bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenging the orthodoxy on pupil gang involvement: When two social fields collide
Authors: Irwin‐Rogers Keir , Harding Simon
Published: June 2018

Based on fieldwork conducted in five alternative provision schools across three large cities in England, this article explores the relationship between young people's involvement in urban street gangs and their attitudes and behaviour in school. By applying and developing a lens of social field theory, the article highlights the ways in which gang‐involved young people navigate their way between two distinct social fields, namely that of the street gang and that of the school. Although pupil gang involvement can raise significant issues for schools, particularly around violence and educational engagement, our findings challenge the prevailing orthodoxy that depicts an entirely negative portrait of the effects of gang involvement on pupils’ attitudes and behaviour. Instead, through an analysis of interview and observational data, we argue that there is nothing inevitable about the internal logic of a gang social field permeating a school's gates. Young people involved in gangs do not typically spend their entire waking hours wedded to a ‘gang member’ identity—if they are given the opportunity to transition away from the gang social field when they enter the school gates, they will often embrace it. In short, the links between pupils’ involvement in gangs, violent behaviour in school and engagement in education are more contingent and nuanced than is suggested by the literature on gangs and schools to date.
‘Universal’ early education: Who benefits? Patterns in take‐up of the entitlement to free early education among three‐year‐olds in England
Authors: Campbell Tammy , Gambaro Ludovica , Stewart Kitty
Published: June 2018

For over a decade, all three‐year‐olds in England have been entitled to a free part‐time early education place. One aim of this policy is to close developmental gaps between higher‐income and low‐income children. However, the success of the initiative depends on children accessing the places. Using the National Pupil Database, we examine all autumn‐born four‐year‐olds attending in January 2011, and ask whether they started attending when first eligible, in January 2010. One in five children did not access their free place from the beginning, and the proportion is much higher among children from families with persistently low incomes. We also find differences by ethnicity and home language, but these factors explain only a small share of the income gradient. We go on to explore associations between non‐take‐up and local area factors. In areas with higher child poverty rates, take‐up is lower overall, but the gap between low‐income and other families is smaller. There are also various associations between take‐up and local proportions of different provider types (maintained, private, voluntary, Sure Start). In particular, the voluntary sector seems to have more flexibility than maintained provision to offer places in January, and more success than private providers in reaching children from lower‐income backgrounds. The analysis also highlights how take‐up overall is relatively high and the gap by income level is smaller in areas with more Sure Start provision. This suggests that aspects of Sure Start facilitated access among low‐income families, and could perhaps be replicated as implementation of the free entitlement continues to be expanded.
Das ungewöhnliche Leben der Malariaparasiten
Authors: Przyborski Jude , Ganter Markus
Published: June 2018

Malaria ist die wichtigste Infektionskrankheit, die von Krankheitsüberträgern (Stechmücken der Gattung Anopheles) verbreitet wird. Sich ausbreitende Resistenzen gegen Chemotherapeutika bedrohen die Erfolge der Malariabekämpfung der letzten Jahre. Ein umfangreiches Verständnis der ungewöhnlichen Biologie des Parasiten ist entscheidend, um dessen Schwachpunkte zu erkennen und für dringend benötigte neue Interventionsstrategien auszunutzen.
Vielfältiges Leben in Sand und Heide
Authors: Petrischak Hannes , Fürstenow Jörg
Published: June 2018

Nach vielen Jahrzehnten intensiver militärischer Nutzung sind die ehemaligen Truppenübungsplätze im Osten Deutschlands heute große, unzerschnittene Refugien der Artenvielfalt. Während an fast allen anderen Orten die intensive Landwirtschaft zahlreiche Arten unserer Kulturlandschaft auf die Roten Listen gefährdeter Tiere und Pflanzen beförderte, bieten ihnen Heiden und Trockenrasen auf den nährstoffarmen Böden der „Märkischen Streusandbüchse“ noch Lebensräume in einzigartiger Ausprägung. Um diese zu erhalten, bedarf es jedoch permanent gezielter Maßnahmen von Entbuschung und Beweidung bis zu mechanischen Bodenverwundungen und kontrolliertem Brennen, während einige Waldstandorte der Truppenübungsplätze ein großes Potenzial für eine ungestörte Wildnisentwicklung besitzen. Die Heinz Sielmann Stiftung verfolgt diese Naturschutzziele in Kombination mit der Ermöglichung von Naturerlebnissen in den Schutzgebieten.
Schillernde Widersacher: Goldwespen am Nistplatz von Bienenwölfen und Sandknotenwespen
Authors: Petrischak Hannes
Published: June 2018

Sommer ist Grabwespenzeit. Zahlreiche Arten bevorzugen sandigen Boden in sonniger Lage zum Anlegen ihrer Nester. Viel Platz benötigen sie oft nicht: Neben Kiesgruben und Sanddünen besiedeln sie auch unbefestigte Wege und deren Abbruchkanten sowie Fugen zwischen Pflastersteinen oder sogar locker bepflanzte Vorgärten. Bienenwolf (Philanthus triangulum) und Sandknotenwespe (Cerceris arenaria) können sogar mitten in der Stadt in großen Aggregationen nisten – und haben in Goldwespen wunderhübsche Gegenspieler.
Höhlenmalereien des Neandertalers
Authors: Sander Johannes
Published: June 2018

