bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐management recommendations for sickle cell disease: A Ghanaian health professionals' perspective
Authors: Druye Andrews , Robinson Brian , Nelson Katherine
Published: September 2018

Objective

To describe self‐management recommendations for sickle cell disease (SCD) care among health professionals who manage SCD in Ghana.

Method

Nine health care professionals (nurses, doctors, and physician assistants) who work in SCD were interviewed. The semistructured interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using the qualitative content analysis method. Self‐management recommendations were conceptualised as preventive health, self‐monitoring, self‐diagnosis, self‐treatment, and self‐evaluation.

Results

Preventive health recommendations were the commonest, where the professionals described similar topics including avoidance of cold temperature, frequent oral hydration, and healthy nutrition. Self‐monitoring recommendations included regular checks for pallor, urine colour, and splenic enlargement. Self‐diagnosis recommendations were captured as warning signs and included pain, fever, unusual feelings, and enlarged spleen. Pain and fever management were the focus of most self‐treatment advice, and there were some self‐treatment recommendations for dactylitis, anaemia, and priapism. There was considerable variation in the strategies recommended for the management of individual SCD‐related problems.

Conclusion

Ghanaian health professionals involved in SCD care provide limited and inconsistent self‐management recommendations. There is a need for the development of SCD standards and guidelines that support effective self‐management. Health professionals working in SCD require continuing education in self‐management.
Synthesis of Novel Bis(thiazolylchromen‐2‐one) Derivatives Linked to Alkyl Spacer via Phenoxy Group
Authors: Hosny Mohamed , Salem Mostafa E. , Darweesh Ahmed F. , Elwahy Ahmed H. M.
Published: September 2018

A novel series of bis(thiazolylchromen‐2‐one) derivatives 8 were prepared in good yields by the reaction of the appropriate bis(α‐bromoketones) 7 with 2‐(1‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)ethylidene) hydrazinecarbothioamide (6) in refluxing EtOH in the presence of few drops of TEA. Some other isomeric derivatives of bis(thiazolylchromen‐2‐one) 11 and 13 were also successfully obtained by the reaction of bromoacetylcoumarin 9 with the corresponding bis(ethan‐1‐yl‐1‐ylidene))bis(hydrazinecarbothioamides) 10 and 12. The structures of the new compounds were established based on elemental analyses as well as spectral data.
Differences in wind speeds according to measured and homogenized series in the Czech Republic, 1961–2015
Authors: Zahradníček Pavel , Brázdil Rudolf , Štěpánek Petr , Řezníčková Ladislava
Published: September 2018

Non‐meteorological factors may bias wind speed measurements in a number of ways, among them the types of instruments used, their calibration and standards of maintenance, station relocations, and changes in the physical surroundings of a given station. Moreover, homogenisation of series of such measurements is more complicated than that of other climatic variables. This contribution uses figures from the Czech Republic as an example to demonstrate that measured (raw) data may produce different results in mean daily wind speeds from those acquired in homogenous series. A basic set of measurements taken in 1961–2015 at 178 meteorological stations was quality‐checked and then homogenized using the Standard Normal Homogeneity test (SNHT) and the Maronna‐Yohai test. Subsequent analyses were based on homogenized series from 119 stations. Station relocations and automation of wind speed measurements were identified as the most important sources of break‐points in series of mean daily wind speeds. Generally lower mean wind speeds (as well as wind speed variability) were obtained from homogenous series in comparison with measured data, with reflections also found in their spatial distribution around the territory of the Czech Republic. Statistically significant decreasing linear trends calculated from measured and homogenized daily wind speed series from 119 stations confirm the existence of wind stilling as a typical feature of land mid‐latitudes in recent decades. However, trends from measured data are highly overestimated compared with those from homogenized series.
Outcome assessment for Brachial Plexus birth injury. Results from the iPluto world‐wide consensus survey
Authors: Pondaag Willem , Malessy Martijn J.A.
Published: September 2018

There is no consensus regarding strategies to optimally treat children with a brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI). Comparison of outcome data presented by different centers is impossible due to the use of (1) many different outcome measures to evaluate results; (2) different follow‐up periods after interventions; and (3) different patient ages at the time of assessment. The goal of iPluto (international PLexus oUtcome sTudy grOup) was to define a standardized dataset which should be minimally collected to evaluate upper limb function in children with BPBI. This dataset must enable comparison of the treatment results of different centers if prospectively used. Three rounds of internet surveys were used to reach consensus on the dataset. A Delphi‐derived technique was applied using a nine point Likert scale. Consensus was defined as having attained a rating of 7/8/9 by > = 75% of the participants. A total of 59 participants from five continents participated in the Second and Third Rounds of the survey. Consensus was reached regarding four elements: (1) evaluation should take place at the age of 1/3/5/7 years; range of motion in degrees should be measured for (2) passive joint movement; (3) active range of motion; and (4) the Mallet score should be determined. Consensus on how to asses and report outcome for BPBI was only reached on motor items from the “Body Function and Structure” domain. Consensus regarding additional ICF domains to obtain a more elaborate set of outcome items, should be addressed in future research. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 36:2533–2541, 2018.
Estimation of event‐based rainfall erosivity from radar after wildfire
Authors: Zhu Qinggaozi , Yang Xihua , Yu Bofu , Tulau Mitch , McInnes‐Clarke Sally , Nolan Rachael H. , Du Zheyuan , Yu Qiang
Published: September 2018

