bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulsed electromagnetic field and relief of hypoxia‐induced neuronal cell death: The signaling pathway
Authors: Gessi Stefania , Merighi Stefania , Bencivenni Serena , Battistello Enrica , Vincenzi Fabrizio , Setti Stefania , Cadossi Matteo , Borea Pier Andrea , Cadossi Ruggero , Varani Katia
Published: January 2019

Low‐energy low‐frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) exert several protective effects, such as the regulation of kinases, transcription factors as well as cell viability in both central and peripheral biological systems. However, it is not clear on which bases they affect neuroprotection and the mechanism responsible is yet unknown. In this study, we have characterized in nerve growth factor‐differentiated pheochromocytoma PC12 cells injured with hypoxia: (i) the effects of PEMF exposure on cell vitality; (ii) the protective pathways activated by PEMFs to relief neuronal cell death, including adenylyl cyclase, phospholipase C, protein kinase C epsilon and delta, p38, ERK1/2, JNK1/2 mitogen‐activated protein kinases, Akt and caspase‐3; (iii) the regulation by PEMFs of prosurvival heat‐shock proteins of 70 (HSP70), cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and Bcl‐2 family proteins. The results obtained in this study show a protective effect of PEMFs that are able to reduce neuronal cell death induced by hypoxia by modulating p38, HSP70, CREB, BDNF, and Bcl‐2 family proteins. Specifically, we found a rapid activation (30 min) of p38 kinase cascade, which in turns enrolles HSP70 survival chaperone molecule, resulting in a significant CREB phosphorylation increase (24 hr). In this cascade, later (48 hr), BDNF and the antiapoptotic pathway regulated by the Bcl‐2 family of proteins are recruited by PEMFs to enhance neuronal survival. This study paves the way to elucidate the mechanisms triggered by PEMFs to act as a new neuroprotective approach to treat cerebral ischemia by reducing neuronal cell death.
Distinct skeletal muscle molecular responses to pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cluster analysis
Authors: Kneppers Anita E.M. , Haast Roy A.M. , Langen Ramon C.J. , Verdijk Lex B. , Leermakers Pieter A. , Gosker Harry R. , van Loon Luc J.C. , Lainscak Mitja , Schols Annemie M.W.J.
Published: January 2019

Background

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a cornerstone in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), targeting skeletal muscle to improve functional performance. However, there is substantial inter‐individual variability in the effect of PR on functional performance, which cannot be fully accounted for by generic phenotypic factors. We performed an unbiased integrative analysis of the skeletal muscle molecular responses to PR in COPD patients and comprehensively characterized their baseline pulmonary and physical function, body composition, blood profile, comorbidities, and medication use.

Methods

Musculus vastus lateralis biopsies were obtained from 51 COPD patients (age 64 ± 1 years, sex 73% men, FEV1, 34 (26–41) %pred.) before and after 4 weeks high‐intensity supervised in‐patient PR. Muscle molecular markers were grouped by network‐constrained clustering, and their relative changes in expression values—assessed by qPCR and western blot—were reduced to process scores by principal component analysis. Patients were subsequently clustered based on these process scores. Pre‐PR and post‐PR functional performance was assessed by incremental cycle ergometry and 6 min walking test (6MWT).

Results

Eight molecular processes were discerned by network‐constrained hierarchical clustering of the skeletal muscle molecular rehabilitation responses. Based on the resulting process scores, four clusters of patients were identified by hierarchical cluster analysis. Two major patient clusters differed in PR‐induced autophagy (P < 0.001), myogenesis (P = 0.014), glucocorticoid signalling (P < 0.001), and oxidative metabolism regulation (P < 0.001), with Cluster 1 (C1; n = 29) overall displaying a more pronounced change in marker expression than Cluster 2 (C2; n = 16). General baseline characteristics did not differ between clusters. Following PR, both 6 min walking distance (+26.5 ± 8.3 m, P = 0.003) and peak load on the cycle ergometer test (+9.7 ± 1.9 W, P < 0.001) were improved. However, the functional improvement was more pronounced in C1, as a higher percentage of patients exceeded the minimal clinically important difference in peak workload (61 vs. 21%, P = 0.022) and both peak workload and 6 min walking test (52 vs. 8%, P = 0.008) upon PR.

Conclusions

We identified patient groups with distinct skeletal muscle molecular responses to rehabilitation, associated with differences in functional improvements upon PR.
Eccentricities in the flip‐graphs of convex polygons
Authors: Pournin Lionel
Published: January 2019

The flip‐graph of a convex polygon is the graph whose vertices are the triangulations of and whose edges correspond to flips between them. The eccentricity of a triangulation of is the largest possible distance in this graph from T to any triangulation of . It is well known that when all interior edges of are incident to the same vertex, the eccentricity of in the flip‐graph of is exactly , where denotes the number of vertices of . Here, this statement is generalized to arbitrary triangulations. Denoting by the largest number of interior edges of incident to a vertex, it is shown that the eccentricity of in the flip‐graph of is exactly , provided . Inversely, the eccentricity of a triangulation, when small enough, allows to recover the value of . More precisely, if , it is also shown that has eccentricity if and only if exactly of its interior edges are incident to a given vertex. When , bounds on the eccentricity of are also given and discussed.
Beyond HIV prevention: everyday life priorities and demand for PrEP among Ugandan HIV serodiscordant couples
Authors: Nakku‐Joloba Edith , Pisarski Emily E , Wyatt Monique A , Muwonge Timothy R , Asiimwe Stephen , Celum Connie L , Baeten Jared M , Katabira Elly T , Ware Norma C
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection is being rolled out in Africa. The uptake of PrEP to date has varied across populations and locations. We seek to understand the drivers of demand for PrEP through analysis of qualitative data collected in conjunction with a PrEP demonstration project involving East African HIV serodiscordant couples. Our goal was to inform demand creation by understanding what PrEP means – beyond HIV prevention – for the lives of users.

