A new cycloheptane derivative from the fungus Penicillium crustosum JT-8

A new highly oxygenated cycloheptane derivative crustane (1), along with fourteen known compounds (2-15) were isolated from Penicillium crustosum JT-8. The structure of compound 1 was determined by extensive spectroscopic data, DP4+ probability analyses and dimolybdenum CD method. Compound 1 exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC of 4.0 μg/mL.

A new cytotoxic indole alkaloid from the fungus Penicillium polonicum TY12

A new dimeric monoterpene indole alkaloid polonidine A (1), along with five known compounds, cyclopenol (2), verrucosidin (3), fructigenine A (4), 3-O-methylviridicatin (5) and aurantiomides C (6), were isolated from Penicillium polonicum TY12. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses. Compound 1 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities and moderate antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis with MIC of 4.0 μg/mL.

Roquefornine A, a sesterterpenoid with a 5/6/5/5/6-fused ring system from the fungus Penicillium roqueforti YJ-14

Roquefornine A, a sesterterpenoid with an unprecedented 5/6/5/5/6-membered pentacyclic system, was characterized from Penicillium roqueforti YJ-14.

[Prognostic value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients]

Objective: To assess the prognostic value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT and its relationship with clinical features in newly diagnosed MM patients. Methods: A total of 123 patients with newly diagnosed MM in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from September 2008 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and the distribution of OS and PFS were compared using log-rank test. Cox regression was used to identify the independent prognostic factors. Results: Of all 123 patients, there were 43 patients (35.0%) who had extramedullary diseases (EMD). Compared to the patients without EMD, the PFS (24.5 months vs 37.8 months, P<0.05) and OS (30.1 months vs 51.4 months, P<0.05) of the patients with EMD at diagnosed was significantly inferior. In multivariate analysis, β2-MG≥5.5 mg/L, age≥65, EMD on (18)F-FDG PET/CT and without CR at the ending of treatments were the four factors leading to poor prognosis. According to the above four factors, the patients were regrouped into low risk, medium risk and high risk groups, the significant difference existed (P<0.01) in these groups. Conclusion: (18)F-FDG PET/CT is helpful in predicting the prognosis of newly diagnosed MM patients.

Expanstines A–D: four unusual isoprenoid epoxycyclohexenones generated byPenicillium expansumYJ-15 fermentation and photopromotion

Expanstines A–D fromP. expansumYJ-15 were derived under UV and visible light from 4′-oxomacrophoin A (5) and its acetate (6), which plausibly underwent a rare intramolecular photoene reaction and a [2 + 2] Paternò–Büchi photoaddition respectively.

Numerical investigation of amplitude-dependent dynamic response in acoustic metamaterials with nonlinear oscillators

The amplitude-dependent dynamic response in acoustic metamaterials having nonlinear local oscillator microstructures is studied using numerical simulations on representative discrete mass-spring models. Both cubically nonlinear hardening and softening local oscillator cases are considered. Single frequency, bi-frequency, and wave packet excitations at low and high amplitude levels were used to interrogate the models. The propagation and attenuation characteristics of harmonic waves in a tunable frequency range is found to correspond to the amplitude and nonlinearity-dependent shifts in the local resonance bandgap for such nonlinear acoustic metamaterials. A predominant shift in the propagated wave spectrum towards lower frequencies is observed. Moreover, the feasibility of amplitude and frequency-dependent selective filtering of composite signals consisting of individual frequency components which fall within propagating or attenuating regimes is demonstrated. Further enrichment of these wave manipulation mechanisms in acoustic metamaterials using different combinations of nonlinear microstructures presents device implications for acoustic filters and waveguides.

A meta-analysis of pemetrexed-based doublet compared with pemetrexed alone for the second-line treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

This meta-analysis investigated pemetrexed-based doublet compared with pemetrexed alone as second-line therapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials which compared pemetrexed-based doublet with single-agent pemetrexed in patients as second-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer were searched. Overall survival (OS) was the primary end point, while secondary end points included progression-free survival, overall response rate, 1-year survival rate, and grade 3 or 4 toxicity.

RESULTS

Four eligible randomized clinical trials including 1,084 patients were selected. Meta-analysis demonstrated that pemetrexed-based doublet arm significantly improved the overall response rate (OR=2.70, 95% CI: 1.76-4.15, p=0.000), compared with docetaxel alone group, while there were no significant differences in overall survival (HR=0.88, 95% CI: 0.74-1.04, p=0.132), progression-free survival (HR=0.91, 95% CI: 0.73-1.15, p=0.443), and 1-year survival rate (OR=1.43, 95% CI: 0.85-2.40, p=0.178) between the two arms. However, there were more frequencies of grade 3-4 leucopenia (OR=2.86, 95% CI: 1.32-6.20, p=0.008), neutropenia (OR=2.69, 95% CI: 1.55-4.68, p=0.000) and thrombocytopenia (OR=6.92, 95% CI: 2.51-19.07, p=0.000) in pemetrexed-based doublet group. Grade 3-4 anemia (OR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.33-1.18, p=0.144) and fatigue (OR=1.15, 95% CI: 0.73-1.79, p=0.550) had equivalent incidences in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first meta-analysis to compare pemetrexed-based doublet with single-agent pemetrexed in second-line therapy of non-small cell lung cancer. Our meta-analysis suggested that pemetrexed combination chemotherapy was not superior to single-agent arm and was not recommended as the second-line chemotherapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (Tab. 2, Fig. 6, Ref. 20).

