammograms. In addition, the exposed Pt{100} domains were quantitatively measured by the electrochemical adsorption/desorption of germanium, proving the formation of nanocuboids. Finally, the synthesized Pt nanocubes were applied to the oxygen reduction reaction and the electrochemical oxidation of methanol, showing a big potential in electrocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrooxidation of methanol – the anodic reaction of direct methanol fuel cells – suffers from slow kinetics. Here, we report an enhanced current density for a Pt catalyst supported on nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotube (N−CNT) decorated FeP. X‐ray photoelectron spectra show that the introduction of FeP increases the binding energy of the Pt nanoparticles. The results show that Pt/FeP15%/N−CNT displays a 3.4 times higher forward peak current density compared to commercial Pt/C. The improved performance is attributed to a change in the electronic state of the Pt nanoparticles through the electronic interaction between Pt and FeP, evidenced by the mitigated CO poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voriconazole is the mainstay for the treatment of invasive fungal infections in patients who underwent a kidney transplant. Variant CYP2C19 alleles, hepatic function, and concomitant medications are directly involved in the metabolism of voriconazole. However, the drug is also associated with numerous adverse events. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of adverse events using binary logistic regression and to measure its trough concentration using multiple linear modeling. We conducted a prospective analysis of 93 kidney recipients cotreated with voriconazole and recorded 213 trough concentrations of it. Predictors of the adverse events were voriconazole trough concentration with the odds ratios (OR) of 2.614 (P = 0.016), cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19), and hemoglobin (OR 0.181, P = 0.005). The predictive power of these three factors was 91.30%. We also found that CYP2C19 phenotypes, hemoglobin, platelet count, and concomitant use of ilaprazole had quantitative relationships with voriconazole trough concentration. The fit coefficient of this regression equation was R2 = 0.336, demonstrating that the model explained 33.60% of interindividual variability in the disposition of voriconazole. In conclusion, predictors of adverse events are CYP2C19 phenotypes, hemoglobin, and voriconazole trough concentration. Determinants of the voriconazole trough concentration were CYP2C19 phenotypes, platelet count, hemoglobin, concomitant use of ilaprazole. If we consider these factors during voriconazole use, we are likely to maximize the treatment effect and minimize adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in genomic biology and the increasing availability of genomic resources allow developing hundreds of nuclear protein‐coding (NPC) markers, which can be used in phylogenetic research. However, for low taxonomic levels, it may be more practical to select a handful of suitable molecular loci for phylogenetic inference. Unfortunately, the presence of degenerate primers of NPC markers can be a major impediment, as the amplification success rate is low and they tend to amplify nontargeted regions. In this study, we optimized five NPC fragments widely used in beetle phylogenetics (i.e., two parts of carbamoyl‐phosphate synthetase: CADXM and CADMC, Topoisomerase, Wingless and Pepck) by reducing the degenerate site of primers and the length of target genes slightly. These five NPC fragments and 6 other molecular loci were amplified to test the monophyly of the coccinellid genus Sasajiscymnus Vandenberg. The analysis of our molecular data set clearly supported the genus Sasajiscymnus may be monophyletic but confirmation with an extended sampling is required. A fossil‐calibrated chronogram was generated by BEAST, indicating an origin of the genus at the end of the Cretaceous (77.87 Myr). Furthermore, a phylogenetic informativeness profile was generated to compare the phylogenetic properties of each gene more explicitly. The results showed that COI provides the strongest phylogenetic signal among all the genes, but Pepck, Topoisomerase, CADXM and CADMC are also relatively informative. Our results provide insight into the evolution of the genus Sasajiscymnus, and also enrich the molecular data resources for further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclo[18]carbon (C18) as a special molecular allotrope of carbon composed of two‐coordinate carbon atoms has recently been manufactured and characterized by atomic manipulation. Herein, we analyze the electrochemical reduction characteristics of carbon dioxide (CO2) on typical carbon materials (graphene, C60, carbon nanotubes and C18) using density functional calculations. Encouragingly, C18 shows excellent CO2 reduction activity compared to other carbon materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This retrospective study compared the efficacy and side effect profile between postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy