bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum Information Measures of the One‐Dimensional Robin Quantum Well
Authors: Olendski Oleg
Published: June 2018

Shannon quantum information entropies , Fisher informations , Onicescu energies , and statistical complexities are calculated both in the position (subscript x) and momentum (k) representations for the Robin quantum well characterized by the extrapolation lengths and at the two confining surfaces. The analysis concentrates on finding and explaining the most characteristic features of these quantum information measures in the whole range of variation of the Robin distance Λ for the symmetric, , and antisymmetric, , geometries. Analytic results obtained in the limiting cases of the extremely large and very small magnitudes of the extrapolation parameter are corroborated by the exact numerical computations that are extended to the arbitrary length Λ. It is confirmed, in particular, that the entropic uncertainty relation and general inequality , which is valid both in the position and momentum spaces, hold true at any Robin distance and for every quantum state n. For either configuration, there is a range of the extrapolation lengths where the rule that is correct for the Neumann () or Dirichlet () boundary conditions, is violated. Other analytic and numerical results for all measures are discussed too and their physical meaning is highlighted.
Anschalten von Festkörperfluoreszenz mit Licht
Authors: Schramm Stefan , Karothu Durga Prasad , Raj Gijo , Laptenok Sergey P. , Solntsev Kyril M. , Naumov Panče
Published: June 2018

Ein bioinspiriertes Fluorophor analog zum Substrat der Glühwürmchen‐Biolumineszenz wurde hergestellt, das reagiert, wenn es schwachem blauen LED‐Licht ausgesetzt wird. Bei Lichtanregung wird dieses Material mit nahezu 81‐facher Verstärkung der Festkörperemission, Fluoreszenzquantenausbeuten von ≈90 % des Produkts in Lösung und heftigen desintegrierenden Effekten aufgrund der Freisetzung von Kohlendioxid photodecarboxyliert. Kristallographische und computergestützte Ergebnisse, zusammen mit einer globalen Spektralanalyse der Fluoreszenzkinetik, bestätigten, dass der größte Teil der in den zerfallsassoziierten Spektren beobachteten Emission intrinsisch für ein Monomer des Produkts ist mit nur geringem Beitrag eines Excimers aufgrund von π‐π‐Stapelung der Moleküle im Kristall.
Total Synthesis of Belizentrin Methyl Ester: Report on a Likely Conquest
Authors: Anderl Felix , Größl Sylvester , Wirtz Conny , Fürstner Alois
Published: June 2018

The assigned structure of the dinoflagellate‐derived toxin belizentrin was prepared by total synthesis in form of the corresponding methyl ester for stability reasons. The successful route features an unusual solution for the preparation of a recalcitrant ylide on a C‐glycosidic segment; moreover, it involves an asymmetric hetero‐Diels–Alder reaction en route to the tertiary hemiacetal substructure, a Negishi cross‐coupling of two elaborate building blocks, and a macrocyclization based on an intramolecular aminolysis of a spirolactone. A modified Kocienski olefination ultimately allowed the polyol side chain to be attached to the macrocycle although this transformation faced the exceptional base sensitivity of this polyunsaturated target compound.
ABT‐122, a Bispecific Dual Variable Domain Immunoglobulin Targeting Tumor Necrosis Factor and Interleukin‐17A, in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis With an Inadequate Response to Methotrexate
Authors: Genovese Mark C. , Weinblatt Michael E. , Aelion Jacob A. , Mansikka Heikki T. , Peloso Paul M. , Chen Kun , Li Yihan , Othman Ahmed A. , Khatri Amit , Khan Nasser S. , Padley Robert J.
Published: June 2018

Objective

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) may independently contribute to the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ABT‐122, a novel dual variable domain immunoglobulin targeting human TNF and IL‐17A, in patients with RA who have experienced an inadequate response to methotrexate.

Methods

Patients with active RA who were receiving treatment with methotrexate and had no prior exposure to biologic agents (n = 222) were enrolled in a 12‐week phase II randomized, double‐blind, active‐controlled, parallel‐group study. Patients were randomized to receive either ABT‐122 at dosages of 60 mg every other week, 120 mg every other week, or 120 mg every week or adalimumab at 40 mg every other week, administered subcutaneously. The primary efficacy end point was the proportion of patients achieving a ≥20% improvement response based on the American College of Rheumatology criteria for 20% improvement (ACR20) at week 12.

Results

Treatment‐emergent adverse events were similar across all treatment groups, with no serious infections or systemic hypersensitivity reactions reported with ABT‐122. ACR20 response rates at week 12 were 62%, 75%, and 80% with ABT‐122 60 mg every other week, 120 mg every other week, and 120 mg every week, respectively, compared with an ACR20 response rate of 68% with 40 mg adalimumab every other week. The corresponding response rates for ACR50 and ACR70 improvement in the ABT‐122 dose groups and adalimumab group were 35%, 46%, 47%, and 48%, respectively, and 22%, 18%, 36%, and 21%, respectively.