Methods

The Partners Demonstration Project evaluated an integrated strategy of PrEP and antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery in which time‐limited PrEP served as a “bridge” to long‐term ART. Uninfected partners in HIV serodiscordant couples were offered PrEP at baseline and encouraged to discontinue once infected partners had taken ART for six months. We conducted 274 open‐ended interviews with 93 couples at two Ugandan research sites. Interviews took place one month after enrolment and at later points in the follow‐up period. Topics included are as follows: (1) discovery of serodiscordance; (2) decisions to accept/decline PrEP and/or ART; (3) PrEP and ART initiation; (4) experiences of using PrEP and ART; (5) PrEP discontinuation; (6) impact of PrEP and ART on the partnered relationship. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed. We used an inductive, content analytic approach to characterize meanings of PrEP stemming from its effectiveness for HIV prevention. Relevant content was represented as descriptive categories.

Results

Discovery of HIV serodiscordance resulted in fear of HIV transmission for couples, which led to loss of sexual intimacy in committed relationships, and to abandonment of plans for children. As a result, partners became alienated from each other. PrEP countered the threat to the relationship by reducing fear and reinstating hopes of having children together. Condom use worked against the re‐establishment of intimacy and closeness. By increasing couples’ sense of protection against HIV infection and raising the prospect of a return to “live sex” (sex without condoms), PrEP was perceived by couples as solving the problem of serodiscordance and preserving committed relationships.

Conclusions

The most effective demand creation strategies for PrEP may be those that address the everyday life priorities of potential users in addition to HIV prevention.

Clinical Trial Number

NCT02775929
Transformational leadership and creativity: A meta‐analytic review and identification of an integrated model
Authors: Koh Dohyoung , Lee Kyootai , Joshi Kailash
Published: January 2019

We conduct a meta‐analytic review that yields important insights about the existing research on transformational leadership and creativity. Additionally, we propose and test an integrated model using meta‐analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) and full information MASEM (FIMASEM) techniques to better understand the intervening mechanism through which transformational leadership acts on creativity. The results of the meta‐analysis of 127 studies show that most of the bivariate relationships among transformational leadership, employee creativity, and pre‐identified mediators are significant; further, geographic base of studies significantly moderates some of the relationships. The MASEM results indicate that several mediators intervene in the relationship between transformational leadership and creativity. Although the total effect of transformational leadership on creativity is positive, its direct effect is negative when mediators are included. Additionally, there are significant relationships among the mediators that can be theoretically supported, but have not been investigated in prior transformational leadership and creativity studies. On the basis of these findings, we provide conclusions and directions for future studies.
Statistical shape modeling of femur shape variability in female patients with hip dysplasia
Authors: Gaffney Brecca M. M. , Hillen Travis J. , Nepple Jeffrey J. , Clohisy John C. , Harris Michael D.
Published: January 2019

Although increasing evidence suggests that abnormal femur geometry in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) may contribute to intra‐articular damage and the development of hip osteoarthritis, a comprehensive 3D description of femoral abnormalities in DDH remains incomplete. Statistical shape modeling (SSM) was used to quantify three‐dimensional (3D) geometric variation among femurs in female patients with DDH and control subjects. SSM correspondence points (n = 8,192) were placed on each femur using a gradient descent energy function to derive mean DDH and control femoral shapes and principal component analysis (PCA) was then used to describe shape variation. PCA results were associated with common 2D radiographic measures of femur shape using general linear models. For patients with DDH, the first eight principal components (modes) captured 90.9% of the cumulative variance accounted for (VAF). Notably, mode 2 captured 23.6% VAF and described variation in femoral version, the neck‐shaft angle, and femoral neck length, while mode 3 captured 16.4% VAF and described variation in femoral version, femoral head size, and femoral offset. SSM captured complex geometric deformities in DDH, which may not be fully described by 2D measures of the acetabulum and proximal femur alone. By determining the primary shape variations among femurs in cases of DDH, SSM may further understanding of pathologies on the femoral side of dysplastic hips, in context with more commonly recognized acetabular deformities. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Ambit‐GCM: An Open‐source Software Tool for Group Contribution Modelling
Authors: Kochev Nikolay , Paskaleva Vesselina , Pukalov Ognyan , Jeliazkova Nina
Published: January 2019

