bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, Synthesis, Safener Activity, and Molecular Docking of Novel N‐Substituted Thiazide/Thiazole Derivatives
Authors: Fu Ying , Yi Ke‐Han , Li Ming‐Qiang , Wang Jing‐Yi , Chen Yu‐Feng , Ye Fei
Published: November 2018

A series of novel substituted thiazide/thiazole compounds were designed by splicing active groups and bioisosterism. The title compounds were synthesized via the cyclization, acylation, and carbamylation. All the compounds were characterized by IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and HRMS. The single crystal of compound 3f was determined by X‐ray crystallography. The biological activity tests indicated that all the compounds showed potential safener activity to the herbicide chlorsulfuron, in which compound 3e showed almost the same level as the commercialized safener AD‐67. The molecular docking results were in good agreement with the bioassay results, which demonstrated that compound 3e might compete with chlorsulfuron in the acetolactate synthase active site, causing the herbicide ineffective in maize.
SMART pass will prevent inappropriate operation of S‐ICD
Authors: Tachibana Motomi , Nishii Nobuhiro , Banba Kimikazu , Fujita Shinpei , Ikeda Etsuko , Okawa Keisuke , Morita Hiroshi , Ito Hiroshi
Published: November 2018

Background

Compared to screening ECG before implantation of a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD), selectable vectors without T‐wave oversensing increase after S‐ICD implantation. Newer algorithms have recently become available to reduce T‐wave oversensing, such as SMART pass (SP). With this function, more selectable vectors are identified after S‐ICD implantation. However, this improvement in eligibility utilizing SP has not yet been well validated. We aimed to clarify S‐ICD eligibility before and after S‐ICD implantation with and without SP.

Methods

Participants comprised 34 patients implanted with an S‐ICD at Okayama University Hospital and its affiliated hospitals between February 2016 and August 2017. A total of 102 S‐ICD vectors were assessed for eligibility before and after S‐ICD implantation, at rest and during exercise testing. Vector availability was evaluated in the presence and absence of SP after S‐ICD implantation.

Results

Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator eligibility was significantly better after implantation even without SP than S‐ICD screening before S‐ICD implantation, both at rest (before 65.7% vs after 95.1%, P < 0.01) and during exercise (before 59.3% vs after 90.6%, P < 0.01). SP improved S‐ICD eligibility during exercise (SP on 97.9% vs off 90.6%, P = 0.03). Multivariate analysis showed the prevalence of S‐ICD eligibility increased significantly after S‐ICD implantation compared to screening before implantation. SP further increased selectable vectors in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Available vectors increased significantly after S‐ICD implantation compared to preoperative vectors as assessed by S‐ICD screening ECG. T‐wave oversensing during exercise has been an unresolved issue for S‐ICD, but SP will help prevent inappropriate operation with S‐ICD.
Rapid and sensitive surface‐enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy detection for norepinephrine in biofluids
Authors: Zhou Xia , Qin Miao , Zhu Jun , Wang Cong , Zhu Guang , Wang Hongyan , Yang Liangbao
Published: November 2018

Norepinephrine (NE) is a kind of catecholamine neurotransmitter that participates significant function in living organism. Rapid and sensitive detection target in complex system is crucial in analytical science. A facile ferric citrate (CA‐Fe (III)) sensor was designed successfully for sensitive detection of NE by surface‐enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy (SERRS) method. This CA‐Fe (III) sensor was prepared by modifying Fe (III) on the surface of uniform Au nanoparticles (NPs) wrapped with citrate (CA) stabilizer. The implementation of NE selective detection is attributed to significant enhancement provided by Au NPs and additional enhancement provided by ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer between chromophore and analyte. In addition, a universal CH3OH, HCl, and petroleum ether added in sequence pretreatment method was developed and applied to purify and enrich the target in practical biological sample, realizing selective detection of NE in biofluids. This novel sensor combined with SERRS and pretreatment strategy not only amplifies the Raman signal of NE but also paves the way for pretreating sample in complex system.
Evaluating response distances to develop buffer zones for staging terns
Authors: Althouse Melissa A. , Cohen Jonathan B. , Karpanty Sarah M. , Spendelow Jeffrey A. , Davis Kayla L. , Parsons Katharine C. , Luttazi Cristin F.
Published: November 2018