Conclusion

Over the 12‐week study period, dual inhibition of TNF and IL‐17A with ABT‐122 produced a safety profile consistent with that of adalimumb used for inhibition of TNF alone. The efficacy of ABT‐122 over 12 weeks at dosages of 120 mg every other week or 120 mg every week was not meaningfully differentiated from that of adalimumab at a dosage of 40 mg every other week in patients with RA receiving concomitant methotrexate.
Efficiency Tuning of UVA/UVB Absorbance through Control over the Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding of Triazine Derivatives
Authors: Choi Eunyoung , Lee Chi Ho , Jun Byeongsun , Nam Eun Bi , Jeong Hoejoong , Lee Sang Uck
Published: June 2018

We systematically designed triaryl‐1,3,5‐triazine (TATZ) derivatives based on 2‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐4,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐triazine through inner and outer hydroxyl (OH) group substitution and analyzed their structures and electronic transitions in order to design a new UV absorber type with anti‐UVA and UVB functionality. In this work, we show that UV absorption efficiency can be controlled through inner and outer OH substitution between 320–400 nm (UVA) and 280–320 nm (UVB) due to their effect on the HOMO levels of TATZ. Consequently, we propose an optimal combination of inner or outer OH substituted TATZ derivatives as novel UVA/UVB absorbers. Additionally, we elucidated the relationship between the structural parameters of intramolecular hydrogen bonding (IMHB) and the UV absorption properties of TATZ derivatives using natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. This work shows that first principle theory‐aided design can be used to develop highly efficient UV absorbers.
Quercetin‐Pivaloxymethyl Conjugate Potentiates Antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Kim Mi Kyoung , Jung Minji , Park Ki‐Ho , Chong Youhoon
Published: June 2018

Outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria continues to be the biggest hurdle in developing new antimicrobials that target these notorious antibiotic‐resistant pathogens. In this study, based on the previously identified bacterial membrane‐permeabilizing effect of 7‐O‐pivaloxymethyl quercetin (Q‐POM), we investigated bactericidal activity of various antibiotics against Gram‐negative bacteria upon combination with Q‐POM. Carbapenem‐susceptible and resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Enterobacteriaceae (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli) were evaluated for their antibacterial activity in the presence of Q‐POM, which effectively sensitized both carbapenem‐sensitive and resistant P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii to antibiotics. In particular, in the presence of Q‐POM, the carbapenem‐resistant strains, CRPA and CRAB, were sensitized to the antibiotics, and, approximately, 2–64 times decrease in MIC values were observed. Most combinations of antibiotics with Q‐POM turned out to be synergistic or partially synergistic and, among those, combination of CAZ or FEP with Q‐POM showed strong synergy against CRAB.
Development and validation of HPTLC and green HPLC methods for determination of furosemide, spironolactone and canrenone, in pure forms, tablets and spiked human plasma
Authors: Naguib Ibrahim A. , Abdelaleem Eglal A. , Emam Aml A. , Ali Nouruddin W. , Abdallah Fatma F.
Published: June 2018

Two selective and accurate chromatographic methods are presented for simultaneous quantitation of spironolactone (SP) and furosemide (FR) and canrenone (CN), the main degradation product and the main active metabolite of SP. Method A was HPTLC, where separation was completed on silica gel HPTLC F254 plates using ethyl acetate–triethylamine–acetic acid (9:0.7:0.5, by volume) as a developing system and UV detection at 254 nm. Method B was a green isocratic RP‐HPLC utilizing a C18 (4.6 × 100 mm) column, the mobile phase consisting of ethanol–deionized water (45: 55, v/v) and UV estimation at 254 nm. Adjustment of flow rate at 1 mL/min and pH at 3.5 with glacial acetic acid was done. Regarding the greenness profile, the proposed RP‐HPLC method is greener than the reported one. ICH guidelines were followed to validate the developed methods. Successful applications of the developed methods were revealed by simultaneous determination of FR, SP and CN in pure forms and plasma samples in the ranges of 0.2–2, 0.05–2.6 and 0.05–2 μg/band for method A and 5–60, 2–60 and 2–60 μg/mL for method B for FR, SP and CN, respectively.
Taq1A polymorphism and medication effects on inhibitory action control in Parkinson disease
Authors: McDonell Katherine E. , van Wouwe Nelleke C. , Harrison Madaline B. , Wylie Scott A. , Claassen Daniel O.
Published: June 2018

Background

Dopamine therapy in Parkinson disease (PD) can have differential effects on inhibitory action control, or the ability to inhibit reflexive or impulsive actions. Dopamine agonist (DAAg) medications, which preferentially target D2 and D3 receptors, can either improve or worsen control of impulsive actions in patients with PD. We have reported that the direction of this effect depends on baseline levels of performance on inhibitory control tasks. This observation suggests that there may exist certain biologic determinants that contribute to these patient‐specific differences. We hypothesized that one important factor might be functional polymorphisms in D2‐like receptor genes.

Aim

The goal of this study was to determine whether the direction of DAAg effects on inhibitory control depends on functional polymorphisms in the DRD2 and DRD3 genes.

Methods

Twenty‐eight patients with PD were genotyped for known functional polymorphisms in DRD2 (rs6277 and rs1800497) and DRD3 (rs6280) receptors. These patients then completed the Simon conflict task both on and off DAAg therapy in a counterbalanced manner.

