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TP53 comutation is related to poor prognosis of non‐small cell lung cancer. However, there is limited study focusing on the structural influence of TP53 mutation on third‐generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) treatment. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and molecular data of patients treated with third‐generation EGFR‐TKIs in two independent cohorts. A total of 117 patients from the Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC) and 141 patients from the American Association for Cancer Research Project GENIE database were included. In the SYSUCC cohort, TP53 comutations were found in 59 patients (50.4%) and were associated with poor median progress‐free survival (mPFS) and median overall survival (mOS). The additional subtype analysis found that TP53 mutation in the alpha‐helix region had shorter mOS compared with those with TP53 mutations in other regions in the SYSUCC cohort (mOS, 12.2 vs. 21.7 months; p = 0.027). Similar findings were confirmed in the GENIE cohort. Specifically, the presence of TP53 mutation in the alpha‐helix region was an independent negative predictive factor for PFS [hazard ratio (HR) 2.05(1.01–4.18), p = 0.048] and OS [HR 3.62(1.60–8.17), p = 0.002] in the SYSUCC cohort. TP53 mutation in alpha‐helix region was related to inferior clinical outcomes in patients treated with third‐generation EGFR‐TKIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we report a method for the synthesis of thioethers by forging C(aryl)‐S bond via an aryne mechanism. The active aryne species can be generated from o‐diiodoarenes and NaH in THF at room temperature, then lead to the arylations of a wide range of aryl thiols and thioureas. Different from transition metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions, no disubstituted byproduct is formed in our protocol. The o‐iodoaryl thioether products are intermediates that could be transformed into pharmaceutically interesting molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self‐healing materials exhibit the ability to repair damage and restore their function. Shape memory assisted self‐healing (SMASH) materials are smart materials that automatically close localized microscopic cracks and repair these cracks by bonding damaged surfaces. A novel temperature‐responsive SMASH polymer composite was established by introducing Diels–Alder bonds (D–A) in polyurethane. In this article, dynamic D–A produced by the polymerization of furfurylamine and 4,4'‐bismaleimidodiphenylmethane was introduced into the molecular chain to enable the polyurethane elastomers containing D–A bonds to acquire self‐repairing capability. The self‐healing properties of the synthesized material were examined using polarized light microscopy, which revealed excellent fracture healing. The mechanical properties before and after healing were tested, in which the initial maximum tensile strength of the material could reach 7.9 MPa, and the maximum tensile strength after self‐healing was 7.3 MPa, with a repair rate of 91.8%; the maximum elongation was 585.9%, and the maximum elongation after self‐healing was 469.5%, with a repair rate of 80.1%. In addition, this material has excellent repair performance for microcracks of different scales, and the micromolten part of the surface after heating can fill the micrometer cracks, play the role of antiaging, and extend the service life of the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is widely used for evaluating organ perfusion, but its impact on clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) remains poorly understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between MAP and all‐cause mortality and readmission in patients with HF. Methods and results: We retrospectively analysed data from PhysioNet, involving 2005 patients with HF admitted to Zigong Fourth People's Hospital between 2016 and 2019. The primary outcomes were composite outcomes of all‐cause mortality and readmission at 3 and 6 months. The secondary outcomes were readmission at 3 and 6 months. Multivariate‐adjusted Cox regression models, restricted cubic spline curves (RCS), and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to explore the relationship between MAP and clinical outcomes. Among 2005 patients with HF [≥70 years, 1460 (72.8%); male, 843 (42.0%)], the incidence of primary outcome at 3 months was 33.4% (223/668), 24.4% (163/668), and 22.7% (152/669), and at 6 months, it was 47.5% (317/668), 38.5% (257/668), and 38.0% (254/669) across MAP tertiles [from Tertile 1 (T1) to Tertile 3 (T3)], respectively. The RCS showed an 'L‐shaped' relationship between MAP and primary or secondary endpoints. Multivariate‐adjusted Cox models showed that a higher MAP was significantly associated with a lower risk of composite endpoints at 3 months [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61–0.92, P = 0.006, Tertile 2 (T2); aHR 0.69, 95% CI 0.56–0.86, P = 0.001, T3] and 6 months (aHR 0.79, 95% CI 