Rainfall erosivity impacts all stages of hillslope erosion processes and is an important factor (the ‘R factor’) in the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation. It is estimated as the average annual value of the sum of all erosive events (EI30) over a period of many years. For each storm event, the EI30 value is the product of storm energy, E in MJ ha−1, and peak 30‐min rainfall intensity (I30, mm hr−1). Previous studies often focused on estimation of the R factor for prediction of mean annual or long‐term soil losses. However, many applications require EI30 values at much higher temporal resolution, such as postfire soil erosion monitoring, which requires a time step at storm events or on a daily basis. In this study, we explored the use of radar rainfall data to estimate the storm event‐based EI30 after a severe wildfire in Warrumbungle National Park in eastern Australia. The radar‐derived rainfall data were calibrated against 12 tipping bucket rain gauges across an area of 239 km2 and subsequently used to produce a time series of rainfall erosivity maps at daily intervals since the wildfire in January 2013. The radar‐derived daily rainfall showed good agreement with the gauge measurements (R2 > 0.70, Ec = 0.66). This study reveals great variation in EI30 values ranging from near zero to 826.76 MJ·mm·ha−1·hr−1 for a single storm event. We conclude that weather radar rainfall data can be used to derive timely EI30 and erosion information for fire incident management and erosion control. The methodology developed in this study is generic and thus readily applicable to other areas where weather radar data are available.
Impact of land degradation from mining activities on the sediment fluxes in two large rivers of French Guiana
Authors: Gallay Marjorie , Martinez Jean‐Michel , Allo Sébastien , Mora Abrahan , Cochonneau Gérard , Gardel Antoine , Doudou Jean‐Claude , Sarrazin Max , Chow‐Toun Franck , Laraque Alain
Published: September 2018

We analyzed two contrasting catchments located among the world's largest unspoiled tropical rainforests impacted by mining in the northeastern coastlands of South America. We used the following: (a) mining, agricultural, and urbanized areas to compare the land use evolution with suspended sediments and sediment yields; (b) field monthly river suspended sediments in the two catchments (2004–2015: n = 154); (c) MODIS remote sensing water color technique in the Maroni basin to complete (n = 387) and extend field suspended sediment sampling from 2000 to 2015; (d) hydroclimatic statistical analysis conditions and sediment concentrations to identify the long‐term trends, the abrupt changes in time series and to analyze if the environmental and anthropogenic factors control sediment yield regional variations. No significant long‐term changes were observed in precipitation or water discharge with the Mann–Kendall test. However, the mean suspended sediment concentration has increased significantly (239%) in the Maroni River with a breakpoint in 2009 and decreased (33%) in the Oyapock River (breakpoint in 2008). These differences are explained by the larger percentage of deforestation because of mining activities in the Maroni (0.37%) than in the Oyapock (0.06%) catchment. In the Maroni River, the increasing sediment yield trend (2000–2015) coincide significantly (r2 = 0.97; p < 0.0001) with the increase of 400% of mining areas, whereas no significant relationship with the runoff was found. In the Oyapock River, the runoff explains the sediment yield decreasing trend (r2 = 0.82; p < 0.0001) and no relationship with the land use change was found.
Spatial modelling of gully erosion using evidential belief function, logistic regression, and a new ensemble of evidential belief function–logistic regression algorithm
Authors: Arabameri Alireza , Pradhan Biswajeet , Rezaei Khalil , Yamani Mojtaba , Pourghasemi Hamid Reza , Lombardo Luigi
Published: September 2018

This study aims to assess gully erosion susceptibility and delineate gully erosion‐prone areas in Toroud Watershed, Semnan Province, Iran. Two different methods, namely, logistic regression (LR) and evidential belief function (EBF), were evaluated, and a new ensemble method was proposed using the combination of both methods. We initially created a gully erosion inventory map using different resources, including early reports, Google Earth images, and Global Positioning System‐aided field surveys. We subsequently split this information randomly and selected 70% (90) of the gullies for calibration and 30% (38) for validation. The method was constructed using a combination of morphometric and thematic predictors that include 16 conditioning parameters. We also assessed the following: (a) potential multicollinearity issues using tolerance and variance inflation factor indices and (b) covariate effects using LR coefficients and EBF class weights. Results show that land use/land cover, lithology, and distance to roads dominate the method with the greatest effect on gully occurrences. We produced three susceptibility maps and evaluated their predictive power through area under the curve (AUC) and seed cell area index analyses. AUC results revealed that the ensemble method presented a considerably higher performance (AUC = 0.909) than did the individual LR (0.802) and EBF (0.821) methods. Similarly, seed cell area index displayed a constant decrease from the ensemble to single methods. The resulted gully erosion‐susceptibility map could be used by decision makers and local managers for soil conservation, and for minimising damages in development activities including construction of infrastructures such as roads and the route of gas and electricity transmission lines.
Reactive Ion Plasma Modification of Poly(Vinyl‐Alcohol) Increases Primary Endothelial Cell Affinity and Reduces Thrombogenicity
Authors: Jurney Patrick L. , Anderson Deirdre E.J. , Pohan Grace , Yim Evelyn K. F. , Hinds Monica T.
Published: September 2018