in stage II or stage III thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (TESCC) patients who underwent curative (R0) esophagectomy. Methods: A total of 272 TESCC patients who underwent radical esophagectomy from 2007 to 2016 were included in this retrospective analysis. All cases were pathologically confirmed with stage II or III disease and 148 patients received postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT), while the remaining 124 patients received postoperative radiotherapy (RT) alone. Results: In CRT and RT groups, the three‐year overall survival rates were 51.3 versus 31.5% (P < 0.01) and the median overall survival (OS) was 39 months (95% CI, 31.6 to 46.3 months) and 30 months (95% CI, 21.0 to 38.9 months), respectively (P = 0.213). Three‐year disease‐free survival rates (DFS) were 30.5% versus 15.9% (P = 0.008), while the median DFS times were 26 months (95% CI, 17.7 to 34.3 months) and 19 months (95% CI, 16.4 to 21.6 months), respectively (P = 0.156). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer seventh edition) stage and N stage were independent prognostic factors for overall survival, while the N stage was an independent prognostic factor for disease‐free survival. Conclusions: Postoperative chemoradiotherapy led to one‐ and three‐year overall survival benefits along with an obvious increase in treatment side effects for stage II to III TESCC patients, with no further improvement in five‐year survival. However, the chemoradiotherapy benefits mainly favor stage III,number of resected lymph nodes less than 15, younger (less than 60 years old) and smoking patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn3O4 nanoparticles encapsulated inside carbon nanospheres supported on a carbon plate (Mn3O4@CS/CP) were designed, their bifunctional electrocatalytic performance for both, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode were studied in alkaline solution. The prepared Mn3O4@CS/CP catalyst exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance towards ORR, with less negative onset potential and long durability. Combining the results of in‐situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, it is revealed that Mn3O4 acts as active site for ORR to promote the transformation of OH* into OH−. In addition, Mn3O4@CS/CP possesses an excellent electrochemical OER performances with the lower overpotential along with prosper Tafel slope and robust durability. DFT calculations show the transformation from O* to OOH* is the rate determining step for OER, and Mn3O4@CS/CP shows the minimum barrier, indicating that graphene sheet on the outer of Mn3O4 improves the transformation from O* to OOH*. The oxygen electrode activity parameter (potential difference between OER at current density of 10 mA/cm2 and ORR at current density of −2 mA/cm2) on Mn3O4@CS/CP is 0.72 V, which is superior to those of most bifunctional electrocatalysts reported to date, predicting a promising application in metal‐air batteries and fuel cells. Mn3O4 nanoparticles encapsulated inside carbon nanospheres supported on a carbon plate (Mn3O4@CS/CP) are designed, which exhibit exceptionally good stability and reversibility for ORR and OER. Furthermore, the electrocatalytic mechanism is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aims of the present study were to characterize the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole in renal transplant recipients and to identify factors significantly affecting pharmacokinetic parameters. We also aimed to explore the optimal dosing regimens for patients who developed invasive fungal infections. Methods: A total of 105 patients (342 concentrations) were included prospectively in a population pharmacokinetic analysis. Nonlinear mixed‐effects models were developed using Phoenix NLME software. Dosing simulations were performed based on the final model. Results: A one‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination was used to characterize voriconazole pharmacokinetics. Population estimates of clearance, volume of distribution and oral bioavailability were 2.88 l·h−1, 169.3 l and 58%, respectively. The allele frequencies of cytochrome P450 gene (CYP) 2C19*2, *3 and *17 variants were 29.2%, 5.2% and 0.5%, respectively. CYP2C19 genotype had a significant effect on the clearance. Voriconazole trough concentrations in poor metabolizers were significantly higher than in intermediate metabolizers and extensive metabolizers alike. The volume of distribution increased with increased body weight. The oral bioavailability was substantially lower within 1 month after transplantation but increased with postoperative time. Dosing simulations indicated that during the early postoperative period, poor metabolizers could be treated with 150 mg intravenously or 250 mg orally twice daily; intermediate metabolizers with 200 mg intravenously or 350 mg orally twice daily; and extensive metabolizers with 300 mg intravenously twice daily. Conclusions: Using a combination of CYP2C19 genotype and postoperative time to determine the initial voriconazole dosing regimens followed