Anomalous wave propagation in a one-dimensional acoustic metamaterial having simultaneously negative mass density and Young's modulus

A mechanical model representing an acoustic metamaterial that exhibits simultaneously negative mass density and negative Young's modulus was proposed. Wave propagation was studied in the frequency range of double negativity. In view of positive energy flow, it was found that the phase velocity in this range is negative. This phenomenon was also observed using transient wave propagation finite-element analyses of a transient sinusoidal wave and a transient wave packet. In contrast to wave propagation in the region of positive mass and modulus, the peculiar backward wave motion in the region of double negativity was clearly displayed.

Construction of the Real Patient Simulator System

Simulation for perfusion education has been used for at least the past 25 years. The earlier models were either electronic (computer games) or fluid dynamic models and provided invaluable adjuncts to perfusion training and education. In 2009, the * North Shore-LIJ Health System at Great Neck, New York, opened an innovative “Bioskill Center” dedicated to simulated virtual reality advanced hands-on surgical training as well as perfusion simulation. Professional cardiac surgical organizations now show great interest in using simulation for training and recertification. Simulation will continue to be the direction for future perfusion training and education. This manuscript introduces a cost-effective system developed from discarded perfusion products and it is not intended to detail the actual lengthy process of its construction.

Nanoscale design of Ni-Al shape memory alloys

Nanoscale design of Ni-Al alloys was performed to optimize the phase transformation behavior. The distribution of nickel and aluminum atoms was identified as a key parameter in the phase transformation process. A design criterion based on thermal expansion asymmetry was proposed. The effectiveness of the design criterion was validated using molecular dynamics simulations.

Fast, simple and efficient assembly of nanolayered materials and devices

A new method of 'directed' self-assembly is demonstrated that has the potential to simply and quickly build nanostructured materials and devices. Called spin-spray layer-by-layer self-assembly (SSLbL), it is a modification of the well-known layer-by-layer method (LbL). Using SSLbL, it is possible to create and stack nanometre-thick, uniform layers containing a wide variety of different polymers, nanoparticles, or colloids in less than 25 s per bilayer, orders of magnitude faster than traditional LbL. This is done by modifying traditional dipping LbL to a system where carefully chosen volumes of polymer or colloidal solutions are sprayed directly on a rotating substrate. SSLbL is also much less wasteful of valuable nanoparticles and polymers than LbL. It is shown that in contrast to less than 1% material usage found in LbL, SSLbL has material usage efficiency up to 50%, and this can be further improved. Another direct result of the spin-spray modification is simple control of the in-plane structure of nanolayered films using masks, which is demonstrated. Such capability opens up the possibility of simply and inexpensively building complete nanocomposite devices with both vertical and lateral organization.

Effect of surface morphology and temperature on the structural stability of nanoscale wavy films

The atomic scale structural stability of freestanding wavy gold (Au) nanofilms was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The waviness in the Au film was formed by cleaving sinusoidal surfaces from a [Formula: see text] bulk crystal. The degree of waviness was varied by changing the wavelength of the sinusoidal surface profile. Films were then equilibrated at different temperatures (between 10 and 1080 K) and their structural stability was monitored. The MD simulation results revealed that the stability of films depends on temperature as well as the waviness of the film surface. It was shown that the size-dependent melting point depression of Au plays the dominant role in causing the structural instability of wavy films.

Engineering molecular mechanics: an efficient static high temperature molecular simulation technique

Inspired by the need for an efficient molecular simulation technique, we have developed engineering molecular mechanics (EMM) as an alternative molecular simulation technique to model high temperature (T>0 K) phenomena. EMM simulations are significantly more computationally efficient than conventional techniques such as molecular dynamics simulations. The advantage of EMM is achieved by converting the dynamic atomistic system at high temperature (T>0 K) into an equivalent static system. Fundamentals of the EMM methodology are derived using thermal expansion to modify the interatomic potential. Temperature dependent interatomic potentials are developed to account for the temperature effect. The efficiency of EMM simulations is demonstrated by simulating the temperature dependence of elastic constants of copper and nickel and the thermal stress developed in a confined copper system.