Bulk material properties and luminal surface interaction with blood determine the clinical viability of vascular grafts, and reducing intimal hyperplasia is necessary to improve their long‐term patency. Here, the authors report that the surface of a biocompatible hydrogel material, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) can be altered by exposing it to reactive ion plasma (RIP) in order to increase primary endothelial cell attachment. The power and the carrier gas of the RIP treatment are varied and the resultant surface nitrogen, water contact angle, as well as the ability of the RIP‐treated surfaces to support primary endothelial colony forming cells is characterized. Additionally, in a clinically relevant shunt model, the amounts of platelet and fibrin attachment to the surface were quantified during exposure to non‐anticoagulated blood. Treatments with all carrier gases resulted in an increase in the surface nitrogen. Treating PVA with O2, N2, and Ar RIP increased affinity to primary endothelial colony forming cells. The RIP treatments did not increase the thrombogenicity compared to untreated PVA and had significantly less platelet and fibrin attachment compared to the current clinical standard of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). These findings indicate that RIP‐treatment of PVA could lead to increased patency in synthetic vascular grafts.
More Is Sometimes Less: Curcumin and Paclitaxel Formulations Using Poly(2‐oxazoline) and Poly(2‐oxazine)‐Based Amphiphiles Bearing Linear and Branched C9 Side Chains
Authors: Lübtow Michael M. , Keßler Larissa , Appelt‐Menzel Antje , Lorson Thomas , Gangloff Niklas , Kirsch Marius , Dahms Selma , Luxenhofer Robert
Published: September 2018

A known limitation of polymer micelles for the formulation of hydrophobic drugs is their low loading capacity (LC), which rarely exceeds 20 wt%. One general strategy to overcome this limitation is to increase the amphiphilic contrast, that is, to make the hydrophobic core of the micelles more hydrophobic. However, in the case of poly(2‐oxazoline) (POx)‐based amphiphilic triblock copolymers, a minimal amphiphilic contrast was reported to be beneficial. Here, this subject is revisited in more detail using long hydrophobic side chains that are either linear (nonyl) or branched (3‐ethylheptyl). Two different backbones within the hydrophobic block are investigated, in particular POx and poly(2‐oxazine) (POzi), for the solubilization and co‐solubilization of the two highly water insoluble compounds, curcumin and paclitaxel. Even though high loading capacities can be achieved for curcumin using POzi‐based triblock copolymers, the solubilization capacity of all investigated polymers with longer side chains is significantly lower compared to POx and poly(2‐oxazine)s with shorter side chains. Although the even lower LC for paclitaxel can be somehow improved by co‐formulating curcumin, this study corroborates that in the case of POx and POzi‐based polymer micelles, an increased amphiphilic contrast leads to less drug solubilization.
Protein modeling and clinical description of a novel in‐frame GLB1 deletion causing GM1 gangliosidosis type II
Authors: Richter John E. , Zimmermann Michael T. , Blackburn Patrick R. , Mohammad Ahmed N. , Klee Eric W. , Pollard Laura M. , Macmurdo Colleen F. , Atwal Paldeep S. , Caulfield Thomas R.
Published: September 2018

Background

Beta‐galactosidase‐1 (GLB1) is a lysosomal hydrolase that is responsible for breaking down specific glycoconjugates, particularly GM1 (monosialotetrahexosylganglioside). Pathogenic variants in GLB1 cause two different lysosomal storage disorders: GM1 gangliosidosis and mucopolysaccharidosis type IVB. In GM1 gangliosidosis, decreased β‐galactosidase‐1 enzymatic activity leads to the accumulation of GM1 gangliosides, predominantly within the CNS. We present a 22‐month‐old proband with GM1 gangliosidosis type II (late‐infantile form) in whom a novel homozygous in‐frame deletion (c.1468_1470delAAC, p.Asn490del) in GLB1 was detected.

Methods

We used an experimental protein structure of β‐galactosidase‐1 to generate a model of the p.Asn490del mutant and performed molecular dynamic simulations to determine whether this mutation leads to altered ligand positioning compared to the wild‐type protein. In addition, residual mutant enzyme activity in patient leukocytes was evaluated using a fluorometric assay.

Results

Molecular dynamics simulations showed the deletion to alter the catalytic site leading to misalignment of the catalytic residues and loss of collective motion within the model. We predict this misalignment will lead to impaired catalysis of β‐galactosidase‐1 substrates. Enzyme assays confirmed diminished GLB1 enzymatic activity (~3% of normal activity) in the proband.

Conclusions

We have described a novel, pathogenic in‐frame deletion of GLB1 in a patient with GM1 gangliosidosis type II.
The development of a patient‐reported outcome measure for real‐time symptom assessment in a population with functional urologic complaints—A focus group study
Authors: Herrewegh Alexandra , Vork Lisa , Eurelings Eline , Leue Carsten , Kruimel Joanna , van Koeveringe Gommert , Vrijens Desiree
Published: September 2018

Aims

In the current diagnostic process for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB), biased retrospective questionnaires are often used. There is a need for a new assessment tool that embraces the heterogeneity of the OAB complex. A momentary assessment tool, the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) is promising, capturing random repetitive measurements during the day in the context of daily life and is capable to measure potential contextual triggers and psychological aspects. A focus group study was set up to evaluate which items should be implemented in a urological ESM.