Ambit‐GCM is a new software tool for group contribution modelling (GCM), developed as a part of the chemoinformatics platform AMBIT. It is an open‐source tool distributed under LGPL license, written in Java and based on the Chemistry Development Kit. Ambit‐GCM provides an environment for creating models of molecular properties using additive schemes of zero, first or second orders. Ambit‐GCM supports a set of local atomic attributes used for dynamic configuration of desired atom descriptions, which are applied to define fragments of different sizes. All defined groups are exhaustively generated for each molecule from a training set of compounds and combined to form the basic set of GCM fragments. Additionally, Ambit‐GCM users can define correction factors via custom SMARTS notations or add externally calculated molecular descriptors. A molecular property model is obtained as a sum over all found groups by multiplying each group or correction factor frequency to its corresponding contribution. Multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) is used for group contributions calculation. Ambit‐GCM performs full statistical characterization of the obtained MLRA models via various validation techniques: external tests validation, cross validation, y‐scrambling, etc. The software can be optionally used only for molecule fragmentation combined with an external statistical modelling package for further processing. Ambit‐GCM example usage and test cases are given.
Singularity of Lotka‐Volterra models under unfoldings
Authors: Abu‐Rqayiq Abdullah , Barany Ernest
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we classify the singularity of a Lotka‐Volterra competitive model with a Gaussian competition function and non‐Gaussian carrying capacity functions. These functions need not be completely different to affect adaptive dynamics of the model. For instance, it will be seen how ostensibly similar models can actually give rise to quite different behaviors due to their properties under unfolding. The use of Gaussian‐like carrying capacity functions can also show the sensitivity of the model to assumptions on the carrying capacity function's shapes. The classification is achieved using singularity theory of fitness functions under dimorphism equivalence. We also investigate the effect of the presence of unfolding and bifurcation parameters on the evolution of the system near its singular points. Particularly, we study the adaptive dynamics of the system near the singularity by focusing on ESS and CvSS types, and dimorphisms. Mutual invasibility plots are used to show regions of coexistence.
Solution of parabolic free boundary problems using transmuted heat polynomials
Authors: Kravchenko Igor V. , Kravchenko Vladislav V. , Torba Sergii M.
Published: January 2019

A numerical method for free boundary problems for the equation

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma5483:mma5483-math-0001
is proposed. The method is based on recent results from transmutation operators theory allowing one to construct efficiently a complete system of solutions for the above equation, generalizing the system of heat polynomials. The corresponding implementation algorithm is presented.
Oscillation result for half‐linear dynamic equations on timescales and its consequences
Authors: Hasil Petr , Veselý Michal
Published: January 2019

We study oscillatory properties of half‐linear dynamic equations on timescales. Via the combination of the Riccati technique and an averaging method, we find the domain of oscillation for many equations. The presented main result is not the conversion of a known result from the theory of differential or difference equations, ie, we obtain new results for the timescales
(for differential equations) and
(for difference equations). Half‐linear equations generalize linear equations (in fact, they coincide with certain one‐dimensional PDEs with p‐Laplacian), but the main result is new also for linear differential and difference equations. The corresponding corollaries and examples are given as well.
The Revised D‐A‐CH‐Reference Values for the Intake of Vitamin B12: Prevention of Deficiency and Beyond
Authors: Ströhle Alexander , Richter Margrit , González‐Gross Marcela , Neuhäuser‐Berthold Monika , Wagner Karl‐Heinz , Leschik‐Bonnet Eva , Egert Sarah ,   for the German Nutrition Society (DGE)
Published: January 2019

Scope

The nutrition societies of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are the joint editors of the “D‐A‐CH reference values for nutrient intake”, which are revised regularly.

Methods and Results

By reviewing vitamin‐B12‐related biomarker studies, the reference values for vitamin B12 were revised in 2018. For adults, the estimated intake is based on the adequate serum concentrations of holotranscobalamin and methylmalonic acid. The estimated values for children and adolescents are extrapolated from the adult reference value by considering differences in body mass, an allometric exponent, and growth factors. For infants below 4 months of age, an estimated value is set based on the vitamin B12 intake via breast milk. The reference values for pregnant and lactating women consider the requirements for the fetus and for loss via breast milk. The estimated values for vitamin B12 intake for infants, children, and adolescents range from 0.5 to 4.0 µg d−1. For adults, the estimated values are set at 4.0 µg d−1, and for pregnant and lactating women, they are set at 4.5 and 5.5 µg d−1, respectively.

Conclusion

Based on the data of several vitamin B12 status biomarkers studies, the reference value for vitamin B12 intake for adults is raised from 3.0 to 4.0 µg d−1.
Bimodal intravascular volumetric imaging combining OCT and MPI
Authors: Latus Sarah , Griese Florian , Schlüter Matthias , Otte Christoph , Möddel Martin , Graeser Matthias , Saathoff Thore , Knopp Tobias , Schlaefer Alexander
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) is a catheter‐based image modality allowing for high‐resolution imaging of vessels. It is based on a fast sequential acquisition of A‐scans with an axial spatial resolution in the range of 5–10 μm, that is, one order of magnitude higher than in conventional methods like intravascular ultrasound or computed tomography angiography. However, position and orientation of the catheter in patient coordinates cannot be obtained from the IVOCT measurements alone. Hence, the pose of the catheter needs to be established to correctly reconstruct the three‐dimensional vessel shape. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a three‐dimensional tomographic, tracer‐based, and radiation‐free image modality providing high temporal resolution with unlimited penetration depth. Volumetric MPI images are angiographic and hence suitable to complement IVOCT as a comodality. We study simultaneous bimodal IVOCT MPI imaging with the goal of estimating the IVOCT pullback path based on the 3D MPI data.