Buffer zones, calculated by flight‐initiation distance (FID), are often used to reduce anthropogenic disturbances to wildlife, but FID can vary significantly across life‐history stages. We examined the behavioral effect of potential natural (gulls and shorebirds) and anthropogenic (pedestrians) disturbance sources to staging roseate (Sterna dougallii) and common tern (S. hirundo) flocks from July to September in 2014 and 2015 at Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA. We estimated the proportion of the flock exhibiting different responses to potential disturbance sources as a function of distance, flock size, percent roseate terns, and local disturbance rates, using Bayesian zero‐and‐one inflated beta regression. The proportion of tern flocks responding to the presence of shorebirds by flying was low (0.01 ± 0.001 [SE]) and did not vary by distance or other covariates, whereas the proportion flying in response to gulls increased as distance decreased, with smaller flocks, and with flocks with a larger proportion of roseate terns being more sensitive to gull presence. Prolonged flight response rapidly increased in probability from 0.0 to as much as 1.0 as distance from pedestrians to the flock decreased from 100 m and was much more likely with smaller flocks. Pedestrian activity levels also had an effect on flock responses; those engaged in active behaviors such as jogging were more likely to cause flushing than those engaged in passive behaviors. Terns seemed to view pedestrians as more of a threat than shorebirds and gulls, even though gulls are frequent kleptoparasites of terns. Pedestrians >120 m from a tern flock generally elicited the same probability of flight response as shorebirds and gulls. We recommend managers maintain anthropogenic disturbance levels at or below the intensity of those from natural sources at sites where recreation and wildlife values are both important. Because staging tern flocks may use a variety of areas within a site, we recommend instituting a 100‐m buffer around areas potentially used by staging flocks at Cape Cod, where we studied every location roseate terns are known to use in large numbers. For other sites used by mixed‐species tern flocks, we recommend the use of our field and analytical methods to develop appropriate buffer distances that will keep pedestrians far enough away to reduce the likelihood of flight and other non‐locomotive anti‐predator behaviors. These buffer zones will also benefit other species sensitive to human activity. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Over–under versus medial tympanoplasty: Comparison of benefit, success, and hearing results
Authors: Babu Seilesh , Luryi Alexander L. , Schutt Christopher A.
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

A hybrid variation of a tympanoplasty technique, termed over–under tympanoplasty (OUT), was evaluated to demonstrate the long‐term outcomes and complications compared to medial tympanoplasty.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

Patients who underwent a tympanoplasty between 2010 and 2015 were included. Primary outcome measures included graft healing at 18 months, change in air‐bone gap (ABG), and change in high‐frequency hearing at 8 kHz. The Shapiro‐Wilk test, Student t test, and nonparametric Mann‐Whitney test were used to compare results. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential predictors of surgical success.

Results

One hundred eleven patients were included; 84 underwent the over–under technique and 27 underwent medial tympanoplasty. At the 18‐month follow‐up, 100% of patients in the medial tympanoplasty group had closure of the TM perforation compared to 84% (71/84) in the over–under group. In the over–under group, 12% of patients developed small or pinpoint perforations, and 4% developed larger, recurrent perforations. Mean improvement in ABG was similar between the two groups (11.6 dB for the medial group vs. 11.9 dB for the over–under group, P < .001). No hearing loss was noted in either group. No lateralization of the graft or anterior blunting was noted.

Conclusions

In this series, the OUT technique had a high success rate with TM perforations, including anterior, near total, and total perforations. Hearing loss from dissection on the malleus was not found. This approach blends the advantages and minimizes the disadvantages of the classic techniques and is well suited for all types of tympanic membrane perforations.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 129:1206–1210, 2019
Unsaturated Fatty Acids Increase the Expression of Hepassocin through a Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3‐Dependent Pathway in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Cheng Kai‐Pi , Ou Horng‐Yih , Hung Hao‐Chang , Li Chung‐Hao , Fan Kang‐Chih , Wu Jin‐Shang , Wu Hung‐Tsung , Chang Chih‐Jen
Published: November 2018

Hepassocin (HPS) is a hepatokine that regulates hepatocyte proliferation. It is known that HPS plays an important role in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). Fatty acids, such as oleic acid (OLA), exhibit the ability to activate the signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 (STAT3), and the binding site of STAT3 is found in the promoter region of HPS. However, the regulation of HPS by fatty acids is still obscure. To clarify the regulation of HPS, we detected the expression of HPS by western blots. In addition, a hepatic steatosis cell culture model was established by treatment of different fatty acids, including linoleic acid (LNA), oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. The intracellular lipid accumulation was confirmed by oil red O staining. Blocking of STAT3 activity was achieved by the pretreatment of the STAT3 inhibitor, stattic. We found that activation of STAT3 by interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) was mediated in the regulation of HPS expression. Treatment of unsaturated fatty acids significantly induced intracellular lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. Moreover, the expressions of HPS were increased in unsaturated fatty acid‐treated HepG2 cells, as compared with saturated fatty acid‐treated groups. Also, the expression of HPS induced by OLA was blocked by the inhibition of STAT3 activity. Furthermore, we found that deletion of HPS by small interfering ribonucleic acid transfection decreased the protective effect of OLA on cell viability. Taken together, we provided evidence that STAT3 plays an important role in the regulation of OLA‐induced HPS expression and the increased HPS may further participate in the development of NAFLD. In addition, the increase of HPS might be involved in the protective effect of OLA on cell viability.
Development and therapeutic potential of autotaxin small molecule inhibitors: From bench to advanced clinical trials
Authors: Matralis Alexios N. , Afantitis Antreas , Aidinis Vassilis
Published: November 2018

Several years after its isolation from melanoma cells, an increasing body of experimental evidence has established the involvement of Autotaxin (ATX) in the pathogenesis of several diseases. ATX, an extracellular enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) into the bioactive lipid lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), is overexpressed in a variety of human metastatic cancers and is strongly implicated in chronic inflammation and liver toxicity, fibrotic diseases, and thrombosis. Accordingly, the ATX‐LPA signaling pathway is considered a tractable target for therapeutic intervention substantiated by the multitude of research campaigns that have been successful in identifying ATX inhibitors by both academia and industry. Furthermore, from a therapeutic standpoint, the entry and the so far promising results of the first ATX inhibitor in advanced clinical trials against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) lends support to the viability of this approach, bringing it to the forefront of drug discovery efforts. The present review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the most important series of ATX inhibitors developed so far. Special weight is lent to the design, structure activity relationship and mode of binding studies carried out, leading to the identification of advanced leads. The most significant in vitro and in vivo pharmacological results of these advanced leads are also summarized. Lastly, the development of the first ATX inhibitor entered in clinical trials accompanied by its phase 1 and 2a clinical trial data is disclosed.
New class separability measure for radar signals
Authors: Jeong Seong‐Jae , Lee Seung‐Jae , Kim Kyung‐Tae
Published: November 2018