Methods

Focus group interviews were arranged, to assess the suitability and comprehensibility of a newly developed urological patient‐reported outcome measurement (PROM), “Uromate.” “Uromate” was created based on ESM literature. A multidisciplinary expert meeting was conducted to gain consensus on item relevance.

Results

The initial ESM questionnaire contained 58 items, but was eventually reduced to 39 items after focus group sessions and expert meeting. Thirty‐seven items are repeated questions, including three gender‐dependent items. Two items are one‐time questions about the use of incontinence material. Additionally, a morning questionnaire was included. Depending on the symptom pattern, a minimum of 26 items and a maximum of 36 items will be repeatedly assessed with “Uromate.”

Conclusion

There is a need for a modern assessment tool for OAB which overcomes the limitations of today's retrospective questionnaires. Therefore, a urological ESM tool, the “Uromate,” is being developed as a PROM, following the FDA PROM development guidelines, to measure real‐time symptoms in the context of daily life.
Comparison of urologic and non‐urologic presentation in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome patients with and without Hunner lesions
Authors: Van Moh Frederick , Vetter Joel , Lai H. Henry
Published: September 2018

Aims

To compare severity and characteristics of urologic pain, other urinary symptoms, sexual pain, psychosocial health, and the distribution and intensity of non‐urologic pain between men and women with and without Hunner lesions.

Methods

All cystoscopies were performed and documented by the same clinician to ensure uniform recognition of Hunner lesions. Intensity of urologic and sexual pain, nocturia, frequency, urgency, and bladder hypersensitivity features were assessed using validated questionnaires and numeric rating scales. The distribution and intensity of non‐urologic pain was assessed using self‐reported history, a body map diagram, and numeric rating scales. Somatic symptom burden, depression, and anxiety were compared.

Results

Among the 150 participants, 27% (n = 41) had Hunner lesions (36% of men, 25% of women). Participants with Hunner lesions were significantly older (median age 58 vs 41, P < 0.001). They reported less intense urologic pain (5 vs 7, P = 0.024) and more nocturia (ICSI nocturia symptom score: 4 vs 3, P = 0.007). They also were less likely to have a history of irritable bowel syndrome (15% vs 36%, P = 0.013) and anxiety attacks (22% vs 44%, P = 0.013). Close to half of Hunner IC patients had non‐urologic pain outside the pelvis. There were no differences in bladder hypersensitivity features (eg, painful bladder filling) between the two groups.

Conclusions

Hunner lesions can be identified in both men and women. There are significant overlaps in terms of their urologic and non‐urologic presentation. Further investigation is needed on phenotypic and biological distinction between IC/BPS with and without Hunner lesions.
Dignity‐related existential distress in end‐of‐life cancer patients: Prevalence, underlying factors, and associated coping strategies
Authors: Bovero Andrea , Sedghi Nader Alessandro , Opezzo Marta , Botto Rossana , Pinto Manuela , Ieraci Valentina , Torta Riccardo
Published: September 2018

Objective

Cancer patients often have to face increasing levels of existential distress (ED) during disease progression, especially when nearing death. This cross‐sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of the dignity‐related existential distress (DR‐ED) in a sample of end‐of‐life cancer patients, and to explore the “existential distress” Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI‐IT) subscale internal structure and its associations with different coping strategies.

Methods

Two hundred seven cancer inpatients with a Karnofsky Performance Status ≤50 and a life expectancy of 4 months or less have been examined with the following self‐report measures: PDI‐IT, Demoralization Scale (DS‐IT) and Brief Coping Orientation to Problem Experienced (Brief‐COPE). The existential distress PDI‐IT subscale factor structure was explored through principal component analysis, and the DR‐ED associations with the other considered variables were examined through X2 tests, MANOVA, and multivariate regression analysis.

Results

Dignity‐related existential distress was a problem/major problem for 18.8% of the patients, especially for the younger (F(1, 205) = 3.40; P = 0.020) and more demoralized (F(1, 205) = 20.36; P < 0.001) individuals. Factor analysis supported 2 dimensions labeled “self‐discontinuity” and “loss of personal autonomy,” accounting for 58% of the variance. Positive reframing (β = −0.146, P < 0.05) and self‐blame (β = 0.247, P < 0.001) coping styles emerged as DR‐ED significant predictors.

Conclusions

This study showed how DR‐ED is a relevant problem for patients nearing death and furthermore highlighted 2 underlying factors. Finally, the research has shown that positive reframing and self‐blame coping styles might be clinically relevant elements for interventions on ED.
Role of TEAD4 in colorectal cancer cell proliferation and analysis of its mechanism
Authors: Li Zhen , Zhang Yunjiao , Li Shu‐an , Zou Tian‐ning , Li Siyuan
Published: September 2018

Objective

Colorectal cancer is one of the major causes of tumor‐related deaths worldwide. Transcriptional factor TEAD4 is a key factor in the YAP–TAZ signaling pathway. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of TEAD4 knockdown on colorectal cancer cell proliferation.