Neandertaler galten lange Zeit als nicht zu symbolischen Handlungen befähigt. Neu datierte Höhlenmalereien, sowie bemalte und perforierte Muschelschalen belegen jetzt, dass dieses Bild nicht stimmen kann: Ihrem Alter entsprechend kommt nur der Neandertaler als Urheber in Frage.
„Fake stars“ am Höhlenhimmel
Authors: Kronberg Inge
Published: June 2018

Bis zu 2000 Besucher täglich lassen sich in einem Boot durch die Höhlen von Waitomo (Neuseeland, Abbildung) gleiten und bewundern die glitzernden Lichter an der Höhlendecke. Man könnte sie für Sterne am Abendhimmel halten – und genauso geht es kleinen Insekten, die direkt zum Licht fliegen und dort an klebrigen Angelleinen hängen bleiben. Die Leinen werden von Larven der Langhornmücke Arachnocampa spp (Keroplatidae) eingeholt und die Beute gefressen. Das falsche Sternenlicht entsteht im Hinterkörper der Mückenlarven durch eine Luciferin‐Luciferase‐Reaktion [1].
„Irrtümer und Fälschungen der Archäologie“ im LWL‐Museum für Archäologie Westfälisches Landesmuseum Herne
Authors: Högermann Christiane
Published: June 2018

Auch seit Jahrzehnten als gesichert geltende Forschungsergebnisse und Maximen aus diversen Wissenschaftsdisziplinen hielten der Überprüfung mit modernen Untersuchungsmethoden nicht immer Stand. Die Sonderausstellung entlarvt etliche solcher „Fakes“ der biologischen und kulturellen Evolution des Menschen.
Nachrichten des Verbandes Biologie, Biowissenschaften & Biomedizin in Deutschland
Authors: Nellen Wolfgang
Published: June 2018

Wissenschaft & Gesellschaft

Genome Editing

March for Science 2018

Ausbildung & Karriere

Ars legendi‐Fakultätenpreis

Verband

In eigener Sache
Harnessing nanostructured systems for improved treatment and prevention of HIV disease
Authors: Monroe Maya , Flexner Charles , Cui Honggang
Published: June 2018

Combination antiretroviral therapy effectively controls human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral replication, delaying the progression to acquired immune deficiency syndrome and improving and extending quality of life of patients. However, the inability of antiretroviral therapeutics to target latent virus and their poor penetration of viral reserve tissues result in the need for continued treatment for the life of the patient. Side effects from long‐term antiretroviral use and the development of drug resistance due to patient noncompliance are also continuing problems. Nanostructured systems of antiretroviral therapeutics have the potential to improve targeted delivery to viral reservoirs, reduce drug toxicity, and increase dosing intervals, thereby improving treatment outcomes and enhancing patient adherence. Despite these advantages, very few nanostructured antiretroviral delivery systems have made it to clinical trials due to challenges in preclinical and clinical development. In this context, we review the current challenges in HIV disease management, and the recent progress in leveraging the unique performance of nanostructured systems in therapeutic delivery for improved treatment and prevention of this incurable human disease.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic lung tumor: its birth, its bleeding growth, its difficult diagnosis and its surgical end in a child
Authors: Pecoraro Luca , Clemente Maria , Tadiotto Elisa , Piacentini Giorgio , Pietrobelli Angelo , Degani Daniela
Published: June 2018

Key Clinical Message

The diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is based on radiology and histology. The treatment is surgical, and the prognosis is good. For this reason, although this lung disease is rare, when a child show up at hospital with an unknown hemoptysis, this medical condition should not be underestimated.
Physiologisches Upcyling von Formaldehyd
Authors: Hille‐Rehfeld Annette
Published: June 2018

Upcycling, die Herstellung nützlicher Dinge aus Abfallstoffen, ist keine neue Errungenschaft des Menschen. In der Natur funktioniert dieses Prinzip sogar mit Giftstoffen wie Formaldehyd. Eine Studie zur physiologischen Bildung und Verwertung von Formaldehyd wirft jetzt neues Licht auf den C1‐Stoffwechsel.
Enzym‐MOF‐Nanoreaktor gegen Krebs
Authors: Harrer Roswitha
Published: June 2018

Paracetamol ist ein weit verbreitetes Schmerzmittel und normalerweise nicht zellschädigend. Bestimmte Enzyme können es jedoch in ein Toxin verwandeln. Diese toxische Nebenwirkung möchte man natürlich nicht haben, wenn man Kopfschmerz oder Fieber behandelt. Krebszellen damit zu vernichten, klingt aber verheißungsvoll. Ein Forscherteam um Hong‐Cai Zhou von der Texas A&M University in den USA hat jetzt einen Nanoreaktor entwickelt, der diese Reaktion auslösen kann und damit Tumorzellen zerstört. Er besteht aus einem Verbund von einem Enzym und einer metallorganischen Gerüstverbindung, einem „MOF“.
A review of factors associated with maintenance of sinus rhythm after elective electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ecker Veronika , Knoery Charles , Rushworth Gordon , Rudd Ian , Ortner Astrid , Begley David , Leslie Stephen J.
Published: June 2018

Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart‐rhythm disorder, affecting about 1.5% to 2% of the population with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity due to stroke, thromboembolism, and heart failure. If the conversion back to sinus rhythm does not happen spontaneously, pharmacological or electrical cardioversion (ECV) is the next available treatment options for some patients. However, the long‐term success following ECV is variable. This review describes the factors that are associated with maintenance of sinus rhythm following ECV and proposes a clinical strategy based on the available evidence.
Self‐Aggregation of a Naphthalene‐Monoimide Amphiphile and Its Charge‐Transfer‐Complex Driven Morphogenesis in Water
Authors: Ghosh Subhajit , Pramanik Bapan , Das Debapratim
Published: June 2018

A detailed study on the self‐assembly of a naphthalene‐monoimide (NMI)‐containing amphiphile (A‐1) in aqueous medium is reported. The amphiphile forms micelles at a lower concentration and, with an increase in concentration, the micelles are transformed into vesicles. A detailed thermodynamic study reveals that the micelle‐to‐vesicle transformation is a spontaneous and entropy driven process. In the presence of an electron donor, 1,5‐dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN), the vesicles further transformed into tape‐like aggregates. A‐1 and DHN form a 1 : 1 charge‐transfer complex as shown from the ITC and absorption spectroscopic data. The charge‐transfer complexation was also found to be a thermodynamically favorable process. The tapes obtained from the charge‐transfer complexes were found to be more conductive that of the vesicles. Various spectroscopic, microscopic, ITC, XRD, and other techniques were utilized to reveal the underlying self‐assembly mechanism.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of the Novel Chymase Inhibitor BAY 1142524 in Healthy Male Volunteers
Authors: Kanefendt Friederike , Thuß Uwe , Becka Michael , Boxnick Stefanie , Berse Matthias , Schultz Armin , Otto Christiane
Published: June 2018

The orally available chymase inhibitor BAY 1142524 is currently being developed as a first‐in‐class treatment for left‐ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction. Results from 3 randomized, single‐center, phase 1 studies in healthy male volunteers examining the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of BAY 1142524 are summarized. In this first‐in‐human study, single oral doses of 1‐200 mg were administered in fasted state as liquid service formulation or immediate release (IR) tablets. The relative bioavailability and the effect of a high‐fat/high‐calorie meal were investigated at the 5‐mg dose. In a multiple‐dose escalation study, doses of 5‐50 mg twice daily and 100 mg once daily were given for 5 consecutive days. BAY 1142524 was safe and well tolerated and had no effects on heart rate or blood pressure compared with placebo. BAY 1142524 was absorbed with peak concentration 1‐3 hours after administration for IR tablets; it was eliminated from plasma with a terminal half‐life of 6.84‐12.0 hours after administration of liquid service formulation or IR tablets. Plasma exposures appeared to be dose‐linear, with a negligible food effect. There was only low accumulation of BAY 1142524 after multiple dosing. BAY 1142524 exhibited a pharmacokinetic profile allowing for once‐daily dosing. The absence of blood pressure effects after administration of BAY 1142524 supports the combination of this novel anti‐remodeling drug with existing standard of care in patients with left‐ventricular dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction.
Effect of Fe2O3 on steam gasification of subbituminous coal/woody biomass mixture
Authors: Shen Lingbo , Nakamura Ayano , Murakami Kenji
Published: June 2018

This study investigated the steam gasification of Indonesian Adaro coal and Japanese cedar mixed in a 1:1 ratio with the physical addition of 10 wt% Fe2O3 in 50 vol% H2O at ambient atmospheric pressure and 800°C for 1 h. The primary objective of this work was to examine the effectiveness of an iron catalyst on the interaction between Indonesian Adaro coal and Japanese cedar. The study demonstrated that the H2 evolution amount for co‐gasification of Japanese cedar and Adaro coal (with 1:1 ratio in weight) without a Fe catalyst was 100 mmol/g‐char. However, the H2 evolution amount for co‐gasification with the addition of Fe2O3 was 152 mmol/g‐char. The increase in the co‐gasification for H2 evolution was based on a change in the char structure during pyrolysis and gasification.
Visible light communication – An architectural perspective on the applications and data rate improvement strategies
Authors: Saadi Muhamamd , Ahmad Touqeer , Kamran Saleem M. , Wuttisittikulkij Lunchakorn
Published: June 2018

Demand for bandwidth hungry applications and mobile services is pushing an unquenchable need for wireless capacity. Existing radio frequency networks are characterized by shared medium, inadequate spectrum, and restricted user capacity. Solid state lighting is modernizing indoor as well as outdoor illumination. The capability of quick switching of light emitting diode makes them superior to other lighting sources enabling simultaneous use as a communication and illumination device. Visible light communication (VLC) using light emitting diodes is an attractive approach for many networking scenarios and is considered as a complementary technology for future heterogeneous wireless networks.

This article presents an architectural perspective on the applications and data rate improvement strategies. A wide range of VLC applications have been investigated, comparison has been drawn with radio frequency, and generalized network architecture is also proposed. Numerous applications of VLC are data rate intensive, so data rate improvement approaches have also been studied. At the end, a lucid conclusion is drawn about the applicability, acceptability, and utilization of VLC and co‐VLC–based systems.
‘No Evil is Without Good’: A Comparative Analysis of Pre‐pack Sales in the UK and the Netherlands
Authors: Kastrinou Alexandra , Vullings Stef
Published: June 2018

