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Background: This study aimed to examine the clinical characteristics of bone metastasis (BoM) in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation and to identify the most effective treatment strategy using EGFR–tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Methods: The study included patients with stage IV EGFR‐mutated NSCLC who were receiving first‐line treatment with EGFR–TKIs between January 2014 and December 2020. These patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of BoM at the time of initial diagnosis. The BoM group was further subdivided based on whether they received denosumab or not. Results: The final analysis included 247 patients. Those with BoM at initial diagnosis had shorter progression‐free survival (12.6 vs. 10.5 months, p = 0.002) and overall survival (OS) (49.7 vs. 30.9 months, p = 0.002) compared to those without BoM. There was a difference in the location of metastatic sites between the two groups, with a higher incidence of extrathoracic metastasis in the BoM group (p < 0.001). The incidence of T790M was higher in patients with BoM than in those without (47.4% vs. 33.9%, p = 0.042). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that sequential osimertinib treatment and the addition of antiangiogenic therapy (AAT) and denosumab therapy improved OS in patients with BoM. Conclusions: The presence of BoM is a negative prognostic factor for NSCLC patients with an EGFR mutation, possibly due to the presence of extrathoracic metastases. However, adding AAT and denosumab, along with sequential osimertinib, to the treatment regimen for patients with BoM can improve survival outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to the "one‐size‐fits‐all" approach, precision medicine focuses on providing health care tailored to individual variabilities. Implementing precision medicine in endoscopy practice involves selecting the appropriate procedures among the endoscopic armamentarium in the diagnosis and management of patients in a logical sequence, jointly considering the pretest probabilities of possible diagnoses, patients' comorbidities and preference, and risk–benefit ratio of the individual procedures given the clinical scenario. The aim of this review is to summarize evidence‐supported strategies and measures that may enhance precision medicine in general endoscopy practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The treatment options for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐mutated non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with brain metastases (BMs) include EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), whole‐brain radiotherapy, brain surgery, and antiangiogenesis therapy. As treatment options evolve, redefining optimal treatment strategies to improve survival are crucial. Methods: A total of 150 EGFR‐mutant NSCLC patients with BMs who received first‐ or second‐generation EGFR‐TKIs as first‐line treatment between January 2012 and October 2019 were included in this analysis. Results: After multivariate analysis, patients with the graded prognostic assessment for lung cancer using molecular markers (Lung‐mol GPA) ≥3 (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.538, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35–0.83), who received afatinib or erlotinib as first‐line treatment (HR: 0.521, 95% CI: 0.33–0.82), underwent SRS therapy (HR: 0.531, 95% CI: 0.32–0.87), or were sequentially treated with osimertinib (HR: 0.400, 95% CI: 0.23–0.71) were associated with improved overall survival (OS). Furthermore, SRS plus EGFR‐TKI provided more OS benefits in patients with Lung‐mol GPA ≥3 compared with EGFR‐TKI alone in our patient cohort (44.9 vs. 26.7 months, p = 0.005). The OS in patients who received sequential osimertinib therapy was significantly longer than those without osimertinib treatment (43.5 vs. 24.3 months, p < 0.001), regardless of T790 mutation status (positive vs. negative vs. unknown: 40.4 vs. 54.6 vs.43.4 months, p = 0.227). Conclusions: The study demonstrated that EGFR‐mutant NSCLC patients with BMs could be precisely treated with SRS according to Lung‐mol GPA ≥3. Sequential osimertinib was associated with prolonged survival, regardless of T790M status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determination of mechanical properties of (silica) thin films is important for the development of new applications. However, a versatile approach for small‐scale sample fabrication and in situ mechanical testing of these materials is currently lacking which can overcome the existing difficulties in conventional testing approaches. Here, it is shown that by combining focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM) with micromanipulators free‐standing silica beams of the desired dimensions can be fabricated. Using in situ bending tests on such beams inside the SEM and finite element method simulations, the Young's modulus of thin‐film silica and the effects of gallium ion beam radiation on Young's modulus are determined. Furthermore, the effects of controlled relative humidity on the mechanical behavior of silica beams are investigated. The demonstrated FIB‐SEM approach can be extended to other materials and preparation conditions to