Methods

We present a setup to study and evaluate simultaneous IVOCT and MPI image acquisition of differently shaped vessel phantoms. First, the influence of the MPI tracer concentration on the optical properties required for IVOCT is analyzed. Second, using a concentration allowing for simultaneous imaging, IVOCT and MPI image data are acquired sequentially and simultaneously. Third, the luminal centerline is established from the MPI image volumes and used to estimate the catheter pullback trajectory for IVOCT image reconstruction. The image volumes are compared to the known shape of the phantoms.

Results

We were able to identify a suitable MPI tracer concentration of 2.5 mmol/L with negligible influence on the IVOCT signal. The pullback trajectory estimated from MPI agrees well with the centerline of the phantoms. Its mean absolute error ranges from 0.27 to 0.28 mm and from 0.25 mm to 0.28 mm for sequential and simultaneous measurements, respectively. Likewise, reconstructing the shape of the vessel phantoms works well with mean absolute errors for the diameter ranging from 0.11 to 0.21 mm and from 0.06 to 0.14 mm for sequential and simultaneous measurements, respectively.

Conclusions

Magnetic particle imaging can be used in combination with IVOCT to estimate the catheter trajectory and the vessel shape with high precision and without ionizing radiation.
A numerical scheme for a kinetic model for mixtures in the diffusive limit using the moment method
Authors: Bondesan Andrea , Boudin Laurent , Grec Bérénice
Published: January 2019

In this article, we consider a multi‐species kinetic model which leads to the Maxwell–Stefan equations under a standard diffusive scaling (small Knudsen and Mach numbers). We propose a suitable numerical scheme which approximates both the solution of the kinetic model in rarefied regime and the one in the diffusion limit. We prove some a priori estimates (mass conservation and nonnegativity) and well‐posedness of the discrete problem. We also present numerical examples where we observe the asymptotic‐preserving behavior of the scheme.
Roads to Inequality: Infrastructure and Historically Grown Regional Differences in the Markham Valley, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Beer Bettina , Church Willem
Published: January 2019

Roads are one of the most salient symbols of development and modernity for rural citizens of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Multinational corporations, members of parliament, and villagers frequently point to roads as a key to development. However, while roads routinely improve the incomes of those connected, many of their effects are far less scrutable. Here, we examine the economic and social consequences of two roads, the Wau‐Bulolo Highway and Highlands Highway, for two villages in PNG's Morobe Province, and consider the processes that make their outcomes so different. Tracing the history of the two highways and considering a contrasting pair of case‐studies, we explore how roads simultaneously bolster income and drive interregional economic divergence. We demonstrate how the spatial and historical contexts the Highways run through, coupled with the relationships of patronage and dependence they rely on, produce contingent social outcomes and shape local ambivalence towards the outcomes of roads.
Stem cell membrane vesicle–coated nanoparticles for efficient tumor‐targeted therapy of orthotopic breast cancer
Authors: Tian Wen , Lu Jianbo , Jiao Dan
Published: January 2019

Nanoparticles‐based drug delivery strategies have been widely researched for cancer therapy. However, most of them are expected to accumulate in tumor sites via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, which is insufficient to deliver the loaded drug into tumors. Cell membrane–camouflaged nanoparticles have obtained much attention for their excellent stability and long blood circulation and reduced the macrophage cells uptake in drug delivery. Herein, bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cell membrane vesicle (SCV)–coated paclitaxel (PTX)–loaded poly (lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (SCV/PLGA/PTX) were fabricated as the efficient orthotopic breast cancer–targeted drug delivery system. The SCV/PLGA/PTX showed excellent stability, more controlled PTX release, and more effective antitumor effect in vitro. After administration in vivo, SCV/PLGA/PTX exhibited the long‐term retention and enhanced accumulation at tumor sites due to the immune escape and mesenchymal stem cell–mimicking cancer‐targeting capacity. As expected, the SCV/PLGA/PTX could significantly suppress the primary tumor growth by increased apoptosis and necrosis areas within tumor tissues and attenuated the toxic side effects of PTX in 4T1 orthotopic breast cancer model. The study indicated the mesenchymal stem cell membrane coating strategy was highly efficient for targeted drug delivery, which provided a new insight for precise and effective breast cancer treatment.
Facile fabrication and performance comparison of aramid‐nanofiber membrane formed by water or ethanol
Authors: Wu Yadong , Wang Fang , Huang Yudong
Published: January 2019