In the last decade or so, the pre‐pack has been widely endorsed as a significant rescue tool across a range of European jurisdictions. Although the seamless prepack can prove to be a very attractive method of affecting a corporate restructuring, a variety concerns nevertheless arise primarily due to the lack of transparency of the process. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the pre‐pack process in two different jurisdictions commonly regarded as creditor‐friendly, namely, the UK and the Netherlands. In addition, the aim of the article is to offer a comparative analysis of the approach taken in these two jurisdictions towards the pre‐pack, with particular regard placed on the perspective of secured creditors. Copyright © 2018 INSOL International and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parallel Reorganizations under the Recast European Insolvency Regulation – Selected EU Law Issues
Authors: Richter Tomáš
Published: June 2018

The Recast European Insolvency Regulation (EIR) (Regulation 2015/848) repealed the rules in Articles 3(3) and 27 of the original EIR (Regulation 1346/2000) that required that secondary insolvency proceedings take the form of a liquidation (winding‐up). As a result, European debtors may now attempt to resolve their cross‐border insolvencies via parallel reorganization proceedings conducted both in the Member State of the debtor's centre of main interest and in one or more Member States in which the debtor possesses an establishment. This article aims to take account of the principal rules of the Recast EIR which, in addition to the national laws of the Member States involved, will regulate such attempts. Upon the review of these selected rules, the article concludes that, in principle, the Recast EIR provides EU debtors with a feasible cross‐border platform to reorganize in more than one Member State in parallel. However, the article finds that a particular rule central to the system of cross‐border insolvency under the EIR, namely, Article 45, which allows the multiple filing of claims in all proceedings conducted in respect of the debtor, has the potential to frustrate attempts at parallel reorganizations. This is particularly so where the cross‐filing rule combines with Member State law that is rigid as regards plan approval by creditor classes or minimum payouts to certain classes. Copyright © 2018 INSOL International and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Luminescent Solar Concentrators Based on Aggregation Induced Emission
Authors: Pucci Andrea
Published: June 2018

A promising path to cost‐effective photovoltaic (PV) systems is sunlight concentration. Over classical non‐imaging geometrical concentrators, luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) possess several advantages: low cost and weight, elevated theoretical concentration factors and aptitude to efficiently working with diffuse light without tracking or cooling equipment. Although considerable progress has been made, current LSC‐PV systems attain low power conversion efficiencies due to critical processes that hinder their ability to deliver light to PV cells including fluorescence quenching due to dye aggregation. To overcome this issue, fluorophores with aggregation induced emission (AIEgens) have been proposed thanks to their high Stokes shift and quantum yield in the solid state. In this review, the current state of knowledge concerning the preparation of LSCs based on AIEgens is summarized with special reference on the strategy adopted aimed at increasing the absorption bandwidth while maximizing the solar collection.
Stain‐free interferometric phase microscopy correlation with DNA fragmentation stain in human spermatozoa
Authors: Barnea Itay , Karako Lidor , Mirsky Simcha K. , Levi Mattan , Balberg Michal , Shaked Natan T.
Published: June 2018

Acridine orange (AO) staining is used to diagnose DNA fragmentation status in sperm cells. Interferometric phase microscopy (IPM) is an optical imaging method based on digital holographic microscopy that provides quantitative morphological and refractive index imaging of cells in vitro without the need for staining. We have imaged sperm cells using stain‐free IPM in order to estimate different cellular parameters, such as acrosome dry mass and size, in addition to an embryologist evaluation according to the World Health Organization (WHO)‐2010 criteria. Following this, the same sperm cells were stained by AO, imaged using a fluorescence confocal microscope and assessed by the AO‐emitted color, forming five DNA fragmentation groups. These DNA fragmentation groups were correlated with the embryologist‐based classification and the IPM‐based morphological parameters. Our results indicate on significant differences in the IPM‐based parameters between groups with different fragmentation levels. Based on the validation with AO, we conclude that stain‐free IPM images analyzed digitally may assist in selecting sperm cells with intact DNA prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection. This information may potentially increase percentage of successful pregnancies.
Quality of life in celiac disease and the effect of gluten‐free diet
Authors: C Deepak , Berry Neha , Vaiphei Kim , Dhaka Narendra , Sinha Saroj K , Kochhar Rakesh
Published: June 2018

Background and Aim

Patients with celiac disease (CD) have a poor health‐related quality of life (HR‐QOL). We assessed the QOL in patients with CD using both generic (SF‐12) and specific (CD‐QOL) questionnaires, and the effect of gluten‐free diet (GFD) on HR‐QOL.

Methods

We conducted a prospective follow‐up study based on consecutive patients of suspected CD between June 2014 and November 2015. After taking a detailed history, all patients were subjected to laboratory investigations (including complete blood count, biochemistry, and the IgA tTG antibody), followed by endoscopy and duodenal biopsies for histopathology. The HR‐QOL was assessed using SF‐12 and CD‐QOL questionnaires. Patients who were strictly adherent to GFD were re‐assessed at the end of 6 months for laboratory parameters and QOL.

Results

Sixty adult patients of CD, with mean age of 28.85 ± 12.43 years, and a M:F ratio of 1.3:1, were enrolled in the study. The mean PCS (physical health composite scale score) and MCS (mental health composite scale score) at baseline were 37.20 ± 11.09 and 41.88 ± 8.39, which showed a statistically significant improvement after GFD to 50.30 ± 9.88 and 50.22 ± 9.04, respectively. Though there was no significant difference in the total CD‐QOL score after GFD, there was a significant improvement in the dysphoria and health‐concern subscales. We also found a negative correlation of the pre‐GFD symptom score (based on number of positive symptoms) with PCS and MCS and a positive correlation with the CD‐QOL score.