Results

We found that patients with the rs1800497 Taq1A (A1) polymorphism (A1/A1 or A1/A2: 11 subjects) showed improved proficiency to suppress impulsive actions when on DAAg; conversely, patients with the A2/A2 allele (14 patients) became less proficient at suppressing incorrect response information on DAAg therapy (Group × Medication, F(1, 23) = 5.65, p < 0.05). Polymorphisms in rs6277 and rs6280 were not associated with a differential medication response.

Conclusion

These results suggest that certain DRD polymorphisms may determine the direction of DAAg effects on critical cognitive control processes impaired in PD. Our findings have implications for understanding pharmacogenomics interactions on a larger scale and the role these may play in the wide variability of treatment effects seen in the PD population.
A prognostic model, including the EBV status of tumor cells, for primary gastric diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in the rituximab era
Authors: Ishikawa Eri , Tanaka Tsutomu , Shimada Kazuyuki , Kohno Kei , Satou Akira , Eladl Ahmed E. , Sakakibara Ayako , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Funasaka Kohei , Miyahara Ryoji , Nakamura Masanao , Goto Hidemi , Nakamura Shigeo , Kato Seiichi , Hirooka Yoshiki
Published: June 2018

EBV‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS), often affects the gastrointestinal tract. However, the prognostic significance of EBV associated with primary gastric DLBCL (gDLBCL) has not been established. This retrospective study included 240 patients with primary gDLBCL, diagnosed between 1995 and 2015. Tumor specimens were analyzed with EBER in situ hybridization. In 25 (10%) cases, tumor cells harbored EBV. The EBV+ group more frequently exhibited programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression in microenvironment immune cells, but not tumor cells, compared to the EBV− group (86% vs 43%, P = .006). Among 156 patients that received rituximab‐containing chemotherapy, the EBV+ group had a significantly worse overall survival (OS) than the EBV− group (P = .0029). Multivariate analyses identified 3 independent adverse prognostic factors of OS: multiple gastric lesions (P = .002), EBER positivity (P = .003), and B symptoms (P = .018). These factors were combined to develop a gDLBCL prognostic (gDLP) model that significantly stratified the patients into 3 distinct risk groups (Scores: good = 0, intermediate = 1, and poor = 2/3, P < .0001) with 5‐year OS rates of 100%, 81%, and 39%, respectively. Patients with EBV+ gDLBCL commonly exhibited microenvironmental PD‐L1 expression and showed a significantly worse prognosis than subjects with EBV− gDLBCL. Our gDLP model, which included EBV+ tumor cells, provided good predictions of clinical outcome and may be useful for selecting patients in trials in the immune‐oncology era.
Targeted photodynamic therapy of cancer using a novel gallium (III) tris (ethoxycarbonyl) corrole conjugated‐mAb directed against cancer/testis antigens 83
Authors: Ye Ziyu , Liang Yanfang , Ma Yan , Lin Bihua , Cao Longbin , Wang Bin , Zhang Zhao , Yu Haibo , Li Jixia , Huang Mingyuan , Zhou Keyuan , Zhang Qunzhou , Liu Xinguang , Zeng Jincheng
Published: June 2018

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a noninvasive, highly selective approach to the treatment of tumors. However, its therapeutic effect is limited by long‐lasting skin phototoxicity. Therefore, to compromise this shortcoming, it is preferable to deliver photosensitizers selectively to tumor cells with the aid of antibodies specific against tumor‐associated antigens. Cancer/testis antigens 83 (CT83), also called KK‐LC‐1 or CXorf61, recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), has become a promising target for immunotherapy. Herein, we developed and characterized a novel mouse CT83 mAb 7G4 with a high affinity with Gallium (III) 5, 10, 15‐tris (ethoxycarbonyl) corrole (1‐Ga), a new and promising photosensitizer in PDT. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry and cytotoxicity activity assays revealed that 7G4‐1‐Ga was able to recognize human CT83 with high specificity. Furthermore, 7G4‐1‐Ga showed greater cytotoxicity to CT83‐expressing human cancer cells in vitro than 1‐Ga. These results suggest that the antibody‐conjugated photosensitizer between anti‐CT83 mAb and 1‐Ga may have a good application in PDT, where the destruction of CT83‐expressing tumor is required.
Challenges and prospects of competency‐based education: The case of adama science and technology university alumni students and hawas TVET college, adama, ethiopia
Authors: Likisa Kumsa Donis
Published: June 2018

Background

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is one of the salient priority areas in Ethiopian education system. TVET was designed to redress the challenges of poverty, unemployment, low technological development, and low productivity of the economy (MoE, ). The TVET along with competency‐based education (CBE) was introduced in Ethiopia in 2004 in response to the skill needs of the labor market (MoE, 2006).

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to examine whether the TVET curricula clearly aligned with occupational standards to ensure graduates’ employability. It was also to examine whether the curriculum is adequate to ensure entry‐level competence.

Methods

The main sources of information were three experts from center of competency, 64 teachers and 210 selected alumni students of Adama Science and Technology University. Questionnaire was used to gather information from the research participants. In the analysis of data, descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages and mean scores were employed.

Results

From the analysis of data, it was found that CBE is not clearly aligned with occupational standards. Also, teachers, Center of Competency (CoC) experts, and alumni students’ awareness of the nature, focus, assessment, and curriculum development of CBE was found to be inadequate.