Favorable mechanical strength, thermal stability and transparency are important to polymeric composite membranes. Addressed herein is a facile fabrication and performance comparison of aramid nanofiber (ANF) membrane formed by water or ethanol. FTIR and XRD showed that no structural damage occurred in ANFs despite reduction in diameter. Both the two kinds of membrane demonstrated extraordinary thermal stability with a decomposition at above 500°C. High mechanical strength and different hydrophilic characteristics pave a way for expanding composites membranes with considerable attractive functionality. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2534–2538, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
High‐Efficient Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells with Low Temperature TiO2 Layer via UV/Ozone Photo‐Annealing Treatment
Authors: Chu Yinhuan , Cai Hongkun , Huang Like , Xing Zhixue , Du Yangyang , Ni Jian , Li Juan , Zhang Jianjun
Published: January 2019

A facile and low‐temperature solution processed UV/ozone process has been proposed for fabricating TiO2 layer, making it possible to fabricate planar perovskite solar cells at low temperature. UV/ozone photo‐annealing treatment could easily eliminate the organic components, resulting in high quality amorphous TiO2 films with high transparency, electrical conductivity, and hydrophilicity. In addition, perovskite solar cells with the UV/ozone‐treated TiO2 electron transport layer exhibiting the best power conversion efficiency of 11.58% for rigid substrate and 7.33% for flexible substrate, respectively. The results clearly indicate that UV/ozone photo‐annealing treatment is a simple and effective process of fabricating high performance flexible perovskite solar cells.
Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Super Paramagnetic Nanoparticles Grafted with PAMPS for Controlled Delivery of Cationic Drugs
Authors: Baghersad Mohammad Hadi , Jamshidi Sajjad , Habibi Aziziollah , Salimi Ali
Published: January 2019

The pH‐sensitive poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS) grafted Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs), as the polyanionic nanocarriers, were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform‐infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images were used to explore the shape, morphology and size of the NPs. Doxorubicin (Dox), an anticancer agent as the model drug, was successfully loaded on the synthesized NPs. The Dox‐loaded NPs exhibited different release profiles at various pH values. For example, the cumulative Dox release at pH 5.5 was about 2.6 times higher than that at pH 7.4. The cytotoxicity of the synthesized NPs with or without Dox were investigated in the vicinity of the human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) and HeLa cells using the 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay and the AO/EB (acridine orange/ethidium bromide) staining method.
2‐Aminobenzamide‐Based Factor Xa Inhibitors with Novel Mono‐ and Bi‐Aryls as S4 Binding Elements
Authors: Patel Nirav R. , Patel Dushyant V. , Kanhed Ashish M. , Patel Sagar P. , Patel Kirti V. , Afosah Daniel K. , Desai Umesh R. , Karpoormath Rajshekhar , Yadav Mange Ram
Published: January 2019

Factor Xa, a key serine protease in the coagulation cascade, has attracted a great deal of attention as a target for developing new antithrombotic agents. A series of novel alkyl, benzyl, biphenyl and substituted piperazine derivatives as S4 binding elements have been synthesized as potential human factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors with 2‐amino‐5‐chloropyridine as the S1 binding moiety. All the synthesized compounds were tested in vitro for FXa inhibitory activity by chromogenic substrate hydrolysis assay. The active compounds were selected to assess their ex vivo prothrombin time prolonging activity. Keeping in mind the promising in vitro and ex vivo profile of N‐(5‐chloropyridin‐2‐yl)‐2‐(4‐(2‐cyanophenyl)benzylamino)benzamide (16 f), it was selected for further in vivo evaluation of its antithrombotic potential. Structure‐activity relationship and molecular interaction analysis by the docking and dynamics studies within the series are discussed.
Influence of Mg‐promoted Ni‐based Catalyst Supported on Coconut Shell Carbon for CO2 Methanation
Authors: Li Xinkai , Wang Yuqi , Zhang Guoxia , Sun Wen , Bai Yukun , Zheng Lan , Han Xiaolong , Wu Le
Published: January 2019

This study aims to investigate the conversion of CO2 and H2 into CH4 under atmospheric pressure. A series of nickel‐based catalysts using coconut shell carbon were prepared by co‐impregnation method, and the coconut shell carbon carrier in the CO2 methanation demonstrated its advantage by comparison with the alumina and zirconia supports. Magnesium modified Ni/coconut shell carbon catalysts were studied to explore the catalytic performances, the morphology and properties of all catalysts were characterized by CO2‐TPD, XRD, SEM, BET, FTIR, TEM and H2‐TPR. Catalytic performances were experimentally evaluated in a fixed bed tubular reactor under atmospheric pressure, WHSV of 10,000 mlh−1g−1, and H2/CO2 molar ratio of 4/1. Experimental results indicated magnesium modified Ni‐Mg0.26/coconut shell carbon catalyst has outstanding activity and excellent stability, which performed the highest CO2 conversion (90.10%) and CH4 selectivity (99.22%) at 450 °C. The catalytic activity of Ni‐Mg0.26/ coconut shell carbon experienced 50 h stability evaluation, and no evident decrease was found during the methanation process.
Political identity dissimilarity, workplace incivility, and declines in well‐being: A prospective investigation
Authors: He Yimin , Costa Paula L. , Walker Jessica M. , Miner Kathi N. , Wooderson R. Linden
Published: January 2019