Transcription repression of human hepatitis B virus genes by negative regulatory element-binding protein/SON

A negative regulatory element (NRE) is located immediately upstream of the upstream regulatory sequence of core promoter and second enhancer of human hepatitis B virus (HBV). NRE represses the transcription activation function of the upstream regulatory sequence of core promoter and the second enhancer. In this study, we described the cloning and characterization of an NRE-binding protein (NREBP) through expression cloning. NREBP cDNA is 8266 nucleotides in size and encodes a protein of 2386 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 262 kDa. Three previously described cDNAs, DBP-5, SONB, and SONA, are partial sequence and/or alternatively spliced forms of NREBP. The genomic locus of the NREBP/SON gene is composed of 13 exons and 12 introns. The endogenous NREBP protein is localized in the nucleus of human hepatoma HuH-7 cells. Antibody against NREBP protein can specifically block the NRE binding activity present in fractionated nuclear extracts in gel shifting assays, indicating that NREBP is the endogenous nuclear protein that binds to NRE sequence. By polymerase chain reaction-assisted binding site selection assay, we determined that the consensus sequence for NREBP binding is GA(G/T)AN(C/G)(A/G)CC. Overexpression of NREBP enhances the repression of the HBV core promoter activity via NRE. Overexpression of NREBP can also repress the transcription of HBV genes and the production of HBV virions in a transient transfection system that mimics the viral infection in vivo.

Comments on "Constraining the optimization of a fuzzy logic controller"

Genetic algorithms (GAs) are a highly effective and efficient means of solving optimization problems. Gene encoding, fitness landscape and genetic operations are vital to successfully developing a GA. F. Cheong and R. Lai (see ibid., vol. 30, p. 31-46 (2000)) described a novel method, which employed an enhanced genetic algorithm with multiple populations, to optimize a fuzzy controller, and the experimental results revealed that their method was effective in producing a well-formed fuzzy rule-base. However, their encoding method and fitness function appear unnatural and inefficient. This study proposes an alternative method of concise genetic encoding and fitness design.

Endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal submucosal tumors

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The occurrence of submucosal tumors in the gastrointestinal tract is not infrequent. According to endoscopic pictures, submucosal tumors can usually be diagnosed without difficulty. However, even with the aid of endoscopic ultrasound, a definite diagnosis is not possible without histological results. Before endoscopy became available, the treatment strategy for gastrointestinal submucosal tumors was either surgery or observation. Due to advances in scientific technology, endoscopic treatment of gastrointestinal submucosal tumors has become increasingly popular. In reviewing the literature, we found that only case reports or small series reports detailing specific tumors in specific locations existed previously.

METHODOLOGY

Endoscopic resection for 12 gastrointestinal submucosal tumors in 11 patients has been successfully performed in our hospital during the past three years.

RESULTS

The group included 5 men and 6 women, ranging in age from 28 to 78 years. The locations of the tumors consisted of 1 in the esophagus, 2 in the stomach, 1 in the jejunum, 5 in the colon and 3 in the rectum. Histological results showed 3 lipomas, 3 carcinoids, 2 leiomyomas, 1 ganglioneuromatous polyp, 1 hemangioma, 1 inflammatory fibroid polyp and 1 myomatous hyperplasia. Bleeding complications occurred in only 2 cases. One stopped spontaneously and the other stopped after epinephrine and sclerosant injection. Only 1 case required a two-step resection in order to avoid perforation. No tumor recurrence was noted during the follow-up period, which ranged from 2 months to 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In suitable cases, endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal submucosal tumors can be a safe and valuable method for treating symptomatic tumors and obtaining histological diagnosis of the submucosal tumors.

Diagnosis of gastric polypoid lesions by magnifying endoscopy and dye endoscopy

From July 1989 to June 1990, a total of 19 patients with gastric polyps were studied by magnifying endoscopy and dye endoscopy. After pretreatment with pronase, both close and magnified pictures were observed before and after sprays of 0.2% indigo carmine. Polypectomy or multiple biopsies were done after endoscopic examinations. Of the 19 patients; 13 were classified as hyperplastic polyps and 6 as neoplastic polyps by histologic examination. Twelve of the 13 hyperplastic polyps showed regular sulciolar or sulciolar-mesh mucosal patterns after magnification, only 1 showed an irregular sulciolar-mesh pattern. All 6 neoplastic polyps showed irregular or destructive mucosal patterns. Hyperplastic polyps have a significantly higher rate of regular, fine gastric mucosal patterns. Contrast staining with indigo carmine did not significantly improve the observations. We conclude that magnifying endoscopy is useful in the diagnosis of gastric polyps; polyps with fine, regular gastric pits indicate a diagnosis of hyperplastic polyps, while irregular or destructive mucosal patterns suggest a high possibility of neoplastic polyps.