by therapeutic drug monitoring could help to advance individualized treatment in renal transplantation patients with invasive fungal infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Construction of localized drug‐eluting systems with synergistic chemothermal tumor‐killing abilities is promising for biomedical implants directly contacting with tumor tissues. In this study, an intelligent and biocompatible drug‐loading platform, based on a gold nanorods‐modified butyrate‐inserted NiTi‐layered double hydroxides film (Au@LDH/B), is prepared on the surface of nitinol alloy. The prepared films function as drug‐loading “sponges,” which pump butyrate out under near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation and resorb drugs in water when the NIR laser is shut off. The stimuli‐responsive release of butyrate is verified to be related with the NIR‐triggered crystal phase transformation of Au@LDH/B. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal that the prepared films possess excellent biosafety and high efficiency in synergistic thermochemo tumor therapy, showing a promising application in the construction of localized stimuli‐responsive drug‐delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization of autochthonously produced calcite particles, along with the associated heteronuclei, and evaluation of their effects on light scattering, are advanced for lacustrine waters. This is supported by (1) direct measurement of minerogenic particle populations from 12 northeastern U.S. lakes with scanning electron microscopy interfaced with automated image and X-ray analyses (SAX), and (2) application of the previously tested SAX−Mie-theory approach to resolve the contributions of calcite vs. allochthonous minerogenic particles to particulate scattering and backscattering coefficients ( bp and bbp), and (3) comparison with organic contributions estimated through empirical bio-optics models. Intervals of substantial contributions of calcite to bp and bbp, described as 'whiting events,' are demonstrated for these study lakes. Organic particles, apparently from two size ranges, likely corresponding to pico- and nanocyanobacteria, are found to serve as the primary heteronuclei for the calcite precipitation. The coating of these particles with calcite within the upper waters of the study lakes remained thin. The calculated relative increases in bbp were substantially more than for bp because of the greater effect of the higher refractive index (i.e., n) of calcite for the former. Differences in n values for calcite reported in the literature are a source of noteworthy uncertainty in associated bbp estimates. Nine years of spring−fall monitoring in Cayuga Lake, New York, documented major interannual variations in the whiting events with respect to timing, magnitude of the scattering signatures, and the sizes of heteronuclei. Whiting events can have major effects on commonly monitored optical features, including Secchi depth and remote sensing reflectance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of high-quality 3D polymeric photonic crystal (PC) films featuring fascinating tunable optical properties in a facile and time-efficient way remains a major concern. Herein, the rapid assembly of highly crystallized brilliant flexible 3D polymeric PC films and their application for multiresponsive colorimetric sensing are demonstrated. Monochromatic PC films with remarkably distinct structural color, narrow half-band width (27 nm), and broad tunability of band-gaps (from blue to red) are generated within seconds from highly concentrated and charged colloids (51 vol%, −57.6 mV) embedded in poly( N-isopropylacrylamide) matrix. A repulsion-induced precipitation assembly is found to be responsible for the ultrafast formation of close-packed PC colloidal arrays. Besides, the resultant PC films exhibit ultrasensitive and fast response to external stimuli, revealed by interesting droplet diffusion experiments. Thus these PC films can serve as efficient colorimetric sensing materials to visually determine diverse species including trace ionic strength (2.9 ppm), minor surfactant (1 × 10−3 m), alcohol, and pH variation (1.0-13.9). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We compared the efficacy of postoperative chemoradiation ( POCRT) and surgery alone ( SA) in patients with stage II-III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma ( ESCC). Methods We analyzed the records of 265 patients with stage II-III ESCC who had undergone transthoracic esophagectomy and lymphadenectomy; 105 patients received POCRT, while 160 had SA. Results The median disease-free survival ( DFS) of the whole cohort was 22 months (95% confidence interval [ CI], 19.2-24.8), while the median overall survival ( OS) was 29 months (95% CI 25.5-32.5). The median DFS of the SA group was 21 months (95% CI 17.9-24.0), while that of the POCRT group was 29 months (95% CI 18.8-31.2; P = 0.048). Consistently, patients in the POCRT group had significantly longer median OS than patients in the SA group (34 vs. 26 months, respectively). Subgroup analysis showed