The workplace is an environment where individuals have little choice about with whom they interact. As such, employees may find themselves engaged in conversations with coworkers whose political opinions and perspectives are divergent from their own. In the present study, we examined how coworkers' (dis)similarity in political identity is related to the quality of their interpersonal interactions and subsequent well‐being. We predicted that political identity dissimilarity is associated with experiences of workplace incivility and, in turn, declines in psychological and occupational well‐being. We tested our hypotheses in a four‐wave survey study conducted during the 2012 U.S. presidential election using structural equation modeling. Consistent with our expectations, results indicated that political identity dissimilarity was associated with increased reports of incivility experiences instigated by coworkers, which, in turn, was associated with increased burnout and turnover intentions and diminished job satisfaction. The relationship between incivility and well‐being was mediated by psychological distress. Overall, the findings demonstrate that political identity dissimilarity is detrimentally related to job attitudes and well‐being via triggering workplace incivility, which provides meaningful implications for organizations on how to mitigate the negative influences of identity dissimilarity.
Transformation of the Nonprocessive Fast Skeletal Myosin II into a Processive Motor
Authors: Amrute‐Nayak Mamta , Nayak Arnab , Steffen Walter , Tsiavaliaris Georgios , Scholz Tim , Brenner Bernhard
Published: January 2019

Myosin family motors play diverse cellular roles. Precise insights into how the light chains contribute to the functional variabilities among myosin motors, however, remain unresolved. Here, it is demonstrated that the fast skeletal muscle myosin II isoform myosin heavy chain (MHC‐IID) can be transformed into a processive motor, by simply replacing the native regulatory light chain MLC2f with the regulatory light chain variant MLC2v from the slow muscle myosin II. Single molecule kinetic analyses and optical trapping measurements of the hybrid motor reveal marked changes such as increased association rate of myosin toward adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and actin by more than twofold. The direct consequence of high adenosine diphosphate (ADP) affinity and increased actin rebinding is the altered overall actomyosin association time during the cross‐bridge cycle. The data indicate that the MLC2v influences the duty ratio in the hybrid motor, suggestive of promoting interhead communication and enabling processive movement. This finding establishes that the regulatory light chain fine‐tunes the motor's mechanical output that may have important implications under physiological conditions. Furthermore, the success of this approach paves the way to engineer motors from a known motor protein element to assemble highly specialized biohybrid machines for potential applications in nano‐biomedicine and engineering.
Data‐driven multiscale sparse representation for bearing fault diagnosis in wind turbine
Authors: Guo Yanjie , Zhao Zhibin , Sun Ruobin , Chen Xuefeng
Published: January 2019

With the increase of the wind turbine capacity, failures occur on the drivetrain of wind turbines frequently. Since faults of bearings in the wind turbine can lead to long downtime and even casualties, fault diagnosis of the drivetrain is very important to reduce the maintenance cost of the wind turbine and improve economic efficiency. However, the traditional diagnosis methods have difficulty in extracting the impulsive components from the vibration signal of the wind turbine because of heavy background noise and harmonic interference. In this paper, we propose a novel method based on data‐driven multiscale dictionary construction. Firstly, we achieve the useful atom through training the K‐means singular value decomposition (K‐SVD) model with a standard signal. Secondly, we deform the chosen atom into different shapes and construct the final dictionary. Thirdly, the constructed dictionary is used to sparsely represent the vibration signal, and orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) is performed to extract the impulsive component. The proposed method is robust to harmonic interference and heavy background noise. Moreover, the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by numerical simulation and two experimental cases including the bearing fault of the wind turbine generator in the field test. The overall results indicate that compared with traditional methods, the proposed method is able to extract the fault characteristics from the measured signals more efficiently.
Structural Investigation of New Lithium Amidinates and Guanidinates
Authors: Liebing Phil , Harmgarth Nicole , Lorenz Volker , Zörner Florian , Hilfert Liane , Busse Sabine , Edelmann Frank T.
Published: January 2019

A series of potentially useful lithium amidinates and guanidinates were prepared and fully characterized. Treatment of N,N′‐diisopropylcarbodiimide with phenyllithium in diethyl ether afforded the lithium amidinate [PhC(NiPr)2Li(OEt2)]2 (1). Similar treatment of N,N′‐diorganocarbodiimides R′–N=C=N–R′ [R′ = iPr, cyclohexyl (Cy)] with secondary lithium amides LiNR2 [R2 = Et2, iPr2, (CH2)4] followed by crystallization from THF or 1,4‐dioxane gave the lithium guanidinates [R2NC(NR′)2Li(S)]2 [2: R = Et, R′ = iPr, S = THF; 3: R2 = (CH2)4, R′ = iPr, S = THF; 4: R = R′ = iPr, S = ½ 1,4‐dioxane; 5: R2 = (CH2)4, R′ = Cy, S = 1,4‐dioxane] as crystalline solids. Reaction of N‐lithioaziridine with the corresponding carbodiimides afforded solvent‐deficient [{C2H4NC(NiPr2)2}2Li2(THF)]2 (6), and [C2H4NC(NEt)(NtBu)Li(THF)]2 (7). Crystal structure determination revealed the presence of common ladder‐type dimeric structures for 1–5. Compound 6 exists as a dimer of two ladder‐type dimers in the crystal, and 7 exhibits an unusual dimeric structure comprising an eight‐membered C2N4Li2 ring.
Introduction
Authors: Dierksmeier Claus
Published: January 2019