Conclusion

This study has shown a reduced HR‐QOL in adult CD patients, which improves significantly on GFD, and is associated with a higher symptom number.
Design and methodology of a study on colorectal cancer in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Bebington Brendan , Singh Elvira , Fabian June , Jan Kruger Christine , Prodehl Leanne , Surridge Daniel , Penny Clem , McNamara Lynne , Ruff Paul
Published: June 2018

Background and Aim

Cancer is one of the foremost causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed and fourth most important cause of cancer death. A total of 70% of all CRC‐related deaths occur in low‐ and middle‐income countries. In Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), estimating the burden of CRC is difficult. Only 27 of 43 SSA countries have formalized cancer registration systems; data quality is variable and national coverage rare.

Methods

This is a multidisciplinary, longitudinal cohort study started in January 2016. Patients >18 years with histologically confirmed primary adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum, diagnosed within the previous 12 months, are eligible. Participants were assessed and were followed up for 3 years. Baseline information, including demographics, socioeconomic status, family history, medical and surgical non‐cancer‐related history, dietary history, colonoscopic findings, staging at presentation, treatment, and disease recurrence, is collected, as well as blood tests and histology results. Outcomes include disease recurrence (local and metastatic) and survival.

Results and Conclusion

This study aims to describe the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of adults with CRC in a multiethnic, urban South African population. It will be the first prospective study to describe clinical presentation, demographics, risk factors, treatment, and outcomes according to population group, from both private and state health‐care facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa. The results of this study will be relevant not only to South Africa but also to other SSA countries undergoing similar rates of rapid urbanization and epidemiological transition.
Annulation of o‐Aminoquinoxaline‐1,4‐dioxidenitrile with Ketonic Compounds Under Friedländer‐type Cyclocondensation and its Biological Evaluation
Authors: Hamama Wafaa S. , Waly Sara M. , Said Samy B. , Zoorob Hanafi H.
Published: June 2018

The reaction of compound 2‐amino‐3‐cyano‐6‐methylquinoxaline‐1,4‐dioxide with cyclohexanone and dimedone in dimethylformamide in the presence of anhydrous ZnCl2 under Friedländer‐type cyclocondensation gave compounds 12‐amino‐9‐methyl‐1,2,3,4,12,12a‐hexahydroquinolino[2,3‐b]quinoxaline‐6,11‐dioxide (4), 7‐methyl‐4‐oxo‐3,4‐dihydro‐1H‐spiro[benzo[g]pteridine‐2,1′‐cyclohexane]5,10‐dioxide (5), and 12‐amino‐3,3,9‐trimethyl‐1‐oxo‐1,2,3,4,12,12a‐hexahydroquinolino[2,3‐b]quinoxaline‐6,11‐dioxide (6); (R)‐3′,3′,7‐trimethyl‐4,5′‐dioxo‐3,4‐dihydro‐1H‐spiro[benzo[g]pteridine‐2,1′‐cyclohexane]5,10‐dioxide (7) were achieved and evaluated their biological activity as antibacterial and antifungal activities and antitumor evaluation, and also, the density functional theory calculations were evaluated.
Synthesis of New [1,2,4]Triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine Derivatives: Reactivity of 3‐Amino[1,2,4]triazole towards Enaminonitriles and Enaminones
Authors: Alnajjar Abdulaziz , Abdelkhalik Mervat Mohammed , Raslan Mohamed Abdelmonem , Ibraheem Solwan Maher , Sadek Kamal Usef
Published: June 2018

A diversity of new 7‐substituted[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine and 6‐substituted[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine‐7‐amine derivatives has been synthesized via reaction of 3‐amino‐[1,2,4]triazole with enaminonitriles and enaminones. The regio orientation and the structure of the products were confirmed by spectral and analytical data and synthesis via an alternative route. The procedure proved to be simple, efficient, and high yielding, and diversities of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines were obtained.
A One‐pot Facile Synthesis of 2,3‐Dihydroxyquinoxaline and 2,3‐Dichloroquinoxaline Derivatives Using Silica Gel as an Efficient Catalyst
Authors: Zhang Pei‐Ming , Li Yao‐Wei , Zhou Jing , Gan Lin‐Ling , Chen Yong‐Jie , Gan Zong‐Jie , Yu Yu
Published: June 2018

An efficient one‐pot reaction has been developed for the synthesis of 2,3‐dichloroquinoxaline derivatives 3a–n. The reaction was performed in two steps via a silica gel catalyzed tandem process from o‐phenylenediamine and oxalic acid, followed by addition of phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3). A variety of 2,3‐dichloroquinoxalines have been obtained in good to excellent overall yields. Eight known compounds 3a–3h were characterized by IR, 1H‐NMR, and mass spectroscopies. Compounds 3i–3n without spectroscopic data were characterized by IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and mass spectroscopies.
Osteoclast‐related markers in the hip joint fluid with subchondral insufficiency fracture of the femoral head
Authors: Kubo Yusuke , Motomura Goro , Ikemura Satoshi , Hatanaka Hiroyuki , Fukushi Jun‐ichi , Hamai Satoshi , Yamamoto Takuaki , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: June 2018