Conclusion

This study showed the need to align CBE with occupational standards to ensure entry‐level competence. There is also a need to create awareness about the nature, focus, assessment and curriculum development of CBE among curriculum designers/teachers.
Cyclic thrombocytopenia with statistically significant neutrophil oscillations
Authors: Langlois Gabriel P. , Arnold Donald M. , Potts Jayson , Leber Brian , Dale David C. , Mackey Michael C.
Published: June 2018

Key Clinical Message

Cyclic thrombocytopenia is often misdiagnosed as immune thrombocytopenia due to similar clinical features, a fact of significance because cyclic thrombocytopenia generally responds poorly to treatments used successfully in immune thrombocytopenia. A precise diagnosis must establish the statistical significance of periodicity of the platelet counts using statistical methods (eg, Lomb‐Scargle periodogram).
Acupuncture point injection markedly improved sensory symptoms and motor signs in 2 patients with restless legs syndrome
Authors: Fukutome Takero
Published: June 2018

Key Clinical Message

The acuinjections at acupuncture points (GB41, BL60, ST36, and SP6) provide immediate relief of sensory symptoms and motor signs of restless legs symptom (RLS). An acuinjection can be promising and safe alternative treatment for pharmacotherapy in patients of RLS.
Formation and Extractive Desulfurization Mechanisms of Aromatic Acid Based Deep Eutectic Solvents: An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Zhao Xiuxiu , Zhu Guoqiang , Jiao Lingying , Yu Fengli , Xie Congxia
Published: June 2018

The formation and extractive desulfurization (EDS) mechanisms of aromatic acid based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were studied experimentally and through quantum chemistry calculations. Hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces were investigated as the driving forces for the formation of aromatic acid based DESs by means of 1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations. The driving forces of EDS were also studied. The results showed that van der Waals forces and other weak interactions were the main diving forces for EDS, and the structures of the aromatic acid based DESs did not change after EDS. The interaction energy between the aromatic acid based DESs and thiophene (TH), benzothiophene (BT), and dibenzothiophene (DBT) were calculated by DFT to understand the EDS order: TH<BT<DBT. Moreover, the optimal EDS conditions were studied. The amount of BT (500 ppm) was reduced to below 10 ppm under the optimal conditions of using triethylamine/o‐hydroxybenzoic acid ([TEA]/[OHBA]). The desulfurization efficiency of [TEA]/[OHBA] was stable after ten cycles, and the mechanical loss of [TEA]/[OHBA] could be ignored.
Selective Synthesis of a Series of Isostructural MIICuI Heterobimetallic Complexes Spontaneously Assembled by an Unsymmetrical Naphthyridine‐Based Ligand
Authors: Nicolay Amélie , Tilley T. Don
Published: June 2018

Metal–metal cooperation is integral to the function of many enzymes and materials, and model complexes hold enormous potential for providing insights into the capabilities of analogous multimetallic cores. However, the selective synthesis of heterobimetallic complexes still presents a significant challenge, especially for systems that hold the metals in close proximity and feature open or reactive coordination sites for both metals. To address this issue, a rigid, naphthyridine‐based dinucleating ligand featuring distinct binding environments was synthesized. This ligand enables the selective synthesis of a series of MIICuI bimetallic complexes (M=Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn), in which each metal center exclusively occupies its preferred binding pocket, from simple chloride salts. The precision of this selectivity is evident from cyclic voltammetry, ESI‐MS and anomalous X‐ray diffraction measurements.
Synergy of Axial and Point Chirality to Construct Helical N‐Heterotriangulene‐Based Supramolecular Polymers
Authors: Dorca Yeray , Valera Jorge S. , Cerdá Jesús , Aragó Juan , Gómez Rafael , Ortí Enrique , Sánchez Luis
Published: June 2018

We report on the cooperative supramolecular polymerization of a series of N‐heterotriangulenes that aggregate into helical columnar stacks by the operation of H‐bonding interactions between the peripheral amide groups and π‐stacking of the central aromatic moieties. The helical outcome of the highly stable supramolecular polymers stems from the joint effect of the point chirality dictated by the stereogenic centers at the side chains that, in turn, conditions the molecular atropisomerism generated by the restricted rotation of the peripheral benzamide moieties affording a propeller‐like geometry. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example in which two different elements of asymmetry act together to bias the helicity of chiral supramolecular polymers.
Differentially localized survivin and STAT3 as markers of gastric cancer progression: Association with Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Pandey Arvind , Tripathi Satyendra Chandra , Shukla Shirish , Mahata Sutapa , Vishnoi Kanchan , Misra Sri Prakash , Misra Vatsala , Mitra Sankar , Dwivedi Manisha , Bharti Alok C.
Published: June 2018

Background

Localization and differential expression of STAT3 and survivin in cancer cells are often related to distinct cellular functions. The involvement of survivin and STAT3 in gastric cancer has been reported in separate studies but without clear understanding of their kinetics in cancer progression.