This chapter addresses the question why we need to rethink the idea of freedom today in the era of globality. Open societies worldwide have come under increasing pressure lately, being accused of undermining the ecological and social conditions of their own sustainability. In the view of its critics, the idea of freedom no longer offers adequate normative guidance and should be partially corrected or even entirely replaced by countervailing values. But – this is the leitmotif of this chapter – are there not yet unexhausted ways to boost the resilience of the principle of liberalism? Could one revise the principle of liberty in order to revive it? Which traditional teachings of freedom philosophy can, or ought to be, rescued? Is a metaphysical foundation of the idea of freedom still necessary or permissible these days? Trying to answer these questions, this chapter analyses how certain approaches within liberal philosophy – centered on the bifurcation of negative versus positive freedom – faltered, and why a reconstruction of the liberal idea through the lens of quantitative versus qualitative freedom promises more success.
Conclusion
Authors: Dierksmeier Claus
Published: January 2019

This chapter begins with a summary of the results of all previous chapters and continues with the main lessons to be learned for liberal economics and politics. First and foremost, no theory of freedom can succeed that does not recognize the qualitative dimension of freedom; any reduction of the idea of liberty to quantitative metrics alone results in a ‘reductio ad absurdum’ or has to rely on an underhanded introjection of qualitative criteria. As a consequence, contemporary liberal philosophy should explicate these implicit qualitative dimensions of the principle of freedom so as to open their content up for academic scrutiny and public discussion. When, however, doing just this and while elucidating which reasons legitimate people’s right to liberty anywhere, we come to see that these very reasons commit us also to advance the freedom of people everywhere and at any time. In sum, individual freedom is not being curbed or curtailed by the call for cosmopolitan responsibility. Rather, through taking on this very responsibility, individuals as well as institutions come closer to the very core of the liberal idea – while at the same time making its reign more broadly acceptable and thus assuring its sustainability over time.
Quantum corrections and the de Sitter swampland conjecture
Authors: Dasgupta Keshav , Emelin Maxim , McDonough Evan , Tatar Radu
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Recently a swampland criterion has been proposed that rules out de Sitter vacua in string theory. Such a criterion should hold at all points in the field space and especially at points where the system is on-shell. However there has not been any attempt to examine the swampland criterion against explicit equations of motion. In this paper we study four-dimensional de Sitter and quasi-de Sitter solutions using dimensionally reduced M-theory that includes quantum corrections. These quantum corrections are found to allow for de Sitter solutions provided certain constraints are satisfied. A careful study however shows that generically such a constrained system does not allow for an effective field theory description in four-dimensions. Nevertheless, if some hierarchies between the various quantum pieces could be found, certain solutions with an effective field theory description might exist. Such hierarchies appear once some mild time dependence is switched on, in which case certain quasi-de Sitter solutions may be found without a violation of the swampland criterion.
Intestinal Perforation Secondary to Pits of Jujube Ingestion: A Single‐Center Experience with 18 Cases
Authors: Li Fei , Zhou Xin , Wang Bingyan , Guo Lei , Ma Yanpeng , Wang Dechen , Wang Liang , Zhang Li , Wang Hangyan , Zhang Lingfu , Tian Maolin , Tao Ming , Xiu Dianrong , Fu Wei
Published: January 2019

Background

Ingestion of jujube pits is a common clinical problem, which can be difficult to diagnose and life‐threatening if accompanied with intestinal perforation and peritonitis. In this study, 18 cases of intestinal perforation caused by ingestion of jujube pits were reviewed and summarized to discuss the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatments.

Methods

From 2012 to 2018, a total of 18 patients diagnosed as intestinal perforation due to ingested pits of jujube in our center were retrospectively reviewed and the manifestations, laboratory tests, imaging examinations and treatment strategies were summarized.

Results

The patients comprised of 11 males and 7 females with an average age of 63.5 years. The main clinical manifestation was abdominal pain. Twelve patients (67%) presented to the emergency department with signs of localized peritonitis. CT imaging revealed positive findings in 17 (94%) patients. Conservative treatments were attempted in 3 patients, and the other 15 patients received emergency surgical exploration, where 7 patients had more than one perforation identified during surgery. Five patients were admitted in the surgical intensive care unit after surgery. The average length of stay of all 18 patients was 9.8 days (range 5–24 days).