measure, model, and optimize mechanical properties of thin films for a wide range of (coating) applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine has increased rapidly with respect to tasks including disease detection/diagnosis, risk stratification, and prognosis prediction. With recent advances in computing power and algorithms, AI has shown promise in taking advantage of vast electronic health data and imaging studies to supplement clinicians. Machine learning and deep learning are the most widely used AI methodologies for medical research and have been applied in pancreatobiliary diseases for which diagnosis and treatment selection are often complicated and require joint consideration of data from multiple sources. The aim of this review is to provide a concise introduction of the major AI methodologies and the current landscape of AI research in pancreatobiliary diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We hypothesized that specific endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) features may differentiate sarcoidosis from other causes of lymphadenopathy. Methods: We conducted this retrospective observational study from January 2014 to January 2019 to analyze patients with intrathoracic lymphadenopathy who underwent EBUS‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration. Ultrasound features, including nodal size, margin, echogenicity, the presence or absence of calcification, a central hilar structure, the coagulation necrosis sign, nodal conglomeration, and the septal vessel sign in the color Doppler mode were recorded and compared between 3 groups. Results: Of the 90 included patients, 15 had a diagnosis of tuberculosis; 56 had a diagnosis of sarcoidosis; and 19 had a diagnosis of malignant lymph nodes by EBUS‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration. The presence of nodal conglomeration (94.6% versus 60.0% versus 5.3%; P <.001), the septal vessel sign in the color Doppler mode (55.4% versus 13.3% versus 15.8%; P =.002), and a distinct margin (73.2% versus 13.3% versus 47.4%; P <.001) were significantly higher in the sarcoidosis group than in the tuberculosis lymphadenopathy and malignant lymph node groups. The presence of the coagulation necrosis sign (8.9% versus 93.3% versus 31.6%; P <.001) was significantly lower in the sarcoidosis group than in tuberculosis lymphadenopathy and malignant lymph node groups. A multivariate analysis showed that the presence of nodal conglomeration, the absence of coagulation necrosis, and the presence of the septal vessel sign in the color Doppler mode were independent predictive factors for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Conclusions: The presence of nodal conglomeration, the absence of coagulation necrosis, and the presence of the septal vessel sign in the color Doppler mode in lymph nodes on EBUS are predictive of sarcoidosis. Access the CME test here and search by article title. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic cancer‐associated diabetes mellitus (PCDM) is a paraneoplastic phenomenon characterized by worsening hyperglycaemia and weight loss. Galectin‐3 and S100A9, mediators of PCDM, have pro‐inflammatory functions and might thereby induce systemic inflammation and cachexia. We aimed to examine whether PCDM directly mediates cachexia. Methods: Consecutive pancreatic cancer (PC) patients with and without PCDM (n = 88 each) with complete information were included. Cachexia was defined as weight loss >5% within 6 months or weight loss >2% and body mass index <20 kg/m2 or sarcopenia. Skeletal muscle mass was measured with lumbar skeletal muscle index (SMI) using computed tomography images. Cachexia‐related parameters (prevalence of cachexia, weight loss, and SMI) were compared between patients with and without PCDM. Relations between cachexia‐related parameters and fasting blood glucose or serum levels of galectin‐3 and S100A9 were analysed by Spearman correlation and logistic regression analyses. Results: One hundred two (58.0%) patients had cachexia at diagnosis. No significant differences existed between patients with and without PCDM in prevalence of cachexia (64.8% vs. 51.1%, P = 0.093), percentage of weight loss (median 6.8 vs. 4.0, P = 0.085), and SMI (median 45.8 vs. 45.3 cm2/m2 in men, P = 0.119; 34.9 vs. 36.3 cm2/m2 in women, P = 0.418). In patients with cachexia, the percentage of weight loss and SMI were also similar between patients with and without PCDM. In patients with PCDM, fasting blood glucose was comparable between patients with and without cachexia (P = 0.458) and did not correlate with the percentage of weight loss (P = 0.085) or SMI (P = 0.797 in men and 0.679 in women). Serum S100A9 level correlated with fasting blood glucose (correlation coefficient 0.213, P = 0.047) but not with the percentage of weight loss (P = 0.977) or SMI (P = 0.247 in men and 0.458 in women). Serum galectin‐3 level also did not correlate with the percentage of weight loss (P = 0.226) and SMI (P = 0.201 in men and 0.826 in women). Primary tumour size was associated with cachexia (adjusted odds ratio per 1 cm increase 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.60, P = 0.034), whereas PCDM, fasting blood glucose, and levels of galectin‐3 and S100A9 were not predictors of