Methods

We examined intracellular distribution of STAT3 and survivin in gastric adenocarcinoma and compared it with normal and precancer tissues using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Analysis of a total of 156 gastric samples comprising 61 histologically normal, 30 precancerous tissues (comprising intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia), and 65 adenocarcinomas, collected as endoscopic biopsies from treatment naïve study participants, revealed a significant (P < .001) increase in overall protein levels. Survivin expression was detectable in both cytoplasmic (90.8%) and nuclear (87.7%) compartments in gastric adenocarcinomas lesions. Precancerous dysplastic gastric lesions exhibited a moderate survivin expression (56.7%) localized in cytoplasmic compartment. Similarly, STAT3 and pSTAT3 expression was detected at high level in gastric cancer lesions. The levels of compartmentalized expression of survivin and STAT3/pSTAT3 correlated in precancerous and adenocarcinoma lesions. Although overexpression of these proteins was found associated with the tobacco use and alcohol consumption, their expression invariably and strongly correlated with concurrent Helicobacter pylori infection. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of nuclear survivin, STAT3, and pSTAT3 in different study groups showed acceptable positive and negative predictive values with area under the curve above 0.8 (P < .001).

Conclusion

Overall, our results suggest that overall increase in survivin and STAT3 and their subcellular localization are key determinants of gastric cancer progression, which can be collectively used as potential disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets for gastric cancer.
Photoluminescent Carbon Dots: A Mixture of Heterogeneous Fractions
Authors: Zhou Yiqun , Liyanage Piumi Y. , Geleroff Daniel L. , Peng Zhili , Mintz Keenan J. , Hettiarachchi Sajini D. , Pandey Raja R. , Chusuei Charles C. , Blackwelder Patricia L. , Leblanc Roger M.
Published: June 2018

Photoluminescent carbon dots (CDs) fractions have been isolated from a gel‐like material (GM), which was synthesized using a convenient one‐step solvothermal route. In terms of purification, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and dialysis were compared with acetone wash, which revealed the advantage of acetone wash. The pre‐purified GM with acetone wash (A‐GM) was further isolated by the reversed‐phase preparative thin layer chromatography (TLC) with acetonitrile−water mixture (7 : 3; va/vw) as the developing solvent. As a result, there were four photoluminescent bands on the TLC plate, which indicated the presence of four photoluminescent fractions. Detailed characterization measurements such as UV/Vis absorption, fluorescence emission, attenuated total reflection Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, zeta potential, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, and TEM measurements were performed on all fractions to analyze their heterogeneous optical, structural, electrical, and morphological properties. Considering the comprehensive analysis, all isolated fractions were CDs. In addition, excitation wavelength‐independent CDs were obtained with a mean size of 2.5 nm and high quantum yield (55 %). Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the excitation wavelength‐dependent photoluminescence of GM could result from the mixture of different surface states of each CD fraction rather than multiple surface states of uniform CDs nanoparticles.
Assessing Elementary Teachers' Content Knowledge for Teaching Science for theETS® Educator Series: Pilot Results
Authors: Mikeska Jamie N. , Kurzum Christopher , Steinberg Jonathan H. , Xu Jun
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this report is to examine the performance of assessment items designed to measure elementary teachers' content knowledge for teaching (CKT) science as part of theETS® Educator Series. The Elementary Education: CKT Science assessment is 1 component of licensure examination through thePRAXIS® assessments. The Elementary Education: CKT Science assessment is designed to determine whether kindergarten through 6th‐grade elementary teacher candidates have the essential content knowledge needed for teaching elementary science as new teachers at the entry level. This report provides information about the development of the Elementary Education: CKT Science framework and the associated assessment items. The main part of the report focuses on the evidence gathered when piloting 104 CKT science assessment items with 417 preservice and novice elementary teachers. This evidence included the following: (a) how these new CKT science assessment items function, including their item difficulties and discrimination, and reliabilities of the pilot forms and of the classification of examinees; (b) how teachers perceive the importance and relevance of these new assessment items; (c) how teachers' performances on these items relate to their background characteristics and professional and academic preparation; and (d) how teachers' performances on the CKT science items compare to their performances on an assessment designed to measure only their science subject matter knowledge.
Marking the boundaries of stratigraphy: Is stratigraphy able and willing to define, describe and explain the Anthropocene?
Authors: Lundershausen Johannes‐Georg
Published: June 2018

This paper investigates the involvement of the stratigraphic community in the endeavour of defining the Anthropocene. Although much of the debate about the Anthropocene takes place outside of stratigraphy, the concept of the Anthropocene derives its distinctiveness and popularity from its geological dimension. In this context, the epistemic authority of stratigraphy is extended from ratifying geological epochs to verifying the Anthropocene more generally. The paper conceptualises this authority and examines the published stratigraphic literature to determine to what extent the stratigraphic community is able and willing to assume it. In doing so, the paper demonstrates how stratigraphy co‐produces its epistemic authority in regards to the Anthropocene.
Hybrid methods for shotcrete and segmental linings tunnel shells – Combining displacement and rotation measurements with computational multiscale mechanics
Authors: Pichler Bernhard , Hellmich Christian
Published: June 2018