Methods

Transient transfection and a lentivirus system were used to achieve transient or stable TEAD4 knockdown in Caco2 and HT‐29 cells. Western blotting was used to detect transfection efficiency and related protein expression. The sulforhodamine B method and EdU Imaging Kits were used to determine cell viability and DNA synthesis.

Results

Western blotting showed that knockdown of TEAD4 could increase the expression of the cell cycle protein p27 in Caco2 (F = 45.78, P < 0.001) and HT‐29 (F = 40.71, P < 0.001) cells. Sulforhodamine B assays showed that cell viability with TEAD4 knockdown was significantly decreased in Caco2 and HT‐29 cells. Results of EdU assays showed that DNA synthesis was significantly inhibited in Caco2 (Psi#2 = 0.001, Psi#3 P < 0.001) and HT‐29 cells (Psi#2 = 0.001, Psi#3 = 0.011) with knockdown of TEAD4.

Conclusions

The present study showed that TEAD4 plays an important role in cell proliferation in the Caco2 and HT‐29 colorectal cancer cell lines, partially through upregulation of p27, suggesting that TEAD4 is a potential target and biomarker for the development of novel therapeutics for colorectal cancer.
Charge density analysis attending bond torsion: A bond bundle case study
Authors: Goss Jordan , Wilson Tim , Morgenstern Amanda , Eberhart Mark
Published: September 2018

For nearly a century chemical understanding has been tied to the properties of bonds, although more often than not, these bond properties are rooted in molecular orbital or valence bond representations of the electronic structure. Technological advances, however, are allowing for experimental measurements of the density via high resolution X‐ray diffraction, while theoretical insights are opening the door to its direct calculation using fast and potentially versatile orbital free DFT methods. Capitalizing on these emerging tools without sacrificing orbital derived understanding has spurred a search for density based representations that deliver the same information available from the orbital perspective. We show that recent extensions of the QTAIM formalism are useful as a means of recovering some of the bond properties that have become an intrinsic part of our chemical understanding. Specifically, we compute from the density the changing bond order and bond order distribution accompanying the rotation about a double bond using the well‐studied fulvene molecule as a test case. We compare the picture that emerges from this density based perspective with that stemming from molecular orbital approaches and argue that the two viewpoints are compatible.
New perspectives in the use of horizontal wells for assessment and remediation
Authors: Koenigsberg Stephen S. , Piatt Erik R. , Robinson Lance I.
Published: September 2018

Remediation technologies can sometimes be established, but are not prevalent, for a variety of reasons; however, they can be subject to the forces of change. In some cases, creative economics promotes new uses, but also process improvements can drive new applications and levels of acceptance. This is what is happening with the deployment of horizontal wells for site assessment and remediation. In essence, decreasing costs and a strategic shift, which can be characterized as “greater flexibility,” are two factors that have brought about a resurgence of horizontal well systems. The latter is specifically tied to moving from monolithic single well systems to segmented well systems and this article explains how this is a next‐generation advancement in site assessment and remediation. As one example, nested, discrete horizontal profiling brings additional accuracy to assessment at sites, especially those challenged by access issues and also provides more directed treatment operations with a unique flexibility in dynamic groundwater systems. Also, with horizontal nested well systems, conceptual site models can be significantly enhanced with new perspectives and, depending on the situation, may provide significant economic advantages in deployment. Finally, this technological advancement creates a new paradigm in contrast, or rather as an adjunct, to vertical profiling and high‐resolution site characterization. In fact, it opens up a new strategic approach that can be called high‐resolution contaminant distribution, because flexible horizontal segmented well systems can be used to navigate “up the spine of the plume” providing discretized data sets that illuminate contaminant distribution in new ways.
A Viologen‐Eu(III)‐Modified TiO2 Electrode for Electroswitchable Luminescence and Coloration
Authors: Kanazawa Kenji , Nakamura Kazuki , Kobayashi Norihisa
Published: September 2018

A europium(III) [Eu(III)] complex and a viologen derivative were covalently immobilized on a porous titanium(IV) dioxide (TiO2) electrode by the interaction of carboxyl and phosphate groups with the surface, demonstrating electrochemically induced photoluminescence and coloration switching. The modulation of emission and coloration using the functional Eu(III)‐viologen modified TiO2 electrode was achieved by an electrochemical reaction between TiO2 and the viologen derivative. Luminescence control was induced via electron and energy transfer from the Eu(III) complex to TiO2 and the linked viologen derivative. The dual functional electrode showed a high on‐off emission contrast (81:1), short response time (off: 2.5 s at −0.8 V, on: 5 s at 0 V), and high stability (over 150 cycles) for both emission and coloration control.
Basic Design Elements for Tunable Cation Transport Using Picolinic‐Acid‐Incorporated Tetrapeptides
Authors: Basak Debajyoti , Saha Parichita , Madhavan Nandita
Published: September 2018