Similar to the radiological findings in rapidly destructive arthrosis of the hip joint (RDA), subchondral insufficiency fracture of the femoral head (SIF) can result in progressive femoral head collapse of unknown etiology. We thus examined the osteoclast activity of hip joint fluid in SIF with progressive collapse in comparison with that in RDA. Twenty‐nine hip joint fluid samples were obtained intraoperatively with whole femoral heads from 12 SIF patients and 17 RDA patients. SIF cases were classified into subgroups based on the presence of ≥2 mm collapse on preoperative radiographs: SIF with progressive collapse (n = 5) and SIF without progressive collapse (n = 7). The levels of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP)‐5b, interleukin‐8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 were measured. The number of multinuclear giant cells at the subchondral region was histopathologically assessed using mid‐coronal slice of each femoral head specimen. The median levels of all markers and the median number of multinuclear giant cells in SIF with progressive collapse were significantly higher than those in SIF without progressive collapse, while there were no significant differences in SIF with progressive collapse versus RDA. Regression analysis showed that the number of multinuclear giant cells was positively correlated with the level of TRACP‐5b in joint fluid. The present study demonstrated the possible association of increased osteoclast activity with the existing condition of progressive collapse in SIF, which was quite similar to the findings in RDA, indicating that increased osteoclast activity may reflect the condition of progressive collapse in SIF as well as RDA. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2987–2995, 2018.
Analysis of salivary phenotypes of generalized aggressive and chronic periodontitis through nuclear magnetic resonance‐based metabolomics
Authors: Romano Federica , Meoni Gaia , Manavella Valeria , Baima Giacomo , Tenori Leonardo , Cacciatore Stefano , Aimetti Mario
Published: June 2018

Background

Recent findings about the differential gene expression signature of periodontal lesions have raised the hypothesis of distinctive biological phenotypes expressed by generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) and generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) patients. Therefore, this cross‐sectional investigation was planned, primarily, to determine the ability of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis of unstimulated whole saliva to discriminate GCP and GAgP disease‐specific metabolomic fingerprint and, secondarily, to assess potential metabolites discriminating periodontitis patients from periodontally healthy individuals (HI).

Methods

NMR‐metabolomics spectra were acquired from salivary samples of patients with a clinical diagnosis of GCP (n = 33) or GAgP (n = 28) and from HI (n = 39). The clustering of HI, GCP, and GAgP patients was achieved by using a combination of the Principal Component Analysis and Canonical Correlation Analysis on the NMR profiles.

Results

These analyses revealed a significant predictive accuracy discriminating HI from GCP, and discriminating HI from GAgP patients (both 81%). In contrast, the GAgP and GCP saliva samples seem to belong to the same metabolic space (60% predictive accuracy). Significantly lower levels (P < 0.05) of pyruvate, N‐acetyl groups and lactate and higher levels (P < 0.05) of proline, phenylalanine, and tyrosine were found in GCP and GAgP patients compared with HI.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, CGP and GAgP metabolomic profiles were not unequivocally discriminated through a NMR‐based spectroscopic analysis of saliva.
A Comprehensive Comparison on Foam Behavior in the Presence of Light Oil and Heavy Oil
Authors: Pang Shishi , Pu Wanfen , Wang Chongyang
Published: June 2018

Crude oil properties significantly affect foam behavior that is important to foam application in enhanced oil recovery. This study focused on the comparison on foam behavior in the presence of light oil and heavy oil. Foamability and foam stability, the bubble size, and the film thickness as well as the configuration of oil drops were fully investigated. Final results indicated that both the heavy oil and light oil increased the foamability of sodium dodecyl sulfate but decreased that of the amphoteric surfactant imidazoline. The positive effect of both light oil and heavy oil on foam stability was reconfirmed. However, heavy oil was more favorable to foam stability. The light oil may shorten the foam half‐life but prolong the foam drainage half‐life. The heavy oil was more effective in reducing the foam size and increasing the foam uniformity compared with light oil. According to the micrograph of foam, light oil was emulsified into quite small oil droplets, filling the plateau borders and lamellas. The heavy oil, in the form of far larger oil droplets, was mainly distributed in plateau borders only. The larger oil droplets resulted in the more stable foam, which was verified. Moreover, light oil (oil B) performed well in thickening the foam film, as did the heavy oil (oil A). But for the lightest oil (oil C), a thinning effect on the film was detected.
Phenolic and volatile compounds in Quercus humboldtii Bonpl. wood: effect of toasting with respect to oaks traditionally used in cooperage
Authors: Martínez‐Gil Ana , Cadahía Estrella , Fernández de Simón Brígida , Gutiérrez‐Gamboa Gastón , Nevares Ignacio , del Álamo‐Sanza María
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

The most frequent renewal of barrels of different origins and species is a current trend, but this demand does not match the current availability of wood. An alternative could be the use of Quercus humboldtii wood. However, there is little information about its composition. Because of this, the aim was to study low‐molecular‐weight phenols (LMWP), ellagitannins and volatile compounds in untoasted and toasted Q. humboldtii oak, and compare these with the species traditionally used in cooperage: Q. petraea (French and Romanian) and Q. alba (American).