0.67–0.93, P = 0.005, T2; aHR 0.77, 95% CI 0.64–0.91, P = 0.003, T3) compared with T1. After 1:1 PSM, the effect of maintaining a relatively higher MAP was slightly attenuated. Threshold analyses indicated that per 10 mmHg increase in MAP, there was a 21% and 14% decrease in composite endpoints at 3 and 6 months, respectively (aHR 0.79, 95% CI 0.69–0.91, P = 0.001), and 6 months (aHR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77–0.97, P = 0.013) in patients with MAP ≤ 93 mmHg. The associations were consistent in readmission (secondary outcomes), various subgroups, and sensitivity analysis. Conclusions: A higher MAP was associated with a lower risk of a composite of all‐cause mortality and readmission. Maintaining a relatively higher MAP could potentially improve the clinical prognosis for patients with HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge to produce short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) is one of the means of sludge resource utilization. However, the protective effect of the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) structure contained in sludge flocs can lead to a slow hydrolysis process, which inhibits the production of SCFAs. Results: In this study, a new step‐by‐step pretreatment method for breaking sludge flocs was adopted. The cationic complexing agent sodium citrate (C6H5Na3O7) was used first to break the cationic bridging structure of EPS, and then the strong oxidizing property of free nitrous acid (HNO2) was used to break the cell structure. The results showed that the C6H5Na3O7 dose of 0.10 g g−1 total suspended solids (TSS) was able to disintegrate EPS, and the optimal dose and pretreatment time of HNO2 under these conditions were 2.504 mg L−1 and 24 h, respectively, when the highest soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) content of 1700 ± 25 mg L−1 was reached. SCFA production in the group of 0.10 g g−1 TSS with 2.504 mg L−1 HNO2 co‐pretreatment reached 1827 ± 40 mg COD L−1 at 8 days of fermentation. Conclusion: The presence of C6H5Na3O7 accelerated the degradation rate of HNO2 during fermentation, and the pH fluctuation of the system was lower compared to the HNO2 pretreatment alone. Moreover, the synergistic pretreatment significantly changed the bacterial community structure within the system and Petrimonas (47.62%), belonging to the hydrogen and acetic acid‐producing bacteria, was enriched, which promoted organic matter degradation and SCFA production. These findings will contribute to optimization of the sludge treatment process. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite extensive efforts to understand the tectonic evolution of the Jiangnan Orogen in South China, the orogenic process and its mechanism remain a matter of dispute. Previous geodynamic studies have mostly focused on collisional orogeny, which is commonly invoked to explain the Jiangnan Orogen. However, it is difficult for such hypotheses to reconcile all the geological and geophysical data, especially the absence of ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphic rocks. Based on the magnetotelluric data, we present a group of resistivity models produced through the combination of two ‐dimensional and three‐dimensional inversions, revealing the geo‐electrical structures of Jiangnan and a typical collisional orogen. In our models, the resistive crust is separated into three parts by a prominent conductive layer with opposite dipping directions on both sides. A special thrust‐nappe system, which is different from that developed in a typical collisional process, is revealed in the Jiangnan Orogen. This structure suggests a process different from the simple collisional orogeny. To interpret our observations, an 'intra‐continental orogeny' is proposed to address the development of the Jiangnan Orogen in the Mesozoic. Furthermore, this 'reworked' process may contain at least two stages caused by the decoupling of the lithosphere, which is revealed by an extra conductive layer beneath Jiangnan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the independent and joint associations of baseline coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and cystatin C (Cys‐C) with the risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) and all‐cause death in symptomatic populations. Methods: The study included 7140 patients with symptom of chest pain who underwent cardiac computerized tomography examinations to measure CACS. All of them had serum Cys‐C results. Endpoints were set for MACCEs and all‐cause death events. Results: A total of 7140 participants were followed for a median of 1106 days. A total of 305 patients had experienced MACCEs and 191 patients had experienced all‐cause death. CACS ≥ 100 and Cys‐C ≥ 0.995 mg/L were independently associated with an increased risk of MACCEs (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–1.85; p =.002 and adjusted HR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.24–2.00; p <.001, respectively). Compared with CACS < 100 and Cys‐C < 0.995 mg/L patients, CACS ≥ 100 and Cys‐C ≥ 0.995 mg/L patients had the highest risk of MACCEs and all‐cause death (adjusted HR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.64–3.29; p <.001 and adjusted HR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.79–4.55; p <.001, respectively). Even in patients with CACS < 100, Cys‐C ≥ 0.995 mg/L was also associated with a higher risk of MACCEs and all‐cause death than Cys‐C < 0.995 mg/L (adjusted HR: 1.76; p =.003 and adjusted HR: 2.02; p =.007, respectively). Conclusions: The combined stratification of CACS and Cys‐C showed an incremental risk of MACCEs and all‐cause death, reflecting complementary prognostic value. Our results support the combination of the two indicators for risk stratification and event prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Dysregulated RNA splicing factors have been reported to be associated with tumorigenesis and development in colon cancer. In this study, we interrogated clinical and RNA expression data of colon cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Genes regulating RNA splicing correlated with survival in colon cancer were identified and a risk score model was constructed using Cox regression analyses. In the risk model, RNA splicing factor peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1α (PPARGC1) is correlated with a good survival outcome, whereas Cdc2‐like kinase 1(CLK1), CLK2, and A‐kinase anchor protein 8‐like (AKAP8L) with a bad survival outcome. The risk model has a good performance for clinical prognostic prediction both in the TCGA cohort and the other two validation cohorts. In the tumor microenvironment (TME) analysis, the immune score was higher in the low‐risk group, and TME‐related pathway gene expression was also higher in low‐risk group. We further verified the mRNA and protein expression levels of these four genes in the adjacent nontumor, tumor, and liver metastasis tissues of colon cancer patients, which were consistent with bioinformatics analysis. In addition, knockdown of AKAP8L can suppress the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells. Animal studies have also shown that AKAP8L knockdown can inhibit tumor growth in colon cancer in vivo. We established a prognostic risk model for colon cancer based on genes related to RNA splicing regulation and uncovered the role of AKAP8L in promoting colon cancer progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northern Wuyi area, which is located in the northern Wuyi metallogenic belt, has superior mineralization conditions. The Pingxiang–Guangfeng–Jiangshan–Shaoxing fault (PSF) extends across the whole region regardless of whether or how the PSF relates to the near‐surface mineralization. We carried out an MT survey in the region and obtained a reliable 2D model of the crustal electrical structure to a depth of 30 km. In the resistivity model, we inferred that a continuous high conductivity belt that ranges from the shallow to deep crust is a part of the PSF. Then, we estimated the fluid content and pressure gradient to identify the deep sources of fluid as well as its pattern of motion pattern. Finally, we proposed a model for the deep metallogenic migration processes that combines geological data, fluid content data, pressure gradient data, and the subsurface resistivity model. The model analysis showed that the Jiangnan orogenic belt and the Cathaysia block formed the PSF during the process of com. The deep fluid migrated upward through the PSF to the shallow crust. Therefore, we believe that the PSF is an ore‐forming fluid migration channel and that it laid the material basis for large‐scale mineralization in the shallow crust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sour is an important taste in some foods, beers, and teas; organic acids, in particular, are thought to play a key role in the formation of the sour taste of beer. It has been generally thought that organic acids also contribute to some teas tasting sour. In this study, through sensory evaluation experiments with black tea (BT) and green tea (GT), the difference in the sour taste of BT and GT was quantitatively characterized. Then the organic acids in the two types of tea were identified and quantified via high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with taste activity value (TAV) analysis. The results showed that both teas had 12 identical common organic acids (including 11 taste‐active components), but the results of the TAV analysis were not consistent with those of the sensory evaluation. Therefore, there is no direct relationship between organic acids and the acidity in BT and GT. It is related to the interaction between organic acids and other substances, pH value, or other sour substances in tea infusions. The mechanism of the disappearance of sourness in tea infusions was also discussed. These results help us to understand the correlation between tastes in teas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of an early warning indicator system is the foundation and the key to prevent the unsafe acts of air traffic controllers (ATCers). Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the early warning indicators for controllers' unsafe acts. Data were encoded through grounded theory and HFACS, and the early warning indicator system was designed. The parameter values were calculated by using the data collected from the expert questionnaire survey. Combining the existing safety performance indicators and expert opinions, the measurement and judgment of indicators were clarified. The results show that the early warning indicator system includes four levels: environment, organization, supervision and ATCers. Among the indicators, the mean values of "degree of job skills mastered," "intensity of working load," "lack of safety awareness and responsibility" rank the first three. Based on the findings of this study, the unsafe acts of ATCers can be effectively alerted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deterministic creation of multiple ferroelectric states with variant values of polarization in ferroelectric thin films is promising for multilevel data storage applications. However, the intrinsic bi‐stability of ferroelectric switching makes it challenging to achieve. The deterministic ferroelectric states can be achieved by multistep switching through various means such as controlling domain structure and switching by inducing local disorder, and also by crystal orientations. However, to determine the effect of crystal directions on the stability of multistep polarization reversal requires investigation on different crystal directions. A high‐throughput approach namely combinatorial substrate epitaxy (CSE) is utilized to fabricate La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) polycrystalline substrate to grow PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 (PZT) films epitaxially with different crystal directions in a single sample. The polarization reversal area is determined as a function of applied voltage along different . From the analysis, it is found that all exhibit multilevel polarization states due to multistep switching events. Further the degree of multilevel polarization states shows a sawtooth‐like oscillatory behavior with increase in [111] miscut angle, which is attributed to influence of local disorder on the domain structure. Therefore, the realization of multilevel data storage device based on deterministic polarization reversal can be achieved with appropriate crystal directed thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zhuxi tungsten deposit in Jiangxi Province, South China, contains a total W reserve of about 2.86 Mt at an average grade of 0.54 wt% WO3, representing the largest W deposit in the world. Numerous studies on the metallogeny of the deposit have included its timing, the ore‐controlling structures and sedimentary host rocks and their implications for mineral exploration. However, the deep nappe structural style of Taqian–Fuchun metallogenic belt that hosts the W deposit, and the spatial shape and scale of deeply concealed intrusions and their sedimentary host rocks are still poorly defined, which seriously restricts the discovery of new deposits at depth and in surrounding areas of the W deposit. Modern 3D geological modeling is an important tool for the exploration of concealed orebodies, especially in brownfield environments. There are obvious density contrast and weak magnetic contrast in the ore‐controlling strata and granite at the periphery of the deposit, which lays a physical foundation for solving the 3D spatial problems of the ore‐controlling geological body in the deep part of the study area through gravity and magnetic modeling. Gravity data (1:50000) and aeromagnetic data (1:50000) from the latest geophysical surveys of 2016–2018 have been used, firstly, to carry out a potential field separation to obtain residual anomalies for gravity and magnetic interactive inversion. Then, on the basis of the analysis of the relationship between physical properties and lithology, under the constraints of surface geology and borehole data, human–computer interactive gravity and magnetic inversion for 18 cross‐sections were completed. Finally, the 3D geological model of the Zhuxi tungsten deposit and its periphery have been established through these 18 sections, and the spatial shape of the intrusions and strata with a depth of 5 km underground were obtained, initially realizing "transparency" for ore‐controlling bodies. According the analysis of the geophysical, geochemical, and geological characteristics of the Zhuxi tungsten deposit, we discern three principles for prospecting and prediction in the research area, and propose five new exploration targets in its periphery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which analyzed the gravity and magnetic evidence for the geological setting of major mineral systems of the main metallogenic belts in South China. Topics covered include the metallogenic factors of the deposits, the difference in the type and metal association of the deposits, and the distribution of termination sites of different mineral systems in the area which provide indications for future ore-prospecting exploration in South China.