Selective transport of cations across cell membranes is essential for various biological functions in the body. Synthetic pores that mimic the selectivity of natural ion channels are attractive for development of drugs and materials. Peptides are now emerging as attractive therapeutic agents due to their biocompatibility and ready accessibility. Herein, we report a systematic study that identifies key elements to design cation‐selective channels using tetrapeptide scaffolds. The scaffolds are derived from picolinic acid and alanine. Their ion transport activity is enhanced by hydrophobic long alkyl chains at the N‐terminus. These scaffolds are exciting as cation‐selectivity can be induced as well as switched by varying the oligoether groups at the C‐terminus.
Naphthalene Peri Annelated N,N‐ and N,O‐Heterocycles: The Effect of Heteroatom‐Guided Peri‐Fusion on Their Structure and Reactivity Profiles‐A Theoretical Endoscopy
Authors: Tzeli Demeter , Kozielewicz Pawel , Zloh Mire , Antonow Dyeison , Tsoungas Petros G. , Petsalakis Ioannis D.
Published: September 2018

An endoscopy of the little known peri‐fused N,N and N,O‐heterocycles is described herein using the density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP), the 2nd order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) and the 6–311++G(d,p) basis set. Their salient structure features, their reflection onto aromaticity, depicted by means of certain aromaticity indicators (HOMA, IA, ABO, PDI, FLU, NICS) and their reactivity profiles are the theme of this investigation. N and O atom(s) and their relative arrangement in the ring perturb the σ and π frames of the structures and ultimately introduce peri strain. The incorporation of N and O atoms in the annelated ring causes a limited π‐delocalization over the whole structure, a relatively low aromatic character and a weakly polarized double bond of the heteroring. Bond length variation, in the range of 0.01‐0.05 Å, dihedral angles deviating from planarity by 1.2‐4.1 Å and compressed fusion bonds, particularly peri ones, indicate a σ frame–triggered ring distortion of 0.6‐2.6° as an “outward” stretching of the lower part of a still planar structure except one. The heteroring, as a masked enamine, hydrazone, imine, vinyl ether, oxime or imino ether, clamped onto naphthalene scaffold, appears to be the best description of this type of structures. The nature of the heteroring dictates their reactivity profile. Those housing the masked hydrazine and oxime entities exhibit a “ring α‐effect”‐guided reactivity, consistent with preliminary experimental findings.
Far‐ and Deep‐Ultraviolet Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor
Authors: Tanabe Ichiro , Tanaka Yoshito Y.
Published: September 2018

Plasmonics in the UV region has been widely focused because of the higher energy and the abundant electronic resonances compared to the conventional visible plasmonics. Recently, we have investigated the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) properties of the Al film, aiming for the application as refractive index sensors. Utilizing the UV lights, we expect three advantages: high sensitivity, material selectivity, and surface selectivity. By using an original attenuated total reflectance spectroscopic instrument, Al‐SPR angle and wavelength were investigated with changing environments on the Al film. Al film thickness and materials of prisms on which Al was evaporated were also important factors for the SPR properties. By optimizing the conditions, the Al film worked as a sensor both in air and in liquids. In addition, our established system expands the plasmonics into an even higher energy region than 200 nm, while the UV‐plasmonics have been studied in the wavelength region longer than 200 nm.
Bacteriophage-resistant industrial fermentation strains: from the cradle to CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Baltz Richard H
Published: September 2018

Bacteriophage contamination and cell lysis have been recurring issues with some actinomycetes used in the pharmaceutical fermentation industry since the commercialization of streptomycin in the 1940s. In the early years, spontaneous phage-resistant mutants or lysogens were isolated to address the problem. In some cases, multiple phages were isolated from different contaminated fermentors, so strains resistant to multiple phages were isolated to stabilize the fermentation processes. With the advent of recombinant DNA technology, the early scaleup of the Escherichia coli fermentation process for the production of human insulin A and B chains encountered contamination with multiple coliphages. A genetic engineering solution was to clone and express a potent restriction/modification system in the production strains. Very recently, an E. coli fermentation of 1,3-propanediol was contaminated by a coliphage related to T1. CRISPR/Cas9 technology was applied to block future contamination by targeting seven different phage genes for double-strand cleavage. These approaches employing spontaneous mutation, genetic engineering, and synthetic biology can be applied to many current and future microorganisms used in the biotechnology industry.
Penile Sensory Changes After Plaque Incision and Grafting Surgery for Peyronie’s Disease
Authors: Terrier Jean E. , Tal Raanan , Nelson Christian J. , Mulhall John P.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Plaque incision and grafting (PIG) for Peyronie’s disease (PD) is not devoid of complications such as erectile dysfunction and penile sensory changes.

Aim

To define the rate and chronology of penile sensation loss after PIG surgery and to define predictors of such.

Methods

The study population consisted of patients with PD-associated penile curvature who underwent PIG surgery with at least 6 months of follow-up. Demographics and PD factors were recorded. Patient had preoperative assessment of penile sensation and deformity. Postoperative follow-up occurred at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. Neurovascular bundle elevation was conducted with loupe magnification.

Main Outcome Measure

Penile sensation was evaluated with a biothesiometer and graded on a patient-reported visual analog scale (0–10) in which 0 defined a completely numb area and 10 defined perfect sensation. The degree of sensation loss was defined as extensive (any 1 area >5 cm), major (2–5 cm), and minor (≤2 cm). The penile sensation loss distribution was defined as focal (1 site) or diffuse (>1 site).