RESULTS

The LMWPs in Q. humboldtii were comparable to those in Q. petraea and Q. alba. Ellagitannin composition in Q. humboldtii was similar to that in Q. alba. The toasting process improved volatile composition, mainly in Q. humboldtii, presenting the highest concentration of several volatile compounds.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that Q. humboldtii could be considered suitable for aging wine, although it is necessary to continue the study of this wood species to confirm its potential use in oenology. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Cocoa bean husk: industrial source of antioxidant phenolic extract
Authors: Hernández‐Hernández Carolina , Morales‐Sillero Ana , Fernández‐Bolaños Juan , Bermúdez‐Oria Alejandra , Morales Alfonso Azpeitia , Rodríguez‐Gutiérrez Guillermo
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Cocoa bean husk (CBH) is the principal by‐product of the cocoa industry and a significant agro‐industrial residue. In this study, using different hydrothermal treatments of CBH, it is shown that CBH is an important source of bioactive compounds, including theobromine, epicatechin and catechin.

RESULTS

Treatment over 150 °C significantly increased the yield of total and individual phenols and theobromine as well as the antioxidant capacity of the liquid fraction. A total of 52 different genotypes of CBH harvested in two seasons of production were analyzed. Overall, higher amounts of total phenols, theobromine and epigallocatechin were detected in samples from the 2015 season, while samples from 2014 had higher quantities of catechin and similar quantities of epicatechin.

CONCLUSION

CBH treatment at 170 °C for 30 min produces an antioxidant‐rich extract high in phenols (55 mg g−1), sugars (220 mg g−1) and theobromine (56 mg g−1) that is suitable for applications in the food, cosmetic and nutraceutical industries. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Electrochemotherapy pre‐treatment in primary squamous vulvar cancer. Our preliminary experience
Authors: Perrone Anna M. , Galuppi Andrea , Borghese Giulia , Corti Barbara , Ferioli Martina , Della Gatta Anna N. , Bovicelli Alessandro , Morganti Alessio G. , De Iaco Pierandrea
Published: June 2018

Background and Objectives

Previous studies showed a local tumor control of 80% in patients with relapsed squamous cell vulvar cancer (V‐SCC) treated with electrochemotherapy. These results encouraged electrochemotherapy use as neo‐adjuvant treatment in V‐SCC. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of electrochemotherapy in reducing tumor burden in V‐SCC.

Methods

Patients with histological diagnosis of primary V‐SCC eligible for surgery were enrolled. Following accurate mapping of all the lesions, electrochemotherapy was performed. One month after electrochemotherapy clinical response was evaluated according to RECIST criteria and the type of surgery was confirmed or modified. Adjuvant therapies were prescribed depending on stage and pathological evaluation.

Results

We report the results from nine patients treated with electrochemotherapy before surgery. The median age was 64 years (range 51‐81 years). Tumor response after electrochemotherapy was observed in seven patients (77.8%) with one CR and six PR, without complications. Tumor downsizing led to more conservative surgery in six patients (66.7%). At a median follow‐up of 8 months (range 2‐32 months) all patients were alive without disease.

Conclusions

Our preliminary analysis suggests that ECT is a suitable treatment in patients with V‐SCC before surgery, reducing the tumor size and the surgical resection.
The effect of a simultaneous versus a staged resection of metastatic colorectal cancer on time to adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Le Souder Emily , Azin Arash , Wood Trevor , Hirpara Dhruvin , Elnahas Ahmad , Cleary Sean , Wei Alice , Walker Richard , Parsyan Armen , Chadi Sami , Quereshy Fayez
Published: June 2018

Background and Objectives

Patients with colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases may undergo a staged or a simultaneous resection. This study aimed to determine whether the time to adjuvant chemotherapy was delayed in patients undergoing a simultaneous resection.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2005 and 2016. The primary outcome was time to adjuvant chemotherapy. A multivariate linear regression was conducted to ascertain the adjusted effect of a simultaneous versus a staged approach on time to adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

A total of 155 patients were included. A total of 127 patients underwent a staged resection, whereas 28 patients underwent a simultaneous resection. Age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class as well tumor, node, metastasis stage, tumor location, and number and size of metastases were not significantly different between the groups. The median time to adjuvant chemotherapy was 70 and 63 days for the staged and simultaneous groups, respectively (P = .27). Multivariate analysis did not demonstrate an increased propensity for prolonged time to chemotherapy after simultaneous resection (rate ratio: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.71‐1.32, P = .84). There were no significant differences in the length of stay, complications, overall survival, and disease‐free survival between the groups (P > .05).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that simultaneous resection does not result in significant delay of adjuvant chemotherapy compared with a staged approach.
Hydrophobic interaction chromatography of proteins: Studies of unfolding upon adsorption by isothermal titration calorimetry
Authors: Rodler Agnes , Beyer Beate , Ueberbacher Rene , Hahn Rainer , Jungbauer Alois
Published: June 2018

Heat of adsorption is an excellent measure for adsorption strength and, therefore, very useful to study the influence of salt and temperature in hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The adsorption of bovine serum albumin and β‐lactoglobulin to Toyopearl Butyl‐650 M was studied with isothermal titration calorimetry to follow the unfolding of proteins on hydrophobic surfaces. Isothermal titration calorimetry is established as an experimental method to track conformational changes of proteins on stationary phases. Experiments were carried out at two different salt concentrations and five different temperatures. Protein unfolding, as indicated by large changes of molar enthalpy of adsorption Δhads, was observed to be dependent on temperature and salt concentration. Δhads were significantly higher for bovine serum albumin and ranged from 578 (288 K) to 811 (308 K) kJ/mol for 1.2 mol/kg ammonium sulfate. Δhads for β‐lactoglobulin ranged from 129 kJ/mol (288 K) to 186 kJ/mol (308 K). For both proteins, Δhads increased with increasing temperature. The influence of salt concentration on Δhads was also more pronounced for bovine serum albumin than for β‐lactoglobulin. The comparison of retention analysis evaluated by the van't Hoff algorithm shows that beyond adsorption other processes occur simultaneously. Further interpretation such as unfolding upon adsorption needs other in situ techniques.
Effects of livestock grazing on nesting sage‐grouse in central Montana
Authors: Smith Joseph T. , Tack Jason D. , Berkeley Lorelle I. , Szczypinski Mark , Naugle David E.
Published: June 2018