cachexia. Conclusions: Neither fasting blood glucose nor levels of galectin‐3 and S100A9 were associated with cachexia‐related parameters. Mediators of PCDM and hyperglycaemia do not directly mediate PC‐induced cachexia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we present our observations on a peculiar kinetic behavior observed at low catalyst loadings for the metathesis of internal olefins on a highly active silica‐supported tungsten oxo alkylidene prepared through surface organometallic chemistry (SOMC). The observed kinetic profile is comprised of two consecutive regimes, which support the presence of two different active sites on the surface of such catalysts. We propose that the more active site is operational in the beginning of the reaction but deactivates very fast, and the second one initiates over time due to the presence of ethylene formed subsequently under the reaction conditions. A combination of spectroscopic techniques and computations was used to identify the possible nature of these sites. Solid‐state NMR, EXAFS and DFT calculations are consistent with the esence of two distinct surface species that likely originate from the occurrence of slightly different local environments on the surface, that is, metal sites with a different number of nearby siloxane bridges. This data highlights the effects that may arise from the amorphous nature of the supports like silica and the difficulties to obtain truly single‐site catalysts – one of the ultimate goals of SOMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distal biliary strictures (DBS) are common and may be caused by both malignant and benign pathologies. While endoscopic procedures play a major role in their management, a comprehensive review of the subject is still lacking. Our consensus statements were formulated by a group of expert Asian pancreatico‐biliary interventional endoscopists, following a proposal from the Digestive Endoscopy Society of Taiwan, the Thai Association for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the Tokyo Conference of Asian Pancreato‐biliary Interventional Endoscopy. Based on a literature review utilizing Medline, Cochrane library, and Embase databases, a total of 19 consensus statements on DBS were made on diagnosis, endoscopic drainage, benign biliary stricture, malignant biliary stricture, and management of recurrent biliary obstruction and other complications. Our consensus statements provide comprehensive guidance for the endoscopic management of DBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Local complications of acute pancreatitis (AP) carry risks of morbidity/mortality. This study aimed to assess whether urinary trypsinogen‐2 levels and Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) score on admission predicted subsequent local complications. Methods: One hundred and forty‐four consecutive patients with AP were prospectively followed till 6 months after discharge. Urinary trypsinogen‐2 levels were measured within 24 h of admission. Local complications (acute peripancreatic fluid collection, acute necrotic collection, pseudocyst, and walled‐off necrosis) were diagnosed by abdominal computed tomography. Cut‐off for trypsinogen‐2 level was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve, and predictors of local complications were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: Thirty‐seven (25.7%) patients developed local complications. Urinary trypsinogen‐2 levels were significantly higher in patients with local complications compared with those without local complications (median [interquartile range], 3210 [620–9764.4] μg/L vs 627.3 [72.3–5895] μg/L, P = 0.006). Urinary trypsinogen‐2 significantly outperformed BISAP score in predicting local complications (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.65 [95% CI: 0.55–0.75] vs 0.48 [95% CI: 0.38–0.58], P = 0.005). At the optimal cut‐off of 500 μg/L, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of trypsinogen‐2 level were 78.4%, 45.8%, 33.3%, and 86.0%, respectively. Urinary trypsinogen‐2 level > 500 μg/L was an independent predictor of local complications (adjusted odds ratio, 3.72; 95% CI: 1.42–9.76; P = 0.007). By contrast, BISAP score ≥ 3 and pleural effusion predicted organ failure but not local complications. Conclusion: In a prospective cohort, urinary trypsinogen‐2 level > 500 μg/L independently predicted local complications of AP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface modification with polyphenolic molecules has been pursued in biomedical materials owing to their antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics. Recently, the use of silicic acid (Siaq) as a mediator for efficient surface deposition of tannic acid (TA) was reported, but the postulated Si‐TA polymeric networks were not characterized. Herein, we present unambiguous evidence for silicate‐TA networks that involve Si−O−C motifs by using solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, further supported by XPS and ToF‐SIMS. By using QCM‐D we demonstrate the advantages of Siaq, compared to using transition‐metal ions, to improve the coating efficiency under mildly acidic conditions. The presented homogenous coating buildup and validated applicability in inorganic buffers broadens the use of TA for surface modifications in technological and biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Both migraine and asthma are common health problems in the general population. However, the association between these two disorders is yet to be fully explored. Objective: We examined whether adult patients with migraine are at a higher risk of asthma development. Methods: We used data retrieved from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan to conduct this nationwide population‐based cohort study. We identified 6647 patients aged 20‐60 years who were newly diagnosed with migraine between 2000 and 2005 for the migraine group and identified 26 588 patients without migraine for the nonmigraine group. Both groups were followed up until the end of 2011 to examine the incidence of asthma. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to measure the hazard ratio (HR) of asthma in the migraine group compared with the nonmigraine group. Results: The HR of asthma development was 1.37 (95% confidence interval = 1.21‐1.56) for the migraine group compared with the nonmigraine group after adjustment for age, sex, occupational status, insurance premium, urbanization, comorbidities, and annual outpatient department visits. Further stratified analysis revealed that this risk was also significantly higher for both sexes and in the 40‐ to 60‐year age group. The main limitation of this study was that some relevant data were unavailable, such as pain medication prescriptions and family history of migraine and asthma. Conclusion: Adult patients with migraine are at a higher future risk of asthma development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Patients with achalasia typically have thicker lower esophageal sphincter muscles, which can affect the distensibility of the esophagogastric junction. We aimed to assess whether these muscular features, measured using high-frequency endoscopic ultrasound, affect treatment outcomes. Methods Consecutive adult patients with suspected achalasia were enrolled prospectively. They underwent a comprehensive diagnostic workup, including endoscopic ultrasound. The thickness of the lower esophageal sphincter, including the internal circular and outer longitudinal muscles, was measured using a 12-MHz ultrasonic miniprobe. Follow-up was performed at 1 month and then at 6-month intervals, after treatment. Treatment response was defined as a reduction in Eckardt score to ≤3 or an improvement in the height of the timed barium esophagogram of ≥50%. Results Of the 29 patients who received pneumatic dilatation, all but one (96.6%) exhibited a good short-term treatment response. At an average follow-up time of 18.5 (12-55.5) months, patients who had a mid-term recurrence after pneumatic dilatation had a significantly thicker outer longitudinal muscle (1.8 [1.5-1.8] vs 0.9 [0.8-1.7] mm, P = 0.036), but not internal circular muscle (2.0 [1.9-2.5] vs 2.1 [1.2-2.7] mm, P = 0.874) or total lower esophageal sphincter (3.7 [3.5-4.4] vs 3.6 [2.0-4.1] mm, P = 0.362). Patients with an outer longitudinal muscle ≥1.3 mm thick had a significantly lower mid-term remission rate than others (36.3% vs 100%, P = 0.01). Conclusion Thickening of the outer longitudinal muscle at the lower esophageal sphincter is associated with poor mid-term treatment outcomes for achalasia patients treated with pneumatic dilatation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Increasing evidence suggests that Helicobacter pylori infection (HPI) may have extragastric manifestations, including the respiratory system. This study investigated the role of HPI in increasing the subsequent risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a nationwide population. Methods We conducted this retrospective cohort study using data from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database, which is derived from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 5941 adults who were newly diagnosed with HPI between 2005 and 2006 were selected. Healthy patients without HPI were selected from the general population and frequency matched as a ratio of 4:1, according to age, sex, and index years. Both cohorts were followed up from the index date to the end of 2011 to measure the incidence of COPD. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to assess the hazard ratio (HR) of COPD between the HPI cohort and non-HPI cohorts. Results The overall HR of COPD was 1.84 (95% confidence intervals = 1.57-2.17) for the HPI cohort, compared with the non-HPI cohort, after adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities. Although the incidence of COPD was substantially higher in the elderly participants (age, ≥ 65 years) than that in younger participants, the highest HR (4.05, 95% confidence intervals = 1.39-11.8) of COPD was observed in the youngest (age, 20-49 years) participants. Conclusion In this study, the patients with HPI exhibited a significantly higher risk of COPD than those without HPI did. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fischer and Schrock carbenes display highly deshielded carbon chemical shifts (>250 ppm), in particular Fischer carbenes (>300 ppm). Orbital analysis of the principal components of the chemical shift tensors determined by solid-state NMR spectroscopy and calculated by a 2-component DFT method shows specific patterns that act as fingerprints for each type of complex. The calculations highlight the role of the paramagnetic term in the shielding tensor especially in the two most deshielded components (σ11 and σ22). The paramagnetic term of σ11 is dominated by coupling σ(M=C) with π*(M=C) through the angular momentum operator perpendicular to the σ and π M=C bonds. The highly deshielded carbon of Fischer carbenes results from the particularly low-lying π*(M=C) associated with the CO ligand. A contribution of the coupling of π(M=C) with σ*(M=C) is found for Schrock and Ru-based carbenes, indicating similarities between them, despite their different electronic configurations (d0 vs. d6). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methanol synthesis by CO2 hydrogenation is a key process in a methanol-based economy. This reaction is catalyzed by supported copper nanoparticles and displays strong support or promoter effects. Zirconia is known to enhance both the methanol production rate and the selectivity. Nevertheless, the origin of this observation and the reaction mechanisms associated with the conversion of CO2 to methanol still remain unknown. A mechanistic study of the hydrogenation of CO2 on Cu/ZrO2 is presented. Using kinetics, in situ IR and NMR spectroscopies, and isotopic labeling strategies, surface intermediates evolved during CO2 hydrogenation were observed at different pressures. Combined with DFT calculations, it is shown that a formate species is the reaction intermediate and that the zirconia/copper interface is crucial for the conversion of this intermediate to methanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, various protocols on preparing Lewis acidic Sn- β zeolite hydrothermally and postsynthetically have been reported. However, very little is known about the effects of different synthesis protocols on the Sn( IV) speciation in the final material. Even the effects of individual synthesis parameters within a certain preparation method have not been studied systematically. Here, we demonstrate that hydrothermally synthesized Sn- β zeolites prepared via very similar recipes show significantly different 119Sn- NMR spectra, suggesting different Sn site speciation. Among postsynthetically prepared Sn- β zeolites, less variation in the resulting 119Sn- NMR spectra have been observed, indicating a more reproducible synthesis procedure compared to hydrothermal synthesis in fluoride media. This work highlights the importance of 119Sn- NMR measurements to elucidate the precise local geometry of the Sn heteroatoms in Sn- β, and the need to quantify the number of reactive Sn sites on each sample that participate in a given catalytic reaction, in order to accurately compare materials prepared by different routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common bile duct ( CBD) stones are common in elderly adults, but the effect of aging on the presentation of CBD stones remains to be evaluated. Recent studies have demonstrated that the clinical presentation of CBD stones may vary with age. Younger adults may present with classical biliary colic symptoms, whereas elderly adults may have no unapparent clinical features. Younger adults with CBD stones were significantly more likely to have abnormal liver function tests than those without. The sensitivity and accuracy of transabdominal ultrasound scans in screening for CBD stones increases with age. Antibiotic agents should be promptly administered to individuals with CBD stones complicated by cholangitis, but the effects of pharmacotherapy on renal function should be considered in elderly adults. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ( ERCP) is considered to be first-line treatment for CBD stones, and endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy ( EST) or endoscopic papillary balloon dilation ( EPBD) along with ERCP is an adequate biliary drainage method in individuals with CBD stones. EPBD has a lower bleeding risk but higher post- ERCP risk of pancreatitis than EST. Longer-duration (>1 minute) EPBD may be preferred over EST because it is associated with a comparable risk of pancreatitis but a lower rate of overall complications, although recurrent cholangitis or unfavorable outcomes will increase during CBD dilation or in the presence of residual CBD stones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obtaining detailed structural information of reaction intermediates remains a key challenge in heterogeneous catalysis because of the amorphous nature of the support and/or the support interface that prohibits the use of diffraction-based techniques. Combining isotopic labeling and dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) increases the sensitivity of surface enhanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy (SENS) towards surface species in heterogeneous alkene metathesis catalysts; this in turn allows direct determination of the bond connectivity and measurement of the carbon-carbon bond distance in metallacycles, which are the cycloaddition intermediates in the alkene metathesis catalytic cycle. Furthermore, this approach makes possible the understanding of the slow initiation and deactivation steps in these heterogeneous metathesis catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Endoscopic screening for esophageal varices ( EVs) is expensive and invasive. Besides traditional noninvasive markers, we explore additional candidate markers including portal hypertension serum marker-soluble CD136 (s CD163) and genetic variants of splanchnic vasodilatation and revascularization pathways for prediction of EVs in cirrhotic patients. Methods A total of 951 cirrhotic patients without history of variceal bleeding and an independent validation cirrhotic cohort were enrolled to evaluate the association between the presence of EVs and patients' clinical and genetic characteristics. Results Cirrhotic patients with EVs had higher serum s CD163 and heme oxygenase-1 ( HO-1) level, which was positively correlated with the number of risk alleles of HO-1 ( S, A), vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF [ G, T]) and VEGF receptor-2 ( VEGFR2 [ Ile]) genes, than those without EVs. Multivariate analysis showed that EVs in cirrhotic patients was predicted by low platelet count, high s CD163 level, splenomegaly, HO-1 AS and the VEGF GT risk haplotypes. Additive effects in relation to predict EVs were observed in the simultaneous presence of HO-1 AS and VEGF GT risk haplotypes. Combining low platelet count with high s CD163/risk haplotypes significantly increased the predictability of EVs. Furthermore, cirrhotic patients carrying both HO-1 AS and VEGF GT risk haplotypes had lower probability of being free of EVs bleeding compared to patients without above risk haplotypes. Conclusions This study suggested that high s CD163 levels and genetic risk variants are additional markers that can be combined with low platelet count to optimize assessment of EVs and bleeding in cirrhotic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) has been shown to maintain proliferation and self-renewal capacities of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) in vitro. We have previously identified FGF1B as the major transcript of FGF1 gene expressed exclusively in brain areas that are known to be abundant for NSPCs in vivo. The 540-bp (−540 to +31) sequence upstream of the 1B transcription start site (F1B) is sufficient to drive the expression of a heterologous luciferase reporter in cultured cells. In this study, we report a direct genetic and functional approach to isolate F1B(+) NSPCs using green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene under the control of human F1B promoter. The F1B-GFP reporter could facilitate the isolation of NSPCs with self-renewal and multipotent capacities from human glioblastoma tissues, developing or adult mouse brains by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Future work elucidating the mechanisms that control FGF1B expression will help to identify new NSPC-related genes. Developmental Dynamics 238:302-314, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5‐Coordinated methoxybenzylidene complexes M(=NAr)(=CH−C6H4−o‐OMe)(OtBuF3)2 (Ar=2,6‐iPr2C6H3; tBuF3=CMe2(CF3)) of Mo (1mMo) and W (1mW) were synthesized by cross‐metathesis from the corresponding neophylidene/neopentylidene precursors and o‐methoxystyrene. 1mMo and 1mW were grafted onto the surface of silica partially dehydroxylated at 700 °C to give well‐defined silica‐supported alkylidenes (≡SiO)M(=NAr)(=CH−C6H4−o‐OMe)(OtBuF3) (M=Mo (1Mo), W (1W)). Supported methoxybenzylidene complexes were tested in metathesis of cis‐4‐nonene, 1‐nonene, and ethyl oleate, and compared to their molecular precursors and supported classical analogs (≡SiO)M(=NAr)(=CHCMe2R)(OtBuF3) (M=Mo, R=Ph (2Mo), M=W, R=Me (2W)). Both grafted complexes 1Mo and 1W show significantly better performance as compared to their molecular precursors 1mMo and 1mW but are less efficient than the classical 4‐coordinated alkylidenes 2Mo and 2W. Noteworthy, both 1Mo and 1W can reach equilibrium conversion in metathesis of cis‐4‐nonene at catalyst loadings as low as 50 ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass‐ceramics are multi‐phase materials that are comprised of one amorphous phase and at least one crystalline phase. Their versatile performance and properties can be engineered by alterations of the three fundamental steps – formulation and production of the amorphous base glass, nucleation, and crystallization. Efforts have been made on syntheses of glass‐ceramics with different components, yet little is known about the details of nucleation and crystallization processes that are essential for tailoring glass‐ceramic properties. Herein, we investigate the nucleation and crystallization mechanisms of a multi‐component, that is SiO2‐Al2O3‐CaO‐Li2O‐K2O‐P2O5‐F, glass‐ceramic system by a combined use of powder X‐ray diffraction (pXRD), solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electron microscopic (EM) techniques. The role of P2O5 in the nucleation and crystallization processes is particularly studied. We show that the formation of lithium silicate crystals being independent of the P2O5‐associated crystals, and the separation of P2O5 phases into individual growth domains of lithium orthophosphate and fluorapatite. We also observe the non‐uniform distribution of fluorapatite particles that explains the opalescence effect of this glass‐ceramic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]