Results

63 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 56 ± 10 years. Mean duration of PD at the time of PIG was 15 ± 7 (12–38) months. 75% had curvature alone, and 25% had hourglass/indentation deformities. Mean primary curvature was 64˚ ± 28˚. The mean operation duration was 3.5 ± 1.8 hours. 21% had some degree of sensation loss at 1 week, 21% at 1 month, 8% at 6 months, and 3% at 12 months. Only 1 patient (1.5%) at 2 years continued to have extensive sensation loss on the glans and distal shaft with a very elevated sensitivity threshold. Using multivariable analysis, the only predictor of penile sensation loss ≥6 months was a duration of operation >4 hours (odds ratio = 2.1; 95% confidence interval = 1.2–3.0; P < .01).

Clinical Implications

The study highlights the need during patient consent to discuss penile sensation loss. Patients should be informed that rates of penile sensation loss ranges from 2-30% and most patients will have complete resolution of any sensation loss within one year of follow-up.

Strength and Limitations

To our knowledge no other studies have described the chronology and severity of penile sensation following PIG, our study demonstrates the utility of biothesiometry in measuring penile sensation before and after PIG. Number of patients and absence of control group represent a limitation.

Conclusion

Sensation loss is not uncommon after PIG surgery. It decreases in frequency and severity with time with only rare cases occurring >12 months. Longer operations appeared to be more likely associated with sensation loss.
Schlick on the Source of the ‘Great Errors in Philosophy’
Authors: TEXTOR MARK
Published: September 2018

Moritz Schlick's work shaped logical empiricism and thereby an important part of philosophy in the first half of the twentieth century. A continuous thread that runs through his work is a philosophical diagnosis of the ‘great errors in philosophy’: philosophers assume that there is intuitive knowledge or knowledge by acquaintance. Yet, acquaintance is not knowledge, but an evaluative attitude. In this paper I will reconstruct Schlick's arguments for this conclusion in the light of his early practical philosophy and his reading of Schopenhauer's The World as Will and Idea. Having the historical roots of Schlick's dichotomy between acquaintance (intuition) and knowledge in view will put us in a position to explore and question its presuppositions.
Bernard Williams on Regarding One's Own Action Purely Externally
Authors: WOJTOWICZ JAKE
Published: September 2018

I explore what Bernard Williams means by regarding one's action ‘purely externally, as one might regard anyone else's action’, and how it links to regret and agent-regret. I suggest some ways that we might understand the external view: as a failure to recognize what one has done, in terms of Williams's distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic luck, and as akin to Thomas Nagel's distinction between an internal and external view. I argue that none of these captures what Williams was getting at because they do not allow one to take a view on one's action. I offer two alternative accounts. One turns around what we identify with, the other concerns what we care about. Both accounts capture how I might regret, rather than agent-regret, my own action. I demonstrate that these accounts can explain the relationship between an insurance payout and the external view, and they can explain the agent-relativity of agent-regret.
On new scaling laws in a temporally evolving turbulent plane jet using Lie symmetry analysis and direct numerical simulation
Authors: Sadeghi H. , Oberlack M. , Gauding M.
Published: September 2018

A temporally evolving turbulent plane jet is studied both by direct numerical simulation (DNS) and Lie symmetry analysis. The DNS is based on a high-order scheme to solve the Navier–Stokes equations for an incompressible fluid. Computations were conducted at Reynolds number $\mathit{Re}_{0}=8000$, where $\mathit{Re}_{0}$ is defined based on the initial jet thickness, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}_{0.5}(0)$, and the initial centreline velocity, $\overline{U}_{1}(0)$. A symmetry approach, known as the Lie group, is used to find symmetry transformations, and, in turn, group invariant solutions, which are also denoted as scaling laws in turbulence. This approach, which has been extensively developed to create analytical solutions of differential equations, is presently applied to the mean momentum and two-point correlation equations in a temporally evolving turbulent plane jet. The symmetry analysis of these equations allows us to derive new invariant (self-similar) solutions for the mean flow and higher moments of the velocities in the jet flow. The current DNS validates the consequence of Lie symmetry analysis and therefore confirms the establishment of novel scaling laws in turbulence. It is shown that the classical scaling law for the mean velocity is a specific form of the current scaling (which has a more general form); however, the scaling for the second and higher moments (such as Reynolds stresses) has a completely different structure compared to the classical scaling. While the failure of the classical scaling for the second moments of the fluctuating velocities has been noted from the jet data for many years, the DNS results nicely match with the present self-similar relations derived from Lie symmetry analysis. Key ingredients for the present results, in particular for the scaling laws of the higher moments, are symmetries, which are of a purely statistical nature. i.e. these symmetries are admitted by the moment equations, however, they are not observed by the original Navier–Stokes equations.
Analysis of electrodynamic fluidization
Authors: Higuera F. J.
Published: September 2018