The use of chiral transient directing groups (TDGs) is a promising approach for developing PdII‐catalyzed enantioselective C(sp3)−H activation reactions. However, this strategy is challenging because the stereogenic center on the TDG is often far from the C−H bond, and both TDG covalently attached to the substrate and free TDG are capable of coordinating to PdII centers, which can result in a mixture of reactive complexes. We report a PdII‐catalyzed enantioselective β‐C(sp3)−H arylation reaction of aliphatic ketones using a chiral TDG. A chiral trisubstituted cyclobutane was efficiently synthesized from a mono‐substituted cyclobutane through sequential C−H arylation reactions, thus demonstrating the utility of this method for accessing structurally complex products from simple starting materials. The use of an electron‐deficient pyridone ligand is crucial for the observed enantioselectivity. Interestingly, employing different silver salts can reverse the enantioselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the relationship between the moisture content of withered tea leaves and their physical properties (i.e., elasticity, plasticity, flexibility, and texture) during withering, texture analyzer was employed to test the elasticity and flexibility of withered tea leaves with different moisture contents. The texture was evaluated by computer vision technology. The withered tea leaves with different moisture contents were used to process congou black tea, which was then subjected to sensory evaluation. Results showed that good elasticity, optimal flexibility, and plasticity were achieved when the moisture content of the withered tea leaves of Fudingdabai comprising two leaves and one bud varied arranging from 65.51 to 61.48%. The sensory evaluation of congou black tea revealed that moderate withering was better than long‐term withering and that both moderate and long‐term withering were better than no withering during processing. The moisture content was significantly correlated with the flexibility and plasticity of the withered tea leaves. Fresh tea leaves undergoing moderate withering with moisture content of 65.51–61.48% to process congou black tea, good tea shape and liquor color were achieved. This study provided new evidence that the moisture content of withered tea leaves significantly affected the quality of black tea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dual blockade of both EGFR and VEGFR pathways in EGFR‐mutant NSCLC have shown enhanced antitumor efficacy versus EGFR‐TKIs alone. Apatinib is an orally effective VEGFR‐2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). This pilot study aims to evaluate the tolerability, pharmacokinetic profile, and antitumor activity of apatinib plus gefitinib as a therapy for EGFR‐mutant advanced NSCLC. Methods: Advanced non‐squamous NSCLC participants harbored with the EGFR 19 deletion or the 21 L858R point mutation were included. There were two cohorts: Cohort A: apatinib 500 mg + gefitinib 250 mg. Cohort B: apatinib 250 mg + gefitinib 250 mg. The primary endpoint was safety profile. Other endpoints consisted of PK analysis, objective response rate (ORR), and progression‐free survival (PFS). Exploratory analysis was conducted using next‐generation sequencing of plasma circulating‐tumor DNA. Results: Between July 2016 and April 2017, 13 of NSCLC patients were recruited. Six patients were pooled in Cohort A, while seven patients were in Cohort B. Adverse events (AEs) were tolerable (mostly grade 1–2) and the treatment‐related AEs were similar in both cohorts: rash (100% vs 71.4%), diarrhea (66.7% vs 71.4%), hypertension (66.7% vs 71.4%), proteinuria (66.7% vs 42.9%), and hand‐foot skin reaction (33.3% vs 28.6%). The area under plasma concentration‐time curve for the steady state of apatinib was 2864.73 ± 2605.54 ng mL–1 h–1 in Cohort A and 2445.09 ± 1550.89 ng mL–1 h–1 in Cohort B. Of the 11 patients evaluable for efficacy, Cohort A achieved an ORR of 80.0% and reached a median PFS of 19.2 months, while it was 83.3% and 13.4 months in Cohort B. Patients without a concomitant mutation at baseline had a prolonged PFS tendency (20.99 months v 13.21 months, P =.0624). The EGFR‐T790M mutation remained the dominant resistance mechanism. Conclusion: Apatinib (500 mg) plus gefitinib (250 mg) showed a tolerable safety profile and encouraging antitumor activity for advanced EGFR‐mutant NSCLC in the first‐line setting. Phase III trials of apatinib (500 mg) plus gefitinib (250 mg) are warranted. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02824458, date of registration June 23, 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The Maillard reaction products (MRPs) formed after roasting of oil‐tea camellia seeds (camellia seeds) were investigated. Camellia seeds are inevitably heated during processing, but the effect of heating or roasting on the physicochemical properties of camellia seed or oil‐tea camellia seed oil (camellia oil) has been seldom studied, especially with respect to the Maillard reaction. RESULTS: Changes in reducing sugars, free amino acids, pH, color, browning intensity and MRP (furosine, glyoxal, methylglyoxal, 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural and furural) concentrations were examined in camellia seeds during roasting at 120–160 °C for 20–120 min. Results showed that roasting leads first to a decrease and then to a considerable increase in free amino groups and, at the same time, to a reduction in moisture content and decrease in pH. The sucrose content of the seeds decreased, while that of glucose and fructose increased reciprocally during roasting. On the other hand, the observed changes concerning glyoxal were negligible. Furthermore, 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural have been found at the end of the roasting process, with maximum values of 572.26 ± 1.91 mg kg−1 dry wt and 0.46 ± 0.003 mg kg−1 dry wt, at 160 °C for 120 min, respectively. CONCLUSION: This investigation provides the initial groundwork necessary for the development and implementation of green and efficient technology that could be applied to obtain high‐quality camellia oil. Future research is necessary to assess antioxidant capacity, quality and safety of oil after thermal processing of camellia seeds. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hilbert transform (HT) has been widely used in seismic data processing and interpretation. However, HT results exhibit lower noise robustness and resolution. This paper extends HT by introducing three orders greater than or equal to 0 and the sign function in frequency domain and propose an extended Hilbert transform (EHT) which has many advantages over the HT—particularly noise robustness, resolution, and a variety of applications. The output of EHT depends on the choice of the three orders and the sign function. Analysis of synthetic cosine signal and hypothetical channel model shows that EHT helps to retain the desired characteristics of HT while overcoming its shortcomings and exhibits better noise robustness and higher resolution than HT. Analysis of real 3‐D seismic data application demonstrates that EHT shows a very desirable ability to capture subtle geologic features and can be well used for seismic attributes and other fields involving digital data processing. Key Points: EHT extends HT by introducing three orders greater than or equal to 0 and the sign function in frequency domainEHT exhibits better noise robustness and higher resolution than HTEHT can be well used for seismic attributes and other fields [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free phenolic (FP), conjugated phenolic (CP), and insoluble‐bound phenolic (IBP) acids were extracted from the seeds of seven species of oil‐tea camellia and their antioxidant activities were evaluated. The results indicated that Camellia vietnamensis has the highest total phenolic content (TPC) (31.84 ± 0.11 g of gallic acid equivalent [GAE] kg−1) and that Camellia polyodontia has the lowest TPC (12.34 ± 0.22 g GAE kg−1) in the kernel. The average TPC among the species is similar in both the kernels and in the shells, and the content order of the three forms of phenolic compounds is FP > IBP > CP. HPLC‐MS analysis showed the presence of 9–11 phenolic compounds in the FP, CP, or IBP extracts of the seven species of oil‐tea camellia seed. Among the phenolics identified, ferulic acid, catechin, and epicatechin were the major contributors of antioxidant activity. Hierarchical cluster analysis conducted based on the phenolic properties showed that C. vietnamensis and Camellia semiserrata belong to the group characterized by high antioxidant capacities (FRAP, ferric‐ion‐reducing antioxidant power; ABTS assay), and Camellia chekiangoleosa and Camelliaoleifera are arranged in a group with moderate phenolic properties. The other species constitute the third cluster with low phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The study demonstrated that oil‐tea camellia seed contains significant amounts of phenolic acids. In addition, extracts from various parts of the seed could be interesting novel sources of natural antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We herein report a robust catalyst‐free cross‐coupling between ArI(OAc)2 and α‐stannyl nitriles, aided by TMSOTf. The transformation introduces a cyanoalkyl group to the ortho position of ArI(OAc)2 and simultaneously reduces the aryl iodine(III) to iodide, thus providing α‐(2‐iodoaryl) nitrile as the product. This transformation could be completed within 5 min at −78 °C and features superb functional‐group tolerance and efficient scalability. DFT calculations indicate that the formation of a ketenimine(aryl)iodonium intermediate and subsequent [3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement are involved as key steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An iodine‐mediated oxidative ring contraction of cyclobutanols has been developed. The reaction allows the synthesis of a wide range of aryl cyclopropyl ketones under mild and eco‐friendly conditions. A variety of functional groups including aromatic or alkyl halides, ethers, esters, ketones, alkenes, and even aldehydes are nicely tolerated in the reaction. This is in contrast with traditional synthetic approaches for which poor functional group tolerance is often a problem. The practicality of the method is also highlighted by the tunability of iodine oxidation system. Specifically, combining the iodine(III) reagent with an appropriate base allows the reaction to accommodate a range of challenging electron‐rich arene substrates. The facile scalability of this reaction is also exhibited herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of second-generation energy crops on marginal land relies on the identification of plants with suitable physiological properties. In this study, we measured and compared leaf photosynthesis and water use efficiency of 22 populations from three Miscanthus species, M. lutarioriparius, M. sacchariflorus, and M. sinensis, planted in two experimental fields located in Qingyang of the Gansu Province ( QG) and Jiangxia of the Hubei Province ( JH) in China. QG is located in the Loess Plateau, one of the world's most seriously eroded regions particularly abundant in semiarid marginal land. At both locations, M. lutarioriparius produced the highest biomass and had the highest photosynthetic rates ( A), with the growing-season average of A reaching nearly 20 μmol m−2 s−1. Native to JH, M. lutarioriparius maintained a relatively high photosynthetic rate into the late growing stage in QG, for example, 15 μmol m−2 s−1 at temperature as low as 11.6 °C in October. All three species had higher water use efficiency ( WUE) in semiarid QG than in warmer and wetter JH. In the late growing stage of M. lutarioriparius, instantaneous WUE ( A/ E) of the species nearly tripled in QG comparing to JH. Being able to maintain remarkably high photosynthetic rates when transplanted to a colder and drier location, these M. lutarioriparius populations serve as suitable wild progenitors for energy crop domestication in the Loess Plateau and other areas with the similar climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While it is widely accepted that genetic diversity determines the potential of adaptation, the role that gene expression variation plays in adaptation remains poorly known. Here we show that gene expression diversity could have played a positive role in the adaptation of Miscanthus lutarioriparius. RNA-seq was conducted for 80 individuals of the species, with half planted in the energy crop domestication site and the other half planted in the control site near native habitats. A leaf reference transcriptome consisting of 18,503 high-quality transcripts was obtained using a pipeline developed for de novo assembling with population RNA-seq data. The population structure and genetic diversity of M. lutarioriparius were estimated based on 30,609 genic single nucleotide polymorphisms. Population expression (Ep) and expression diversity (Ed) were defined to measure the average level and the magnitude of variation of a gene expression in the population, respectively. It was found that expression diversity increased while genetic diversity decreased after the species was transplanted from the native habitats to the harsh domestication site, especially for genes involved in abiotic stress resistance, histone methylation, and biomass synthesis under water limitation. The increased expression diversity could have enriched phenotypic variation directly subject to selections in the new environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2003, WLICC agreed to voluntarily reduce FCs emission to 0.82MMTCE by 2010. To achieve the target, improvement of abatement efficiency, development of cost-effective FCs massive abatement technology, adoption of substitute gases and increase of abatement devices installation were carried out. As a result, the emission in 2010 was reduced to 1.75 MMTCE which is almost double the target as the processed glass area was almost the double of the forecasted value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing body of evidence indicates that second-generation energy crops can play an important role in the development of renewable energy and the mitigation of climate change. However, dedicated energy crops have yet to be domesticated in order to fully realize their productive potential under unfavorable soil and climatic conditions. To explore the possibility of domesticating Miscanthus crops in northern China where marginal and degraded land is abundant, we conducted common garden experiments at multiple locations to evaluate variation and adaptation of three Miscanthus species that are likely to serve as the wild progenitors of the energy crops. A total of 93 