We propose a novel class separability measure for radar signals. To evaluate the discriminatory power of the radar signals, the proposed method first either calculates the correlation coefficients between two radar cross sections (RCSs), linearly shifts one‐dimensional (1‐D) high‐resolution‐range profiles (HRRPs), or rotates two 2‐D inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) images. Then, it uses the correlation coefficient when the two radar signals are best aligned. Next, the proposed method obtains new correlation‐ based discriminant matrices (CDMs) using the correlation coefficients. The mean value of the CDMs precisely represents the discriminatory power of the radar signal. Our experimental results show that the proposed method can accurately measure target separability.
Transparent dual‐band monopole antenna using a μ‐metal mesh on the rear glass of an automobile for frequency modulation/digital media broadcasting service receiving
Authors: Lee Ju Hyong , Lee Sang Heun , Kim Dongjin , Jung Chang Won
Published: November 2018

A transparent dual‐band monopole (Inverted‐F) antenna using a micro‐metal mesh film (μ‐MMF) designed on the rear glass of an automobile (Hyundai K5) is presented. This design allows the optically transparent antenna to be installed in a wider space, thus overcoming the space limitation typically posed by roof‐mounted shark‐fin antennas. It can also reasonably solve the problem of low reception sensitivity and radiation interference from antennas operating in other service bands. The antenna is a combination of two simple monopoles operating in the frequency modulation (FM) (88–108 MHz) and the digital media broadcasting (DMB) (174–216 MHz) service bands. Measured reflection coefficients (S11) of the transparent antenna using μ‐MMF are under −6 dB (VSWR 3:1) in both the bands, and the radiation pattern shows directive patterns to the outward direction from the car; the average peak gains in the XY plane are 1.1 dB in the FM service band and 8.8 dB in the DMB service band.
Genetic Susceptibility for Childhood BMI has no Impact on Weight Loss Following Lifestyle Intervention in Danish Children
Authors: Hollensted Mette , Fogh Mette , Schnurr Theresia M. , Kloppenborg Julie T. , Have Christian T. , Ruest Haarmark Nielsen Tenna , Rask Johanne , Asp Vonsild Lund Morten , Frithioff‐Bøjsøe Christine , Østergaard Johansen Mia , Vincent Rosenbaum Appel Emil , Mahendran Yuvaraj , Grarup Niels , Kadarmideen Haja N. , Pedersen Oluf , Holm Jens‐Christian , Hansen Torben
Published: November 2018

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a genetic risk score (GRS) comprising 15 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, previously shown to associate with childhood BMI, on the baseline cardiometabolic traits and the response to a lifestyle intervention in Danish children and adolescents.

Methods

Children and adolescents with overweight or obesity (n = 920) and a population‐based control sample (n = 698) were recruited. Anthropometric and biochemical measures were obtained at baseline and in a subgroup of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity again after 6 to 24 months of lifestyle intervention (n = 754). The effects of the GRS were examined by multiple linear regressions using additive genetic models.

Results

At baseline, the GRS associated with BMI standard deviation score (SDS) both in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity (β = 0.033 [SE = 0.01]; P = 0.001) and in the population‐based sample (β = 0.065 [SE = 0.02]; P = 0.001). No associations were observed for cardiometabolic traits. The GRS did not influence changes in BMI SDS or cardiometabolic traits following lifestyle intervention.

Conclusions

A GRS for childhood BMI was associated with BMI SDS but not with other cardiometabolic traits in Danish children and adolescents. The GRS did not influence treatment response following lifestyle intervention.
Structure Formation in Class I and Class II Hydrophobins at the Air–Water Interface under Multiple Compression/Expansion Cycles
Authors: Kordts Martin , Kampe Melanie , Kerth Andreas , Hinderberger Dariush
Published: November 2018

Hydrophobins are small amphiphilic fungal proteins empirically divided into two classes. We investigated the self‐assembled structures of class I SC3 from S. commune and class II HFBII from T. reesei transferred to mica from the air–water interface by using the Langmuir–Schaefer (LS) technique and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The main focus is the influence of areal constraint and multiple compressions and expansions on the morphology of the protein films. SC3 shows a rather homogenous coverage of the mica surface, with fibrillary structures. Multiple compressions to a surface pressure of 13 mn m−1 led to a shortening of the fibrils. HFBII exhibits multilayered structures of varying thickness at higher surface pressures. Multiple compressions led to a variety of large, multilayer aggregates. Several compressions and expansions homogenized the films of both types. Both proteins showed similar dendritic structures with relevant length scales of at least several hundred nanometers at pressures of 13 mn m−1 and above, although the primary structures they assemble into are usually different in size and type, and range from fibrils to hexagonally ordered films. These dendritic structures may stem from a combination of mechanical influences, such as compressions, expansions, and the drying effect during LS transfer, which may simulate processes during physiological applications of hydrophobins, such as encapsulation or release of spores.
Kinetic of thermal degradation and thermal stability of natural rubber filled with titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Hayeemasae Nabil , Ismail Hanafi , Matchawet Suradet , Masa Abdulhakim
Published: November 2018