This contribution highlights recent developments in the analysis and monitoring of tunnel linings based on so‐called hybrid methods. In this context, the word ”hybrid“ refers to a suitable combination of measurement data from geotechnical monitoring, with advanced simulation tools of engineering mechanics. The first part of this contribution refers to the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), where monitoring during construction includes daily measurements of the 3D displacement vectors of ”measurement points“ installed in ”measurement cross‐sections“. Shell theory‐informed spatial and temporal interpolation of the displacements between the aforementioned ”grid points“, allows for reconstructing the evolution of the displacement and strain fields throughout the tunnel shell. Feeding these fields into realistic thermo‐chemo‐mechanical, potentially multiscale, models for the chemically hardening and creeping shotcrete, allows for the determination of the lining stresses over time. The latter give access to corresponding safety indicators or utilization degrees considering the evolving strength of shotcrete; and they also allow for quantifying the traction forces acting from the rock mass, on the exterior boundary of the tunnel lining. The second part of this contribution refers to the first steps towards the hybrid analysis of segmental lining, as installed in mechanized tunnelling. Relative rotation angles, as measured, in the course of a full‐scale test, in the joints between adjacent segments of a segmental ring, are prescribed on a structural mechanics model based on analytical solutions from circular arch theory.
Detection of voids in the annular gap using ground penetrating radar and determination of the in‐situ deformation properties of pea gravel
Authors: Henzinger Michael R. , Willmes Michael , Lagger Manuel , Kathage Andreas F. , Moritz Bernd A. , Schubert Wulf
Published: June 2018

When using shield machines, the excavation support is established using prefabricated concrete segments. The structurally required cavity between the built ring and the rock mass is usually filled with pea gravel in hard rock conditions. The backfilled material ensures the necessary bedding and evenly distributes the rock loads. To evaluate the in‐situ deformation behaviour of pea gravel, a testing device was developed that measures the reaction of the backfill under load increase and load decrease on the basis of the static load plate test. The test is carried out via the opening for pea gravel injection. The results have shown that the elasticity of pea gravel is predominantly influenced by the load level and the type of loading.

Subsequently, the detectability of possible voids in the annular gap was evaluated by means of ground penetration radar. For this purpose, the feasibility of the measurements was confirmed by a numerical study. Furthermore, the boundary conditions and the propagation behaviour of the electromagnetic waves could be demonstrated. With calibration measurements, the electromagnetic properties of all components involved in the system segmental lining and annular gap were determined. An extensive series of analogue model tests confirmed the detectability of the transitions from dry, wet and water‐saturated pea gravel to water‐ and air‐filled voids. In the final series of experiments, the transition between pea gravel and hollow space in the annular gap was successfully detected at on‐site installed lining segments.
Many Roads to Another World
Authors: Deitelhoff Nicole , Daphi Priska , Anderl Felix
Published: June 2018

“Another World is Possible”: under this motto, a transnational movement is opposing neoliberal globalisation. While activists share an image of neoliberal globalisation as being unfair and destructive, the forms their protest takes are as varied as their short‐term and long‐term goals. A comparative perspective reveals how the repertoire of social movements forms and reforms.
Poorly Wired
Authors: Sommer Martin , Primaßin Annika
Published: June 2018

What happens in your head when the words get stuck? Stuttering can be associated with a high level of psychological strain. New studies, based on modern neurophysiological and MRI examinations, are helping researchers to understand the causes of this disorder in the brain, predict its progress more accurately, and improve stuttering therapy.
Crustal evolution in the South Tianshan Terrane: Constraints from detrital zircon geochronology and implications for continental growth in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Huang He , Zhang Zhaochong , Santosh M. , Cheng Zhiguo , Wang Tao
Published: June 2018

The South Tianshan Terrane (STT) is located in the boundary between the south‐western Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) and the Tarim Craton and is a key area for understanding the geologic and tectonic history of the craton and the orogenic belt. In this paper, we report detrital zircon ages from the Late Palaeozoic and Mesozoic clastic sedimentary rocks from the southern part of STT. In combination with the U–Pb ages for felsic igneous and meta‐igneous rocks exposed in the STT and adjacent tectonic units, we identify several distinct age populations. Provenance analysis suggests that the detrital zircon grains were predominately derived from the felsic magmatic rocks in the Tarim Craton and South Tianshan Terrane. The pre‐Neoproterozoic age populations may be associated with the early history of the Tarim Craton. Several pulses of Neoproterozoic magmatism are revealed by our dataset, presumably related to the assembly and break‐up of the supercontinent Rodinia. The 995 to 901 Ma detrital zircon grains were likely sourced from magmatic rocks associated with the assembly of Neoproterozoic Tarim to Australia. Among the age population of 886 to 752 Ma, the older group might be related to the subduction‐related magmatism after the assembly of Rodinia, and the younger one records a protracted magmatic event in a continental rift‐related setting associated with the break‐up of Rodinia. Two younger Neoproterozoic age populations (736 to 694 Ma and 665 to 610 Ma), showing narrow spreads with weak peaks, represent the waning stages of igneous activities related to the break‐up of Rodinia. Regarding the Palaeozoic evolution, together with other evidence, our data indicate a two‐stage subduction model for the SW Palaeo‐Asian Ocean. The 490 to 384 Ma age population corroborates the existence of Early Palaeozoic continental arc magmatism at the northern margin of Palaeozoic Tarim generated by the bidirectional subduction of the South Tianshan Ocean. After a ~30 My period of tectonomagmatic quiescence, the second stage is marked by the northward subduction of the South Tianshan Terrane during Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous. The final collision of Tarim and the south‐western CAOB likely occurred during the Late Carboniferous, followed by syn‐ and post‐collisional magmatism, as represented by the 320 to 265 Ma age population. Based on the detrital zircon ages in conjunction with the Hf isotopic features of zircons from Palaeozoic igneous rocks, our study does not support the model of large‐scale Phanerozoic net continental growth in the South Tianshan Terrane.
“Psychogeritechnology” in Japan: Exemplars from a super‐aged society
Authors: Leroi Iracema , Watanabe Kentaro , Hird Nick , Sugihara Taro
Published: June 2018