populations of Miscanthus sinensis, Miscanthus sacchariflorus, and Miscanthus lutarioriparius were collected across their natural distributional ranges in China and grown in three locations that represent temperate grassland with cold winter, the semiarid Loess Plateau, and relatively warm and wet central China. Evaluated with growth traits such as plant height, tiller number, tiller diameter, and flowering time, the Miscanthus species showed high levels of genetic variation within and between species. There were significant site × population interactions for almost all traits of M. sacchariflorus and M. sinensis, but not M. lutarioriparius. The northern populations of M. sacchariflorus had the highest establishment rates at the most northern site owing to their strong cold tolerance. An endemic species in central China, M. lutarioriparius, produced not only the highest biomass of the three species but also higher biomass at the Loess Plateau than the southern site near its native habitats. These results demonstrated that the wild species harbored a high level of genetic variation underlying traits important for crop establishment and production at sites that are colder and drier than their native habitats. The natural variation and adaptive plasticity found in the Miscanthus species indicated that they could provide valuable resources for the development of second-generation energy crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine whether a relationship between obesity and varicocele occurrence exists, the prevalence and severity of varicoceles related to obesity were investigated in a general population of young males. A total of 1050 young males attending the Navy Recruit Training Center were evaluated from their physical screening examinations. All subjects underwent history taking and physical examinations to evaluate for the presence and severity of varicocele. The anthropometric indexes including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were recorded. All subjects were categorized by quartiles according to each anthropometric index. Means were compared with the Student’s t-test. Severity was compared by analysis of variance testing and frequency was analysed using the chi-square method. Statistical significance was considered at p <0.05. A total of 490 (46.67%) subjects had varicoceles. The means of BMI, WC and WHR of those without varicoceles was 23.99 ± 3.82 kg/m2, 83.20 ± 9.97 cm and 0.85 ± 0.05, respectively. These judged values were greater than those with varicoceles (22.02 ± 3.18 kg/m2, 79.19 ± 9.01 cm and 0.83 ± 0.05) ( p < 0.001). In the univariate regression analysis, BMI, WC and WHR all had a significantly negative correlation with severity of varicocele (all p < 0.001). Analysis comparing varicocele frequency based on each grade per anthropometric index group was performed. The logistic regression revealed that the prevalence of grade II and III varicoceles showed a statistically inverse association with all three anthropometric indexes. The prevalence and severity of varicoceles inversely correlated with obesity. The present data support the explanation that obesity may result in a decreased nutcracker effect, which accounts for prevention of the renal vein compression by the adipose tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the structures, applications, and structure‐property relationships of atomically precise metal nanoclusters relies heavily on their controlled synthesis. Although great progress has been made in the controlled synthesis of Group 11 (Cu, Ag, Au) metal nanoclusters, the preparation of Pd nanoclusters remains a grand challenge. Herein, a new, simple, and versatile synthetic strategy for the controlled synthesis of Pd nanoclusters is reported with tailorable structures and functions. The synthesis strategy involves the controllable transformations of Pd4(CO)4(CH3COO)4 in air, allowing the discovery of a family of Pd nanoclusters with well‐defined structure and high yield. For example, by treating the Pd4(CO)4(CH3COO)4 with 2,2‐dipyridine ligands, two clusters of Pd4 and Pd10 whose metal framework describes the growth of vertex‐sharing tetrahedra have been selectively isolated. Interestingly, chiral Pd4 nanoclusters can be gained by virtue of customized chiral pyridine‐imine ligands, thus representing a pioneering example to shed light on the hierarchical chiral nanostructures of Pd. This synthetic methodology also tolerates a wide variety of ligands and affords phosphine‐ligated Pd nanoclusters in a simple way. It is believed that the successful exploration of the synthetic strategy would simulate the research enthusiasm on both the synthesis and application of atomically precise Pd nanoclusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents chemical equations related to the article "Stereoselective Cascade Formal Nucleophilic Substitution and Mannich Reaction of Ethyl 2-Aroyl-1-chlorocyclopropanecarboxylates" by M. Zhang and colleagues in a 2014 issue of the "Journal of Organic Chemistry."