Grazing by domestic livestock is ubiquitous in the sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) biome of western North America. Widespread, long‐term population declines in greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) have elicited concern about negative effects of livestock grazing on sage‐grouse populations. Hypothesized relationships, mostly untested, between livestock and sage‐grouse nesting ecology have played a prominent role in shaping public land livestock grazing policy and broader discussions about management of grazing in sagebrush ecosystems. We tested predictions arising from several commonly hypothesized mechanisms by which livestock may affect nesting habitat quality for sage‐grouse in a grazed landscape in central Montana, USA. We employed Bayesian variable selection methods to identify factors related to both nest site selection and nest success, focusing on indices of livestock use at local and pasture scales and including other factors known to influence nesting ecology such as anthropogenic features and weather. In spite of some evidence nest survival was positively associated with senesced vegetation height, evidence for effects of livestock presence and indices of local livestock use on nest site selection and survival was equivocal at best. In contrast, we found strong evidence that females selected nest sites based on relatively static features such as sagebrush cover and distance from gravel and paved roads, whereas nest failure was driven primarily by extended periods of heavy precipitation. Management of sage‐grouse nesting habitat in this region should focus on conserving areas of adequate shrub cover and preventing further fragmentation by roads. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Where Arab social science and humanities scholars choose to publish: Falling in the predatory journals trap
Authors: Shehata Ahmed Maher Khafaga , Elgllab Mohammed Fathy Mahmoud
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a study of publishing behaviour among a group of Arab scholars in social science and humanities disciplines. The paper also investigated the number of Arab scholars who are publishing in predatory journals and the reasons that drive them to select these journals to share their scholarly findings. The study adopted a mixed methods approach. Eighteen journals that were categorized as predatory journals were scanned to find the number of Arab scholars who published in them. Then, a questionnaire was sent to Egyptian and Saudi scholars as they were found to be the top Arab contributors in these journals. The questionnaire was followed by semi‐structured interviews to gain an in‐depth understanding of the publishing behaviour. The data showed that many Arab scholars prefer publishing in predatory journals as these journals are easier and faster. The results also indicate that there is a need to raise the awareness of the harm that predatory journals can cause to the scholars and how they can avoid these journals. This study was conducted with social science and humanities scholars in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The publishing behaviour may differ in other scholarly disciplines and other Arabic countries.
Urea as a source of nitrogen to giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera)
Authors: Smith Jason M. , Brzezinski Mark A. , Melack John M. , Miller Robert J. , Reed Daniel C.
Published: June 2018

Nitrate concentrations routinely fall below levels required to sustain growth of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) during summer and autumn in the Santa Barbara Channel, yet growth continues. We found urea to be consistently present at concentrations of 0.48–1.82 μM, accounting for greater than 20% of the dissolved fixed nitrogen pool during summer (14% overall). Field experiments indicate direct uptake of urea by giant kelp at a rate of 0.19 μmol N g dw−1 h−1, comparable to rates for ammonium (0.18 μmol N g dw−1 h−1) but lower than for nitrate (0.39 μmol N g dw−1 h−1). Co‐occurring phytoplankton took up nitrate, urea, and ammonium, 2‐, 15‐, and 39‐fold faster than giant kelp; however, the nitrogen uptake advantage of phytoplankton varies by substrate and season. Together, our results suggest that urea is readily used by giant kelp and may help to sustain growth throughout the year.
LADDERS: A dynamic paradigm for planning, implementing, and evaluating sustainable change in learning health systems
Authors: Meissner Paul
Published: June 2018

The science of learning health systems borrows and adapts models from many fields. One in particular is implementation science which has been experiencing a flourishing of new theories, models, and frameworks, some of which are generating sufficient evidence as to their effectiveness and applicability to emerge as candidates for wide adoption as useful tools for the field. In reviewing these, a common paradigm can be described which is a synthesis of those elements regularly cited by health systems implementing successful transformational change activities. As a paradigm, it offers a practical bridge to these models, concepts, and frameworks that are often hard to operationalize and are used with varying degrees of completeness. These elements can be arranged in a memorable acronym—LADDERS—Leadership, Alignment, Data, Demonstration, Evaluation, Replication, and Sustainability. LADDERS identifies the multiple elements and dimensions recognized by persons involved in leading health system change activities. It provides a simple, useful way to assess progress by health systems in planning, implementing, evaluating, and sustaining change. There is ample organizational and systems change literature to fully describe the actual LADDERS elements individually; therefore, this article describes characteristics and functions of each element and the dynamics represented in a DNA image to reflect that in learning health systems change is recursive, constant, and happens in complex environments that are always readjusting to new stimuli and directions, and this is often not accounted for in a framework, model, or theory. It concludes with several examples of application of the LADDERS paradigm and suggests how it is a complementary approach to accomplishing Institute of Medicine Learning Health Systems goals.