Background

The burgeoning field of gerontechnology, which is the interdisciplinary field of applying technology to ageing issues, has focused primarily on “active ageing” and maintaining independence for older adults. To date, there has been less focus on people who develop dementia. Here, we argue for the field of gerontechnology to have a greater emphasis on clinical applications for dementia. This can be captured under the rubric of “psychogeritechnology,” a term we have coined to describe the range of technology approaches to the prevention, prediction, screening, assessment, diagnosis, management, and monitoring of people at risk of, or living with, dementia.

Aim

Using Japan as the world's leading “super‐aged’ nation as a paradigm, the purpose of this paper is to provide a narrative review of the use of innovative technology for the diagnosis, management and support of people at risk of, or living with, dementia.

Methods

By following the “life course” of dementia, we will use clinical exemplars and case studies of psychogeritechnological applications from a Japanese context, specific to each stage of dementia, from the preclinical to the advanced stage. In the preclinical stage, the focus will be on prevention and early detection of degenerative cognitive‐functional trajectories. In the early‐stage of dementia, we will outline examples of screening, assessment, diagnosis, and clinical monitoring, as well as the use of technology to support independent living and autonomy. In the moderate stage, examples of safety monitoring systems, and assistive technology to foster independence, quality of life will be outlined. Finally, in the advanced stage of dementia, our focus will be on assistive technology in the care home setting, and the need to foster secure and efficient communication among care providers. We will discuss these applications in terms of the evolution of the “technological roadmap” for dementia, and the need for a theoretical underpinning for the field, a meaningful and flexible evaluation framework, and consideration of the “wider perspective” including safety‐critical issues, ethical issues, and the relation to policy and health economics.

Conclusions

Japan, as a rapidly ageing society, is on the forefront of developing technology to support people with dementia. The new field of psychogeritechnology must harness the potential of such developments, while furthering the methodology to implement and evaluate the changes.
How do industrial relations climate and union instrumentality enhance employee performance? The mediating effects of perceived job security and trust in management
Authors: Newman Alexander , Cooper Brian , Holland Peter , Miao Qing , Teicher Julian
Published: June 2018

In this study, we examine the effects of two key variables associated with union effectiveness on the job performance of employees, and the mechanisms that explain such effects. More specifically, we investigate whether employees' perceptions that their union has a constructive relationship with management (industrial relations climate) and is able to act as an agent for their concerns (union instrumentality) promotes their job performance by enhancing their perceived job security and trust in management. Drawing on three waves of data from 303 employees and their immediate supervisors within 17 private enterprises in China, we find employees' perceptions of union effectiveness influence their job performance by enhancing both their perceived job security and trust in management. These findings are consistent with social exchange theory and conservation of resources theory. This article contributes to the literature by improving our understanding of how unions influence employees' work performance and by explaining how employees' perceptions of the industrial relations climate and union instrumentality influence their job performance. It also sheds light on the important issue of the effectiveness of unions in China, a country where the centrality of the Chinese Communist Party is often considered to have reduced the instrumentality of unions.
Low thyroid‐stimulating hormone and its persistence beyond the first trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Fraenkel Merav , Shafat Tali , Cahn Avivit , Erez Offer , Novack Victor , Tsur Anat
Published: June 2018

Objective

To investigate predictors of low thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) persisting beyond the first trimester and associated pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed the association between low first‐trimester TSH and obstetric outcomes of singleton pregnancies in southern Israel between 2001 and 2011. We included women with first‐trimester TSH and at least one other THS measurement. Clinical data were from maternity and community medical records.

Results

Among 3761 women, 185 (4.9%) had a TSH of 0.10 mIU/L or less in the first trimester. Multiple of the median human chorionic gonadotropin was higher in women with TSH of 0.40 mIU/L or less versus 0.41–4.0 mIU/L, but was not associated with higher rates of persistent low TSH. Maternal age (odds ratio [OR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.16; per yearly increment), free thyroxine (FT4; OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03–1.20; per ng/dL increment), and TSH of 0.10 mIU/L or less (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.38–6.80 vs 0.21–0.40 mIU/L) were independent predictors of persistent low TSH. No adverse pregnancy outcomes occurred in women with low first‐trimester TSH.