that in patients with positive lymph nodes, pathological stage III, T3-4 stage, and poorly differentiated carcinoma, POCRT was apparently more effective than SA at improving OS and decreasing the rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that lymph node involvement and treatment with POCRT were independent prognostic factors. Conclusion Compared with SA, POCRT may be more effective in improving OS and decreasing the rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis, particularly in stage III or positive lymph node stage II-III ESCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The particulate scattering and backscattering coefficients ( bp and bbp) were partitioned into the additive contributions of minerogenic ( bm and bb,m) and organic ( bo and bb,o) components for nearshore and pelagic areas of Cayuga Lake, New York, over a 7 month period in 2013. The analysis was based on paired measurements of (1) bulk bp and bbp, (2) light-scattering properties of mineral particles, with an individual particle analysis (IPA) technique, and (3) concentrations of chlorophyll a ([Chl]) and particulate organic carbon (POC), as two indices to quantify organic particle scattering. bm and bb,m were estimated through Mie theory calculations with IPA results as inputs. bo and bb,o were estimated with both system-specific and oceanic bio-optical models parameterized on [Chl] or POC. POC performed better than [Chl] as the index for both bo and bb,o. The averages of the ratios ( bm + bo) : bp and ( bb,m + bb,o) : bbp at 660 nm, were 1.02 and 1.03, respectively; the average relative errors were 18.2% and 15.6%. Multiple empirical bio-optical models developed for Case 1 oceanic waters (for bo and bb,o estimates) approached the closure performance of the system-specific relationships. In addition to systematically accounting for more bbp than bp, terrigenous minerogenic particles made greater contributions to both bp and bbp in the nearshore area proximate to tributary inputs than in pelagic waters. A strong positive dependency of the backscattering ratio ( bbp : bp) on the bm : bp ratio was observed for both nearshore and pelagic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platinum nanocubes, surfactant free, colloidal platinum, halides, electrochemistry Cover Feature: Controllable Surfactant-free Synthesis of Colloidal Platinum Nanocuboids Enabled by Bromide Ions and Carbon Monoxide (ChemElectroChem 11/2022) Keywords: platinum nanocubes; surfactant free; colloidal platinum; halides; electrochemistry EN platinum nanocubes surfactant free colloidal platinum halides electrochemistry 1 1 1 07/04/22 20220627 NES 220627 B The Cover Feature b shows a 3D view image of Pt nanocube and nanobar and emphasizes the critical roles of carbon monoxide and bromide ions in forming platinum nanomaterials in the ethylene glycol solvent. [Extracted from the article]

Background Maintenance therapy for extensive stage small cell lung cancer ( ES-SCLC) is still under debate. Many new agents fail during the maintenance course. As an active agent for SCLC, oral etoposide is worth being re-evaluated. Methods This phase II study was performed to evaluate the toxicity/efficacy of the maintenance of patients with oral etoposide with ES-SCLC responding (complete remission [ CR] + partial remission [ PR]) to the induction of four cycles of etoposide plus cisplatin ( EP) chemotherapy. Maintenance therapy with oral etoposide (50 mg/m2, day 1-14, repeated every 21 days until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs) was administered. The primary endpoints were grade 3 and 4 toxicities and progression free survival ( PFS). Results Fifty-four patients with ES-SCLC received standard EP regimens as induction therapy; 31 responding patients were administered oral etoposide as the maintenance treatment. The most common hematological and non-hematological toxicity of the maintenance course was neutropenia and fatigue, respectively. Median PFS was nine months (95% confidence interval ( CI): 8.33∼9.67 months), median overall survival ( OS) was 14 months (95% CI: 11.58∼16.42 months). Significantly better PFS and OS were seen in patients responding to the induction EP chemotherapy. Conclusions Oral etoposide maintenance is safe and effective for patients with ES-SCLC who responded to the induction of EP chemotherapy. Significant survival benefit was revealed in patients completely responding to an EP regimen. Further randomized control study is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunization with xenogeneic antigens is an attractive approach to induce cross-reactive humoral and cellular immunity to inhibit tumor growth or angiogenesis. To identify novel xenogenic targets for immunotherapy, we have developed a modified serological expression cloning (SEREX) strategy, termed Cross-reactive SEREX (CR-SEREX). Among 78 positive clones identified by CR-SEREX, Xenopus receptor for hyaluronic-acid-mediated motility (xRHAMM) was most frequently identified (18 times), indicating the strongest immunogenic potential for xenogenic immunotherapy. A DNA vaccine