This article deals with the kinetic of thermal degradation and thermal stability of natural rubber (NR) filled with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. Incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles was done through a latex mixing method. This is to ensure the homogeneity of TiO2 nanoparticles throughout the NR matrix. Adding TiO2 nanoparticles results in shifting the decomposition temperature and char residue irrespective of the loadings of TiO2 nanoparticles. This is confirmed by the calculated kinetic parameters of the composites, indicating that higher energy is required to decompose the NR chains. Based on this analysis, a schematic model for thermal stability of TiO2 nanoparticles filled NR composites is proposed. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3149–3155, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nanocomposites of a new organosoluble polyetherimide and epoxide‐functionalized magnetite for removal of Co(II) Ions: Kinetic and thermodynamic investigations
Authors: Fekri Somayeh , Mansoori Yagoub , Khodayari Ali
Published: November 2018

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of the novel polyetherimide obtained from a new aromatic dianhydride monomer, 2,6‐bis‐(isobenzofuran‐1,3‐dione‐5‐yl)pyridine, and 2‐(5‐(3,5‐diaminophenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐yl)pyridine (POBD). Magnetite nanoparticles were modified by γ‐glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) to gain a core‐shell structure (Fe3O4@GPTMS). Magnetic nanocomposites (MNCs) containing different wt% of Fe3O4@GPTMS were then prepared. Structure, morphology and magnetic properties of the obtained nanoparticles and MNCs were studied by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometry methods. The capability of MNC 25 wt% to remove Co(II) cations was shown under optimal pH (7.0), contact time (45 min), adsorbent dosage (50 mg) and initial metal ion concentration (3.0 ppm). The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equation and the adsorption isotherm was best described by the Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 1.33 mg g−1. According to the thermodynamic study, the adsorption process was spontaneous, endothermic and entropy favored in nature (ΔG = −2.96 kJ mol−1; ΔH = 19.63 kJ mol−1; ΔS = 75.80 J mol−1). The intraparticle diffusion and Boyd kinetic models revealed that the adsorption mechanism is intraparticle diffusion which is controlled by film diffusion. MNC 25 wt% was regenerated by stirring the Co(II)‐complexed adsorbent in an acidic medium for 1 h followed by magnetic decantation and washing steps. The adsorption–desorption cycles were repeated seven times and the re‐generated sorbent was re‐used under optimal conditions. The average extraction efficiency (E%) of the five consecutive runs was 85.8%, indicating the sorbent recovery by 93.5% after five cycles. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3166–3181, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Determination and analysis of volatile components from Thymus kotschyanus Boiss with a new solid‐phase microextraction fibre and microwave‐assisted hydrodistillation by periodic mesoporous organosilica based on alkylimidazolium ionic liquid
Authors: Piryaei Marzieh , Abolghasemi Mir Mehdi , Karimi Babak
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Research on the volatile oil composition of Thymus kotschyanus Boiss was conducted by applying mesoporous organosilica based on alkylimidazolium ionic liquid (PMO‐IL) as a fibre coating material via a method referred to as microwave‐assisted headspace solid‐phase microextraction (MA‐HS‐SPME).

Methodology

This technique entails microwave irradiation of the sample and collection of the volatile sample components. These components are further introduced into a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) injection port for further analysis. A simplex method was used for the optimisation of three different parameters affecting the efficiency of the extraction.

Conclusion

The MA‐HS‐SPME method proved to be the most suitable technique in oil determination and extraction from Thymus kotschyanus owing to its advantageous aspects of cost effectiveness, simplicity and solvent independence.
Is the tetrakis[2.1.1]bicyclohexano‐cycloocta‐1,3,5,7‐tetraene a good model for the D4h‐1,3,5,7‐cyclooctatetraene?
Authors: Stanger Amnon
Published: November 2018

Recently, it was claimed that D4h‐1,3,5,7‐cyclooctatetraene (2) is nonaromatic, according to a definition of aromaticity, which relies of the behavior of excited states. This conclusion is based mainly on MCD studies of tetrakis[2.1.1]bicyclohexano‐1,3,5,7‐cyclooctatetraene (1) and computational work on 2 at different symmetries. In this work, the aromaticity of 2 is studied by ground state criteria—aromatic stabilization energy (ASE) and magnetic properties. The ASE of 2 is studied and compared with those of benzene and cyclobutadiene. NICS(1)π,zz studies of 1 and 2 and comparison with tris‐bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanobenzene and benzene suggests a dramatic reduction of ring currents in the annulated systems. The reason was found to be mixing of the p orbitals of the bridgehead carbon atoms into the central rings π systems. It is unclear whether 2 should be considered antiaromatic, nonaromatic, or aromatic, but it is clear that 1 is not a good model for 2 for aromaticity studies purposes according to ground‐state properties (energy and magnetic).
4D Printing based piezoelectric composite for medical applications
Authors: Grinberg Daniel , Siddique Sabrina , Le Minh‐Quyen , Liang Richard , Capsal Jean‐Fabien , Cottinet Pierre‐Jean
Published: November 2018