Electrodynamic fluidization is a technique to generate suspensions of electrically conducting particles using electric forces to overcome their weight. An analysis of electrodynamic fluidization is presented for a monodisperse aerosol of non-coalescing particles of infinite electrical conductivity and negligible inertia suspended in a gas in the gap between two horizontal plate electrodes. A DC voltage is applied between the electrodes that charges the particles initially deposited on the lower electrode and leads to a vertical electric force that lifts the particles and pushes them upwards across the gap. The direction of this force reverses when the particles reach the upper electrode, pushing them downwards until they fall onto the lower electrode and repeat the cycle. Stationary distributions of particles are computed for given values of the applied voltage and the number of suspended particles per unit electrode area. Interparticle collisions play a role when the second of these parameters is of the order of the inverse of the particle cross-section or larger. The electric field induced by the charge of the particles opposes the field due to the applied voltage at the lower electrode and thus sets an upper bound to the number of particles that can be suspended for a given voltage. This bound is attained in the normal operation of a fluidization device, in which there is an excess of particles deposited at the lower electrode, and is computed as a function of the applied voltage. The predictions are compared to experimental results in the literature. A linear stability analysis for dilute aerosols with negligible collision effects shows that the stationary solution becomes unstable when the deposition threshold is approached with a number of suspended particles per unit electrode area larger than a certain critical value. A hydrodynamic instability appears near the lower electrode, where the electric force on a localized accumulation of charged particles leads to an upward gas flow that helps carrying the particles away from the electrode and increases the amplitude of the initial particle accumulation. The instability gives rise to electrohydrodynamic plumes whose dynamics involves collisions, mergers and generation of new plumes.
Strato-hyperbolic instability: a new mechanism of instability in stably stratified vortices
Authors: Suzuki Shota , Hirota Makoto , Hattori Yuji
Published: September 2018

The stability of stably stratified vortices is studied by local stability analysis. Three base flows that possess hyperbolic stagnation points are considered: the two-dimensional (2-D) Taylor–Green vortices, the Stuart vortices and the Lamb–Chaplygin dipole. It is shown that the elliptic instability is stabilized by stratification; it is completely stabilized for the 2-D Taylor–Green vortices, while it remains and merges into hyperbolic instability near the boundary or the heteroclinic streamlines connecting the hyperbolic stagnation points for the Stuart vortices and the Lamb–Chaplygin dipole. More importantly, a new instability caused by hyperbolic instability near the hyperbolic stagnation points and phase shift by the internal gravity waves is found; it is named the strato-hyperbolic instability; the underlying mechanism is parametric resonance as unstable band structures appear in contours of the growth rate. A simplified model explains the mechanism and the resonance curves. The growth rate of the strato-hyperbolic instability is comparable to that of the elliptic instability for the 2-D Taylor–Green vortices, while it is smaller for the Stuart vortices and the Lamb–Chaplygin dipole. For the Lamb–Chaplygin dipole, the tripolar instability is found to merge with the strato-hyperbolic instability as stratification becomes strong. The modal stability analysis is also performed for the 2-D Taylor–Green vortices. It is shown that global modes of the strato-hyperbolic instability exist; the structure of an unstable eigenmode is in good agreement with the results obtained by local stability analysis. The strato-hyperbolic mode becomes dominant depending on the parameter values.
The Power of the Multitude: Answering Epistemic Challenges to Democracy
Authors: BAGG SAMUEL
Published: September 2018

Recent years have witnessed growing controversy over the “wisdom of the multitude.” As epistemic critics drawing on vast empirical evidence have cast doubt on the political competence of ordinary citizens, epistemic democrats have offered a defense of democracy grounded largely in analogies and formal results. So far, I argue, the critics have been more convincing. Nevertheless, democracycanbe defended on instrumental grounds, and this article demonstrates an alternative approach. Instead of implausibly upholding the epistemic reliability of average voters, I observe that competitive elections, universal suffrage, and discretionary state power disable certain potent mechanisms of elite entrenchment. By reserving particular forms of power for the multitude of ordinary citizens, they make democratic states more resistant to dangerous forms of capture than non-democratic alternatives. My approach thus offers a robust defense ofelectoraldemocracy, yet cautions against expecting too much from it—motivating a thicker conception ofdemocracy, writ large.
The Term Structure of Bond Liquidity
Authors: Gehde-Trapp Monika , Schuster Philipp , Uhrig-Homburg Marliese
Published: September 2018

We analyze the impact of market frictions on the trading volume and liquidity premia of finite-maturity assets when investors differ in their trading needs. Our equilibrium model generates a clientele effect (frequently trading investors hold only short-term assets) and predicts i) a hump-shaped relation between trading volume and maturity, ii) lower trading volumes of older compared with younger assets, iii) an increasing liquidity term structure from ask prices, iv) a decreasing or U-shaped liquidity term structure from bid prices, and v) spillovers of liquidity from short-term to long-term maturities. Empirical tests for U.S. corporate bonds support our theoretical predictions.
Electromotive force in strongly compressible magnetohydrodynamic turbulence
Authors: Yokoi Nobumitsu
Published: September 2018

Fully compressible magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence is investigated in the framework of the multiple-scale direct-interaction approximation. With the aid of the propagators (correlation and Green’s functions), fluctuating fields are solved, and turbulent correlations are estimated in highly compressible turbulence. We focus on the expression of the turbulent electromotive force (EMF). Obliqueness between the mean magnetic field and the mean-density gradient, the mean internal density gradient and the non-equilibrium mean velocity contributes to the EMF in the presence of the density variance, which is ubiquitous in turbulence in strongly variable density flows such as the shock-front region. This density-variance effect is expected to locally enhance the turbulence intensity across the shock front, leading to a fast reconnection.