Conclusions

Low TSH persisting beyond the first trimester was more common with increasing maternal age, elevated FT4, and TSH below 0.10 mIU/L, but was not associated with obstetric complications.
Isoform‐specific effects of transforming growth factor β on endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Sabbineni Harika , Verma  Arti , Somanath Payaningal R.
Published: June 2018

Endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT) was first reported in the embryogenesis. Recent studies show that EndMT also occurs in the disease progression of atherosclerosis, cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, and cancer. Although transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is crucial for EndMT, it is not clear which isoform elicits a predominant effect. The current study aims to directly compare the dose‐dependent effects of TGFβ1, TGFβ2, and TGFβ3 on EndMT and characterize the underlying mechanisms. In our results, all three TGFβ isoforms induced EndMT in human microvascular endothelial cells after 72 hr, as evidenced by the increased expression of mesenchymal markers N‐cadherin and α‐smooth muscle actin as well as the decreased expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Interestingly, the effect of TGFβ2 was the most pronounced. At 1 ng/ml, only TGFβ2 treatment resulted in significantly increased phosphorylation (activation) of Smad2/3 and p38‐MAPK and increased expression of mesenchymal transcription factors Snail and FoxC2. Intriguingly, we observed that treatment with 1 ng/ml TGFβ1 and TGFβ3, but not TGFβ2, resulted in an increased expression of TGFβ2, thus indicating that EndMT with TGFβ1 and TGFβ3 treatments was due to the secondary effects through TGFβ2 secretion. Furthermore, silencing TGFβ2 using small interfering RNA blunted the expression of EndMT markers in TGFβ1‐ and TGFβ3‐treated cells. Together, our results indicate that TGFβ2 is the most potent inducer of EndMT and that TGFβ1‐ and TGFβ3‐induced EndMT necessitates a paracrine loop involving TGFβ2.
In vivo antivascular endothelial growth factor treatment induces corneal endothelium apoptosis in rabbits through changes in p75NTR–proNGF pathway
Authors: Gharbiya Magda , Bruscolini Alice , Sacchetti Marta , Rosso Pamela , Carito Valentina , Segatto Marco , Fico Elena , Tirassa Paola , Lambiase Alessandro
Published: June 2018

Intravitreal injection (IVT) of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) agents is widely used for the treatment of retinal vascular diseases. Recently, the injection of anti‐VEGF agents in the ocular anterior chamber has been proposed for the treatment of neovascular glaucoma and potential side effects on the corneal structures have been investigated with contrasting results. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that VEGF inhibition is associated with cellular apoptotic changes and that this effect may be mediated by alterations in nerve growth factor (NGF) pathway. In this study, we demonstrated that anterior chamber injection (IC), but not IVT injection of two different anti‐VEGF agents, aflibercept and ranibizumab, affects rabbit corneal endothelium in terms of survival and apoptosis and is associated with changes in endothelial expression of NGF precursor (proNGF) and p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) receptor. We observed an increase in corneal endothelial cell incorporation of trypan blue and expression of cleaved‐caspase 3 (c‐Casp3), p75NTR, and RhoA after IC injection of both anti‐VEGF drugs when compared with the vehicle. Our results showed that apoptosis induction by aflibercept was more pronounced when compared with that of ranibizumab. Aflibercept also mediated a significant increase in endothelial expression of proNGF when compared with the vehicle. In line with these data, IC administration of both anti‐VEGF agents induced the activation of apoptotic signals in endothelial cells, including an increase in c‐Casp3, decrease in Bad Ser 112 phosphorylation, and unbalance of AKT phosphorylation. These results demonstrated that administration of anti‐VEGF in the anterior chamber of rabbit affects endothelial cell survival by inducing apoptosis through alteration of NGF pathway.
PTBP1 promotes the growth of breast cancer cells through the PTEN/Akt pathway and autophagy
Authors: Wang Xu , Li Yang , Fan Yan , Yu Xinmiao , Mao Xiaoyun , Jin Feng
Published: June 2018

Invasion and migration is the hallmark of malignant tumors as well as the major cause for breast cancer death. The polypyrimidine tract binding, PTB, protein serves as an important model for understanding how RNA binding proteins affect proliferation and invasion and how changes in the expression of these proteins can control complex programs of tumorigenesis. We have investigated some roles of polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) in human breast cancer. We found that PTBP1 was upregulated in breast cancer tissues compared with normal tissues and the same result was confirmed in breast cancer cell lines. Knockdown of PTBP1 substantially inhibited tumor cell growth, migration, and invasion. These results suggest that PTBP1 is associated with breast tumorigenesis and appears to be required for tumor cell growth and maintenance of metastasis. We further analyzed the relationship between PTBP1 and clinicopathological parameters and found that PTBP1 was correlated with her‐2 expression, lymph node metastasis, and pathological stage. This will be a novel target for her‐2(+) breast cancer. PTBP1 exerts these effects, in part, by regulating the phosphatase and tensin homolog‐phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PTEN‐PI3K/Akt) pathway and autophagy, and consequently alters cell growth and contributes to the invasion and metastasis.
Synthesis of Spirooxindoles through Cyclocondensation of Isatin and Cyclic 1,3‐Diones
Authors: Joshi Rahul , Kumawat Anita , Singh Saurabh , Roy Tapta Kanchan , Pardasani Ram T.
Published: June 2018

A simple, clean, and efficient method for the synthesis of spirooxindole derivatives via condensation of isatin with enolizable cyclic β‐diketones has been developed. The use of water as a solvent allows avoiding the use of toxic organic solvents, which makes this reaction safe and environmentally friendly. The mechanism of the condensation reaction has been investigated using first‐principles‐based density functional theory calculations.