Additive manufacturing (AM), otherwise known as three‐dimensional (3D) printing, is driving major innovations in many areas, such as engineering, manufacturing, art, education, and medicine. Although a considerable amount of progress has been made in this field, additional research work is required to overcome various remaining challenges. Recently, one of the actively researched areas lies in the AM of smart materials and structures. Electroactive materials incorporated in 3D printing have given birth to 4D printing, where 3D printed structures can perform as actuating and/or sensing systems, making it possible to deliver electrical signals under external mechanical stimuli and vice versa. In this paper, we present a lightweight, low cost piezoelectric material based on the dispersion of inorganic ferroelectric submicron particles in a polymer matrix. We report on how the proposed material is compatible with the AM process. Finally, we discuss its potential applications for healthcare, especially in smart implants prostheses. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 109–115
Systematic review of fertility‐related psychological distress in cancer patients: Informing on an improved model of care
Authors: Logan Shanna , Perz Janette , Ussher Jane M. , Peate Michelle , Anazodo Antoinette
Published: November 2018

Objective

Cancer patients experience reproductive concerns from diagnosis through to survivorship. However, research has yet to investigate the degree of fertility‐related psychological distress at different treatment time points: diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Currently, cancer patients are offered fertility counselling at the time of diagnosis, to assist fertility preservation decision making. A systematic review of the short‐term and long‐term psychological impact of infertility in cancer patients would inform on an improved, longitudinal model of psychological care.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted in January 2018 utilising electronic databases Medline, EMBASE, PSYCH Info, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. An initial search identified 708 potentially relevant studies. Literature was assessed that reported on fertility‐related psychological distress experienced by male and female cancer patients of reproductive age (<45 years) across oncology treatment time points.

Results

A total of 47 papers were included within the final review. Fertility‐related psychological distress persists from diagnosis through to survivorship, with cancer patients reporting a range of negative emotional experiences brought about by threatened infertility. In survivorship, reproductive concerns, unfulfilled desire for a child, nulliparous status, and early menopause were linked to higher rates of mental health disorders and psychological distress.

Conclusions

Fertility‐related psychological distress is prevalent and persistent in cancer patients and survivors. As such, patients and survivors would greatly benefit from fertility‐related psychological support implemented into standard practice from diagnosis through to survivorship. A revised model of care is proposed.
Structural versatility that serves the function of the HRD motif in the catalytic loop of protein tyrosine kinase, Src
Authors: Cui Yixin , Sun Gongqin
Published: November 2018

Site‐directed mutagenesis is a traditional approach for structure–function analysis of protein tyrosine kinases, and it requires the generation, expression, purification, and analysis of each mutant enzyme. In this study, we report a versatile high throughput bacterial screening system that can identify functional kinase mutants by immunological detection of tyrosine phosphorylation. Two key features of this screening system are noteworthy. First, instead of blotting bacterial colonies directly from Agar plates to nitrocellulose membrane, the colonies were cultured in 96‐well plates, and then spotted in duplicate onto the membrane with appropriate controls. This made the screening much more reliable compared with direct colony blotting transfer. A second feature is the parallel use of a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)‐expressing host and a non‐PTP‐expressing host. Because high activity Src mutants are toxic to the host, the PTP system allowed the identification of Src mutants with high activity, while the non‐PTP system identified Src mutants with low activity. This approach was applied to Src mutant libraries randomized in the highly conserved HRD motif in the catalytic loop, and revealed that structurally diverse residues can replace the His and Arg residues, while the Asp residue is irreplaceable for catalytic activity.
The Landscape, the Swampland and the Era of Precision Cosmology
Authors: Akrami Yashar , Kallosh Renata , Linde Andrei , Vardanyan Valeri
Published: November 2018

We review the advanced version of the KKLT construction and pure de Sitter supergravity, involving a nilpotent multiplet, with regard to various conjectures that de Sitter state cannot exist in string theory. We explain why we consider these conjectures problematic and not well motivated, and why the recently proposed alternative string theory models of dark energy, ignoring vacuum stabilization, are ruled out by cosmological observations at least at the 3σ level, i.e. with more than 99.7% confidence.
Deformed Weitzenböck Connections and Double Field Theory
Authors: Penas Victor A.
Published: November 2018

We revisit the generalized connection of Double Field Theory. We implement a procedure that allow us to re‐write the Double Field Theory equations of motion in terms of geometric quantities (like generalized torsion and non‐metricity tensors) based on other connections rather than the usual generalized Levi‐Civita connection and the generalized Riemann curvature. We define a generalized contorsion tensor and obtain, as a particular case, the Teleparallel equivalent of Double Field Theory. To do this, we first need to revisit generic connections in standard geometry written in terms of first‐order derivatives of the vielbein in order to obtain equivalent theories to Einstein Gravity (like for instance the Teleparallel gravity case). The results are then easily extrapolated to DFT.
Screening, isolation and evaluation of a nematicidal compound from actinomycetes against the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Liu Min‐Jiao , Hwang Byung‐Soon , Jin Chun‐Zhi , Li Wen‐Jun , Park Dong‐Jin , Seo Sang‐Tae , Kim Chang‐Jin
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is a migratory endoparasitic nematode known to cause severe environmental damage and economic losses in pine forest ecosystems. This present study investigated the nematicidal metabolites of actinomycetes in vitro and evaluated the disease control efficacy of the active compound and metabolites under greenhouse and field conditions.