based on xRHAMM effectively induced a protective antitumor immunity against local tumor and lung metastasis in B16 melanoma mouse models. Angiogenesis was inhibited and cell apoptosis was increased within tumors. Antitumor activity of xRHAMM worked through stimulation of an antigen-specific cellular response as well as through a specific humoral response against RHAMM, as confirmed by the depletion of immune cell subsets in vivo. Thus, a xenogenic vaccine based on xRHAMM induced an effective immunity against B16 melanoma cells and endothelial cells. ( Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 862–868) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Rat Biot2 is a novel gene first reported and named by our laboratory. We wanted to study the expression profile and reveal the function of its human homologous gene (human Biot2, hBiot2) on carcinogenesis in endometrial cancer. Methods. Using RT-PCR, we tested hBiot2 expression profile in normal human tissues from infants and adults. Using real-time RT-PCR, we tested different expression quantities of hBiot2 between an endometrial cancer group and a normal endometrium group, between different histological grading groups in endometrial cancer, and between different stage groups during the menstrual cycle. RNA-RNA ISH tested the expression location of hBiot2 in normal and cancer tissues. Results. Three kinds of novel shearings of hBiot2 in different normal tissues were obtained. Normal organs expressing hBiot2 in infants, did not express hBiot2 in adults. hBiot2 expression was higher in endometrial cancer tissue compared to normal endometrium tissue. hBiot2 expression was higher in the Grade 2-3 group with endometrial cancer compared to the Grade 1 group, and it was higher in the proliferative phase than in the secretory phase of a normal endometrium. hBiot2 was expressed mainly in the parenchymal cells. Conclusions. Three shearings of hBiot2 may suggest that it has different functions in different organs. The expression difference of hBiot2 between infants and adults, cancerous and normal tissues, different histological gradings in endometrial cancer, different stages during the menstrual cycle in the normal endometrium suggests that hBiot2 may have the potential to induce carcinogenesis in endometrial cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A source-switched charge pump (SSCP) with reverse leakage compensation technique is proposed to reduce spur level of wideband PLL induced by the reverse sub-threshold leakage of the charge pump. This technique can set the source--drain voltage of current-source N-type MOS (NMOS)/P-type MOS to be close to zero at off-state of the charge pump and thus reduce the reverse leakage. Compared with the conventional SSCP, only one NMOS capacitor, two CMOS switches and two inverters are added in the proposed charge pump. So, there is negligible extra power and extra area cost. A 0.7-1.6 GHz PLL is designed with the conventional and the proposed charge pumps in 65 nm CMOS process. Simulation results show the proposed SSCP can reduce orders of the magnitude of the reverse leakage without the penalty of current matching, compared with the conventional charge pump. The PLL with the proposed charge pump achieves up to 28 dB spur level reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of suspended minerogenic particles in light scattering in eastern Lake Superior and Keweenaw Bay (11 sites) during July of 2006 was evaluated with an individual particle analysis technique (scanning electron microscopy interfaced with automated image and X-ray analyses, SAX), along with bulk measurements of particulate scattering and backscattering coefficients (bp and bbp) and chlorophyll a concentration ([Chl]). SAX measurements provided information on light-scattering attributes of minerogenic particles, including chemical composition and particle size distribution (PSD). The data were used in Mie theory calculations for estimations of minerogenic scattering and backscattering coefficients (bm and bb,m). The bay had higher concentrations of minerogenic particles and higher values of bm, bb,m, bbp, and the backscattering ratio (bbp : bp) than the pelagic sites. Minerogenic scattering was primarily attributable to clay mineral particles in the size range of 1-10 mm. The PSDs deviated from the (Junge) pattern of monotonic increase of particle numbers with decreasing particle size. The estimates of bm and bb,m combined with those of organic particulate components, as represented by empirical Case 1 bio-optical models, showed reasonably good closure with bp and bbp, supporting the credibility of the SAX-Mie approach. Variations in the bbp : bp ratio are strongly related to spatial differences in the relative contributions of phytoplankton vs. minerogenic particles to scattering, with higher values observed where the minerogenic component is more important. SAX can advance the understanding of optical variability by establishing the contributions of well-defined minerogenic constituents that strongly influence optical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]