Conclusion

Ingestion of jujube pits is a common clinical problem and potentially leads to intestinal perforation and peritonitis. CT imaging is the first imaging modality of choice. Patients with milder symptoms might be managed with cautious conservative treatment, and patients with more than one perforation can be identified during surgery.
Level of agreement of point-of-care and laboratory HbA1c measurements in the preoperative outpatient clinic in non-diabetic patients who are overweight or obese
Authors: van Raalten Floris , Hiemstra Yasmine L. , Keulen Noor , van Duivenvoorde Yoni , Stoecklein Katrin , Verhagen Evert A. , Boer Christa
Published: January 2019

Implementation of point-of-care HbA1c devices in the preoperative outpatient clinic might facilitate the early diagnosis of glycemic disturbances in overweight or obese patients undergoing surgery, but validation studies in this setting do not exist. We determined the level of agreement between a point-of-care and laboratory HbA1c test in non-diabetic patients visiting the outpatient clinic for preoperative risk profiling. Point-of-care HbA1c levels were measured in whole blood obtained by a finger prick (Siemens DCA Vantage HbA1c analyzer) and in hemolysed EDTA blood in the central laboratory (LAB). Bland Altman and Clarke’s error grid analysis were used to analyze the agreement between the point-of-care and laboratory measurements. Patients (n = 49) were 55 ± 11 years old, 47% were male with a body mass index (BMI) of 30.6 ± 3.4 kg/m2. The mean HbA1c was 38.1 ± 3.7 mmol/mol or 5.6 ± 0.3%. One patient was diagnosed with a HbA1c indicative for diabetes mellitus (6.7%). Bland Altman analysis revealed a bias of − 0.53 ± 1.81 mmol/mol with limits of agreement of − 4.09 to 3.03 mmol/mol and a bias of − 0.05 ± 0.17% with limits of agreement − 0.39 to 0.28%. The percentage error was 9.2% and 5.9% for HbA1c expressed in mmol/mol and %, respectively. Clarke’s error grid analysis showed that 48 out of 49 measurements were located in area A (98%). Point-of-care HbA1c measurements showed a high level of agreement with the laboratory test in the outpatient setting, and may be used for preoperative risk profiling in patients prone to cardiometabolic complications.

Trial registration: Netherlands Trial Register NTR3057.
Modeling rational decisions in ambiguous situations: a multi-valued logic approach
Authors: Metzger Olga , Spengler Thomas
Published: January 2019

If a decision context is completely precise, making good decisions is relatively easy. In the presence of ambiguity, rational decision-making is incomparably more challenging. We understand ambiguous situations as cases, where the decision-maker has imprecise (uncertain or vague) knowledge that is acquired from incomplete information (without limiting it to probability judgements as in common terminology). From that, we assume that imprecisions in knowledge can affect all elements of the decision field as well as the objective function. For the modeling of such decision situations, classical logics are no longer considered as means of choice, so that we suggest using approaches from the field of multi-valued logic. In the present work, we take suitable calculi from the so-called intuitionistic fuzzy logic into account. On that basis, we propose a model for the formulation and solving of decision problems under ambiguity (in the general sense). Particularly, we address decision situations, in which a decision-maker has sufficient information to specify point probability values, but insufficient information to express point utility values. Our approach is also applicable for modeling cases in which the probability judgments or both, probability and utility judgements are imprecise. Our model is novel in that we combine core elements of established approaches for the formal handling of uncertainty (maxmin and$$ \alpha $$α-maxmin expected utility models) with the mathematical foundation of intuitionistic fuzzy theory.
THE ELECTORAL CLOUT OF UNIONS IN JAPAN: VOTE MOBILIZATION IN COMPANY TOWNS
Authors: Ikeda Fumi
Published: January 2019

Interest groups and other organizations are crucial vehicles for voter mobilization, but variations in their capacities are not well understood. To clarify the ways in which vote mobilization capacities vary, I analyze vote mobilization in two private-sector industrial unions supporting the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). The Japanese Federation of Textile, Chemical, Food, Commercial Service and General Workers’ Union (UA Zensen), has a very large membership but mobilizes few votes. The Confederation of Japan Automobile Worker's Unions (JAW), on the other hand, has fewer members but mobilizes more votes. In this article, I argue that unions whose constituent units operate company towns are most successful in mobilizing votes. Organizational capacity –independent of membership size – matters in the electoral arena. Using data from House of Councillors elections, I show that those industrial unions that include many enterprises with company towns have advantage in voter mobilization.
The Effect of European Intellectual Property Institutions on Chinese Outward Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Papageorgiadis Nikolaos , Xu Yue , Alexiou Constantinos
Published: January 2019

This study examines the role of the strength of the Intellectual Property (IP) institutions of 23 European countries in attracting Chinese Outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI) during the time period 2003–2015. Following a dynamic panel data analysis methodology, we find that the strength of IP institutions has a positive effect in attracting higher levels of OFDI from China. This is an important finding for the OFDI literature from emerging markets, since previous studies have researched this relationship from the OFDI perspective of developed countries. However, we also find a weak indication of a potential U-shaped relationship between the strength of IP institutions and Chinese OFDI. To better understand this relationship, we interact a European country's membership in the Former Eastern Bloc (FEB) with the strength of IP institutions and find a negative moderating effect. We therefore find that when investing in FEB countries, Chinese firms are attracted to weaker levels of IP institutional strength. The results of this study have important implications for future studies on the determinants of OFDI from emerging markets, as well as for European and Chinese businesses and policy-makers concerning the importance of IP institutional strength.
A note on rigidity theorem of λ-hypersurfaces
Authors: Wei Guoxin , Peng Yejuan
Published: January 2019

Self-shrinkers are an important class of solutions to the mean curvature flow and their generalization is λ-hypersurfaces. In this paper, we study λ-hypersurfaces and give a rigidity result about complete λ-hypersurfaces.