RESULTS

Five thousand types of actinobacteria from Korean forest soil samples were screened to identify novel nematicidal agents against the pine wood nematode. Streptomyces sp. AN091965 showed the strongest nematicidal activity. One active compound, spectinabilin, was obtained by nematicidal asssy‐directed fractionation, and it showed significant nematicidal activity against B. xylophilus, with an LC50 value of 0.84 µg mL−1. Spectinabilin effectively suppressed the development of pine wilt disease in 5‐year‐old Pinus densiflora trees, even at 0.9 mg per tree under greenhouse conditions. Moreover, the acetone extract of the active strain's mycelia efficiently suppressed the development of pine wilt disease under field conditions.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this the first report to describe the nematicidal activity of spectinabilin against B. xylophilus. The cell extracts described herein merit further field studies as potential nematicides against the pine wood nematode. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effectiveness of benralizumab for allergic and eosinophilic predominant asthma following negative initial results with omalizumab
Authors: Minami Daisuke , Kayatani Hiroe , Sato Ken , Fujiwara Keiichi , Shibayama Takuo
Published: November 2018

A 64‐year‐old woman, who had presented with a 30‐year history of refractory asthma, and been treated with anti‐allergic drug therapy, inhaled corticosteroids, a long‐acting beta‐agonist, and a long‐acting muscarinic antagonist. She had been characterized as an allergic, eosinophilic asthmatic. Although omalizumab was tried initially, it was found to be insufficient. We began treatment with benralizumab. The asthma symptom control and sinusitis were improved immediately. Benralizumab was effective for overlapping patient population following negative initial results with omalizumab.
Fertility preservation in adolescent and young adult cancer patients: From a part of a national survey on oncofertility in Japan
Authors: Furui Tatsuro , Takai Yasushi , Kimura Fuminori , Kitajima Michio , Nakatsuka Mikiya , Morishige Ken‐ichiro , Higuchi Akiko , Shimizu Chikako , Ozawa Miwa , Ohara Akira , Tatara Ryohei , Nakamura Terukazu , Horibe Keizo , Suzuki Nao
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This study evaluated the current status of reproductive disorders and provision of information on oncofertility to female adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients in Japan.

Methods

A national survey of AYA cancer survivors was conducted. Children were <15 years old, and AYAs were 15‐39 years old. Results from the survivors of other than gynecological disease who underwent chemotherapy were analyzed.

Results

Among the survivors, 41.4% were concerned about their reproductive function and infertility, and 36.2% were aware of menstrual cycle abnormalities. Among them, 15.5% (n = 20) of all and 21.2% (n = 17) of the AYA‐onset survivors suffered infertility due to chemo‐ or radiotherapy and gave up childbearing. These rates were significantly higher than those of healthy AYAs. Although 80.8% of AYA‐onset survivors answered that they had received information on reproductive function and infertility, only 55.8% had received information on fertility preservation methods. Furthermore, only 22.4% of all and 42.3% of AYA‐onset survivors had received pretreatment information on fertility preservation methods.

Conclusions

Not a few AYA cancer survivors reported reproductive dysfunction. These findings indicate that information provided on therapy‐related problems before cancer treatment in Japan was insufficient and highlight the need to improve patient decision‐making and support systems for fertility preservation.
A process‐based approach to restoring depositional river valleys to Stage 0, an anastomosing channel network
Authors: Powers Paul D. , Helstab Matt , Niezgoda Sue L.
Published: November 2018

Stream restoration approaches most often quantify habitat degradation, and therefore recovery objectives, on aquatic habitat metrics based on a narrow range of species needs (e.g., salmon and trout), as well as channel evolution models and channel design tools biased toward single‐threaded, and “sediment‐balanced” channel patterns. Although this strategy enhances perceived habitat needs, it often fails to properly identify the underlying geomorphological and ecological processes limiting species recovery and ecosystem restoration. In this paper, a unique process‐based approach to restoration that strives to restore degraded stream, river, or meadow systems to the premanipulated condition is presented. The proposed relatively simple Geomorphic Grade Line (GGL) design method is based on Geographic Information System (GIS) and field‐based analyses and the development of design maps using relative elevation models that expose the relic predisturbance valley surface. Several case studies are presented to both describe the development of the GGL method and to illustrate how the GGL method of evaluating valley surfaces has been applied to Stage 0 restoration design. The paper also summarizes the wide applicability of the GGL method, the advantages and limitations of the method, and key considerations for future designers of Stage 0 systems anywhere in the world. By presenting this ongoing Stage 0 restoration work, the authors hope to inspire other practitioners to embrace the restoration of dynamism and diversity through restoring the processes that create multifaceted river systems that provide long‐term resiliency, meta‐stability, larger and more complex and diverse habitats, and optimal ecosystem benefits.
Facile Synthesis of Zn/N‐doped CuO and Their Application in Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Qing , Xu Jing , Zhang Jing , Pang Huan
Published: November 2018

Zn/N‐doped CuO have been prepared by a series of processes like stirring, soaking and calcination. Firstly, Zn‐ZIF precursors were synthesized by a simple stirring method, which is the source of Zn element. And then after a series of soaking and calcination, CuO hydrangeas doped with Zn/N were successfully synthesized. The calcination temperature was changed to control the samples’ morphology and their performances. The obtained samples showed different electrocatalytic properties in 1 M KOH solution. These samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Electrocatalytic properties of the three samples have been briefly discussed.
Studies towards the Total Synthesis of Cruentaren B
Authors: Yadav Jhillu Singh , Reddy Ailuri Ramesh
Published: November 2018

A highly stereoselective and an efficient approach for studies towards the synthesis of Cruentaren B has been described. The key steps involved in this synthesis are Prins cyclisation, nucleophilic epoxide ring opening, Alder‐Rickert reaction, SN2 displacement reaction and Lindlar's hydrogenation.
An Efficient Aniline‐Based Co‐Sensitizer for High Performance N3‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Naik Praveen , Abdellah Islam M. , Abdel‐Shakour M. , Acharaya Madhukara , Pilicode Naveenchandra , El‐Shafei Ahmed , Adhikari Airody Vasudeva
Published: November 2018

In this work, we report a comprehensive photovoltaic investigation of a structurally simple Donor‐Acceptor (D−A) configured organic dye, N,N‐PABA as an active co‐sensitizer in DSSCs sensitized with well‐known Ru (II) based N3 dye. This effective co‐sensitizer (N,N‐PABA) comprises N,N‐dimethylaniline system as a donor scaffold linked with 4‐aminobenzoic acid as an electron withdrawing functionality. In the present study, we have demonstrated the profound effect of concentration of sensitizer, i. e. N3 based dye as well as co‐sensitizer, i. e. N,N‐PABA on the photovoltaic performance characteristics of solar cells. Interestingly, the best photovoltaic performance was obtained for the co‐sensitized device fabricated using 0.2 mM of N,N‐PABA along with 0.3 mM of N3 sensitizer, in presence of 20 mM of CDCA. It displayed power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.82% with JSC of 14.35 mA.cm−2, VOC of 0.626 V and FF of 64.85%. Here, the N,N‐PABA effectively filled the absorption valley, avoided the dye aggregation and reduced the charge recombination in the co‐sensitized devices. Thus, the results ameliorate the role of efficient co‐sensitizers to yield DSSC with improved performance by the selection of a matchable co‐sensitizer at an appropriate concentration.
Kollaborierende Roboter in der Pflege – Sicherheit in der Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle
Authors: Buxbaum Hans , Sen Sumona
Published: November 2018

Die Mensch-Roboter-Kollaboration ist eine neue Anwendungsrichtung der Robotik, die in den letzten Jahren zunächst im industriellen Bereich eingeführt wurde und dort schnell auch Anwendung fand. Im Zuge der Industrie-4.0-Kampagnen wurden zunehmend innovative Robotersysteme entwickelt, die ohne Schutzzäune in einer direkten Kollaboration mit Menschen eingesetzt werden können. Nachdem im Bereich der Service- und Pflegeautomatisierung versucht wurde, Lösungsansätze mit speziellen Systementwicklungen zu finden, zeichnet sich heute ab, dass auch eine Verwendung der nunmehr vorhandenen Konzepte und Systeme aus der industriellen Mensch-Roboter-Kollaboration zielführend sein kann. Denn hier stehen geeignete Robotersysteme, Verfahren sowie neuartige Schutzkonzepte zur Verfügung. Eine Übertragung auf die Voraussetzungen der Service- oder Pflegeautomatisierung scheint prinzipiell möglich. Dieser Beitrag stellt Konzepte und Systeme der Mensch-Roboter-Kollaboration vor und fokussiert sodann auch die wichtige Thematik der Sicherheit in der Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle. Die aktuellen Normen zu den zulässigen Betriebsarten werden eingeführt und die verschiedenen Betriebsarten werden auf die Anwendbarkeit im Bereich der Pflegerobotik hin untersucht. Abschließend wird das Konzept eines Full-Scope-Simulators vorgestellt, der mit Probandenexperimenten unter konstanten Umweltbedingungen Untersuchungen zu Situation Awareness, gefühlter Sicherheit und fokussierter Aufmerksamkeit erlauben soll.
Implementing Responsible Research and Innovation for Care Robots through BS 8611
Authors: Stahl Bernd Carsten
Published: November 2018

The concept of responsible research and innovation (RRI) has gained prominence in European research. It has been integrated into the EU’s Horizon 2020 research framework as well as a number of individual Member States’ research strategies. Elsewhere we have discussed how the idea of RRI can be applied to healthcare robots (Stahl and Coeckelbergh 2016) and we have speculated what such an implementation might look like in social reality (Stahl et al. 2014). In this paper I will explore how parallel developments reflect the reasoning in RRI. The focus of the paper will therefore be on the recently published standard on “Robots and robotic devices: Guide to the ethical design and application of robots and robotic systems” (BSI 2016). I will analyse the standard and discuss how it can be applied to care robots. The key question to be discussed is whether and to what degree this can be seen as an implementation of RRI in the area of care robotics.
Informationsmodell für intentionsbasierte Roboter-Mensch-Interaktion
Authors: Schilberg Daniel , Schmitz Sebastian
Published: November 2018

Sichere roboterbasierte Systeme gewinnen in einer alternden Gesellschaft immer mehr an Bedeutung. Damit alle Mitglieder der Gesellschaft weiterhin am sozialen Leben, privat und auch beruflich, teilhaben können, müssen Roboter die Absichten von Menschen aus deren Verhalten ableiten können, und Roboter müssen in die Lage versetzt werden, ihre Absichten den Menschen, die mit ihnen interagieren, zu vermitteln. In diesem Beitrag wird ein Informationsmodell für die Mensch-Roboter-Interaktion vorgestellt. Das Informationsmodell ermöglicht ein Mapping zwischen den atomaren Fähigkeiten eines Roboters und komplexen Funktionen. Unter den atomaren Fähigkeiten sind Rotations- und Translationsbewegung oder das Setzen eines I/O-Signals zum Schließen eines Greifers zu verstehen. Eine komplexe Funktion, die sich daraus ergibt, kann das Greifen eines Objektes sein. Um dem Roboter ein „Bewusstsein“ dafür zu geben, dass er durch Setzen eines I/Os und Gelenkbewegungen zielgerichtet seine Umwelt manipulieren kann, müssen Fähigkeiten mit einem Anwendungskontext in Verbindung gebracht werden. Darüber hinaus muss die Abbildung der Fähigkeiten des Roboters für den menschlichen Benutzer transparent und nachvollziehbar sein, sodass aus einem realen Handhabungsvorgang tatsächlich Absichten abgeleitet werden können. Das Informationsmodell basiert auf den folgenden Schritten: 1) Systemdesign, 2) Erfassen, 3) Erkennen und Auswerten und 4) Agieren/Reagieren.
Robotik in der Pflege aus pflegewissenschaftlicher Perspektive
Authors: Hülsken-Giesler Manfred , Daxberger Sabine
Published: November 2018

Vor dem Hintergrund aktueller Debatten um das Potenzial und die Risiken von Pflegerobotik in Deutschland arbeitet der Beitrag die spezifischen Charakteristika und Herausforderungen der professionellen Pflege als personenbezogene Dienstleistung heraus. Mit einem knappen Überblick zum Erkenntnisstand wird eine Diskussion um die bisherige Entwicklung vorbereitet. Es wird schließlich dafür votiert, die spezifischen Charakteristika der professionellen Pflege als wichtigen Ausgangspunkt für die weitere Entwicklung sowie für die Bewertung zukünftiger Systeme zu berücksichtigen.
Pflegeroboter: Analyse und Bewertung aus Sicht pflegerischen Handelns und ethischer Anforderungen
Authors: Remmers Hartmut
Published: November 2018

In Zukunft ist ein wachsender Einsatz von Pflegerobotern zu erwarten, denen möglicherweise zwei Hauptfunktionen zugeschrieben werden können: Beitrag zur Verringerung einer sich ausweitenden Personallücke in der Pflege; Erleichterung der Pflege hinsichtlich physischer und psychischer Arbeitsbelastungen, teilweise auch durch Substitution originär pflegerischer Teilaufgaben im Bereich der Ernährung, Medikation, Aktivierung/Mobilisierung. Aus fachwissenschaftlicher Sicht stellen sich dabei Fragen, inwieweit und in welchem Ausmaße originär pflegerische Tätigkeiten wie die der persönlichen, vertrauensbildenden Beziehungsarbeit unterstützt/verbessert werden können oder (teil-)ersetzt werden sollen. Aus ethischer Perspektive stellen sich damit zusammenhängende Fragen, inwieweit durch den Einsatz von Robotern die Personalität des Menschen in verschiedenen Facetten seiner auch leiblich verstandenen Rezeptivität und seiner Spontaneität gegenseitigen Ausdruckshandelns und Ausdrucksverstehens gewahrt bleibt.
Procedure‐Specific Volume and Nurse‐to‐Patient Ratio: Implications for Failure to Rescue Patients Following Liver Surgery
Authors: Chen Qinyu , Olsen Griffin , Bagante Fabio , Merath Katiuscha , Idrees Jay J. , Akgul Ozgur , Cloyd Jordan , Dillhoff Mary , White Susan , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: November 2018

Background

The effect of various hospital characteristics on failure to rescue (FTR) after liver surgery has not been well examined. We sought to examine the relationship between hospital characteristics and FTR after liver surgery.

Methods

The 2013–2015 Medicare‐Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR) database was used to identify Medicare beneficiaries who underwent liver surgery. The effect of various hospital characteristics on FTR was compared among the highest mortality hospitals (HMH) and the lowest mortality hospitals (LMH).

Results

Among 4902 patients undergoing hepatectomy, patients treated at HMH had a higher risk of FTR (OR 3.08, 95% CI 2.03–4.66). Hospital factors such as total number of beds (OR 0.80, 95% 0.56–1.15), operating rooms (OR 0.81, 95% 0.57–1.14), and overall hospital surgical volume (OR 0.88, 95% 0.61–1.25) were not associated with FTR (all p > 0.05). In contrast, hospitals with a greater nurse‐to‐patient ratio had a markedly lower risk of FTR following a complication (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.54–0.91; p = 0.007) (Table 3). As volume of liver operations and nurse‐to‐patient ratio decreased the risk of FTR increased (p > 0.001). After risk‐adjusting for patient characteristics, both the effect of surgical volume (adjusted OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46–0.94; p = 0.022) and nurse‐to‐patient ratio (adjusted OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51–0.90; p = 0.008) remained strongly associated with FTR.

Conclusion

FTR rates varied considerably among hospital performing hepatectomy. Higher procedure‐specific hepatectomy volume, as well as a higher nurse‐to‐patient ratio, accounted for a reduction in the FTR rates. These data highlight the importance of not only procedure volume, but also adequate nurse staffing in reducing FTR and improving mortality following complex procedures such as hepatectomy.